Gr8Life Magazine - Issue 19 - Winter 2012

ISSUE 19 ¡ £3 ¡ WINTER 2012

Gr8life Fashion

Coco Boutique

Gr8life Food

Langs Of Longton

Gr8life Celebrity

Mark of The Overtones

“The North West is still home to me�

*U /LIHBFRYHU ZLQWHU LQGG

Scarisbrick Hall.

Education for life.

Beautiful autiful Beginnings autiful Day a Nursery ay r ry

Scarisbrick c Hall ck al all First Scho c ol cho o

New Ne ew Bor Born rn to Re R cep ceptio eption tion

R ption Rece p to Ye Y ar a 4

Begin Beautifully. Set in the expansive grounds of Scarisbrick Hall, our nursery enj en oys a privileged environment. From just a few months old in our self contained baby unit onwards, your child can en enjoy the perfect start in life, wherever they go from here.

From the earliest day a s of their education, our children ay benefit from an individual learning plan We W don’t believe in a one fits all system, so each child is assessed and a personalised plan is built around them.

Play a and learning are balanced and as children grow, ay w we w, ensure the curriculum is tailored to each child’s needs as part off our Early Yea Y rs Foundation Stage.

W also want children to understand the benefits of We new technology from an early age, so we encourage supervised laptop and ipad use on our hi-speed wifi network, together with plenty of fun-to-learn education.

01704 842222

www.beautifulbeginningsdaynursery.co.uk Set in the grounds of Scarisbrick Hall. Open 7am - 6pm.

VFDULVEULFN LQGG

01704 880200

W c w

w

SCARISBRICK HALL

WINTER WONDERLAND

Sunday 11 December

register your child for our entrance exam Wednesday 25 January 2012

1pm-4pm

VISIT SANTA IN HIS GROTTO

Tickets only ÂŁ8 - on sale now!

Scarisbrick Hall Middle School

Scarisbrick c Hal ck all al ll Coll o ege oll

Year 5 to Year 8

Y ar 9 to Ye t Yea Year ear 13

With careers advice from Year 7 and new courses such as catering & hospitality, sports studies and performing arts, we are investing heavily in our children’s future. We have already seen pupils pass their GCSE exams as much as three years early.

The third d tier off education is our new college. When it comes to GCSEs, it allows pupils in the College to start their exam courses a wh w ole year early. Our E3 progra r mme is ra excellent and more courses are coming on stream as part of our schedule of ongoing improvements.

Top quality education is backed by pastoral care and welfare, which have been acknowledged as “outstanding�.

Each student has their own personal mentor - we are dedicated to the best academic results as well as an holistic approach to producing a well rounded adult.

enquiries@scarisbrickhallschool.co.uk

VFDULVEULFN LQGG

1103853

www.scarisbrickhallschool.co.uk

1103669

SUHVWLJH LQGG

ISSUE 19 · £3 · WINTER 2011

Gr8life Fashion

Coco Boutique

Gr8life Food

Langs Of Longton

Gr8life Celebrity

Mark of The Overtones

“The North West is still home to me”

PUBLISHER

Betty Drummond MANAGING EDITOR

I love this time of the year, the mornings are crisp and cold and the evenings are warm and cosy.

Laurent Saletto

I have had such great fun with the cover for this edition, I can’t tell you. I

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

wanted something to reflect the winter season perfectly and think I have found

Louisa Austin 01704 392 332 editor@gr8lifemagazine.com EDITORIAL TEAM

David Simister CONTRIBUTORS

Diane Thompson Cornelia Kaufmann PHOTOGRAPHY

it. It is a wonderful postcard image evoking childhood memories with its big red door and the family’s wellies left outside. This is the stuff winters are made of.

Gr8life has its usual great mix of fantastic features for you including the unique shopping area Little Crosby offers us, which is The Well Barn. This barn goes back over 300 years and is home of several businesses and tradesmen, well worth a look.

A staple now in our Gr8life diet is our restaurant review which highlights the

Martyn Snape John Swift

quality eateries available in this area. In this edition we take a look at the fantastic

ADVERTISING SALES

Langs of Longton, owned by local restaurateur Paul Lang and I have to say, he

sales@gr8lifemagazine.com

Chris Chew 01704 392 338 Sharon Murphy 01704 392 313 PRODUCTION TEAM

01704 392 320 production@champnews.com

Amy Houghton Emma Lyon Mike Rose David Atherton Ian McCabe

DISTRIBUTION TEAM

01704 392 345 distribution@champnews.com

has surpassed himself on every level. The decor is stylish and elegant, the quality of the food is second to none and it is sure to become very successful.

I am also very proud to introduce our fashion shoot, by talented photographer John Swift featuring the exquisite tailoring currently on the rails at designer Southport’s Coco Boutique. Coco’s Collection is perfect to help you stand out during this year’s party season and all year round.

Finally we have, alongside the cars, properties and local success stories, an interview with Mark from The Overtones. Mark, who is from the North West lets us into life as part of the über successful group and their unusual route to fame.

I will now let you sit back, relax and enjoy what I think, and I’m sure you’ll agree, another fantastic edition of Gr8life.

PUBLISHED BY

Champion Media Group Clare House 166 Lord Street Southport PR9 0QA T: 01704 392 392 F: 0871 900 5678

Louisa Austin Associate Editor editor@gr8lifemagazine.com

© 2011 Champion Media Group. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Whilst every care is taken, details, prices etc. are subject to change without notice and the publisher can take no responsibility for any errors or omissions whatsoever.

Gr8 Life magazine

ZHOFRPH SDJH LQGG

5

9 Still Got A Hold On You

We talk to Opportunity Knocks star and Southport resident Bernie Flint about his time in the spotlight

13 Discover the Wellbarn

We take a look at a 300 year old stone barn in the heart of Little Crosby which is home to several independent businesses

17 Family Fun

Giggle’s Gym in Birkdale is the perfect place for children and adults alike.

Gr8life talks to owners Gordon and Michele

21 Festive Fashion - Coco Boutique

Now the party season is here let the luxury boutique inspire you with its Winter collections

27 Luxury at Langs

Local restaurateur Paul Lang talks us through his latest venture out at Longton while Louisa Austin samples the delicious food on offer

31 Come Fly with Me

Daredevil David Simister takes to the sky in a Microlight. All in a days work..

36 Burscough Wharf

From canal side buildings to a bustling shopping area, Burscough Wharf has been completely transformed in recent years. Gr8life chats to two businesses within the complex

39 Treat your senses

Gr8life talks to Kate Harrison, owner of Senses Spa in Southport about her career, semi - permanent makeup and her future ambitions

43 Weekend in Wales 47 A conversion experience 51 A little piece of history

David Simister visits the Cross Foxes for a truly Welsh experience

Jenny and Antony Tyrer invite us into their magnificent barn conversion

An introduction to Granite House and the incredible Granite, Marble and Onyx stoneware you could have in your house

55 Give me a classic any day

David Simister explains his love of classic cars and why he would always have a classic over a new motor

61 Rhubarb and custard anyone?

Inside Issue 19

6

&RQWHQWV LQGG

65 69

Chef Stephen Burgess tells us about his catering business Rhubarb and Custard and his success at the Liverpool Food and Drinks Festival

A motor to be proud of

Gr8life takes a look at the new Skoda Yeti. You could be very surprised...

Pitch Perfect

We interview successful group The Overtones and find out about their unusual route to fame

73 Society

A roundup of all the recent society events in the area www.gr8lifemagazine.com

0HUFKDQW 7D\ORUV· 6FKRROV

9LVLWLQJ 'D\

)ULGD\ WK -DQXDU\ DP RU SP

&RPH DQG YLVLW WKH 6HQLRU DQG -XQLRU 6FKRROV GXULQJ D QRUPDO ZRUNLQJ GD\ 3OHDVH FRQWDFW XV LI \RX UHTXLUH DQ\ IXUWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ

*LUOV· 6FKRRO

%R\V· 6FKRRO

-XQLRU %R\V

0L[HG ,QIDQWV -XQLRU *LUOV

(QWUDQFH ([DPLQDWLRQ 0RQGD\ WK -DQXDU\

7KH 0HUFKDQW 7D\ORUV· 6FKRROV &URVE\ D FRPSDQ\ OLPLWHG E\ JXDUDQWHH 5HJLVWHUHG LQ (QJODQG &RPSDQ\ 1XPEHU 5HJLVWHUHG RIÀ FH /LYHUSRRO 5RDG &URVE\ /LYHUSRRO / 43 5HJLVWHUHG &KDULW\ 1XPEHU

PHUFKDQW LQGG

1103854

ZZZ PHUFKDQWWD\ORUV FRP 7KH %HVW (GXFDWLRQ IRU /LIH

Gr8life is YOUR quartlerly lifestyle magazine and is the perfect guide to local shops, events and businesses near you.

As well as many happy readers who regularly get in touch to congratulate us on the magazine, we also have many very happy advertisers. Here is a selection of letters and e-mails we have received from clients who have had such a positive response from Gr8life they wanted to let us know‌

The article in GR8 life did exactly what I had hoped.

It was a very informative piece,

with

illustration

superb

and

creative

blurb.

The positive response that I have received from my advertisements in GR8Life has been an integral part of my strongly ‘referral-based’ business. The designs and advertisement

have been a true testament to

the personal touch that the GR8 Life staff represents.

My business continues to flourish and my client base continues to grow. GR8 life is a magazine that my customers have kept and also passed onto their friends, so I can’t thank you enough.

Claire Norris, The Organiser

Thank you so much for the wonderful article and pictures of the spring range that you did for my shop.

I can honestly say that the positive reaction from the public has been beyond anything I could have expected or imagines with the boost to the business so good! The “girls� had a most enjoyable day “modelling� for your excellent photographer and have already volunteered their services should we be fortunate enough for a repeat performance.

Many many thanks for a fabulous experience Lee Samuels, Virginia Lee

‘When we were looking at advertising options we researched many publications from around the area and concluded that Gr8life suited our needs the most. We are so glad we made that decision as our partnership proved very successful. We have had great interest generated from the three page feature which appeared in the Summer 2011 edition and we plan to continue to work with Gr8life in the future.

Chris Harding, NFU Mutual Insurance

Being seen in Gr8life works. If you think you would like our team to visit you and give your business a real window to over 20.000 homes then give us a call on 01704 392332 today for an informal chat.

8

WHVWLPRQLDOV LQGG

Gr8 Life magazine

67,// *27

$ +2/' 21 <28

Churchtown local Bernie Flint is best known for his performances on the talent show Opportunity Knocks.

The 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answer to the X-factor saw Bernie win an amazing seven times and launched him to stardom. Riding on his fame Bernie met and performed with many industry heavyweights while becoming a household name in his own right.

Gr8 Life magazine

6WLOO JRW D KROG LQGG

9

³

The 70’s answer to the X-factor

“I first became interested in singing and

I never would have put myself forward

playing guitar when I joined the Royal Navy

and when I won I was gobsmacked! It

when I was 18,” Bernie explains. “Another

didn’t really sink in at first but when it

guy played and sang on the ship and I was

finally did I was walking on air!”

really impressed with him. I happened to

It wasn’t the only time he experienced

have a guitar I’d brought and he took time

that feeling as he went on to be crowned

out to really help me along. It was like

winner of the show for 12 weeks running.

having my own music teacher twenty-four

“It became a crazy time as we only had

seven! I then started singing in the folk

two channels so up to 20 million viewers

clubs, wine bars and nightclubs, including

tuned in every week to watch the show.”

The Sands in Ainsdale and Toad Hall. They

The enormity of Bernie’s popularity was

were great places to try out new songs

felt by everyone but Bernie himself. “After

without being under pressure plus they

3 weeks on the show Hughie Green asked

supplied me with free drinks!”

if my career had taken off. I said no and

It was at The Sands Pub that Bernie

he couldn’t get his head around the fact

got his big break when the manager

that I had no manager so he organised for

Joan decided to enter him into talent

me to meet and sign with International

competition Opportunity Knocks. “It was

Artistes.”

a complete surprise when she informed me I was going to Manchester to audition.

10

6WLOO JRW D KROG LQGG

³

“When the show finished I went straight onto Top Of The Pops to perform. One day

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

³

At one point I couldn’t walk down the street without having a crowd gather I was watching David Soul on my TV and the next I was singing along side him! It was crazy!”

6WLOO JRW D KROG LQGG

Bernie now works on the cruise ships entertaining his loyal fans and says,

Bernie, however, wasn’t ready for the

“It started when I took my family on a

changes that came along and found it

working cruise for Air-tours. It was a

difficult to adjust to fame. “At one point

fantastic holiday so I started to do two or

I couldn’t walk down the street without

three a year and then it just took off. Now

having a crowd gather, it happened

there is so much work I could be away

overnight. I didn’t feel I warranted all the

all year, although that will never happen

attention so it was strange and I never got

because I love my family, golf and tennis

used to it. They say you’re only as good

- in that order, although my wife might

as your last performance so every time I

disagree with that!

perform I still have a little panic attack!”

Gr8 Life magazine

³

meet the great man himself.”

When asked what he feels is his greatest

Bernie rubbed shoulders with many

achievement Bernie simply replies, “I think

famous names over the years including

the fact that I’ve been able to make a

with Bill Anderson and The Drifters, both

good living and provide for my family. He

of whom he toured with, David Soul, Billy

continues, “As for other highlights, having

Conley, Jimmy Tarbuck and Tony Christie. I

a hit single must be up there and shooting

was also invited to a golf event in Portugal

3 under par gross at St Annes Old links

hosted by Henry Cooper and I managed to

golf club is definitely up there!

11

1103471

Maximise your potential by promoting your business here Call Sharon on 01704 392313 today

S LQGG

1104550

1103915

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

Discover the

Well Barn Little Crosby

The Well Barn is a beautiful little shopping area in the heart of Little Crosby, featuring local, established businesses. Set in a beautiful barn over 300 hundreds years old there are several little The Wellbarn is situated on Little Crosby Road, Little Crosby Village, Liverpool L23 4TS.

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

ZHOO EDUQ LQGG

shops waiting to be discovered....

13

Harkirk Gallery 0151 932 1707

www.harkirkgallery.com

EDGE Conservation Restoration Services 0151 924 0447

Corinthian Furniture 0151 924 4499

EDGE Conservation-Restoration Services is a Liverpool-based business dedicated to the conservationrestoration of ceramics, glass and related materials.

Owner Lynne Edge, who established the building at the Well Barn in 2008 says, “We have over 19 years experience restoring pottery, porcelain, glass and stone objects from antiquity to the present day. No job is too large, too complex or too small; whether it is a single treasured family heirloom, a seventeenth century Chinese porcelain dish or large public ceramic and glass collections. We also offer specialist mount making, object display and exhibition installation services.”

In 2002 Lynne gained her Accredited Conservator-Restorer status and is the only professional ceramics and glass conservator-restorer with this qualification in the northwest of England.

Her clients include local, regional and national museums, universities, major auction houses, The National Trust, English Heritage, private collectors, borough councils; churches, insurance companies and of course, the general public!” She adds, “I have lived in Crosby for over eight years and had visited the Well Barn on numerous occasions before establishing my business here.

Since finishing my training it was always a dream of mine to establish my own business and the location here at the Well Barn was perfect.”

Corinthian Furniture specialise in the highest quality bespoke cabinet making and are the only BAFRA (British antique furniture restorers association) members in Merseyside. The company, owned

by Neil O’Brien and Andrew McLoughlin, make handmade furniture, kitchens, bedrooms and studies, and restore furniture from our workshop. Andrew says, “The skills we use are marquetry, gilding, carving wood-turning and traditional polishing as well as modern finishing. From school we both went into traditional furniture apprenticeships and combined we have over forty years experience.”

www.corinthianfurniture.co.uk

www.edgeconservation-restoration.com

Harkirk Gallery which opened in September of this year is a family enterprise run by four sisters, Jo, Mary, Janet and Anne, who have always had an interest in art. One is currently living in Scotland and successfully exhibiting in local galleries as well as Harkirk Gallery.

The success she has had with exhibiting these works instigated the setting up of a rural gallery close to home. The gallery features a variety of leading and emerging UK artists including original paintings by amongst others Marion Drummond, James and Jacqueline Orr, Jonathan Shearer, ceramics by Ostinelli and Priest, Jane Layton and Diana Tonnison and handmade glassware by Stuart Akroyd.

