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www.ymliverpool.com November | FREE
Gold Rush Para badminton’s Rachel Choong on world championship success
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Issue #466
It’s that time of year again. Autumn is in full swing, the nights are drawing in and Christmas will be creeping up on us before we know it. Luckily the November issue of YM Liverpool is here with plenty of tips to make the most of the season and get your festive preparations underway early. If you’re looking for a quick getaway before December’s hectic run of celebrations begins, our travel guide rounds up some alternative European Christmas market destinations with links from Liverpool. And from DIY decoration workshops to making cards and gift tags, we bring you some top events and activities to help you create a unique Christmas. Plus we’ve scoured the Liverpool City Region’s property market for some homes warmed up with beautiful autumn tones, and our latest Interiors section recommends some lovely lighting to add a glow to those darker evenings. Para badminton’s double, triple world champion Rachel Choong also takes time out to chat about her sporting success, and we find out why South Liverpool’s Mossley Hill is a top location to retire in.
CONTENTS
E D I TOR’ S LE T T E R
INSIDE ,2 The Interview Crosby’s para badminton world champion, Rachel Choong on staying at the top of her game.
-1 Warm Up Homes featuring cosy autumnal tones
., Award-winning Homes The houses scooping accolades at this year’s NWPAs
.0 Where to Live: Retiring in Mossley Hill
From its sense of community to stunning spaces and architecture - why the South Liverpool suburb is the ideal place to settle
/- Interiors Lovely table lamps to light up those darker evenings
/. Guests Dress to Impress at the NWPAs Glamorous attendees at the glittering black tie event
/1 Alternative Christmas Market Destinations NATASHA YOUNG Editor
Four truly festive continental markets to explore
/3 Style Counsel
- ON LI N E -
FOLLOW
Y M L I V E R P O O L . C O M
YM Liverpool has once again been finding fashionistas on the city’s streets
0, Christmas is Coming…
YMLiverpool
From DIY decoration workshops to early gift shopping, start preparing your unique festivities
ym_liverpool
0/ Restaurant Review
YMLiverpool
Our reviewer tastes the autumn menu at Titanic Hotel’s Stanley’s Bar and Grill
EDITORIAL & DESIGN
YM LIVERPOOL HQ
Editor: Natasha Young Email: natasha@movepublishing.co.uk Editorial: Lawrence Saunders, Matthew Smith Design: Mark Iddon Photography: Liam Deveney – Where to Live / NWPAs gallery Robin Clewley – Style Counsel Credits: Certain graphic elements by Freepik.com
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Your Move
5
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Electronic signatures are now valid but property deals will remain an exception ADVERTORIAL
‘Just sign here’ is a concept embedded into all our lives but official approval for use of electronic signatures in the UK represents a major change in our daily business dealings. The Government’s Law Commission has said that formal documents, such as commercial contracts, employment contracts, consent forms or credit agreements, do not need a written signature to be regarded as valid and has confirmed that electronic signatures are valid and binding. Allowing legal documents to be signed electronically does allow many legal and contractural processes to be speeded up, saving both time and money. Individuals would not always have to be present to sign a document.
Property deals
Leading Liverpool property lawyer Neil Kelly, a partner at MSB Solicitors, has welcomed the clarification from the Commission but added that transfer deeds in property deals, and wills, still require a ‘wet signature’ and that will be the case until the law is changed. He said: “Property lawyers should not get too
excited. As people who have been involved in property sales will know, the usual procedure is that contracts are exchanged and completion usually takes place 28 days later. “The contract to exchange contracts can be signed electronically provided the signatory has an intention to authenticate the document. However, the transfer deed will still need a wet signature and a solicitor will need to hold a hard copy signed and witnessed transfer deed before he or she can complete the transaction. “The rules for deeds when it comes to property documents are not changing so you will still need to either attend in person at your solicitors office to sign a deed or rely on the snail mail.”
Law change
The Law Commission has said that it is looking into the deeds issue and, if it recommends the extension of electronic signatures into this area, then new legislation will be required. But the challenge will be to balance advances in modern technology with security and potential fraud risks. Neil added: “Property lawyers have recently been in the firing line from a risk perspective
For more information visit msbsolicitors.co.uk or call 0151 281 9040.
when it comes to responsibility for fraudulent property transactions and many solicitors may feel having a hard copy signed and witnessed document is still the safest way to proceed. The Commission also confirmed that the rules relating to wills have not changed and electronic signatures will not be valid for a will.”
