SOUTHPORT • LIVERPOOL • WIRRAL • CHESTER • FREE COPY
July 2008
TASTY!
Michael
Buble WIN Bed and breakfast for 2 at Liverpool’s Malmaision A meal for 2 at Restaurant, Bar and Grill A family portrait with a professional photographer
PLUS Delectable high street fashion
ZESTFUL!
APPETIZING!
Hollyoaks actresses spill the beans
Michelin star chef Paul Heathcote
Delicious barbeques for your garden
JULY CONTENTS 10
40
29
18
23
04
News
The latest news and events from around the region.
08
10
Holidays & Travel Hot tips for a safe trip abroad.
Michael Buble The king of swing comes to Liverpool.
16
Parents & Children
Get eco-friendly.
32
Hollyoaks
Actresses Clare Cooper and Leah Hackett.
37
Business
Is your website working?
40
Out & About
In our parks.
46
The Last Word
The editor’s word is final.
18
Merseyside Authors
Interview with two of our region’s writers.
Competitions
23
Style & Fashion
13
Win a family portrait with a photographer
Fashion gets frilly.
35
Win a meal for two at Restaurant Bar & Grill
42
Win bed & breakfast at Malmaison
Send your competition entries to: Lifestyle Monthly, 2 Barnhill Road, Liverpool, L15 5BE
Editor: Albany Grace Writers: Amanda Moss, Charlotte Dobie Sales: Afolabi Odesanya, Sean Taggart Ad display: Chris Hislop Design & layout: Alex Hutchinson Printed by Trade Press Europe Ltd
editor@lifestylemonthly.co.uk www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk
0151 280 0059
COPYRIGHT: Panda Print Ltd. Lifestyle Monthly is a free monthly title. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of each publication. However the publisher does not accept liability for any loss or damage, which may arise or result from errors or omissions in any advertisement
03
NEWS & EVENTS
WORLD’S BIGGEST TALL SHIPS SIGN FOR MERSEY CELEBRATION Liverpool has scored a special hat-trick for its celebrations as the host port for the start of The Tall Ships’ Races 2008. Three of the world’s biggest Tall Ships are to be star attractions for the July 18-21 extravaganza. The vessels are:
* Sedov . At 403ft long and 172ft high) from Russia, this is the biggest in the world) * Dar Mlodziezy is 359ft long and 166ft high and from Poland * MIR is 359ft long and 168ft high and from Russia Together they measure longer than the new Wembley pitch and stacked on top of one another would reach the roof of Britain’s biggest Cathedral – the Liverpool Anglican! The majority of the major Class A Tall Ships will be berthed in the Wellington and Sandon half-tide docks. The smaller class B, C and D vessels will be berthed at Albert, Salthouse, Canning and Canning half-tide docks. Judith Feather, Head of Events at Liverpool Culture Company, said: ‘’The response from the Tall Ships community has been absolutely fantastic and to have secured three of the biggest Class A vessels is a great boost for the event. Their arrival on the Mersey will be an incredible sight and easily one of the defining images of our Capital of Culture year.’’ Over the four day extravaganza, more than 3,000 sail trainees and crew will be in the city. Ships will be arriving from as far away as Mexico,Oman and Europe. Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Deputy Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company, said: ‘’There is a huge amount of excitement around the Tall Ships coming to Liverpool. It will be a show-stopping centrepiece of our capital of culture celebrations.’’ The climax of the week will be the Parade of Sail on Monday, July 21. The first race is to Maloy is Norway which will start on Wednesday 23 July.
04
NEWS & EVENTS
News
BRIEF NEWS Southport Flower Show
DISNEY ON ICE IS COMING TO LIVERPOOL An acquatic paradise is promised for the audience who go and see Disney On Ice’s latest production, Finding Nemo. This animated world “down under” comes to life in a brilliant rainbow of color, set to an energetic musical score. Gliding smoothly across the ice, skaters costumed in many forms of ocean life perfectly emulate the natural flow of fish through water. A digital projection screen combines with aquatic lighting to create the depth and vastness of the ocean that envelops the audience. “In this show, we create a living sea on the ice in such a way that audiences will feel as if they are actually underwater,” says Producer Kenneth Feld. “We combine digital projection, choreography and the most unbelievable costumes ever seen, and the result is a visual masterpiece that will truly transform the ice surface
Tickets are now on sale for Southport Flower Show, which takes place 21-24 August. Fun for all the family is guaranteed at the event, which is expected to attract around 80,000 people. Attractions include Ladies Day, a Gala Evening, David Bellamy’s Schools’ Show and celebrity guests. Keep your fingers crossed for a sunny weekend. For information and tickets call 0844 847 1555.
and take audiences through the ocean and into the aquarium.” The Disney magic skates into Liverpool from 24-28 September. To book tickets log on to www.accliverpool or call
Summer’s Here!
the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400
Extension to bus travel pass deadline Concessionary travel pass holders using old style passes can still do so until July 31st as Merseytravel continues to deal with the huge influx of new applications for the new English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). Merseytravel has so far issued more than 271,000 of the new style passes – which includes almost all existing
Stuck for something to do in the summer holidays? Log onto www.wherecanwego.com for inspiration.
pass holders and a surge of new applicants. The two-month extension is in place to ensure no one misses out on the advantages of the new scheme. The new ENCTS passes allow holders to travel free on any local bus services throughout the country. For pass holders in Merseyside, it also includes free travel on the Merseyrail network and the Mersey Ferries. Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, said: “This extension is being put in place to ensure people can still
Dont forget!
eligible – the over 60s and those with a disability - to travel off peak on local buses anywhere in England.
You can read the entire July issue of Lifestyle Monthly online at:
Anyone with queries about the new travel passes can contact the Merseytravel Ticket Unit on 0151 236 6056.
www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk
travel for free whilst we deal with the vast number of new applicants who see the benefits of the new scheme and, quite rightly, want to take advantage of the benefits it brings.” More than six million cards have been distributed nationally as part of the scheme, which allows those who are
L M
05
HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL
Looking to hot foot it to
sunnier climates? Put your yourself in the hands of North West based Travel Counsellors who are a new breed of travel agent.
K
een to emphasise their personal service,
make trips so that we can ensure we meet each
they offer you appointments to fit in with
individual’s travel needs.”
your busy lifestyle, which could mean
evenings or weekends. They run their own travel businesses with
David adds; “We pride ourselves on the attention to detail we can offer to our clients, and we have all been fortunate enough to travel
the support of award winning company, Travel
extensively during our careers which enables us
Counsellors. The company has over 900 travel
to make personal recommendations too. We love
advisors across the country and overseas and has
working as Travel Counsellors and our customers
been named the UK’s Best Travel Agent at the 2006
really appreciate the unique personal service that
and the 2007 Guardian, Observer and Guardian
we can offer.”
