Clyde life issue 16

ClydeLife.co.uk

I’m

FREE

Pick Me Up!

For Local Living

The National Theatre’s acclaimed production of WarHorse screened live to the Waterfront Cinema

Inside Exclusive

Chartroom vouchers Special Clyde Lifestyle Pull Out ClydeLife.co.uk/homes

(see centre pages)

Beacon Arts Centre listings

Homes

&

Interiors

And loads more

Homes & Interiors 2014

Skelmorlie Wemyss Bay Inverkip Gourock Greenock Port Glasgow Langbank Kilmacolm Quarrier’s Bridge of Weir Brookfield Houston Bishopton Erskine ■

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DONATE YOUR FURNITURE AND ELECTRICALS and we’ll pick up your items for FREE Your unwanted furniture and electricals can help us fight back against heart disease. We collect all sorts of items: • • • • •

Sofas, beds, tables, chairs TVs, Hi-Fi’s Washing machines, fridges Small electrical items Games consoles, docking stations

Call 0844 248 9127* or book online at bhf.org.uk/collection Please don’t be disappointed if we are unable to accept items for reasons of safety or quality

*Calls cost 6p per minute from a BT landline. Charges from other providers and mobiles may vary. ©British Heart Foundation 2013, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426).

2 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

@clydelifemag

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ClydeLife.co.uk/homes

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Homes

&

Interiors 6 Take care of your best friend 9 GHD competition 11 Teen Style Files ew Teeth, New Year, 14 NNew You cinema 16 Westcoast and live events

19 An exciting new way of working

20 Money Matters 23 Beacon Arts Centre Special Clyde 27 Style Files - The price is right? Lifestyle Pull Out (see centre pages) 31 Choosing a nursery

Homes & Interiors 2014

The front cover shot courtesy of: The National Theatre

Issue 16, 2014 Publisher: Life Magazines & Publications Features Editor: Ellen Arnison ellen@clydelife.co.uk

Editor: Charles Briggs

Advertising Sales Manager: Nicky Murphy nicky@clydelife.co.uk

Contributors: Ellen Arnison, Mariessa Devlin, Douglas Harvey, Robert MacDonald, Marilyn Thompson, Holly Thompson, Fergus McClafferty

Contact Info: Editorial: 07788-923054 Advertising: 01505-871962 Email: editor@clydelife.co.uk Web: www.clydelife.co.uk Graphic Design: Phil Cunningham www.creative-magazine-designer.co.uk phil@creative-magazine-designer.co.uk Advert Design: Simon Jones, Skep Design

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors, or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Life Magazines and Publications Limited does not officially endorse any advertising material included in this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 3

Breathe new life into your carpets & upholstery…

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I write for Clyde Life, but I can write for you too For • website copy • newsletters • press releases • blog posts • articles • or just some advice

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Childcare Funding Available 4 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

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Happy New Year from

THE CHARTROOM

Buy 1 main course & get a 2nd half price in January & February with this exclusive Clyde Life offer!

01475 520919

Just fill in your details below, reserve your table on and give your voucher to a member of staff on arrival.

Must present voucher. Each voucher valid for up to four 50% meal discounts. Discount applies to lower priced main course. Voucher valid anytime during January & February 2014 excludes 14 Feb. Not available with any other offer. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Voucher valid only with details completed. Email will only be used to inform you of special offers & events at The Chartroom.

Buy 1 main course & get a 2nd half price!

Buy a full price main course and get a second main course 50% off anytime during Jan/Feb 2014 with this voucher.

Just fill in your details below and reserve your table on 01475 520919

Name .......................................................................................... Email.....................................................................................................

Discount applies to lower priced main course. Voucher valid anytime during January 2014.

Not available with any other offer. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Voucher valid only with details completed. Email will only be used to inform you of special offers and events at The Chartroom.

Clyde Life Magazine

Tel: 01475 520919

www.thechartroom.co.uk www.clydelife.co.uk | 5

The Chartroom, Kip Marina, Inverkip, PA16 0AS

Pets & Vets

Take Care of Your Best Friend ■ Observe your pet with the sitter or walker.

How do they interact? Are you sure the person can cope? If your pet is to stay at the sitter’s property, you will want to visit to ensure the environment is suitable. These meetings will also give you a chance to question the carer and check on their knowledge and experience.

■ There should be a written record of your contact details along with your pet’s needs and details of your vet. Be sure to talk about your animal’s habits, for example if they tend to bark at bicycles.

■ Check the carer has the relevant insurance to cover them against liability for incidents involving your pet. If they will be coming to your home when you are not in, you may also want to see a Disclosure check.

So that’s it. Be clear that both parties understand the arrangement and the animal, then the service will be better because it’s tailored to your pet. All that remains to be done is your packing and to relax and enjoy your holiday.

A holiday is for relaxation and getting away from it all. Right? Well yes, but if you spend your precious time away fretting about your pet then you might as well not bother. But if you don’t fancy a staycation, then you have no choice but to bite the bullet and check your precious pooch or pussy into temporary accommodation of their own. And that’s where the problems start. It’s easy to let worries take over as you imagine Tiddles or Spot having a miserable time at the hands of someone who is only interested in your money, not their welfare. However, you can put your mind at rest and have a stress-free holiday by taking a few simple steps: ■ Ask for recommendations from friends.

When you meet others in the park or at the vet, ask them who they use when they go away. Perhaps your local vet has a list of pet sitters they recommend or maybe they offer a service themselves.

■ Take a look at the register held by the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers. The Association promotes professionalism and ethical standards. They have a Code of Practice and you can also read reviews on their website www.narpsuk.co.uk

6 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

@clydelifemag

Feel the love at

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Earn some brownie points this year Don’t forget Valentines!

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Get organised now and it will save your dinner going in the dog or a night on the sofa!

Stunning hand tied bouquets available which include a variety of flowers and foliages with own water bubble and presented in a stylish box and finished with a voile ribbon.

For the more traditional customer or for all of you guys who are really romantic there will be the deluxe red, pink or white rose hand tied bouquets also with water bubble and box and ribbon!

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AbbeyVetGroup www.clydelife.co.uk | 7

8 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

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One Union Hairspa For hair that’s always better than good.

GHD has long been the go-to brand for sleek, glossy successful hair. Now, though, at One Union Hairspa, GHD has got even better.