The Gallery also offers exclusive and limited edition prints. Jo says, “We have created an exciting exhibition with something for all tastes and welcome anyone to come and browse the works in a relaxing and friendly environment.

Janet adds, “The Well Barn is a quaint collection of historic farm buildings in a delightful country setting and the other businesses provide a perfect complement for our gallery therefore making it an ideal choice for our premises.”

14

ZHOO EDUQ LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

The Upholsterer 0151 924 7193

The Upholsterer specialises in the re-upholstery of traditional and modern furniture and the restoration of antique upholstered furniture including three piece suites, chairs and dining room chairs. After leaving school at 15 years old Owner Wayne Hawksworth began a four year apprenticeship with Guy Rogers, a well known Merseyside furniture manufacturer and qualified as an upholsterer receiving a higher qualification namely a F.T.C. Wayne says, “ I love the area as I can enjoy a calm relaxing atmosphere with a traditional setting within the historical village of Little Crosby.”

Gr8 Life magazine

ZHOO EDUQ LQGG

AccessoriesOnline.co.uk 0151 932 9806 www.accessoriesonline.co.uk

AccessoriesOnline.co.uk has a fantastic selection of jewellery from leading designers, including Cath Kidston, Karen Millen, Lola Rose, Alex Monroe and Disney Couture. Taking inspiration from the catwalks they offer their customers a wide choice of ontrend looks to suit all budgets, styles and occasions. Customers can browse and shop online at www.accessoriesonline. co.uk or visit the shop in The Well Barn.

AccessoriesOnline.co.uk was founded in early 2004 by Victoria Hesketh with a capital investment of just £50 and a passion for designer accessories in evidence on the catwalks but not on the high street. Starting initially as a sideline while lecturing make-up artistry at a Merseyside college, Victoria quickly found demand for exquisite jewellery pieces from leading designers. Using her knowledge of catwalk trends, key colour ways and collection inspirations, she was able to create an online collection that cherry picked the season’s best pieces for her online clients.

Victoria initially ran the business from home, but in 2008 she made the decision to open a shop and went on the search for new premises. She says, “When I saw The Well Barn I knew it was perfect. The stunning rural setting and shop space within an 18th century converted barn with solid oak floors, authentic stone walls and a beamed ceiling with a dramatic candle chandelier was the ideal location!”

Well Being at the Well Barn 0151 924 4642

www.wellbeingatthewellbarn.co.uk

Elaine Orrett who owns Well Being at The Well Barn blends a holistic therapy centre with a gift shop and has been at the Barn for four years. She says, “I have been practising holistic therapies for 16 years in the Crosby area. I offered Reiki and Indian head massage from Crosby Physiotherapy in College Road and have visited Japan twice to further my knowledge of Reiki. I absolutely love The Well Barn! The lovely old stone barn exudes such a friendly and peaceful energy, which exactly suits the eclectic mix of things that I do here and many people comment on how they feel calm and relaxed just by standing in the shop! Elaine offers a large range of holistic therapies, including Reiki, gastric band hypnotherapy and past life regression and also offers facials using exclusive Caribbean Essentials products. The shop stocks a wide range of gifts including jewellery, essential oils, incense, crystals, Buddhas, angels and much more.

Elaine adds, “I also run training courses in Reiki, EFT, animal healing, crystal healing and healing with sound. There are also regular weekly classes in African drumming and psychic development. If you are looking for something a little bit different in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, then you should definitely pay us a visit!”

15

Ruby Tuesday’s

The Upholsterer

NOW Vintage Clothing OPEN A unique collection of

First Clas Class Work by Qualified Craftsman Proprietor: Wayne Hawksworth F.T.C.

timeless affordable fashion...

•Fur Coats & Fur Hats •Evening Wear •Bags & Accessories

Well Being at

The Well Barn Holistic Therapy Centre & Gift Shop

Opening Times Tuesday - Saturday 10-4.30

THERAPY OF THE MONTH

GASTRIC BAND HYPNOSIS

THE WELL BARN · LITTLE CROSBY ROAD LIVERPOOL · L23 4TS 0151 924 4642

HARKIRK GALLERY

Have fun at our new

1103925

• Holistic Therapies • Reiki Courses • Buddhas • Incense • Crystals • Aromatherapy Oils • Singing Bowls • Yoga • African Drumming • Jewellery • Psychic Development Classes • Past Life Regression • Caribbean Essentials Luxury Facials • Moonstone Mind, Body & Spirit Festivals

22 Sefton Street, Litherland 07711819882

1104526

!!

The Well Barn Centre Little Crosby Village • Liverpool L23 4TS Telephone: 0151 9247193

Come and visit our beautiful location showcasing both paintings and applied art by established and up and coming contemporary artists from around the UK.

1103475

1103472

Re Upholstery and Recovery Cushions Antique Restoration 40 years experience

The Well Barn Little Crosby Road, Little Crosby Liverpool L23 4TS Tel: 0151 932 1707 www.harkirkgallery.com

PARTIES • • • • •

1103673

Come and party at Giggles! Party Range from MAKE A PIZZA MAKE A BEAR PAMPER PARTIES per child TEDDY BEARS PICNIC One FREE visit per month for a year for the Birthday Child*

£6.50

Indoor Soft Play Centre from £2.95 per child

For reservations call 01704 560077 • www.gigglesgym.co.uk *T&Cs apply 51 Weld Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 2DS

S LQGG

FAMILY FUN! Children’s play centres are not normally places that parents

“When we had children ourselves we started visiting play centres as customers and thought that they were a great place to

can relax and unwind but

meet friends and the children loved them,”

somewhere to tire the children

explains Michele. “However, not enough

out so bedtime is a little easier!

thought seemed to go into looking after the adults and thinking about the experience from their point of view. Hence the idea of

However, Giggles Gym in

)DPLO\ IXQ LQGG

Having grown up in Formby, Michele, who

Birkdale hopes to change this

previously worked in the car industry, wanted

and Gr8life talks to owners

to move back to the area and they now live in

Gordon and Michele May about

Birkdale with their two daughters Lorna and

the parent friendly concept.

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

Giggles Gym.”

Erin. Michele says, “We love the area and are so pleased we moved, however Gordon was

17

travelling a lot with work and wanted to do

In 2009 the couple closed the centre for

something that meant he would be around

two weeks for refurbishment. This included

more to see the family. Our own children’s

a new toddler area, more adult seating, a

play centre seemed like the perfect idea.”

new lounge area, a new sports area, new

The couple first attempted to get

party rooms and a new kitchen. Gordon

planning for a site in Formby, but when

and Michele also consider their café one

that wasn’t possible decided to buy

of the most important elements at Giggles

an already established playcentre and

Gym and as Michele explains, “We are very

change it to Giggles Gym. “We wanted

proud of our kitchen staff, who work to the

somewhere inviting where everyone could

highest standards and we were delighted

‘enjoy playtime’ their way, whether that

recently when an unannounced inspection

was dancing in the disco area with their

by Sefton Food Hygience Inspectorate

children, catching up with friends or

awarded us a 5 stars rating again. The

having a relaxing coffee and cake on the

highest possible rating!” She adds, “We

couch with a good magazine.” She adds,

have introduced a new menu which offers

“To look after the adults we make sure we

good quality, well priced food, made with

have plenty of seating, a clean and fresh

locally sourced ingredients where possible

environment and good line of sight to help

as that is very important to us. We support

you see the children easily. We also have

local businesses whenever possible and so

newspapers, plenty of magazines and many

our meats and cheeses come from a local

catalogues so you can plan your Christmas

Birkdale supplier and our cooks simply call

shopping and free Internet access so you

Stanley’s Fruit and Veg round the corner and

can order it too!”

they pop in with what we need! Also, The

18

)DPLO\ IXQ LQGG

Gr8 Life magazine

Dutch Bakers in Birkdale supply our bread

and aprons to make their own pizza, which,

and some of the cakes. We make sure there

while they play, is cooked in our pizza oven

is a good balance of healthy options and

and brought back in their personalised box,â&#x20AC;?

treats from fresh salads, homemade soups,

Michele says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The make a bear parties are

fruit pots and hidden vegetables in the

also great and children leave with a great

childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu to bacon and brie paninis

quality soft toy and a t-shirt for their bear

and freshly baked pizzas.

that they have decorated.â&#x20AC;?

As well as all this Michele and Gordon

In the past Giggles Gym have supported

refuse to scrimp and so, inspired by popular

Claireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House Hospice by holding a fund

coffee shops, they use only â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;premier cruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

raising Butterfly Tea party and are looking

coffee beans in their range of freshly ground

to introduce other activities and additions to

coffees. Michele says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We get many Dads

the play structure. Michele adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope

coming in at the weekend for the bacon

that what makes us different is the focus

butties, good coffee, the papers and car

on the adults experience as much as the

magazines!â&#x20AC;?

childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so that everyone, not just the kids,

Giggles Gym also offers themed parties, perfect to celebrate a little ones birthday

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

)DPLO\ IXQ LQGG

can enjoy playtime.â&#x20AC;?

For

more

information,

prices

and

including pizza parties and make a bear

availability please call Giggles Gym on

parties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Children can put on chefs hats

01704 560 077

19

Thinking about Cosmetic Surgery? ...then come along to one of our Open Evenings!

If you are thinking that surgery is the right choice for you and would like to talk to someone about your options, Renacres Hospital offer FREE ten minute consultations at the Cosmetic Open Evenings.

Renacres Hospital provides access to a wide range of surgical and non surgical treatments all performed by leading plastic surgeons.

Please visit www.renacreshospital.co.uk for Open Evening dates in the New Year.

Places are limited, to book an appointment, please call:

01704 842 010 Renacres Hospital, Renacres Lane, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 8SE. 1104123

Your favourite lifestyle magazine is published every quarter and perfectly reflects your changing moods through the seasons.

Now you can treat someone special with a gift of an entire year of Gr8 Life … delivered by post, through their door, before the magazine is on the streets. You’ll be guaranteed the first ‘read’ of this much acclaimed magazine and be assured that you’ll enjoy a whole year for just £9.99 UK post paid. Such a thoughtful gift … why not treat yourself?

AUTUMN 2010

1099132

Be first to receive the next edition

ISSUE 14 £2.50

SOUTHPORT

Famous faces from the past FORMBY

Stunning property BURSCOUGH

Antique buying SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW REPORT

Flower-tastic event SOCIETY • HOMES • FASHION • CARS • SPORT • EVENTS • ANTIQUES

ISSUE 13 £2

SUMMER 2010

! SOUTHPORT

Famous faces from the past ! FORMBY

Stunning property ! BURSCOUGH

Antique buying

! WEDDING SPECIAL

A day to remember SOCIETY • HOMES • FASHION • CARS • SPORT • EVENTS • ANTIQUES

ISSUE 16 · £3 · SPRING 2011

DISCOVER

Churchtown On the ball in Southport

Doctor Fish

in Crosby Gr8 Life big shoot

Virginia Lee

Marco Pierre White EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

“Why I am in Aughton”

Priority Order Form

I enclose my CHEQUE (made payable to CMG) for £9.99.

Please send the NEXT FOUR ISSUES of Gr8 Life Magazine to: Title

Mr

Mrs

Ms

ISSUE 15 · £3 · WINTER 2011

Have a Party in Southport Strictly Come Ainsdale Alan Stubbs’ million pound Formby home

Birkdale

A 21st Century Village

Katie Melua EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

“Why I love Liverpool”

Please CHARGE £9.99 to my credit/debit card number:

Other:

Forename Surname Address

Start date

Expiry date

Issue no

Security code

Signature Town

Postcode POST TO:

Email

S LQGG

GR8 LIFE MAGAZINE, CHAMPION MEDIA GROUP, 166 LORD STREET, SOUTHPORT, PR9 0QA.

Festive Fashion Coco Boutique

The party season is here and there is nothing better than to throw on a glitzy party dress, a warm winter coat and walk out of the house feeling a million dollars!

In our Winter fashion shoot we are featuring Coco Boutique which, with its large selection of beautiful dresses and quality y o m & Rub Co a t b y D D& G Blouse by y b s Legging y b u R & D om a in G y b ts Boo

fashion, can help you on the road to Christmas glamour.

When Southport boutique Garbo closed a few years ago many customers from around the area wondered what on earth they were going to do.

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

IDVKLRQ LQGG

21

Coat by Matthew Williamson Boots by Gina Leggings by Dom and Ruby

Dress by Halston Herita ge Shoes by Gin a

Dress by Byblos Bag by Michael Kors Shoes by Gina MODELS

Sarah Marsden and Megan Gilbert PHOTOGRAPHER

John Swift 22

IDVKLRQ LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

The shop had many loyal customers and exclusive brands which were hard to obtain unless clients were prepared to travel.

However, Garbo manager and buyer Nicola Johnson saw an opportunity and in 2008 opened her own boutique in the beautiful Grade II listed Wayfarers Arcade in Southport.

Along with her daughter Megan she provides luxury fashion and top designer names which have filled in the void that Garbo left.

Nicola, who has over 30 years experience working in the fashion industry, adds, “All the customers were desperate for somewhere to shop when Garbo closed.

I knew many of them very well and knew I

would

loyal

have

a

customer

base if I opened somewhere,” Nicola jets

off

capitals

regularly to

Milan,

fashion Paris

and New York to check out the latest trends, buy

Coat by Juicy Couture Jeans by Hudson Bag by Michael Kors Shoes by Gina

stock and discover new designers. She says, “We are constantly looking at new designers to include in the shop and love featuring British talent.”

Nicola is always reinvesting in new brands and so the stock in the boutique changes on a regular basis to encourage new trends and designers. As well as pieces which are bang on trend there are also many classical cuts and designs perfect for a more elegant look.

Gr8 Life magazine

IDVKLRQ LQGG

Co a t b y DV F Bag b y B ub a L e ath e r legg ings

by A m en Sh o e s

by Gin a

One new range Nicola is especially excited about Poupette St Barts, which specialises in beachwear.

23

Dress by Megan Fabulous Scarf by Matthew Williamson Shoes by Gina Leggings by Amen

Dress by Halston Heritage Bag by Buba Shoes by Gina

Dress by D& G Bag by Buba a Shoes by Gin

Juicy Nightwear

Coming up to Christmas â&#x20AC;Ś Coco Boutique will have a large selection of gifts including Creed fragrances for men and women, Juicy nightwear and Juicy makeup bags. There is also a gift wrapping service if your wrapping talents leave a lot to be desired!

24

IDVKLRQ LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

“Many customers come to me in the Winter time looking for Summerwear to take on cruises with them,” Karen adds.

“A lot go

away at Christmas and so this range is perfect for them. There is a selection Co a t b y Blau er Leggin g s by Hudso n Sh o e s

by Gin a

by on Heritage y Buba

by Gina

of Kaftans and gorgeous outfits to put on over your swimwear and so perfect for a hot holiday away!”

The

boutique

has

also

launched a website which showcases all the clothing available in the boutique. Nicola adds, “We have clients from all over the place including London and the website is a great way for them to order clothes without having to travel and see us. Sometimes we feature really exclusive labels which have sold out or are difficult to find and with a touch of a button they can check Coco Boutique and see if we Dress by Tibbi Shoes by Gina

have it in.”

For more information please ring Coco Boutique on 01704 513393 or visit their website at www.cocoboutique.co.uk.

Gr8 Life magazine

IDVKLRQ LQGG

25

Sunday Lunch

2 Courses ÂŁ10.95

Early Bird

Tues-Sat 5.30-9.30pm 2 Courses ÂŁ10.95 3 Courses ÂŁ14.95

Full A La Carte

Contem dining in luxuriou porary, relaxed s surroundings

menu available

Live Entertainment

every Friday & Saturday

FOR RESERVATIONS TELEPHONE 01772 611766

Also, why not try some of our other restaurants?

21 Stanley Street Southport PR9 0BS 01704 501414

1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5 Lord Street Southport PR8 1RP 01704 546111

46 Botanic Road Churchtown 01704 507977

1104332

48 Botanic Road Churchtown 01704 212400

1103917

Mon-Sat 5pm-10.30pm Sunday 12pm-9pm

The Dining Rooms offers you the very best, fresh ingredients, in exciting combinations with sauces and flavours and superb presentation, to make a unique dining experience.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a full selection of drinks available from the bar and an extensive wine list. You can also choose from our exciting speciality desserts, coffees and liqueurs.

