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Guide to South Liverpool 12 page guide to leisure, shopping, business and property
Guide to South Liverpool Thursday, June 26, 2008
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More than just a walk in the park
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ROM stunning heritage sites to glorious shopping areas, south Liverpool has something to offer every resident and visitor. Speke is well known for its industrial roots and variety of High Street shops, as well as independent stores. But what makes it even more appealing is Speke Hall – one of the most famous Tudor mansions belonging to the National Trust, boasting a period interior, landscaped gardens and countryside walks. However, if you’re interested in shopping, then Speke Retail Park is for you. Garston is home to one of Liverpool’s hidden gems – Garston market. There you will find more than 50 stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to freshly-baked bread, pastries, meat and a lot more. For leisure facilities, you can visit the David Lloyd Centre, which offers a whole host of activities. Garston dock is also a big part of the area, and has a strong history as one of Liverpool’s major ports. Allerton is best known for Calderstones Park – one of the
finest areas of natural parkland in all of Liverpool. There is also a magnificent golf club and Allerton Hall, which serves some of the best cask ales around. Aigburth’s stretch of independent stores and businesses is popular with locals. There you can find fantastic beauty salons, supermarkets and fast food restaurants, to name but a few. Similarly, Hunts Cross offers a number of local shops and businesses, pubs and supermarkets. When in search of traditional pubs selling home-cooked food, Woolton is the place to visit. Not only will you find a selection of fantastic pubs, but Woolton also has strong connections to the Beatles, including Mendips, John Lennon’s childhood home. Belle Vale centre has a number of useful amenities including a fire station, police station, health centre and a large shopping centre. Grassendale and Cressington are both prestigious places within south Liverpool, and are designated as conservation areas. With supreme detached villas and beautiful parks, as
well as Otterspool Promenade, it is no wonder people come from far and wide to visit. Wavertree is situated close to the city centre and is home to many students of Liverpool’s three universities. Smithdown Road offers a mixture of shops, businesses and restaurants catering for different tastes. You can also find Holy Trinity Church, which was built in 1794 and is situated on Church Road. As one of Liverpool’s most sought-after areas, Childwall, also home to Liverpool Hope University, is well known for its television production ties. Lime Pictures is based in the area and produces popular programmes such as Hollyoaks and Grange Hill and, until 2003, was the home of successful Scouse TV series Brookside. Mossley Hill is an attractive area in south Liverpool, with the famous Sefton Park – containing some superb Victorian architecture – and Greenbank Park both being popular attractions. So, whatever you’re in search of, south Liverpool certainly makes for a place worth visiting.
Sefton Park is one of south Liverpool’s greatest assets
Spotlight on Rose
Lane
Designs to turn heads Enjoy laid-back dining I
F ENTHUSIASM could be bottled, then Terry Clark of Two2Nine Design would make a fortune. Terry is a designer who cares about his work and offers clients the very best in service, products and design techniques. With more than 20 years’ experience, Terry established Two2Nine Design on Rose Lane, Mossley Hill, in 2001, to offer clients a retail and design service with a difference. He has built an enviable reputation, and now has projects from small redesigns
through to large house renovations. From local clients to customers as far afield as Barbados, whatever you require, Terry and his team can deliver a bespoke service where nothing is too much trouble. Terry sources his products from all over Europe and offers clients an eclectic range of unique fabrics, wall coverings, furniture and accessories. His shop windows are vibrant and eye-catchingly attractive, and simply draw you in.
From classic to contemporary, with a visit to Two2Nine you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for. Terry can supply everything within your home, right down to the light switches. So, if you’re looking for a design to turn heads, pop along to the showroom on Rose Lane – you won’t be disappointed. Two2Nine is open from 10.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Call 0151 724 5815 or visit www.two2ninedesign.com for more information.
