Southport exclusive autumn 2014

WELCOME

Welcome To Autumn

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ugust happens to be the month of my wedding anniversary. My wife actually told me when we got married the best way for me to remember this very important day in our calendar.

Just Forget It Once !!! I had been warned.

So with August 20th approaching this year I thought it best on the 19th just before 5.30pm, that I should get myself down to the card shop so that I was fully prepared at breakfast the following morning.

As I walked into the shop I froze in what can only be described as a combination of horror and disbelief. Immediately upon entering I was confronted with display after display of… no it couldn’t be, surely not ?… yes it was... Christmas Cards !!! e realisation suddenly dawned upon me that summer is almost behind us. e kids are going back to school, it’s getting darker earlier and most of all it will begin to get colder.

But wait... It’s not actually anywhere near Christmas yet. At the time of my near xmas card experience there were still 127 shopping days to go despite Clintons best efforts to kick things off as far in advance as possible. Unless you happen to be one of the world’s most organised of human beings let’s be honest none of us are really thinking about the Christmas present list just yet are we ?

Let’s first enjoy arguably the prettiest season of our year... Welcome To Autumn. And there is plenty to look forward to.

Amongst the annual cascade of autumn leaves and the gabble of the flocks of migrating geese so familiar to our locality, Southport really has so much going on and Exclusive will again bring you an insight into much of what is on offer this ‘Fall’.

A couple of the more high profile events returning to the resort are the annual spectacular Southport Airshow and e British Musical Firework Championship which continue to captivate their audiences year after year.

Autumn 2014

We also take a look and give you some suggestions of things to do when the clocks go back and the nights ‘start drawing in’.

We sincerely hope you will enjoy our Autumn edition of Southport Exclusive and that we can put any thoughts of the guy in the red suit to the back of our mind for just a little longer.

Neil Wilson Managing Director

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Reputation m e n s w e a r

Fashion Brands Classic Brands Vivienne Westwood

Canali

Seven For All Mankind

Meyer

One True Religion Ted Baker

Without Predjudice Robert Graham Gant

J. Lindeberg La Martina Cerutti

Circle of Gentleman Lagerfeld

No.1 Shirt Company Lacoste

Pal Zileri

Hackett

Roy Robson Garduer Barker

Fynch Hatton Eterna

Olymp Brax

Falke

Bugatti

Paul & Shark Duchamp

Van Kollem

Bugatti Footwear

Jiggler Lord Berlue Oliver Sweeney Mancini

A Fish Named Fred Giordano

Reputation Menswear

FOR THE ULTIMATE EXCLUSIVE MALE 92-96 Lord Street Southport PR8 1JR, next to The Vincent Hotel and Eighty Eight Bar and Brasserie

Contact details: info@reputationmenswear.co.uk, www.reputationmenswear.co.uk, Tel: 01704 536959

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Some of the design labels available at Virginia Lee include: Annette Gortz ● Bitte Kai Rand ● Isabel de Pedro ● Ronen Chen Xenia Desing ● Joseph Ribkoff ● Eve by Crea Concept VIRGINIA LEE 8/9 GARRICK PARADE

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LORD STREET

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SOUTHPORT

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01704 546584

Have You Discovered SOUTHPORTS HIDDEN GEM ?

It’ll be our 2nd Birthday on 1st September and we’re so excited – we’ve grown from strength to strength over the last two years and we’re evolving all of the time!

Our most recent addition is some absolutely stunning handbags which are certainly a head turner and also due in very soon are some alternative handbags by the famous designer Zandra Rhodes, you certainly will not be disappointed!

We’ll be having a small gathering at the shop on Friday 29th August to celebrate our two years of bringing a ‘little something extra’ to Southport and you’re all welcome.

There’ll be a glass of fizz and a few nibbles for all our customers so we’d love you to come and celebrate with us!

WB

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The Wardrobe Boutique Every Ladies Dressing up Box !

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Open mon- sat 10am until 5pm ‘Free customer parking directly outside the shop’ The Wardrobe Boutique 38a Sussex Road Southport PR9 0SR Tel: 01704 809771, Email:thewardrobeboutique@hotmail.co.uk www.thewardrobeboutiquesouthport.com Personal Dressing and advice available.

Free of Charge - by appointment only.

CONTENTS AUTUMN

Fashion Shopping In Autumn – Wrapping Up……..........................12 A Review Of e Summer Fashion Festival….……...…......16 Dedicated Follower Of Fashion……………...….................18 Sewing e Seeds Of Success With Betsy Boo......................22

Family Dreams Can Come True With Voice +……….....................34 Match Made In Heaven……………………......….............42 Picture Perfect – Yaffe Photography………......…................70 Wildlife Untamed At Martin Mere………….....................108 Top Ten ings To Do Inside In Autumn……...................124

Eating & Drinking Season’s Eatings – A Guide To Autumn Dining....................50 Turkish Delight……………………........……….....…..….55

Business A Fresh Approach To Networking………….........…...........64 Top Tips With Chris Tinsley………………..........………..75

phOTOgRAphy Betsy Boo - Diane Thompson & Laura Shawcroft Couture Foto www.facebook.com/couturefoto1

Summer Fashion Festival – Zack Downey Zed Photography www.facebook.com/ZackDowneyphotography Picture Perfect – Yaffe Photography www.yaffephotography.com

Summer Fashion Festival – Commercial, Lifestyle & Fashion Photographer © Charles Davis 2014 www.professionalphotography.me.uk

Dedicated Follower Of Fashion – Michelle Peet : Photography

by Michelle www.photographybymichelle.co.uk Putting The Sport Into Southport – Angus Matheson

@ProPhotography 07824 444 487

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Autumn 2014

CONTENTS AUTUMN

Health & Beauty Hot Property – Yoga Euphoria…………................…………….........38

In The Community A Focus On Beautiful Birkdale……………..............…………..........26 Dare To Be Great - Autism Initiatives………........................................110

Sport Putting e Sport Into Southport……..........................………….........30 An Interview With Ian Snodin………....................………………....114 We Are e Champions……………..............………………….....120

What’s On e British Musical Fireworks Championship.............................................86 Loop And Swoop - Southport Airshow…………..................................90 Culture Club At e Atkinson………………….................…….........95 Agent Provocateur - Jimmy Carr…………...................………...........98.

Stand And Deliver - Comedy Festival……….................…..................100

Directory A Classified Listing Of All Our Partners……...........................................126

Follow Us On @ExclusiveMgzns

Like us On Southport Exclusive Magazine

FEATuRES & AdvERTISINg ENquIRIES Neil Wilson 07809 226112 n.wilson@exclusive-magazines.co.uk

puBLIShEd By dW puBLIShINg (uK) LTd Head Office: Heritage House First Floor 9b Hoghton Street Southport PR9 0TE Telephone : 01704 516564 07809 226112 www.exclusive-magazines.co.uk E mail : info@exclusive-magazines.co.uk

d ESIgN & pROduCTION Expression Graphic Studio EdITORIAL Simon Grant Nicola Dougherty Arthur Johnson

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FEATuRE SHOPP ING

Wrapping Up Autumn Shopping in Southport

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Autumn 2014

FEATuRE SHOPP ING

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here's something immensely comforting about dusting off the winter jacket and rummaging through the wardrobe only to find that stylish scarf that you'd forgotten you even owned. at's right, autumn arrives and our wardrobes evolve as quickly as the changing leaves around us. at means chunky-knit woollens, snuggly jackets, beanie hats and closed leather shoes or boots once more. e must-have catwalk trends to look out for include a liberal assortment of blanket scarves, chunky belts and statement jackets (think faux furs, fairytale capes and shearling aplenty). Plaid, zips, pastel pinks and vibrant blues are also likely to make an appearance. Gents; think monochrome, orange and slim slacks.

Autumn is all about wrapping up. Not just with your wardrobe choices either because it's also time to snaffle those stocking fillers, and essential Christmas goodies, in time for the onrushing festive season. It will soon be upon us and rest assured, from Lord Street to Kew, our favourite shops will be ho-hohoping to greet us into the warmth. ere's no shortage of shopping options, or excuses for Last Minute Larry's, as our shopping thoroughfares are transformed into Winter Wonderlands for all your gift shopping needs. For a touch of seasonal magic, head for the twinkling lights of Lord Street, the classical beauty of Wayfarer's Arcade (with it's perennially ornate spruce) or Chapel Street's Christmas markets. Get in early to beat the crowds and bag yourself the perfect tree, turkey and trinkets.

How many of us make an annual promise to ourselves that this time we will get organised early and avoid the madness of those final few days of advent? Well, this year we're aiming to be among those Exclusive ranks of smug shoppers who've scoured the stores, and stocked the larders, well before December arrives. In all likelihood, we'll be zooming around a garage forecourt come Christmas Eve, but it's the thought that counts. Seasons greetings!

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FEATuRE SHOPP ING

The luxurious shopping experience in the heart of Liverpool

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truggling to find the perfect day out where you can combine real luxury with the ultimate shopping experience, leisure activities and something for the children too? Look no further than Liverpool ONE.

e award winning shopping and leisure destination in the heart of the city is in a league of its own.

For the ladies and gentlemen who lunch the stylish Peter’s Lane caters for all of your needs with such famous name brands as Flannels, Ted Baker, Karen Millen, Hugo Boss and Radley.

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With personal shoppers at hand to take the stress out of finding that perfect outfit, whether it is a wedding, the races or an award dinner you are attending, you are guaranteed to find ultimate satisfaction with the Peter’s Lane shopping experience.

And there are lots of designer brands too in the likes of Flannels including the famous Jimmy Choo, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Paul Smith and Canada Goose. If your outfit isn’t quite the fit you are looking for there is even an on-site tailor to cater for all of your needs.

Take the weight off your feet with a coffee break at Home Coffee or Hotel Chocolat and then continue your shopping experience at Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar where you will find all of your favourite brands from MAC and Bobbi Brown to ESPA and Jo Malone – together with lots of independent names too. e Wow Bar provides the ultimate in relaxation and you can even enjoy a glass of champagne while being pampered with a manicure or make-over. Not forgetting Electric Hair Salon which has expert stylists at hand to cater for your every need, whether it is a simple blow dry, a new style or party hair which is guaranteed to turn heads!

FEATuRE SHOPP ING

Moving away from the luxuries of Peter’s Lane, you can find all of your high street brands - and many more too throughout Liverpool ONE – including numerous flagship stores.

You are advised to keep watching the Liverpool ONE website to ensure you are the first to find out about the new and exciting Christmas activities which are coming to the destination this year.

BANK has its only all-female store in the country at Liverpool ONE and Zara has chosen the shopping and leisure destination as the site for its Northern flagship store.

So you have literally shopped until you can shop no more …

Now is the time to venture to the restaurants – if you are a family there are lots of family friendly options, including Jamie’s Italian and the newly opened Bill’s –another real favourite is Brown’s or for those cocktails and stylish evening dining, Palm Sugar and Chaophraya.

If it is larger department stores you are looking for there is a choice of Debenhams and John Lewis and with stores open until 8pm every week day you really can shop at whatever time suits you.

Liverpool ONE is also the style setter when it comes to Christmas and with the festive season now only a couple of months away the retail destination will be extending its opening hours to 9pm every week day from 20 November.

Boasting several large car parking facilities and located nearby to all of the city's main transport links, getting to your favourite stores at Liverpool ONE couldn't be easier.

But what should you do if you have had enough of shopping and want something a little different? e answer, take a walk to the Leisure Terrace and Chavasse Park at Liverpool ONE where there is always a new activity or event taking place – guaranteed to entertain every member of the family.

Whether it is shopping, dining or leisure – Liverpool ONE has it all – where style really does come to life!

For more information on Liverpool ONE please visit: www.liverpool-one.com. Please use the below social media channels to tag Liverpool ONE: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LiverpoolONEOfficialPage Twitter: @Liverpool_ONE Instagram: LIVERPOOL_ONEOFFICIAL

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FEATURE FASHION

Southport hosted its first ever Summer Fashion Festival in the glorious sunshine on Sunday 6th July at the Waterfront, Promenade.

Photography By Zack Downey

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FEATURE FASHION e free to attend fashion event attracted crowds of people of all ages and has been hailed a huge success. e event was the brainchild of Lisa Hames and Jeff Wilkinson, directors of GModels & Casting Agency. e organisers joined forces with Storm Consultancy and Community Link Foundation and by working together they made this a truly unforgettable event. e day was hosted by Baz Todd (Juice FM) who introduced many of the talented live acts on to the outdoor purpose built stage throughout the day. e day featured live vocal and guitar performances and an array of catwalk shows modelled by the GModels. Visitors to the festival enjoyed performances from Scott Chapman, Peter Hill and Izzy Rice, incredible dance performances by Streetbeatz, 3D Crew and Southport’s Baby Ballet and many more local performers.

If that's not enough some of the North Wests most elite street performers took to the stage with breath taking performances whilst stalls were exhibiting crafts, arts, high

summer fashion, hair, beauty, accessories and food and drink both outdoors and indoors in the beautiful glass conservatory style units.

David Barron, chairman of Southport based charity Community Link Foundation said "I think the event was fantastic. It was great for the town of Southport and wonderful to see e Waterfront being used in such a unique way. e organisers should be really proud of what they have achieved. e Community Link Foundation raised more than a thousand pounds and I would like to thank everyone involved in the festival. It was a massive success and a great day out for all the family" Lisa Hames, director of GModels & Casting Agency commented "I would like to thank all of the performers, models, hair by Katie Matthews, Hannah Gill make-up, Neptune, Finos, Hungry Horse and all of the other businesses that took part in this year’s event. e support we received was amazing. We are very much looking forward to working with you all again soon."

Photography By Charles Davies Autumn 2014

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FEATURE FASHION

Dedicated Follower of Fashion The Wardrobe Bout ique | 38A Sussex Road, Southport PR9 0SR î Že Wardrobe Boutique, on the corner of Sussex Road and Hall Street, has been turning heads with it's limited edition ranges of elegant clothing, handbags, shoes, jewellery and accessories (sparkly 'bling-back' for your shoes madam?!) for nearly two years now.

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Owner and manager, Denise Collins, has a fine eye for chic couture and an even keener sense of what will suit her adoring customers.

FEATURE FASHION

“One of the reasons I decided to go in the direction that I did is there's a massive gap in the market somewhere in between teenagers and older people,” Denise tells us. “I think a lot of people believe that when you get to a certain age you should be on the shelf, you don't look sexy anymore, you're frumpy and you should wear old clothes. But no matter what age or size you are, we try to cater for everybody.”

Denise's bespoke stock of luxurious garments can range from size eight through to 22 and are handpicked by her to accentuate and celebrate curvaceous figures. “ I do try and get things that are going to appeal to a lot of people in different ways,” she says.

“It's such a wonderful feeling when somebody comes in looking like a wallflower and then goes out feeling like a million dollars.”

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FEATURE FASHION

FAshion FoRwARd FUndRAising

In May, Denise was asked to host a fashion show to boost the fundraising efforts of a philanthropic friend who'd set her sights on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. e smash hit event took place at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa and featured runway models in Wardrobe Boutique attire, stalls to showcase local independent businesses, and an all-important raffle. In all they managed to raise £1,800 for Claire House Children's Hospice, Age UK, Cancer Research UK, and Reuben's Retreat. If you were wondering, Denise's friend did go on to conquer her climb and raised a whopping £8,000 in the process.

Denise picks up the story: “All the models are customers because we don't want anyone in the crowd to look at the model and think 'well, it looks good on her but it doesn't look good on us.' We try and find different heights, shapes, and sizes because then everybody can relate to one of the models.”

She adds, “It was a sold out event, with about 220 people there on the night, and we were having to turn people away. e next day I thought 'we need to do this again!' So I put a little note on Facebook and within two weeks we'd had 170 reservations. We hadn't even booked a venue or set a date at that stage.”

So Denise's follow-up charity fashion show struts back into Formby Hall, on 22 October, for what promises to be an even more ambitious evening of fashion forward fundraising. She'll kick things off with drinks and shopping at the stalls of local gift retailers and beauty businesses. en her vivacious models hit the catwalk for two separate showings, either side of a two-course meal and coffee, while a live swing and motown singer hits the right notes. All the stylish numbers on show will also be available to buy on the night. is time though, Denise's cause is personal. She says, “e next fashion show is going to be in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. I lost my mum to it 18 months ago and then my dad got cancer straight afterwards. I just feel really passionate and try to help where I can.” Unfortunately, Denise's glamorous mother never got to see e Wardrobe Boutique take off. But the family passion for fashion lives on through a rip roaringly successful business that's also giving back in the best possible fashion.

Photography By Michelle Peet

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FEATURE FASHION

e Wardrobe Boutique is located at 38A Sussex Road, Southport PR9 0SR and is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. For more information visit www.thewardrobeboutiquesou thport.com or look for e Wardrobe Boutique on Facebook and @TwardrobeB on Twitter. Denise's second fashion show takes place at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa on Wednesday 22 October. Tickets cost £25 per person and include entrance to the show, a two-course dinner with coffee, and live entertainment. Doors open at 6.30pm and the first catwalk show begins at 8pm. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

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BETSY BOO Feature

Betsy Boo Creations Sewing the Seeds of Success

Two years ago, Sascha Rawlinson and her husband were without work and worried about what the future would hold.

Fast forward two years and after long days, late nights and bags of

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determination, they now have a very dierent story to tell. A story that has taken them from brainstorming around their kitchen table to owning their own shop.

BETSY BOO Feature

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ascha and her husband Darryn Wright, are the brains behind Betsy Boo Creations, a company which makes handmade dresses and personalised cushions. Her Facebook page has more than 23,000 likes and was the only way that they sold items, until they opened a shop on Birkdale Trading Estate in April this year.

Sascha, who is originally from Burnley, has had a varied career. In 1995, aged just 18, she went to Tel Aviv to work as a nanny but when the riots started after Yitzhak Rabin's assassination she returned to England. She then took a job at Manchester United as a waitress and was quickly promoted to Platinum Lounge Manageress. In 2002, she took a role with Sainsbury’s as business development manager. She met Darryn while she was working there and moved to Southport to be with him in January 2007.

In December 2008 their first child, Oscar, was born and although she planned to return to work after a year, she couldn't face leaving her son, and decided to become a full time mum. Two years later, Betsy was born and their family

was complete. But then in February 2012 came the dreadful news that Darryn had been made redundant and their lives were turned upside down.