Dining Rooms Restaurant is open to the public each day from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch from 11.30 to 2.30 and for dinner from 5.30 to 9.30. On Sundays we are open from 12.00 until 5.00pm.

Special live entertainment evenings occur throughout the year and the restaurant is also available for private functions by arrangement.

Southportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award Winning Italian Restaurant

www.millerandcarter.co.uk

ENJOY A BOTTLE OF WINE ON US AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT

EXPERTS IN STEAK

Volare is the latest Italian restaurant open in Southport. The idea is to offer the authentic italian cuisine and atmosphere in their simplicity.

At Miller & Carter we like to think we know a bit about steak â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re famous for.

Join us at Miller & Carter Parbold before 10th February and enjoy a free bottle of wine when 2 adults dine from our main menu.

We have an extensive menu aand wine list to accommodate all sorts of clientele, or design a menu to suit your party booking.

Miller & Carter Parbold Parbold Hill, Parbold, Wigan, WN8 7TG. Tel: 01257 462318 Food served: Sun â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thurs: Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10.30pm, Fri & Sat: Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11pm

Free bottle of house wine when 2 adults order a main meal each from our Main Menu

1104336

â&#x20AC;˘ A la Carte Menu â&#x20AC;˘ Lunch Menu â&#x20AC;˘ Early Bird Menu â&#x20AC;˘ Fish Menu

A COMPLIMENTARY BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE WHEN 2 ADULTS DINE Terms and conditions:

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

1. Voucher only valid at Miller & Carter Parbold until 10th February 2012, not valid between 16th December 2011 and 2nd January 2012. 2. A free bottle of house wine when 2 adults order a main meal each from our Main Menu. 3. One voucher per two adults, per visit. 4. An adult main course excludes Starters, Desserts, Daytime Menu and Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Menu. 5. This voucher cannot be exchanged wholly or partly for cash.

6. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, voucher, discount or privilege.

7. Vouchers altered, amended, defaced or copied are invalid. 8.!"#$!%$&'(')*!)+!,#$!-.*./$0!'(!1*.23

Tel 01704 546232 Mobile 07796 866936 www.italianrestaurantsouthport.co.uk

S LQGG

(CLOSED TUESDAY)

1103476

613 Lord Street, Southport PR9 0AN

(NQNKR :M (:G@L

Langs of Longton is the latest addition to local restaurateur Paul Lang’s growing portfolio and has only been open three months. Gr8life’s Louisa Austin went along to sample the menu and quiz Paul on the secrets of his success.

From the outside Langs of Longton looks

Gr8 Life magazine

OX[XU\ DW ODQJV LQGG

selection of tradition and innovative dishes.

like any ordinary building, pleasant, but

I visited with my colleague Sharon on a

nothing special. However, when you walk

Friday evening, a perfect opportunity to

inside you realise that this is far from ordinary.

see off a busy week and relax while the rain

The boutique style décor, sumptuous furniture

poured down outside.

and beautiful artwork cry out luxury and you

I ordered the scallops to start and breast

almost feel ashamed to have thought it may

of duck to follow and Sharon opted for

be anything other than wonderfully opulent.

the black pudding and Stilton Fritters and

This doesn’t mean, however, that a down

then the shoulder of lamb. Both starters

to earth atmosphere and reasonable prices

were

have been sacrificed, nor that the menu is

arrived at our table and we couldn’t wait to

anything other than imaginative with a great

get stuck in.

beautifully

presented

when

they

27

Owner, Paul Lang only opened the restaurant three months ago and is already enjoying a roaring trade, testament to the quality of the food and atmosphere.

Paul is certainly no stranger to the restaurant business owning several successful establishments in Southport already including Botanic Bistro and Langs Pasta and Grill.

‘My Mum always cooked all day, every day. I loved helping her in the kitchen,” Paul explains.

“She died when I was 15 years old and I lived in bedsits for 4 years after that while washing up in kitchens. My first placement was at Dijona’s on Stanley Street where they took me on full time and I was so determined to do well for my Mum.’ After working at Reuters for 3 years, where I met my wife Claire, we both decided to go on alone and opened the Botanic Bistro. When we first took it over it was a 36 seater restaurant.

Having worked hard for five years and the restaurant being so popular, Claire and I put all the money back into the business and decided to do a massive refurbishment and extended the restaurant upstairs to make it a 78 seater.”

This proved to be a good move and Paul extended his portfolio from there. “When opening our first restaurant Claire and I decided

28

OX[XU\ DW ODQJV LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

that all we needed to look after was the food,

outside of Southport? “This restaurant came

service and atmosphere. Working hard on

available at the right time and right place. I

a daily basis and doing long hours is what

have plans to open one more wine bar/tapas

we tried to achieve everyday. Even 15 years

bar and one more restaurant outside the

on I hope I haven’t taken my foot off the

Southport area.”

pedal. I am still striving everyday to make our

As Sharon and I were debating over

customers happy and give them what they

whether to stick the diets and have a dessert

want when entering any of our restaurants.”

Paul sidled over and said, “You have to have

Well, our meals were definitely something else, I had a generous portion of scallops -

Well it would have been rude not to and

Sharon’s lamb, while a large portion was

so we did indeed forget the diets and tucked

not too much. The menu was well thought

into a mini selection of the most popular Langs

out and each element, from the meat to the

deserts. Mouth watering chocolate brownie,

vegetables, to the cherry & amaretto glaze

lemon shortcake, sticky toffee pudding and

drizzled on the duck, complimented each

white chocolate ice cream were a few of the

other perfectly.

tastes in this fabulous selection. We left Langs

Paul added, “The thought behind the

of Longton feeling like we had eaten enough

menu comes after fifteen years of the Botanic

for a week but very impressed with not only

Bistro being open. Hopefully it has been tried

the standard of food but the atmosphere,

and tested and the menus seem to work

décor and pricing. Paul Lang has achieved

over the years which is why I mirrored the

the perfect balance on all accounts and adds,

Langs of Longton with the food served at the

“In the future I want to keep the high

Botanic Bistro. By sourcing local produce my

standards customers expect from any Lang’s

suppliers, some of whom I have been dealing

restaurant and will continue to work hard to

with for over 24 years, now know what I like

achieve this.”

and provide such good service as well as great quality ingredients.”

So what made Paul open up a restaurant

Gr8 Life magazine

OX[XU\ DW ODQJV LQGG

the ‘Assiette of the day, it’s lovely.”

For more information please call 01772 611766 or visit the website www.botanicbistro-langs.co.uk.

29

The George

Bramleys Coffee House

Duke Street, Southport

6 Church Walks, Ormskirk, L39 3QS

Well established in the Southport area, we serve a wide range of wholesome and traditional food.

Whether just a snack or a full sit down meal, all our food is cooked to your liking.

We welcome children, but ask that they be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Tel ¡ 01704

513314

Open ¡ Mon-Sat 9am-5pm ¡ Closed Sunday We accept all major credit cards ¡ Children welcome

30 EUDPOH\V LQGG

Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa

Botanic Bistro

Southport Old Road, Formby L37 0AB

Reservations ¡ 01704

875 699

30 ERWDQLF LQGG

Village Inn Pub & Restaurant Mark Square, Tarleton, PR4 6TU

Lakeside Bar & Grill

815959

966 6868

We are at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre off Cambridge Road

30 VHIWRQ OHLVXUH LQGG

1104541

HDWHULHV SDJH LQGG

We offer a contemporary British and Pan-European menu served within a relaxed, informal setting. All our food is of the highest quality, locally sourced and delivered fresh daily, prepared to order, ensuring a quality dining experience every time. Children are never overlooked and can enjoy their very own special menu.

To book, call ¡ 0151 1104540

We accept all major credit cards See our website ¡ www.villageinntarleton.co.uk

30

Crosby Coastal Park, Waterloo, L22 1RR

After a pub refurbishment, your â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;new localâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; serves a wide range of traditional pub food and offers a warm welcome to everyone â&#x20AC;Ś lunches are served 12pm-2pm and evening dinner 5.30pm8.30pm. On Sunday our restaurant is open all day. All our food is sourced locally and cooked fresh.

Coffee and tea served from 10am daily.

30 YLOODJH LQQ LQGG

212400

We are open Monday to Saturday from 5.30pm until late

1104540

IRUPE\ KDOO LQGG

The Botanic Bistro was established in July 1998 and has since built a reputation of fine cuisine and excellent service.

In 2004 an extensive refurbishment was successfully completed providing an upper tier in the restaurant to accommodate an ever increasing demand. Today the restaurant maintains its quality and service ethics.

Tel ¡ 01704 1104537

or call us for more information We are just 5 minutes from Southport

30

48 Botanic Road, Churchtown, Southport

The Restaurant at Formby Hall offers the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Total Dining Experienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Our reputation as one of the best fine dining restaurants in the region is led by the quality of our food. Our dinner and lunch menus are seasonal, beautifully balanced and of exceptional quality. Fine Dining at Formby Hall is a truly wonderful experience.

Tel ¡ 01772

578801

1104347

JHRUJH KRWHO LQGG

Tel ¡ 01695 1103877

Open ¡ 7 days â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kitchens open 12pm-8pm We accept all major credit cards ¡ Children welcome

Located in the heart of Church Walks, Bramleys offers beautiful surroundings with an extensive choice of delicious cakes and meals.

Our welcoming staff are committed to making your visit the most pleasurable. Whether out Christmas shopping or enjoying the sales popin for a welcome break.

Gr8 Life magazine 30

When David Simister was invited to try microlighting for the day our thrill seeking reporter was not going to turn it down. Here he reports on his adventure in the sky courtesy of the West Lancashire Microlight School.

If you were buzzing down the Formby bypass the other day I’ll apologise if I shot past you a bit quicker than you were expecting.

The cars and trucks might have shooting towards Liverpool at a fair old pace but for once, I really was flying past them. Literally.

They might have hitting 70mph - and not a mile an hour more, officer - but hundreds of feet above, we were hitting speeds well above that, and in what seemed like the blink of an eye the glimmer of the farmers’ fields became the hustle and bustle of the docks on the shores of the Mersey estuary. The advantage we had was that we could see them both, at the same time, as part of one glorious panorama of an entire region.

This is the joy of microlighting.

If you’ve ever darted past Ince Blundell on a clear day and wondered what those funny things in the sky are then Richard Thornborough has the answer; they are the magnificent men and their flying machines on their way in and out of West Lancashire Microlight School, which offers anyone looking for a Christmas present with a difference to chance to see the north west from an entirely different perspective.

“The location is pretty good with us being based near the coast - once you’re up, within a few minutes you’ve got a really spectacular view, where you can see North Wales, the Lake District, and inland towards Winter Hill. www.gr8lifemagazine.com

&RPH IO\ ZLWK PH LQGG

31

We can even get permission to fly in controlled airspace, so you, could, for instance, see the waterfront at Liverpool from the air,” he said.

“Aviation

captures

a

lot

of

people’s

imagination, but the cost of getting a pilot’s licence can be a bit expensive, so microlighting offers a very affordable alternative in what are very capable aircraft.”

West Lancashire Microlight School offers a whole host of different aircraft you can take to the skies in but for the ultimate thrill I’d recommend a ride in the Rotax-engined Flexwing, which offers you the wind-in-the-face, bugs-in-theteeth thrills any aspiring Biggles needs to try out - and more importantly - a cockpit that’s cut away at the sides to let you look down and see the spectacular scenery once you’re up in the air.

But as we soared through the skies somewhere above Seaforth I was delighted and worried in equal measure when I was offered an opportunity I wasn’t expecting; the chance to actually fly the aircraft itself. Eat your heart out, Easyjet!

With the expanses of the Mersey to the right and the now ant-sized residents of Crosby to my left I wrapped my gloved fingers gingerly around the controls, just slightly terrified that I was about to plunge us both to a watery death, but I needn’t have worried. What I’ve anticipated to be the most frightening moment of micro lighting - actually flying one for yourself - is in fact the biggest surprise of the afternoon.

32

&RPH IO\ ZLWK PH LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

If you’ve mastered the delicate of driving a car, then you’ll get the hang of one of these, because it’s a masterclass of intuition and easiness.

Microlighting is like being taken for a ride on the back of a motorbike, only one where you can quite literally enjoy it on a completely different level. Far from being frightening, it is as thrilling as you want it to be, because the controls are pushbike easy to master and there’s far less to go wrong than on, say, an aeroplane. Even if the ridiculously revvy engine did cut out it’s hardly a life-or-death situation; you’d just glide your way down to another uneventful landing.

Terrifying, heart-pounding, unpleasant and exposed - nope, going up in a microlight is none of these things, but you’re almost certain to take off your safety helmet to reveal the huge grin you only ever get from adrenaline-fuelled experiences. It is really, really good fun.

At £60 for a 20 minute taster session it might not be the most conventional Christmas present you’ll ever give, but it’ll get the thrillseeker in your family absolutely hooked. You won’t regret it.

For more information about taking a flight at West Lancashire Microlight School visit the school website at www.wlms.co.uk or call 0151 929 3319 to find out more.

Pictures by Peter Charles Gr8 Life magazine

&RPH IO\ ZLWK PH LQGG

33

$GYHUWLVLQJ IHDWXUH

â&#x20AC;¢ No more intimidation â&#x20AC;¢ No more worrying about what anyone else thinks â&#x20AC;¢

what anyone else thinks - No more underused gym memberships - No contract, No commitment - No more waiting for equipment

what anyone else thinks â&#x20AC;¢ No more underused gym memberships â&#x20AC;¢ No contract, No commitment â&#x20AC;¢ No more waiting for equipment â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ No more intimidation â&#x20AC;¢ No more worrying about what anyone else thinks â&#x20AC;¢ No more underused gym memberships â&#x20AC;¢

ys a d 1 2 lbs in

!

No more underused gym memberships â&#x20AC;¢ No contract, commitment â&#x20AC;¢ gym No more waiting for equipment No more intimidation â&#x20AC;¢ No more worrying whatwaiting anyone else thinks â&#x20AC;¢ No more underused gym memberships â&#x20AC;¢ No contract, No commitment No moreNounderused memberships - Noâ&#x20AC;¢ contract, No commitment - Noabout more for equipment -No more intimidation

Private Personal Training

/RVH ZHLJKW DQG WRQH XS LQ FRPSOHWH SULYDF\

- No more intimidation - No more worrying about what anyone else thinks -

-14 0 , y 1 d e s o o B L Private Personal Training New

timidation - No more worrying about what anyone else thinks -

m a A r l fo Fast Fat Loss r e e a F ePackage Y & 5HDO 3HRSOH ² ok New 21 Day Fast Fat Loss Package Just £99Just £99 5HDO 5HVXOWV ra

p

4 lb

1 10-

1

2 's in

14

0p1

Dro

in lb's

21

No more underused gym memberships - No contract, No commitment - No more waiting for equipment -No more intimidation

6RXWKSRUW g , r a n e i Y w DQG :HLJ z Ne a m u! o Y A w e l N e ear 6RXWKSRUW·V +HDOWK )LWQ e F Y Personal Training & g k w n DQG :HLJKW /RVV ([SH ziNe Days!

Loo21aDay

.LQHWLFV 3HUVRQDO )LWQHVV LV D 3ULYDWH 3HUVRQDO 7UDLQLQJ 6WXGLR )LWQHVV 6XLWH EDVHG RQ +RJKWRQ 6WUHHW 6RXWKSRUW 7KH\ RSHQHG HDUOLHU WKLV \HDU DQG VSHFLDOLVH LQ KHOSLQJ ORFDO UHVLGHQWV DFKLHYH WKHLU KHDOWK Ã&#x20AC;WQHVV DQG ZHLJKW ORVV JRDOV 7KH VHUYLFHV WKH\ RIIHU .LQHWLFV 3HUVRQDO )LWQHVV LV D 3ULYDW LQFOXGH KHDOWK DQG ZHOO 7UDLQLQJ 6WXGLR )LWQHVV 6XLWH EDVH EHLQJ DVVHVVPHQWV SULYDWH +RJKWRQ 6WUHHW 6RXWKSRUW 7KH\ RSH SHUVRQDO Ã&#x20AC;WQHVV QXWULWLRQDO HDUOLHU WKLV \HDU DQG VSHFLDOLVH LQ KH DQDO\VLV DQG ZHLJKW ORVV UHVLGHQWV DFKLHYH WKHLU KHDOWK ILWQHV VWUDWHJLHV .LQHWLFV SULGH ZHLJKW ORVV JRDOV 7KH VHUYLFHV WKH\ WKHPVHOYHV RQ WKH IDVW DQG LQFOXGH KHDOWK DQG ZHOO EHLQJ DVVHVV HIIHFWLYH UHVXOWV WKH\ DFKLHYH SULYDWH SHUVRQDO ILWQHVV QXWULWLRQDO D .LQHWLFV 3HUVRQDO )LWQHVV LV D 3ULYDWH 3HUVRQDO ZLWK WKHLU FOLHQWV 7UDLQLQJ 6WXGLR )LWQHVV 6XLWH EDVHG RQ DQG ZHLJKW ORVV VWUDWHJLHV .LQHWLFV

+RJKWRQ 6WUHHW 6RXWKSRUW 7KH\ RSHQHG WKHPVHOYHV RQ WKH IDVW DQG HIIHFWLYH WKH\ DFKLHYH ZLWK WKHLU FOLHQWV HDUOLHU WKLV \HDU DQG VSHFLDOLVH LQ KHOSLQJ ORFDO UHVLGHQWV DFKLHYH WKHLU KHDOWK ILWQHVV DQG 7KH IULHQGO\ HQWKXVLDVWLF DQG s!