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F YOU’RE looking for a restaurant where a warm and friendly welcome awaits, then visit Kinselas, on Rose Lane. Located next to Mossley Hill station, Kinselas offers a choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner menus at affordable prices and to a high standard. Having been under the same ownership since 1992, Kinselas has become a popular and much-loved fixture for the people of Mossley Hill. And, for added customer satisfaction, it has recently undergone a refurbishment to enhance the laid-back and
welcoming atmosphere of this well-known restaurant. Its bright and airy feel ensures that customers return time and again and, with an extended evening menu offering a broader a la carte selection, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice. Kinselas also offers an extensive wine list, including New World varieties together with a choice of European wines to tantalise your tastebuds. With so much on offer, you can be sure that your meal will be a relaxed affair where nothing is too much trouble. Kinselas was recently
quoted in the Observer Magazine as a great place for breakfast, taking its reputation beyond its native Liverpool. Its popularity and friendly atmosphere is not only due to its excellent menu choices, but also its quality customer service and attention to detail. Kinselas is open every day from 10am to 11pm, except Monday evenings. So, whether it’s a delicious breakfast, sumptuous lunch or mouth-watering evening meal you’re after, visit Kinselas at 72, Rose Lane, Mossley Hill, or call 0151 724 6439 to book a table.
Kinselascaférestaurant • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner 72 Rose Lane, Mossley Hill Liverpool L18 8AG Tel: 0151 724 6439
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Guide to South Liverpool Thursday, June 26, 2008
Spotlight on the
Oral Health Practice
Putting smiles on clients’ faces T
HIS year marks a very special birthday for a busy south Liverpool dental practice, as 30 years ago this summer, Duthie, Wyatt and Duthie treated its first patient at its Woolton Road premises. From day one, John Duthie aimed to create a family practice which offered high-quality care to local families and individuals. Practice manager, Marie Duthie, said: “Continuity of care is very important to us, and patients see the dentist of their choice at every visit. “We believe that patients like to see the same dentist often enough to recognise them – our ethos is to provide for our patients, the quality of care and attention we would expect for ourselves or a member of our family.” Today, the practice's vision is still to provide state-of-the-art dentistry with clinical excellence, at a price the patient can afford. The practice believes that prevention is the cornerstone of good dentistry and your oral health is its top priority. To this end, there are three hygienists who will keep your mouth in tip-top condition and the practice is staffed by qualified dental nurses. There are three full-time dentists at the practice, practice founder John Duthie, BDS MGDS RCS (England), is an international trainer in ceramic reconstruction, regularly training other dentists in the latest treatments and techniques.
John is also involved with the new Royal College of Surgeons’ advanced certificate in aesthetic dentistry. Marie-Louise Duthie, BDS, provides routine care and has a special interest in cosmetic treatments, particularly tooth whitening. The daughter of John Duthie, Marie-Louise recently took part in a pilot study to produce an oral health assessment and protocol for children which will soon be launched nationally. Michael Wyatt, BDS, has a wealth of clinical experience with children and orthodontics and provides all aspects of general dental practice. Mr Wyatt, and Miss Duthie, were elected to the Liverpool Dental Committee, which liaises with the local PCT on issues that relate to improving dental provision for the city. As well as a wide range of everyday dental treatments, the practice offers an extensive array of services, including ceramic reconstruction, porcelain veneers, endodontics (root fillings), implants and tooth whitening. As a Denplan Excel practice, Duthie, Wyatt and Duthie is inspected annually and subjected to rigorous assessments of professional competency, continued training and adherence to recommended protocols. ■ FOR information, call 0151 722 2642, visit Duthie, Wyatt and Duthie, 117 Woolton Road, Liverpool, L15 6TB or log onto the website at www.theoralhealthpractice.co.uk
Dental nurse Melissa Ellis, left, and Dr Marie-Louise Duthie, right, from Duthie, Wyatt and Duthie dental practice, Childwall
Guide to South Liverpool Thursday, June 26, 2008
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Spotlight on Childwall
Where to go for a dream kitchen
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UCCESSFUL local kitchen specialists CasperAdam Kitchens have recently opened a new showroom at Childwall Fiveways. The company offers a kitchen design and fitting service, drawing on a combined experience in the field of 35 years. Customers visiting the showroom are able to browse the displays to give them ideas and inspiration for their new kitchen. Staff are able to arrange for a surveyor to call to a customer’s home at a convenient time to take all the necessary measurements, and then be invited to come into the showroom to view their kitchen in 3D and discuss the proposed plans. CasperAdam can cater for a wide range of budgets, from bespoke to the more inexpensive, and fitting can usually be arranged inside three to four weeks by one of the company’s teams of Corgi, NIC/EIC registered fitters. CasperAdam is a friendly and caring family-run business, offering a stunning
Comedian Ken Dodd was tickled to officially open the new CasperAdam Kitchens showroom range of kitchens to your exact specifications. The only limit to your dream kitchen is your imagination. ■ YOU will find CasperAdam Kitchens at 2, Childwall
Fiveways, Liverpool, tel 0151 722 4411. There is parking to the rear and the showroom is open 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday.