Sascha said: "When Darryn lost his job, it came completely out of the blue. With neither of us working we quickly needed to come up with a plan; we had bills to pay and two small children to provide for. I've always loved all sorts of handmade items from clothes through to furniture, and had grown up watching my mum sew and thought I'd have a go. I bought a sewing machine and signed up to some classes which gave me the confidence I needed.

Within a couple of weeks I was following patterns and making more and more items.�

In May 2012, she held her first craft fair at a church hall in Southport with a range of stalls, including her own selling a few dresses made with Cath Kidston material, and a couple of cushions made with vintage fabric. Her items sold and the fair was a success so she held two more fairs that year and set up a Facebook page to take orders. autumn 2014

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BETSY BOO Feature

Sascha's social networking has taken the name of Betsy Boo Creations far and wide. Her dresses were noticed by television presenter and designer, Kirstie Allsop, who featured Sascha on her blog which saw her customer base grow further. Over the next two years the business grew rapidly and they employed local women to help with the increased number of orders.

Feedback from customers says that the dresses are so successful because of the choice of material that Sascha has in stock for them to select their dress from, with different dress styles being added all the time.

She said: "I tend to buy fabrics that I like and that always seem to have worked. With having my own daughter, I felt that there was a gap in the market for dresses with unusual patterns on, and just something a little bit different. I buy fabrics with the customers in mind but essentially go for what I like and what I think would look nice on a little girl like mine."

Late last year they took a stall at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester and were approached by potential investors. Although they were sympathetic to what Sascha and Darryn want to do with the business, the timing didn't feel right, and they decided to go it alone.

She said: "ey wanted to keep the brand exactly as it is and make it go further, rather than hindering what we've got or trying to change anything. We had several meetings with them 24

autumn 2014

but decided not to go with them. ey could take us bigger than we are but we're not sure that's the way we want to go. We haven't closed the door on the idea though; we've left it ajar for now."

At the beginning of the year, when her house had been slowly taken over by bolts of material and her dining room table was no longer somewhere to eat, but somewhere to work, they started looking for premises.

In April they found an empty unit on Birkdale Trading Estate. It had previously been a spray painting garage so they had their work cut out to visualise how it could look, but they decided it was worth the risk.

Sascha continued: "We're so pleased we made the move; we've got our house back and the shop is doing really well. We still do the majority of our orders online but the shop is getting busier and gives us somewhere for people to collect from and have meetings, rather than having to open up our family home for that."

Since opening the doors of the shop, they have also started stocking gifts including Moulin Roty soft toys, Powell Craft nightwear, sewing books and organic essential oil candles. ey have customers from across the world and regularly send parcels to Australia, Hong Kong, India and even a celebrity or two.

BETSY BOO Feature

Sascha added: "We have great, loyal customers and since we opened the shop we've had people travel from places as far as Yorkshire and Staffordshire because they've followed us on Facebook and want to meet us. I love dealing with my customers and feel so honoured that people choose to dress their children in clothes I have made. It's an amazing position to be in and I am grateful every day.”

So, what does the future hold for Betsy Boo Creations? e short term vision is to take on more people to sew and take as many Christmas orders as possible after having to turn business away last year when they were much busier than they expected. is year they aim to make sure they are in a position to take all the orders.

Photography by Diane ompson & Laura Shawcroft, Couture Foto : www.facebook.com/couturefoto1

What's the long term plan then?

"World domination," she joked.

Although I wouldn't put it past her !

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FEATURE BIRKDALE

Beautiful Birkdale An Introduction to Birkdale Village Ah Birkdale! Its quaint village surrounds are a lovely oasis, amongst the sea of residential suburbs, that promise more than a dash of up-scale living. Among the flanks of lofty Victorian red-bricks, and traditional wrought iron shop fronts, there's a sense of serenity and vibrancy that makes this a truly unique suburb within Southport's widening sprawl.

Open. e world's top women golfers delighted thousands of eager spectators, amid changeable weather conditions, only for American Mo Martin to clinch a surprise victory with a magnificent eagle on the final hole of her round.

Once again, Royal Birkdale's iconic undulating expanses brought the world's attention to this historic little suburb along England's Golf Coast.

Of course, if Mo had wanted to celebrate her triumph down at Birkdale Village, she would have found no shortage of options available to her. Topping the list is Verve. is stylish wine bar and deli certainly lives up to its name thanks to cool contemporary décor, delicious gastro-pub cuisine (served on rustic wooden serving boards), and quaffable cocktails that are two-for-one from 5pm on ursdays.

Whether relaxing with a mellow coffee and a favourite companion in the sun-trap outdoor area, hosting a family get together over plates of moorish morsels, or simply slipping into the glad rags for an evening of chic champagne revelry – Verve is most certainly the place to be.

For a more traditional seaside pub experience, on Birkdale's outer expanses nearer the sea, the Fisherman's Rest continues to gather a string of plaudits and rave reviews.

Given a Certificate of Excellence 2014 by TripAdvisor, this homely British boozer rates highly for great value tasty dishes, served with a smile from the friendly and efficient staff. After a good feed, what better way to work it off than with a stroll along Marine Drive's promenade, just a stone's throw away.

Birkdale in all likelihood takes its name from the Old Norse phrases, Birki meaning “Birch Copse” and Dair which meant “dale” or “valley.” Nowadays, the birch trees are fewer and farther between and the green valley of yesteryear exists only in isolation among the rolling fairways and manicured greens of this area's most recognisable landmark, Royal Birkdale Golf Course.

Back in July, this magnificent grande dame of the golfing world played host to the 2014 Ricoh Women's British

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FEATURE BIRKDALE Peter, back in 1974. e Birkdale branch was born in 1996 and stores in Formby, Ormskirk, Dobbies and Liverpool have fleshed out the franchise since. At the heart of it all is a deep down love of quality British meat. We're talking ethically sourced, free range produce that's as succulent as it is tasty. Add in sublime BBQ packs, cooked meat and pies, and hamper gift ideas and it's a must-see for any out and out carnivores among us.

Also causing a stir among discerning Southport gastronomes is Bistrot Verite. Marc and Michaela Verite launched their bijou bistro back in 2009, in a bid to bring some Gallic flavour to the plates and palates of hungry Sandgrounders.

Fusing real life experience of working in France, and a love of Sefton's seasonal and local ingredients, their “stuck in, not stuck up” style of service is nothing short of magnifique. is child-friendly restaurant is another prime example of the Birkdale dining scene's flair for top notch quality, service and ambience that's also kind on the wallet.

Another firm Birkdale favourite is Villagio Cucina. is Italian trattoria also goes big on the freshest seasonal ingredients supplemented by the finest Italian cheeses, meats and seafood to produce honest, authentic Italian food just like mamma would actually make it. eir in-house wine experts have scoured the vineyards (someone's got to do it) for the most tantalising complementary tipples. And the elegant, refined décor makes this the ideal retreat to wine and dine that special someone or throttle back with a lazy Sunday brunch.

Of course, no mention of Birkdale Village would be complete without a word about the award-winning Broughs Butchers. is collective of independent butchers began in Ainsdale, under the auspices of Tony Brough and father

While we're on the subject of luxurious delicacies we should also draw your attention to Birkdale Cheese Centre. is old-fashioned cheese mongers takes a decidedly modern approach to bring you the widest selection of mouthwatering cheeses. With more than 120 first class cheeses – ranging from local best-sellers like Garstang Lancashire, to classic cheddars, and fragrant blue cheeses –

you really are spoilt for choice. Savvy owner, Joanne Matthews, can even dish out tips on the best pates, relishes and crackers to accompany your favourite delectable dairy product. e dainty hampers also make for ideal personalised gifts and if you're a bonafide turophile (cheese connoisseur) then you might want to go the whole hog on your special day with one of their bespoke wedding cheese cakes.

Ladies, if you're looking for a pampering experience then why not indulge yourselves at Sitting Pretty Salon, e Spa Lounge of Birkdale or the wonderfully titled Curling U Softley. Reinvigorate your wardrobe with a stylish new evening outfit, and matching accessories, at Birkdale Boutique. Or for that picture perfect wedding dress take a walk down the aisle of e Brides Room Of Birkdale.

ere's so much going on in Birkdale you really have to get down there and experience it all. ese are just a few of our picks but you're sure to pick up many new favourite venues on your visit to the Village.

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CLASSIFIEDS BIRKDALE

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SITTING PRETTY BEAUTY SALON

BISTROT VÈRITÈ

18 Liverpool Road Birkdale PR8 4AY Tel : 01704 550667 www.sittingprettybeautysalon.com

7 Liverpool Road Birkdale PR8 4AR Tel :01704 564199 www.bistrotverite.co.uk

1 Alma Road Birkdale PR8 4AN Tel : 01704 461338 www.yogaeuphoriabirkdale.co.uk

Sitting Pretty beauty salon is for customers who expect a modern and professional approach to skin care and beauty concerns, which guarantees efficiency, satisfaction, and advice for the future. eir motto is an individual approach to customers which allows staff to get to know the needs and to build awareness of how important your health and well-being really is. Situated in Birkdale village in Southport, they are ideally located.

Sitting Pretty create a unique relationship with each client whether it’s your first visit or you are a seasoned regular. You can ask for advice any time so just give them a call or pop in.

Bistrot Vérité opened in 2009 and has gone on to become without question one of Southport’s most highly acclaimed restaurants. A small, authentic French-style restaurant with an ever changing menu and using seasonal, quality ingredients and sourced locally wherever possible but given that French twist. No stuffiness, no pretence….just delicious French cuisine in a happy and homely atmosphere.

With a simple aim to delight with the sights, sounds and aromas but most of all the taste of great cooking Verite want their customers to enjoy every mouthful and every moment of this wonderful experience.

Dishes change daily and are chalked up on boards around the Bistrot.

Hot yoga is a yoga class performed in a studio heated to around 35-40 degrees.

Each class consists of a sequence of postures and breathing exercises led by an experienced teacher.

Yoga Euphoria is a brand new hot yoga studio equipped with state of the art techonology aimed to take your hot yoga practice to a whole new level.

Within the studio there is a relaxation suite where members can find time to switch off and escape the stresses of everyday life.

Yoga Euphoria have invested in a heat system that uses heat recovery technology ensuring air coming in is clean and at just the right temperature and there are male and female changing rooms with power showers to wash away the toxins produced during your hot yoga class.

STEWART INTERIORS

GIGGLES GYM BIRKDALE

VERVE

71 Alma Road, Birkdale PR8 4BL Tel: +44 (0) 1704 568449 enquiries@stewart-interiors.co.uk stewart-interiors.co.uk

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

51 Weld Rd. Birkdale , PR8 2DS Tel.: 01704 562535

Stewart Interiors are an interior design and soft furnishing manufacturing company based in Birkdale and with more than 18 years experience. elma, the co-founder and chief designer of Stewart interiors, has over time, built up a reputation of great designs accompanied with an ability to project manage and make things happen.

Her reputation has grown with her and she has attracted many commissions from the sporting world, stately homes and local residents in search of top-class interior design advice.

Complementing the interior design business, elma manufactures her own soft furnishings. From hand sown interlined curtains, pelmets, cushions to throws and upholstery, work is all manufactured in-house, helping to keep costs down, and ensuring bespoke products of the highest quality.

Giggles Gym in Birkdale pride

Come and drink coffee or wine and dine in style at "Verve wine bar and Deli‘ located in Birkdale Village. "Verve", Birkdale‘s latest Wine Bar and Deli is open from 9am till Late Breakfast is served daily from 9am till 12 noon Lunches and light snacks and hot meals are available from 11am till 6pm and light snacks and pizzas are served until 8pm Sunday to ursday. Just pop in anytime for a coffee, relax and have a chat.

Sample fresh cocktails, sip fabulous Champagnes and enjoy fine wines and beers which are served all day till late.

2-4-1 cocktails every ursday evening from 5pm. ey also have a take away service avaliable.

"Verve" e Place To Be

themselves on ensuring everyone enjoys playtime and parties. With a choice of parties including make your own pizza in a chefs hat and apron, Make a Bear and decorate a t-shirt for them, Girlie Pamper parties and Private Hire, there really is something for everyone.

While the children enjoy themselves the adults can relax with a great coffee and chill out with a magazine or use the free WiFi in a reserved seating area. ere are lots of activities for the kids, many of which are free. ere’s Bear Bingo, Fingerprint Greetings Card Making and so much more. Everyone really can enjoy playtime at Giggles Gym. Autumn 2014

YOGA EUPHORIA

CLASSIFIEDS BIRKDALE

VILLAGGIO CUCINA

THE SPA LOUNGE

31 Liverpool Road Birkdale PR8 4AG , Tel.: 01704 564564 www.villaggiocucina.co.uk

44 Liverpool Road Birkdale PR8 4AY , Tel.: 01704 566424 www.birkdalespalounge.com

42a Liverpool Road PR8 4AY , Birkdale Tel.: 01704 568822 www.birkdalecheese.com

Villaggio Cucina is a Cafe, Bar and Trattoria based in Birkdale, serving high quality modern and classic Italian food and drink, 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Located right in the centre of Birkdale village, they serve only the best and freshest seasonal produce, Italian cheeses, meat and seafood that reflect pure Italian flavours. e restaurant menus offer a wonderful combination of both modern and classic Italian dishes. Fresh dishes are made daily in the kitchen using only the finest ingredients and traditional techniques. To complement these dishes perfectly, Villaggio Cucina also provide a full list of discovery and popular wine styles, researched and tasted by in house wine experts.

e spa offers 3 private treatment rooms with a seperate area dedicated to Pedicures and Manicures with two seperate stations for each. ey also have 1 dedicated room for spray tanning.

Towards the rear of the spa is a Relaxation Lounge area to take time out after your treatments to enjoy a drink from the licensed bar. ere is a separate Spa area which consists of a 7 seater Hydrotherapy Spa and sauna along with shower facilities and two changing areas.

In the reception area are 2 lie down sunbeds which can be used without needing an appointment.

Spa Lounge offer specialised treatments for the face, nails and body using only the finest products on the market.

Nestled in the heart of Birkdale village, the Cheese Centre stocks over 120 different top quality cheeses, from tangy blue cheeses to melt-in-the-mouth vintage cheddars and many more – including local best sellers, the Garstang Lancashire range.

Also stocking a wide range of crackers, relishes, chutney and olives and an impressive range of speciality ingredients and high quality fine food to complement the cheeses. ey can also source specialist cheeses and if not available from stock – just let them know which is your favourite British or international cheese, and they will do everything they can to get it for you! e Birkdale Cheese Centre has been established in Birkdale for nearly 20 years, and always focuses on offering a wide range of the best cheeses available.

THE GROOMS ROOM

MOTHER AND CHILD

BIRKDALE HYPNOTHERAPY

15a Liverpool Road Birkdale PR8 4AS , Tel.: 01704 553951 www.thegroomsroom.co.uk

7 Weld Parade, Birkdale PR8 2DT Tel : 01704 563634 www.motherandchildonline.co.uk

5 Grosvenor Gardens Birkdale PR8 2LH , Tel : 07825 047849 www.birkdale-hypnotherapy.co.uk

Men's Formal Wear is available to hire or buy from e Grooms Room, Birkdale. Complete outfit packages are available to hire, so whether you are looking for a traditional tailcoat or a lightweight suit for a wedding abroad or a dinner suit for a formal evening function, e Grooms Room has something for every occasion ey also sell Men's Formal Wear, stylish and elegant suits by Wilvorst, Magee and Torre, along with men's formal wear hire, accessories such as dress shirts, bow ties, cravats and cummerbunds, shoes and cufflinks. So if you put the iron through your best shirt, or you've expanded a little and your cummerbund doesn't quite fit, then pop in to e Grooms Room.

Mother and Child is based in Birkdale village and caters for girls and boys from birth to 16 years. ey sell an extensive range of designer childrenswear such as Catimini , Polo Ralph Lauren, Pampolina, Kate Mack, Timberland , Mayoral and are Stockists of Hugo Boss, Ariana Dee , Oilily, , Emile Et Rose, Mayoral, Coco, Tommy Hilfiger, Sarah Louise, Little Darlings, Seven One Seven and Agatha Prada.

Open six days a week from Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.00pm. ey also offer a payment scheme for customers who wish to pay for their reserved goods over a short period of time. ( available in store, not online.)

Mother and Child are always on the lookout for the latest collections, trying to provide that unique edge.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy combines the latest methods of Solution Focused Brief erapy with Clinical Hypnotherapy to create a powerful modern technique that enables positive change quickly and effectively.

Hypnosis is a powerful technique for affecting change. rough deep relaxation and trance we bring both the conscious mind and sub-conscious mind into balance and focus them on how you want things to be.

Working this way can help in the treatment of depression, anxiety and specific phobias such as fear of flying and driving. It also helps increase confidence and can be a very effective tool for performance enhancement.

I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy might be able to help you.

Autumn 2014

BIRKDALE CHEESE CENTRE

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FEATURE SPORTS

Photography By : Angus Matheson

Putting the sport into Southport Southport & Birkdale Sports Club Trafalgar Road, Birkdale PR8 2HF

Among the leafy confines of Birkdale you might just overhear the passing thwack of leather on willow, the gentle pop of a tennis ball, or the clatter of hockey sticks. It's all in a day's work for the thriving, multi-sports and social hub of Southport & Birkdale Sports Club.

Known universally as 'S&B' this historic sporting institution, adjoining the magnificent county cricket ground on Trafalgar Road, has been catering for the sporting pursuits of generations worth of Southport residents for many a year. î “e first class facilities play host to the town's 30

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top cricket, hockey, snooker, squash and tennis teams, as well as curious sports enthusiasts looking to rekindle their sporting passions. Not to mention the stars of Lancashire County Cricket Club from time to time.

Several sports clubs co-existed separately on the site until their amalgamation, in 1999, but continue to play their respective sports under their traditional names. So without further ado, let's take an Exclusive tour of all that Southport & Birkdale Sports Club has to oer.

FEATURE SPORTS includes teams at Under 9, 11, 13 and 15 that play in the Southport & District Junior Cricket League. Impressive amenities include state of the art cricket nets and an indoor cricket school. All of which has contributed to the club receiving Sport England's prestigious Clubmark accreditation and becoming a designated Lancashire Cricket Board 'Focus Club.'

HigH qUAliTy HockEy

Fi E l d i n g F i R s T c l A s s c R i c k E T

e club can trace its roots back as far as 1859, with the formation of Southport Cricket Club on a ground just a cricket ball's throw away from Birkdale train station.

Meanwhile, Birkdale Cricket Club took to the crease for its inaugural match at the Trafalgar Road ground in 1874.

Perhaps inevitably, the two clubs amalgamated in 1902 to form the Southport & Birkdale Cricket Club.