Stylist Ashleigh Kennedy is proud to have become the salon’s GHD ambassador. This means she has undergone specialist training to help ensure that clients can make the very best of the GHD styling equipment and products.

She said: “We have the new GHD hairdryers, called AIR, and all the other stylers including the new Eclipse stylers, and we have the whole range of styling products and brushes.

“What my role comes down to is knowing about the potential of the stylers and the products and showing clients what they can do.

“Sometimes they are surprised by the possibilities at their fingertips when they use GHD. I’m an experienced stylist, but every time I go to a GHD event, I find something new to bring back with me. I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with my colleagues and our clients.”

Ashleigh is particularly expert in up-dos and often finds that clients who come to her for a hair transformation for a special event are astonished by what can be achieved using GHD products. With the full range that GHD offers at her disposal, it can seem like there’s no limit to the magic she can work.

You don’t need an appointment, however, to tap into Ashleigh’s extensive knowledge about your new GHDs. Just pop into the salon and she’ll be happy to chat to you.

Ashleigh is also setting her sights on joining GHD’s prestigious Art Team, where she’ll be involved at the cutting edge of demonstrating and developing styles.

Joining the team is a high-profile achievement and one that will further enhance Ashleigh’s expertise and how much she can offer to clients.

She’s starting on her way through the rigorous auditioning process that would see her involved in mentoring, platform work, product-testing and seminar hosting.

She said: “The current Art Team does amazing work. I’d be honoured to join them and it would bring so much back to everyone at One Union.

“The more I learn about GHD and what you can do with it, the more impressed I am by the brand.”

WIN THE GIFT OF FABULOUS STYLE!!

Clyde Life readers have the chance to win a limited edition GHD Wonderland styler gift set worth £135.

All you have to do is answer the following question: What is the name of the new GHD limited edition styler?

To enter, visit www.clydelifemagazine.co.uk, click on ‘competitions’ and follow the instructions from there.

Closing date 19th February. Good luck!

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 9

Tenants... Keep it Clean The answer would seem to be very simple but in reality there is a large variance between what some people consider ‘clean’. Many tenancies will have started over the last 2 or 3 months and hopefully the majority of properties will have been provided in a clean and tidy condition.

This is a big issue and is probably the main bone of contention when a tenant moves into, and out of, a property. At the start of a tenancy all properties should be professionally cleaned and the inventory will reflect this. If a tenant considers it unclean they must note it on the inventory as this is what is checked at move out.

Tenants must realise that cleanliness is not a wear and tear issue. Over the course of a tenancy there may be the odd mark here and there which is acceptable wear and tear. However, if clean at the start it should be clean at the finish - simple. In my

Harvey &Co.

view something is either clean or it is not. I remember an ongoing commentary with a guy who was adamant a flat was clean and as we worked our way around I commented on areas that needed attention. The balloon went up as we stood in front of a lime scaled shower cubicle, I didn’t say anything, just pointed at it.

You would have thought I had questioned his lineage.

Windows are the other one. I define a window as a pane of glass I can look through, many tenants do not.

The list of excuses has not changed much over the years and the top 5 is as follows: ■ I thought it was the landlord’s responsibility to get it cleaned ■ It was like this when I moved in ■ It is clean (as I hold up my grease covered hand) ■ My Mum has been in to clean it (by definition a blue chip job then) ■ I didn’t think the windows had to be cleaned.

Cleaning is a boring job and to do it properly takes time. Furniture has to be moved, oven glass taken out, nooks and crannies wiped, skirting boards, windows, light fittings, unit fronts – the list goes on and on. My advice is don’t leave it to the last minute and keep the property in reasonable clean condition during the tenancy, this makes it a lot easier on move out.

Specialist Letting Agents serving Inverclyde and Renfrewshire

LANDLORDS – Quality Properties Required To Meet Demand Contact Douglas Harvey for Details First Floor, St George’s Buildings, 5 St Vincent Place, Glasgow G1 2DH T: 0141 204 1100 E: admin@harveylet.com www.harveylet.com

10 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

@clydelifemag

The teenSTYLE Files Now that the we are well into the new year, Holly from The FASHION Class is back with all the latest news on fashion, beauty and all the must have gadgets.

Very

Cosy Jumpers Cosy jumpers are an essential; great for lazy days with leggings, layered over dresses with tights or even for springtime, Look worn with a cute skirt. The of the material of the jumper is very Month important too, for example, cashmere is really comfy but mohair can be too itchy!

Cool earmuffs are the perfect accessory for any chilly winters day, especially when you can listen to your favourite songs through them!

Check out these cute fur headphone earmuffs from Juicy Couture.

Gadget of the Month Charge your iDevices on the go with this super cute portable charger. You can even shake the cube to illuminate how much “juice” (power) is left in the charger!

er!

Portable Charg

CELEBRITIES –

Holly ♥s This Juice cube- www.pcworld.co.uk

Do’s & Dont’s – Faux Fur

do

t don’

➤D o wear faux fur. ➤ Do stay tasteful. ➤D o wear fur of a natural colour. ➤D on’t over accessorise. ➤D on’t go OTT.

Your fashion questions answered ??????

Q – Is it worth investing A – Hey Eve, with some Christmas money in a more expensive high quality jumper?

Eve 12

to splash, yes it’s a good idea to buy a quality jumper (eg. from Jack Wills) as it should last for years! Holly x

Get in touch – To learn more about The FASHION Class for teens & children, the courses, camps and Birthday parties, or to tell me what you think and ask any questions, contact: holly@thefashionclass.co.uk or www.thefashionclass.co.uk

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 11

You don’t need to call in the Army to get rid of pests (but it helps to have a ‘man that can’...)

Greenock man Gordon Sinclair has decided upon a career change after 28 years of service with the RAF Regiment.

Gordon was raised in Greenock attending the Ardgowan Primary and the Greenock Academy. He later moved to Houston, then Johnstone and Paisley, before joining the Royal Air Force in 1985. He has served at various locations throughout the UK and Europe and has accumulated over 7 years’ worth of active service in places such as Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.

His last tour of Afghanistan was with 51 Sqn RAF Regiment based at RAF Lossiemouth. This squadron was instrumental in defeating a heavily armed Taliban attack at Camp Bastion in September 2012 where they cleared the airfield of the enemy after 5 hours of intense fighting.