A sight for sore eyes! E
STABLISHED for more than 25 years, Stephen Wilcox Optometrists has developed an unparalleled reputation for professionalism, quality and service at an affordable price. Combining state-of-the-art technology with knowledgeable, friendly staff, the business provides exceptional eye care, offering not only routine eye tests but also special clinics to assess children and adults with specific literacy difficulties. The practice also receives referrals from many of the colleges and universities in Liverpool and beyond for this work. Stephen Wilcox, the principal optometrist, has a wide knowledge of all aspects of eye care, including the role of vision in dyslexia, and he and his team will offer expert advice and consultations. Another area that the practice team excels in is contact lens fitting, and it is one of the first businesses in the country to offer the world’s first silicone daily disposable contact lenses – offering unparalleled comfort, longer wearing times and health for the eyes – the Acuvue TrueEYE. The practice can also offer you vision correction therapy through a procedure called Ortho K (orthokeratology), removing the need to wear
Stephen Wilcox and his staff at Stephen Wilcox Optometrists, Dunbabin Road, Childwall spectacles or contact lenses during the day! Ortho K is ideal for low to mid short-sighted people and is a specially designed contact lens that reverses the power of the eye during sleep, providing clear, comfortable vision right through to the next day. The staff are ready to ensure you make the best decision on your eyewear; whether it be spectacles or contact lenses. There are a wide selection of budget to designer frames to choose from, as well as a children’s frame area. Stephen Wilcox Optometrists is an accredited Carl Zeiss Spectacle Lens Centre, and staff are trained
to professionally advise and dispense the new generation of superb quality Freeform Optics lenses, in either varifocals or single vision (ask about their two for one offer!) Log on to www.wilcoxoptometry.co.uk for more details or call 0151 722 1182. ■ STEPHEN WILCOX Optometrists, on Dunbabin Road, Childwall, has two other great offers on production of this advert: ■ £30 off your first purchase of any Acuvue contact lenses (terms and conditions apply); ■ Or £20 off any spectacles normally costing £99 or more (excluding any other offers).
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Guide to South Liverpool Thursday, June 26, 2008
Spotlight on
Woolton & Allerton Call on the experts
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ITH almost 200 years of history behind it and a network of offices in Merseyside and Wirral, Morecrofts Solicitors has the experience and reputation to make it the first choice for clients seeking legal representation. Morecrofts puts its longevity and success down to an impressive client retention rate, based on an emphasis towards client care. This, in turn, sees a wide range of different businesses and individual clients coming back to the firm, and trusting in their legal expertise. Many referrals come from other members of the legal profession, which shows the high regard in which Morecrofts is held. Its south Liverpool office on Church Road, Woolton, is equipped to handle a wide variety of legal issues. Morecrofts’ property specialists can help you or your business through the often difficult process of buying or selling property and granting or taking a commercial lease. The firm is experienced in dealing with developers, landlords, tenants and investors. The firm’s probate department deals with the making of wills and settlements, the
Helen Broughton, centre, managing partner of Morecrofts Solicitors, with staff, Gayle Foulkes, Kim Harries, Pat Arnold, Nicola Howard and Joanne Bolton administration of the estates of the deceased, plus issues relating to Inheritance Tax and retirement. Morecrofts has a long history of specialisation in family matters generally, but particularly regarding divorce and disputes in relation to children and finances. The office has an excellent civil litigation team who can help resolve commercial disputes and give practical commercial advice to protect the rights and interests of a business. The firm also has experts dealing with education law and employment law. When you deal with Morecrofts, you’re guaranteed a personal and professional
service. The partner in residence at Woolton is Helen Broughton, who also continues with her role as managing partner. She will be happy to talk to potential clients to analyse the issues and make sure your appointment is with the right lawyer. With more than 40 lawyers and para legals across the firm, Morecrofts can deal with most matters. Once an appointment has been made, everything will be clearly and carefully explained, including a cost breakdown sent by letter, which can detail likely total costs or fees per hour. ■ CONTACT Morecrofts Solicitors, 7, Church Road, Woolton, tel: 0151 428 1911.