Video link
The Commission has also suggested that where electronic signatures need to be witnessed, this could be done by either using a video link or allowing those involved to log in to an online portal. “We do need to keep pace with how modern transactions are now conducted and we live in a digital age and it is right we do accept the validity of electronic signatures,” Neilexplained. “The Law Commission guidance is valuable in clarifying the position on electronic signatures and further changes may well be on the way. “I would not be surprised if, in the not too distant future, there may not be any need for any physical signatures.”
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The Interview Crosby para badminton player Rachel Choong is the world number one having made history by achieving double, triple world champion success. The 24-year-old took time out of her busy sporting schedule, which also includes running Crosby Badminton Club alongside her father, to chat to YM Liverpool about winning on the global stage, para badminton’s rise to prominence and future goals.
INTERVIEW BY NATASHA YOUNG
You started playing badminton at the age of six. How did you first get into the sport? My dad plays badminton now and he was playing back then and at the time my sister was [was getting coaching at a badminton club] so my family encouraged me to join her. It was then when I first picked up the racket and really found a passion for the sport. Was there a specific point where you felt you could compete for medals on the world’s stage? Growing up, I didn’t really think I could do anything with it because I was playing against able bodied people so all my peers were significantly taller than me. At that time I was thinking I’d just be lucky to make the junior league but then, as I started to get better, I represented Lancashire a few times in county tournaments. I went to one of the county training sessions and one of the coaches suggested going to para badminton tournaments, where short stature was included in the tournament as well. My first para badminton tournament was in 2007 so I’d already been playing for quite a few years, and coming away from it I’d won two golds and a silver so I was quite surprised. I hadn’t won an awful lot in able bodied [competitions] until then, so when I realised I’d been quite good in a level playing field, the people there were really friendly and it was a nice sport to compete in, it made the decision really easy to say ‘I want to do this much more’. 8
Your Move
Do you feel your success has also helped para badminton move forward and become more prominent? I’d hope so, I’d like to think I’ve been able to impact the sport for the better. I’m not going to Tokyo 2020 but, although that’s disappointing for me, I’m really proud to see the sport go and for it to be where it’s at now. I remember when I went to international tournaments and we were just playing in a tiny sports hall in Germany. Now we’re playing in arenas and going to the Paralympics in 2020 and I just think that’s fantastic.
As badminton is new to the Paralympics in 2020 is it just the case that the sport will gradually progress to include more categories so that you can compete in the future? Are you looking towards Paris 2024? Yeah, because it’s a new sport for the Paralympics they’ve only given us space for 90 athletes in the village which means the event itself will be very, very small and the tournament itself will be very small. At the last world championships it was a tournament won over five days, 10 badminton courts, nearly 50
countries and over 200 athletes, so by cutting it down to 90 players at the entire Paralympics they’ve really cut the amount of events that are in there. What the BWF (Badminton World Federation) - our world governing body - is trying to do is make sure the best para badminton possible is in the Paralympics so the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) will then allow more events and more athletes in 2024, which is my goal. You won three gold medals at the world championships for the second time in 2017. How did the victory compare to the first time you achieved it? I’ve been to three world championships now. The first was back in 2013 in Germany and I’d won the singles and the mixed [doubles]. Then in 2015 I won the triple (singles, mixed doubles and women’s doubles) on home turf at Stoke Mandeville and I had my whole family there because they were able to come down and see me, so that was really, really special. I feel like I had more pressure on me this time though, just to replicate my performance and success of previous world championships, so it was a little more stressful and a bit more pressure. No one else in the world can say they’ve won the triple twice and that’s amazing, but when it was in Stoke Mandeville and I had all my family cheering for me in the stands that was surreal.
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WORLD C HAM PI O NSHI PS G O LD M E DALS : 20 13 - S INGLES & MIXED DOUBLES | 20 15 & 20 17 - S INGLES, WO MEN’S DOUBLES & MIX ED DOUBLES
PEOPLE
How has winning the triple for the second time impacted on your career? Has there been an increase in a+ention and support? Not as much as when I did it in 2015. I remember it really took off then and I felt like my name was really getting out there. I was invited to awards nights, events and meetings, so that was quite crazy. The charity Path to Success has recently selected me as one of its sponsored athletes so it’s great they’re able to offer me some funding which is very much needed. Other than that my career is pretty much self-funded so that [support has] been a really important impact since my last world championships and I’m really grateful. Does that funding allow you to completely focus on competing? The funding [Path to Success] has offered me is not like a salary or anything – I won’t be able to live off that. I’ve budgeted it to be able to get me to four or five tournaments within Europe, or if I wanted to go further afield maybe two outside of Europe so it’s definitely really helpful. If I want to go to more tournaments I will still need to dip into my own pocket but it’s been a huge help so [funding is] something that doesn’t play on my mind as much.
