14 minute read
2021 LEGENDS OF INDUSTRY AWARDS
2021 LEGENDS OF
FRONT ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: Aiysha Ali, The Nolans and Karina Jadhav BACK ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: Mansoor Ali, Anton du Beke, James Martin, Mike Chapman, Tony Blackburn and Richard Ainscough
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INDUSTRY AWARDS
THIS YEAR’S HONOURS LIST INCLUDED
• Commercial property entrepreneur
Richard Ainscough • New Strictly Come Dancing judge
Anton Du Beke
• Grammy-nominated music industry hit-maker Mike Chapman • Restaurant and hospitality innovator Karina Jadhav (Menagerie, Manchester) • Music and TV figures The Nolans • Veteran broadcaster Tony
Blackburn
• Charity champion and first ever recipients of a Local Legends of
Industry Award, Manzoor and
Aiysha Ali • TV chef and award-winning restaurateur James Martin
• Paralympian rower Lauren Rowles
MBE
• Comedic alter-ego character ‘Keith
Lemon’ also receives a Legends of
Industry Award but was unable to attend the evening.
SEE BELOW FOR WHAT AWARD RECIPIENTS HAD TO SAY:
Variety, the Children’s Charity Development Director for the North West, Lyn Staunton, said:
“We are deeply honoured to bestow awards upon some of the finest people who achieved so much in their chosen careers. We have been overwhelmed by the support of our event sponsors and our dedicated supporters in Manchester who have Variety in their hearts and are there to help as we work to support sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.
“The evening is the flagship event for the charity, and the night was a huge success.”
Richard Ainscough: Network Space CEO
“Our (Richard and his wife Amy are hard-working supporters of a number of children’s charities, including their own – and Variety, the Children’s Charity) aim is simply to help young people fulfil their potential. There are some really hard-working and aspirational young people out there who are at a disadvantage, whether that is to do with economics, disability or access to training and education. We just want to help them achieve their goals and dreams.
“I’m not sure I’m that well known or respected, so I was surprised, but delighted, to be told of the award. It is certainly different to receive an award that is outside the scope of your sector, and quite humbling to know you have been recognised. I love the work that the charity does which means I appreciate the award even more.”
Anton Du Beke Dancer, Choreographer, Strictly Come Dancing Judge
“I was honoured and thrilled [to receive this award] because fundamentally I’m a dancer and if I could only do one thing, that is what it would be. So I’m delighted and humbled to be recognised for this award.
Speaking of his experience as Captain of the Variety Golf Society, he added: “It allowed me to see first-hand the work the charity does and then be able to hand over the Sunshine Coaches. I get a massive thrill from doing this and am so proud to be associated with the charity and be a part of it and the magnificent work they do. “
Anton says he was thrilled to be given the opportunity to join the Strictly judges’ panel for this series.
The Nolans with event sponsor Michael Josephson, owner of 2015 Ltd
“I was elated to have been asked. I miss dancing on the show, obviously, but I loved my short stint judging in the last series and at least this way I am guaranteed to make the final! Win win!
“The great thing about Strictly is that it allows all generations to sit down together and enjoy it. It has something for everyone. And because each year it has a whole new cast it always has a fresh, new narrative.”
James Martin, Award-winning Restaurateur & TV Chef
“I’m very honoured to even be nominated for an award, let alone receive one. It is never the intention when you set out with work to achieve anything like this, however, it is gratefully received and is testament to a great team I have working alongside me.
“It’s so important that charities, and everybody associated with them, keep the awareness and support going, through the tough times. None more so than now after what we have all gone through in the last few years. We know that everyone’s belts are tightening, however, the rewards and benefits you see from your actions are more than any financial reward.”
Lauren Rowles MBE, Paralympian Rower
“The work of charities like Variety is genuinely life changing for children who are, like myself, disabled with dreams of doing more in their lives than just the negative narrative that is written for them by society. All children should have the ability to pursue their greatest dreams and with grants and funding from people like Variety we can achieve those goals.
“Real heroes are not only the people that live super successful lives but the ones who show you how harsh life can be and show how to use failure as a tool for growth, my mom has done that for me.”
Manzoor Ali (and wife Aiysha), Charity workers & first ever Local Legends of Industry Award winners
“[When we (Manzoor and wife Aiysha began] it was a very difficult time for us, I would say we were just a month or two away from needing food aid ourselves. But there were people in need, and we took the decision to help where we could. [This award] It’s crazy. It’s very humbling. You never feel deserving. For everyone helped there’s another person we’ve missed; we don’t do what we do for a pat on the back, but this is great recognition for how the community is helping itself. We all work hard. “Our food aid organisation helps everyone and anyone. We just help ‘people’. And look what we, as a community, can achieve.”