Southport Hockey Club also based itself at Trafalgar Road from the turn of the twentieth century. Until 1999 that is, when England Hockey orchestrated a move to all-weather pitches and the club have been bullying-off at Greenbank High School and Edge Hill University ever since. Equally well subscribed as it is established, the hockey has recorded its fair share of success over the years. ere are currently four men's, three ladies' and two junior teams. ey also boast an U13 girls' Sunday league team and a Men's Veterans' side.

e manicured oval of the club's cricket ground has borne witness to some of Lancashire County Cricket Club's most illustrious cricketing exponents since 1959. e likes of Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, David 'Bumble' Lloyd, Wasim Akram, Muttiah Muralitheran and Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff have all stepped out to a rapturous welcome. Lancashire's most recent outing here in 2013 saw them wrack up a 122run victory over Hampshire in front of 6,000 appreciative fans.

Domestically the cricket club plays in the Liverpool & District Cricket Competition, fielding three men's teams in their respective Premier Divisions. A thriving junior section

Every September the Club hosts the two-day Norman Todd Memorial Tournament, which sees local teams competing against clubs from further afield. e charitable event places a premium on the social side of hockey and consistently raises a significant sum of money for Cancer Research UK. sERving A dEUcE oF RAckET sPoRTs

At the height of the squash boom in 1974 S&B Squash & Racketball Club built two new squash courts on-site, to create what is still considered Southport's premier squash facility. Recent years have seen the addition of a high-tech online court booking system and on-demand court heaters to keep the playing conditions toasty, even on those coldest of winter evenings. Four teams of sure-footed squash teams hailing from the club now play in the North West Counties Squash League.

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FEATURE SPORTS FAnTAsTic FAciliTiEs And A PRoUd HisToRy

Of course the social wind-down to dissect the day's performance is just as important as the action itself. So no expense has been spared with the award-winning Southport Lounge bar – replete with 80-inch HD TV and a wide range of cask ales, draught and bottled beers, ciders and wines – that's manned by affable Club Manager, Dave Britton.

Qualified England Squash & Racketball registered coaches are available to hone the skills of new starters and seasoned veterans alike. Plans are also afoot to develop a third court, with seating for 70 spectators, which will enable top class squash and racketball matches to be hosted at the venue.

Birkdale Lawn Tennis Club moved to Trafalgar Road from Victoria Park in 1989, around 111 years after its formation at the iconic Southport Palace hotel. e Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) affiliated club has four all-weather artificial grass courts to it's name. All of which are floodlit, to ensure that tennis can be played all year round. An LTA qualified coach, and a Level 2 Coaching assistant, are on hand to sharpen the strokes of players of all ages and new members are always warmly welcomed.

Four senior teams compete weekly, from May to July, in the Southport & District Tennis League. Players also rally to take part in cup matches, a club tournament, friendly matches and two American tournaments. Youngsters aged six and upwards can join one of five junior tennis teams while three social tennis sessions allow adult members, who perhaps prefer a social knock or are coming back to the game, to turn up and play in a relaxed, informal setting. e S&B snooker team also plies it's trade in the Southport & District Amateur Snooker League, plus there's a pool table and table tennis available to keep the hand-eye coordination ticking over.

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Whether you're perched at the bar, or in e Jack Walker Lounge, Gray's Catering serves up quality home-cooked food for every sporting occasion. From bar snacks, to Sunday roasts, and the famous S&B Triple Layer Club Sandwich – Gray's versatile menus never fail to cater to the tastes of sports-mad families and patrons.

Club Chairman Tony Elwood said, ''S&B is a superb place to play sport and a great club to be a member of. We have fantastic facilities and a proud history, not least of staging First Class cricket. But we are striving to continue to improve the facilities for the benefit of our members and the wider community. We look forward to welcoming you to our club.”

If you play any of the sports available at Southport & Birkdale Sports Club, are keen to try them out, or would like to book a function visit www.sandbsportsclub.co.uk or call 01704 569951 for further details. e Southport Lounge bar opens from 5pm on weekdays and 12pm on weekends, closing at 11pm each night. For sample menu's, and any catering enquiries, visit www.grayscatering.co.uk or telephone 07919 032727.

FEATURE Voice+

There's a special place, tucked away in Southport's sleepy suburbs, that's helping scores of plucky performers to live out their musical dreams. Voice+ Academy of Arts, on Bedford Road, is the brainchild of multitalented singer, songwriter and voice coach Natasha Brookes. With a high-tech recording studio, singing studios, a dance studio and an allsinging, all-dancing troupe of exceptionally well qualiďŹ ed teachers all under one roof, Voice+ has more reason than most to sing from the rooftops about their successes. Simon Grant warmed up his vocal chords and went to ďŹ nd out more.

Dreams can come true Voice+ Academy of Arts 44 Bedford Road, Southport PR8 4HJ

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FEATURE Voice+ “I've been a singer all my life, I've always been in music,” says Voice+ Principal and founder, Natasha Brookes. e Blackpool songstress won a full scholarship to study performing arts and music as part of the very first intake at Sir Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) in 1996. Soon after graduating with her BA Hons, a touring stint beckoned with the prestigious Joe Loss orchestra that would last the better part of a decade.

“We did the Christmas party every year at Buckingham Palace,” she says with a smile. “It was an amazing experience.

My nan would ring me up and say, 'are you on your way to Buckingham Palace?!' Every year the Royals came round and you got to speak to them,” she adds.

As well as meeting the Queen, Natasha's orchestral tours have seen her rub shoulders with showbiz royalty. She's sung on the same bill as mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, bumped into Joan Collins at the Savoy, and has even performed by order of Sir Richard Branson at “fairytale Scottish castles” to promote Virgin's alliance with Stagecoach.

H A R d w o R k , d E T E R m i nAT i o n A n d pl E n T y o F g U T s

It sounds like quite the charmed life doesn't it? But don't think for a second that it was anything other than hard work, determination and plenty of guts that opened those doors for Natasha. She would need all those qualities in spades when, near the end of her touring career, a serious skiing accident not only derailed her singing career but also put her entire life on hold.

“I was skiing without a helmet on and smashed my head. It caused a big tear in an artery and basically I had a stroke,” Natasha recounts with a wry chuckle. “It completely wrecked my life. For twelve months I couldn't do anything.

I couldn't walk, couldn't drive, I couldn't sing – my life just stopped.” Incredibly, following twelve months of intensive rehabilitation at e Walton Centre, Natasha was back singing with the big band orchestra. She saw out another year of touring but the rigorous schedule took its toll. She had reached a crossroads.

Natasha knew what she had to do and that was to head to Everest Base Camp (obviously!) to prove that she could “still do it.” Turns out she could and it drove her to new heights in every sense. Having always taught – variously at Merchant Taylor's Boys School, Sacred Heart, Southport College and for a long while from a small studio in the family home – Natasha chose to focus all her efforts on coaching the next generation of performers.

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FEATURE Voice+ (which they'll also help to write). ey even offer 'Popstar Parties' for groups of friends to act out their musical fantasies and record their tracks in a professional studio setting.

CHAnging pEoplE's livEs on A dAily BAsis

Much of what Voice+ do is about making dreams come true.

Just as Frank enabled Natasha's vision to take flight, so she and her teachers are doing the same for aspiring young musicians, singers and actors. Whether it's helping young artists to brush up their routine before an important audition, producing CDs for their portfolio, or helping them to source equipment at discounted rates – they do it all. Former pupil, and X-Factor star, Marcus Collins is a case in point. e 2011 runner-up honed his skills with Natasha from the age of 12 and even turned to her for some last minute words of advice before his appearance in the final.

BRinging THE dREAm To liFE

Life began to evolve at a pace for Natasha. She'd newly met her partner, Frank Hogan, and it was love at first sight when a cycle ride through Birkdale led to a chance sighting of the Marshall's Garage forecourt that would eventually become her Voice+ Academy of Arts. With Frank's encouragement and handiwork, the couple bought the forecourt at auction and proceeded to bring Natasha's dream to life.

“I didn't speak for about a day because I was like 'oh my god it's real,' she admits. “ere was an unbelievable amount of work to do. But Frank ripped it out completely by himself and created what it is now. He's the silent partner of this place and I'm the vocal one!” And so what was once a concrete floored, open plan mechanic's garage has now been transformed into a stunning facility burnished with shiny pine flooring, modern décor, a dance studio, state of the art recording studio and several singing studios. at was several years ago now and in the interim Natasha, and her trusty band of fully qualified and CRB approved staff (many of whom are former protégés), have been fine tuning the musical talents of hundreds of Southport starlets. e whole premise of Voice+ is about providing a broad wealth of tuition options linked to vocal training, musicality and performing arts. eir core classes centre around private lessons in singing, piano, saxophone, acting, and musical theatre. But they also provide musicality classes for preschoolers, yoga (useful for breathing control), choreography, magic lessons, and public speaking such as wedding speeches

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ere's no stopping the team's ambitions either with expansion plans including forthcoming talent agency Voice+ Entertainment, touring group Voice+ Out and About to showcase pupils and teachers in the community, and an online merchandise store. ey're also planning to corner the wedding market with singers, DJs, speech writing and recording all from one source. Natasha and fellow teacher Wendy Maxwell are even plotting to form a touring duet to promote the Voice+ brand in bars and restaurants across the Southport area.

FEATURE Voice+ “She won't say it but Natasha changes people's lives on a daily basis, says pupil turned receptionist Caitlan Molineux.

Before taking singing lessons with Natasha, Caitlan's low self-esteem prevented her from answering the phone and routinely scuppered auditions. Now she's performed in shows for seven consecutive years and confidently welcomes all-comers to the Voice+ academy. She adds, “e biggest thing here is confidence building. It's a family and we all support each other. It's really hard to walk away from this place at night.” No doubt all the pupils who's lives have been changed by the Voice+ experience agree.

Voice+ Academy of Arts is located at 44 Bedford Road, Southport PR8 4HJ. Our lucky readers can claim an Exclusive £10 discount on any one-hour recording session (ordinarily £40) by quoting the code VOICE+44 on all bookings made before 31 January 2015. Fore more information visit www.voice-plus.co.uk or follow them on Facebook at Voice-Plus Academy of Arts or on Twitter via @voice_plus.

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FEATURE YOGA

Hot Property Yoga Euphoria 1 Alma Road, Birkdale PR8 4AN

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FEATURE YOGA

I

t’s hard not to be impressed with the luxury facilities at Yoga Euphoria’s state of the art studio, in the heart of Birkdale. Beyond the mirrored windows and pure white exterior awaits a soothing environment designed for reflection of another kind. e smart, inviting reception with it’s spotless dark wood floors is framed by Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Upstairs it becomes even more impressive. You will be wowed by the immaculate changing rooms, complete with lockers and sumptuous power showers to wash away any toxins. ere's also a treatment room and a tranquil reflection suite where members can switch off and escape the stresses of everyday life. e inner sanctum is a spacious, modern and airy space with cutting edge technology to take your Yoga practice to a whole new level. Yoga Euphoria’s bespoke heating system combines heat and humidity to provide the most comfortable environment.

Cleve heat technology ensures incoming air is allergen free and at the perfect temperature, while raised humidity levels enhance cardiovascular efficiency and increase flexibility.

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FEATURE YOGA

T h E h o T T E s T T i c k E T i n T o w n F o R ExERcisE EnThUsiAsTs

Yoga Euphoria is literally the hottest ticket in town for exercise enthusiasts right now. Converts will tell you that postures and breathing exercises induce many benefits to health and well being, including weight loss, boosts in concentration and metabolism and reduction in anxiety, insomnia and stress. “e physical changes in the body are impressive” says Yoga Euphoria co-owner and Principle instructor, Paris Parle.

“But we stay true to the heart of Yoga too, which means it is essential to carve out time for our minds to unwind, especially with our hectic lives.”

Ashley Johnson, Yoga Euphoria’s other co-owner adds, “A key component to Yoga teaching is compassion and giving.

We try to honour this structurally with our eco-friendly design specifications and commitment to trying to consume

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less as a small business. We responsibly sourced all our building goods from the UK and supported local trade.”

Ashley also firmly believes that yoga should be accessible to all. He says, “Additionally, we hold impromptu pop-up community Yoga events in outdoor spaces - a great way to give back to the local community.”

Both Paris and Ashley are extremely proud of their homegrown internal support network of members, who provide each other with invaluable support at daily practice and during fun challenges, clubs and socials. Whilst this community, or 'Kula' in Sanskrit, flourishes many members prefer to fly solo. e traditional approach of attend, practice and leave is also warmly embraced at Yoga Euphoria.

FEATURE YOGA booked to enjoy as soon as your class is finished. All their smoothies are made using only the finest locally sourced ingredients wherever possible and the team are only too willing to offer handy nutritional advice and suggestions. is area also doubles as a fun-filled Kids Club creche for mini yogis to enjoy loom masterclasses and DVDs while you workout upstairs.

Yoga Euphoria can be found at 1 Alma Rd, Birkdale PR8 4AN. Hot Yoga classes cost £8 or £10 with a smoothie.

Memberships are available and new visitors to the studio can enjoy their first class half price or take advantage of their ten days offer. Kids Club costs £3.50 per child including an organic smoothie.

Yo g A i n A h i g h E n d lU x U R Y E n v i R o nmEnT

Experience the delivery of authentic Yoga in a high-end luxury environment with a variety of styles, approaches and teachers. As Ashley says, “Look after your body or you will have nowhere to live.”

Paris adds, “At Yoga Euphoria it’s always ok to say ‘I’m worth it, I deserve it.' A one hour class takes only 4% of your day tell me why you don’t deserve to give yourself that gift?”

Each student is equipped free of charge with a yoga block and strap, invaluable to both newbies and the experienced practitioner alike. ey even cater for professional athletes on a 1-2-1 or class basis.

Yoga Euphoria's ground floor smoothie bar also offers a full range of thirst quenching refreshments, which can be pre-

For more info visit www.yogaeuphoriabirkdale.co.uk, call 01704 461338, or email info@yogaeuphoriabirkdale.co.uk.

For all the latest news and offers follow Yoga Euphoria on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or check out their promotional video on Youtube.

YogaEuphoria1 Yoga Euphoria Birkdale

Enjoy 10 days unlimited yoga for £10 on production of this Coupon Autumn 2014

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FEATURE WEDDING

Match made in heaven Loved the Gift and friends: For all those essential wedding ideas Getting married is one of the most important days of your life. You want everything to be perfect, run like clockwork, and to have that elusive 'wowfactor.' On Saturday 23 August, twelve independent Southport businesses showcased their bridal products at a special wedding event hosted by

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Loved the Gift on Bold Street. We'll have a full feature of the event in the next Southport Exclusive but, for now, we'd like to usher in a selection of exhibitors who vow to make your big day unforgettable.

FEATURE WEDDING Lov E d T h E G i F T , on Bold

Street are specialists in balloon décor and bespoke ribbon printing and also have the ultimate selection of locally hand crafted gifts for her, him and home to add a truly personal touch to your wedding gift ideas. Beautiful handmade greetings cards – from top designer brands like Five Dollar Shake and Holy Mackerel – are complemented by handmade photo albums and gift ideas from Black Ginger and Alexander Pond to name but a few. ey even stock keepsake boxes, confetti, real pony horseshoes and lucky sixpences for the bride. Check out their Facebook and Twitter (@lovedthegift) channels for more information or call direct on 01704 540300.

FRUiTiqUE's unique concept of real Belgian chocolate dipped fruit, make any occasion feel just that little bit more special. Using only the freshest of produce, and the highest standards, their beautiful fruit creations are guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face and will have your taste buds jumping with joy. Check out their luxurious bride and groom design strawberries for truly memorable wedding favours!

Visit www.fruitique.co.uk, call 07809 226552, or email info@fruitique.co.uk for more information.

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FEATURE WEDDING T h E L Av E nd E R h o U s E R E s TAU R A n T A n d dAy s PA , on Manchester Road,

provides an elegant piece of tranquility to recharge the batteries when the wedding planning gets too much.

Diverse treatments include a wide range of massages and holistic face and body treatments by Pevonia Botanica. î “e plush î “ermal Suite includes a Herbal Sauna, Aromatherapy Steam Room, Salt Inhalation and exotic Rasul Mud Temple. For all those finishing touches, a full compliment of beauty treatments are available, and the restaurant specialises in tastebud tempting morsels.

Visit the-lavenderhouse.co.uk, or call 01704 531400, for more information or to make a booking.

LiLibETs oF PARis , of

Stanley Street, brings a chic slice of Parisian elegance to create your dream wedding cake or scrumptious iced shortbread favours. Creative Director Lilibet Connard, was trained in Paris at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school before following her dream to open her very own Patisserie right here in her hometown of Southport. Every cake is lovingly handmade using only the finest, freshest, natural ingredients. Most of which are imported from France to ensure the highest quality and authenticity. For more information please call 01704 536001, or to order online, visit lilibetsofparis.com.

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FEATURE WEDDING

LAU R A ' s PA R T y P o P s ,

on Bakers Lane, create hand crafted chocolate lollipops, chocolate pizzas, sweet cones and other unique gifts for wedding favours that are sure to set tongues wagging. Only the finest luxury Belgian chocolate is used for all their delectable items. Most gifts can be personalised and special requests are always met with a willing 'I do!' Check out the Laura's Party Pops Facebook page, or contact 07771 541078 and cufcbaxter@hotmail.com, for more details.

REPLicA PRinT , on Bold Street, offers a full range of bespoke print, copy and design services that can be tailored to all those essential wedding items like invitations, place cards, thank you cards, party banners and posters. ey are open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, and can offer same day printing on most of their products. For more information, or to arrange a quote, visit replica-print.co.uk, call 01704 549977, or email info@replica-print.co.uk.

Look out for full coverage of Loved the Gift's Wedding Event in the next issue of Southport Exclusive.

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EATING OUT

Season's Eatings A guide to eating out in Southport this Autumn

A

s we know, Autumn is a season of transition and traditions. e leaves burst forth into riotous colour and the shortened days instil a sense of cosiness. e great British harvest reflects this changing order, with seasonal ingredients cropping up on restaurant menus everywhere.

Of course there's the comforting warmth of squash-filled soups and hearty stews to look forward to. But the abundance of surf and turf at this time of year also makes for an enticing prospect to titillate those tastebuds. Oysters, mussels, mackerel, lobster, scallops and sea bass; they're all fair game. Speaking of which, the game season gets into full swing, bringing with it rich, flavourful delicacies like partridge, grouse, venison and wild duck to tempt you away from the normal meaty mainstays.

