West End Life February/March 2017

Delivered to over

18,000 Homes

Win a 32” Sony TV! p10

February/March 2017

Issue 38

I’m

FREE Pick Me Up!

Be My “Style” Valentine p22 Time to Sow… p28 Hillhead ■ Broomhill ■ Hyndland ■ Kelvinside ■ Jordanhill ■ Scotstoun ■ Claythorn ■ Bearsden ■ Milngavie

Sometimes it’s not the silence that’s golden

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LANDLORDS....

HAVE YOU HEARD? Kite Lettings save landlords on average 45% So, who are Kite Lettings?

We are a boutique letting agency that helps reduce landlords costs whilst still providing the highest standard of service and expertise. Run by husband and wife team, Matt and Lauren, we have over 10 years experience managing properties and a proven track record of maximising investment potential. We only settle for the best and look after your property as if it was our own.

Sounds great. How much do you charge?

Unlike other agents who usually charge a monthly 10% fee, Kite Lettings charges 0%. Compare it to your lawyer, mechanic or accountant; they don’t charge you a monthly fee to be ‘on-call’, so why should your letting agent? We offer two payment options for full management – (1) Pay As You Go – the landlord is only charged when they actually require our services, and (2) Fixed Annual Charge - £595 for unlimited provision of our standard services.

Perfect...so how much could I save?

With our most popular Fixed Annual Charge option, landlords save on average 45% compared to their previous agent. To find out exactly how much you could save, please contact us or use our online Savings Calculator (www.kitelettings.co.uk/savings-calculator)

Brilliant! What kind of service can I expect?

Professional, reliable and friendly. We pride ourselves on great communication and respond quickly to queries.

We are so confident that you will be delighted with our service that we offer a money back guarantee - if you are not 100% happy we will refund your £595 annual charge - contact us for more information.

West End Life Magazine

“Kite Lettings have been professional and reliable in their management of my property.

They found a tenant very quickly and are always available when I want to chat to them. Add to that the almost 40% saving I made compared to my last agent’s fees and I am extremely happy with them looking after my property.”

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0141 363 3634 hello@kitelettings.co.uk www.kitelettings.co.uk www.westendlife.biz | 3

Upper Floor, De Courcy’s Arcade Cresswell Lane, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8AA

A unique range of Scottish arts & crafts

Perfect gifts for Valentines & Mother’s Day 7 New Artists for 2017 Opening Times

Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5.30pm Sunday 12 - 5pm Closed Mondays

www.janetandjohnscotland.com janet@janetandjohnscotland.com facebook.com/janetandjohn • twitter.com/JandJScotland @westendlife

4 | West End Life – February/March 2017

What’s on Guide

8 10 12

Be My Valentine Style Files

22

What you going to do if the money runs out?

26

“Time to sow” Gardening Column

28

Nick Nairn Recipe Fillet of Market Fish with Chorizo and Black Olive Mash

30

Peter’s Railway Competition Win a 32” Sony TV!

30 26

28

8

22 Contributors this issue: Kieran Gallagher, Joanne Simms, Marilyn Thomson

February/March Issue 38, 2017 Publisher: Life Magazines & Publications Ltd Editor Charles Briggs

Features Editor: Joanne Simms joanne@westendlife.biz Advertising Sales: Lisa Sanderson lisa@westendlife.biz

Contact Info: Editorial: 07788-923054 Advertising: 01505-871962 Email: editor@westendlife.biz Web: www.westendlife.biz Website Design: tspwebdesign.com Graphic Design: Simon Jones - Skep Design simon.jones@skepdesign.co.uk

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 Ltd 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.

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 5

2017 Wedding Package Late Availability

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60 Day Guests | 80 Evening Guests Your ceremony and meal will take place in the stunning surrounds of the Mackintosh Suite, with your evening reception to follow in the Art Lovers Café Bar. Venue hire Ceremony charge Glass of House sparkling for arrival Half bottle of House wine for meal Glass of House wine for toast 3 course menu, tea and coffee Full evening buffet for 80 guests

Master of ceremonies Full table linen Choice of 2 centre pieces Table plan, place cards, menus, table names Dance floor Cake stand and cake knife

Add additional day guests at £50pp | New bookings only, please quote LA2017

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GET MARRIED

IN A MASTERPIECE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AT

HOUSE FOR AN ART LOVER ONE OF SCOTLAND’S MOST UNIQUE WEDDING VENUES

Set in the majestic surroundings of Bellahouston Park in Glasgow, House for an Art Lover has become one of Scotland’s truly unique, artist-designed, wedding venues in Scotland. Designed by artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1901 as an elegant country retreat for a person of taste and culture, it was built in 1996 and combines: an event venue, art gallery and exhibition space, café, multi-purpose studios, making it a magnificent visitor attraction.