Gordon returned from Afghanistan in November 2012 and left the RAF in July 2013. In the last few months he has also been able to spend time with his wife, Jane and daughters Rebecca (9) and Heather (4). He said, “Having spent so much time serving away I felt it was important to spend some time

12 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

with my family”. He has also been working hard to set up his next career in Pest Control. “Setting up a new business from scratch was a daunting prospect” said Gordon, “however by applying the same professional work ethos that I learned in the military I was able to stay on course and achieve my dream of self-employment”. Attending certified and nationally recognized courses run by the British Pest Control Association to gain his qualification as a pest control technician, and gaining work experience with a local pest control firm, Gordon now feels that he is ready to launch his business – Clyde Pest Control Services.

A recent Greenock Telegraph article highlighted the issue of Pest Control in Inverclyde, stating that it was one of the worst areas in Scotland for complaints about rats and bedbugs as well as being the third highest for call outs. Being qualified to deal with numerous types of pests from rodents to crawling insects it looks like Gordon’s new business will have lots of opportunity to help the local community with unwanted rodent and insect pests!

@clydelifemag

Happy New Year from Laserlight!

It’s that time again... New Year’s Resolutions!

This year, why not resolve to do something that will result in a Brand New, Confident You? With our special New Year offer of up to 40% off selected treatments, there’s no need to put it off for another year.

Laserlight uses state of the art E-light Laser technology for a variety of concerns. Permanent Hair Reduction, Thread Veins, Sun damage, Acne and lots more can be treated effectively with Laser therapy.

Our Laser Tattoo Removal is proving really popular too, so if there’s a tattoo you’ve come to regret, now is the time to deal with it.

Laser Tattoo Removal sessions start at just £20.

This is the perfect time of year to have Laser Treatment so that you can be silky smooth or tattoo free in time for summer.

At up to 40% off until 28 Febuary there will never be a better time to book a course of treatments.

If your skin just needs a pick me up, Carbon Laser Facials are just £50 and will leave your skin glowing and fresh.

Call today for a free consultation on any of our fantastic treatments.

CUTTING EDGE Aesthetic Laser Treatments

LASERLIGHT CLINIC. 1 PRIESTON ROAD, BRIDGE OF WEIR, PA11 3AJ • Hair Removal • Skin Treatments • Carbon Laser Toning • Tatoo Removal • Microneedling • Botox and Dermal Fillers • Radio Frequency Treatments and much more!

T: 01505 228095 and ask for Lorraine

Up to 40% discount off most treatments booked before 28th Feb

Exclusive to Clyde Life readers and not available in conjunction with any other offer.

Please mention Clyde Life at time of booking

E: info@laserlightclinic.co.uk W: www.laserlightclinic.co.uk Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 13

‘New Teeth, New Year – New You’? “placed and restored in Gourock to avoid multiple visits to Glasgow!”

Local Dentist and Implantologist Fergus McClafferty, BDS discusses the effect tooth loss can have on self-confidence and the revolutionary option now open to patients to maintain that perfect smile.

It’s well known that having that perfect smile is not just about looking good but can have a huge impact on individual confidence and self esteem. The thought of losing one or more teeth can be a very upsetting

prospect for anyone to have to deal with. Going back a generation or two, the only options available, when it was necessary to have a tooth (or teeth) removed, were dentures or bridges. Although these can be a good option for many patients, people often report that dentures move when eating and that food can get under the plates which can be an unpleasant and embarrassing situation to deal with. The bridge option is held in the mouth by being cemented onto the teeth beside the space. This option requires that natural teeth be cut down to retain the bridge, a process which, once done, is irreversible and affects the longterm prognosis of these natural teeth.

In recent years there have been advances made in dentistry which allow the replacement of missing teeth simply by dealing with the spaces and placing ‘dental implants’. This revolutionary technique was developed about forty years ago following a chance discovery, that the metal, titanium, when in contact with bone, fuses with it to create a very strong weld which is biocompatible with the human body. Dental implants are basically titanium screws which are placed into bone to take the place of the tooth root. Once this bone weld has taken place (after a few weeks) the implant can have a porcelain tooth attached to it.

This tooth can be made to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth. Implants have changed the way dentistry is carried out as they provide dentists with many more options to give patients back natural smiles which not only look great but function very like natural teeth.

Dental implants are not only suitable for restoring single tooth gaps; they can be used to restore larger gaps, with implant retained bridges and can even restore a full arch of missing teeth. Often complete denture wearers complain that their lower denture is very loose. This is because, following tooth loss, the bone that held the teeth in the mouth melts away leaving a very flat ridge. This flat ridge is poor at holding the denture in place and can result in pain, discomfort and limitation when eating. A relatively simple treatment, which can make a significant difference to patients, is the placement of two implants into the lower jawbone. This allows the denture to clip onto the implants, providing the wearer with a secure denture which makes eating, speaking and socialising a more enjoyable and less embarrassing experience.

14 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

@clydelifemag

Before offering patients a treatment option, we always assess if the patient is suitable to ensure they get the best and most appropriate option for their teeth and long term dental health. The first stage in assessing if a patient is suitable for dental implants is gathering a detailed history of the problems followed by x-rays and a cone beam scan. This scan allows us to accurately determine how much bone is available which in turn enables us to plan treatment much more efficiently.

If you have any of the following problems with your teeth or dentures then dental implants could be the perfect option for you: ■ Single or multiple visible spaces ■ Crowns or bridges which keep falling out ■ Loose dentures which need secured ■ Want rid of a denture(s) altogether Fergus McClafferty BDS Fergus has undertaken extensive training over the past ten years working with some of the most respected implantologists in dentistry, both at home and abroad. He has been placing and restoring dental implants for eight years. Fergus is a member of the International Team for Implantology and the Association of Dental Implantology, organisations set up to share and disseminate information on research and developments within the field of dental implantology.

The implant system he uses is manufactured by a Swiss company, Straumann, who are a global leader in implant, restorative and regenerative dentistry.

Weir & McClafferty Dental Care is a family dental practice, which has been established for 25 years and is led by sister and brother team Josephine Weir BDS and Fergus McClafferty BDS. They are a mixed practice delivering both National Health Service and private treatment in a modern, fully computerised facility. The practice is centrally located in Gourock town centre with excellent public transport links.

All implants are placed and restored in Gourock – so no need to travel into the city or beyond. Stay local and receive personal advice, pre and post care, on your doorstep.