Enjoy south Liverpool at your leisure THERE’S no shortage of places in the south Liverpool area to enjoy fun-filled leisure time. While the city centre itself is jam-packed with things to see and do, there’s little need to make the journey into Liverpool itself to keep you and the family entertained this summer. Why not take the kids for a picnic in one of south Liverpool’s beautiful parks? There’s a great choice of picturesque spots in which to while away a few hours. Sefton Park is one of Liverpool’s most famous parks. You’ll find it on Aigburth Drive, in the L17 area. A Frenchman, Edouard André, designed the 640-acre park, which has tennis courts, a lake and the famous Palm House. Princes Park and Calderstones Park are two other great spots to enjoy in the area. Other ideas include playing golf at one of the local courses, or going to the cinema. There’s also ten-pin bowling, and no shortage of places to eat out, whether with the family or for a romantic meal. On top of this, there are many great pubs, bars and other night-spots to relax and unwind in of an evening. You don’t even need to think about making the journey into the city centre, because there’s so much to do on your doorstep. ■ FROM independent boutiques and salons, quaint book shops to national stores, south Liverpool boasts a whole host of retail gems. With the leafy suburbs such as Allerton, Aigburth and Woolton just five miles from the city centre, residents and visitors can enjoy the wide selection of stores along the main shopping streets such as Allerton Road, Aigburth Road, Lark Lane, Smithdown Road and Wavertree Road, plus many more. Many independent stores provide a friendly, personal approach with a professional service, so you’re getting the best of both worlds, along with quality products and services. Everything from top-quality hair and beauty
Providing excellent legal services in Woolton for over 30 years. Family Law • HIPs • Conveyancing Wills and Probate Commercial and Litigation Services Education Employment • Personal Injury Lasting Powers of Attorney
Woolton Office 7 Church Road | Woolton | Liverpool L25 5JE Tel: 0151 428 1911 | Fax: 0151 428 2065 To find out more about our services, visit www.morecroft.co.uk or call 0151 428 1911
New-look store can help you celebrate the summer E
NGLAND might have failed to qualify for Euro 2008, but the cup is always full at Bargain Booze, where you can strike it lucky with some fantastic summer deals. Conveniently located at 69, Allerton Road, just across the road from its old shop and next door to Domino’s Pizza, this new-look branch of Bargain Booze has been completely refurbished and is now even better equipped to cater for all your needs.
Calderstones Park in bloom salons and specialist adult and children’s clothing to electricals, furniture and soft furnishings is on offer. Not forgetting the fabulous array of butchers selling fine cuts of meat, bakeries providing mouth-watering cakes and pastries, along with cafes and bars ready to serve you up a treat. The area also boasts many specialist services such as solicitors, dental practices, optometrists and even plumbers, all providing a high-quality, professional approach to your needs. In addition to the independent shops and services, south Liverpool also benefits from national stores, too, many within the New Mersey Shopping Park in Speke, as well as the more recently developed Speke Centre.