ZHLJKW ORVV JRDOV 7KH VHUYLFHV WKH\ RIIHU PRWLYDWLQJ WUDQHUV « Day LQFOXGH KHDOWK DQG ZHOO EHLQJ DVVHVVPHQWV 5RVV .LQVH\ DQG 'DQLHO <RXQJ SULYDWH SHUVRQDO ILWQHVV QXWULWLRQDO DQDO\VLV +HUH·V ZKDW VRPH RI WKH ORFDO (Valid for One or Two People) DQG ZHLJKW ORVV VWUDWHJLHV .LQHWLFV SULGH +HUH¶V ZKDW VRPH RI WKH ORFDO !OZeb] _hk Hg^ hk Mph I^hie^"UHVLGHQWV WKDW KDYH H[SHULHQFHG WKHLU VHUYLFHV KDYH WR VD\ WKHPVHOYHV RQ WKH IDVW DQG HIIHFWLYH UHVXOWV UHVLGHQWV WKDW KDYH H[SHULHQFH WKH\ DFKLHYH ZLWK WKHLU FOLHQWV Includes: Health & Fitness Assessment/s .LQHWLFV LV WKH EHVW 3HUVRQDO )LWQHVV VHUYLFH , KDYH WKHLU VHUYLFHV KDYH WR VD\

Includes:in Health Fitness Assessment/s Three Personal Training Sessions Private & Studio

5HDO 3HRSOH 5HDO 5HVXOWV

HYHU XVHG 7KH\ KDYH D FRPSOHWHO\ SULYDWH WUDLQLQJ 1 Day Fast Unlimited Fat Loss Package Three Personal Sessions in Private Studio access to Kinetics SeparateTraining Fitness Suite VWXGLR DQG RIIHU WKUHH GLIIHUHQW ZD\V WR WUDLQ 7KH .LQHWLFV LV 5HDO 3HRSOH for 21 days to Kinetics Separate Fitness Suite for 21 days LQVWUXFWRUV DUH IULHQGO\ NQRZOHGJHDEOH VXSSRUWLYH Unlimited access WKH EHVW PLUS: 21£99 Day Fast Fat Loss21 Manual & Consultation Just 3HUVRQDO PLUS: Day Fast Fat Loss Manual & Consultation DQG H[WUHPHO\ HQWKXVLDVWLF (YHU\WKLQJ·V 5HDO 5HVXOWV

7KH IULHQGO\ HQWKXVLDVWLF P

Includes: Shopping Lists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Meal Plans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Meal Plans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; )LWQHVV DSSRLQWPHQW EDVHG PDNLQJ VXUH \RX DWWHQG DQG Includes: Shopping +HUH¶V ZKDW VRPH RI WKH ORFDO !OZeb] _hk Hg^ hk Mph I^hie^" Healthy Recipes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Healthy Liver Detox & Much More VHUYLFH , PHHW \RXU WUDLQHU HDFK ZHHN .QRZLQJ WKDW \RX Healthy Recipes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Healthy Liver Detox & Much More UHVLGHQWV WKDW KDYH H[SHULHQFH KDYH HYHU (Total Package Value: £249) ZLOO EH ZHLJKHG DQG JHWWLQJ WKH FRUUHFW QXWULWLRQDO DGYLFH PDNHV DQ WKHLU VHUYLFHV KDYH WR VD\ (Total Package Value: £249) , WRRN SDUW LQ XVHG 7KH\ Includes: Health & Fitness Assessment/s XQEHOLHYDEOH GLIIHUHQFH WR WKH UHVXOWV \RX DFKLHYH ZLWKLQ MXVW WHQ GD\V WKH GD\KDYH D Three Personal Training Sessions in Private Studio , KDG DOUHDG\ ORVW OE·V DQG VWDUWHG WR IHHO IDQWDVWLF *LYH .LQHWLFV D WU\ ZHLJKW ORVV FRPSOHWHO\ SULYDWH WUDLQLQJ WhyFitness WaitSuite till after Christmas to look &LW FRPHV KLJKO\ UHFRPPHQGHG IURP PH µ feel amazing?!.LQHWLFV LV imited access to Kinetics Separate for 21 days WKH EHVW SODQ ZLWK P\ VWXGLR DQG RIIHU WKUHH GLIIHUHQW .DUHQ &DFNHWW &DFKHW 6KRHV 3HUVRQDO GDXJKWHU VR PLUS: 21 Day Fast Fat Loss Manual & Consultation ZD\V WR WUDLQ 7KH LQVWUXFWRUV

Look & Feel Amazing for 2012

5HVXOWV LQ -XVW '

EDV HDWL HQD DPD )LWQHVV ZH FRXOG DUH IULHQGO\ NQRZOHGJHDEOH DQG Includes: Shopping Lists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Meal Plans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; , WRRN SDUW LQ WKH GD\ ZHLJKW ORVV SODQ ZLWK P\ VHUYLFH , PRWLYDWH VXSSRUWLYH DQG H[WUHPHO\ WKH Healthy Recipes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Healthy Liver Detox & Much More KDYH HYHU HDFK RWKHU GDXJKWHU VR ZH FRXOG PRWLYDWH HDFK RWKHU RQ D GDLO\ HQWKXVLDVWLF (YHU\WKLQJ¶V WUDF (Total Package Value: £249) XVHG 7KH\ EDVLV 7KH FRPELQHG KHDOWK\ HDWLQJ RQ D GDLO\ DQG Ã&#x20AC;WQHVV DSSRLQWPHQW EDVHG PDNLQJ WR D KDYH D VXUH \RX DWWHQG DQG PHHW \RXU ZHL VHVVLRQV HQDEOHG XV EDVLV 7KH FRPELQHG KHDOWK\ ERWK WR ORVH DQ DPD]LQJ OEV PRQWKV DQG SU Private Fitness FRPSOHWHO\ SULYDWH WUDLQLQJ HDWLQJ DQG ILWQHVV VHVVLRQV IRUWKFRPLQJ KR Training WUDLQHU HDFK ZHHN .QRZLQJ VWUX Wait till after Christmas to look & feel amazing?!

LQ RXU Ã&#x20AC;UVW ZHHN DQG WKH RQJRLQJ VXSSRUW IURP WKH Suite Studio VWXGLR DQG RIIHU WKUHH GLIIHUHQW HQDEOHG XV ERWK WR ORVH DQ HQRXJK WLPH WR WKDW \RX ZLOO EH ZHLJKHG DQG VHH .LQHWLFV WHDP NHSW XV RQ WUDFN , ZRXOG UHFRPPHQG ZD\V WR WUDLQ 7KH LQVWUXFWRUV DPD]LQJ OEV LQ RXU ILUVW ZHHN ZLWK WKH WHDPV JHWWLQJ WKH FRUUHFW QXWULWLRQDO ORVV WKLV WR DQ\RQH ZKR ZDQWV WR ORVH ZHLJKW LQ D KHDOWK\ DUH IULHQGO\ NQRZOHGJHDEOH DQG WKH RQJRLQJ VXSSRUW IURP HQFRXUDJHPH www.KineticsWellness.co.uk Tel: 01704 544338 DGYLFH PDNHV DQ XQEHOLHYDEOH .LQ DQG VWUXFWXUHG ZD\ DQG ZDQWV WR VHH UHVXOWV QRW MXVW RQ ZHLJKW ORVV EXW VXSSRUWLYH DQG H[WUHPHO\ WKH .LQHWLFV WHDP NHSW XV RQ UHDG\ PDGH P GLIIHUHQFH WR WKH UHVXOWV \RX , WKL +g] ?ehhk <aZkehmm^ Ahnl^% ,.&,0 Ah`amhg Lmk^^m% Lhnmaihkm% F^kl^rlb]^% IK2 )GL ZLWK Ã&#x20AC;WQHVV DV ZHOO .LQHWLFV KDYH FKDQJHG WKH ZD\ , WKLQN DERXW HDWLQJ HQWKXVLDVWLF (YHU\WKLQJ¶V WUDFN , ZRXOG UHFRPPHQG WKLV LI , VWXFN WR LW , DFKLHYH ZLWKLQ MXVW WHQ GD\V , DQG >fZbe3 bg_h9Dbg^mb\lP^eeg^ll'\h'nd DQG WUDLQLQJ DQG , QRZ IHHO D ORW PRUH FRQÃ&#x20AC;GHQW DERXW KRZ , ORRN DSSRLQWPHQW EDVHG PDNLQJ WR DQ\RQH ZKR ZDQWV WR ORVH ZDV WUXH , ZD KDG DOUHDG\ ORVW OE¶V VWDUWHG FRQ H__^k oZeb] _hk g^p Dbg^mb\l <eb^gml Zg] fnlm [^ k^]^^f^] [^_hk^ ,*()*(+)*+ 6X]LH :DOPVOH\ 6FDULVEULFN +DOO (YHQWV VXUH \RX DWWHQG DQG PHHW \RXU ZHLJKW LQ D KHDOWK\ DQG ILUVW ZHLJK LQ WK Private WR IHHO IDQWDVWLF *LYH .LQHWLFV D 6X] Fitness Personal Training Partner Training Small Group Training Training WUDLQHU HDFK ZHHN .QRZLQJ VWUXFWXUHG ZD\ DQG ZDQWV WR RQH ZHHN :H WU\ LW FRPHV KLJKO\ 6FD Suite Studio , GHFLGHG WR HPEDUN RQ WKH .LQHWLFV GD\ ZHLJKW WKDW \RX ZLOO EH ZHLJKHG DQG VHH UHVXOWV QRW MXVW RQ ZHLJKW UHFRPPHQGHG IURP PH ´ FRPELQDWLRQ R JHWWLQJ WKH FRUUHFW QXWULWLRQDO ORVV EXW ZLWK ILWQHVV DV ZHOO KHDOWK\ HDWLQJ ORVV SODQ LQ DQ DWWHPSW WR ORVH WKH VWRQH WKDW KDG .DUHQ &DFNHWW &DFKHW 6KRHV www.KineticsWellness.co.uk Tel: 01704 544338 DGYLFH PDNHV DQ XQEHOLHYDEOH .LQHWLFV KDYH FKDQJHG WKH ZD\ FUHSW RQ WKH SUHYLRXV PRQWKV DQG SUHSDUH IRU DW .LQHWLFV UHD GLIIHUHQFH WR WKH UHVXOWV \RX , WKLQN DERXW HDWLQJ DQG WUDLQLQJ aZkehmm^ Ahnl^% ,.&,0 Ah`amhg Lmk^^m% Lhnmaihkm% F^kl^rlb]^% IK2 )GL P\ IRUWKFRPLQJ KROLGD\ , KDG MXVW HQRXJK WLPH XQGHUVWDQG DQ DFKLHYH ZLWKLQ MXVW WHQ GD\V , >fZbe3 bg_h9Dbg^mb\lP^eeg^ll'\h'nd WR FRPSOHWH LW DQG DQG , QRZ IHHO D ORW PRUH ZLWK WKH WHDPV VXSSRUW DQG PDNLQJ LW D OLIH KDG DOUHDG\ ORVW OE¶V VWDUWHG FRQILGHQW DERXW KRZ , ORRN __^k oZeb] _hk g^p Dbg^mb\l <eb^gml Zg] fnlm [^ k^]^^f^] [^_hk^ ,*()*(+)*+ HQFRXUDJHPHQW DORQJ ZLWK WKH UHDG\ PDGH PHDO WKDQ D TXLFN IL WR IHHO IDQWDVWLF *LYH .LQHWLFV D 6X]LH :DOPVOH\ 2nd Floor Charlotte House, ersonal Training Partner Training Small Group Training SODQV , ZDV WROG LI , VWXFN WR LW , FRXOGQ·W IDLO DQG LW DP KHDGLQJ RI WU\ LW FRPHV KLJKO\ 6FDULVEULFN +DOO (YHQWV 7KDQN \RX ZDV WUXH , ZDV DPD]HG RQ P\ Ã&#x20AC;UVW ZHLJK LQ WKDW , KDG ORVW OEV LQ RQH 35-37 Hoghton Street, Southport, UHFRPPHQGHG IURP PH ´ -HQQ\ 0D*UH ZHHN :H DOO NQRZ WKDW WKH FRPELQDWLRQ RI H[HUFLVH DQG KHDOWK\ HDWLQJ .DUHQ &DFNHWW &DFKHW 6KRHV Merseyside, PR9 0NS

No more waiting for equipment - No more intimidation - No more worrying about

www.KineticsWellness.co.uk

Tel: 01704 544338

No more waiting for equipment - No more intimidation - No more

Email: info@KineticsWellness.co.uk Offer valid for new Kinetics Clients and must be redeemed before 29/02/2012

â&#x20AC;¢ Personal Training â&#x20AC;¢ Partner Training â&#x20AC;¢ Small Group Training

No more waiting for equipment â&#x20AC;¢ No more intimidation â&#x20AC;¢ No more worrying about 8QWLWOHG

ZRUNV EXW WKH WHDP DW .LQHWLFV UHDOO\ KHOS \RX XQGHUVWDQG DQG WKLQN GLIIHUHQWO\ PDNLQJ LW D OLIHVW\OH FKDQJH UDWKHU WKDQ D TXLFN Ã&#x20AC;[ , DP WKULOOHG DQG DP KHDGLQJ RII OE OLJKWHU 7KDQN \RX -HQQ\ 0F*UHDO 0DUF &DLQ

8QEHOLHYDEOH UHVXOWV LQ MXVW GD\V

advertising feature

Two heads are better than one 01704 880200 â&#x20AC;˘ www.scarisbrickhallschool.co.uk

Tony McCoy

Jeff Shaw

It's often said that two heads are better than one and what's even better is the fact that the two new Heads at Scarisbrick Hall have previous links with the school.

Mt Tony McCoy is the new Head of First and Middle School, caring for children from Reception to Year 8 and Mr Jeff Shaw is the new Head of College, caring for students on Years 9 to 13.

Two headmasters are part of the school's modern approach to progressive learning - instead of a

VFDULVEULFN VFKRRO LQGG

conventional junior-senior school, Scarisbrick Hall School has created three schools, which will not only allow an extra year's GCSE course work but ties in with a philosophy designed to give the best opportunities to each pupil.

Integral to this approach, personal mentoring ensures each child has tailored targets and a choice of extracurricular activities gives students a wide experience, allowing them to develop to the best of their individual abilities.

Burscough Wharf Burscough Wharf opened its doors in February 2011 and is a beautiful retail development centered around food and drink, arts and crafts and fashion. The shopping area is on the site of old canal side buildings which have been restored and regenerated in the last few years. Here Gr8life takes a look at two of the businesses which have chosen the picturesque Wharf as their home.

Masamuni With over 8 years experience in hairdressing owner Hayley Webster is a colour and cutting expert and is very proud to own her own salon.

She says, “I have always saved and have never borrowed money so it was great when I could finally open my own salon. I love it at the Wharf as it is such a beautiful and tranquil environment.” All Hayley’s stylists are Schwartzkopf colour academy trained and are educated at Schwartzkopf training centres at least every three months to ensure that Masamuni leads the way with the latest in colour technology.