Unlimited Travel Awards. Southport based Travel Counsellor, David Griffin
For more information or to discuss your forthcoming travel plans contact:
says; “I decided to join Travel Counsellors so I could provide a unique travel service to each and
Rita Hunter:
0845 058 7550
every one of my customers at a time convenient
Gaynor Pickard:
0845 058 7145
to them. The technology we have at our fingertips
Jacqui Sanderson:
0845 058 7919
is incredible and means we can search through
Dean Wilson:
0845 058 7242
hundreds of holiday options for our customers at
Suzanne Millar:
0845 058 7631
highly competitive prices. We are also able to tailor
David Griffin:
0845 058 7283
L M
07
HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL
MAKE SURE YOU’RE WELL PREPARED FOR YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAYS If you’ve just booked a fantastic summer holiday, the likelihood is that it cost several thousand pounds. Have you thought about whether you need any vaccinations or malaria tablets where you are going?
M
any popular holiday destinations carry a risk of catching tropical or infectious diseases. Travellers need to be aware of these, so that
they know how to protect themselves whilst they are away. The Well Travelled Clinic at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is a specialist travel health and tropical diseases clinic, seeing thousands of people every year. Philippa Tubb, Managing Director of the company said, “Exotic destinations are becoming increasingly affordable, with many travellers now taking advantage of last minute holiday deals on the internet. Travellers need to remember when booking their holiday that they may need vaccinations and also anti-malaria tablets before they travel”. Ideally, you should think about having a travel health consultation about 4-6 weeks before you travel, however it’s worth getting seen even on the day before you travel if necessary, in order to try to reduce your risk of catching infectious diseases whilst abroad.
08
• •
Around 18
00 people
return to B
with malar
malaria ev
ritain ever
y year
ia and 12-1
ery year.
No anti-ma
larial table
THE FAC TS
5 people d
ie in the U
K of
t is 100% e ffective, you develo p a fe ver, flu like diarrhoea illness or 7 or more d a y s after arriv malaria ris ing in a k area or w it h in a year of yo it is strong ur return ly advise t h a t y - o u : Contact a doctor at o nce (within - Inform the 24 hours) doctor tha t y o u h a ve visited malaria ris a k area - Have a blo od test and get the res on the sam ult for mala e day ria • Travellers’ diarrhoea occurs in 2 of travelle 0%-60% rs. • The very y oung, the elderly and special hea those with lth needs c a n become unwell if t seriously he diarrho ea is not tr eated prom ptly.
therefore if
HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL
Don’t let your dream holiday turn into a nightmare! Top Ten Tips for staying well on holiday: 1.
Make sure you visit a travel clinic or your GP before you go on holiday to get travel health advice, vaccinations and anti-malarial tablets. It’s worth visiting even if it’s last minute.
2.
Avoid getting bitten! – Use a 50% DEET based insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening, sleep under a mosquito net at night.
3.
Use good quality sun creams with an SP factor of 15 or higher. Re-apply regularly, particularly to children. Avoid the midday sun.
4.
Wash your hands before eating or handling foods. Pocket-sized alcohol disinfectant gel is handy whilst travelling.
5.
Avoid reheated or food left standing. Food bought from street vendors can be risky. Avoid high risk foods such as: shellfish, raw salads, mayonnaise and other dishes containing uncooked egg, un-pasteurised products such as milk and ice cream.
6.
Boil water or use bottled water (ideally fizzy and check seal intact). Clean teeth with boiled, bottled or treated water. Avoid ice in drinks.
7.
Eat fruit that can be peeled and peel it yourself. Wash your hands after peeling so that you don’t transfer germs from the fruit’s skin onto your fruit.
8.
If you get bitten, scratched or licked by a mammal, you should immediately wash the area for 5 minutes using water with detergent and apply antiseptic. Even if you have had rabies vaccines before you travel, seek medical attention as you will require further vaccinations immediately.
9.
Sex with someone new is risky. Make it safer. Buy good quality condoms before you travel and check for the British Standards Kitemark.
10.
Swimming and traffic accidents are amongst the leading causes of death in travellers. Select safe swimming areas and never dive into water of unknown depth. Avoid motorbikes and scooters. Wear seat belts
The Well Travelled Clinic at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is open Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 4.30 pm, Tuesday until 7.00 pm. Walk-in clinic 8.30 am - noon (no appointment required). Afternoons and evenings by appointment only. Call: 0151-705-3223. www. welltravelledclinics.co.uk Well Travelled Clinics (WTC), is a company of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). Our profits are reinvested into research and development within WTC and LSTM. By purchasing your vaccines, tablets and travel products from them you are supporting the work they do to control diseases of poverty and to develop more effective systems for health care in the less developed countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.
L M
09
CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
Michael Buble Swings into town
‘Call Me Irresponsible’ is your third album. How does it differ to your last two albums? This album is more organic and natural and the repetoire more interesting , and I think we have taken some risks that have panned out, It also has added songs with a different feel to the live show. What or who, are your musical influences? There are too many to single out, I grew up with rap, rock, jazz and pop and now I even listen to country music. You have played in Liverpool before. Are you looking forward to returning to the ‘Beat-City’ in July? Yes very much and I have never seen women wearing such short skirts in such cold temperatures, and the airport is named after a Beatle! You’re currently on a world tour. Do you get to see any of the places you travel to? Yes but mainly on the drive from the airport to the hotel and hotel to venue. You presented an episode of ‘The Paul O Grady Show’ at the end of last year. How did you find it? I found it to be one of the more rewarding things I have done in my career and Paul is a legend. Tell us about a typical day in your life. Today. Woke up, got out of bed dragged a comb across my head, hung out in a hotel room. Is there anyone you would like to work with? Duffy would be one person I would like to work with.
10
CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
The award winning artist talks to Charlotte Dobie about everything
What are your plans once the tour ends? To enjoy life, see family, visit my dentist and get more plastic surgery, this would be my fourth face lift. If a movie was made of your life, who would you like to play you? It would have to be Daniel Craig, I have always wanted to have abs like that and do a scene wearing a Speedo coming out of the sea. What is the best thing about what you do? Getting to make music and entertain people. Every night throw a party with thousands of people invited. What is your proudest achievment to date? I have not got there yet and I don’t want to jinx myself. If you were not an award winning musician, what would you be? I would be a competitive eater and enter eating contests. Do you have any requirements for your dressing room, eg, distilled water flown in from a mountain in Italy, or peanut M&M’s with all the blue ones removed? My rider is really small except for, gold bullion by the score and rose petals strewn on the floor for me to walk on. And finally, What was your last purchase on your credit card? Dinner for friends in Perth last night. www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk
L M 11
PETS & ANIMALS
What’s up doc? Rabbits make great house pets, says our vet, Alan Humphries
R
abbits come in all shapes and sizes from the
healthy sandwiches and fruit are ignored but the
dwarf rabbits under 1 kg to giant rabbits
crisps and biscuits disappear in seconds.
weighing 7 kg. Male rabbits are called
Teeth:
bucks, female rabbits are called does and baby
A rabbit’s teeth grow all the time so they should
rabbits are called kittens. It is difficult to tell the sex
spend 3 to 4 hours a day chewing their food to
of young rabbits.
wear the teeth down. The signs of teeth problems
Rabbits are sociable animals and should be kept
are eating less than normal, runny eyes and wet fur
with companion rabbits, keeping a single rabbit
under the chin.
outside in a hutch is not good enough. Rabbits can be kept indoors as house rabbits and
Intestinal problem:
be trained to use a litter tray. Rabbits like to hide
Sometimes rabbits intestines just stop working and
so always have suitable boxes or pipes for them to
they get a condition called intestinal stasis nearly
hide in. Rabbits feed their kittens just once a day!