Voted one of the 50 best wedding venues in the UK by the Independent newspaper, couples planning their wedding can choose one of the spectacular venues within the house - whether it’s the minimalist wonder of The Music Room – designed to Mackintosh’s specifications from everything down to the lighting. Its palette of white, rose pink, violet and green with metallic silver and gold, with a white-panelled scheme and furniture enhance the space and light in the room. A wall of French windows leads out to the balcony which overlooks the picturesque park.

The Oval Room, originally the room where Edwardian West End Life Magazine

ladies were expected to withdraw after dining, is oval shaped – Mackintosh’s customary feminine symbol. This shape continues throughout the room, incorporating the windows, fireplace, wall cupboards and stained glass ceiling light. The light fittings, fireplace and window seats were created using photographs from the interior of Mackintosh’s Hous’hill.

The Lower Gallery features details taken from another Mackintosh masterpiece, Windyhill. Lanterns light the space and two tall windows overlook a small entrance forecourt with window recesses, similar to The Hill House and the Glasgow School of Art, forming semiprivate spaces for two people. Perfect for photographs of newly-married couples.

Surrounding the house is an award-winning ARTPARK featuring an art pavilion and Heritage Centre. The Victorian walled garden and the Sculpture garden, featuring work from prominent Scottish artists, are particularly good for photographs. Couples planning to invite children to their wedding can keep them occupied all day with full use of the play park, situated at the rear of the house.

Our team of Chefs at the house can prepare anything from an intimate meal for 2 to a banquet for 110.

Wedding co-ordinator, Rachel Fyfe, is assigned to each couple to ensure that their wedding is tailored to their every need with no request too large or small.

To find out more about weddings at House for an Art Lover contact: Rachel Fyfe, Wedding Co-ordinator on 0141 353 4773 or email: weddings@houseforanartlover.co.uk www.houseforanartlover.co.uk www.westendlife.biz | 7

Books for Children who love Trains and Engineering

Eight years on from his first book Chris Vine has five hardbacks, 12 paperbacks and an activity book to his name, along with fans of all ages enthralled with his tales of Peter’s Railway.

was designing powered go-karts from the age of 9. From there an engineering apprenticeship at Rolls Royce was an obvious progression, ending his career at the firm’s aviation plant at East Kilbride.

Children who have out-grown Thomas the Tank Engine are lapping up the authenticity of Chris’ books. The former Rolls Royce engineer is on a mission to share his passion for railways.

Key to the books’ success has been the large amount of fact woven into the fiction. Each contains separate pages on how it all works, packed full of Chris’ enthusiasm. These do not read like a schoolbook and never, ever talk down to readers.

What kid isn’t going to love a book titled A Big Smellie Bogie, or read about exploring the site of a 50-year-old train crash (where no one was hurt; Chris admits the realism should only go so far). Or the true tale of two girls who stole a steam train.

From his home near Bridge of Weir Chris, aged 55, and Staffordshirebased illustrator John Wardle have woven tales of Peter and his grandfather building and running a miniature, ride-on railway on a farm. In work breaks grandpa tells Peter stories about the history of trains and railways.

Peter is Chris’ alter ego, as a boy he helped build such a railway; right from primary school he had a workshop in his bedroom and

‘I didn’t want to break off during the story to explain,’ said Chris who believes strongly that his young readers want to know the how and why behind the stories.

Last year the Peter’s Railway Young Engineer’s Centre was officially opened at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Pickering, by Professor Richard Folkson, president of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

This year Peter’s Railway will be linking up with a mainline rail company to go into schools and tell young pupils about trains and engineering. Also expect to see further adventures of Peter and Grandpa!

8 | West End Life – February/March 2017

WIN

the first Peter’s Railway Book and the 2 latest Paperback books!

West End Life has teamed up with Peter’s Railway author Chris Vine to offer our readers a chance to win a great prize of three Peter’s Railway books! Peter’s Railway Book 1 and the two latest story books, Rain, Steam and Speed and Little Peter’s Railway Grandpa Goes Bananas.