Bargain Booze is one of the area's leading off-licences and boasts a huge selection of spirits, beer, cider, soft drinks and confectionery, not to mention more than 100 varieties of chilled white, rosé and red wines all at incredibly low prices. So, whether you’re after a crate of cold beers to watch the footie, some chilled cocktails for a sizzling barbecue, or a bottle of bubbly to celebrate a graduation, you will find it all here.
As a local store, the extremely knowledgeable staff – including manager Kevin, together with Tom, Matt, Brendon and Lawrence – pride themselves on offering a warm welcome and friendly service to all customers. For convenience, quality and low prices, kick-start your summer with the team at Bargain Booze, 69, Allerton Road. Open from 10am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 10pm on Sunday. Tel: 0151 722 6930.
Guide to South Liverpool Thursday, June 26, 2008
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Spotlight on Clarendon
College
Where the children come first W HEN the Montessori school, where Stephanie Donnelly had been so happy, closed down due to the owner’s retirement, her mother Karen did something rather radical – she opened a school herself ! With future grandchildren in mind, Karen felt she had to act. She explained: “It was a fantastic school and I wanted to carry on the tradition. The local United Reform church was being sold and, with the help of five teachers from the old school, we opened Clarendon College, in Garston Old Road, in September, 2006, and it is now going from strength to strength.” The school has 21 pupils from nursery to 16 years and the two girls who took GCSE last year obtained 100% passes A*-C and are now studying in one of Liverpool’s top colleges! The Montessori method – which takes its name from the Italian educator Maria Montessori – revolves around self-directed activity and stresses the importance of adapting a child’s learning to his or her development level. Karen has first-hand experience of why these methods work. She said: “I witnessed it with my own child. Our school is a very nurturing environment, where the children are very happy. If children are happy, they will achieve. Basically, they are taught through play, and we use this method with all the traditional subjects from maths through to
English and English literature, science, geography and history, etc. “We have a wide curriculum and it’s a great way to learn. Each class will have no more than 14 children and, while we are still growing, the children are frequently receiving individual attention. “All teachers in the Senior School have degrees and those in the Lower School have Montessori qualifications.” The college, a single-storey building set in its own spacious grounds, has extremely high standards and an absolute zero tolerance on bullying. The most striking thing about the college is its almost old-world feel and the extremely happy and relaxed environment in which the children enjoy their lessons. ■ TELEPHONE the college on 0151 494 2094 if you would like to visit or to obtain a prospectus.
Christine Harland teaches English to Year 7 pupils, above; and, top left, Angela Barrett with pupils outside the school
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Guide to South Liverpool Thursday, June 26, 2008
Spotlight on Elaine Cunningham Interiors
Make your home your own P LAYING homesick Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, the young Judy Garland mused: “There’s no place like home.” It’s true; home is where the heart is. Which is why we owe it to ourselves to have as beautiful a home as we can afford. Our personal living space is where we go to relax and unwind. And high-quality furnishings, carefully placed, can achieve astonishing results. Calming colours and sensuous fabrics, a comfortable bed (in the correct location) and perfect finishing touches create a bedroom that leaves us refreshed on waking, and ready to face the world. Dining in style is all about choosing the right furniture and materials. And the optimum layout is not always immediately obvious. Working from home, a comfortable, inviting, invigorating and organised marriage of form and function should be top of your agenda. Located at 392, Aigburth Road, Aigburth, Elaine Cunningham Interiors can help us to achieve a fabulous home, tailor-made to suit our individual tastes and lifestyles. Unashamedly exclusive, stylish and contemporary, Elaine Cunningham Interiors is dedicated to providing a comprehensive interior design service, maximising the aesthetic appeal of residential and commercial properties alike. With more than 25 years of retail