always the problem is due to not enough fibre in
Rabbits should be fed unlimited hay and it should
the diet and not enough water. The signs of this
make up at least 80% of the diet. The rest should
condition are that rabbits stop eating and produce
be pellets roughly a handful per rabbit, vegetables
small droppings. Rabbits should eat every day. Aggression:
and wild plants. You can feed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage,
Vaccinations:
Neutering of male and female rabbits can
carrots, carrot tops, cauliflower, cauliflower leaves,
Rabbits are prone to a disease called myxomatosis
dramatically reduce aggression of rabbits to each
celery, celery leaves, courgette, cucumber, kale,
which is spread by fleas and mosquitoes. Due to
other and humans.
green beans, parsnip, peas, pea pods, pumpkin,
climate change myomatosis is now seen all year
radish tops, rocket, spinach, squash, swede, turnip
round and it is now recommended to vaccinate
Fly strike:
and water cress. Suitable wild plants are camomile,
every six months. Another condition spread by
Flies will lay eggs around rabbits tail these hatch
chickweed, clover, dandelion, groundsel, mallow,
biting insects is viral haemorrhagic diarrhoea. This
out and begin to eat into the rabbit. To prevent this
mint, nettle, parsley and plantain. Do not let your
disease generally needs a wild rabbit population
make sure rabbits have lots of fibre in the diet. If
rabbit eat deadly nightshade, evergreen trees
nearby and your vet will advise you of the relative
you have an outside rabbit make sure there is a fly
and shrubs, foxglove, Ivy, peach and plum tree
risks of getting this disease in your area, for
screen on the hutch and check their bottoms daily
leaves, potato tops, tomato leaves and tulips (and
example a house rabbit in a very urban area is at
in warm weather. When you get a new rabbit get
other plants from bulbs). Water should always be
much lower risk than an outdoor rabbit near or
it checked within a week by your vet. If you are
available in a dish or drinking bottle that they are
in a rural area. Cancer of the wombThis is very
interested in a rabbit as a pet please contact your
used to using.
common, 80% of does that have not been neutered
local animal rescue centre or RSPCA.
When rabbits are given a mix dried food mixture
get uterine cancer. It is actually more difficult to do
they will often pick out certain items and ignore
this in a rabbit than a cat. A good time to do this is
A very useful website is the house rabbit association
the other a bit like at a child’s party where all the
at five to six months of age.
http://www.houserabbit.co.uk/
14
Feeling more tired than usual?
ASK THE DOCTOR
Perhaps you have Chronic Fatigue syndrome says Dr Susan Hyde
What is it? Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also called ME which stands
struggle to get out of bed and can barely look after themselves.
for myalgo-encephalitis, is a condition which causes persistent
The outlook is also unfortunately very variable and difficult
severe tiredness which is not explained by any other medical
to predict. The majority will make some sort of recovery over
conditions and is not relieved by rest. Other symptoms include
about two-three years but most are not fully back to their pre-
joint and muscle pains, poor sleep, poor concentration and
illness state. A small number remain seriously affected for many
bowel and urinary problems.
years.
How is it diagnosed?
What treatment is available?
CFS can be difficult to diagnose because tiredness is a very
Unfortunately there is no “cure� for CFS but there are a number
common complaint of healthy people and there is no specific
of helpful treatments available. Specific drugs for some of the
test for it. Many people can have a prolonged episode of
symptoms which cause problems in CFS such as pain, bowel and
tiredness after a viral illness. Other medical conditions such as
bladder problems and sleep disturbance can be useful. There is
diabetes ,anaemia, thyroid problems and depression have to be
some evidence that a programme of graded exercise, that is a
ruled out. Medically CFS is only diagnosed after a patient has
very gradual increase in the level of activity, can help improve
had symptoms for six months but often patients will have had
symptoms. This best supervised by someone with a specialised
symptoms for awhile before they consult their doctor.
interest in CFS. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has also been shown in some studies to help symptoms. CBT is a which
What causes it?
looks at goal setting, coping strategies and offer psychological
Unfortunately we do not know what causes CFS but often there
support. In Liverpool we are lucky enough to have a CFS clinic
is a trigger such as a stressful life event and/or a viral illness. It
at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. Patients can be
can occur at any age including childhood but affects women
seen there, fully assessed and offered a course of CBT/graded
more often than men. It is thought that about 1 in 300 people in
exercise if appropriate. However there is sometimes a long wait
the UK have CFS.
for this treatment. Patients with CFS also need help with employment issues,
How long does it last?
benefits advice, adaptations to the home etc. This can be
The severity of symptoms are very variable from those who can
provided by their general practice and by ME support groups.
manage to continue working but at the expense of their social
You can contact your local ME support at
life or who have to adjust their working hours to those who
me.liverpool@yahoo.co.uk
L M 15
PARENTS & CHILDREN
KIDS CAN DO THEIR BIT TO PROTECT
ECO-FRIENDLY TURNS YOUR O
ur children are never too young to learn about helping the environment and saving our planet. Every day, we make choices that affect the amount of rubbish and pollution that gets produced in our world. What can we do? A whole lot, actually.
Reduce the amount of stuff you use and throw away. Buying your food in smaller quantities means you will be less likely to throw away excess. Enjoy the Earth — walk in the woods, run along the beach with the wind against your face, plant a tree, and eat some of the delicious food it produces.
REDUCE A shorter shower means you used less water and less fuel since your house uses fuel to run the water heater that warmed up the water. Other ways to reduce energy are:
1
Turn off lights you’re not using and switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. They last longer and use less energy. Turn off the water when you’re
brushing your teeth.
2
16
When you can, walk or ride your bike instead of
driving in the car.
3
Unplug the chargers for your phone and MP3
player when you’re not using them
4
Teach your kids to put the computer to “sleep”
instead of leaving it on with the screensaver
running.
5
Avoid the dryer and hang your clothes
on a line or on clothes horse near the
window instead
6
When shopping, check the labels of
where your food has come from. Buy
British products wherever possible, not
only to support the economy but to reduce
your carbon footprint on the world. Treat
it as a game when going shopping, it will
hold your children’s attention in supermarkets
and prevent boredom for them and stress for
you when shopping.
PARENTS & CHILDREN
THE ENVIRONMENT TOO
PARENTING KIDS GREEN 7
Reduce the chemicals you spray around your
4
Drink tap water instead of buying bottled
home. Lavender oil and water makes an
water. If you insist on bottled water though,
eco-friendly air freshener. Reduce the number
then make sure it’s biodegradable If you don’t
of cleaning chemicals you buy and try and
like the taste of tap water, a low-cost
make up your own organic range.
filtration system could make a difference. Get
a reusable water bottle so you can take it with
you.
too willing to throw away old goods and replace
5
Organize a swap party amongst your kids’
them with new. However, even if you no longer
friends. Books, toys, even clothes parties are
need something, someone else just might. For
a way for everyone to get something new
instance, your kids may have outgrown their toys
without spending any money and without
but a family across the street might have younger
throwing stuff away. Set aside some items for
children who could benefit from them. That is one
your swap when you’re cleaning your room!