To enter just visit our website westendlife.biz and click on competitions and answer the question!

In addition to this, West End Life Readers can use a special discount code, WESTEND17 to receive a 10% discount when you buy books or gifts from www.petersrailway.com @westendlife

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Home Visits

Meet the characters from Sony Pictures’ latest 3D animated blockbuster Smurfs: The Lost Village at shopping malls throughout the UK this Spring!

To celebrate the release of the highly anticipated family title SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE, in cinemas March 31st, Sony Pictures will be conducting a national costume tour visiting some of the biggest shopping centres.

The tour will be visiting Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow on Saturday 11th March 2017.

!

WwIiNthEnd At Cinemas March 31

t Wes ife L

West End Life has teamed up with Sony Pictures to offer you the chance to win a 32” Sony TV.* To enter, visit www.westendlife.biz click on competitions and follow the instructions from there.

Closing date 28th Feb 2017 .*Terms & Conditions Apply Smurfs ™ & © Peyo 2017 Lafig B. Movie © 2017 CPII and LSC Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

10 | West End Life – February/March 2017

@westendlife

A Family Business Since 1994 Where it’s Chemistry, not Chemicals

Professional Cleaners of carpets, curtains, upholstery & leather We are the proud recipients of the

National Award for Perpetual Excellence for our Carpet, Curtain & Upholstery Cleaning In the West End since 1994

Domestic and Commercial • Call for a free no obligation quotation • Carpets dry within 2 hours • Upholstery cleaned in your home • Curtains cleaned where they hang • Rug and leather cleaning specialists Check out services and reviews on our website

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McMillan’s Rug Spa have been involved in rug cleaning and carpet cleaning for around 20 years and have recently invested in a purpose built rug cleaning spa. This is where we take your rugs through our extensive cleaning process, leaving them cleaner, revitalised and sparkling.

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CLASSES | CLUBS | MEETINGS | EVENTS | TALKS West End Life publishes details of regular classes, group meetings, local clubs and any events within the West End Life distribution area.

To have your submission included in the magazine and on the website please send details to charles@westendlife.biz . Our deadline dates for the coming year are available on our website.

Health and Wellbeing Boiler Room Fitness Spinning Studio Dedicated Spinning/Indoor Cycling Studio located within Western Health & Racquets Club, Hyndland Road, Glasgow. We Spin Every Day To Get Fit So Should You! boilerroomfitness.co.uk Tel: 07825 681824

Young at Heart Dance The classes, which are aimed at the 50 plus age group, have grown in popularity with some people in their 80s also taking advantage of improving their health through joining in the dance classes.

Dance is a great way to exercise at any age but as we get older it’s even more important to keep active and mobile.

Yoga with Fiona Dewar at Partick Burgh Halls.

Monday 2-3pm Hyndland Hall G12 9PU

Classes are friendly and non-competitive.

Monday 8-9pm Wednesday 6:30-7:30pm Saturday 9:30am-11am deepchandi108@gmail.com

Tuesday 10.30-11.30am St Joseph’s Church G62 8DZ

Zumba with Jo Storrar Monday, Tuesday & Thursday at 6-7pm in Maryhill Community Central Halls, 304 Maryhill Road, G20 7YE. Classes are £4 each and open to everyone.

Zumba is Latin-based dance fitness suitable for all shapes, sizes, fitness levels & co-ordination levels come join the party! jo@zumbaglasgow.com Tel: 07723012843

Dr. Michael Shaw (The People’s Voice 1832-1918, University of Glasgow) will discuss their attempts to find writings by or about women activists in Glasgow between 1910 & 1918.

For further information, contact the Secretary: gwsbhistoricalassociation@gmail.com Glasgow Scribes Events The Glasgow Scribes are holding the following calligraphy sessions over the next couple of months:4 March 2017 - Presenting Work 8 April 2017 - Show & Tell

Talks

Each event is being held 10am to 1pm in the Govan Mbeki building, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA. Visitors are welcome to attend at a cost of £5 per meeting. For further details and a materials list please contact glasgowscribes@yahoo.co.uk or Tel: 07538-823723

Historical Association talks In Hillhead Library 5.30 pm

Clyde Shiplovers Society

Tuesday 12-1pm G61 2DP Contact Natasha Guinnessy on 07766949788 or email tashyguinnessy@yahoo.com

Thursday 9th March “Locating the Radical Voices of Mary Barbour’s Army, and the Suffragettes.”