and design experience, this inspirational company works in partnership with a number of renowned brands, including Zoffany, Bo Concept, Osbourne & Little, Cole & Son, and Designers’ Guild. The design team is able to guide you right through the process, from consultation to conception, providing a wealth of knowledge and expertise backed up by exceptional standards of service. Whether you prefer a cool, modern interior or a vibrant, retro look, the staff will hit just the right notes to turn your dream into a reality. Elaine Cunningham Interiors offers the following services: ■ FREE in-store design consultations; ■ HOME or commercial consultations; ■ MOOD boards and style advice; ■ MEASURING and fitting for curtains and fabrics; ■ FABRIC swatches and samples. What’s more, the store supplies high-quality furniture and soft furnishings, along with wallcoverings, paint, lighting and accessories to complement any setting – everything, in fact, to make your rooms wonderful places to be. Inspired? If you would like to arrange a free, no-obligation instore consultation, contact Elaine Cunningham Interiors on 0845 500 5060 or book online by going to www.elainecunninghaminteriors. co.uk
Elaine Cunningham, left, and Helen Green, design consultant, can help you to achieve a fabulous, stylish home
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Guide to South Liverpool Thursday, June 26, 2008
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Guide to South Liverpool Thursday, June 26, 2008
Spotlight on Wavertree
Plenty of choice
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ITH a wealth of amenities and a diverse array of settings ranging from picturesque villages to bustling suburbs, the south Liverpool property market really does have something for everyone. Speke Speke offers good road and air links and a wealth of recreation, leisure and commercial amenities, including Speke Boulevard Industrial Estate, Estuary Commerce Park and Liverpool International Business Park. The majority of houses in the area are terraces, with average prices £100,000. Garston Home to a number of new housing developments and the new Liverpool South Parkway station, Garston is undergoing redevelopment and is often considered an up-and-coming area. The borough offers a mixture of terrace and semidetached houses, with average property prices £190,000. Hunts Cross Hunts Cross enjoys good transport links and is well served by pubs, bars, shops and more. Housing is mainly semi-detached or detached, and there is a mix of new developments and period properties, too. Average property prices for
the area are about £130,000. Allerton A sought-after suburb three miles from the city centre, Allerton’s diverse array of bars, restaurants, shops and recreational facilities means it’s popular with students, young professionals and families alike. Average property prices are around £180,000. Aigburth A flourishing and popular area, Aigburth enjoys easy access to the city centre, as well as a diverse range of bars, restaurants and shops. There are a number of new developments and a good mix of apartments, terraces, semidetached and detached properties. Average property prices are about £200,000. Woolton This pretty suburb combines tree-lined avenues and roads, parkland, shops, restaurants and amenities, offering residents a soughtafter village lifestyle. There’s a good range of housing in the village, with the area’s many remaining Victorian mansions testament to its prosperous past. Average property prices are about £190,000. Belle Vale Bordered by Childwall and Woolton, Belle Vale boasts good shopping facilities, as well as two large golf courses.
There’s a range of housing in the area, with average property prices around the £150,000 mark. Childwall Six miles from Liverpool city centre and just minutes from the M62, Childwall enjoys good transport links, a range of shops, restaurants and recreational facilities such as Childwall Golf Club. Homes are mostly semidetached or detached, and average property prices are about £180,000. Cressington This leafy suburb offers a mix of housing from terrace and semi-detached houses to exclusive detached properties. Average property prices are about £170,000. Mossley Hill The popular suburb of Mossley Hill features a good mix of semi-detached, detached and terrace houses. There are also many Victorian properties, with prices circa £210,000. Wavertree Enjoying easy access to the city centre and a raft of sports facilities, including Wavertree Sports Park, and commercial amenities, such as Wavertree Technology Park, Wavertree has much to offer students, couples, young professionals and families alike. Average property prices are about £150,000.