“No one else in the world can say they’ve won the triple twice and that’s amazing.”
What’s the funding situation like for para badminton as a sport? In able bodied badminton, after [Team GB’s] success when they got one bronze medal at the last Olympics, UK Sport cut its funding. Then again, that’s completely separate to para badminton, where UK Sport has given GB Para Badminton its own separate pot of funding in preparation for Tokyo 2020. As I’m not going to 2020 because my events aren’t in, I don’t receive any of the funding and I’m no longer on the GB squad. That was a real blow because I thought ‘oh finally they’re into the Paralympics’ and then I get the crushing blow that I’m not going and because I’m not going I’m not getting any funding. It knocked me back a little bit and that’s another reason why I’m so appreciative of the chance Path to Success has given me, because without that I would have really struggled with tournaments this year. What’s your focus at the moment? I’m still active on the circuit. I haven’t been to a few tournaments recently because I’ve been trying to recover from a back injury that I initially picked up at the world championships. It came back at my most recent tournament in Spain and that was in March, and it meant I had to withdraw from the event during my singles final so I’ve been trying to recover from that and train up to good strength again. My next tournament is in Denmark in the coming weeks, and then two weeks after that I’m at the European Championships in France. It’s mad busy! Your Move
9
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C U R AT E D BY N ATA S H A YO U N G
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Your Move 17
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Here at
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Saving Inheritance Tax on the family home Q. Between us my Wife and I own assets which are worth around £2 million, with the biggest asset by far being our house, which is valued at around £1.5 million. We do not want to move or sell our home, but are concerned about Inheritance Tax – can we do anything? A: If you and your wife have assets of £2 million, then your joint Inheritance Tax liability (usually arising on the second death) will be around £400,000, a sizeable sum. For many people like yourselves, the family home is the most valuable asset they have in their estate, and probably the most frequent question which those advising on Inheritance Tax (IHT) matters are asked is how can IHT be saved on the main residence. There have been numerous ideas over the years which have been designed to provide a solution to this problem. In response, HMRC has introduced successive waves of legislation so that at present, real IHT planning opportunities are few and far between. Many people still believe that they can solve this problem by giving away (‘signing over’) their house to their children, but continuing to live there. This manoeuvre alone is not effective for IHT purposes as the transfer is classed as a ‘gift with reservation of benefit’ i.e. although on paper the gift has been made, the original owners continue to enjoy the benefit of using and living in the house. In tax terms this means that, irrespective of whose name may be on the ‘title deeds’, the gift fails for IHT purposes. There is however a way around this issue, which can make sense in certain circumstances and that is for you to make a gift of the house to your children, followed by you paying a full market rent under a lease to them for your continued occupation of the house. Clearly this would only make sense if you continue to have a sufficient level of income at your disposal. The advantages of this in your case could be substantial. Inheritance Tax of around £400,000 could be saved assuming that you and your wife survive 7 years from the date of the gift. Remember also that it may be possible to arrange a life insurance policy to cover this 7 year period of exposure to IHT. Going forwards, the payments of rent could further reduce any residual IHT liability and, if the house grows in value going forwards, then this growth is outside of your estates for IHT purposes. On the other hand there are some disadvantages which will mean that this would certainly not work for everyone. Many older people are asset rich but income poor, in which case it may not make sense. Also your children would need to pay income tax on the rental receipts which would need factoring into the calculations.
As with all things tax, it does make sense to take professional advice.
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375 Eaton Road, West Derby, Liverpool L12 2AH Please note that this article is not intended to give specific technical or financial advice and it should not be construed as doing so. It is designed only to alert readers to some of the issues. It is not intended to give exhaustive coverage of any topic. Professional advice should always be sought before action is either taken or refrained from as a result of information contained herein.