T S Beall (Lead Artist, Strong Women of Clydeside / Govan’s Hidden Histories) and

12 | West End Life – February/March 2017

Meeting held in Partick U.F. Church Hall, Thornwood Terrace G11 7QZ Thursdays at 19.30pm For more information, contact Paul Strathdee glenfalloch63@hotmail.co.uk

@westendlife

Hillhead CC Meet 2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm www.hillheadcc.org.uk North Kelvin CC Meet 3rd Tuesday every month Venue: St Charles’ Church Hall, 1 Kelvinside Gardens, G20 6BG

Community Councils Broomhill CC 2nd Wednesday of the month with the exception of January, July and August. The meetings are held in Broomhill Primary School Annexe, 67 Randolph Road, Glasgow G11 7EE. 7pm-9pm. www.broomhillcc.wordpress.com broomhillcommunitycouncil@gmail.com

West End Life Magazine

Jordanhill CC Meet 1st Monday of the month except July and August at 7pm Jordanhill School, 45 Chamberlain Road, Glasgow, G13 1SP jordanhillcommunitycouncil.org.uk Facebook: Jordanhill Community Council Twitter: @JordanhillCC Scotstoun CC Monthly meetings on last Thursday of each month (except July & December) 7.30pm Heart of Scotstoun Community

Centre, Balmoral St, Glasgow G14 0BL scotscoco@gmail.com Dowanhill, Hyndland and Kelvinside CC Meet 2nd Monday of each month at Hillhead Sports Club (normally upstairs in the clubhouse) at 7pm 32 Hughenden Road GLASGOW G12 9XP Claythorn CC Meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month from September to June 7pm-9pm in the board room at Glasgow Clyde College Anniesland Campus, Hatfield Drive, Glasgow except when the College is closed and the meeting is either transferred to the first or third Tuesday of the month. www.Claythorncc.wordpress.com claythorn@gmail.com

www.westendlife.biz | 13

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• Email lisa@westendlife.biz to see how we can help your business 14 | West End Life – February/March 2017

@westendlife

Baby Sensory

class introduces your baby to a world of rich and varied sensory experiences in a creative and enjoyable environment to encourage learning and development.

Precious Early Learning

Toddler Sense

class introduces children to a magical, multisensory interactive experience that will keep them busy and stimulated.

Great brain food!

Life's An Adventure

Call Gail on 07702 806640 Email glasgownorth@babysensory.co.uk Classes at Scout Hall, Kelbourne St, Kelvindale, Glasgow G21 8PR Soccerworld, 20 Croftcroign Rd, Ruchazie Glasgow G33 3SL Facebook - Baby Sensory & Toddler Sense Glasgow NW

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Toddler Sense

Our award-winning toddler development classes will introduce your child to a galaxy of magical worlds.

Here, structured activities go hand in hand with the freedom to explore, imagination and adventure. Each week has a unique theme, meticulously constructed to stimulate your child’s brain, co-ordination and physical development. And we’re immensely proud of the fact that ours is a programme with its foundations firmly set in years of academic study: we’ve done the research so you can enjoy the fun.

And fun it certainly is – especially as we never repeat the same session twice. Imagine zooming through space, partying like pirates, diving through a magical sea. Or would you like to climb a snow mountain, boogie under disco lights, hunt for dinosaurs or tame a fiery dragon? And there’s plenty of music and much-loved songs, as well as introductions to new languages, cultures and special celebrations.

You don’t need to have done Baby Sensory first, but Toddler Sense has been carefully designed to provide a seamless transition, with some of our most popular activities carrying through, providing an important sense of familiarity. The programme is divided into two age groups, each designed to meet children’s specific needs. New Explorers are from 13-18 months and Adventurers from 18 months to 5 years.

I’m walking for Parkinson’s Join me

Pollok Country Park, Sunday 9 April 2017 parkinsons.org.uk/ walkpollokcountrypark 0344 225 3781

www.westendlife.biz | 15

West End Life Magazine Walk for Parkinson's - Pollok Park advert.indd 1

25/01/2017 11:25:07

Western continues to offer the perfect place for everyone to play Tennis or Squash at all levels, or get fit in the fully equipped Gyms with a variety of Memberships available.

Coaching for all ages and social participation is across both Tennis and Squash, see online at glasgowwestern.co.uk for more information including Personal Training, Yoga, Pilates, Karate, Metafit and Boot Camps.