REUSE We are known as a “throwaway society,” often
less large plastic toy that needs to be produced, packaged, and shipped to the toy shop. Additional
RECYCLE
ways to reuse your products are:
Recycling has never been easier. By separating plastic bottles, cans, bottles, and more, you’re
1
Use rechargeable batteries for handheld
reducing the amount of rubbish that goes to the
computer games, MP3 players, cell phones,
landfill.
and digital cameras.
Sometimes water can be recycled. Use bath water to mop floors, clean decking. Buy a rainwater
2
Choose reusable travel cups instead of
storage tank from any large garden centre and
disposable paper or plastic cups.
water your plants with it on hot days.
3
Take your own bags — preferably reusable
computer printouts and use the other side for more
ones — when you go to the supermarket.
computer printing or just to draw or doodle on.
You also can recycle paper. Take paper from your
L M
17
PARENTS & CHILDREN
SUPER STAR
WRITERS… MERSEYSIDE IS A VIBRANT HUB OF TALENTED WRITERS… MEET TWO AUTHORS FROM OUR REGION
F
rank Cottrell Boyce’s writing is out of this world with his new novel, Cosmic As well as being a hugely successful and
popular children’s author, Liverpudlian Frank is also an established British screenwriter whose film credits include WELCOME TO SARAJEVO, which was nominated for a Bafta, HILARY AND JACKIE, GROW YOUR OWN and 24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE. The father of seven has been writing since primary school. He said, “I was always writing funny stuff and drawing cartoons. Even today I always carry a diary and write down everything. It is a fantastic discipline for any writer.” Frank’s first book, Millions won the CILIP Carnegie Medal in 2004 and has been short listed for a number of awards including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award 2004. Millions has also been made into a movie and was chosen as the Liverpool Reads book for 2005 / 06. Frank’s second novel, Framed, was published in September 2005. Framed followed on from the success of Millions, being short listed for the Carnegie Medal, the Whitbread Award and the Guardian Prize. It was also selected as a Booked Up! title in 2007. Frank said, “ What inspires me to write is that, as a father, reading betime stories is such a sociable thing. We read our children stories and then talk about them. I also go into schools and read to the children. I would like to think that my books make children think about bigger ideas – what is it like to be a grown up? What is money? It is good for children to think about bigger things.” He added, “ Being a writer means I can be at home with my children. I start writing in the early mornings, round about 5.30am when it is nice and quiet, and I am done by the middle of the day.”
18
PARENTS & CHILDREN
“
If you want to write you have to be practical and find the time to do it properly. It’s very easy to be fired up and enthusiastic to want to sit down and write, but the key to success is planning the novel in significant details so you know where you plot and your characters are going
C
”
hick lit author, Jane Costello uses the North
who represents
West as the star setting for her novel,
internationally
Bridesmaids. The book has already been
best-selling authors
translated into several languages including Russian,
including Martina
German and Italian for sale elsewhere in the world.
Cole and Lee Child.
The story follows the fortunes of four young
She secured a
women over the course of several weddings and is
two-book deal with
set in Liverpool, Lancashire and Cheshire.
Simon & Schuster
Bridesmaids was written by Jane Costello – the
in 2006 and left
pseudonym of former Liverpool Daily Post Editor
her job as Editor
Jane Wolstenholme
of the Daily Post
Jane, 34, said: ‘Writing chick lit novels is very
last year .
different from my previous career as a newspaper
Jane said, “ If
journalist, but it is a genre that I’ve always loved
you want to
for its humour, pace and brilliant characters.
write you have
‘It has been a lifelong ambition of mine to write a
to be practical
novel and I’d made several half-hearted attempts
and find the time
to do so since my early twenties. The idea for
to do it properly. It’s very easy to be fired up and
Bridesmaids came to me while at a friend’s wedding.
enthusiastic to want to sit down and write, but the
‘It struck me that this would be a great theme for
key to success is planning the novel in significant
a chick lit novel, simply because so many women
details so you know where you plot and your
have been bridesmaids themselves and it has lots of
characters are going.”
potential for drama and comedy.
Her second book, Nannies, is due for publication
‘It’s so strange to think that my book, which
next spring. Jane, who is expecting her second child
features all sorts of north west landmarks, will be
in August is juggling motherhood with writing, the
on sale everywhere from Rome to Moscow.’
perfect ingredients for material for her new novel.
Jane is originally from Aigburth, Liverpool, but now
Jane says, “ In my first book the wedding is set
lives in Burscough, Lancashire, and wrote the book
where I got married but as a rule I generally try not
while on maternity leave from the Liverpool Daily
to base my characters on people I know as it would
Post with her first child. She said, “ Writing a novel
be awful if any of my former colleagues or friends
was always something I wanted to do. I have sat
think that it is about them. At the same time,
down and written before but never made it past the
though I need to write about things I know as it
first chapter. When I was on maternity leave for six
makes for more realistic and believable writing.”
months I disciplined myself.” After writing three chapters and a brief synopsis she was signed by top London agent Darley Anderson,
L M 19
TECHNOLOGY HOMES & GARDENS GADGETS
WE ARE A
NATION OF
‘GREEN’ ENVY
A new study shows we are now a nation desperate to better our neighbour’s garden
C
urtains are twitching up and down suburban streets as nosy neighbours are trying to our do each other in their eco-friendly gardens.
The study by B&Q looked at the green behaviour of almost 1,300 Brits, and identified an increasing trend towards ‘gre-envy’, with homeowners more likely to be jealous of their neighbours’ vegetable patches or chicken coops than their shiny new cars.
Top five most-envied status symbols spied over the garden fence: *
Vegetable patch
*
Chicken coop
*
Wild area to encourage wildlife
*
New car
*
Water-efficient plant watering system
The study found that many ‘gre-envious’ Brits plan to boost their own green credentials over the next twelve months with the purchase of green garden products and will invest more than £3.8 billion in doing so. Almost one in five people say they’ll be buying a water butt, 22% plan to purchase solar-powered garden lighting, 16% declare they’ll invest in either a pond or a wild area to encourage wildlife to their gardens and 12% reveal a compost bin is on their shopping list. Furthermore, a massive 67% of people say they’ll grow their own fruit, vegetables or herbs this year. As well as being motivated by ‘gre-envy’, 2 in 5 gardeners are plagued by ‘green guilt’ over their non-green behaviour and the lack of green products in their gardens and homes. More than two thirds (77%) of people want to be greener in the garden, with the majority claiming cost is the biggest factor preventing them from doing so. While green behaviour of those over the garden fence generates ‘gre-envy’, when it comes to celebrity greens it’s those
20
HOMES & GARDENS
across the pond who are believed to be setting the best
with BioRegional to move towards being a One Planet
example. Julia Roberts, owner of a £15million Malibu
Living business in order to reduce its impact on the
eco-mansion, was voted the greenest celebrity, followed
world’s resources. B&Q has been leading the way on
by Cameron Diaz and George Clooney who are both
environmental issues since the early 1990s but in signing
known for their dedication to sustainable living.
up to the One Planet Living initiative, are promising not
Rachel Bradley, B&Q’s Social Responsibility Manager
only to reduce their own operational impact, but are
says: “This is one example where one-upmanship
committing to developing products and information
over your neighbours is actually a positive thing! It’s
which will help customers reduce their personal impacts
encouraging that people seem to be shunning traditional
at home and in the garden. For further information and
status symbols and are instead hankering over items that
tips on how to achieve one planet living visit www.diy.
provide us with the new ideal of green living.”
com/oneplanethome.