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Aw A warrd-wiinnin ng loc o al e expe erts. We’re winners of the Inn novation Award at tthe North West Proper o ty Awards 2018 for our tailored leasehold and d shared ownership p estate agency, so you know you ou’llll be selling your home with specialists. o
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C U R AT E D BY N ATA S H A YO U N G
AWARD WINNING HOMES T H E N ORT H WE ST P R O P E RT Y AWARDS 1 /02
Triple success Placefirst was a major winner at this year’s NWPAs for its transformation of Liverpool’s Welsh Streets. The company began breathing new life into Toxteth’s empty and neglected Victorian houses to create new two, three and fourbedroom homes for rent, and so far the results have been hugely successful. The first phase is now complete, with all 24 homes having been reserved in 24 hours, and 70% of the 100-home second phase is reserved off-plan so it’s no wonder the impressive project won over the judges in three categories. The team snapped up the ‘Regeneration Award’, ‘Best Affordable Housing Scheme’ and the ‘Judges’ Special Award’, with site managers Shaun Masey and Richard Jones, construction manager Oliver Crotch and commercial director Peter Adams on hand to collect the prizes. Currently halfway through the Welsh Streets regeneration scheme, they described the awards as “inspiration for the work that’s still ahead”. “With the [Regeneration Award and Best Affordable Housing Scheme title] we were judged against our peers, whereas [the Judges’ Special Award] is the recognition of what we’re doing within the community more than anything else,” added the team. “For everyone to recognise that the scheme is as special as we think it is and the gamble that the company has taken, it’s impetus for the future - a springboard.” 20 Your Move
W EL S H ST R E E TS 3 TOXT E T H
The North West Property Awards (NWPAs), sponsored by Stewart Milne Homes, returned to Liverpool celebrating a year of success for residential property across the region. YM Liverpool brings you the homes deemed worthy of one of 2018’s coveted accolades, along with the property firms giving back to communities, working innovatively and showing they’re at the top of their game.
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HOME
An industry of
ACHIEVERS As well as ho m es wor thy of acco l ad es , res i d enti al p rop erty firm s were award e d for a year of achievem ents an d s ucces s at the NW PAs : • It was a spectacular celebration for Stewart Milne Homes, which became an award winner as well as the event’s headline sponsor. The housebuilder, which has been growing a Liverpool City Region presence with schemes in Knowsley and Wirral, was recognised for giving back to the areas and scooped the inaugural ‘Community Award’. “We’re delighted with the Community Award because we do, as a builder that’s not widely known in the North West, try our best to develop relationships within the communities we’re building in,” said sales manager Lynne Vogel. • Kexgill fought off tough competition to win the NWPA for ‘Best Student Landlord’, which recognised outstanding service and accommodation for student tenants. “It’s amazing, absolutely fantastic [to get the recognition],” said branch manager and head of marketing, Antony Worswick. “There are three branches in the North West and they’ve all done fabulously well in the last 12 months.”
Best on show There’s one particular show home which is making an impression on house hunters venturing just outside of the Liverpool City Region. ‘The Highgrove’ at Redrow Homes’ Woodford Garden Village development in Cheshire scooped this year’s ‘Show Home of the Year’ prize, confirming its position as one of the best in the North West. The five-bedroom home’s modern architecture and interior design, as well as its traditional craftsmanship, won over judges who were faced with a high standard of entries. “We won it last year with the same development,” said Anna Evans-Kerr, Redrow Homes’ sales manager who collected the award at the NWPAs. “We entered another show home this year, ‘The Highgrove’, which is one of our really premium homes, and we’re absolutely delighted to win it for the second time. “We’re absolutely over the moon and the NWPAs is something we’re really, really passionate about supporting and being part of.”
• Like any industry, the property sector is undergoing fast-paced changes which is why, in 2018, the NWPAs presented the first ‘Innovation Award’. Redwing Living was the worthy winner, having adapted to evolving needs for affordable homes. “The industry is changing so much because you’ve got the need for more affordable homes like Shared Ownership, and the need for resales as well as new developments is really important and that’s what we’re trying to recognise,” said senior sales advisor James Constable, with marketing manager Matthew Marshall adding: “It’s recognising a gap in the market, taking a chance and running with it which has paid off.” • MSB Solicitors was handed a victory in the ‘Best Property Law Firm’ category for its outstanding customer-focused residential conveyancing services. “We’re so pleased,” said Tracey Quirk, a partner and head of residential conveyancing at the firm, on receiving the award. “The whole team works so hard to look after our clients and do what we do, and it is a team effort so it’s an achievement for everybody.” • For the fifth year running Liverpool’s Abode was an NWPAs winner, once again picking up the ‘Residential Property Agency of the Year’ title. “It obviously shows we’re doing something right and that we’ve got an established reputation in the area,” said Crosby branch manager Michael Lynch who, alongside lettings manager Elizabeth Fairhurst, has celebrated all five of the company’s wins. The duo said they were “delighted” to receive another award.