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You're sure to find an assortment of other autumnal specialities making an appearance too. Like truffle, kale, and wild mushrooms. en, as we wind up towards the festive season, those telltale tempters begin to creep back into sight.

We're talking chestnuts, cranberries, Brussels sprouts, parsnips and everyone's favourite stocking filler; the humble satsuma.

Wherever you choose to hunker down, out of the cold and into the light, for an evening dining treat there's certain to be a strong contingent of Merseyside and Lancashire flavours to warm your Morecambe Bay cockles this Autumn. We hope you'll enjoy sampling some of our finest local exports on your culinary adventures throughout the season. We know we certainly will!

WELCOME TO HAvIN TURkISH RESTAU R A N T Bring back your fond memories of Turkey in Havin restaurant.

If you have never been to turkey, then Havin restaurant is the place to visit because you will experience the true taste of Turkey. The management and staff will offer a warm and welcoming environment to all of their guests.

Sunday-Thursday : 2 COURSE MEAL STARTER & MAIN MEAL ONLY £11.95 Friday-Saturday: 2 COURSE MEAL STARTER & MAIN MEAL ONLY £14.95 Fri-Sat-Sun : LUNCH MENU AvAILABLE Havin Turkish Restaurant is the place to go for your SPECIAL OCCASIONS. BIRTHDAY PARTY - HEN DO – STAg PARTY - CHARITY NIgHT - CHRISTININg WEDDINg MEAL

B E L LY DA N C INg E N T E R TA I N MENT NIgHTS We now have special belly dancing nights, twice a month on Fridays.

We can also bring belly dancing by special request. For details call the restaurant!

Fantastic Turkish Cuisine brought to you by Havin Turkish Restaurant.

Home delivery available!

Whether you want an intimate meal for two or to enjoy a family celebration Havin restaurant is the place to come Havin restaurant offers AUTHENTIC TURkISH OPEN FLAME CHARCOAL BBQ dishes and you can even take the opportunity to watch your meal being cooked Havin restaurant offers a wide selection of wines and premium beers "

Address: Havin Turkish Restaurant 11-15 Coronation Walk, PR8 1RD Southport Phone: 01704547575, 07595494983 Opening Times Mon - Thu: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm Fri - Sun: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm contact@havinrestaurant.co.uk www.havinrestaurant.co.uk

WE ARE A FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

FEATURE RESTAURANT

Turkish Delight H Av I N T U R k I S H R E S TAU R A N T 1 1 - 1 5 C ORONATION WALk, SOUTHPORT PR8 1RD

“Welcome to the best restaurant in Southport!” exclaims Kadir Donmez, as he theatrically waves Exclusive in to Havin Turkish Restaurant. e flamboyant ownermanager – and full-time raconteur – has been serving up an inimitable feast of friendly banter, and mouthwatering tastes of Turkey, since bringing a little slice of Istanbul to Southport.

Having turned his back on a successful sales career, selling high-end kitchens in Istanbul, Kadir swapped the Mediterranean for the Mersey in 2008. He started out as a kitchen porter, at one of Liverpool’s top Turkish restaurants, in the foodie haven of Liverpool's Lark Lane. Four months later, when the regular chef was absent, Kadir stepped into the breach and never looked back. Two and a half years later he'd picked up the ropes and decided to open Havin Turkish Restaurant.

“We felt that Southport needed a breath of fresh air. We have an open flame barbecue and cook everything above the charcoal. Everything is 100% traditional Turkish flavours.

Apart from the beans on toast!” He quips. ey don't really do beans on toast if you were wondering.

Kadir's bustling restaurant is named after his two-year-old daughter, Havin, which means 'Beauty of summer.' A fitting name for Sunny Southport we think you'll agree. e family-run business includes his father – an experienced chef, who mans the charcoal barbecue – while Kadir is predominately front of house, providing the smiles.

“You can watch your food while it's being cooked,” Kadir says. “Normally when you cook something, your food has touched somewhere, like a gas grill, but in here it doesn't touch anything. ere's just a big space between charcoal and your meat. It's the healthiest style ever.”

Decked out like a traditional Turkish taverna, Havin's openplan polished floors become centre stage for a gyrating belly dancer on the second and fourth Fridays of every month.

But at any other time there's plenty of entertainment from genial host Kadir, who makes a point of meeting and greeting all his customers personally.

He says, “Here we are very traditional; people get to know the owner. We are very friendly and most importantly very honest. For a good time, friendly service, and very good food I think people should come to Havin Turkish Restaurant.”

“We offer more than restaurant quality food for less than pub prices!” he adds with a flourish.

Havin Turkish Restaurant is located at 11-15 Coronation Walk, Southport PR8 1RD. For more information visit www.havinrestaurant.co.uk, call 01704 547575, or email contact@havinrestaurant.co.uk. Opening times are 4-10pm Monday to ursday and 12-10.30pm Friday to Sunday. Keep in touch on Facebook or on Twitter @HavinRestaurant.

Kadir says, “Most people's first impression is 'spicy food.'

But it's not at all! We do chicken dishes, lamb dishes, we do steak, fish and vegetarian options too. Basically, with our barbecue you get the best taste of whatever you ordered.

“If you ordered chicken, you're getting that amazing flavour of chicken. We marinade everything but you're mainly getting the delicious taste of the barbecue. We don't serve things in a heavy sauce, or in heavy herbs. It looks plain but the taste is like 'wow, I'm walking on the sky!'”

Incredibly, were you to peak inside the kitchens at Havin Turkish Restaurant you'd be hard pressed to find much in the way of a freezer, other than the minuscule one that stores the chips and ice creams. All his ingredients are bought and prepared freshly on the day and refrigerated in readiness for grilling above those red-hot barbecue embers.

Autumn 2014

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BAR

&

RESTAURANT

For Reservations: Phone: 01704 543354 Address: 9b Hoghton Street Southport , PR9 0TE www.theofficerestaurant.co.uk

RESTAURANT CLASSIFIEDS

HAvIN TURKISH RESTAURANT

GUSTO TRATTORIA

11-15 Coronation Walk, Southport, PR8 1RD Tel : 01704 547575 www.havinrestaurant.co.uk

58-62 Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1QB Tel : 01704 544255 www.gustotrattoria.co.uk

The Promenade, Southport, PR9 0DZ Tel : 01704 504700 www.gentingcasinos.co.uk/club/southport/restaurant/

Havin Restaurant is situated in the centre of Southport and offers a variety of mouth-watering Turkish and Mediterranean dishes. e traditional Turkish open charcoal grill allows you to watch your delicious kebabs being cooked right in front of you. Kadir, the owner and chef who has 10 years experience invites you to sample the atmosphere and experience a night just as you would in Turkey.

Take a look at the website and combine your meal with one of Havin Restaurant’s regular fun packed belly dancing nights.

Gusto Trattoria has been providing delicious freshly cooked Italian cuisine since 2005. e restaurant’s contemporary ambience and imaginative dishes have elevated it to the very top of many diners’ preferred places to eat.

Whether you are eating in the main dining room or enjoying the patio, Gusto Trattoria is the perfect setting for lunchtime business meetings, family dinners or that special occasion.

Having reinvented many traditional Italian dishes in a more contemporary style, our simple yet stunning presentation keeps our customers returning.

Fahrenheit has a vibrant and modern atmosphere which mirrors the food that is served from the extensive a la carte menu. Freshly prepared ingredients of the highest quality including 28 day matured British steak chosen from the best bred beef in the country assures you of an amazing dining experience.

For an exclusive event to remember why not consider Fahrenheit Grill which can accommodate up to 60 people and allows you to celebrate or entertain in style inside Southport’s fantastic new Genting Club.

OFFICE BAR AND RESTAURANT

THE HUNGRy MONK

THE GRApEvINE

20 Cambridge Arcade PR8 1EN , Southport Tel.: 01704 809355 www.thehungrymonk.co.uk

46 Botanic Road PR9 7NE , Southport Tel.: 01704 507977 www.churchtownwinebar.co.uk

e menu is to die for at the Hungry Monk!

Whether it be a light lunch over a bottle of delicious wine and a chat with friends, or a more formal 3 Course meal, they are sure to be able to cater for you!

You will absolutely love the Sticky Jack Daniels Honey Ribs and nothing beats, what many believe to be, the best Fish and Chips in Southport. Delicately battered in Ale Batter and resting on a portion of crunchy Triple Cooked Chips, what more could you want? We strongly recommend you savour the delights of e Hungry Monk.

e Grapevine (formerly Lang’s Wine Bar), a contemporary 2-storey restaurant and wine bar located in the picturesque village of Churchtown, began trading in December 2013. e 25-seat restaurant is situated on the first floor and food is also served in the bar area. e food is very competitively priced, with generous portions, and, where possible, ingredients are sourced locally. You will find a tapas menu and the more traditional à la carte starters and mains dishes. Sunday also offers a Table d’hôte menu which includes a roast dinner. ere is a wide range of wines, champagnes, bottled and draught beers, and spirits, as well as mix cocktails to order.

9, Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0TE Tel : 01704 543354 www.theofficerestaurant.co.uk

e office is a large modern restaurant and bar in the heart of the town centre. e bar has sumptuous décor and classy lighting with both table and booth seating areas. e restaurant is one of the largest in the town and is perfect for functions and private parties. e food is prepared by local chefs using only the freshest ingredients and the menus are varied and constantly updated and improved upon. e restaurant has sleek contemporary décor combining modern tastes with classical art ensuring a relaxed and enchanting experience.

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FAHRENHEIT RESTAUARNT/GRILL

FEATURE LOCKDALES

Lockdales

A

special antiques and collectables valuation event will be taking place soon in your area. e experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations to the public on Wednesday 1st October, 11am-3pm at Ramada Plaza Southport, e Promenade, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0DZ

sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives & proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books & maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre1960 sporting programmes & tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets & de-activated weapons. No appointment is necessary.

Experts will provide valuations on: Coins (including British & World,

Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their

Autumn 2014

goods to auction (subject to terms & conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away.

Any questions?

Contact 01473 627110, sales@lockdales.com www.lockdales.com 61

FEATURE BUSINESS

platt Morgan Ltd Senior partner practice of St. James's place Wealth Management CHAIRMAN, KEN pLATT: Having spent over 35 years in the Financial Services Industry I have seen many changes from having no regulation to the present regulations by the Financial Conduct Authority. However, there is one thing that has never changed over the past 35 years and that is the need for clients to receive bespoke sound financial advice in a professional manner.

R O B E R T SHARp, ADvISER: I am a diploma qualified Financial Adviser with 14 years experience in Financial Services, specialising in Investment Planning, Pensions, Inheritance Tax and Later Life Planning.

I take pride in getting to know clients of all types and continually advising them to achieve their goals, understanding what they require and gaining their trust

At Platt Morgan Ltd we appreciate your financial situation is unique and therefore if financial advice is to be truly bespoke it must be based on a comprehensive and detailed overview of your current and future circumstances.

We specialise in giving advice on Investment Planning, Pensions, Inheritance Tax Planning and Long Term Care.

For a “no obligation” confidential chat about any of our services, then please contact: Robert Sharp, Platt Morgan Ltd, St. James’s House, 2 Shore Road, Ainsdale, PR8 2RB. Telephone: 01704 579600 Email:- rob.sharp@sjpp.co.uk

Platt Morgan Ltd represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website at www.sjp.co.uk/products

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FEATURE LEMONY LIME

A Fresh Approach to Networking LemonyLime Business Networking

LemonyLime is a business networking group that dares to be dierent. You may have guessed it from the name. They're big believers that networking should be fun. It should be cost eective. And it should produce results. Loyal members come from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, guaranteeing a diverse range of expertise around the table each and every time.

Simon Grant gets into the networking spirit to better acquaint himself with LemonyLime's secrets to success.

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FEATURE LEMONY LIME

T

he first thing that strikes you when stepping into a LemonyLime event is the genuinely welcoming atmosphere. You'll hear the laughter before you even enter the room. ey're a friendly bunch and that's one of the core tenets of what they've strived to create. It's a business networking group that does away with stuffiness and the 'hard-sell', opting for an altogether more collaborative approach.

Anyone thinking of venturing into the admittedly daunting arena of networking will be buoyed by the fact that at LemonyLime they're more likely to have a friendly cup of coffee handed to them than a business card.

Everyone seems refreshingly interested in each other and their businesses. ere are none of those awkward silences or feeling that you're hovering on the fringes waiting to be noticed.

It's not only bred a band of evangelically loyal members but a wealth of real life business deals and partnerships too.

Because despite the relaxed air these entrepreneurs take their business seriously. Whether a sole trader startup, or bluechip multinational, business owners looking to forge longterm, meaningful relationships are increasingly finding that the haven of like-minded professionals at LemonyLime are exactly the sort of contacts that can make their businesses (and address books) grow for the better.

Kevin Long is a LemonyLime Director and proprietor of e Kitchen Sink (which he runs with wife Sue, another dyed in the wool LemonyLime regular). He says, “LemonyLime is about being a part of a thriving community. Not just the local business community but Southport as a whole. We've built a

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FEATURE LEMONY LIME to name a few) together for a morning burst of business acumen on the remaining Wednesday's of the month. e 7am starts may not be everyone's cup of tea but for those dedicated acolytes who make it down to Brewer's Fayre Ocean Plaza there's a whole lot of business to be done. With business referrals, member presentations, education segments followed by breakfast and a side of breezy banter it's a formula that certainly works.

According to Kevin, “At the breakfast meetings you sit down and think; it's early in the morning, we're all tired, we're all slightly grumpy because we've had to get up, but within minutes everybody's having a laugh and two hours have gone. You're sitting down to breakfast and you're on to your day.”

network of like-minded businesses who are prospering from working together, promoting each other, and championing our town.”

Chartered Accountant and fellow Director, Katherine ompson, from Stubbs Parkin Taylor & Co agrees. She says, “LemonyLime goes beyond the normal mould of networking because we've built up a genuine camaraderie over a period of time that's proven incredibly effective in building relationships and generating healthy business results.”

Southport Business Improvement District (BID) Project Manager, Hugh Evans – and a hearty meal to boot.

It wasn't long before the Real Business Breakfast group was brought to fruition. is smaller, more concentrated, forum gathered members from a range of designated industries (hair, beauty, HR, law, and mechanics

LemonyLime's enduring Core meetings, on the third Wednesday of every month, transform e Waterside Lodge into a business hub with heart.

From 6pm a gaggle of easygoing business owners converge for an evening of ideas sharing, troubleshooting, collaboration and lively business discussions. All this, framed by an informative guest talk – previous speakers have included Merseyrail's Corporate Social Responsibility department, local blogger and novelist Rachel Lucas, and

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“All businesses have lots in common, he adds. “We all need accountants, we all need bookkeepers, and we all need advice at some point in time. I know people who have saved a lot of money by just having someone say 'do this and if you have a problem come back to me.' It's that type of relationship that occurs within the room.”

It's that undoubted trust in the group, and within the wider network, built d

FEATURE LEMONY LIME Meetings for £18 and regular Real Business Breakfast sessions for £10 (as long as your category is available). Becoming a member involves a joining fee of £40 and then it's £15 per monthly Core Meeting or £50.00 a month to attend three Real Business Breakfasts and the Core Meeting.

For more information visit www.lemonylime.co.uk or email info@lemonylime.co.uk.

You can also keep up to date with all the latest news on their Facebook page or on Twitter via @LemonyLimeUK.

over time that produces results for LemonyLime's business members. Each week, colourful slips of pink, white and yellow paper affirm that business is indeed being passed from one member to another thanks to the affinities built at these meets. ere are no penalties for not passing business or for not bringing guests. Indeed, rather than a slap on the wrist the organisers make a concerted effort to sit down and talk through new approaches to improve a member's experience.

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LemonyLime Director, and Premises Manager at Greenbank High School, Ged Whittle says: “e way we look at things is that if we don't feel you're getting the most out of what we do as a group we don't penalise you. We don't say 'unless you buck up you're out.'

What we do is we sit down with you and say 'if there's a problem, how can we get over it? What's the best way for you individually?'”

He adds, “It's not upon us to actually tell any business owner how to run their

Autumn 2014

business but it's to be supportive of what they do and help them in other ways. It's about being a part of the business community and the community of Southport as a whole. ere seems to be a camaraderie over a period of time and members realise it's actually a group of friends that they've now got supporting them.”

Grab a slice of the action with LemonyLime's unique brand of networking. Guests are welcome to try the popular monthly Core

Feature YAFFE

Picture Perfect Yaffé Photography 1 0 P o r t l an d S t r e e t, S o u t h P o r t Pr8 1lJ

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The name Yaffé Photography has been synonymous with quality for generations. Satisfied customers have returned year on year as the Yaffé legend has grown.

Third generation photographer, Adam, grew up surrounded by cameras and was always destined to follow in the prestigious footsteps of his father Paul and his grandfather before him. Twenty five years on and Adam is still capturing timeless moments for droves of contented customers alongside his trusted creative ally, Sandra Carney.

Feature YAFFE not to mention nearly 7,000 Facebook followers invariably offering five-star reviews. No matter what walk of life though, every customer gets treated like an A-lister.

Adam says, “I remember as a child going to watch my dad developing photos. It was like in the films with the trays, swooshing them around, and then hanging them up on a washing line where they'd expose in front of you. ere was something very special and magical about that.” ose days are long gone of course and self-taught Photoshop expert Adam takes the credit for propelling Yaffé to the forefront of the digital era. ey were the first portrait studio in the country to go fully digital and were pioneers of their distinctive 'Fusion Style' of multilayered images. But for many that sense of anticipation, while waiting for their photos to develop, has lived on through the excitement of picking up their 'Yaffé.'

“We like to sprinkle a bit of Yaffé magic,” says Sandra, who joined the studio 21 years ago after successful stints in marketing, retail and makeup. Sandra says, “I remember walking past as a teenager and thinking 'Oh my God, when I have

children I'm going to have a Yaffé on my wall.”

“It's an aspirational purchase having a Yaffé portrait,” she adds. “Everything is very personal that we do, from the minute you walk in, and we love to think that everyone walks away happy.”

As well they should because the bespoke personal service and cutting edge technology that goes into each and every portrait is astonishing.

Everything is done in-house, by hand, with zero compromise on quality.

From the relaxed consultation, to the highly professional 'shoot' (in either the brilliant white studio or the edgier industrial basement), through to viewing your photos on their giant cinema screen, and ultimately picking up your beautifully mounted, framed, or Swarovski crystal encrusted portrait – it's all about you.

we've created and it's a really special moment. People come to us, they stay with us, and they come back over the generations.” e rigorous professionalism, discretion and quality (not to mention disarming likeability and sheer fun) in all that Yaffé Photography do has earned them an enviable reputation.