L M
Earlier this year, B&Q signed a three-year partnership
These bbq’s will light your fire this summer SIZZLE IN SAFETY Don’t wear loose clothes, especially long sleeves when grilling
1 2 3
Memphis 2 burner barbecue, available in black or red. £179.98 from B&Q
Panama 3 burner gas barbecue £265 from B&Q
Houston 7 burner gas barbecue is the Daddy of all barbecues. £464 from B&Q
Charcoal grills can flare up so keep a fire extinguisher nearby Don’t store gas containers under your barbecue Never barbecue indoors
1
2
3 21
Peach Ruffle Sleeve Dress ÂŁ210
Fashion
Gets Frilly 23
Black & White Rose Neckline Dress ÂŁ210
24
Coral Plung Neck Dress ÂŁ189
25
Photography by Steve
Assistant: Model: Make-up Artist: Hair: Shot at:
Collinson 0789 4554 788
Paul Dann Molly Melia (PHA Model Agency, Manchester 0161 2734444) Andrea Perry Bevan (0775 668 1907) Minskys The Metropolis Studio
All clothing by Mark Melia Designs (Liverpool 0151 7098881) 26
STYLE & FASHION
What we are loving to wear …slip into some mellow yellow shoes that are hot on the high street J Jeans by Jasper Conran gold courts at Debenhams Red herring mustard wedge shoes £25 at Debenhams Vintage leopard print high heels £28 at Beyond Retro
Peep Toe Orange High Stilettos £117 at Salon Kitty Patent wedge slingback £29 at Long Tall Sally
Vintage 1970s wooden platform sandals £28 at Beyond Retro Metallic gladiator sandal £25 at Accessorize Gold trim detail shoes £85 at Kaleidoscope
27
STYLE & FASHION
Flutter your way through summer with high fashion butterfly and floral accessories. Here are some blooming lovely pieces that should decorate any outfit you wear this season.
Butterly diamante necklace. Mikey at the Met Quarter
Filigree butterfly on shell earrings £2.50 at Internationale Large square butterfly print scarf £12.50
Blue floral corsage with pearl £8 at Wallis
Carved rose ring £6 at Dorothy Perkins Miso flower ring. £4.99 at Republic
Sequin butterfly back cowl £17.99 at Bay Trading Company 28
Metal flower & charm necklace £20 at Dorothy Perkins
AND FOR YOUR HOME Pink butterfly votive candles. £3.99 for nine at Confetti
ON THE ROAD
NEW BRITISH SPORTS CAR IS IN POLE POSITION
TO SET PULSES RACING
The newly launched Breckland Beira is a sexy little roadster
I
t has unique styling cues, based on proven GM
running costs and emissions, but also means Beira
architecture and powered by GM’s LS2, 6-litre
is capable of a range of some 700 miles between
V8 engine, tuned to produce just a whisper
refuelling stops - that’s the equivalent of travelling
short of 400bhp.Tipping the scales at some
non-stop from the north to the south coast of
1,400kg, the Beira’s impressive power-to-weight
France.”
ratio ensures invigorating performance, with the
The bespoke interior also offers an impressive
promise of a sub-five second sprint to 100kph,
showcase of mobile entertainment including a 7”
coupled with tremendous torque and a governed
TFT colour touch screen, DVD player, direct iPod
top speed of 155mph.
and Bluetooth connectivity, and an in-built 30Gb
“Beira carries on from where Marcos and TVR left
hard disk drive (HDD) navigation system with full
off in terms of providing maximum performance
European mapping. Beira buyers can also opt for
for money spent, and real individuality”, says
the rear reversing camera, which relays the view
Breckland Director, Mike Rawlings.
behind onto the same in-dash display.
“We also looked seriously at environmental
The Breckland Beira on the road price is available
concerns and, as a result, Beira is designed
from November and is expected to be in the region
to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas
of £55,000. Get your order in now.
as well as petrol. This
L M
not only helps to reduce
29
HEALTH & BEAUTY
FINE SUMMER FRAGRANCES OMBRE ROSE This mother of all perfumes is intertwined with that of the major symbols of Parisian elegance and combines passion, business and international prestige. Created by 1981. For 25 years, fashion designer Brosseau had designed accessories for the greatest names in high fashion He spent spent 3 years on the creation of his perfume. He wanted it to be modern and classic, refined and lasting. The result was Ombre Rose, The Limited Edition, Golden bottle, houses the same powdery, sensual and charming fragrance with its subtle and original presence; an Oriental-Floral with a pronounced powdery accord. It has just been released as an Exceptional Limited Edition to the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, John Lewis in Liverpool. Eau de Parfum 100 ml spray £75.
L’Eau Neuve Created by Lubin in the spring of 1968, when an entire generation was rebelling against France’s bourgeois conventions. This mass of energetic youth wanted nothing to do with “ladies’ perfumes,” fuelling a new trend for “Eaux Fraîches,” a new twist on traditional Eau de Cologne. These new Eaux Fraîches were a part of what was referred to as the “New Naturality”. This subtle fragrance starts out with a cool breeze and simple keynotes. Soon followed by its citrus fruit notes of orange, lemon, and bergamot wafting up from an aromatic facet of thyme, coriander, and marjoram. This gives way to the woody scents of cedar, sandalwood and patchouli and ends with the undergrowth of oak moss, providing an elegant yet contemporary finishing note. However, the free-spirited women wearing this fragrance had no idea that Lubin’s “Eau Neuve” was not only a nod to the new generation and its desire for liberation, but also a tribute to a much older Eau de Toilette called Eau de Lubin, which was created in 1798. The term “Eau de Toilette” was used exclusively for Mr. Lubin’s creation. L’Eau Neuve redefined perfumery and became the signature fragrance of a new generation. 75ml Vaporiser EDT £49 125ml Vaporiser EDT £59
30
L M
HEALTH & WELLBEING
IS THIS THE NEW WONDER CURE?
A
Take control of your life with Bio Resonance... The latest treatment promises you can be thinner, healthier and happier.
lthough it’s been around for 3 years in
resonance, record and eliminate it. The body
Typically the treatments start from £90 for one
the UK, and over 2650 people have been
picks up the resonance frequencies produced by
session to 275 for three sessions but he absolutely
successfully treated, Bio Resonance is not
the BioResonance system and the BioResonance
guarantees it is effective.
that well known . BioResonance is based on physics rather than chemistry and claims to completely eliminate cravings for food, nicotine, and drugs, as well as
system in turn picks up the resonance frequencies
He says, “Everything resonates and produces
produced by the body. This two way connection is
energy. We all have an energy field. The machine
the basis of the treatments.
picks up on this and can work. You can stop
After treatment the body does not know it has
smoking and drinking after one session. You can
addressing painful joint problems.
had that substance and therefore does not crave it
stop eating chocolate after one session. But you
So how does it work?
anymore.
have to really want to.