Established in 1924 and located in the heart of Glasgow’s West End, WESTERN HEALTH & RACQUETS CLUB is the perfect place to get active, relax or just have a bit of fun. Over the past 18 months the complex at Western on Hyndland Road has transformed beyond belief with so much to offer. Whether it’s Tennis,

30 Hyndland Road,

THE TREATMENT ROOM at Western is the most recent addition, offering a full range of Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Nutrition, Massage, Cosmetic Acupuncture and Scar Removal from some of the best therapists in Glasgow.

16 | West End Life – February/March 2017

@westendlife

CAFFE PARMA, caffeparma.co.uk is the outstanding and most notable addition to the complex with its stunning 3 sided glass structure. Breakfast from 7.30am weekdays and 8am weekends. Caffe Parma is open ‘til late and it’s a great place to enjoy great service with authentic Italian Cuisine.

Squash, Fitness, Treatments or great Italian food and to meet up with friends or colleagues, the complex at Western is a stand out place to be in at the heart of Glasgow’s West End. Come along anytime, visit, see what’s here and we will show you around.

Glasgow G12 9UP

West End Life Magazine

BOILER ROOM FITNESS – Spinning Studio, boilerroomfitness.co.uk offers a studio cycling fitness workout like no other in Glasgow. For a fast paced, fat burning 45 minute workout - we offer 30 weekly classes on state of the art Spin bikes with the best instructors around to keep you motivated and loving it.. Book online with no membership requirement and give Spinning with us a try. www.westendlife.biz | 17

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danceSing tel: AD_135 x 90_Layout 1 18/11/2016 17:00 Page 1 0141 332 5533 email: info@northhillgardens.co.uk

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PUTTING

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Fun & Friendship • Health & Wellbeing West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 19

Switch Factors, Save money

If you want a better factoring service there is already a solution: Ethical Maintenance.

• Is not for profit – saving you money

• Allows you to monitor and approve all work on-line

• Puts you in control

Find out more and make the switch @westendlife at ethicalmaintenance.org or call 0845 4681480

20 | West End Life – February/March 2017

Better Property Factoring Happy with your Property Factor? Do you feel in control, does your Factor do what you ask and let you know what they’re doing? Are their prices reasonable and are you involved in setting them? Have you ever met your Factor?

If you answered those questions with a no then you’re not alone. When the Scottish Government consulted on how Property Factors should behave, 89% of people said they wanted to be in control of their Factor, but they weren’t. Over 60% said their Factor was unfair in dealing with complaints and in collecting debts. Many Factors ask owners who are already paying their full share to pay for the shortfall when neighbours default on their payments. But none of this is new. We all know somebody with a “Property Factor story”. Ten years ago the poor service from Factors regularly appeared in the press and on TV. So much so that the Property Factors Act was brought into law in 2012. But this didn’t address the underlying causes and everyone knows problem continue.

• easy access “open book” maintenance works with on-line reporting, so you know each month what is being done and can comment on it;

There is a solution. Ethical Maintenance was set up in 2007 to deal with the poor service issues that were rife in the industry. It was set up as a Community Interest Company so that the people it serves are always in control. It’s also a not-for-profit company, hence the huge potential for savings. Ethical Maintenance offers:

Whilst eventually the Government may get their way and bring in some much needed regulation to this industry, you don’t need to wait. Give the no-commitment Ethical Maintenance Switching Service a try and see how much money you could save and how the quality of service can improve.

• involvement of homeowners at every stage, so you are in control setting the level of service and the charges and so that you know what is being done;

Contact ethicalmaintenance.org or call them on 0845 468 1480.

West End Life Magazine

• a no strings, no quibbles contract, so if you don’t like the service, homeowners can get out; • regular meetings between homeowners and the Ethical Maintenance team so you know who you’re dealing with; and • the free no-commitment Ethical Switching Service to help homeowners through the process should they wish to change their factor.

www.westendlife.biz | 21

theStyle files

by Marilyn Thompson

Be My Valentine?

It’s Valentines Day. What to do?

For the lucky few who will be wined and dined in fabulous style, perhaps finishing with a wonderfully romantic proposal or an exciting luxury night away from reality it will be a special day and night to remember forever.

Maybe an amazing bouquet of the most beautiful, velvety red roses will be delivered to you from a secret admirer making you feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

Now, to burst the bubble - more likely, your partner will bring home a last minute purchase of a limp bunch of garage forecourt flowers - smile - it’s the thought that counts. Right?