For a free and confidential consultation regarding dental implants from Weir & McClafferty Dental Care call 01475 630396 quoting: Clydelife or refer direct online at http://www.weirandmcclaffertydentalcare.com

QUALITY CARE IN A RELAXED FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE General dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Implants • Smile Design • Childsmile 7 Albert Road, Gourock, PA19 1NH t: 01475 630396 e: info@weirandmcclaffertydentalcare.com www.weirandmcclaffertydentalcare.com Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 15

Halls 3 & 4

complete ly improve refurbished d se sound q ating and uality.

From 24th January

From 14th Feb

From 29th January

Cuban Fury 98mins A former salsa prodigy attempts a comeback years after his career was ruined.

Director: James Griffiths Stars: Rashida Jones, Ian McShane, Chris O’Dowd

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit 105mins Jack Ryan, as a young covert CIA analyst, uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy with a terrorist attack.

Director: Kenneth Branagh Stars: Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley I Frankenstein 93mins Frankenstein’s creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans.

Director: Stuart Beattie Stars: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Miranda Otto

From 31st January

Lone Survivor 121mins Based on the failed June 28, 2005 mission “Operation Red Wings”. Four members of SEAL Team 10 were tasked with the mission to capture or kill notorious Taliban leader Ahmad Shahd.

Director: Peter Berg Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch The Armstrong Lie 124mins A documentary chronicling sports legend Lance Armstrong’s improbable rise and ultimate fall from grace.

Director: Alex Gibney Stars: Lance Armstrong, Reed Albergotti, Betsy Andreu

From 7th Feb

Mr Peabody and Sherman Using his most ingenious invention, the WABAC machine, Mr. Peabody and his adopted boy Sherman hurtle back in time to experience world-changing events first-hand and interact with some of the greatest characters of all time. They find themselves in a race to repair history and save the future.

Director: Rob Minkoff Stars: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Stephen Colbert Rating

Robocop (Remake) 121mins TBC In 2028 Detroit, when Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) - a loving husband, father and good cop - is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer.

Director: José Padilha Stars: Joel Kinnaman, Douglas Urbanski, Abbie Cornish

16 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

The Book Thief 131mins While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others.

Director:Brian Percival Stars: Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson

The Monuments Men 112mins An unlikely World War II platoon are tasked to rescue art masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their owners.

Director: George Clooney Stars: George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon The Lego Movie An ordinary LEGO minifigure, mistakenly thought to be the extraordinary MasterBuilder, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil LEGO tyrant from gluing the universe together.

Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller Stars: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy When a misunderstood dust-keeper fairy named Zarina steals Pixie Hollow’s all-important Blue Pixie Dust and flies away to join forces with the pirates of Skull Rock,

From 19th Feb

Rating TBC

Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, half human/vampire, guardians of the Moroi, peaceful, mortal vampires living discretely within our world. Her legacy is to protect the Moroi from bloodthirsty, immortal Vampires, the Strigoi.

This is her story.

Director: Mark Waters Stars: Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry, Danila Kozlovsky

From 21st Feb

Rating TBC

Pompeii 102mins A slave turned gladiator finds himself in a race against time to save his true love, who has been betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts, he must fight to save his beloved as Pompeii crumbles around him.

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson Stars: Kit Harington, Carrie-Anne Moss, Emily Browning @clydelifemag

From 28th Feb

Rating TBC

Non-Stop An air marshall must spring into action aboard an international flight.

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Stars: Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson, Michelle Dockery

Rating Welcome to Yesterday TBC A group of teens discover secret plans of a time machine, and construct one. However, things start to get out of control.

Director: Dean Israelite Stars: Sir Maejor, Ginny Gardner, Sofia Black-D’Elia

From 7th March

Rating TBC

300: Rise of an Empire The Greek general Themistocles battles an invading army of Persians under the mortal-turned-god, Xerxes.

Director: Noam Murro Stars: Sullivan Stapleton, Rodrigo Santoro, Eva Green Rating Grand Hotel Budapest TBC he adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

Director: Wes Anderson Stars: Saoirse Ronan, Jude Law, Ralph Fiennes

From 14th March

Rating

TBC Need for Speed Fresh from prison, a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross country race with revenge in mind. His ex-partner, learning of the plan, places a massive bounty on his head as the race begins.

Director: Scott Waugh Stars: Aaron Paul, Chillie Mo, Dominic Cooper

Live Events 6th Feb 7:30pm

Private Lives

A West End theatre production of Noel Cowards’s Private Lives (recorded live) Private Lives is a 1930 comedy of manners in three acts by Noël Coward. It focuses on a divorced couple who, while honeymooning with their new spouses, discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel.

23rd Feb 3:00pm

Peter Grimes

This is the first revival of David Alden’s 2009 five-star sell-out production. ENO Music Director Edward Gardner again conducts the electrifying score, with Stuart Skelton heading an outstanding cast in his return to the title role.

27th Feb 7:00pm

WarHorse

The National Theatre’s internationally acclaimed production of War Horse, will be broadcast live from London’s West End to cinemas around the world

Rating

TBC Under the Skin 108mins An alien seductress preys upon hitchhikers in Scotland.

Director: Jonathan Glazer Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Paul Brannigan

The Zero Theorem 107mins A computer hacker’s goal to discover the reason for human existence continually finds his work interrupted thanks to the Management; this time, they send a teenager and lusty love interest to distract him.

Director: Terry Gilliam Stars: Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Thierry, David Thewlis

1st May 7:00pm

King Lear

Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes directs Simon Russell Beale as King Lear in this highly anticipated production of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

Schedule subject to change. please call or check before coming.

www.waterfrontcinema.co.uk • www.studiocinema.co.uk Bookings: Waterfront Greenock Clyde Life Magazine

Online booking available via our websites

01475 732201 Studio Dunoon 01369 704545 www.clydelife.co.uk | 17

Rise & Shine in 2014 At Three Sisters Bake, breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day, it is also the most exciting.

We adore breakfast time.

Our love affair with the first meal of the day began more than a decade ago on the other side of the world, as we sisters each spent time travelling in Australia. The Australian café culture is phenomenal and even the tiniest cafés have exciting and innovative brunch menus.

Until then, breakfast was cereal or toast, perhaps with the odd bacon roll. Our eyes popped when faced with homemade granolas, pancakes with berries, maple syrup, bacon and bananas, fruit salads, fresh yoghurt, corn cakes, smoothies and juices.