Similar to how a radio picks up a frequency
John Durrant, who runs The Cheshire
“It’s like anything in life, “ he continues, “if you
broadcast from hundreds of miles away, the body
BioResonance Clinic in Liverpool says, “ It does
want something, don’t try it, just do it. You have
picks up the specialist Bio Resonance frequencies
work. I can stop people smoking, I can make them
to have the passion inside you to achieve what you
produced by a specialist machine. The machine
lose weight, I can help with joint problems. I can
really want.”
recognises the patterns in your body and is able
deliver all this without pain or side effects.
to detoxify you of the offending substance and in
John, a qualified counsellor, has studied Alternative
turn neutralize the addiction and rebalance the
Therapies for 15 years. With a list of professional
body. By sampling and recording the balanced
qualifications as long as your arm, he is well
resonance signature can recognise an incorrect
equipped to change your life for the better.
Visit www.cheshirebioresonance.co.uk for more details.
L M 31
HOLLYOAKS INTERVIEW
BABES IN SURROGACY STORYLINE Claire Cooper and Leah Hackett talk to Amanda Moss about life in the award winning drama.
A
s Hollyoaks won six awards in this year’s British Soap Awards, it comes as no surprise that the producers are planning bigger,
better and more outrageous plots. In the drama, Jacqui, who cannot have children after a complicated miscarriage, allows her sister, Tina to be a surrogate mother for herself and her partner Tony. As well as struggling with the notion of carrying a baby for her sister, Tina faces marital problems as her husband, Dominic is reluctant for her to go through with it. At the 12 weeks scan though, it emerges that the baby is 15 weeks old, a time which coincides with a one night stand Tina had. So in fact Tony is not the father. But how long can the sisters keep it a secret? Claire, 27, is nothing like the brash ex convict she has played for the last two years. Well spoken and well educated, Claire trained at the prestigious Guildhall School of Drama before landing small roles in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road. She grew up in Wakefield, Yorkshire, so she had no problem perfecting the broad accent she uses in her role as Jacqui. Claire said, “ Jacqui is a right one, isn’t she. She’s a great character, she’s very insecure, she is desperate to get the baby she wants and will go to any lengths for one. She hasn’t followed the proper procedure and is panicking it’s all going to go wrong. It is a brilliant storyline and as long as they keep writing
32
HOLLYOAKS INTERVIEW
Hollyoaks actresses Claire Cooper, who plays brash waitress Jacqui Malota and Leah Hackett, who plays her younger sister, Tina, are embroiled in their biggest and most controversial storyline to date. It was difficult to pin them down to an interview due to the hectic filming schedules they are involved in. But Lime Pictures, in Childwall, Liverpool, where the Channel 4 drama is made, allowed us to chat to them in between shooting scenes.
for Jacqui I will continue to play her as best as I can.
internet, there is so much to learn and that’s what I
that broadcasts five nights a week (not including
I just want more and more exciting stories so I can
love about the role.”
the omnibus on Sunday mornings). Is there any
push myself and better myself!”
So does being in Hollyoaks fast track them to all
Leah, 22, landed the role of sensible Tina straight
pressure on the girls to follow an exercise routine?
the best parties in Liverpool? Claire said, “ If I am
Claire said, “ I am lucky, I trained as a gymnast
from school. She said, “I went to Paul McCartney’s
involved in a really heavy storyline I rarely go out,
for ten years so I am naturally thin and I can eat
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and went
maybe once a week on a Thursday night. But I am
what I want. I just make sure I don’t have gigantic
for a casting. I got the role and haven’t looked
very disciplined and spend most of my nights in
portions, but I do like jogging.”
back since. I feel very lucky and absolutely love the
learning my lines.”
storylines they have given me. I like relating to all the different emotions I have to convey.”
Claire added, “I love my apartment in Sefton Park,
Leah also owns her own apartment in Liverpool, where she lives full time. She said, “I like to eat,
that’s where a lot of the cast live. But I also have a
drink and party. Liverpool is an absolutely brilliant
Although neither actresses are mothers, they
Grade 2 listed house in Hertfordshire. I absolutely
place, there is always something going on in
have thoroughly researched the roles. Clare says,
love Liverpool, everyone is so friendly here, there
Liverpool. And if I am not working you can always
“I have friends who have had babies, I have done
are so many great clubs, bars and pubs. But I don’t
find me at the Met Quarter buying clothes and
loads of research about surrogacy and have really
go out much. Especially when I am working on a
shoes. The shops here are just great.”
researched the role. It’s a very sensitive subject.”
heavy story I have to pace myself.”
Leah added, “ I spent hours reading up on the
“
Learning the scripts is time consuming on a drama
L M
Liverpool is an absolutely brilliant place, there is always something going on in Liverpool. And if I am not working you can always find me at the Met Quarter buying clothes and shoes.
”
33
BUSINESS LIFESTYLE
DESIGNER SHOPPING
as a venue for corporate event hire.
FOR EVERYONE AT THE
METQUARTER
L
iverpool’s exclusive Metquarter has something for everyone as it opens its doors to businesses
With more than 40 stores including famous labels
And not forgetting those summer cosmetics and must-have items to ensure your skin is kept in perfect condition under the rays. MAC and Molton Brown have a full range of
such as Hugo Boss, A|X Armani Exchange, Guess and
gorgeous beauty products.
DKNY Jeans the Metquarter has become a favourite
Now the luxurious mall can be hired as a venue for
among the city’s glitterati, with shoppers often
events.
walking alongside WAGS, footballers and other celebrities. In a city as eclectic as Liverpool, the Metquarter
As a new concept this up-market shopping destination in Whitechapel is aiming to be as versatile as possible, offering the centre for hire to
has quality shops to accommodate as many tastes
local businesses wanting to utilise the mall and its
as possible. Jennina O’Neil, marketing manager at
luxurious surroundings.
the Metquarter, said: “We have a large retail mix
A range of luxury mall units are also being
here, offering a variety of styles.We believe we are
developed which will be available to new
providing something which is really special with an
businesses interested in bringing their brand to the
extensive list of exclusive brands together with a
Metquarter.
range of opportunities for local businesses.”
THE BEST OF
LIVERPOOL
CENTRAL Entrepreneur Amanda Evans
It is not only a great shopping destination, but
Lifestyle Monthly readers are being offered
also a fantastic place for a bite to eat or a quick
a free Billabong t-shirt if they are the first to
coffee. There’s Café Rouge, Costa Coffee and
correctly answer the question: Which sport is
Hamiltons – run by former Atomic Kitten Natasha
most commonly associated with Billabong?
Hamilton.
Send answers to admin@metquarter.co.uk
T
here are over 380 sites across the UK for every
suffered an accident which almost killed her
town & city, featuring local businesses in an
and put her out of work for three months. Her
online directory so for her, it was the right
advice for start ups is, “Always remain positive
choice to invest in. Amanda said, “I worked onboard cruise ships
and triumph over adversity, my philosophy and advice to any business is never give up! Boy have
for over 10 years, travelling worldwide, having
those computer lessons really paid off!! Building
seen many cities none compared to Liverpool, my
a business directory and community site has been
home city, so the choice was simple, great business
exciting. The success stories from my members has
service and great city. Online marketing is the way
been very rewarding.”
forward for any business to promote themselves.”