Guide to South Liverpool Thursday, June 26, 2008
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Spotlight on Speke
Reach for the skies with flying lessons
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AVE you ever wondered what it would be like to fly? If the answer is yes, then Liverpool Flying School will soon have you taking to the air in style. Learning to fly from Liverpool is a wonderful and unique experience. Not only are you learning to fly in a controlled environment, mixing in with the Boeings of Ryanair and the Airbuses of Easyjet, but within 15 minutes you could be “as free as a bird” practising climbs and descents over the Cheshire plains, medium level turns over North Wales or crosscountry flying over Lancashire. Liverpool Flying School (LFS) has 45 years’ experience of flight training some of Merseyside’s and the North West’s pilots. Over the years, many of these pilots have gone on to fly for airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet and BMI. Others, when granted their Private Pilots Licence (PPL), will fly as a hobby, either hiring the school’s aircraft to fly for an hour at the weekends or sometimes venturing farther afield for a
Martin Keen, bottom left, with instructors, staff and student pilots at Liverpool Flying School weekend with other pilots and their aircraft on a cost-sharing basis, flying to UK destinations, fly-out meetings and air displays, as well as abroad. Other PPLs may even buy a share in an aeroplane, which normally costs between £2,000 and £5,000 per share, depending upon the size of aeroplane they are buying into. This is when Keenair comes into the equation. The Keen name has been associated with Liverpool Airport for more than 40 years, and over that time has built an enviable reputation. Keenair will hangar, main-
tain and handle the private pilots’ or group aircraft at its base at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. So why not take to the skies with a trial flying lesson today for as little as £85 and see for yourself what a terrific experience it is? Open seven days a week, the company offers gift vouchers for any occasion for your family and friends. You may even take up flying as a hobby, or decide to fly for an airline! So what are you waiting for? The sky’s the limit! ■ CALL 0151 448 9808 for further information.
Firm is making a splash The difference is clear B
EAT the economic squeeze with consistently low prices and outstanding value for money at the Combi and Bathroom Centre and Roberts’ Bathrooms. Successfully trading for more than 25 years, this family company is not just keeping afloat but making a real splash with their customers, as specialist suppliers of bathroom suites, heating and plumbing equipment to the North West. The Combi and Bathroom Centre serves both members
of the public and the plumbing industry and has earned a reputation for being one of the region’s leading suppliers. The company offers a fantastic range of luxury bathrooms, radiators and central heating systems. Visit the showrooms and trade counter in Speke, Birkenhead and Bootle, with a great variety of top-of-therange bathrooms and expert staff close at hand. As an independent family company, customers can be confident they will be given honest and reliable advice, a
first-class customer service, high-quality products and low, competitive prices. The team can also recommend reputable and professional fitters and plumbers right across the region. With free delivery across the North West including Merseyside, Wirral, Cheshire and Lancashire, call 0151 486 0907 for advice, a quote or more information. ■ OPENING hours are 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday, and 8.30am-12.30pm on Saturday.
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S THE roofline of your home looking tired and in need of some TLC? Turn to Sureplas, the fascia, soffit and windows specialists. Owners Darren Melia and Keith Millar have more than 40 years’ experience between them and offer a whole range of products for your property’s roofline, windows and doors. Not wanting to stand still, the company has recently moved to a brand new 10,000 sq ft unit on Goodlass Road, off Speke Hall Avenue, providing its customers with a modern environment with
free parking and a wider choice of UPVC products. Supplying both trade and domestic clients, Sureplas is competitively priced and offers a customer service which is second to none. Having built an enviable reputation within the industry, Sureplas is a proud sub-stockist of General All Purpose Plastics (GAP) and offers a CERTAS 10-year guarantee on all its products. In addition, there is a conservatory showroom attached to the new premises, where customers can look
around and view the installations prior to purchase. Said Darren: “We are literally a one-stop-shop for everything for your windows and doors. “Our customers are important to us, and our team have years of experience within the industry.” So, why not give your home a new lease of life with a visit to Sureplas? You won’t be disappointed. ■ VISIT www.sureplas.com or www.suresealwindows.co.uk for more information.
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Guide to South Liverpool Thursday, June 26, 2008
Spotlight on St
Hilda’s
School develops skills for happy life I
F YOU’RE looking for a school which provides a vibrant, happy and supportive environment, St Hilda’s Church of England High School should be your first port of call. Giving your child the best start in life is important, and St Hilda’s delivers an extensive, largely academic, curriculum to the pupils within its care. As a Christian foundation, its mission is to develop all aspects of every child’s education, creating the ethical leaders and citizens of tomorrow. Its emphasis is on the moral, social and intellectual well-being of every child, cultivating their potential in a welcoming atmosphere. According to the latest SIAS Report (December, 2007): “The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners.” Additionally: “Pupils’ spiritual, moral, cultural and social development is excellent. Attendance is considerably above average, demonstrating a strong commitment by pupils to their own education.”