We all returned home with the seedlings of a dream to open our own Australian inspired café. The rest, as they say, is history!

Fast forward ten years to a busy 2013 at Three Sisters Bake with lots of exciting developments, including the birth of our second Baby Bake, Tate in June. The project we kept coming back to was the reinvention of our breakfast menu.

This is not as easy as it sounds when you love talking about food as much as we do. To speed up the decision-making, we asked our customers for suggestions.

18 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

The response was fabulous, including the Elvis Brekkie - crispy bacon, peanut butter and banana on toast. There were childhood favourites such as ‘egg in a cup’ and banana baked with chocolate.

Then there was the exotic. Shakshuka, eggs in spicy tomatoes, an Indian breakfast called Marsala Dosa, a crispy pancake with a spicy potato stuffing, and a Caribbean dish of hot bakes with salt fish and cucumber salad.

We are launching our brand new breakfast menu on 11 January. Visit www.threesistersbake.co.uk to whet your appetite.

@clydelifemag

Aves Business Centre:

An exciting new way of working When two business women, Lizzy Todd and Debby Anderson, put their heads together to find themselves some office space, they ended up with a brand new business that’s already proving popular.

Both social media consultant Lizzy and accountant Debby found they needed somewhere to work in Inverclyde, but when they couldn’t find the perfect place, they decided to create somewhere. So the Aves Business Centre came to life.

Lizzy said: “We had both been operating successfully from our laptops wherever we were, but we found we needed somewhere we could use for meetings and so on.

“When we looked for space we could both use, we discovered that a lot of people were in the same position as us. We thought that we could come up with a space for others that would also be a hub.”

At their newly refurbished premises on Greenock’s Jamaica Street desks and meeting space will be offered on a membership basis. So businesses can book the regular times they need. The centre will also have a range of reception services included in the membership and it can be used as a registered office.

Lizzy explained: “Basically, it’s hot desking so if people only need four half days a month or four full days or a meeting once a month, that’s all they need in

their membership agreement.

“We’ve already had lots of enquiries including some from local politicians who want to use it for regular clinics.

“Within the membership structure, we’re very flexible. Come and talk to us about what you need.”

And the name? Lizzy, whose business is Tweetiepie Media, and Debby, who runs Blue Jay Office Services, thought that Aves – which means birds – would be perfect.

For more information contact: info@avesbusinesscentre.co.uk

Birds of a feather... Debby Anderson (left) and Lizzy Todd (right)

Fed up with working from home?

Need more work space to expand?

Looking for office space without the costly ongoing commitment?

The answer is Aves…

Aves Business Centre is a brand new, contemporary space for small businesses looking for a place to work, meet clients, and hold meetings – without the stress or cost of an office on a lease basis.

The Services we will be offering include: (but not restricted to) • Hot desking • Registered office • Meeting and conference space • Photocopying • General business services Change the way you do business – join us at Aves and start doing what you do best.

Aves Business Centre, Aves House, 11 Jamaica Street PA15 1XX

Tel: 01475 603300

Email: info@avesbusinesscentre.co.uk

www.avesbusinesscentre.co.uk Clyde Life Magazine

tweetiepiemedia www.clydelife.co.uk | 19

Money matters – so make the most of yours

Don’t be depressed by gloomy financial forecasts, be inspired to start saving According to a recent report we should be downcast about how much worse off we are going to be over the next few decades than our parents were.

More than 50 years ago, then Prime Minister Harold Macmillan declared “we’ve never had it so good”, now, though, it seems we’re miles away from that.

20 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) showed that many people currently in their forties and fifties will be poorer than their parents at the same age.

Inadequate pensions, a lack of savings and low pay rates all contribute to people facing difficulties in the future. The incomes which had grown significantly until around 2002, have stagnated since.

Those people born in the 1960s and 1970s are less likely to own their own home. The report also identified that, while the group earned relatively well in their earlier working years, they chose to spend the money rather than save it as their parents’ generation would.

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Consequently many ‘middle aged’ people are facing a future where they depend on an inheritance from their parents to meet their living costs.

And it’s never too late to get started. Putting aside a little, often, can quickly add up to making a huge difference.

Andrew Hood, a research economist at IFS and an author of the report, said: “Since the second world war, successive cohorts have enjoyed higher incomes and living standards than their parents. Yet the incomes and wealth of those born in the 1960s and 70s look no higher than the cohorts who came before them. As a result, younger cohorts are likely to have to rely on inheritances to be better off in retirement than their predecessors.”

However, rather than face the future with gloomy resignation, this is the ideal time to have a fresh look at your savings.

Being clear about financial goals will also help the cause and keep you motivated.

Professional advice will make the whole process easier and more effective by guiding you through an understanding of what you are trying to achieve and how to go about it in the most efficient way for you.

Getting into the habit of saving can make all the difference, providing a little nest egg to fall back on in the event of something unexpected happening.

Savings can also allow goals to be achieved such as putting down a deposit on property or meeting the cost of a child’s education.

Robert MacDonald Robert is among the most highly qualified Financial Advisors in Scotland being a Certified and Chartered Financial Planner and has been in the business for more than 20 years.

The views in this article are personal and provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as recommendation by the publisher or investment advice by the contributor as laid down by the Financial Conduct Authority.

MacDonald & Co An advanced level of advice...

On Financial Planning T: 01475 638100 | www.macdonaldandco.com | E: info@macdonaldandco.com

281/283 Eldon Street, Greenock, PA16 7QL

MacDonald & Co is a trading style of MacDonald & Co (Wealth Management) Ltd which is authortised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 21

Help is at Hand as your Life changes Woodside Care Home is a 19 bedroom Residential Home situated in the beautiful conservation village of Quarriers, just outside Bridge of Weir. Visitors are always made welcome.

The Home is registered with The Care Inspectorate for the regulation of care.

• • • •

Residential Elderly Long Stay Short Stay Convalescent Respite

To request a brochure or to arrange a visit please contact the manager

Fiona Summers ~ 01505 613370

We have tenants looking for rental properties in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, please get in touch.

22 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

@clydelifemag

arts centre The Beacon Arts Centre is Inverclyde’s newest home to the arts, opened in January 2013.