A big win The striking design and accessibility for first-time buyers and second steppers alike at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North West’s Kew development wowed NWPAs judges. The ambitious Southport masterplan will eventually see 669 homes built in total, and completed phases including Pavilion Gardens I & II and Victoria Mews are already home to more than 50 families.
The regeneration scheme was awarded the ‘Best Large New Home Development’ title with Andrew Taylor, planning director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, hailing the recognition “super”. “We’ve put a lot of work into the whole development,” he added. “We’ve done it in partnership with Sefton Council. It’s a unique design and we’re really proud of it.” Your Move 21
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HOME CI T Y R E S I DE N CE
Prized design For the ‘Best Small New Home Development’ judges were looking for standout homes in terms of design, specification and craftsmanship. Liverpool’s City Residence scheme by Kingsmead Group, Fibre Architects and New Regen ticked the boxes and took the prize. Craig McKibbin, managing director of Kingsway Group; and Martin Booker, managing director of Fibre Architects, reflected on the level of “technical construction that was designed in, then built and delivered” to achieve the award-winning results, adding: “It was a fantastic project and it was a fantastic team working on it.”
TH E J U D G I NG PANEL 4 Ala sta i r S h e p h e rd d irec to r, Falco n e r Ch e ste r Ha l l Les l ey Mar tin-Wr ig ht C EO, Knowsl ey Ch a m b e r & h e a d of b u s i n e s s g row t h , Kn ows l ey Co u n c i l Elaine Cu nning ham ow ner, Elain e Cu n n i n g h a m De s i g n St u d i o
Thriving in the region “Our panel of expert judges was faced with a really high standard of entries in 2018, and any entrants who made the shortlist should be extremely proud,” says Kim O’Brien, director of Move Publishing which organises the NWPAs. “The awards were presented to a truly fantastic range of housing projects and firms around the North West, demonstrating that the region’s property sector continues to thrive and succeed in the face of changes and challenges. “I’d like to thank everyone who attended and made 2018 another brilliant year for the NWPAs, with special thanks to our judges and sponsors, and we look forward to recognising another year of achievements in 2019.” Category sponsors included Watts Commercial Finance, Redrow Homes, Bogans Carpets, Capricorn Kitchens, Anwyl Homes, Redwing Living and 360Vu, and Furnish That Room sponsored the drinks reception. 22 Your Move
“The awards were presented to a truly fantastic range of housing projects and firms around the North West, demonstrating that the region’s property sector continues to thrive.”
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WO R D S BY L AW R E N C E S AU N D E R S
Where to l ive :
With an abundance of green space, bars, restaurants, and a strong sense of community, it’s easy to see why Mossley Hill appeals to anyone searching for a home to spend the rest of their lives.
C OMMUNIT Y
GREEN SPAC E
BARS & REST AURA N T S TRANSPO RT L IN KS REC RE ATIO N
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HOME
Glorious green space
Bordering South Liverpool’s biggest park and home to one of its smallest, Mossley Hill ensures residents are well looked after when it comes to open spaces within walking distance. The Grade I-listed Sefton Park, which skirts our underscored suburb at Sefton Park Meadows, boasts two cafés, a popular playground, a large boating lake and the beautiful Sefton Park Palm House. The number of visitors to the 235-acre green space swells several times a year during large-scale events such as Liverpool International Music Festival and Liverpool Food and Drink Festival. Sefton Park Cricket Club on
Croxteth Drive is a bustling local sports club which is always looking for players, many of whom don their whites well into their later years. Whilst Greenbank Park is no match for its near neighbour in the size stakes, it’s still well worth highlighting as an elegant green space which has long been a haven for keen anglers to sun-seekers. Greenbank will soon have another reason for you to visit, should you need one, as work progresses on a new café on the site of the old potting shed. It’s called The Potting Shed, fittingly, and will serve breakfasts, brunch and small plates when it opens later this year.
Much like Penny Lane Development Trust (PLDT) centre at the bottom of the hill, Mossley Hill Athletic Club (MHAC) is a cherished part of the community it has been serving since 1924. With a wide range of sports including crown green bowls, cricket and tennis, MHAC is perfect for anyone who wants to stay active into their later years. The club also hosts regular live music evenings and, for the last five years, a charity beer festival which this April featured around 80 different beers and helped support a number of local organisations.