Karina Jadhav, Restaurateur: Manchester’s favourite celebrity hangout Menagerie
“It’s incredibly important to give back. I like to support small charities (Menagerie supports the city’s Wood Street Mission: Variety, the Children’s Charity has supported Wood Street mission for many years) and in particular those with a focus on children, making sure children have what they need. I think that’s a cultural thing. My Dad’s Hindu, and that’s a big part of the culture – to give as much as you can to help others.
“I look at my son and see how lucky, how happy he is. I want to make sure we do our bit to help provide the things every child should have - clothing, food, toys. This is so important.”
Tony Blackburn, Radio broadcaster
“I was very excited when I heard this news, I’m always happy to get another award – particularly from Variety, the Children’s Charity. “
Tony’s late sister Jackie was born with polio and unable to walk so he is only too well aware of the difficulties facing children and young people with disabilities.
“It’s so, so important to carry on raising awareness and money. It’s always been my opinion that disabled children shouldn’t have to rely on charity but whilst they do, it’s great that Variety, the Children’s Charity are there.
“My sister Jackie was my hero. She was disabled all her life – she could never walk for example – but she never grumbled. She taught me so much, particularly about people. She made me aware how silly we were for worrying about the smallest of things. Sadly she passed away in March this year.”
Mike Chapman, Grammy-nominated song writer and music producer
“There are awards, and there are awards. The Variety Legends of Industry Award has an entirely different significance to me. To receive an honour such as this for a lifetime of accomplishments is way deeper than any award for writing a song or producing a record. I am absolutely thrilled!”
A native Australian, Mike moved to the UK as a young man and from the early 1970s created a string of hits including, Can The Can and Devil Gate Drive for Suzi Quatro, Tiger Feet and Lonely This Christmas for Mud and Heart of Glass for Blondie. He has worked with some of the greats, including Tina Turner, Rod Stewart and Agnetha Foltskog of ABBA fame. He holds numerous global awards for his work.
Guests included Variety, the Children’s Charity ambassador Dante Marvin.
The teenager, who was born with brittle bone disease and scoliosis, has spent much of his life in hospital but has thrown himself into fundraising and awareness campaigns for Variety, the Children’s Charity. His motto is “There are no disabilities, only abilities”.
THE LEGENDS OF INDUSTRY AWARDS EVENT, AT THE KIMPTON CLOCKTOWER HOTEL, MANCHESTER, WAS SUPPORTED BY:
PARTNERSHIP SPONSORS:
Michael Josephson MBE Stocks 2015 Ltd The Geddes-Wood Family Trust
AWARD SPONSORS:
Grant Thornton a2e Industries REWARD Finance Group Davenham Asset Finance
VIP RECEPTION SPONSORS:
We Do Finance
DRINKS RECEPTION SPONSORS:
Spitfire Heritage Gin with The Salty Rim Co
Poulton-le-Fylde
By Megha Seth
Poulton-le-Fylde is the perfect place for tourists to get away from the bustling monotony of loud cities while also retaining the perfect social life you would want to explore outside of your city. This vibrant town has its historic charm, quaint peacefulness, and also a dynamic night-life for the spirited souls, one that you cannot miss when in and around the area.
HISTORY OF POULTON-LE-FYLDE
Poulton-le-Fylde is an ancient market town in Lancashire. This North-Western town is situated near Fylde Coast. Home to high-quality and well-known independent stores, the vibrant town flourished as an important trading centre in the post-medieval period. The history of Poulton-le-Fylde, commonly known as Poltun (farmstead by a pool or creek) during the 11th century AD, dates back to 12,000 years ago with human settlements being found in and around the area. The area has also been an archaeological site for finds belonging to Roman settlements in England. Also described as “Metropolitan of the Fylde” in 1837, its commercial importance started to fade away in the mid-nineteenth century with the upcoming port towns neighbouring the area.
PLACES TO VISIT IN POULTON-LE-FYLDE
Satisfy your travel bug as you discover this ancient market town, its underrated gems, and various popular spots:
St. Chad’s Church
St. Chad’s Church has stood the test of time and looked over the Polton Town Centre for over 900 years. Soak yourself in Holy Divinity as you enter this zone of tranquillity. In spite of its location in the middle of the town, the churchyard and gardens offer a peaceful respite. The church is open to all for prayer and reflection apart from when services or ceremonies are being carried out. If you happen to be at Poulton-le-Fylde around spring, you can also witness the magnificent views of crocus blossoms—a blue sea of beautiful flowers carpeting the gardens of the church to herald the arrival of spring every year.