Situated on the stunning Custom House Quay overlooking the River Clyde, it has succeeded the much loved Greenock Arts Guild Theatre which served the community and visitors for over 65 years.

The Beacon Arts Centre was recently awarded four stars by Visit Scotland

The Beacon Bistro & Bar….

New Year

January 2014 is the anniversary of The Beacon opening and its first year has been one to be proud of. There has been an extraordinary level of support for the performances, the Bistro and the participatory activities that The Beacon offers.

The Beacon Bistro has new management and our new Head Chef is adding a modern, vibrant menu in the evening to enhance the highly successful lunch and daytime offering. Look out for our live music events in the bar to enjoy with a coffee or with cocktails, wines and beers later in the day.

JIMEOIN is on stage in February

New Head Chef Our new Head Chef, Stephen Boswell, brings 25 years of catering experience to the Beacon Bistro. He gained his first Rosette Award in 1993 and has received numerous further Ribbon, Rosette and Medallion awards along the way. Stephen originates from Argyll and was trained in Glasgow.

Stephen’s most recent role was as Head Chef at The Majestic Line. His recipes have been published in several magazines including ‘Good Food’ and he is a co-author of the published cookbook ‘Majestic Line Galley Cookbook’.

New Menu Our Head Chef has designed an exciting new menu which will be launched on 27th January. Our offering still includes the old favourites at breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a few Beacon twists added in. The new menu includes modern twists on ‘American Street Food’, with dishes such as Tempura Steak Strips, Sweet & Sticky Buffalo Wings, Barbeque Ribs, Sloppy Joes and Homemade Burgers.

It’s been a great year and we are looking forward to a burst of new energy in 2014 from our enriched programme and hope you will celebrate The Beacon’s birthday with us by booking a performance, a class, a meal or even all three.

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 23

What’s On at The Beacon Winter/Spring 2014

February National Theatre of Scotland in Association with The Arches Present

RANTIN’ The Beacon is perfectly situated in the heart of Inverclyde with spectacular views across the River to the hills of Argyll. In addition to being home to the arts, there are a variety of perfectly formed spaces that can be tailored to your specific needs. The Beacon houses two theatres and specially designed rooms that can adapt to become whatever you need them to be; a rehearsal studio, conference suite, exhibition hall, art gallery or a beautiful wedding venue. From classes or clubs to parties or presentations, everything you need is here.

The Beacon’s catering team will ensure that you are well looked after and will provide you with outstanding service for your event.

The Bistro uses locally sourced produce, carefully prepared and served by highly trained staff.

If you are interested in holding an event in The Beacon please email: events@beaconartscentre.co.uk or call 01475 723723 for further information.

February 1st 2014 7:30pm £10.00/£8.00 (Concession) Studio Live Nation in association with MZA present

JIMEOIN – YES, YES, WHATEVER…?!

£16.00/£14.00 (Concession) Theatre 2013 brought a new chapter in the musical relationship between Kiki and Carmelo. They have released their 4th album “A Place Where I Can Go” in September and embarked on a highly successful autumn tour with a number of sold out performances.

Ballet West Present

SWAN LAKE

February 9th 2014 7:30pm £16.00/£12.00 (Under 26’s) Theatre Scottish Community Drama Association Present

ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL 2014 February 20th – 22nd 2014 7:00pm £10.00 Theatre February 6th 2014 7:30pm £15.50 Theatre Hilarious world-class stand-up from one of live comedy’s internationally acclaimed masters! Jimeoin returns in 2014 with his ever-evolving live show.

Cultural Connections Present

Music Media Events Present

March

KIKI DEE & CARMELO LUGGERI

THE COMET – THE PADDLE STEAMER THAT MADE HISTORY February 26th 2014 7:30pm £10.00/£8.00 (Concession) Studio

Indepen-Dance4 Present

TRIPLE BILL

March 6th 2014 1:00pm £10.00/£8.00 (Concession) Studio

HOW TO MAKE A KILLING IN BOLLYWOOD Performances

Classes

Exhibitions

Meetings

February 8th 2014 7:30pm Celebrations

Weddings

March 7th 2014 7:30pm £10.00 Theatre How To Make A Killing In Bollywood is a band new comedy about two best friends (Raza and Gurjit) who decide to quit their jobs in a takeaway restaurant and head to India to pursue their Bollywood fantasies. A tale of ambition, hope and friendship - everything you need to Make A Killing In Bollywood.

BOX OFFICE HOTLINE 01475 723723

BOX OFFICE OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 10am – 8pm 24 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

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Arts Centre

February–April

VOODOO ROOM

March 7th 2014 8:00pm £10.00/£8.00 (Concession) Studio Clyde and Central District Association of Young Farmers Clubs Present

TALENT SPOT COMPETITION March 8th 2014 7:00pm £8.00 Theatre Small Petitklein Present

WITHIN THIS DUST

March 12th 2014 7:30pm £10.00/£8.00 (Concession) Studio

Children’s Classic Concerts Present

BONGOS & BRASS

March 22nd 2014 2:00pm £5.00 Theatre Fair Pley Present

BUTTERFLY KISS

March 23rd 2014 7:30pm £12.00/£10.00 (Concession) Theatre Jerry Sadowitz – Comedian, Magician,

PSYCHOPATH 2014!

The Beacon Bistro offers casual dining, not just pre-theatre, but every day and evening, making it the ideal place to meet with friends or family for a drink or to enjoy a relaxing breakfast lunch or dinner. Choose from morning coffee, afternoon teas, handcrafted pastries, light lunches, all day dining and supper menus.

Brian Shaw Concerts Present

DEREK ACORAH – ENLIGHTENMENT TOUR

March 16th 2014 7:30pm £17.50 Theatre Voted Britain’s Favourite Male Medium by the prestigious Soul & Spirit Magazine With countless hours of spirit contact, Derek’s friendly and sincere delivery, down to earth charm and obvious dedication to his work has endeared him to tens of thousands of people, many of whom regularly attend these amazing live events.

Thick Skin Theatre Present

CHALK FARM

March 17th 2014 7:30pm £12.00/£10.00 (Concession) Theatre Ailie Cohen Puppet Maker & Unicorn Present

THE SECRET LIFE OF SUITCASES

March 27th 2014 8:00pm £22.50 Theatre Jerry Sadowitz is best known as an offensive comedian but he is also one of the world’s most skilled and creative card magicians.