Whatever your thoughts are on Valentines Day, whether you believe it to be a totally unnecessary, commercialised and altogether forced display of emotion or, on the other hand, you are most definitely Team Valentine and believe it to be simply the most romantic day of the whole year, a day and night when you get the chance to indulge freely in unrestrained romance. Either way, one thing is for sure, it certainly is an excuse to dress up and get a little glamorous.

Valentines Va Va Voom Dramatic, sensual reds and ultra feminine pinks are, of course the undisputed colours for Valentines Day. If you have a date night planned, why not go all out with a sexy, curve hugging red lace dress for a guaranteed Valentines reaction.

22 | West End Life – February/March 2017

@westendlife

For a more subtle approach, why not try an elegant sorbet pink dress like this one from M&S or keep it restrained, with just a nod to romance with a classic stiletto heel in the softest, baby pink suede, like these beauties from Dune.

The teen STYLE Files Pretty in

PINK

Spring 2017 sees a return to prettiness and elegance, with only a few designer collections NOT including a pop of pink. Simple, well cut clothes in dusty pastel shades are an absolute must.

HAIR

Flat iron waves, more subtle, less glam are one of the biggest hair trends. Create a bend in your hair by pushing it upward, then seal the shape with a few clamps of your iron.

Release and repeat. Looks best on healthy - not fried hair so be sure to use a heat protectant beforehand.

Fashion & beauty notes...

Valentine Treats Biscuiteers are the company behind these adorable Valentines biscuits. Breaking away from the traditional chocolates they make for a special and unique gift.

Get them personalised with your own romantic messages then sent out to your loved one.

Valentines Beauty wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t feature a classic red lip and this lipstick from New Look is a perfect combination of colour, texture and price.

Can’t get your hands on Kylie’s Lip Kit - you should try this to create the same matte, plumped lip look for a fraction of the price!

GadgetS Hot iron holster. £19.99 - Lakeland.

Celebrity do’s & don’ts

Pink Jeans • Do keep them long length.

• Do wear with complimenting colours.

• Do choose a shade to suit your skin tone.

• Don’t wear them too tight.

• Don’t cut off at the calf.

• Don’t shorten your body proportions.

Your Fashion Questions Answered?

Do - Cameron Diaz Don’t - Anna Kendrick

Hopefully, this Valentines Day you’ll get the chance to dress up, and have a wonderful time, but if you don’t, pour yourself a class of wine and eat your own biscuits!

Show some love and affection every day - there’s no need to save it for February 14th.

West End Life Magazine

Q - Hey Holly, I really want to be a Fashion Designer. Can you recommend anywhere or anything that will help me? Lauren A - Hi - Yes I can! The Fashion Class is the perfect place to learn all about fashion design, illustration, customising, making your own clothes, photo shoots and so much more. It’s in your area, so get in touch for all the info.

You’ll love it! 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: www.westendlife.biz holly@thefashionclass.co.uk or www.thefashionclass.co.uk

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e m o h w e A n ing... this sqr ...with a little help from Vanilla Square.

Take advantage of our deferred selling fees, or for landlords, 25% off our standard Management Fees for 3 months. *Exclusive offer to West End Life readers valid until 31 March ‘17. Terms and conditions apply.

24 | West End Life – February/March 2017

 @westendlife

Founded in 2010 by industry expert Innes Allan, who remains at the forefront of daily operations and client services, Vanilla Square has established itself as one of the most respected names in the residential property sector in Glasgow. Previously situated on Hyndland Road, the boutique letting and estate agency quickly outgrew their home and now offers unique, highly personalised services from a stunning new office on Great Western Road, opposite the Botanic Gardens.

”

Innes Allan, Managing Director

Q: What is the story of Vanilla Square so far?

A: Vanilla Square was set up to address a growing need for high-quality lettings and provide bespoke letting services for prestigious homes and landlords.

In seven short years, we are proud to have grown to become a leading name in both letting and sales.

Q. What are your thoughts on the property market in 2017?

A: The Glasgow property market is incredibly strong, with predictions for this year showing even more growth and increased competition amongst buyers.

In light of all the challanges 2017 will bring, it’s more important than ever to ensure our clients receive the very best services, advice, and return on investment from us.

buyers and sellers. And we go one step further by offering a Dress for Sale service for clients who need help sprucing up their properties to the highest standards prior to selling or letting.

Q: Do you have any exciting current projects?