If your would like to be a part of thebestof
Running her own business is time consuming, she
Liverpool central, your business will benefit from
adds, “With working closely with businesses within
regular networking events and the chance to profile
Liverpool I am invited to many opening nights,
your company online and in a monthly newsletter
branch of award winning
launch parties, there is always an event to attend
to all its members.
website, thebestof.
myself for the last 2 years it has been amazing and
Liverpool-central@thebestof.co.uk or visit
fulfilled all my expectations and more.”
www.thebestof.co.uk/liverpool-central
runs the Liverpool central
every day/ night of the week! Having worked for
Just eight weeks after buying the business, she
36
For more information email Amanda:
L M
BUSINESS LIFESTYLE
How the Y right site could steer
business
your way
ou may have a successful business, but to
turn very bad if they are used in the wrong way. If
make it even greater you need the right web
you email out a newsletter to customers it’s easy to
site, according to Phil who heads the award
track whether they have read it. And then you can
winning digital new media company, Glow.
see if they come and look at your site. If they look
Liverpool-based Phil Blything, who has ten years
at one page you know it is not worth pursuing. But
experience in his specialist creative field says, “Why
if they look at 8 or 10 pages you could potentially
do people have websites? They are an essential part
have a new customer and so it‘s worth putting in a
of driving your business forward. And contrary to
call to them This is when online marketing is very
what people think, a good website is not an IT issue,
powerful.”
it’s a business issue. It drives your business, you
For more information visit www.glow-internet.com
need to know who is coming to your site, you need to know where your customers are, where potential sales lie and that is not an IT issue.” Phil knows what he is talking about. He has provided high level consultancy working with clients including the Saudi government, Trinity Mirror Group, University of Liverpool and the BBC. He combines his business and marketing background with programming, search engine strategy and design experience. This broad view is invaluable in solving clients problems. Glow was set up 18 months ago with his partner, Thom Shannon. Between them they offer web design, online marketing and search engine strategy, as well as bespoke software solutions to your business. Phil says, “ Websites are like banks accounts. Used correctly they can be very useful but things can
HOW TO MAKE YOUR WEBSITE A SUCCESS 1)
Optiimize your site so it ranks high in top
search engine listings like Google and Yahoo.
2)
Build quality inbound links to your website,
the more links you have the more popular
search engines assume your site is.
3)
Pick the right key words for your content
and HTML code that are relevant to your
target audience.
L M 37
YOUR MONEY
RIDING
OUT THE
CREDIT
CRUNCH Your finances may be ok if you heed the following ways…
NEGATIVE EQUITY
CLEAR YOUR DESK
Topping many people’s fears is the risk of
Clutter creates stress and if you are freaking
negative equity – whereby your mortgage is
out about your finances a box full of
actually higher than the value of your house.
paperwork is only going to make you feel
But stop and think. Are you planning on moving
worse. So file bills and paperwork away in an
shortly? If you are planning on staying in your
orderly manner and handle your home like
house for a long time then you need not be too
a business.
nervous about your investment in your home
CURB YOUR SHOPPING TRIPS
GET A GOOD FINANCIAL ADVISOR
While tightening the purse strings Is making you
If you haven’t already got one, find one and
feel poorer, do something that actually makes
sit down and discuss your situation. If, at the
you feel momentarily richer – for instance,
end of the conversation, s/he isn’t panicking
check if your phone contract allows you to
on your behalf then you can fell more
upgrade for free and then take advantage of it.
positive about your financial future.
EVERY PENNY COUNTS
DON’T WATCH THE NEWS
The act of saving can be very fulfilling. So even
When anxious people watch the news or
if you aren’t lucky enough to set aside large
listen to the radio they only pick up on the
chunks of your income every month, putting a
negative information. So read a paper or
few loose pound coins and silver change into a
check out the news online. That way you can
jar every week will soon add up. In a month you
digest it at your own pace
may have enough to treat yourself to a meal out or a new outfit.
38
L M
! ! ! IN
WOODVALE COMPETITION
W
FOUR FAMILY PASSES TO
WOODVALE
INTERNATIONAL
VALLEY
Saturday2nd - Sunday 3rd August at RAF Woodvale, A565 Fomby By-Pass
P
lanes, trains, automobiles and much, much more will be on display at this year’s fun-filled Woodvale International Rally. Now in its 37th year, the rally is expecting over 60,000 visitors
and promises to be a fun day out for all the family.
The rally offers visitors a spectacle of events and activities from its renowned Model Aero Show
and Vintage and Classic Car Rally to a colourful kite festival, Morris dancing, country market, autojumble and craft fair. There will also be live music and other entertainment. Other highlights include motorcycles and military vehicles, model aircraft display, the ex-Vietnam Huey helicopter, Rolls Royce, Merlin and Griffin Aero Engine Display, model motorcycle racing, model boats and railways, stationary engines and a car restoration workshop. For the younger members of the family there will be performances from The Crazy Bears and a fairground. For further information on the show telephone 07972 543489 or to download an advance booking form visit www.woodvale-rally.org.uk Lifestyle Monthly has 4 family tickets to give away. Just email the following question:
How many years has Woodvale Valley been holding a rally?
a) 20
b) 27
c) 37
email: competitions@lifestylemonthly.co.uk or visit www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk. Normal rules apply. Competition closes on Friday 25 July. The editor’s decision is final.
L M 39
OUT & ABOUT
Park yourself at one of these great outdoor spaces - for free! We are fortunate to have more open green spaces than many other regions. Parks date back to medieval times when large areas of land were set aside for hunting by the aristocracy. Much later on, with the industrial revolution parks were areas set aside to preserve a sense of nature as larger cities sprang up . All the parks have deep routed history. HESKETH PARK, SOUTHPORT
who have done important work and discoveries. The
Less than one miles walk from Southport, this 12
Palm House also serves as an entertainment venue.
hectare Victorian Park lies within a semi-residential area. Designed by Kemp, with influences by Paxton
WALTON HALL PARK, LIVERPOOL
(two of the most significant park designers of their
Walton Hall Park dates back to 1199, when Henry
day), the park boasts a myriad of unique built and
de Walton was steward of the West Derby Hundred,
natural features and is a horticultural treasure
but it was not until 1934 that King George V opened
trove just waiting to be discovered. It is currently
the 130-acre park to the public, on the same day as
undergoing £3 million of improvement works to
he opened the Mersey Tunnel. The park features a
return it to its former glory.
play area, a pet corner and football pitches. There is also a lake for boating and angling.
CALDERSTONES PARK, LIVERPOOL Situated in South Liverpool, it boasts 121 acres and
WIRRALL COUNTRY PARK, THE WIRRALL
contains Calderstones House, stables and a lake.
In Victorian times a busy railway linked Hooton, on
It was acquired in 1902 from the McIver family,
the main Chester-to-Birkenhead line, to West Kirby.
owners of Cunard Line, for £43,000, by Liverpool
For 7 of those miles the line ran close to the Dee
City Council and developed as a horticultural park.