April Pinetree Promotions Present

NATHAN CARTER WITH LISA STANLEY

April 5th 2014 7:30pm £18.00 Theatre Nathan Carter is a top class entertainer and backed by a superb six man band, he puts on a brilliant and exciting show that will leave you wanting to see him again and again.

March 19th 2014 3:30pm £7.00/£5.00 (Children) Studio

Margaret Murphy Management Present

THE BUSCH ENSEMBLE March 20th 2014 7:30pm £12.00/£10.00 (Concession) Theatre

Follow us on Facebook: Beaconartscentre, Follow us on Twitter @thebeaconarts info@thebeaconartscentre.co.uk www.beaconartscentre.co.uk The Beacon Arts Centre Custom House Quay, Greenock, PA15 1HJ

Clyde Life Magazine

Enjoy the view

Open 10am to 10pm, 7 days a week.

For the full range of menus including Afternoon Tea, Pre-Theatre and the Wine and Drinks list... beaconartscentre.co.uk/bistro-bar To book a table at The Beacon Bistro call 01475 723723

www.clydelife.co.uk | 25

Our skin is made up of 75% Collagen, and is the framework for holding ‘everything’ together.

From the age of 25 collagen naturally deteriorates!

THE ANSWER:

GATINEAU’s NEW ‘COLLAGENE EXPERT’ RANGE (containing a Triple Collagen Complex)

Try with our Limited Edition 5 Piece Discovery Set

(containing: Collagene Expert, Ultimate Smoothing Cream, Smoothing Expert Eye Concentrate, Targeted Wrinkle Corrector, Refreshing Cleansing Cream, Firming Throat Gel

All this for ONLY £19.95 as a ‘try before you buy’ trial pack!

11 Union Street Greenock PA16 8JL Mon - Sat 9.30am - 6pm Wed & Thurs 9.30am - 8pm Proprietor: Patricia A Ralston FFHT, MIFR, SYTA (Reg) 26 | Clyde Life –MBWY, January/February 2014

01475 785685

healthy outlook health&beauty

healthyoutlook.co.uk contact@healthyoutlook.co.uk /healthyoutlookgreenock t @healthyoutlookgreenock l @healthyoutlookgreenock @clydelifemag

s e l i F E L Y T S The The Price is Right?

Style expert Marilyn Thompson, who runs The Fashion Class, shares some tips for looking amazing this year.

Mid January means that the sales are in full swing and you will now be sorely tempted by price slashing discounts offering as much as 70% off. This is about the time when you may find your (hopefully) hardened resolve beginning to waiver. But, ask yourself, do you really, really need that hot pink, marabou trimmed, sparkly designer cocktail dress (it’s also a size too small, but of course you will fit into it in a month or two) just because it is now ‘almost’ at a giveaway price? You must try to be strong and resist the crazy impulse purchases, focus instead on classic, timeless pieces which will work well with the existing items in your wardrobe and will last for years. At sale time the reduction in prices makes it a lot easier to justify buying really good quality clothes.

Some of the best buys are: Coats Classic coat styles with a high wool and cashmere content are a wardrobe staple, their appeal will never diminish and they can be worn with just about anything. Classic black, grey or camel would be your best choice.

Clyde Life Magazine

Cashmere Beautifully cut cashmere jumpers are a real luxury, and they are so comfortable, warm and elegant.

You can get them oversized or fitted and you can even get an amazing cashmere onesie! So you can envelop yourself in the delight of cashmere from head to toe. (If that’s your thing) Designer Jeans The sales can allow you to trade up your denims to a more expensive and well cut brand. Choose your fit and style carefully for a classic and long lasting buy.

Classic or Designer Bags There is no longer an ‘it’ bag so this gives you the opportunity to purchase a beautiful bag in a shape which suits your lifestyle and will give you years of use. An essential item – chic and practical. Again try not to be seduced by a snazzy colour which is heavily reduced (for a reason!) always try and choose classic colours which you can then accessorise any outfit with. Of course, there are always exceptions and if you really can’t live without the cobalt blue, leopard print tote bag then go ahead, it will give you pleasure and liven up your look.

Yes, these items are more of an investment buy but much better value in the long run than the multiple crazed sales purchases that lie unworn and unloved or stuffed carelessly into the back of a drawer.

Oh uh… Is that a flash of hot pink marabou I see??

www.clydelife.co.uk | 27

DID YOU KNOW?

KMP Crusader is Inverclyde’s only outlet for all your replacement ink and toner cartridges. KMP are one of the largest European manufacturers of inkjet cartridges and toner cartridges AND right on your doorstep.

No need to buy online, shop around, or trek for miles to find what you are looking for.

Thousands of ink cartridges in stock for the individual, home office, small office or large business – even the international businesses in Inverclyde’s business parks – we are just a phone call away.

Up to 50% cheaper than original cartridges With 100% quality KMP Printer Consumables. Clever idea.

PLUS – Best prices paid for your old cartridges!

Call today for further information, or download our latest catalogue from our website.

Loc delive al order ry for s £2 over

0.00

28 | Clyde Life

KMP CRUSADER, 6 ARTHUR STREET, GREENOCK, PA15 4RT www.kmpgreenock.co.uk 01475 730099 – Tel January/February 2014

@clydelifemag

When ink of any colour is green – and cost effective.

Ink cartridges are one of those things that you pay for without much thought – a mildly annoying expense.

However, when you learn that there’s a way that you can significantly reduce the cost of print cartridges at the same time as doing the environment a favour, the subject of ink cartridges suddenly becomes a whole lot more interesting.

A company called KMP does exactly that – supplying high-quality, entirely compatible cartridges at a considerable saving. And what’s more they have a local base.

KMP, with an annual turnover of 88 million Euros, has its headquarters in Germany but chose Greenock for its UK operation.

From the Inverclyde base, run by Stewart Gunn, KMP services the UK market with toner cartridges, inkjet cartridges, thermal ribbons and printer ribbons.

It’s also the country’s base for the recycling of used toner and inkjet cartridges.

Both business and the public can buy replacement ink and toner cartridges from KMP and can earn cash by returning used cartridges.

Cartridges from KMP work perfectly in your printer and are at least as colour-intensive and gloss as inks and toners from the original manufacturer – but with an unbeatable price advantage.

From the outset in 1988 quality and performance have been key to everything that KMP does.