Dedicated fans range from Premiership footballers (like Steven Gerrard and Ryan Giggs), to Loose Women favourite Denise Welch and even Lionel Richie. at's

Sandra says,“Whether it's small, or a huge piece of wall art, everyone loves what they take away. We had one woman recently who said 'Oh God, I want a third baby but I have to work out where I can put my Yaffés!'

You become addicted to them.”

Adam adds, “People refer to 'getting their Yaffé,' or 'can't wait to get my next Yaffé' and that's a really big deal for us.” Just as it must be for all of their happy customers we suspect.

Yaffé Photography is located at 10 Portland Street, Southport PR8 1LJ. For more information visit yaffephotography.com, call 01704 545010 or email info@yaffephotography.com.

Follow all the latest news on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @YaffePhoto.

Even down to the popular princess or pamper parties.

Adam says, “It's lovely when people come in and cry happy tears when they see their photo. at's what

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Broadley Developments Summerwood Lane Halsall Lancashire

In historical Halsall Village and just a stone’s throw away from the Saracens Head public house, overlooking the Leeds Liverpool canal you will find this small architectural designed close of just 14, three bedroomed semi-detached homes.

Beautifully finished to Broadley Developments own high standards and specification.

We are now taking early bird reservations for completion early spring 2015.

Please don't delay in expressing your interest in this unique opportunity as plots are selling fast and only 7 now remain.

Prices from £235.000 For more information or to secure a plot on this unique development please ring Barbara on : 07715 439993 or check out our web site at : WWW.BROADLEYDEVELOPMENTS.CO.UK

LOCAL BuSineSS

Chris Tinsley Top Tips Selling your home can be a minefield, with the national average being 65 days to sell a property. Here are some top tips to help you sell your home as fast as possible.

KE R B A P P E A L

Potential buyers form an impression within seconds of viewing your property. It is important to give your home kerb appeal, so paint the front door, tidy the garden and get out the hanging baskets.

DE - C LU T T E R

Buyers need to picture themselves living in your home and it can be hard to see through walls and walls of family photographs, so de-clutter and try to make the place as neutral as possible.

CR E AT E A N AT M O S P H E R E

It’s a cliché but nice smells such as freshly baked bread and flowers on display can make a big difference to making your home stand apart from the others.

INSTRUCT THE RIgHT AgENTS

Choose the agent that does the most business in your location.

KEEP THE PLACE LOOKINg ITS BEST

Obvious? It’s amazing how many people present their properties badly.

INSTRUCT A gOOD SOLICITOR

Engage with a good Solicitor, even prior to agreeing a sale.

HAVE ALL YOUR PAPERWORK TO HAND

Planning permissions, building regulations, insurance etc UTILISE ALL TOOLS AT YOUR’ AgENTS DISPOSAL

Professional photography, video tours, enhanced marketing help you stand out from the crowd online and increase your click through rate. Keep an eye on the competition by signing up to instant alerts to be the first in the queue when a property hits Rightmove.

HOME STAgINg

Make sure pets are elsewhere and out of the way during viewings and that you have got rid of the cat litter tray.

Stage your house for the viewing day by de cluttering, opening curtains and switching on lights moving cars off the driveway and mowing lawns and tending to frontage as first impressions count.

LI S T E N T O YOU R Ag E N T

BE ACCOMMODATINg AT VIEWINgS

Its an estate agents job to give honest and impartial advice so take this on board when preparing your home for sale and chances are you’ll find a buyer in no time.

Be as accommodating as possible with viewings particularly on the open house by going out and leaving your agent to it.

AN I M A L S A N D V I E W I N g S D O N ’ T M I x

D O N ’ T B E g R EE DY

Ask a price that will entice interest.

PROPERTY IN SouTHpoRT

Make the Right Move, Choose the Right Agent!

With a record number of Estate Agents in Southport how do you choose your agent?

We are a high profile local agent with an enviable market share and our combined 120 years of estate agency experience in our office has lead to over £350,000,000 worth of property selling since opening in 2001.

Honesty, integrity, experience and professionalism – four words that are at the heart of our business. Whether you are thinking of buying or selling or are interested in any of our properties contact us now.

BRADLE Y S T R E E T, S O U T H P O R T

THRELFALLS LANE, CHURCHTOWN

A double fronted semi detached character house

An Individual Detached Family House

Well presented throughout with fabulous, mature gardens

Kitchen with Open Plan Family Lounge

On the very doorstep of central Southport

Four Bedrooms, Two En Suites

Separate car parking area

Gardens, parking, Garage

£229,950

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Two Reception Rooms Plus Conservatory

£325,000 Autumn 2014

MAR I N E g AT E M A N S I O N S A Luxury Ground Floor Apartment & the Size of a Bungalow Fabulous for entertaining with magnificent open plan reception room Two Bedrooms, One with Dressing Room & En Suite Two Parking Spaces to Secure Underground Garage £385,000

KINgSWOOD PARK , B I R K DA L E

A fabulous detached family house

Generous living space and five beds Master bedroom, en suite and balcony

Delightful landscaped gardens with westerly aspect Sought after location close to Victoria Park and Lord Street £699,995

01704 512121 www.christinsley.co.uk

SELWORTHY ROAD, BIRKDALE, SOUTHPORT, PR8 2NS Price On Application A rare opportunity to acquire one of the best family houses in Southport, is simply outstanding FIVE bedroom detached family home is located in the most highly sought after position within the Shoreside of Birkdale. Convenient for local schools and within walking distance of the much celebrated and highly recognised Royal Birkdale Golf Club. e stunning property briefly consists of; Spacious entrance hall, lounge, dining room, sitting room, open plan kitchen, bar area, gym, utility room and downstairs WC/cloakroom. To the first floor are FIVE stunning spacious bedrooms, two en-suites, family bathroom and sun room to the master bedroom. e property stands in beautiful landscaped gardens with an in and out carriage sweep driveway to the front, flood lit borders stocked with a variety of plants and shrubs. ere is parking for several vehicles and a garage with up and over doors, shelving and electric light and power supply. e rear garden is an undoubted feature of the property, enjoying a southerly aspect and planned over two levels with lawns, borders stocked with a variety of established plants and shrubs and a heated swimming pool.

AN ESTATE AgENCY THAT IS DIFFERENT! NO FLASH CARS, NO FLASH SUITS, jUST COMMON SENSE AND A FRIENDLY APPROACH TO BUSINESS. gRA N V I L L E R OA D, B I R K DA L E, SOU T H P O R T, P R 8 2 H U £ 6 7 5,000 is detached property forms part of an exclusive development of similar detached properties, situated in a much sought after residential location. e location is convenient for the shops, restaurants and railway stations at Birkdale Village and Hillside, with main facilities located at Lord Street and Southport Town Centre. Installed with double glazing and gas central heating the family accommodation is arranged over three floors and briefly includes; Entrance Hall, Cloakroom, Lounge, Sitting Room, Dining Kitchen and Utility Room. On the first floor there is a Master Bedroom with En Suite and walk-in dressing room, a Guest Bedroom with En Suite Shower, third Bedroom and the family bathroom, two further Bedrooms and a Shower Room are located on the second floor. e property stands in established gardens with parking and a double garage.

WATERLOO ROAD, BIRKDALE, PR8 2NF Price On Application SOMETHING SPECIAL TO THE MARKET A superb property which has been extended and refurbished to exacting standards and now offers spacious bright living accommodation. Situated in a prime and sought after residential location on one of Southport's prestigious roads. Ideally located close to Royal Birkdale Golf Course. e property will be of interest to a purchaser requiring a high profile address with impressive frontage whilst being within easy reach of Southport town centre with many amenities and attractions together with foreshore being close by. Main features include, bright open plan extension to the rear with bi-fold doors, sonos music system throughout, cinema and woodlands to the rear of the garden. To book a viewing please call Gavin McGuire on 07740164748

LULWORTH ROAD BIRKDALE, PR8 2jN Price On Application Discerning purchasers will undoubtedly be delighted with this opportunity to acquire a superb Detached Family home residing in Birkdale, which is a highly sought after location renowned for its association with the Golf Championships at Royal Birkdale. e local village includes a range of shops, restaurants, bars and railway station. e spacious family accommodation comprises to the ground floor, entrance porch, entrance hall, fitted cloakroom, three reception rooms, large fitted kitchen with dining area, laundry room and conservatory. To the first floor is a landing with balcony, the master bedroom with en suite, four further bedrooms and a family bathroom and to the second floor is bedroom number six with an en suite and a lounge. ere is a large tarmac parking area to the front and a landscaped garden with double garage to the rear. 6 bed detached

FIREWORKS CHAMP iOnsHiP

Guaranteed to go off with a bang British Musical Fireworks Championship

Victoria Park | 7-9.30pm | 3-5 October 2014

Southport's beautiful skyline will explode into life once more this October, when the nation's ďŹ nest pyrotechnical talents 86

head for Victoria Park to unleash their latest extraordinary displays, at the British Musical Fireworks Championship.

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FIREWORKS CHAMP iOnsHiP

O

ver three days, from 3-5 October, thousands of fireworks fans will be awestruck by the visionary choreography of seven world class companies competing for the ultimate prize of British Champion. Each competitor will perform a dazzling 20minute display synchronised to music that has previously ranged from classical overtures to chart smash, Gangnam Style. is is the 15th incarnation of the spectacular event, since it's inaugural year went off with a bang in 1999.

Professional firers, Sirotechnics took the overall title in 2013, as well as claiming the people’s choice award for good measure. is year sees previous winners, Allstar Fireworks from Middlesex, Solihull Fireworks and Flashpoint Fireworks from Guildford, return to do battle with a glittering roll-call of the finest British firework companies.

Firework industry director and consultant, Bill Davis will be among the judging panel overseeing the scoring. He said, “Sefton Council's approach to the competition has always been aimed at providing a high quality event, as well as the public enjoyment and entertainment. e competition is renowned for being organized and the most fair and transparent in the judging and support given to entrants.”

With all that dazzle, pomp and ceremony set to light up our town, we thought we'd take a whistle-stop tour of the history of fireworks.

ExPlOSIVE FaCtS

CHinA's BAMBOO FireCrACkers

•e total weight of fireworks used is in excess of ten tonnes!

Many historians believe that China was the birthplace of fireworks. As early as 200 BC the Chinese had discovered the naturally combustible properties of bamboo, which is said to explode under heat thanks to a composition full of hollow air pockets. ese pyrotechnic pioneers may have used this explosive knowledge to scare off evil spirits, with their "gung pow" or loud noise, particularly during New Year celebrations (a practice that continues to this day. Just without the bamboo!).

•Each show will require around five kilometres of wire to connect up the electrical circuits.

Between 600 and 900 AD a Chinese alchemist (or cook, depending on which account you believe) unwittingly discovered the first incarnation of gun powder by mixing the then popular seasoning of saltpeter (also known as potassium nitrate) with charcoal and sulphur. On an open fire his mixture produced little more than a vivid flame but when stuffed in a bamboo shoot and ignited it produced a deafening blast.

•Over two tonnes of explosive material are used over the three nights of the competition.

•To set up each display, around fifteen technicians work for 12 hours. And that doesn't include the clear up!

•ere might be more than 1,000 fireworks in each display but not a single fuse is lit by hand. It’s all done by computers these days.

•Some of the bigger fireworks will reach a height of 500 metres. at’s five football pitches!

•All the fireworks are still handmade because machines may produce sparks. Nobody wants a spark in a fireworks factory!

•ere will be thousands of aerial fireworks in the show but few, if any, rockets. Instead, professional displays use 'shells' which are onion shaped fireworks fired from mortar tubes.

FireMAsters And FAwkes Fireworks came to prominence in medieval England to celebrate military victories, as well as public and religious ceremonies. In those days pyrotechnic experts were known as 'Firemasters,' while their loyal assistants – the 'Green Men' (due to their protective hats of leaves) – performed jester displays to keep the crowds happy in between the fireworks. Many of these brave jokers are said to have perished when detonations went awry.

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FIREWORKS CHAMP iOnsHiP thE Jud gES

Tony Cardell OBE - Tony is a past president of the International Pyrotechnics Society and has carried out research on military pyrotechnics all his working life.

However, his first love is fireworks and he has been a firm supporter of these Championships, notching up a decade's worth of judging appearances. Last year he also judged the Chinese International Musical Fireworks Competition in Shanghai.

Of course, the square root of our yearly bonfire night celebrations is Guy Fawkes' infamous failed Gunpowder Plot. He and his fellow co-conspirators' plan to blow up the House of Lords, and ultimately assassinate King James I, was foiled by authorities who uncovered Fawkes and a sizeable amount of gunpowder in the early hours of 5 November 1605. A date that we still mark annually with firework displays and the burning of Guy's effigy.

F O u r t H OF July And B e yO n d On July 3 1776 (the day before the Declaration of Independence) the second president of the United Sates, John Adams cemented the place of fireworks in Fourth of July celebrations forever more. In a letter to his wife he said, “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade…bonfires and illuminations [another phrase for fireworks]…from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.” And so it has been.

More recently, in 2008 there was uproar when the Chinese Olympic Committee admitted using CGI to bulk up the already epic Opening Ceremony display, which was overseen by “America's First Family of Fireworks” – the acclaimed Gruccis.

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However, the New York based family returned to the headlines, for all the right reasons, with their Guinness World Record breaking New Year display in Dubai at the turn of this year. ey ignited 500,000 fireworks – the most in any single coordinated display – during a performance that lasted all of six minutes and illuminated iconic landmarks, such as the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. e British Musical Fireworks Championship takes place at Victoria Park, from 3-5 October 2014, between 7-9.30pm each night. Advanced Friday and Sunday tickets are priced at £5.23, while it's £7.32 for the Saturday performance. Last minute tickets on the night are £7.32 on Friday and Sunday and £9.40 for Saturday. Seated tickets (allocated on a first come, first served basis) are £15.68 for the Friday and Sunday shows. Saturday is now sold out.

A weekend ticket costs £15.68 and children under five-years-old go free.

Optional donations go towards local charity, Sefton 4 Good. For further information go to www.visitsouthport.com or call 01704 533333.

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Bill Davis - Bill Davis, from Bournemouth, brings a lot of experience as a founder director and consultant in the firework industry and knows how much effort goes into producing the great shows we are about to see.

Bill's career included working in the City of London banking markets, teaching and business support. He is also an Ambassador for e Chamber of Trade.

Wilf Scott – Wilf attained a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Reading University before doing special effects and props for film and television. In 1971, he joined Phlegathon Fireworks then moved on to Festival Fireworks. He stayed there for 15 years as a display manager initially before taking up a directorial role. Wilf was awarded an MVO (Member of the Royal Victorian Order) in the 2002 honours' list.

Sue Dare – Sue is the sales and marketing director at Champion Media Group. A staunch supporter of tourism initiatives in the town, Sue works tirelessly to promote the resort of Southport and is delighted to be one of the judges at this year's British Musical Fireworks Championships. She has judged the championships for nearly ten years and is still amazed at how each year the contestants manage to provide bigger and better displays.

AIRSHOW FEATURE

Loop and swoop Southport Air Show | Southport Beach 9am-5.30pm | 20-21 September 2014

Hold on to your hats because the North West's foremost display of aerial daredevilry and aviation pageantry is about to swoop back over the beach this September. The Southport Air Show throttles into town on 20 and 21 September to excite and astound an audience that regularly peaks 80,000 visitors. With an action 90

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packed flying schedule, and on the beach activities, spanning the course of the weekend it's no surprise that the Air Show has established itself as Southport's number 1family event.

AIRSHOW FEATURE

A

fter a morning warm-up of ground-based activities for all the family, and light aircraft coming in to land on the unique beach runway, the main event gets off the ground from midday onward. Get set for the spectacular aerobatics of the crowd pleasing Red Arrows and their looping, vapourtrailing choreography. e Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – with classic fighter planes including both of the only two airworthy bombers in the world, the RAF Lancaster bomber and the Canadian Lancaster bomber, a Hawker Hurricane and the crowd pleasing Spitfire – also cruises by to commemorate the endeavours of our World War II pilots.

Look out for the high-speed manoeuvres of the high-tech Eurofighter Typhoon and dextrous displays from RAF training aircraft the Tutor and Tucano. e Blades Aerobatic Display Team are sure to carve up the skies in spectacular fashion. While helicopter fans will be in their element with the gravity defying manoeuvres of the Black Cats solo display, the Merlin HM2, a Sea King search and rescue demonstration, more Lynx action with the AH7 and Vietnam stalwart – the Huey.

Military display fans are in for a further treat with fly-bys from the Royal Navy's Sea Fury T20, the Great War Team's collection of classic tri-planes, biplanes and German Junkers, as well as Hangar 11's 'Hurribomber' Hurricane and a Spitfire XIX. Keep your eyes peeled for all of these star performers over the course of the Air Show weekend.

T H e R e d A R R OWS

e Royal Air Force's Red Arrows are among the finest aerobatic display teams on the planet. e public face of the RAF brings its inimitable blend of high-speed skills and bravery to deliver an adrenalinfuelled performance of stunts, loops and precision formations in their distinctively scarlet BAE Systems Hawk T1 jets.

Incredibly, 2014 marks the 50th display season for the Red Arrows and they'll no doubt want to celebrate with another show-

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stopping performance for their loyal Southport fans. e signature red jets have even been given an anniversary makeover with a new tailfin design – in the shape of a Union flag – which represents the best of British, as well as the biggest visual overhaul that the team has ever had. dId yOu kNOW? e Red Arrows' smoke generation system pumps diesel mixed with dye into the jet exhaust to produce the kaleidoscopic vapour trails for which they're famed. Amazingly, the aircrafts only carry enough diesel and dye for five minutes of white smoke, one minute of red and one minute of blue during their display. With a fuel capacity of 1,000 nautical miles these jets can access most of the world.

THe euROfIgHTeR TypHOON

e Eurofighter Typhoon is the world’s leading air defence and ground attack aircraft. It can tackle all manner of situations, from high octane conflicts, to peace support and air policing. e agile airframe is built from stealth materials and boasts the latest sensor control and weapons systems to deliver optimum combat capability. dId yOu kNOW? e Eurofighter is

easy to spot thanks to its distinctive canards (or forewings) that perch in front of its deep triangular wings. e term "canard" apparently originated after the launch of the Santos-Dumont 14-bis in 1906, which was said to remind on-looking French spectators of a duck.