Hayley adds, “Our new colour ranges Essensity and Senea offer a breakthrough for clients with any allergies and scalp sensitivity to finally be able to have the hair colour they want - with no ammonia and harsh chemicals Schwartzkopf saves the day! We also have two state of the art massage basins for ultimate comfort and relaxation and offer a wide range of back wash treatments, collagen conditioning treatments, extreme damage treatments.”

Masamuni also offers a barbers service and a wedding hair service so all areas are covered!

For more information please visit www.burscough-wharf.co.uk or ring 01704 894804.

36

EXUVFRXJK ZKDUI LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

The Blue Mallard This modern restaurant is owned by talented, local chefs Chris Crowell and Matthew Holleran who thought the Wharf was the perfect place for a restaurant. Chris says, “ We loved the area and when the opportunity came up we just had to take it.”

After finishing university in Leeds, Chris went all over the world to practice his culinary talents including America, France, Austria and Jersey, before coming back to his home town of Burscough. “I always wanted to come back but it was great to get experience from all over the place before settling.” Matthew trained locally and when Chris arrived back in Burscough they joined forces to create The Blue Mallard. Chris adds, “We love the atmosphere of the wharf and the fact that there are other businesses to bounce off. We compliment each other really well and together offer a fabulous shopping experience.

With a menu boasting a whole host of regional foods and traditional dishes, which are changed regularly, The Blue Mallard sets itself apart from any other restaurant in the area.

For more information please visit www.thebluemallard.co.uk or ring 01704 893954.

Gr8 Life magazine

EXUVFRXJK ZKDUI LQGG

37

Passionate about

great food?

SO ARE WE...

1103878

Our restaurant is located in the heart of Burscough Wharf with a menu boasting regional foods and traditional dishes refined to the highest of standards and given a contemporary finish

Bookings 01704 893954

www.thebluemallard.co.uk

Trial Flight in a

Latest generation of microlight

We offer a 5â&#x2DC;&#x2026; service with exceptional staff highly trained in hair care

Telephone 01704

s a m X

BMMA & CAA approved school

Coastal locationn second to nonee

894804

Friendly competent instructors

Unit 12, The Wharf, Liverpool Road North, Burscough L40 5RZ email masamuni@hotmail.co.uk

Grin from ear to ear guaranteed Ince Blundell, Nr Formby Merseyside

Th

Gift

a t wi

Gift Vouchers star t from as little as

ÂŁ 60

! ll Blow them away

1104129

Luxury hair salon for men and women

Microlight!

Tel: 0151 929 3319 or 07970234933 Or book online at: www.wlms.co.uk

CREATIVE KITCHEN DESIGN KITCHEN DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

Where your Dreams Become Realityâ&#x20AC;Ś Designed & Installed by us 2011

Most exclusive designer showroom in North West FULL INSTALLATIONS

NOW

Dear Tony,

L and G

S LQGG

The areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier kitchen company A family run business offering you

30% Off

1104528

We would just like to thank you and your staff for the excellent work you did in designing and installing our kitchen. Nothing was too much trouble, and the attention to detail has been absolutely first class.

We particularly liked your philosophy regarding â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;no problems, only solutionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which gave us so much confidence right from the start.

We have had many compliments about the kitchen and will not hesitate to recommend you in the future.

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Phone the professionals for your free estimate & computer design plan

We recommend you have three quotes... be sure to make us one of them...

You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be disappointed!

The Old Post Office Building, Liverpool Road North, Burscough L40 4BY

Telephone: 01704 893757 Fax: 01704 891660 www.creative-kitchen-design.co.uk

Opening times: Monday - Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm

1104527

Treat your senses

Kate Harrison has achieved

gaining skills and experience ever since,

a huge amount since studying

Karen Betts founder of Nouveau Contour.

beauty at Southport College.

One of the leaders in the permanent

Here she talks to Gr8life about

many documentaries and makeover shows.

her Southport salon Senses

Kate says, “Semi permanent makeup is

Beauty Spa, her inspirations

from cancer or disfigurements. I have

and future goals.

been involved with the Linda McCartney

notably semi-permanent makeup with

cosmetic industry Karen has featured on

invaluable for those who have suffered

centre in Liverpool, advising patients on different treatments available to them.

Treat

your

senses

Gr8 Life magazine

WUHDW \RXU VHQVHV LQGG

When she left school Kate embarked

At Sense Spa I use the latest technology

on a beauty course and, in her words,

to create defined eyebrows, eyeliner, lash

was taught by ‘the best’ - Mario del

enhancements, lips, beauty spots and fill

Guardio Mak. She learnt all aspects of

in skin disfigurements.’

beauty and attained the highly prestigious

Kate has always been involved in the

Dermalogica Student Of The year award.

beauty industry from when she was young

She adds, “I became very much aware of

as her mum, Bev, is qualified in alternative

the importance of customer service, and

therapies

to never stop learning new trends in the

massage.

industry. I now strive to be the best in my profession.”

including

reflexology

and

“Mum worked as a tour manager travelling the world and enjoying learning

Kate opened her first salon at the

about cultures mainly from the Far East

tender age of twenty one and has been

and India. Kate explains “She also travelled

39

to Sri Lanka, India, Hong Kong, Bali and Egypt where she picked up knowledge of different styles of massage and therapeutic oils which are often used in the salon.” Bev is extremely supportive of Kate and proud of her daughter and her achievements. “Mum has always supported me in achieving my goals. Now I have two small boys, Oscar and Samson and it is hard work juggling home and work life but I enjoy it!”

Along with the semi permanent makeup the spa offers a wide range of treatments including

Dermal

rollering

using

snake

venom, luxurious manicures and pedicures, Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion facials and vagazzling, using only the finest Australian Lycon wax. A tanning room and brow bar are

Treat

your

senses 40

WUHDW \RXU VHQVHV LQGG

also available and are perfect to visit before that special occasion.

Kate adds, “A full range of relaxing treatments are also available from full body

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

massage using exotic Egyptian and Sri-

those very necessary portfolios!”

lankan oils, hot stone therapies, reflexology,

To make herself apart from other

Indian head massage, lymphatic drainage

salons Kate has made sure that her staff

massage, hopi ear candling and many more

are fully trained, knowledgeable in their

customized treatments.”

areas of expertise and are constantly on the lookout for new therapies to introduce to their clientele. Kate adds, “The aim is to offer luxurious surroundings with warm, friendly and pampering atmosphere so that clients leave feeling and looking radiant.

Treatments are always of the highest standard possible, using only the finest of products. We must always remember who is paying our bills and to put the clients needs first every time.”

Looking to the future Kate hopes to establish a training academy for beauty with VTCT - the industries leading training body and introduce a more hands on approach to beauty, while at the same time, still complete

Gr8 Life magazine

WUHDW \RXU VHQVHV LQGG

For more information please visit www.sensesbeautyspa.co.uk, call 01704 885022 or pop in to the spa on 160 Duke Street, Southport, PR8 5DH.

41

SENSES SPA

E\ .DWH +DUULVRQ

Sense Spa is a five star establishment built upon its commitment for providing exclusive treatments in luxury surroundings to make you feel truly relaxed and pampered. All our treatments are carried out by experienced, fully qualified therapists using premium products from around the world to ensure a first class experience.

Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

Threading Xtreme Christian Brows Brow Powdering & Strawberry Hot Waxing Wedding & Occasion Packages Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion Packages Male Grooming

Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

Silk Semi-permanent Lashes Botox Permanent Cosmetics Lyposculpture Airbrush Make-up Prenatal Treatments Intimate Waxing with Vajazzles Tanning OPI Nails

Be permanently beautiful with

.DWH +DUULVRQ 3HUPDQHQW &RVPHWLFV as seen on TV

Trained personally to the highest of standards by the founder of Nouveau Contour - Karen Betts, Kate is raising self esteem and restoring confidence to clients who travel from all over the North West.

Look younger and more beautiful with perfect eyebrows

"After my treatment with Kate, I feel 100% better about myself. I can not thank her enough. She has done a fantastic job. I love my new look!"

Both Men and Women who need or are experiencing the following, realise the positive results of permanent make up Specialist 3D hair/brows/eyeliner & lipliner with blush

DERMA ROLLER SRTM The most sought after celebrity treatment of 2011 is now available at SENSES SPA

Introductory Offer 1st Treatment £180 • Skin Rejuvenation • Anti Wrinkle • Stretch marks • Scarring Pigmentation

Telephone: 01704 885 022 to make an appointment 1103674

160 Duke Street, Southport PR8 5DH

VHQVHV LQGG

ZHHNHQG LQ :DOH $ V OH D : Q L G HQ $ ZHHN ZHHNHQG LQ :DOHV

$ ZHHNHQG LQ :DOHV

$ Z HHNH QG

$ ZHHNHQG LQ :DOHV $ :H

HHN $ Z

$ ZHHNHQG LQ :DOHV

ZHHNHQG LQ :DOHV $ Z

D : LQ HQ G

NHQG LQ : DOHV

$ ZHHNHQG LQ :DOHV $

LQ

$ ZHHNHQG LQ :D

:HH

V H O D :

Q L

G Q $ ZHHNH

OHV

G Q H N H H Z

$

V H O :D $ ZHHNHQG LQ OHV $ ZHHNHQG LQ :

QG LQ :DOHV $ :HHNH

$ :HHNHQG LQ :DOHV $ ZHHNH

DOHV $

$ ZHHNHQG LQ :DOHV Only a couple of hours away across the

A Weekend in Wales As my photographer and I savour the

in darkness we knew it was time to tuck

delicate tastes we’re treated to a harpists’

another world

into the roasted pigeon and forget the

gentle notes, poetry read softly in English

wintry chill. Out here, in the wilds of the

and Welsh and even the chance to “punish”

Welsh mountains, it’s nice to know there’s

a Medieval miscreant locked up in some

somewhere you can escape the elements

nearby wooden stocks by throwing damp

and enjoy a feast, a pint of Snowdonia’s

sponges at him. It’s so much more than just

best real ale and a relaxing night’s sleep.

a meal, it’s an event in itself which a lot of

That somewhere, on a wet, windy evening

effort has gone into.

waiting to be discovered.

David Simister drives down for the weekend

just outside Dolgellau, is the lovingly

to do just that

refurbished Cross Foxes Inn.

$

Welsh border is

With the slopes of Cader Idris shrouded

That’s

the

feeling

you

get

with

everything you encounter at a site which

and stays in

Dewi and Nicol Gwynne, the inn’s owners,

was a derelict pub less than two years

and their team have prepared a dinner with

ago. This little Welsh wonder comes with

the traditional

a difference on the night of my arrival; a

everything you’d expect from a charming

Welsh Cross

Medieval banquet in honour of legendary

hotel in the countryside but - and I reckon

Welsh warrior Owain Glyndwr. Packed with

more importantly - quite a few things you

roasted pigeon, braised rabbit, barley risotto

wouldn’t. It’s the things that make you say

and all the vegetables I could ask for, it’s

“Oooh, that’s a nice touch” that impress

both a delightful dish and only a small part

you most.

Foxes Inn.

Gr8 Life magazine

:HHNHQG LQ :DOHV LQGG

of what you are feasting on, because what I

That’s definitely what Dewi and Nicol

have really been invited to indulge in is a bit

had in mind for the Grade II listed building,

of Welsh history and culture.

who said, “It’s taken us two years and has

43

been worth every second to see the former unloved and derelict pub now brought back to life. We’ve tried to rebuild the Cross Foxes into the kind of vibrant, warm, friendly and relaxing place we ourselves like to visit - a place which gives the warmest welcome to everyone who stops by. Our aim was to design it using the best natural local materials and blend them with a contemporary design to create a new concept for south Snowdonia - a Welsh Bar & Grill with Rooms. We hope to make the Cross Foxes a top destination of choice in the Dolgellau area.”

It’s very much a place that makes the most out of being in what the couple call “an unbeatable location”, and the local flavour’s immediately obvious. You don’t, for instance, check into a room with an identikit number where you’re a number rather than a free man; instead you get to choose from individually-

costing anything up to £135 a night, they also

designed

come with a sort of instilled Welshness that

bedrooms

with

wonderfully

unpronouncable names like Cyfrwy and Moel.

always reminds you of which part of the world

While they’re all equipped with all the

you’re in. Thanks to the exposed slate walls,

creature comforts you’d expect from rooms

the timber slabs across the ceiling and the

44

:HHNHQG LQ :DOHV LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

delightfully rural use of colours throughout, it’s

lying in their shadow. These days it’s primarily a

almost as though you’re actually sleeping in a

walkers’ paradise and a gateway to the summits

centrally heated forest.

of the highest Welsh peaks, but as a region rich

Last time GR8Life ventured over the Welsh borders it was to the picturesque town of

with culture and blessed with stunning scenery it’s well worth a visit in its own right.

Llangollen, a stone’s throw from the north

Pack your waterproof, jump in the car and

west, but the Snowdonian valley the Cross

escape to a winter wonderland with a flavour

Foxes nestles is in a more remote part of a Wales

you won’t find anywhere else in the UK; for

with a darker, grittier feel. It’s a landscape of

all its changeable weather, Snowdonia is a

foreboding peaks and steely skies, punctuated

mesmerising, magical place. No matter how

by twisty roads, narrow-gauge railways and

cold and wet you get, you know there’s always

enormous slate heaps which have entire villages

going to be somewhere that offers you a warm and distinctly Welsh welcome.

The Cross Foxes have a number of winter events lined up, included a Festive Celebration Tasting on December 1, a Christmas Dining Experience on December 23 and a New Year Dinner on December 31.

For more information and to get in touch with Dewi and Nicol go online to www. crossfoxes.co.uk or call them on 01341 421 001.

You can also see more of the Cross Foxes by checking out our video on the GR8Life website at www.gr8lifemagazine.com

Gr8 Life magazine

:HHNHQG LQ :DOHV LQGG

45

NFU Mutual

Advertising Feature

Telephone: 01704 512810 â&#x20AC;˘ The Edge, Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0TE MUF Mutual in

Annabel Robson, sales associate

Southport pride themselves

at the Southport office says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We

on a personal, one to one

so understand the needs of our

service with friendly and

customers. We find that our clients

efficient staff to help you

we can provide that service. They can

make the right decision.

rest assured there is always someone

They can deal with your

talk to them.â&#x20AC;?

insurance, pensions and

live and work in the local area and

prefer to talk to us face to face and

on the end of a telephone who can The company started to insure people and businesses outside of

investment needs and

the farming industry in the 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

are proud of their local

and has gone from strength to

as Queenscourt Hospice, Autism

strength ever since. The local branch

Initiatives, Southport Lions and the

presence in the area.

#" "# # # "#""#! ## !##""# !#"" "# also supports many charities such

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Not everyone knows we do home insurance.

We do.

Call 01704 512810 for a quote or pop into the office to talk to our friendly team at NFU Mutual Office, Unit 7C, The Edge, Hoghton Street, Southport, Merseyside PR9 0TE We do right by you Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

46

www.gr8lifemagazine.com QIX PXWXDO LQGG

1103668

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

77

Barn conversions are very popular nowadays and there are many stunning examples around the North West.

However, there is nothing quite like Jenny and Antony Tyrer’s beautiful Scarisbrick house and it’s hard to imagine that it started off life as an empty, unused shell, waiting to be turned into something magnificent.

“We bought it from the carrot processing farm next door and set about developing it into a family home,” Jenny says.

And develop they did with the end result being a five bedroom, two bathroom house, perfect to bring up a family. The property, which was originally built in the 1950’s has solid oak floors throughout, a fitted oak office and rooms bursting with features.

The kitchen area is open plan and has a utility room off it so laundry can be done out of sight! “I love the kitchen,” adds Jenny, “probably because I spend so much time in it!

It is the heart of the home and it’s nice to have the snug area as well in the same room.

“I always had a clear idea of what I wanted including the utility room, where I can keep the washing machine and dryer out of view and I always wanted the open plan aspect.”

The kitchen is filled with quality fixtures and fittings and all appliances are made by top German brand Miele. www.gr8lifemagazine.com

+RXVH IHDWXUH LQGG

47

There is under floor heating throughout as well and the house is surprisingly warm, whether the heating is on or not. “It is such a warm house,” Jenny says. “Even when there is no heating on or log burner on it retains the heat so well. I love that about it.”

The project took eighteen months from start to finish, which seems like a remarkably quick time to complete such a fantastic property. “It felt like ages!” Jenny says. “We were staying with my parents at the time with the children and eighteen months felt like a lifetime. However, when I look back it was a relatively quick time to finish such a project.”