The school’s December, 2007, report from Ofsted also added: “Pupils’ personal development is outstanding, best exemplified by pupils’ excellent attitudes to learning and behaviour around the school.” If you want an exceptional secondary school for your daughter, come and have a look at what St Hilda’s can offer. Recent refurbishments have provided top-of-therange facilities including new science labs, a tiered drama studio and modern library. As it is a Business & Enterprise Specialist school, students are encouraged to be enterprising and independent learners, taking on challenges, handling uncertainty, responding to change, being innovative and willing to take responsibility; in fact, it’s about developing all those skills which equip us for life. Numerous extracurricular activities keep the school “buzzing” until late in the evening: pupils participate in a range of clubs and businesses and from its Fair Trade company to craft companies, from cheerleading to self-
protection – there is always something going on. For two years, the school has also run deaf awareness and sign language classes. All the participating pupils astounded their teachers from Merseyside Society for Deaf People with the speed with which they assimilated information, leading to a 100% pass rate in the British Sign Language examinations. This year, in keeping with the Christian ethos of the school, St Hilda’s has moved towards greater involvement in “social enterprise”, asking pupils to transform their clubs into companies. They sell shares, raise funds and select a charity to which their profits will be donated. In this way, they learn business and entrepreneurial skills, but can also respond to the many needs in the world today. At St Hilda’s, the commitment to pupils is paramount: its traditions offer security and standards, while the school constantly reaches for opportunities to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
St Hilda’s pupils are committed to their own education
Guide to South Liverpool Thursday, June 26, 2008
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Spotlight on
MSB Solicitors
Nothing to lose but your debts A CCORDING to the Bank of England’s latest forecast, we’re in for some quite tough times ahead! As the credit crunch bites, the toughest times will be felt by debtors. Many banks and other lenders have been raising interest rates, making loan repayments more difficult to manage. If you do run into problems, the lenders are unlikely to be sympathetic. In MSB’s experience, they are more likely to increase your interest rates on the basis that you may become a “bad risk”, and often use any excuse to inflict penalty charges. That’s where MSB Solicitors come in. The practice has more than 20 years’ experience in all aspects of law and litigation, and its consumer credit team has great experience in eliminating debt for clients using the Consumer Credit Acts 1974 and 2006. This legislation is particularly complex, but MSB Solicitors has the expert knowledge and wealth of experience to apply it for the financial benefit of their clients. Head of consumer credit Joanna Connolly explained: “The Consumer Credit Acts are essentially there for the protection of the unwary borrower. “It’s surprising how many creditors – be they credit card companies, banks or loan companies – draft agreements which are unenforceable.
“Furthermore, if a creditor has not strictly complied with the relevant regulations when either defaulting the borrower or terminating the agreement, then again it is not enforceable against the debtor.” She went on: “What many people don’t realise, however, is that when MSB is able to prove the lender is at fault, the financial penalty is payable to the borrower. In other words, your loan is wiped out – because the lender broke the law.” MSB’s practice has offices in Allerton and on Wavertree Technology Park and its five partners and 35 staff cover every aspect of law from accident and injury to commercial law, conveyancing, criminal law, employment law, family, probate and product liability. If you have individual loans, HP agreements or running credit agreements (credit and store cards) of up to £25,000, it is likely that some of the agreements will not be legally enforceable. Why not let the consumer credit experts at MSB Solicitors take a look at your case? You really have nothing to lose except your debt! The practice’s website at www.msbsolicitors.co.uk includes an online credit card and loan questionnaire in which you can outline your query and receive an emailed response. Alternatively, if your credit card or loan debt is over £5,000, call 0800 917 6370.
Covering every aspect of the law – MSB Solicitors, in Wavertree Business Village