THe BAT Tle Of BRITAIN MeMORIAl flIgHT

e Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's (BBMF) troop of classic aircraft are poignant reminders of World War II's airborne heroics. Stationed at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, these thoroughbred planes make regular appearances at major air displays across the country.

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AIRSHOW FEATURE THe Sp ITfIRe

e much-loved, and instantly recognisable, Spitfire represents one of the most successful, popular and adaptable aircraft ever assembled. ey fought in every stage of the War and were still in front-line service as late as 1954. No other British combat aircraft has ever been built in such large volumes, with 20,341 Spitfires built in 22 different varieties. dId yOu kNOW? At the end of its lifespan the Spitfire's engine produced double the power, take-off weight and rate of climb than the original. It also boasted five times the firepower and a top speed that had rocketed upwards by a third. e airframe design however – perfect as it was – remained untouched throughout.

THe HuRRIcANe

An astonishing 14,533 Hurricanes were built in wartime Britain. ese plucky planes took to the skies on every single day of the hostilities and remained until the bitter end – securing victory in the Far East, to bring the War to a close in 1945. dId yOu kNOW? ere are only 12 airworthy Hurricanes left worldwide.

Just six of these rare and distinguished planes are based in the UK and the BBMF owns two of them.

During the Battle of Britain more Hurricanes than

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Spitfires were deployed by RAF Fighter Command and they accounted for a greater proportion of combat kills than their celebrated cousins.

THe lANcAST eR

In its heyday the legendary Lancaster bomber could carry a bomb load of 22,000 lb at 15,000 feet with a top speed of 275 mph. Even with a full bomb load they could cover a range of more than 1,500 miles. dId yOu kNOW? As many as 7,377 Lancasters were built from 1941 to 1946. Unfortunately nearly half – around 3,500 – would never return to our shores. Sadly, many of the Lancasters that did survive unscathed were scrapped after the War. Advance general admission tickets cost £7.32 (£8.36 with a charity donation towards Sefton 4 Good) or last minute tickets cost £9.40 (£10.45 with a charity donation). e Premier Ticket allows unrivalled views from the pier, with morning coffee, a complimentary programme, picnic lunch, afternoon tea, private toilets and free parking included in the ticket price.

Premier Tickets are £62.70 for adults and £41.80 for children.

Saturday tickets are now sold out.

All tickets include processing fees and general tickets can be used for either day. Visit www.visitsouthportairshow.com for more details or follow on Twitter @SouthportAir or Facebook at Southport Air Show.

HEART FM

H

i, we’re Joel and Lorna from the radio station Heart!

We present Heart Breakfast every weekday from 6am across the North West on 105.4 FM, DAB digital radio and online at heart.co.uk. We’ve been on air since May and we’ve been having the best time!

We’ve also been having a lot of fun around Southport since our launch. Our weekend presenter Debbie Mac hosted the Southport Food and Drink Festival and we were down for Race For Life back in June. We will also be at the Southport Airshow at the end of September with our Heart Angels - so come and say hello to us!

I’m Joel… I’ve been away from the North West for a few years but it’s great to be back living here with Vince the cat. People always tell me I look like Dale Winton... but I can't see it myself! In my spare time, I love a cheeky glass of red with my friends…

I’m Lorna… and I live in Wilmslow with Dennis my dog. I love going to the gym and running on a nice summer day with Dennis, but I’ve got a huge sweet tooth. If you offer me Haribo, I won't be able to say no!

It’s our job to wake you up every weekday morning with the best variety of music (and hopefully put a smile on your face!). We’ll also keep you up-to-date with everything that’s happening on the roads and railways, so you can hopefully avoid those annoying traffic jams and delays.

Since we started in May, we’ve had loads of big name celebrities on the show with us including Robbie Williams, Louis Walsh and Ant and Dec. Robbie even helped us with a surprise proposal! We asked him to propose to Louise Gettings from Wigan on behalf of her fiancé Kev… and she said yes!

We also embarrassed Ant and Dec by playing their old PJ and Duncan song ‘Eternal Love’. ey PROMISED us that they WON’T be performing it on their Saturday Night Takeaway on tour though!

You can check out all our interviews and the highlights from Heart Breakfast on heart.co.uk, where we update our blog every day to keep you up-to-speed with everything we’ve been up to. ere’s also some amazing competitions on there – including the opportunity to win holidays, plus tickets to some of the biggest gigs in the North West.

Make sure you tune in to Heart on 105.4 FM and DAB digital radio to hear ‘more music variety’ (and us two!) on Heart Breakfast every weekday morning from 6!

Joel and Lorna x

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FEATURE ATKINSON

Culture Club Autumn season at The Atkinson Autumn season at e Atkinson promises to yield another bumper crop of first rate performances from some of the biggest names in theatre, music and the arts. Here's an Exclusive run down of our top picks to pencil into your diary.Wednesday 1 October 2014 | Stephen Fry Live: More Fool Me A Memoir | 7.15pm | £10 Everyone's favourite intellectual uncle, Stephen Fry, marks the release of his newly published memoirs More Fool Me with a live global broadcast of some of its best bits. e multi-award winning British institution traces his creative highlights, and hard partying days, of the late eighties and early nineties in what's sure to be an eloquently engaging monologue filled with witty repartee.

Friday 3 October 2014 | Simon Callow in e Man Jesus | 7.30pm | £18/16/14 What sort of a man was able to inspire the history of the world? at's the lingering question sparked by this tour de force performance by much-loved British actor, Simon Callow, as he portrays the “tyrants, traitors and madmen” encountered by Jesus in this modern and gripping production.

Walton Band, Hitman Blues Band, Makuini & the Hoo Doo Men and Lucy Zirens.

Saturday 1 November 2014 | From a Distance Southport's Americana Festival | Martha Wainwright | 9.30pm | £22 Southport's Americana Festival celebrates our love affair with the American music scene by showcasing some of the finest contemporary artists from the other side of the Pond.

Among them is multi-talented singer, songwriter and actress Martha Wainwright. Hailing from a prolific musical family (her parents are none other than folk legends Loudon Wainwright and Kate McGarrigle. While brother Rufus is an acclaimed musician in his own right) has performed with the likes of Cyndi Lauper, Van Morrison and Snow Patrol.

Saturday 15 November 2014 | Bolshoi Ballet: e Legends of Love (Live) | 3pm | £10 e mercurial Bolshoi ballet beam in to perform this tale of “forbidden love, self-sacrifice, jealousy and suffering” following a ten-year absence from their repertoire. One of the earliest choreographic works of Russian master, Yuri Grigorovich, the story's two heroines enact the “conflict between love and duty” with the stunning set pieces, graceful movements, and epic set designs and costumes for which the Bolshoi are revered.

For more information, or to make a booking, visit www.theatkinson.co.uk. Keep up to date with all the news and forthcoming events on e Atkinson Facebook page or on Twitter @Atkinsone. Please note that all bookings are subject to a £2 transaction fee.

Friday 17 October 2014 | Katherine Ryan: Glam Role Model | 8pm | £12/10 Beneath the disarming feminine charms of Canadian stand-up, Katherine Ryan, lurks an acerbic brand of observational humour that playfully pokes fun at topical pop-culture references. In her second UK tour, the Canuck comic (with credits on Mock e Week and Live At e Apollo) tackles everything from death threats to the world’s first crack smoking mayor.

Sunday 19 October 2014 | Southport Blues Festival: Feat. Steve Cropper | 2-10pm | £27 e headline act for the first Southport Blues Festival is iconic 60s rhythm guitarist – and original Blues Brother – Steve Cropper. e Stax Records legend was a founding member of Booker T & the MG’s and backed the likes of Otis Redding and Eddie Floyd. 'e Colonel' is joined by fellow festival performers e Animals and Friends, Billy

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JIMMY CARR Jimmy Carr: Funny Business | Southport Theatre & Convention Centre | 8pm | Friday 17 October 2014 It takes a lot to provoke a live audience reaction nowadays. But Jimmy Carr has built a glittering career out of doing just that. On his latest gargantuan UK tour, Funny Business, the deadpan, dapper and downright edgy comic makes a whistle-stop appearance at the Southport Theatre & Convention Centre on Friday 17 October. Get ready for Carr's tried and tested formula of savvy one-liners, and toecurling material, that bravely venture where few other comedians would dare.

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JIMMY CARR James Anthony Patrick Carr, or Jimmy as he's affectionately known, first came to our attention on Channel 4's cringeinducing game shows Distraction and Your Face or Mine. e Cambridge political science graduate, who hails from Irish stock, lit up the screens with an unfamiliar brand of intelligent, wry humour that was equal measures uproarious as it was uncomfortable viewing. It's a trademark that's served him well.

In 2003 he reputedly sold out an entire month's worth of performances of his Charm Offensive show at the Edinburgh festival by the second day of its run. By 2006, his Gag Reflex tour had won him a British Comedy Award for 'Best Live Stand Up.' at same year he wrote a book about the art of comedy, e Naked Jape: Uncovering the Hidden World. Heck, he even inspired a song by Las Vegas rock band, e Killers, called Deadlines and Commitments (Carr and frontman Brandon Flowers struck up an unlikely friendship during a Comic Relief appearance together).

It hasn't all been a barrel of laughs for the London comedian however. In 2009, an ill-fated gag linking amputee British soldiers with the London 2012 Paralympics team courted controversy. en in 2012, news broke of tax avoidance allegations, which he later described as “a terrible error of judgement.” In between, Carr has juggled relentless touring schedules witnessed by more than 1.5 million people, released eight live DVDs, hosted the long-running quiz show 8 Out Of 10 Cats and made countless guest appearances on panel shows such as Have I Got News For You and QI.

Now, scrolling through Jimmy Carr's tour dates for his new Funny Business tour is no laughing matter. Having started his latest mammoth comedy outing in April, the japester barely draws breath until November 2015 when he brings things to a comedic climax in Scarborough (there's probably a joke in there somewhere). It's a gruelling, punishing schedule that's led to him being dubbed “the hardest working man in comedy.” Something that he dismissively compares to being the “Tallest Dwarf ” or the “Healthiest Glaswegian.” e dry-as-you-like performer touches down in Southport for one single night's performance that promises a shock and awe delivery of razor sharp one-liners and topical new bareknuckle material. Among the gags that are bound to draw a collective intake of breaths are skits about Oscar Pistorius and the Malaysian Airlines MH370 disappearance. en there's the usual heckler-baiting put downs and an interactive section where gamer members of the crowd can divulge some shocking home truths under Carr's gleeful encouragement. ere's even likely to be some selfdeprecating quips about that tax scandal. If you like your humour dark and punchy, Jimmy's your man.

Jimmy Carr: Funny Business visits the Southport eatre & Convention Centre at 8pm on Friday 17 October. Tickets cost £28.90 (plus a £2.85 transaction fee). For more information, or to make a booking, visit www.atgtickets.com.

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Feature Comedy

Stand and deliver

P r e Pa r e t o b e a m u s e d a s t h e s o u t h P o r t C o m e dy F e s t i va l ta k e s C e n t r e s tag e o n C e m o r e , to Coax o u t s o m e b e l ly l au g h s , w h e n i t takes ov e r t h e t o w n F o r n i n e day s o F mirth this oCtober.

Hosted by Big Comedy, the festival returns bigger and better for 2014 with some of the sharpest talents in British comedy joining the line up. Headliners include Perrier Award nominee and Live at the Apollo's Jason Byrne, Never Mind the Buzzcocks' Sean Hughes with his award-winning Penguins tour, and former Big Breakfast presenter and Time Bren Riley

Out comic of the year, Paul Tonkinson.

Among the other laughter luminaries are multi-award winning Zoe Lyons, who can boast performances on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Mock the Week among her many career highlights. Writer, creator and star of BBC2’s Hebburn Jason Cook brings along his inimitable brand of lightning-fast Geordie stand up. Paul Sinha is a qualified GP by rights but, the erstwhile Chaser for ITV's e Chase and Chortle magazine's Best Club Comic of 2014, prescribes nothing but laughter for discerning stand up audiences nowadays.

Also making an appearance are Scouse comic Adam Staunton and former Camelot jester Steve Royle, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Tony Law, Edinburgh Fringe sellout Tom Wrigglesworth, and the psychological musings of Sony Gold Award-winning Robin Ince. e ensemble is completed by past winner of Channel Four's prestigious 'So You ink You're Funny?' competition Rob Rouse, Australian comic Benny Boot, and Tom Binns – winner of the Best International Act at the 2013 New Zealand Comedy Festival. e fun doesn't stop there however. Oh no. Because six plucky hopefuls are gearing up to trade comedic blows to claim the coveted title of Southport's New Comedian of the Year at Nandos. e Bold hotel hosts an Afternoon Variety Club, in conjunction with Age Concern Sefton, that features Peter Antoniou and Lenny Anderson. Plus on the same evening, the Lord Street venue also welcomes compère Tony Simpson, Jamie Sutherland and Dave Twentyman to raise some laughs and funds for Bridge Inn Community Farm.

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Feature Comedy to-be-missed event go directly to Claire House Children's Hospice. Finally, little jokers can get involved as well with a free cartoon event hosted by cartoonist Paul Hardman and the hugely popular Children's Comedy Festival at Giggles Gym, featuring magician John Harding, with proceeds going to the When You Wish Upon a Star charity.

Festival show dates (sidebar)

•ursday 16 October – Jason Cook: 'Broken' | Fox & Goose | 8.30pm | £8 •Friday 17 October – Paul Tonkinson & Zoe Lyons | Bold Hotel | 8.30pm | £12 •Saturday 18 October – Children's Cartoon Event | e Waterfront Plaza | 12-3pm | Free Rob Rouse Meanwhile, the Claire House Comedy Workshop Showcase sees ten ordinary members of the public each perform a nerve-jangling stand up routine to an audience of 250 people, having had just six weeks of intensive training by a professional comedy mentor. All the proceeds from this not-

•Saturday 18 October – Paul Sinha: 'Paul Sinha is a StandUp Comedian' | Bold Hotel | 8.30pm | £12 (£10 concessions) •Saturday 18 October – Adam Staunton & Steve Royle | Hungry Monk Bar | 8.30pm | £10 •Sunday 19 October – e Southport New Comedian of the Year (Final) | Nando's Ocean Plaza | 8pm | £5 Robin Ince

Paul Tonkinson

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Feature Comedy

Sean Hughes

Tom Wrigglesworth

•Monday 20 October – Tony Law: 'Enter the Tonezone' | Fox & Goose | 8.30pm | £10 •Tuesday 21 October – Afternoon Variety Club (feat. Peter Antoniou & Lenny Anderson, compère Brendan Riley) | Bold Hotel | 12.30pm | For ticket details contact Age Concern Sefton & Liverpool (Southport Office) on 01704 542993

•Wednesday 22 October – Comedy in the Clouds (feat.

Steve Royle & John Harding) | Clouds, Southport College | Food: 7pm, Show: 8pm | £10 (inc. food)

•Tuesday 21 October – Tom Wrigglesworth: 'At Odds with the Universe' | Fox & Goose | 8.30pm | £8

•ursday 23 October | Jason Byrne: 'You Name the Show' | Ramada Plaza Hotel | 8.30pm | £15

•Tuesday 21 October – Charity Comedy Night (feat. Jamie Sutherland & Dave Twentyman, compère Tony Simpson) | Bold Hotel | 8.30pm | £10

•Friday 24 October | Rob Rouse & Benny Boot | Ramada Plaza Hotel | 8.30pm | £12

•Wednesday 22 October – Robin Ince: '(In and) Out of His Mind' | Bold Hotel | 8.30pm | £10

•Saturday 25 October – Sean Hughes: e award winning 'Penguins' | Bold Hotel | 8pm | £12 •Saturday 25 October – Tom Binns: 'Tom Binns Has Not Been Himself' | End of the Pier | 8.30pm | £8 (inc. return trip on Pier Tram) •Sunday 26 October – e Children's Charity Comedy Festival | Giggles Gym | 2-4pm | £2.50 •Sunday 26 October – e Claire House Comedy Workshop Showcase | Ramada Plaza Hotel | £7.30pm | £15

Paul Sihna

For more information visit www.southportcomedyfestival.com or catch up with all the latest news on the Southport Comedy Festival Facebook page or via the @southportcomedy Twitter feed. Tickets are available through Simply Tickets on the festival website 24 hours a day, by telephone message service on 0870 787 1866 (10am-6pm Monday to Saturday), or in person from the Royal Court eatre in Liverpool.

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Feature Comedy If you could be brilliant at something other than comedy what would it be?

Before I did stand up I raced motorbikes and I was useless. I only won one trophy in five years of racing. So I would love to be a brilliant motorbike racer.

Describe your perfect day out in Southport and who would you spend it with?

60 s e C o n d s w i t h . . . lo C a l C o m e d i a n , br e n da n r i l e y

Local funnyman, Brendan Riley is the driving force behind the Southport Comedy Festival and as ever will be revving up the crowds as compère at many of the showcase events. We caught up with Brendan for an exclusive chat about his life, loves and...military literature. We kid you not.

What was your first job?

I left school in 1983, which was a terrible time to be unemployed. My first job was at Formby Timber, on a Youth Opportunity Scheme, and trust me it didn’t offer me many opportunities. I think I was paid £25 a week and at the time I couldn’t spend it – it was the most money I'd ever had!

What were your best and worst subjects at school?

I didn’t have a best subject; I hated them all. I didn’t fit in with school at all, everything was so boring to me.

is sounds sad but my best mate Matt. With the job and my family I probably don’t see enough of him. Years ago we used to go to Southport on a Sunday afternoon and play as many games as we could against each other. Pitch and putt, bowling, pool, the Arabian Derby in the fair and loads of others. en at the end we would tot up the points and see who was the best. It was like a really bad version of Superstars. I'll have to set this up again for old times sake.

Which book has left the greatest impression on you?

I love military books and I've read some brilliant ones such as Iron Coffins, the true accounts of a U-Boat commander who actually survived the war. Another that sticks in my mind is Quartered Safe Out Here about British soldiers in Burma. But the best book I've ever read is called e Forgotten Soldier by Guy Sajer. It’s the account of a German soldier fighting in Russia during WW2. It's completely ruthless and compelling at the same time.

If you could see any performer (alive or dead) who would it be?

I would love to have seen Bob Marley and the Wailers live, playing their 1973 album Catch A Fire.

What was your best ever holiday?

I've been very lucky with my job to visit some amazing places; Hong Kong, Singapore, San Francisco. But the best place I've been to is Havana, Cuba. e people are lovely and the atmosphere is amazing.