The house has strikingly simple décor which leaves the beautiful features, such as the log burner in the hallway, to take centre stage. “I wanted the house to have a very simple theme but one which matched all the way throughout the house, Jenny says. “Everything is oak, all supplied by the same local specialist and the kitchen and bathroom floors are matching Travertine.”

Along with the beautiful log burner, the solid oak staircase is one of the properties amazing features and has no need for a carpet. Couple the modern wood with the old original beams which come down from the upstairs ceilings and there is a stunning mix of originality and quality.

48

+RXVH IHDWXUH LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

The large window at the front of the house gives it the ‘wow’ factor, whether you are looking in from outside, or the inside out and even has electric blinds as it is too high for anyone to reach up. It is this height however, which makes it so striking. Jenny adds, “I love the window and as well as being a great feature it floods the house with light, even on a dull day.”

The couple who are moving to be more central for work and the children’s schools are looking forward to handing over the house to someone who loves it as much as they do. “We have lived here for about six years now but it is time to move on. It was great to see it go from a barn to a beautiful family home but know it will be perfect for someone else to enjoy.”

For more information on this house please call Chris Tinsley on 01704 512121 or visit the website at www.christinsley.co.uk.

Gr8 Life magazine

+RXVH IHDWXUH LQGG

49

Save up to 1/2 price for a hot new look this winter Plus a FREE gas or electric fire on selected fireplaces for a limited time only • Over 40 displays from classic to contemporary • Specialist advice from the professionals • Incredible deals on central heating • A warmer home with smaller bills 1104346

1104077

Made to Measure Sliding Door Wardrobes

Free Planning & Design PROBABLY THE LARGEST SELECTION IN THE NORTH WEST FULL RANGES OF HINGED DOOR WARDROBES • •

Project Management • Individual Interiors In-house Fitters • Matching Furniture

Retail Outlet: 192 Lyons Lane, Chorley, PR6 0PP

FREEPHONE 0800 587 4487 visit our website at: www.creativejoinery.net

S LQGG

1103671

OPEN Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

$ OLWWOH SLHFH RI KLVWRU\ Granite, Marble and Onyx are some of Mother Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best achievements offering durability with style and in the last few years, homeowners have realised this and the demand for it is now higher than ever. Each piece of stone or granite is unique and cannot be naturally replicated again, producing a piece of history which is millions of years old.

CWT W^\T ^U bc^]T www.gr8lifemagazine.com

1Tb_^ZT F^aZc^_b

51

1Tb_^ZT VaP]XcT f^aZc^_b ! ?a^UTbbX^]P[ P]S UaXT]S[h cTP\

!

=PcdaP[ Bc^]T ?PeX]V

<PaQ[T ! ;X\Tbc^]T ! B[PcT ! CaPeTcX]T ! @dPaci ! 6aP]XcT

!

=PcdaP[ Bc^]T CX[Tb

<PaQ[T ! ;X\Tbc^]T ! B[PcT ! CaPeTcX]T ! @dPaci ! 6aP]XcT

!

JUDQLWH KRXVH LQGG

Granite House in Banks have specialised in natural stone since they first opened in 1998 and have made their mark in the local area offering fantastic pieces at reasonable prices.

“Our customers are by far the most important thing to us and we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver quality and service without compromise,” says Brian Johnstone, Customer Service Manager at Granite House.

He adds, “We can explain everything and talk them through the processes which the stone has gone through to end up looking like a kitchen worktop or piece of art.”

Far from simply supplying finishing materials the team at Granite house are often involved in sourcing art pieces from sculptures to individual translucent material as wall hangings. Brian and his colleagues have made several trips out to India, Brazil and Italy to source materials and so have been there right from the start of the process. “We travel regularly and are very hands on, sourcing the right material for a very demanding UK market means that you have to put yourself out there and see what’s available before the prize pieces are snapped up by our competitors across the globe .”

Granite House are one of the only worktop manufacturers in the UK to be members of the Ethical Trading Initiative, constantly monitoring their supply chain to wheedle out unethical practices such as child labour. Brian adds, “We adhere to strict guidelines as laid down by the ETI to monitor these issues and was very pleased to report compliance year on year since joining in 2009. We consider it very important that all products we supply are ethically sourced and produced.”

Behind a stunning showroom is a huge workshop full of top of the range machinery all shaping, cutting and buffing stone into beautiful pieces of functional material suitable for both domestic and commercial application.

“If customers are interested in process

52

JUDQLWH KRXVH LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

then we take them round to see the workshop

As well as stone being a popular material to

where they can view on-going projects

use on kitchen and bathroom worktops there

being finished by hand by our highly trained

are many other uses for it which, at first, may not

stonemasons, and show them exactly what

be so obvious. “A great modern way to display

happens to produce what is in the showroom.”

natural stone is to mount it on the wall. It is an

Brian says. “We have invested a huge amount

unusual place to make a piece stand out and the

of money in machinery and personnel so when

look can be really effective. Commercially it can

we buy stone from all over the world it comes

make a real difference to bars and clubs which

straight to the warehouse and is worked on

want something cutting edge and stylish. We

with the highest quality machinery and with

also carry a vast array of stock in internal and

the highest standard of care.” The company

external tiles and supply granite paving that is

credit their success, especially through the

ideal for a contemporary garden.”

recent recession, with being able to provide

With the company importing from all over

pieces which many other companies can’t

the world customers have the choice between

at extremely reasonable prices. Brian adds,

a huge variety of shades and colours perfectly

“Many customers come to us with requests

produced by Mother Nature and Granite

they have been told aren’t possible somewhere

House.

else. However, with our machinery, contacts and experience we can more often than not create what they want.”

Gr8 Life magazine

JUDQLWH KRXVH LQGG

For more information please visit www.granitehouse.co.uk or ring 01704 228574 53

8LI LSQI SJ WXSRI

&IWTSOI +VERMXI 5YEVX^ ;SVOXSTW Â&#x2C6; 2EXYVEP 7XSRI 4EZMRK Â&#x2C6; 2EXYVEP 7XSRI 8MPIW :MWMX SYV I\XIRWMZI WLS[VSSQ

D]Xc ! } CWT >[S ;Pd]Sah >UU 0eT[X]V 3aXeT 6aTPeTb 7P[[ 1P]Zb } B^dcW_^ac ?A( '19

8IP

Aveling Drive

3TIR <^] 5aX 'P\ $_\ BPcdaSPh P\ #_\

[[[ KVERMXILSYWI GS YO Â&#x2C6; IQEMP MRJS$KVERMXILSYWI GS YO VWRQH PDVWHUV QHZ LQGG

Guinea Hall Lane to S

out

Granite House

Petrol Station

hpo

rt

roundabout signposted BANKS

Sou

thp

or t

Ne

wR

oad to Pre

sto

n

1103670

classic GIVE ME A

any day

Our very own motor writer

“They don’t make ‘em like they used to, do they?”

stager I’ll always yearn for.

My utterly irrational love of old cars,

David Simister

That, I reckon, is the question I’ve been

I reckon, has got to be down to growing

asked more times than any other about

up around the things; one of my earliest

has got a

the string of classic cars I’ve owned. After

memories was being slightly terrified by

more than three years of motoring mishaps

the thunderous roar my dad’s old Range

I’ll agree it’s true; they don’t make ‘em like

Rover makes when you fire it into life. More

classic cars, so

they used to. They make ‘em much better.

than 25 years later he’s still got it, and it

much so that he

If it’s unfailing reliability and build quality

still looks and sounds terrific. The woofle

you’re after, then buy all means try Toyota’s

of a Rover V8, like the growl of an Oasis

new Yaris.

record, is just one of those sounds I grew

penchant for

can have three at any one time.

Here he tells Gr8life why they make him tick.

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

FODVVLF LQGG

The Yaris is, by whatever measure you

up with.

use, a much better car than my trusty MGB

The thing is, I reckon, is that you

GT. It’s cleaner, comfier, more reliable, less

don’t have to be a car anorak like me to

familiar with branches of Esso and - dare I

fall in love with an old car. The Ormskirk

say it - quite a bit quicker. Yet give me the

MotorFest, for instance, attracted more

choice between the two and it’s the old

than 10,000 visitors when it took place in

55

the West Lancashire market town in August, and the vast majority of the visitors weren’t motoring enthusiasts. They were people from all walks of life, with all sorts of hopes and dreams, who understood the graceful lines of an E-Type Jag or the operatic bellow of an old Ferrari. Classic cars make you smile.

My own classic of choice is my MGB GT, which was built badly by British Leyland in 1972 and painted in Harvest Gold, or Horrid Seventies Mustard as my other half calls it.

It was in a sorry state when I first saw it, seized solid after spending years in the same Cumbrian garage. I could have invested my cash in a Mazda MX-5, the sensible person’s sports car, but I ended up smitten with a model that’s much older than I am. So I bought it anyway.

Since then it’s needed a lot of time and money to return it to the road, and even after its tyres touched the tarmac again I’ve been treated to a string of niggles and breakdowns, which I wouldn’t have if I’d gone for the MX-5. Get behind the MG’s evocative Mota-Lita wooden steering wheel and turn the key, though, and you quickly forget about the glitches.

It is a car best driven at dusk, when the twilight accentuates its delicate curves and the throb of the exhaust note reverberates through the country lanes. Bask in the warm glow of the backlighting of those wonderfully archaic Smiths dials, let the cool evening air rush in through the full-length sunroof and revel in how a motor that’s

56

FODVVLF LQGG

Gr8 Life magazine

nearly forty years old can be so much fun to drive. It’s not perfect but you can’t help warming to it.

Parked up outside my favourite village pub, which is more often than not turned into a sort of impromptu automotive catwalk, it makes the Porsche Boxsters and Mercedes SLKs everyone else brings along look clunky and clumsily-styled. It is a Sophia Loren in a field of airline hostesses.

Nor is it just a soft spot I’ve got for one old car; there’s an old car for just about every occasion, from the go-kart handling of the original Mini to the timeless beauty of the Austin Healey 100 or the sheer grunt you get from a Ford Capri. You might look at the wind and the rain outside and think it’s the wrong time to buy some automotive antique but it isn’t; get one now while prices hit their winter lull, get it done up and it’ll be ready for the spring. You won’t regret it.

Thanks to tax breaks, cheaper specialist insurance and a wealth of knowledge and friendly banter available from the local clubs set up to support them, there’s no excuse not to try a classic car at least once. Like swimming with dolphins, visiting New York or seeing the pyramids, owning a classic car should be on everyone’s “to do” list.

After all, they don’t make ‘em like they used to.

Check out the GR8Life website for a video of David Simister’s MGB GT

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

FODVVLF LQGG

57

Medical advances are Clinical studies shouldn’t be a scary

into his experiments. He carried out trials while at

concept - direct involvement with

sea, on board the ship Salisbury in 1747. Seamen

medical research is a rewarding

with scurvy were given the same general diet, but

experience and your contribution

this was supplemented with either cider, elixir vitriol (sulphuric acid), vinegar, seawater, nutmeg and,

could support others immensely

most importantly, oranges and lemons. In just six

and help shape the future of

days, patients who ate oranges and lemons were

medicine

fit for duty and thus it was concluded that scurvy could be prevented by citrus fruits as opposed to

The words ‘clinical research’ are commonplace in glossy adverts. Claims to reduce our wrinkles, turn back the years or make us look instantly younger are often taken as fact. We take comfort from the fact that beauty brands have put considerable time and effort into ensuring the products we choose for our beauty routine have been adequately tried and tested. However, when it comes to medicines, we never give much consideration to how a simple aspirin tablet or advanced chemotherapy has been made available to us.

other supplements. It was not until 50 years later that the Navy made lemon juice a compulsory part of the seafarer’s diet, and this was soon replaced by lime juice because it was cheaper. This is why British sailors, and later the British in general, were referred to as ‘limeys’ by the Americans.

What are clinical trials?

While clinical studies have advanced since the times of Nebuchadnezzar and James Lind, their importance and the vital role they play in the future of medicine is no less significant. Essentially,

Medical advances are

The history of clinical trials

Clinical research is far from a new concept, with the first recorded clinical trial being attributed to King

Nebuchadnezzar II in the Old Testament. Physician James Lind was however the first pioneer of clinical trials, as he was the first to introduce control groups 58

PHGLFDO DGYDQFHV LQGG

clinical trials enable the development of all medical

treatments for everyday ailments through to life-

threatening conditions. Far from being a scary concept, clinical trials operate in a highly regulated

industry. Before any medical treatment receives

a license, it must undergo stringent testing, and before any treatment can be assessed in humans www.gr8lifemagazine.com

re

1103706

on our doorstep it will have undergone extensive investigation in the laboratory. Prior to any clinical trial being

Burlington House, 3rd Floor, South Wing, Crosby Road North, Waterloo, Liverpool. L22 0LG

undertaken, approval must be sought from the

Each year, thousands of patients take part in

appropriate regulatory authorities and ethical

clinical studies at Synexus’ Dedicated Research

committees. In the UK, this is the Medicines and

Centres in Chorley and Liverpool. There are many

Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

studies running throughout the year that may

and the Research Ethics Committee (REC). It’s

be of interest including potential treatments for

after the relevant scientific, regulatory and ethical

osteoporosis, diabetes, asthma, insomnia, bladder

bodies have approved the protocol that clinical

and bowel conditions (such as OAB and IBS), high

studies in people can go ahead.

cholesterol and eczema.

How to get involved

Not all studies are paid, but some do reimburse

Synexus, a company focused on the recruiting

patients for their time and all reimburse patients for

and running of clinical trials, has extensive

any out of pocket travelling expenses. Participating

experience in late stage clinical studies, having

in a Synexus clinical study means patients receive

been involved in clinical research for over 20 years.

increased medical attention and may benefit from

During that time, thousands of heath checks have

medications that aren’t yet available to other

been performed and in 2010 alone, over 35,000

sufferers of their condition, while making a positive

people showed an interest in taking part in clinical

contribution to the health of future generations.

studies with Synexus.

All health checks and studies take place at

If you are interested in finding out more about Synexus and the studies that are currently running

on our doorstep purpose-built Dedicated Research Centres across

at its Dedicated Research Centre’s in Chorley and

the country which are run and staffed by full-time

Liverpool, visit www.improvinghealth.com or

nurses and doctors. You are probably not aware

www.challenge-asthma.com

that there are Synexus’ Dedicated Clinical Research Centre’s located in;

24 Eaton Avenue, Matrix Park, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, Lancashire. PR7 7NA Gr8 Life magazine

PHGLFDO DGYDQFHV LQGG

Alternatively if you would like to talk to one

of our advisors please call either our Lancashire site on 01772 344620 or our Merseyside site on 0151 550 9951 quoting reference code 4750.

59

RECIPE

VĂŠritĂŠ at home CASSOULET TOULOUSAIN For four hungry people

INGREDIENTS

400g dried haricot beans 1 bay leaf and a few thyme sprigs 2 cloves of garlic crushed 1 celery stick sliced 1/2 large onion cut into quarters 8oz unsmoked streaky bacon cut into cubes 1 tablespoon butter 400g diced shoulder of lamb (or mutton) 4 pieces of duck confit (you can buy these in tins or use roasted duck leg) 6 Toulouse sausages (available from your butcher) 6 tomatoes (skinned and chopped) Herby breadcrumbs (small bunch of choppped parsley & 2 slices of white bread, crusts removed and whizzed up in a food processor)

METHOD

Put the beans into a bowl and cover with cold water.

Soak overnight then drain and rinse twice (an important step.)

Put the beans in a large saucepan with the bay leaf, thyme, garlic, onion quarters and bacon. Add two to three litres of water, bring to the boil and simmer for one hour.

Heat the butter and brown the lamb shoulder in a frying pan Add the lamb, celery and duck confit (scrape off the fat) on the top of the beans in a large pan and push into liquid. Add the tomato and cook slowly for a further hour (simmer.)

Brown the Toulouse sausages in a frying pan and add them to the casserole and cook for a further 30 minutes Remove the herbs. Strain the liquid into another pan and reduce the liquid, on a high heat, by two thirds.

Remove the meat from the pan and layer it with the beans in a large casserole dish. Pour the liquid over so it just covers the meat.

Sprinkle the cassoulet with the breadcrumbs and bake for 20 - 30 minutes (160c/315f/gas2-3).

Serve straight from the casserole on warm plates.