A: We’re incredibly excited to announce Scottish International rugby player Finn Russell as our new brand ambassador. Prior to his sporting success, Finn was deeply entrenched in the foundations of Scottish property, as it were, having trained for three years as a stonemason. We’re honoured that he’s accepted to endorse our services based on his experience whilst in the midst of his preparation for the Six Nations in February.

”

Q: What makes Vanilla Square different?

A: We pride in offering a highly personal service. Our clients always deal with a Director when selling or letting a property with us. Also, as one of the few estate agents to be present on all major property portals we offer our clients the best marketing exposure possible.

On top of that, we’ve recently launched a brand new website and blog to offer the best possible online experience to our discerning landlords, tenants,

711 Great Western Road, Botanics, Glasgow G12 8QX T: 0141 229 0210 | W: www.vanilla-square.co.uk

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 25

What you going to do if the money runs out?

By Robert MacDonald

It’s the nightmare scenario for everyone in, or facing, retirement but fear not, here are some words of wisdom from one of the most highly qualified financial planners in Scotland - Robert MacDonald.

It is the big question: will my pensions and savings expire before I do?

A large portion of the UK population actually does not have a clue about how this may play out and that is a very dangerous position to be in right at the end

of your working life when you are hoping for a comfortable retirement. Recent research from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments found that less than five per cent of the population actually has any type of financial plan.

26 | West End Life – February/March 2017

@westendlife

You worked hard to accumulate a pot of money and now the time has come to de-cumulate and spend those hard-earned savings.

What you need to do now is a thorough analysis of what your retirement might look like and robust plans to make that happen - and more importantly make sure you don’t run out of money.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show average life expectancy varies between different parts of the country. Here in Scotland for a man and woman aged 65 the figures are 17 and 19.5 years respectively; another way to help judge life longevity is to look with your own family circle.

That all might sound a touch macabre but it is a question of balance; if you live a long time you could run out of money. Or, if you look at it from an opposite viewpoint, when hard at work building up your nest egg you could be saving and making sacrifices that are potentially restricting spending on your family.

The problem with retirement savings is that if they run out there is usually no way of replenishing them. Caution is the watchword but keeping funds in cash over prolonged periods is unwise because

cash is unlikely to stay ahead of inflation.

What is needed is to sit down with a financial advisor, who can look at your wealth and discuss your hopes and plans for retirement and decide the best course of action for your cash.

Stock market investment is likely to show better returns but has a risk attached and this is where a robust and cohesive financial plan is imperative.

Your financial planner should be able to give you an expected portfolio rate of return based on your risk tolerance and risk attitude.

This should bring together your spending needs, the money available from pensions, investments and state pension benefits.

Most importantly it should be reviewed at least once a year to give you the best chance of a good retirement. You do not want to find out too late that you are not going to meet your objectives or do what you want to do and have no time to make up any cash shortfall.

As Warren Buffet, the world’s most prolific investor puts it...‘You don’t want to discover when the tide goes out - you have been swimming naked!

Understand your expenditure, including the ‘biggies’ like holidays each year and a new car every few years. What do you want from your retirement?

You need a realistic and reasonable model of investment growth, inflation and taxation, and that is where your financial advisor comes in.

You might need a change of plan and delay retirement from work or taking part-time work.

The government intends to make life-expectancy information available to everyone as part of its retirement guidance scheme.

Financial planners can then complete the picture by advising how long a given pension pot is likely to last, assuming different levels of income, capital withdrawal and taking account of variables like inflation.

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.

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 27

Time to sow…

As I walked my dog this morning, I noticed that the daffodils outside are beginning to poke their stems through the soil. However, they are also tinged with frost around the stems and that sums up this time of year in the garden.

‘eyes’ than the other. Sit the potato with this ‘eyed’ end up. An old egg box is perfect as a holder. The potatoes can stay like this until you are ready to plant.

When planting, you can remove some of the eyes that have grown stems. Around 4-5 strong stems are all that is needed.

Sticking with crops, a lot of seeds can be sown just now in preparation for later in the year. Most of these will need to be started in a heated environment, eg a glasshouse or propagator. A heated propagator will allow you to prick out seedlings 2-3 times faster than an unheated one. If you sow a lot of seeds this will save a huge amount of time and is a great investment.

And they are not as expensive as you probably think.

A mild spell will encourage the growth of daffodils, snowdrops and other early flowering bulbs, as well as promote a little growth in shrubs. However, it is highly likely that we will have a lot more frost, and perhaps snow, before spring really arrives.