If you could have another job what would it be?

I'd like to work in radio. I've been on loads of shows for other people – Radio City, BBC Merseyside, BBC Five Live to name but a few – but I haven’t really had the chance to develop my own show.

What was the happiest day of your life?

Other than the day my daughter and son were born it would have to be my wedding day. I loved having all my best friends in one room at the same time getting pissed and knowing I had a three week holiday ahead of us the next day!

What's your Achilles heel?

Time keeping. I'm terrible at it and no matter how much I try I can’t shake it. It’s as if my sub-conscience is rebelling against conformity.

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ChARItY FEATURE

Exclusive charity dinner at the Warehouse Restaurant An exclusive event is being held at the Warehouse Restaurant on 3rd October, to support a very special cause. e restaurant is hosting a glamorous evening with dinner, wines, fabulous prizes and entertainment in aid of e Walton Centre’s Home from Home Appeal.

Tickets are selling fast and there are just 90 places, so anyone interested is advised to get in touch soon. Tickets cost £125 per person for tables of between two and ten.

Warehouse founder/owner Paul Adams said: “e charity is doing amazing work to raise much needed funds to build relatives’ accommodation at the neuro hospital, e Walton Centre. It is a cause very dear to me and I am delighted to support it with this event.”

To find out more, call Clare on 01704 883800 or email clarewallis@thevincenthotel.com

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About the AppeAl

e Appeal is aiming to raise £500,000 by the end of this year to build an eight bedroom unit to provide home comforts for relatives whose loved ones are receiving lifesaving treatment at this renowned brain hospital. e Walton Centre is the only dedicated neuroscience trust in the UK and treats patients from all over the North West region and beyond – for more information about Home from Home Appeal and how you can help, please visit www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk/9/fundraising

Monday (including Bank Holidays) Central Southport St Philips Church Scarisbrick New Road MORNING GROUP 9:30am Tel: Sam 07909 673633 Central Southport St Philips Church Scarisbrick New Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Sam 07909 673633 Marshside St Patrick's Parish Club 35 Marshside Road.

7pm Tel: Steph 07706 142988 Tuesday Crossens Crossens Community Centre Crossens Community Park.

Rufford Road 7pm Tel: Tori 07967 656849 Kew Kew Evangelical Church.

Folkestone Road MORNING GROUP 9.30am Tel: Sheila 07968 046107

Wednesday Formby Formby Sports and Social Club (formerly e Royal British Legion) Whitehouse Lane MORNING GROUP 9.30am Tel: Viv 01704 572918 Marshside St Patrick's Parish Club 35 Marshside Road.

MORNING GROUP 9.30am Tel: Pam Moreland 01704 233601 Southport Victoria Methodist Church Sussex Road (near Costcutter Norwood Rd end) 5pm & 7pm Tel: Sheila 07968 046107 ursday Banks St Stephens Social Club.

Hoole Lane.

5.30 & 7.30pm.

Tel: Viv 01704 572918

Churchtown All Saints Church Hall Park Road MORNING GROUP 9.30 & 11.30am.

Tel: Steph 07706 142988 Churchtown All Saints Church Hall Park Road 5.30 & 7.30pm Tel: Steph 07706 142988 Friday Banks St Stephens Social Club.

Hoole Lane.

MORNING GROUP 9.30 am Tel: Viv 01704 572918.

Saturday Formby e Dove Centre Formby Station Car Park MORNING GROUP 10.30am.

Tel: Tori 07967 656849 Southport St Philips Church.

Scarisbrick New Road MORNING GROUP 10.30 am Tel: Sam 07909 673633

Wildlife Untamed

The Swan Spectacular at Martin Mere Fish Lane, Burscough, L40 0TA Perched among the shimmering waters of the mere, and the emerald pastoral land of agricultural West Lancashire, there's an incredible sight poised to invigorate every sense in your body. e first clue, as you reach the jam-packed hide of birding enthusiasts, is the raucous cacophony of whoops, honks and trumpets. at's not the twitchers either. Musky wildlife scents and a bird feed bouquet hang thickly in the air.

And there you see it; a churning, boisterous, shock-white mass of life.

Where to look? At the scores of boisterous fledglings, aggressively pecking and jabbing their neighbour's wings. Or the implausible landings; a jumble of giant webbed toes, scudding to a dignified halt on rare patches of open water. is is the Swan Spectacular.

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It's an incredible sight that unfolds each and every year at Martin Mere Wetland Centre, near Ormskirk. From November to March the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) nature reserve is commandeered by an audacious army of up to 2,000 migratory Whooper swans. ese magnificent creatures – identifiable by the yellow triangular patch on an otherwise large black bill – make a non-stop journey of anywhere between 500-800 miles from Iceland to winter on our temperate shores.

It's an extraordinary feat and is thought to be the longest overseas flight attempted by any swan species. Considering those epic flight paths will have invariably occurred with a fledgling chick (some as young as 12 weeks old) in tow, and involved traversing merciless weather, hungry predators and man-made hazards like power lines and wind farms – we are extremely privileged to

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be in their presence at all. Especially because they only return to a limited number of yearly haunts, dotted across Scotland, Ireland and Northern England.

It's the sheer scale of their numbers that astonishes. ere are very few places in the British Isles where you can get this close to quite so many beautiful swans at once.

Behind the scenes each day, Martin Mere's dedicated volunteers busy themselves with the annual swan catch to check if birds are ringed and healthy. ey're also fitted with satellite trackers to learn more about their wily habits and astounding migratory routes.

Martin Jones has been a dedicated volunteer for six years. Working alongside volunteer swan experts, Dave and Estelle Walsh, Martin has witnessed many Swan Spectaculars in his time and has even stepped into the breach to help with swan

catches. He says, “It really is spectacular and it varies from day to day. You never quite know how many swans are going to be there. ere might only be a hundred or so but you could have way over a thousand.

If you do go on a day when there's 8001,000 it is really quite unbelievable.

“It's the noise, the sight of being just a few metres away, and the smell. It's an assault on the senses. If you go more than once you actually start to recognise some of the swans and their families,” Martin adds. e public face of this conservation drive (and it is just that with Whooper Swans listed as an Amber List critical species by the RSPB) is the daily feeding frenzies.

Anyone who has stood in the Swan Link Hide at 3pm, or at the Raines Observatory for 3.30pm, on a dusky autumnal afternoon will be familiar with the electric atmosphere that courses through the gathered swans – and onlooking public – as a Martin Mere volunteer trundles a wheelbarrow of bird feed out onto the feathered banks of the mere and scatters their bounty to an appreciative rabble of onrushing swans. Amid the final golden embers of daylight, it's a truly magical sight. en for a rarified treat there are even floodlit feeds to spy these majestic birds beneath a spotlit glow.

At the Raines Observatory, a warden pipes up with an in-depth commentary to educate the masses and answer any burning questions. Of which there are usually many.

Why do you feed the birds grain? To supplement their diets. Don't they eat the local farmers' crops? ey're encouraged not to, thanks to waste potatoes donated by those very same local farms. How much do they weigh? e average weight of a male is 10kg, although a bird named 'Stonker' weighed in at an impressive 14kgs once upon a time. It's engrossing stuff, which all led to the Swan Spectacular being highly commended in the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2010 for Best Visitor Experience.

Of course, at this time of year you could be forgiven for thinking that it's all about the swans. While they are undeniably the draw card, the migrant influx of pink-footed geese and pretty chestnut-headed wigeons also add a pleasant diversity to the visitor population amassed on these Ramsar-rated (wetlands of international importance) marshlands. at's before we even mention the 100 other species of international water-birds (including several species of flamingo) frolicking among custom-made wetland habitats that you're free to roam amongst.

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en there's the year-round residents and attractions to admire. Like the family of Asian short-clawed otters (don't miss the lively feeding times at 11.30am and 2.30pm), the pair of elusive European beavers, the pond dipping zone, the Celtic roundhouse village, the interactive visitor centre and homely Mere Side Cafe, as well as the Rushes play space for little ones. A brand new interactive Wild Walk, along a maze of wetland tracks, has also been launched this year. So there really is something for all the family to enjoy at the natural playground of Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Martin Mere Wetland Centre is open seven days a week all year round (except for Christmas Day) and opens at 9.30am with closing times of 6pm in summer and 4.30pm throughout the winter. Joining as a member, to enjoy unlimited access and a free copy of the quarterly Waterlife magazine, costs £41 for one adult, £62 for two adults, £72/56 for families and £20 for a young person's membership. Concessions are available and 87p of every £1 goes directly to WWT’s conservation work. For more information please visit www.wwt.org.uk, call 01704 895181, or email info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk.

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COMMUNITY

Dare to be great Autism Initiatives' A Great Little Place and other Autism Ventures

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Great Little Place is a delightful café at the town centre fringes of Hoghton Street that certainly lives up to it's self-proclaimed grand billing.

You may well have sunk comfortably into one of their chocolate leather sofas to enjoy a steaming mug of coffee and a handmade slice of cake before now.

What you may not have realised however is that, behind the professional service and lovingly crafted food, there's an incredibly thoughtful 110

social enterprise striving for even greater things.

Let's rewind a little. To tell the story of A Great Little Place, we first need to tell you about their parent charity Autism Initiatives. Awareness and provisions for people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) were distinctly lacking back in 1971 when visionary founder, Pat Minshull, was looking for appropriate schooling for her son Peter.

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Galvanised into action, Pat and a group of supporters raised enough funds to buy a property in Southport in 1973, which became Peterhouse School – a positive learning environment for youngsters, aged 5-19 years old and diagnosed on the autism spectrum. But it didn't stop there because as Peter grew up Pat began branching out and developing adult services for people with autism.

COMMUNITY back room, early morning (when it's quieter) and this sort of thing. So that every single placement is done in such a way that it's tailored to the individual.”

“We don’t just provide the work experience,” she adds. “We also offer a way for our guys to come in from the service to get used to being out socially.

It gives them, a purpose for the day and opportunities to interact with people.”

In 1986, Pat and her loyal campaigners went on another fundraising drive and this time successfully bought another property to create the Petersfield Autistic Community (now Autism Initiative's headquarters). Peter still lives nearby in community housing but sadly Pat is no longer with us. Her legacy lives on however through an organisation that now supports more than 800 people with education, residential housing, supported living and outreach services across 100 locations throughout the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Ireland.

venture provides meaningful life skills and work experience opportunities for people with autism.

Café Manager, Susan Yarnell says, “We make sure that there are plenty of types of roles available. Some of them will be off-site or on-site, customer facing or

More often that not the handmade cakes, and other tasty delicacies, have been made by service users in the shiny stainless steel kitchens of sister venue, A Great Little Place To Go. As with all their initiatives, every last detail of this London Street establishment was planned to a tee. From the lighting, to the shades of paint and amount of space behind the counter; everything

So c I A L E n tErPrISE VEnturES One in 100 people in the UK are estimated to have Autism Spectrum Condition. at accounts for more than 600,000 people, of which only 12% have full-time jobs – compared to 49% of people with general disabilities.

However research suggests that people with ASC thrive in a structured, well organised environment and can be excellent employees when their strengths are nurtured. at's where spin-off charity, Autism Ventures, comes in. It's under their auspices that A Great Little Place came to fruition. e inspirational café

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COMMUNITY people come through the service who have managed to make a lot of changes in their life as a result.”

rEAP InG whAt thEy Sow

has been designed for volunteers and visitors with ASC in mind.

As well as serving their loyal customer base, they turn their hand to outside catering for offices and parties. ey've also been known to host jazz performers (during the Southport Jazz Festival), underground supper clubs, and community groups in the bright and breezy upstairs meeting room. e original artworks adorning the walls have also derived from talented Peterhouse School pupils and the proceeds of each one sold goes straight back into the project.

According to Susan, “It's a place where our guys feel comfortable and at home. ey feel welcome and they have a lot of friends here. We've had quite a lot of

Just to validate the holistic approach yet further, much of the fresh produce that goes into the thoughtfully tailored menus at both cafés has been sourced from Autism Ventures' other Southport initiative; WeGrowCo. is Big Lottery supported project sees qualified growers mentoring adults with autism to plant, harvest, sort, weigh and pack the freshest seasonal vegetables free of chemicals and pesticides.

You can peruse their wares at a petite on-site shop or they'll even deliver vegetable bags directly to your door.

Likewise, all the meat and dairy products are sourced from local Lancashire producers and their coffee is specially blended and locally roasted for them. e coffee grounds and peelings from the cafés even go back the other way for composting.

Susan adds, “We're very energy conscious and follow a sustainable business model. We try to be interesting and interested in all our remits, whether it be autism, cakes or lunches. It's just about making the whole experience a really good one for everybody – customers, staff and our guys.” ey're succeeding with aplomb and have attracted countless accolades along the way. A Great Little Place has scooped back to back Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor and previously won Best Coffee Shop at the Southport Food and Drink Festival. is year alone they've landed a

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winning platinum award in the independent category of the British Sandwich Association's (BSA) Café/Coffee Bar Sandwich Retailer of the Year Awards and were finalists at the BSA's Sandwich Designer of the Year 2014 awards (head judge Aldo Zilli said their quesadilla was the best he'd ever tasted!).

While September's prestigious Café Life Awards could see several more gongs heading there too, as they're nominated in three categories for e Café Sandwich Design Award and e Tetley Afternoon Tea Design Challenge and also the independent Café/Coffee Bar award.

Susan concludes, “It's nice for all of our guys to be proud of where we work and if we do things like win awards then everybody enjoys it – it's a team effort. I'm not worried about whether our guys are good enough to be out in other people's businesses. e bottom line for me is whether these businesses will really value our guys.”

A Great Little Place is located at 11C Hoghton Street and A Great Little Place To Go is at 43 London Street.

You can find WeGrowCo at 86-88 Radnor Drive, Churchtown. For more information about Autism Initiatives, and all their innovative projects, visit www.autisminitiatives.org. Or find the latest news at the Autism Initiatives Facebook page, via @AutismInit on Twitter, or on their dedicated YouTube channel.

FEATURE INTERvIEw

Ian Snodin In the first of a series of interviews with footballers who have made this town their home, Southport Exclusive Magazine speaks to Everton legend, Ian Snodin.

Ian Snodin, started his football career at Doncaster Rovers in 1980, playing for the youth team. He was there for five years before being spotted by Leeds United where he moved in 1985 for a fee of £200,000. He became a key player for the team over the next two years. In 1987, he was approached by both Liverpool and Everton and chose the Blues who'd offered £840,00. He made Southport his home while he played for them.

During his time at the club he changed from a midfield player to a defender and flourished in the position. So much so, that in February 1989 he was 114

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called up into the full England squad for a friendly international in Greece.

He made over 190 appearances for Everton between 1987 and 1995, winning the First Division Championship in his first season at the Club. He went on to play for Sunderland, Oldham and Scarborough. He retired as a professional footballer in 1998 and went on to manage Doncaster Rovers for 18 months.

He now co-hosts Terrace Talk, a football magazine show, with former Liverpool FC player, Ian St John every Saturday on Radio City 96.7 and City Talk 105.9 and occasionally commentates on Everton for the same radio network. He is also an after dinner speaker.

FEATURE INTERvIEw What is the highlight of your career? e highlight of my career was winning the first division championship medal with Everton in my first season and getting an England call-up.

What is your most memorable moment as a player?

I haven’t got just one but a career highlight at each club I played at was being made Captain.

You have played for clubs all over the country. Why did you settle in Southport?

I lived there when I signed for Everton in 1987 and grew very fond of the place. Now most of my work revolves around the Liverpool area so I decided to go back and live there. e town has everything that you could want, open spaces, a seafront, great restaurants and bars, and it's close to big cities and all the amenities that they have to offer.

terms of the growth of the Premier League over recent years and the introduction of international broadcast holders; it has meant that fans worldwide can watch Premier League football anytime of the day. It is now as accessible to Evertonians across the globe as it is to those based in the UK. Who was the toughest player you ever played against? ere are several but I can reel off a few names from the different positions I played in. As a midfield player it would be Bryan Robson and Lothar Matthaus. As a full-back I’d have to say Liverpool winger John Barnes and as a centre back the two forwards who caused me some trouble were both from Real Madrid; Hugo Sanchez and Emilio Butragueno.

Where is your favourite place to eat out in Southport and why? ere are a lot of good places to choose from but it would have to be Sorento in Formby and Verve in Birkdale village.

Can you tell us who you most enjoyed playing alongside/against and why?

I most enjoyed playing with my brother, Glynn, for Doncaster Rovers back in my early days. As for playing against, I’d have to go with Paul Parker who played for Fulham, Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers because he became a very good friend of mine from when we played together in the Under 17 England youth team.

You recently went to ailand with the club. What were you doing while you were there? How have you seen the overseas interest develop since you were a player?

I had a tour around Bangkok, visited a number of Everton supporters' groups and found out about our shirt sponsor Chang’s influence in and around the city. I also worked during the match doing commentary and pitchside interviews.

I have definitely seen a change in the interest from overseas. In

It's an exciting time for Everton being back in Europe with some exciting, young players on the team. How do you feel about the season ahead and what are you most looking forward to?

Hopefully it will be a very positive season. Not only do we have some quality, young players but we have also got quality, experienced players. With our very young and positive manager I feel that good times are just around the corner for Everton again.

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FEATURE SPORTS

We are the champions

Southport success at the Commonwealth Games

I

t's official; Southport is one of the UK's hottest sporting powerhouses right now. By our reckoning, if our humble town were a country we would have finished 14th in the medal table at this summer's Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Just behind Wales.

Not bad for a town with a population shy of the 100,000 mark. We were given Exclusive access to some of our most impressive performers from the Games to find out exactly what makes Sandgrounders winners at heart.

Perhaps it's the fresh sea air. More likely it's strong school sport and club foundations. Whatever it is though, Southport athletes won seven medals at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Gymnast Daniel Purvis won a

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medal of every colour as part of a Scotland team that included silver medal winning stablemate Frank Baines and coaching support from Southport YMCA's Jeff Brookes.

While English swimming star, Fran Halsall raced her way to two individual golds and a relay silver.

Let's not forget either that Southport-born athlete Michael Rimmer powered his way to seventh in the final of the 800 metres in what was an extremely tough, word-class field of runners. e future is bright, the future is Southport.

FEATURE SPORTS Photography

by Alan Edwards

rise – least of all his coaches at Southport YMCA Competitive Gymnastics Club. He's won three consecutive British all-around titles and was the 2010 World and European floor bronze medallist. In 2011 he finished the season ranked number one in the world across all apparatus. en in 2012 he warmed up for an important year by helping Team GB to claim a team gold medal at the Europeans. at proved to be the ideal springboard to catapult him and teammates Sam Oldham, Louis Smith, Kristian omas and Max Whitlock to a famous bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics.