Serve with crusty bread for extra enjoyment.

60

9HULWH LQGG

Gr8 Life magazine

The talented chef hasn’t always wanted to work with food as he went to Southport College aged 16 to study graphic design.

“When I had finished the course I decided it wasn’t for me and got a job in a high rise office in Bootle.

“I was looking over Liverpool one day and thought, there is an exciting career out there for me, handed in my notice the same day and joined catering college.“ That signalled the beginning of not only a very exciting career but also an extremely successful one. After finishing his training he went on to work at several establishments

Steven Burgess is

UKXEDUE LQGG

celebrity chef Marco Pierre White’s The Swan

only 25, yet he has

Inn in Aughton. However, recently Steven,

still managed to pack

Wareing as one of his inspirations, decided to

more into his career

Rhubarb and Custard.

so far than many of

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

including the prestigious Malmasion and

who credits successful Southport Chef Marcus do it alone and formed his catering business “Using a team of professionally trained chefs I can deliver excellent results at a whole

us could hope to do

range of events, including buffets, canapes,

in a lifetime of work!

parties and banqueting,’ Steven explains.

corporate entertaining, weddings, dinner

61

“We use locally sourced produce & fresh ingredients and have a varied range of menu’s specifically designed to stand out from the crowd! We try and combine modern twists for the wow factor with classics and old favourites that everyone loves.”

And so what makes Rhubarb and Custard stand out amongst other caterers out there?

“Diversity. We pride ourselves on being able to cater for any requirements the client has. The experience and knowledge we all have allows us to take on any task presented to us.” Although Steven can turn his hand to any type and style of food he does have his favourites. “Personally I love cooking Asian and Italian food due to the respect given to the ingredients. Italian is so simple but they let the ingredients speak for themselves which personally I believe is the way food should be treated.”

Although having great success with small events Steven’s real challenge came when he was contacted by SK Events about coming into the Liverpool Food and Drinks Festival. “No outside caterer had ever been allowed in due to it being a bar and restaurant based event however SK Events were happy with the level we operated at and we were granted access to be the first ever to be allowed in.”

62

UKXEDUE LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

Although over the moon to have been asked it was very daunting for Steven and an event not for the fainthearted! “40,000 people attended over two days and to deal with that volume was very challenging,” he says. “We worked twenty hour days but it was very rewarding in the end. Afterwards however, there was no time to take a break and relax as Steven and his team were in demand! “We were then asked to cater for the awards dinner the week later with 280 guests attending, all who were chefs, restaurateurs and people involved with the industry. It was terrifying at the time but when I look back it was certainly a career highlight!”

Looking to the future Steven’s main focus is for Rhubarb and Custard to grow and expand.

He says, “I love what I do with Rhubarb and want to see it grow into the name of choice when catering is required for any event in the North West. I want to create fantastic events for happy clients!”

When asked what his biggest achievements are so far, surprisingly, Steven doesn’t mention the food and drinks festival but goes one better.

“Getting included in the Relish Merseyside & Lancashire Cookbook amongst the regions top chefs. I am the youngest ever to be involved out of the five or six books which they have released so far and only the second catering company to be featured in it. That makes me very proud.”

Gr8 Life magazine

UKXEDUE LQGG

63

1104080

Exclusive Italian Wines & Extra Virgin Olive Oils available in Ormskirk

All our products have been carefully selected by ourselves for their quality - We only sell the best...

We offer a delicious range of red, white and dessert wines from Sicily, together with the most refined extra virgin olive oils. We share YOUR passion for the good things in life and that’s why we deliver you first class products, unique to the UK. And what’s more, it’s affordable with wines available from £9.99.

5% OFF Either produce this coupon or quote Ref: GR8BP and enjoy 5% off a case of 6 wines

Wine from Mount Etna!

01695 581176 info@belpasso.co.uk www.belpasso.co.uk

Unit 4, Malthouse Business Centre, Ormskirk, L39 1QR

Buy one of our unique lava rock covered bottles of red wine...

A fantastic, unusual Christmas present!

Use it afterwards as a candle holder to decorate your dining table...

Click with johnlewis.com Collect with Waitrose Did you know you can now buy products online from johnlewis.com and collect them the very next day from Waitrose Formby completely free of charge?

It’s a brand new way to shop, combining the exceptional service and diverse product range of johnlewis.com with the convenience of shopping at Waitrose.

• Place your order at johnlewis.com by 7pm • Collect your products the next day from Waitrose Formby • Your order will be ready by 2pm

Waitrose

Food shops of the John Lewis Partnership 1093826

S LQGG

Skoda have had a very mixed reception from us Brits over the last few years, but when David Simister set out to discover the car behind the badge

minersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; strike, East Berlin and Spandau Ballet.

These are things which, along with

he realised there was more to their

Skoda jokes, belong

off-roader than you might expect â&#x20AC;Ś

of the early Eighties.

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

$ PRWRU WR EH SURXG RI LQGG

Legwarmers, the

back in the dark days

65

An admission; I’m not really old enough

badge on the bonnet, I honestly reckon, is irrelevant.

to remember any of

Having already won over rough ‘n’ rugged

those things, which is

off-roader types with the Scout four-wheel-

why I never thought the

drive version of the Octavia estate it was

one about the Skoda with the

only a matter of time before Skoda came

sunroof was particularly funny. I haven’t got

up with a real mountain goat of a motor

any Skoda jokes of my own for you but I’ll

and this, a distant relation to Volkswagen’s

instead share with you one of my motoring

Golf and Audi’s A3, is the result. Cute and

secrets.

challenging at the same time.

Leave

Checkpoint

your

Charlie,

preconceptions because

I

at

reckon

The best way to approach a Yeti is to

Skoda’s Yeti is the one of the best cars on

think of it not as a rival for, say, a small

sale in Britain today.

off-roader or a people carrier, but as a car

Someone clever within the Czech car

crafted especially with the needs of dog

company’s realised that we aren’t a nation

walkers in mind. A Golden Retriever, for

of sports car driving hedonists, zipping

instance, might well be man’s best friend,

along sun-kissed country lanes on the way

but he’s still a friend who slobbers a lot and

to somewhere nice. We are in fact a nation

enjoys nibbling car upholstery. That’s why

of IKEA addicts, of school run mums, of

the interior’s built sturdily out of lots of hard

Dad’s Taxi stickers and garden centre gurus.

wearing but tastefully chosen plastics and

We are especially a nation of dog owners -

leathers, which Fido is going to struggle

there are two million of us, remember - and

to ruin. His home from home - the Yeti’s

there are few vehicles in any price bracket

boot - is also commendably commodious,

as geared up to the task as the Yeti. The

although thanks to the Skoda’s high sills it

66

$ PRWRU WR EH SURXG RI LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

might take him a bit of a leap to get in.

The Volkswagen-based Yetiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also been

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the reason why youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going

designed to conquer not racetracks but

to find hot hatch handling when you head

rutted bridleways and muddy backroads,

into the corners a tad too quickly, but both

because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inevitably the sort of rural

on the backroads and out on the motorways

backdrop Fidoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owner enjoys. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get me

the Yeti performs impressively enough. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

wrong; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a mudplugger in the vein of,

just a shame that with some of the sillier

say, Land Roverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Freelander but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been

options the version I drove cost almost

built toughly enough and given enough

ÂŁ22,000, which Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather spend on the

ground clearance to get you across most

optional four-wheel-drive system and make

obstacles without objections, and if you

it truly capable over tricky terrain.

really are heading for the great outdoors

The Yetiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only the best car Skoda

then four wheel drive is one of its must-have

makes but I reckon itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got the measure of

optional extras.

MINIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Countryman, Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Qashqai and

Clamber into the cockpit and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re

even the entry-level Freelanders, because

definitely not in the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat of a jacked-

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone for substance where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gone

up hatchback or an MPV with countryside

for style. Almost everyone who came across

styling cues; if a Land Rover Discovery went

the Yeti loved it for exactly the same reason;

on the Atkins diet, chances are this is what

if you have a dog and enjoy going for walks

it would feel like. Even though the version

in the muddy countryside, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to

I drove stuck to powering just the front

struggle to better the Yeti without resorting

wheels everything about the commanding

to much more expensive machinery.

driving position, the view along the bonnet and the defiantly diesel noise the 2.0 TDi

Gr8 Life magazine

$ PRWRU WR EH SURXG RI LQGG

engine makes screams pure off-roader.

Buy one and your Labrador is going to love it. Luckily, so will you.

67

Rosalind Fashions

5 The Cloisters, Halsall Lane, Formby L37 3PX T: 01704 879595

â&#x20AC;˘

Christmas All Wrapped Up!

something for every woman

Day to evening wear and some great gift ideas.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for everyone.

Stockists of

Two new ranges!

BIRKDALE BOUTIQUE 5 Weld Parade, Birkdale Village, Southport, PR8 2DT

138 College Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 3DP

1104026

1103981

â&#x20AC;˘ Evening Wear â&#x20AC;˘ Day Dresses â&#x20AC;˘ Smart Casual â&#x20AC;˘ Coats â&#x20AC;˘ Jewellery â&#x20AC;˘ Handbags â&#x20AC;˘ Evening Bags â&#x20AC;˘ Scarves â&#x20AC;˘ Slippers â&#x20AC;˘ Leather Gloves â&#x20AC;˘ Purses â&#x20AC;˘ Arran Aromatics

Stockists of

SIZES 10 - 22

Tel: 0151 924 7433

Born to enjoy

Handbags, luggage, business products, exclusive costume jewellery and gift ideas

Main stockists of: Samsonite, Eastpak, Kipling, Paul Frank, Quindici, Bulatti, Kleshna, Kazuri

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Armani Collezioni Lacoste Lyle and Scott One True Religion Armani Jeans Ted Baker Tommy Hilfiger Without Prejudice Robert Graham Canali Seven For All Mankind Paul and Shark Eterna Shirts Gardeur Meyer Barker Shoes Toy Watch (Mens & Ladies)

3 King Street Southport PR8 1LB

Reputation

TEL:01704 534007

For all your Christmas Ideas

Behind the Vincent Hotel

S LQGG

menswear

1101922

1104340

For the ultimate exclusive male

92-96 Lord Street, (next to the Vincent Hotel) Southport, PR8 1JR â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 01704 536959

Just over a year ago British DooWop band The Overtones had no

is

in

extremely

Liverpool, down

to

earth considering he is

corner for them.

biggest

a member of one of the bands

of

the

moment. “We are just so grateful to have become

working together as painters and

as popular as we are,’ he

decorators until one day they

we are just doing what

were spotted by label Warner

says.

“Especially

we love.” singing,

when

Mark studied dancing

and

Brothers and the rest, as they say,

acting at performing arts

is history!

to the capital to try and

Gr8life was lucky enough to interview

the dancing route when I

band member and northerner Mark Franks recently about their tour, new found fame and fans.

SLWFKSHUIHFW LQGG

university

idea what was just around the They were rehearsing hard while

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

Mark, who went to

school and then went make it big. “I went down came to London however I

have

always

been

passionate about singing and music in general.

69

It was here that Mark met band members

“Over the years we have been offered

Mark, Mike, Darren and Timmy and later

things and then had doors shut in our faces,”

Lachie and went on to form The Overtones.

Mark says. “People tell us they can do this and

It wasn’t all plain sailing however as Mark

that for us and then don’t so you do become

explains. “We were all trying to rehearse while

a little bit jaded. Because of this we didn’t

waiting on tables and doing other bits of

realise at the time what a big opportunity this

promotional work. It was getting to the point

was and what it would lead to.”

however where we were never together and

Although The Overtones success may feel

so couldn’t practice. We just weren’t getting

like it happened overnight to some people,

as far as we wanted with the band.”

it has been a long and sometimes difficult

Something had to give and so the band

road for the band. “It has been so long in the

members came up with a novel way of earning

making that it doesn’t really feel like that to

money which also allowed them to practice. “Mike

us. You hear of these overnight successes but

and Darren had previous experience painting and

we really aren’t one of them.

decorating and thought it would be a great idea if

“In the six years we have been together

we set up a company where we could all work but

we have grafted so hard and it has been very

be together at the same time. It just made sense

gradual for us.

but I am not the best painter and decorator in the

“However, in the last year we have

world! I do make a good cup of tea though!” It

achieved so much and I think it makes it feel

was while painting a shop and singing near Oxford

all the more worthwhile when you have really

Street in London that the band were discovered by

worked for it for a long time. I personally really

a talent scout who signed them immediately to

appreciate where I am now and am enjoying

record label Warner Brothers.

every opportunity I get.”

70

SLWFKSHUIHFW LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

Gr8 Life magazine

SLWFKSHUIHFW LQGG

Although they have spent the last year

on tour is amazing. You cannot beat standing

flying high and ‘living the dream’ their

on the stage singing in front of all these

appearance on Dancing on Ice stands out for

people who have paid to be there. Many of

Mark as a career highlight.

them have bought the album so everyone

He says, “It was such a fantastic

gets up on their feet and sings along. To see

opportunity and we loved it! I grew up

that is fabulous. We are performing in bigger

watching Torvill and Dean and to have them

venues for the second tour and are lucky

skating around you on stage is amazing. It

enough to be at the Palladium in London. We

was a real honour and it was in fact Torvill

are also coming to the North West and I can’t

and Dean who championed us to be on

wait to be on stage at the Manchester Lowery

the show right from the start. We were an

as the city is my home.”

integral part of that show and sat down

So, what is in store for The Overtones?

with everyone beforehand and discussed

Mark answers, “We could only have dreamed

everything. Everyone listened to our ideas

of what we have achieved this year and so we

and we were able to give our input.”

are very grateful for that.

The group finished their first tour earlier in

“I want to continue writing and recording

the year and as Gr8life goes to press will have

songs that we are really proud of and hope

just finished their second. Mark adds, “Being

that we are still around for years to come!”

71

Elaine Frances Laser and Beauty Clinic Established for 24 years in

and

delicate

method

for

intricate

Tarleton, Elaine Frances Clinical

and more sensitive work; it operates

Aesthetics Ltd has moved to new

alongside the more familiar Laser

state of the art premises which

equipment.

offers advanced beauty therapy, laser and non-surgical procedures.

Advertising Feature

Elaine is supported by several laser specialists all of whom are senior beauty

Owner Elaine Frances and her team

therapists offering both aesthetic facial

have specialised in laser treatments for

and body treatments. Their procedures

over 10 years and have practiced all over

not only include IPL laser hair removal

the North West.

- using the new advanced laser head

Elaine is also a proven Micro

Elaineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approach to work involves

which is designed specifically for fine/fair

pigmentation artist, this is a form of

the use of high technology with a

hairs, but thread veins including facial

semi-permanent make-up using state of

professional and caring approach to

and body vein repair as appropriate,

the art equipment by Nouveau Contour;

customer needs which has established

skin

it can be applied to enhance eyeliner, lip

Elaine as a leader in the field.

pigmentation removal.

rejuvenation

and

sun-induced

complete facial treatment plan.

liner and eyebrows.

Her renowned expertise also includes

This has lead to introducing state

Elaine Frances and all therapists

advanced electrolysis treatments for

registered nurse/nurse practitioner Marie

are Senior Members of the British

thread vein, skin tag and mole removal.

Cassidy to the Clinic for all injectable

Association of Beauty Therapy and

This advanced electrolysis is a refined

and fillers offering a comprehensive and

Cosmetology (BABTAC).

1103675

Laser & Beauty Therapy Clinic Elaine Frances is at the forefront of clinical aesthetics, beauty and laser treatments.

The clinic offers a personal, specialist service by a team of highly qualified laser & beauty therapists and Nurse Practitioners.

Our treatments include: IPL Laser, Semi-Permanent Make-up, Electrolysis, Thread Vein Repair, Skin Tag Removal, Campbell De Morgan Spot, Millia Removal, Facial & Eye Therapies, Body/ Slimming/Firming Therapies, Hand & Foot Therapies, Depilation Therapies, Dermal Fillers and Wrinkle Smoothing Injections.

109 Church Road, Tarleton, Preston, Lancashire. PR4 6UP (Private Parking available)

Telephone: 01772 816133 Email: info@elainefrances.com www.elainefrances.com 72

www.gr8lifemagazine.com HODLQH IUDQFHV LQGG

We have moved across the road to a new state-ofthe-art clinic www.gr8lifemagazine.com

77

Gr8 Life Society Pages

Lunch for Queenscourt A Ladies Luncheon for Queenscourt Hospice raised £2,000 for charity recently.