Stewart said: “Whether relating to a recycled inkjet cartridge or a clever innovation, the aim we have for our products does not change: 100 per cent compatible and as good as the original. We offer supplies for Brother, Canon, Epson, HP and many, many more.”

Recycling is a central tenet of KMP’s philosophy and toner modules are sturdy and lend themselves perfectly to this.

KMP cleans them, replaces worn parts with new, top-quality components and fills them with highly effective toner. The results are just like the original.

For individuals and businesses looking to save money without compromising on quality for their fax printers, KMP’s thermal transfer ribbons are ideal.

Thanks to the high-quality coating they provide optimum typeface transmission to give outstanding print quality.

KMP also has an extensive range of high-quality ribbons for matrix printers, calculators, cash registers, wide ribbon printing systems and typewriters. There is also a stock of correction tapes.

Of course, being a supplier of compatible printer consumables, KMP also offers alternative products for franking machines manufactured by Francotyp, Postalia, Frama, Neopost and Pitney Bowes. This makes the firm the first European manufacturer to enable franking in a cost-effective way that loses none of its quality.

And if that’s not enough KMP carries a comprehensive range of printer accessories including special papers, cleaners and foils.

The finest quality products at the best prices aren’t enough – as much of KMP’s products are recycled and remanufactured, they are good for the environment.

Upcycling existing printer modules without the need for ecologically costly long-distance travel not only saves money but is a very green option.

Chosing KMP can mean a significant reduction in your carbon footprint - and your bill.

Call KMP on 01475 730099 for more information or download the latest catalogue from the website www.kmpgreenock.co.uk.

Congratulations... ...to Catherine McCormick of Inverclyde who wins up to £200 of ink and/or toner to keep her in supply for a year!

Catherine’s was the winning entry from the competition published in the Sept/Oct issue of Clyde Life.

A big well done from all at KMP and Clyde Life – happy printing Catherine!

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 29

Have you got a star in the making?

We can help fulfil their potential‌

Training and Performance in Classical Ballet and Dance from Alba Ballet and Elite Academy in Greenock. The only Classical Ballet Studio offering Royal Academy (RAD) Classical Ballet lessons and training in the Greenock/Inverclyde area.

Elite Academy of Dance - Providing Classical Ballet classes from age three upwards.

Classical Ballet classes are held on Monday, Tuesday and Fridays.

Alba Ballet - Students can progress from the Elite Academy of Dance to Alba Ballet which provides additional expertise and training to young dancers from the age of eight.

Two year course with classes being held on Sundays and School Holidays. As well as receiving expert training, students in their second year will also work towards a full-scale performance that will take place towards the end of their course.

For details on auditioning contact: Elite Academy of Dance, 15a Watt Street, Greenock, Inverclyde PA16 8JN

Tel 0775 324 6035 Email: juliegunn@hotmail.co.uk

30 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

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The Most Precious Decision for Your Most Precious Person Mariessa Devlin, of Enchanted Forest Nurseries, shares some advice about choosing a nursery

Looking for a nursery: here’s what you need to know Speak to your friends, relatives, colleagues. Word of mouth is the best recommendation for local services as people will generally be honest.

See what The Care Inspectorate, independent regulators of care services in Scotland, says about the local facilities. Their website www.careinspectorate. com allows you to search all the services in a town or postcode area. You’ll find: ■ Service and provider details – the who, what and where.

■ Conditions of Registration –opening times and maximum number of children cared for.

■ Quality Grades – see how a service is performing.

Care Inspectors during unannounced visits look at four themes, care and support, environment, staffing, leadership and management.

■ Inspections – full inspection reports are available.

■ Complaints/Enforcements.

Armed with the above information, contact those nurseries on your shortlist. Expect the nursery to ask you some questions about the care you require, as well as information about your child and their details.

You should be offered an information pack that contains some or all of the following: ■ The aim of the nursery.

■ Background on the nursery.

■ Opening times.

■ Numbers of children cared for.

■ Inspection grades.

■ How they will involve you and your child in the service.

■ Information on Pre-Birth to Three/Curriculum for Excellence (Scottish Government policy).

■ A typical day at the nursery.

■ Fees and payment terms.

You will want to visit possible nurseries. Some places will ask you to book an appointment, but no nursery should object to you just turning up for a visit, as open-door policies are a general expectation.

Do not be afraid to take a list of questions on your visit. Similar to viewing a house, you should get a feel about the nursery as soon as you walk in.

Things to consider: ■ Is the entrance safe and secure?

■ Is the entrance area welcoming, with displays of children’s work, parent notice boards and staff photographs?

■ Are you and your child welcomed?

■ Are you asked to sign-in?

Clyde Life Magazine

The member of staff who shows you around should be knowledgeable and put you at ease.

As part of your visit, you should expect: ■ To view all playrooms, regardless of the age of your child.

■ To be welcomed by all staff as you enter playrooms and a nice touch is when staff speak to your child, showing their genuine interest.

■ Playrooms to be calm, but not quiet – children should be engaged in a variety of learning opportunities including imaginative play, arts and crafts and physical play.

■ To view evidence of children’s involvement such as art work, photographs and comments from children.

■ The nursery and all resources to be visibly clean.

■ To be shown children’s toilets, nappy changing areas and outdoor play areas – again these should be clean.

■ To speak to a member of the management team.

■ To see evidence of the curriculum in practice – planning documents displayed, information for parents displayed.

Questions you might want to ask include: ■ Does the nursery have a waiting list?

■ Does the nursery open on bank holidays?

■ What is included in fees e.g. nappies, snacks, lunches etc?

■ Does the nursery accept childcare vouchers?

■ Is there a discount for siblings?

■ Are deposits required to confirm the place?

■ How does the nursery support the child in settling in?

■ What number of staff are qualified, how many are training?

■ What training do staff have access to?

■ Is the nursery in partnership with the local authority to provide funded pre-school places?

■ How do staff support toilet training?

■ How do staff support any additional needs?

■ How does the nursery track a child’s progress?

■ How often do the children get access to active outdoor play?

■ Is the nursery accredited to any schemes/ awards?

■ The final piece of advice would be for you to visit at least three nurseries before deciding. That way when you take your child on day one, although you may still feel anxious, you will know you have made a good choice and your child is in a safe and nurturing environment. www.clydelife.co.uk | 31

32 | Clyde Life – January/February 2014

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