Skippool Creek
Located on the Western Banks of River Wyre, a quick visit to Skippool is mandatory to take in the historic essence of what Poulton-le-Fylde used to be before the later constructed neighbouring ports started flourishing. The dock had been in constant use since the end of the Middle Ages and used to receive goods from all over Europe and North America. It is now a historic dock area that has become a harbour for run-down vessels. But its rustic charm with the surrounding greenery will certainly transfix you as you are shipped to another era.
Marsh Mill
Marsh Mill Windmill is a monumental property in itself. It was built in the year 1794 by Ralph Slater. This Grade II listed building is extremely well preserved and one of the finest and of its own kind in England. Standing 70 feet tall, it is one of the tallest windmills on the Fylde. The windmill opens up for the public on selective dates throughout the year. Step inside the windmill and into the past as you figure out its historic mechanisms. A windy day will definitely turn the sails in your favour. The surrounding Marsh Mill Village is a recreational courtyard with shops, cafés, a pub and also a fine dining restaurant.
Wyre Estuary Country Park
This park is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. One of the best spots in the town to laze around on a Sunday afternoon with friends and family for a picnic spread, the Wyre Estuary County park also has quite a few accolades and a green flag to its name. Located on the banks of River Wyre, the park has a variety of scenic estuary and riverside views. You can also spend a day birdwatching and wildlife spotting here. The park also hosts events all year round. There are ample facilities like a children’s natural play area, woodlands including an area for den making, picnic spots, a cafe for light refreshments, so on and so forth. An ideal place to spend a leisurely Sunday!
Poulton Town Centre
The Poulton Town Centre is a perfect place to explore on foot while taking a stroll and doing some window shopping. Is a holiday trip ever complete without bringing back souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones?
A market town certainly has a reputation to live up to and Poulton-le-Fylde has a lot to offer. With an interesting blend of shops, you will come across high street names and also independent local retailers who can vouch for the quality of their products. The Poulton-le-Fylde Market Square also organizes a weekly flea market every Monday which is famous for a selection of goods including gifts, home ware, confectionery, clothes and local produce. So shop till you drop!
Blackpool Beach
A 20-minutes drive from the main town of Poulton-leFylde, a visit to a lively harbour town is never complete without a trip to the beach. The Blackpool Beach Resort is one of a kind in England which boasts of three piers. A perfect place for sandcastles, sunbathing and a fun-filled family day, the beach’s Southern Shore also boasts of one of the most famous themed amusement parks of England, the Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN TOWN
The travel checklist is never complete without choosing the perfect place to stay. Here are some options you can explore when in town: Breck Poulton-le-Fylde is the perfect way to spend a luxurious life away from home. There are 12 luxurious suites available for long and short stays. The condominium has a range of one to three-bedroom duplex apartments set in a beautiful location to make your vacation memorable. Saracen’s House is a 19th-century building that has been tastefully renovated into a pub and an excellent bed-and-breakfast. The property boasts clean spacious rooms, amazing service and a plethora of in-house meals made of fresh local produce. With affordable rates and wonderful hosts, the reviews left behind by
Singleton Lodge Country House
Hotel is a delightful country house set on five acres of peaceful park-lands. Situated on the outskirts of Poulton-leFylde, the hotel offers one of the best lodging experiences with beautiful rooms overlooking the property grounds. Apart from accommodation, the property is also known for its quality dining services and also has a banquet for various events.
Gourmet’s Delight
There are several experiences that make a trip unique and memorable. Food is most certainly one of the best ways to explore the local culture of places. Buckingham’s Public House is the best pub in and around. With amazing food and drinks at dirt-cheap prices, lovely ambience and great service to complement the menu, one must visit this “brilliant little pub” when in Poulton-le-Fylde.
Miller & Carter Poulton-le-Fylde is one of the best steak houses in Poultonle-Fylde, both in terms of quality and taste of food. The restaurant has also made its way on the Traveller’s Choice list in 2021 and right so. Miller & Carter has a lovely ambience and a wide variety of options to choose from. They also serve vegan and gluten-free meals. This makes this place a go-to for everyone to enjoy a wholesome and hearty meal. Their exceptional speciality includes the chateaubriand steak.
Hive is the perfect place to be if you’re on the lookout for a scrumptious breakfast or brunch.
This pretty little cafe serves the best breakfast and cafe meals that are light on your stomach yet linger around on your taste-buds long after you’ve left Poulton-le-Fylde. Their in-house specialities include cakes, quiches and gourmet sandwiches.
Poulton-le-Fylde has a number of places that can be covered within 2-3 days which makes this place ideal for a quick getaway. With its picturesque charm, intriguing history and wonderful night-life, this upbeat market town is truly a breather in the form of a short but fun trip.