The event, held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, was organised by Margaret Mann who said, “We are delighted that so many people came and supported the event, which was for such a worthy charity. The weather was beautiful and sunny, which after a week of rain was a nice surprise! David Lonsdale also attended and said a few words which everyone Caroline Hope, Doreen Palmer and Pat Morris

Helen Hardman, Heather Griffiths and Sue Blaney

Syvie Ebden with Maxine Mears

David Lonsdale with Margaret Mann

Doreen Palmer, Helen Pickavance, Margaret Mann, David Lonsdale, Christine Rostron and Jean Watkinson

Susan Jones, Ann Porter and Dorothy Lloyd

Doris MacFalin, Maureen Graham, Adriana Murty, Julia Nelson and Chris Theckson

Pamela Barr, Lin Williams, Maggie Barr and Sandra Ireland

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

www.gr8lifemagazine.com OXQFKIRUTXHHQVFRXUW LQGG

Thousands of photos available at www.champnews.com/pixonline

thoroughly enjoyed.”

73

77

Gr8 Life Society Pages

The Village Inn reopening The Village Inn in Tarleton, near Southport, officially opened its doors in November after a five-week refurbishment.

The revival of the former Lord Lilford pub has been so well received in the area that 60 bookings have been taken for the restaurant before it has opened.

Guests Margaret Brown, Rose Wood, Brian Aughton and Mary All

The pub is being run by Sky TV presenter Glenn Turner and wife Rachael.

Glenn says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been delighted by the reaction to the work that has been done at the pub and the kind of relaxed, friendly atmosphere, with a quality food service and cask ales, that we can now offer.â&#x20AC;?

Glenn with some of the Queenscourt volunteers who he invited to the evening reception.

Thousands of photos available at www.champnews.com/pixonline

Mark, Andrew and Sarah

Professional singer and saxophonist Colin Muse

Kelly, Carly, Katy and Ashleigh from Essentials of Tarleton.

74

9,//$*( ,11 LQGG

Glenn, daughter Sophie, Rachael and family friends Alex and Roma.

Jodie, Kristian and Sallie at The Village Inn bar. www.gr8lifemagazine.com

Gr8 Life Society Pages

Coco Boutique Coco Boutique launched their new Autumn/Winter ranges at The Vincent Hotel in Southport. Over £3500 was raised for their chosen charity the NSPCC. The NSPCC is a national charity which will help projects

Jessica Lewis models for Coco boutique, Emma & Katrina tunicHalsall

by Patrizia Pepe, bag by D&G

in our local community to offer a range of services for children who have experienced, or are at risk of, abuse.

Over 130 fashion lovers turned up to watch the show which featured the latest collections from designers such as Matthew Williamson, Moschino, Halston Heritage, Alice Temperley amongst many others.

Rachel, Sue & Ruth Gillespie

Nicola Johnson of Coco Boutique, said ‘what an amazing evening, thank you to everyone who gave so generously. We are thrilled to be able to help such a fabulous charity as the NSPCC and see the difference that this money will make in helping to protect children and young people from Jessica Sharman, Zara Lewis, Lauren Birchall, Christina Fell, Harriet Caul & Stephanie Gilligan

Sarah Laycock, Sarah Davidson, Estelle Thomas, Paula Oldfield & Jayne Sullivan

Nicola Johnson & Megan Gilbert of Coco Boutique

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

&RFR %RXWLTXH LQGG

Julia Leeming, Chloe White, Sarah Blonde, Maxine Farnworth & Sarah Maughan

Thousands of photos available at www.champnews.com/pixonline

abuse and neglect.’

75

Gr8 Life Society Pages

Fashion Show Marc Cain launched their new ranges at The Vincent Hotel in Southport with a team of ten models on hand to showcase the new designs.

Almost 100 ladies filled the V Cafe to watch the show and enjoy a fabulous three course meal washed down with wine and champagne. After the show the ladies were treated to a late night shopping experience as Marc Cain opened their doors to allow the ladies to purchase items from the new ranges.

Jenny McGreal of Marc Cain, said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;what an amazing evening, thank you to The Vincent for working with us this evening and to my fabulous team of models. We are thrilled to be able to launch such exciting new ranges here in Southport for the new Autumn/Winter season.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; more information contact Jenny McGreal

Thousands of photos available at www.champnews.com/pixonline

on 01704 513294 or 07976 557039

76

)DVKLRQ 6KRZ LQGG

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

Gr8 Life Society Pages

New President for Southport Inner Wheel The Inner Wheel Club of Southport has celebrated the Inauguration of New President Maureen Fearn with a luncheon attended by more than fifty guests at The Hesketh Golf Club.

New President Maureen Fearn, welcoming guests to the lunch, said â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a delight to be here in this lovely building on such a lovely day. This Inner Wheel Club is a very happy club with all members working for the charities they support. My charity for this year is Queenscourt Hospice, which does a marvelous Ruth Bottomley and Kathleen Robinson

President elect Carol Cookson, Immediate past President Maureen Fearn with outgoing President June Newby

Sheila Tissot and Dorothy Culton

June Newby, Carol Cookson with Rita Farley

Carol Hill, Carol Cookson and Dorothy Lee

Shirley Parker and Audrey Roxburgh

Lois Greenhalsh with Joan Owen the Lady Captain of Hesketh Golf Club

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

1HZ 3UHVLGHQW LQGG

Thousands of photos available at www.champnews.com/pixonline

job for the people of Southport.â&#x20AC;?

77

Gr8 Life Society Pages

Fashion show raises hundreds for charity Over 150 fashionistas attended a charity fashion show in Wayfarers Shopping Arcade, Southport recently The ‘Fashion in the Fall’ show raised over £800 for North West Cancer Research Fund which aims to provide grants to support fundamental research into the causes of cancer.

Joan Pettitt, President of North West Cancer Research Fund’s Southport branch said: “On behalf of the charity I would like to thank everyone for their support; the organisers, stores within the Arcade and those who donated raffle prizes for the evening. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening

Thousands of photos available at www.champnews.com/pixonline

Coco Boutique outfits on the catwalk with Brollies from Bags of Style

Yelena Munday & Yvonne Burns (Manager of Wayfarers Arcade)

Dress from Phase Eight on the catwalk

Jaki O’Donnell (Multiyork) & Rupert Paton (Ruperts)

Megan Gilbert, Caroline Jones, Sarah Marsden, Nicola Johnson, Natasha Malone & Karen Malone

78

)DVKLRQ 6KRZ LQGG

and are delighted with the money raised.”

Danielle Parkes & Brad Barnes

Nicola Lynch, Joan Pettit and Mary Pedlar

Steven & Claire Simonsen

So Talented! open the show

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

Gr8 Life Society Pages

Birchall Blackburn office opening Birchall Blackburn Solicitors, which has relocated its Southport office to newly refurbished premises in Churchtown, held its official office opening on the evening of Thursday 3 November and were joined by local residents, clients and businesses from the local area.

The firm has made a significant investment in the new offices and the evening was a great success.

Adele Gallagher, Conal Gallagher

Andrew Vincent, Bev Ashcroft, Melissa Traynor

Sue Roberts, Conal Gallagher

www.gr8lifemagazine.com ELUFKDOO EODFNEXUQ LQGG

Adele Gallagher, Catherine MacCracken

Sarah Evans, Andrea Forrest

Thousands of photos available at www.champnews.com/pixonline

Elaine Roberts, Alison Owens

Zara Sedat, Shelley Adams, Jenny Barker

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

Chris Hopes, Gail Shaw, Diana Nicholls

79

77

Gr8 Life Society Pages

Pink and Sparkly Ball Claire Simonsen transformed Formby Hall Golf Club with her Pink & Sparkly Ball which raised over £6000 in aid of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Over 200 guests glitzed their way into the ball dressed in fabulous pink dresses and bow ties.

Claire said “Everyone looked amazing!

The Sproson Family - JP, Sarah, paul, Alison & Joanna Sproson

Myself, and my mum Margaret are overwhelmed with the generosity and support shown by everyone who have helped make it a fabulously pink evening while raising the much needed funds for such a worthy cause.’

Matt Boyle, Director of fund raising at the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said, ‘Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in the UK, so it is vital we continue to raise money to help us in

Fab & Lisa Equisi, Lindsey & Chris Jude, Joanne & Graham Metcalfe

Thousands of photos available at www.champnews.com/pixonline

Margaret Flynn, Pete Flynn & Claire Simonsen

Claire Benson, Lyndsey Hayes & Claire Beck

Chris Bourne & Pete Flynn 80

3LQN 6SDUNO\ LQGG

the fight to defeat this truly awful disease.”

Miss Southport Brea Carney-Jones & Adam Leatherbarrow

Claire Simonsen & Jay Hynd www.gr8lifemagazine.com

everybody who took part in this years Golf Event at Formby Golf Club. They added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We raised over ÂŁ70,000 on the day. This will be used to fund the new appeal which is to raise ÂŁ500,000 towards the ÂŁ1.3m project

Marina Dalglish Appeal golf day

at Southport and Formby District General

Gr8 Life Society Pages

Kenny & Marina would like to thank

Hospital.â&#x20AC;? The refurbishment will see the cancer centre significantly expanded to create a light, airy treatment space for patients, some of whom require up to eight hours of

Thousands of photos available at www.champnews.com/pixonline

chemotherapy at a time.â&#x20AC;?

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

0DULD 'DOJOLVK LQGG

81

Accessories Online The Well Barn Little Crosby Road Little Crosby L23 4TS Tel: 0845 108 3073 www.accessoriesonline.co.uk The Belpasso Oil & Wine Company Unit 4, Malthouse Business Centre, Ormskirk L39 1QR Tel: 01695 581176 www.belpasso.co.uk

Elaine Frances Clinical Aesthetics Ltd 109 Church Road Tarleton Preston Lancashire PR4 6UP Tel 01772 816133 www.elainefrances.com The George Hotel 147 Duke Street Southport PR8 5DH Tel: 01704 530304 www.thegeorgehotel.webs.com

Blazes Fireplace Centre 36/38 Liverpool Road Birkdale Village Southport PR8 4AY Tel: 01704 565353 www.blazes.co.uk

Giggles Gym 51 Weld Road Birkdale Southport PR8 2DS Tel: 01704 560077 www.gigglesgym.co.uk

The Blue Mallard Burscough Wharf Liverpool Road North Burscough L40 5RZ Tel: 01704 893954 www.thebluemallard.co.uk

Granite House

by Stonemasters Unit 2, The Old Laundry (off Aveling Drive) Greaves Hall, Banks Southport PR9 8BJ Tel 01704 228574 www.granitehouse.co.uk

Bramleys Coffee House Ltd Church Walks Ormskirk Lancashire L39 3QS Tel: 01695 578801 Corinthian Furniture The Well Barn Little Crosby Road Little Crosby L23 4TS Tel: 0151 924 4499 www.corinthianfurniture.co.uk Creative Joinery 192 Lyons Lane Chorley PR6 0PP Tel:01257 233331 www.creativejoinery.net The Dining Rooms 38 Promenade Southport, Merseyside PR8 1QU Tel: 01704 548 549 www.alexandraandvictoriahotel.com Dobbies Garden World Benthamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way Southport, PR8 4HX Tel: 01704 552920 www.dobbies.co.uk Edge Conservation The Well Barn Little Crosby Road Little Crosby L23 4TS Tel: 0151 924 0447 www.edgeconservation-restoration.com 82

GLUHFWRU\ LQGG

Harkirk Gallery The Well Barn Little Crosby Road Little Crosby L23 4TS Tel: 0151 932 1707 www.harkirkgallery.com Infinity 5 The Cloisters Halsall Lane Formby L37 3PX Tel: 01704 879595 Kinetics Personal Fitness 2nd Floor Charlotte House 35 - 37 Hoghton Street Southport Merseyside PR9 0NS Tel: 01704 544338 www.kineticswellness.co.uk Langs Of Longton Bridge Court Liverpool New Road Preston Lancashire PR4 5BF Tel: 01772 611766 www.botanicbistro.com Masamuni Burscough Wharf Liverpool Road North Burscough L40 5RZ Tel: 01704 894804 www.facebook.com/people/ Masamuni-Hair

JIEXYVIH GSQTERMIW Merchant Taylors Schools Liverpool Road Crosby Liverpool L23 0QP Tel: 0151 932 2414 (Girls) Tel: 0151 949 9333 (Boys/Junior Boys) Tel: 0151 924 1506 (Mixed Infants/Junior Girls) www.merchanttaylors.com Miller & Carter Parbold Parbold Hill Parbold Lancashire WN8 7TG Tel: 01257 462318 www.millerandcarter.co.uk NFU Mutual Southport 7 Hoghton Street, Southport.

Tel: 01704 512810 Skelmersdale Century House, 3c Maple Court, Whitemoss Business Centre WN8 9TG Tel:01695 51177 www.nfumutual.co.uk One Stop Planning 14 Regent Road Birkdale Southport PR8 2ED Tel: 07802 625995 Pack It 3 King Street Southport PR8 1LB Tel: 01704 534007 Prestige Granite & Marble N.W. Ltd Dixon Road, Knowsley Industrial Park Knowsley, Liverpool 0151 548 1144 www.prestigegranite.co.uk

Scarisbrick Hall School Southport Road Ormskirk Lancashire L40 9RQ Tel: 01704 880200 www.beautifulbeginningsdaynursery.co.uk www.scarisbrickhallschool.co.uk Senses Spa 72 Duke Street Southport PR8 5BT Tel 01704 885022 Synexus Limited Sandringham House Ackhurst Park Chorley Lancashire PR7 1NY Tel:01257 230723 www.synexus.com The Upholsterer The Well Barn Little Crosby Road Little Crosby L23 4TS Tel: 0151 924 7193 Volare Italian Restaurant 613 Lord Street Southport, Merseyside PR9 0AN Tel:01704 546 232 www.italianrestaurantsouthport.co.uk Waitrose 3 Tuns Lane Formby, L37 4AJ Tel:01704 873 017 www.waitrose.com/formby Well Being At The Well Barn The Well Barn Stable Little Crosby Road Little Crosby L23 4TS Tel: 0151 924 4642 www.wellbeingatthewellbarn.co.uk

Renacres Hospital Renacres Lane Ormskirk Lancashire L39 8SE Tel: 01704 841133 www.renacreshospital.co.uk

West Lancs Antiques Victoria Mill, Victoria Street Burscough.

Lancashire L40 0SN Tel: 01704 894634

Rosalind Fashions 138 College Road Crosby Liverpool L23 3DP Tel : 0151 924 7433 www.rosalindfashions-liverpool.co.uk

West Lancashire Microlight School Ince Blundell Formby L38 6JJ Tel: 0151 929 3319 www.wlms.co.uk Gr8 Life magazine

LARGE ANTIQUE WAREHOUSE -

OPEN TO TRADE AND PUBLIC -

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MARKET AND BUY ANTIQUES AT KNOCK-DOWN PRICES

• Antique and older style furniture bought and sold • We also sell on a commission

WEST LANCS ANTIQUES

• Full stripping & polishing service • Door stripping service

:(67 /$1&6 LQGG

THE ASSOCIATION OF ART & ANTIQUES DEALERS

Email: westlancsantique@btconnect.com OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9.00-5.30 • Sat, 11.00-4.30

1101128

Victoria Mill, Victoria Street, Burscough, Lancashire, L40 0SN Tel: 01704 894634 Fax: 01704 894486

• Buy from us and we can restore

+KKCPPW !FPGQR K?Q

Indulgence and Christmas go hand in hand. And, at Dobbies, we have a tasty range of luxury food and drink that’s perfect for the festive season. Along with a nice relaxed atmosphere in-store, you’ll find a bakery and delicatessen with a delicious selection of cheeses. Not to mention, a fabulous range of artisan foodie treats and gourmet gifts. You’ll even have the chance to create your own bespoke hamper, which is a great gift idea. Are you tempted?

1103704

Christmas Hampers Create your own or choose from our special selection

Gourmet gifts and the finest local produce

In-store Butcher, Bakery and delicatessen

Cheese Counter I Quality Fresh Produce I Butcher I Bakery I Delicatessen I Wines & Ales Dobbies Garden World I Bentham’s Way I Birkdale I Southport I PR8 4HX Tel: 01704 552 920

Shop online at www.dobbies.com

GREELHV LQGG