Some of the gardening at this time of year can be done without leaving the house. Time spent planning what you want to achieve in the early part of the year can save time and mistakes later in the year. For instance, if you grow vegetables think about what you have grown where and the effect on that piece of ground. Is it barren of the nutrients required for this year’s crop?

Talking of crops, early season seed potaotes are in Cardwell now and can be chitted at this stage prior to planting out. Chitting is simply placing the seed potatoes in a cool, but frost free environment, with good light, but not direct sunlight, and allowing them to start to grow before you plant them.

If you look at your seed potato, one end will have more

28 | West End Life – February/March 2017

When planning vegetable crops, think about harvesting them and how much you want to have ready at one time. For instance, if you are growing fruit you may want them to crop all at once, allowing sufficient numbers for making jam etc.

If you are growing salad crops it is unlikely that you will want all your crops to be harvested at the same time. Most of you probably wouldn’t want 30 heads of lettuce for your dinner! To avoid this, stagger your seed sowing by 1-4 weeks. This means that instead of having one bumper harvest, you can enjoy the crop over a few weeks or months.

By the time I write the column for the next edition of West End Life the clocks will have gone forward and the nights will be lighter. Temperatures will have warmed up and the garden will be ready for another season full of potential.

By Kieran Gallacher

@westendlife

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Lunderston Bay, Gourock, Inverclyde, PA19 1BB 01475 521 536 West End Life Magazinewww.cardwellgardencentre.co.uk www.westendlife.biz | 29

Nick Nairn’s recipe Fillet of Market Fish

with Chorizo and Black Olive Mash Nick says, ‘This is one of my favourite fish dishes – just pick whichever white fish looks best on the fish counter that day. The fish, chorizo and olives make a great full-flavoured combination.’

Serves 4 4 x 160g thick fillets fresh white fish (sea bass/cod/halibut) 80g chorizo, thinly sliced 4 bay leaves 3 tbsp olive oil 2 sprigs basil 700g mashed potato 50g unsalted butter splash double cream 70g stoned black olives, chopped 1 tbsp chopped flat parsley 250g green beans, blanched (2 mins) 30g unsalted butter Maldon salt freshly milled black pepper squeeze lemon juice Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/ gas mark 4. Heat an ovenproof

stainless steel frying pan and add the olive oil. Lightly season the fish and add to the pan, skin side down.

Add the sliced chorizo and bay leaves to the pan and cook quickly alongside the fish to allow the flavours of the chorizo to be released. When the fish skin is lightly coloured, turn the fillets over to colour the flesh side, then turn back to the skin side. Transfer the pan to the oven to finish cooking the fish. Exact cooking times depend on the thickness of the fish, but 5 minutes in the oven should be about right for the average fillet.

The fish should be cooked so that the skin is crisp and the inside firm but not rubbery. It’s not essential to finish in the oven, but for a thick fillet the more ambient heat of the oven cooks the middle well without burning the outside.

While the fish is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan and add the cream. Add the mashed

30 | West End Life – February/March 2017

potato to the pan with salt and pepper, and work the butter and cream into the potato as it heats up. A heatproof spatula is good for this. Add the olives and parsley to the hot potato and stir in.

Remove the fish pan from the oven and add the basil leaves, then transfer the fish, chorizo, bay, and basil to a warm plate to rest. The fat in the frying pan will be a combination of olive oil and chorizo fat, flavoured by the fish.

Tip two-thirds of this fat over the fish then add the well drained green beans to the hot pan. Turn up the heat and toss the beans in the hot oil for a minute to heat through and flavour them.

Set a scoop of olive mash on 4 warm plates, then a portion of beans on each. Place a piece of fish on the beans and sprinkle the cooked chorizo and basil around.

Spoon some of the cooking juices and oil over the fish and serve.

@westendlife

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www.westendlife.biz | 31

Been thinking of moving?

Act now!

At Corum, our focus is only on selling property and currently we are experiencing fantastic demand.

Quite simply, there has never been a better time to sell.

If you are considering a move, contact John or Ross on 0141 357 1888 and arrange a complimentary market appraisal of your property.

John Davidson Partner

Ross McMillan Partner

Contact us on

Visit our website

0141 357 1888

corumproperty.co.uk

Open 7 days

End,– 82 Hyndland Road, Glasgow, G12 9UT 32Corum | WestWest End Life February/March 2017

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