Estuary, diverted there, away from his estate, by a
The Calderstones themselves are a collection of
rich landowner. Steam trains brought townspeople
carved stone. Since 1964 the six stones have been
out to Parkgate and the seaside on Cheap Day
in the Harthill Greenhouse.The park has a miniature
Excursions; and took back to the cities Wirral’s
railway, which operates on Sundays from 2pm and
early potatoes, rattling milk churns and coal from
is free. The Children’s Playground was opened in
Neston Colliery. By 1962 the line was closed as cars
June 2000 by Sir Paul McCartney, and dedicated to
had replaced the train. Ten years later though, the
the late Linda McCartney. One of the park’s two
old railway line was opened as Wirral Country Park
most ancient features is The Allerton Oak, estimated
and was the first designated Country Park in Britain.
at 1,000 years old, and according to legend the ancient `Hundred court’ sat beneath its branches. BIRKENHEAD PARK, THE WIRRALL Designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, this to be the first SEFTON PARK, LIVERPOOL
publicly funded park in Britain.The concept was to
This is one of the largest parks in England.
create an idealised countryside landscape of open
Its history began in 1867 when the Liverpool
meadows, naturalistic woodland belts and beautiful
Corporation purchased land for the park from the
lakes, which are shaped to appear as sinuous rivers
Earl of Sefton, and then held a competition for the
with views across to features such as the Boathouse
design of the park. The French architect Edouard
and Swiss Bridge.It is thought that his design
Andre and the local architect Lewis Hornblower
was the model for many parks around the world,
won the competition with a park design in French
including Central Park, New York. A recent £11.25
style. The main attraction of the park is the recently
million restoration scheme meant much of the
restored Palm House. The Victorian glasshouse,
original planting has been restored, reinstating its
which opened in 1896, contains plant species from
status as a national treasure.
Africa, Asia, America, Australia, and Europe. There are also beautiful sculptures, and statues of persons
40
L M
OUT & ABOUT
41
SHOPPING COUPONS
Summer holidays can be expensive so these money off vouchers should help your save your pennies.
43
CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
CULINERY KING, PAUL HEATHCOTE WHIPS UP HIS LATEST INNOVATION
Launching his new range of quality cookware, there’s no excuse for us not to cook like a professional In an interview with Amanda Moss
restaurant and cookery school empire, Paul
F
years and I loved it. In those days we were guided
Heathcote is very down to earth. Perhaps it
by Antoine Mosimann and Albert Rouge, I always
is because he is a northerner, proud of his heritage
admired them. I could have stayed in a job cooking
Paul Heathcote School of Excellence in Manchester
and unimpressed by the bright lights of the city
scampi and chips all day but after visiting Sharrow
and has won a string of awards including the
of London with no plans to move there. It is no
Bay in Cumbria, I was inspired to learn more about
north’s only two Michelin stars.
surprise that his dynasty of Simply Heathcote
great food.”
brasseries and chain of Olive Press restaurants are a
Paul was fortunate to work with Michel Bourdin at
or a man who has built up a multi-million
success across Preston, Liverpool and Manchester. He believes in providing high quality food which is reflected in his Michelin star restaurants. Like many chefs, Paul started off in the kitchen from an early age. Twice a week, while his mother worked late in the family’s health and fitness business, Paul and his sister relied on their dad to provide their evening meals. Paul said, “Neither dad or my sister were very good at cooking. I used to reheate my mum’s cooking and gradually I started to add new ingredients and found out that I really enjoyed it. Don’t get me wrong, the were a few disasters but overall I loved cooking and found myself running home from school on Tuesdays and Thursdays so that I could be in the kitchen preparing meals.
Paul said, “ I was at catering college for three
He stuck spoons in my mouth all day to ensure I learnt about every taste. It was a fantastic lesson.” Which has certainly paid off. Paul now heads the
He is also a regular face on cookery channels,
“
saying” I fell into television really. Brian Turner was doing a spot on Richard and Judy when they were at the Albert Dock and he couldn’t do it one day
Neither dad or my sister
so they asked me. I was very nervous back then but now I actually prefer live television and I really
were very good at cooking.
enjoy it.”
I used to reheate my mum’s
range will inspire us all to cook at home.
Paul is hoping that the launch of his cookery “When you are cooking in a commercial kitchen
cooking and gradually
there is a lot of heavy duty equipment,” he said,
I started to add new
“ And I wanted to transfer some of that to the
ingredients and found out
domestic market. For instance a woman of eight or
that I really enjoyed it.
with an iron handle. But we’ve developed a range
”
nine stone who likes cooking can’t lift a heavy pan where you can put a pan including a hollow but equally durable handle into the oven, so you don’t have to compromise on the procedure at home.”
Bolton-born Paul enrolled in catering college
London’s Connaught hotel before spending 12 years
Hugely talented and extremely articulate with
but failed to win a place because he did not pass
training under Raymond Blanc at the prestigious Le
his dishes, Paul does find time to relax away from
his Maths or English GCSE. Paul said, “It’s ironic,
Manoir aux Quat Saisons in Oxforshire, spending
the kitchens. He said, “ I have just come back from
isn’t it, that I got refused as you needed those
some traineeship with Marco Pierre White.
the Scilly Isles. There was the sound of the sea and
qualifications. And now I write cookery books and recipes!” Instead he went to art college but after a few
Paul said, “He was the enfant terrible of kitchens but he was also immensely talented. His food was
family, my wife and two children. It was perfect.”
as passionate and as colourful as his love life. He
weeks he was offered a place in catering after
treated his food and his women in the same way
another student dropped out. He has not looked
and you can help but be enthused by that.
back since.
I spent days tasting, tasting and tasting again food.
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a constant warm breeze. I was surrounded by my
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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
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The editor’s word is final... Tuck into another generous helping of lifestyle issues that will make your mouth water and leave you hungrier for more.
P
hew! My sides are splitting. If I go to any more press launches and parties, I promise myself that I won’t eat the delicious canapés and tempting treats on offer. As usual my lack of willpower has caused a
try, the recipes never end up looking like the pictures in the books. Eating and reading is a lovely way to whittle away any free time. We have also met with some of this regions’ talented authors about their newly
little generous expansion of the waistline that can’t be hidden at this time of
published novels. There is discipline required to write a book, just as there is
year under layers of clothes.
discipline needed to diet. So I am destined only to dream about being a thin
So, like millions others, I am looking for something to turn me into a perfect size ten (hmm, eat less, exercise more, I know). So I was fascinated to stumble
author. For a real treat you can’t beat a meal in a lovely restaurant, which is why
across a new treatment which offers to cure people of hunger cravings
Lifestyle Monthly gives you the opportunity to dine out in style, on us, every
amongst other things. The Bioresonance therapy is fascinating and I am told
month.
by several people that it really does work. This treatment has been rarely seen
Why not subscribe to the magazine to ensure that you don’t miss out on
outside of London so once again our region is put firmly on the map with its
your chance to win the fabulous competitions we have on offer. Or keep up
clinic here.
with us online at www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk
Food is definitely on the menu for this issue, having also spoken to award winning Paul Heathcote, one of this country’s most successful and high profile chefs. He took time out of his busy kitchens to tell us about his new range of cookware he has just launched. Once again I am inspired to make a lavish dinner party – unfortunately for me and my guests though, no matter often I
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Albany Grace Albany Grace, Editor
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