SP R i n g b OARd TO SucceSS Daniel Purvis is one of the finest artistic gymnasts in the world, who's career highlights are growing with every major championship. Competing on home soil for Scotland at Glasgow 2014 (Daniel's mother hails from Dundee), the Southport flier enjoyed an “extra special” championships.

No doubt spurred on by the vociferous partisan crowds at the SSE Hydro, he skilfully landed a gold medal on the parallel bars, to add to a historic team silver – Scotland's first ever Commonwealth Games team gymnastics medal – and a bronze on the rings.

Daniel told Exclusive, “My early days as a seven year old at Southport YMCA were about enjoying the friendship and rivalry with lots of other boys who, like me, loved gymnastics. We all had great fun and I have made lifelong friendships. But within that homely atmosphere the coaches kept us focused and pushed us hard to become better and better gymnasts. I was always being reminded that I had the talent to do well if I worked hard and followed instructions.”

Linda Gore Photography

Daniel's triple medal success will come as no surprise to anyone who's been following the 23-year old's meteoric

Linda Gore Photography

He adds, “Over many years, Southport and Merseyside have always seemed able to produce talented sports men and women, so you sort of feel that anything is possible. ere are so many coaches that work hard at getting youngsters into sport and bringing them to a level where they can get into national squads. Once there, you’ve always got a chance.”

Fellow Scotland teammate, Frank Baines also trains at Southport YMCA. He helped Daniel, and compatriots Dan Keatings, Adam Cox and Liam Davie, to that Commonwealth team silver. An incredible achievement considering 2014 marks the 19-year-old's debut season as a senior. Frank is a name for the future, and make no mistake, after dominating the British all-around rankings throughout the age-groups and announcing himself to the world in style by storming to the 2012 European Championships junior all-around title.

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FEATURE SPORTS Photography

by SWpix

M A k i n g quiTe A SPlASh i n T h e POOl Francesca Halsall, or Fran as she's better known, is one of Britain's most successful sprint swimmers of all time. Her triumphs in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly, at Glasgow's Tollcross International Swimming Centre, saw her become the first woman ever to seal a Commonwealth Games sprint double. She followed up emphatically with a silver medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay, which took her all-time Commonwealth tally alone to three golds, six silvers, and one bronze.

Fran's stellar swimming career began at the tender age of seven. By the age of 15 she'd broken into the British senior team and a year later helped England to two silver medals in the 100m freestyle and medley relays at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. at same year, at the Europeans, she went a step better and clinched gold with the British medley relay team. At the 2009 World Championships, in Rome, she would add a silver in the 100m freestyle to her ever-growing medal collection. e 24-year-old's most prodigious year by far was 2010. She became the most successful British swimmer at a European Championship when she powered her way to five individual

Photography by SWpix

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medals (two golds, two silvers and a bronze). Incredibly, she then pulled off another stunning five-medal haul at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Along the way she's been crowned national champion 13 times and notched up a hatful of British Records. In case you hadn't gathered...she's a bit good.

FEATURE SPORTS

k e e P i n g T he Winning WAy S O n TRAck Last but not least, Michael Rimmer shone brightly for Southport in the final of the 800 metres. Having qualified as one of two fastest losers, Michael took to the track to finish an impressive seventh place in a field of world-class runners that included Olympic Champion and world record holder, David Rudisha.

Once again, we're talking about a class act here. î “e 28-year-old, former Christ the King pupil, chalked up a record breaking five British Championships before claiming a silver medal at the 2010 European Championships. î “e Liverpool Pembroke Sefton Harrier has also donned the Team GB shirt at two Olympics (Beijing and London) and represented the country at three World Championships.

So there you go. If you thought the only things we had to shout about were Southport Potted Shrimps, and the second longest pier in Britain, then you're sadly mistaken. Because now, as well as the grand golfing heritage of Royal Birkdale and the unsurpassable racing feats of Red Rum, we can add the athletic prowess of Halsall, Purvis, Baines and Rimmer. Let's hope they're the crest of the wave for Southport's sporting success.

British Athletics/Getty Images Autumn 2014

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Ind ooR AT TRAcTiOnS

10 top indoor attractions to help you spring forward when the clocks fall back Southport's best indoor attractions this Autumn Whether you experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or not, when the clocks fall back on Sunday 26 October it'll be hard not to feel a shred of sadness that summer's finally drawn to a close. Goodbye long sunny afternoons that creep on, and on, well until 10pm at night. Goodbye barbecues, shorts, suncream and beer gardens. Hello darkness my old friend. It's time for pitch black mornings and equally inky evenings. But hey, it's not all bad. e leaves are turning auburn and crimson, Halloween and Bonfire Night will spark some colour and cheer, and it's the perfect season to reacquaint yourself with Southport's many top class indoor attractions.

Simon Grant runs down the 10 best autumn aces to invite you in from the cold.

1 0 . B R I T I S h L AW n m o W E R m U S E U m

106-114 Shakespeare Street | 9am-5pm Mon-Sat | £2 | www.lawnmowerworld.co.uk ere's nothing more quintessentially British than trimming the lawn. Now that the Flymo's consigned to the garage for another season, green-fingered folk across the region suddenly have some time on their hands. Rather than letting the grass grow under you, why not visit the world renowned

British Lawnmower Museum? With a genuine two-inch lawnmower, the first solar powered robot mower, and Joe Pasquale's strimmer on display it's certainly a cut above the rest.

9. RUFFoRd oLd hALL

Rufford | Opening times vary | Adult £7.25, Child £3.70, Family £20.25 | www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rufford-old-hall With a visit to one of Lancashire's prettiest Tudor buildings you'll retrace the steps of Britain's most famous bard; one William Shakespeare. He's thought to have performed in the Great Hall before he 'made it big.' No doubt by invitation of the Hesketh family, who presided here for 500 years before the National Trust took over in 1936. Whether promenading in the manicured Victorian and Edwardian gardens is to be, or not to be, there's plenty of fascinating armour, tapestries and period furniture indoors to transport you back to this grand mansion's glory days.

8. PAInT PoTS CERAmIC STUdIo

16 Hill Street | 12-5pm (Closed Mon/Wed) | Prices vary | www.facebook.com/paintpotsceramicstudio Leonardo Da Vinci painted ceilings, Banksy painted the Gaza Wall, but if it's drizzling in the 'Port you might want to exercise your artistic streak by painting pots. Tucked in a quiet corner of town, on Hill Street, this charming little ceramic studio promises a palette-load of fun for all the family. Whether you decide to daub some colour on a plate, cuddly animal figurine, or indeed a plant pot this is one activity that's sure to prompt a quiet revelry among children and adults alike.

7. PLAyToWn

Ocean Plaza | 9.30am-3pm Mon & Tue / 9.30am-5pm Wed-Sun | Prices vary | www.playtownsouthport.com For your little darlings coming here must be something akin to visiting Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. As well as the ample multi-coloured soft play areas – with their ball pools, slides and climbing areas – there's also a whole timetable of brilliant classes from award-winning babyballet and Lil Beatz hip hop for tots. ey even take party bookings for all those special occasions. So if your birthday boy or girl dreams of

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Ind ooR AT TRAcTiOnS being a superhero or a princess for the day they can, with the added promise of bouncy castles, popcorn machines, candy buffets, DJ’s and a five tier chocolate fountain. ere's also seating, refreshments and free Wi-Fi for grown ups.

6. P R E m I E R B o W L & L A S E R

treatment and perhaps some lunch. With a soothing candlelit spa pool, exotic rasul and spa jet hydrotherapy among the delights on offer you might want to extend the indulgence with a Spa Break combining a stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel or e Metro.

Ocean Plaza | 3-11pm Mon-u / 10am-11pm Sat-Sun | Prices vary | www.premier-bowl.co.uk Perennial kid-pleaser ten pin bowling is always a great diversion when the weather turns sour. ere's that frisson of excitement when you lace on your hire shoes, as another set of pins topple with a crash in the background, and type in your initials before the real action gets underway. With an on-site “military urban laser zone,” pool tables and arcades there's no reason for the fun to end too soon. Plus, there's a diner and licensed bar for when hunger and thirst strike.

5. S I LC o C k ' S F U n L A n d | Pier Forecourt | 10am-9pm daily | Free Entry | www.silcock-leisure.co.uk Drawn by the irresistible whiff of vinegar-doused fish and chips, and the beeping chorus of neon slot machines, Funland is the ideal place to dry off and grab a taste of classic seaside amusements. You'll be greeted by a freakishly distorted image of yourself in the foyer's hall of mirrors before stepping into the vast hall of penny shoves, rides and Ticket Game Zone. e Silcock family has been entertaining Southport's masses for more than 100 years, so they know a thing or two about raising a smile on a rainy day.

4. V U E C I n E m A

Ocean Plaza | Showing times vary | Prices vary | www.myvue.com/home/cinema/southport Be transported for a couple of hours to whatever blockbuster land of make believe is showing at the flicks. is eightscreen, 1,403-seater behemoth shows all the latest box office hits in Sony 4K digital and 3D clarity. Inside you'll find the sweet tooth's haven of the Ben and Jerry's cafe, a relaxed speed bar for a pre-film pint, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Regular offers include a third off adult ticket prices on Super Tuesdays, £1.75 Kids AM tickets for adults and kids on selected movies every Saturday and Sunday, plus 20% off for teens (aged 13-18) all year round.

3. P o R T L A n d h A L L S PA

17a Portland Street | Opening times vary | Prices vary | www.portlandhallspa.com is award-winning day spa, in the heart of town, has transformed a beautiful former synagogue into an opulent Moroccan and Art Deco themed haven. Escape the chill sea breeze for a luxurious ESPA massage, facial or body

2. ThE LIT TLE ThEATRE

Hoghton Street | Show times vary | £8.25-£9.50 | www.littletheatresouthport.co.uk Talented thespians have been treading the boards at this historic venue for more than 100 years. Since 1920, the Southport Dramatic Club have called the theatre home and have undertaken countless performances and several refurbishments along the way. is coming season, the much-loved Southport institution includes e Witches of Eastwick, Sir Alan Ayckbourn's Body Language, and the pantomime favourite Dick Whittington among it's standout stage productions.

1. dUnES SPLASh WoRLd

e Esplanade | Opening times vary | Prices vary | www.splashworldsouthport.com Whatever the weather outdoors, a constant temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit keeps those summer temperatures alive all year round at Splash World. is firm family favourite promises fabulous flumes, a lazy river and rapids, a rejuvenating bubble spa and a brand new refurbished toddler area and water play area (complete with a massive tipping bucket). Murtle's Poolside Diner has a lip-smacking range of light bites for hungry swimmers and Active Choices card holders can also splash out with discount entry.

Autumn 2014

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directory INFORMATION A G r e At L it t L e P L Ac e

d r & P insurAnce Brokers

Jd PArties

11c Hoghton street PR9 0NS , Southport enquiries@agreatlittleplace.org

Chancery House ,Slaidburn Ind Est Slaidburn Crescent PR9 9YF , Southport Tel.: 01704 508400 www.drpinsurance.com

Regent House 34b High Street Tutbury Burton – upon – Trent DE13 9LS , Staffordshire Tel.: 01283 816210 www.jdparties.co.uk

A n t h o n y JA m e s

19 Anchor Street PR9 0UT , Southport Tel.: 01704 543434 43 Weld Road PR8 2DS , Birkdale Tel.: 01704 550048 www.ajestateagents.co.uk Betsy Boo

Unit 3 Birkdale Trading Estate PR8 4PZ , Southport Tel.: 0174 564630 www.betsyboohaberdashery.co.uk B i r k dA L e c h e e s e c e n t r e

42a Liverpool Road PR8 4AY , Southport Tel.: 01704 568822 www.birkdalecheese.com Bistrot Verite

7 Liverpool Road PR8 4AR , Southport Tel.: 0174 564199 www.bistrotverite.co.uk B r oA d L e y d e V e Lo P m e n t s

53 Waterloo Road PR8 2ND , Southport Tel.: 07715 439993 www.broadleydevelopments.co.uk B u t L e r c A P i tA L

Hesketh Mount PR8 1JR , Southport Tel.: 01704 504375 www.butlercapital.org chris tinsLey e s tAt e AG e n t s

Pitts House Barn Pitts House Lane PR9 7QT , Southport Tel.: 01704 512759 www.elite-marquees.co.uk e L s on cosmetic cLinic

1c Preston New Road PR9 8PB , Southport Tel.: 01704 827339 www.elsoncosmeticclinic.com F r u itique

Southport Tel.: 07809 226552 info@fruitique.co.uk www.fruitique.co.uk G e ntinG cLuB southPort

7 e Waterfront PR9 0DZ , Southport Tel.: 01704 504700 www.gentingcasinos.co.uk G i G GLes Gym

51 Weld Road PR8 2DS , Southport Tel.: 1704 560077 www.gigglesgym.co.uk h AV in turkish restAurAnt

11-15 Coronation Walk PR8 1RD , Southport Tel.: 01704 547575 www.havinrestaurant.co.uk

Lemony Lime

Southport Tel.: 01704 546505 info@lemonylime.co.uk www.lemonylime.co.uk LiVerPooL one

5 Wall Street L1 8JQ , Liverpool Tel.: 0151 2323100 www.liverpool-one.com LockdALes Auctions

52 Barrack Square Ipswich IP5 3RF , Suffolk Martlesham Heath Tel.: 01473 627110 www.lockdales.com LoVed the GiFt

7/7a Bold Street PR9 0DD , Southport Tel.: 01704 540300 www.lovedthegift.co.uk mcGuire estAte AGents

11a Hoghton Street PR9 0NS , Southport Tel.: 01704 531205 www.mcguireestates.co.uk mother & chiLd

12a AnchorStreet PR9 0TE , Southport Tel.: 01704 512121 www.christinsley.co.uk

h e Art north West

Tel.: 0161 6624700 www.heart.co.uk

7 Weld Parade PR8 2DT , Southport Tel.: 01704 561634 www.motherandchildonline.co.uk

d i c k i n s o n B A n G & o Lu F s e n

B i r kdALe hyPnotherAPy

PAnd orA

226 Hesketh Lane PR4 6AT , Tarleton Tel.: 01772 812852 www.bernarddickinson.co.uk 126

e L i te mArquees

5 Grosvenor Gardens PR8 2LH , Southport Tel.: 07825 047849 www.birkdale-hypnotherapy.co.uk

Autumn 2014

439-441 Lord Street PR9 0AQ , Southport Tel.: 01704 512824 www.pandora.net

directory INFORMATION PL At t m o r G A n

t h e G rooms room

the WArdroBe Boutique

2 Shore Road PR8 2RB , Southport Tel.: 01704 579600 www.plattmorgan.com

15a off Liverpool Road PR8 4AS , Southport Tel.: 01704 553951 www.thegroomsroom.co.uk

38a Sussex Road PR9 0SR , Southport Tel.: 01704 809771 www.thewardrobeboutiquesouthport.com

rA m A dA P L A zA s o u t h P o r t

Promenade Southport PR9 0D2 , Southport Tel.: 01704 516220 www.ramada.co.uk re d r o W

Summerhill Park Off omas Lane L14 5NZ , Liverpool Tel.: 0151 7928986 www.redrow.co.uk re P u tAt i o n m e n s W e A r

92-96 Lord Street PR8 1JR , Southport Tel.: 01704 536959 www.reputationmenswear.co.uk s & B s P o r t s c Lu B

Trafalgar Road PR8 2HF , Southport Tel.: 01704 569951 www.sandbsportsclub.co.uk si t t i n G P r e t t y s A Lo n

18 Liverpool Road PR8 4AY , Southport Tel.: 01704 550667 www.sittingprettybeautysalon.com so u t h P o r t t h e At r e & co n V e n t i o n c e n t r e

e Promenade PR9 0DZ , Southport Tel.: 01704 500036 www.southporttheatreand conventioncentre.com st e WA r t i n t e r i o r s

71 Alma Road PR8 4BL , Southport Tel.: 01704 568449 www.stewart-interiors.co.uk th e At k i n s o n

Lord Street PR8 1DB , Southport Tel.: 01704 533333 www.theatkinson.co.uk

t h e G rAPeVine restAurAnt & W i n e BAr

46 Botanic Road PR9 7NE , Southport Tel.: 01704 507977 www.churchtownwinebar.co.uk t h e h unGry monk ALe h o u s e & kitchen

20 Cambridge Arcade PR8 1EN , Southport Tel.: 0174 809355 www.thehungrymonk.co.uk t h e k itchen sink

111b Eastbank Street PR8 1DG , Southport Tel.: 01704 546505 www.the-kitchensink.co.uk t h e o FFice BAr & r e s tAurAnt

9b Hoghton Street PR9 0TE , Southport Tel.: 01704 543354 www.theofficerestaurant.co.uk t h e s And Grounder

trAcey BeLL

32-36 Hanover Street L1 4LN , Liverpool Tel.: 0151 7070340 www.traceybell.co.uk ViLLAGGio cucinA

31 Liverpool Road PR8 4AG , Southport Tel.: 01704 564564 www.villaggiocucina.co.uk VirGiniA Lee

8-9 Garrick Parade Lord Street PR8 1RN , Southport Tel.: 01704 546584 www.virginialee-southport.co.uk Voice+

Academy Of Arts 44 Bedford Road PR8 4HJ , Southport Tel.: 01704 567578 www.voice-plus.co.uk WArehouse restAurAnt

30 West Street PR8 1QN , Southport Tel.: 01704 544662 www.warehousekitchenandbar.com

114 Lord Street PR8 1PU , Southport Tel.: 01704 549271 www.sandgrounder.co.uk

WAyFArers shoPP inG ArcAde

44 Liverpool Road PR8 4AY , Southport Tel.: 01704 566424 www.birkdalespalounge.com

yAFFe PhotoGrAPhy

t h e s PA LounGe oF B i r k dALe

t h e V i ncent hoteL

98 Lord Street PR8 1JR , Southport Tel.: 01704 883800 www.thevincenthotel.com

Autumn 2014

Lord Street PR8 1NT , Southport Tel.: 01704 539077 www.wayfarersarcade.co.uk 10 Portland Street PR8 1LJ , Southport Tel.: 08442 510861 www.yaffephotography.com yoGA euPhoriA

1 Alma Road PR8 4AN , Southport Tel.: 01704 461338 www.yogaeuphoriabirkdale.co.uk 127