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AV E RAG E HO US E P R I C E S
PRIZED PROPERTY North Mossley Hill Road and its nearby streets boast possibly the highest concentration of surviving Victorian mansions in Liverpool – and certainly some of its most desirable. We have the city’s wealthy Victorian merchants to thank for this as they spent their huge fortunes establishing sprawling estates away from the bustling city centre. Many of these grand villas have disappeared, or have been converted into other uses, but many endure as much sought-after housing. A number have been divided into apartments which are perfect for those looking to downsize including the former Carleton House Preparatory School, built over 100 years ago on Lyndhurst Road. However, according to Rightmove, most of the sales in Mossley Hill over the past year were terraced properties which went for an average price of £200,594. Semi-detached homes had an average sold price of £288,469 whilst apartments averaged £189,193. There are also a number of retirement developments worth considering on the periphery of the district including Kelton Park on Woodlands Road, Aigburth and Gorselands Court in Aigburth Vale.
P LDT ’ S ‘ WOND ERWAL L’
Apartment £189k | Terraced £201k | Semi-detached £288k
“Many of these grand villas have disappeared, or have been converted into other uses, but many endure as much sought-after housing”
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HOME
ROA D A N D RA I L LI N KS Mossley Hill train station, situated on Rose Lane, offers regular services to Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Oxford Road. The trip into town takes 10 minutes whilst the commute to Manchester can be managed in just under an hour. For journeys further afield, Queens Drive terminates in Mossley Hill so following the ring road round to the start of the M62 motorway is a cinch.
EARL LY EVENING MENU
Beneath the blue
suburban skies
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It might be the most popular stop on the Magical Mystery Tour thanks to Paul McCartney, but Penny Lane is much more than just a picture opportunity. The lane has a small yet first-rate selection of independent bars, shops and one much-loved community centre to discover. Penny Lane Wine Bar has been quenching the thirsts of the local community since 1989 and continues to serve as a popular meeting spot. Meanwhile the Dovedale Towers, which has been through many guises over the years including an orphanage, Merseybeat venue and Freddie Mercury’s flat, is known for its Sunday roasts and screening plenty of live sport. Backing onto this popular watering hole is a community hub which, since 2010, has been facilitating activities as wide-ranging as yoga and pilates to mindfulness and Italian language lessons for local residents. The centre is operated by the PLDT, which traces its roots back to 1998 and the resistance to plans by Liverpool City Council to sell off the derelict Grove Mount playing fields for housing. “The classes and activities have been instrumental in engaging our community,” says Julie Gornell, senior charity officer and one of the founder members of the PLDT. “Local people are more aware of what is going on in their community thus making them feel more involved in community life. “In addition to this we host a number of themed events throughout the year whereby local people can get involved. “Moreover, we play host to thousands of visiting tourists each year who come on a pilgrimage to Penny Lane.”
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interior inspiration
Browse our homeware picks online FURNITURE | STYLING | PRO DUC TS & PROPS www.YMLiverpool.com
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U P TO 2 0 % O F F P LU S F R E E U P G R A D E . A LUXU RY K I N G S I Z E B E D FO R T H E P R I C E O F A D O U B L E F O R S O M E , S L E E P I S S O M E T H I N G T H AT J U S T H A P P E N S . AT S O M N U S I T H A P P E N S B Y D E S I G N . Our handmade craftsmanship, combined with innovative Sensa Intelligent pocket springs and home-grown natural fillings, from our farm in North Yorkshire, makes every bed unique. We’ve redesigned sleep. And you’re invited to see the results. H A N D M A D E I N YO R K S H I R E S I N C E 1 840
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HOME
As dark nights draw in, add a cosy glow with a table lamp.
Stag table lamp £49.50, Marks and Spencer
Braxton copper glass base table lamp £79.99, Very
Moooi rabbit table lamp £362.10, Utility Design
Time to ch ang e th e
Gracie glass table lamp £120, John Lewis
Compiled by Tilly Hamilton
Lamp with mirrored base £119.99, Zara Home
Caramel glass table lamp £49, Dunelm
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NWPAs guests dressed to impress
Glamorous guests enjoyed an evening of celebrations, fine food and entertainment as the NWPAs 2018 took place in Liverpool. The glittering black tie awards night, sponsored by Stewart Milne Homes, recognised a year of success across the North West’s property sector. Well-dressed attendees at the event in Lutyens Crypt were welcomed with a drinks reception, sponsored by Furnish That Room, and live music from the D’Ukes of Hazzard. A lavish three-course meal then followed, and broadcaster Simon ‘Rossi’ Ross hosted the main awards presentation. Guests rounded off the evening by hitting the dancefloor as female music collective Northern Lights performed. Awards categories were sponsored by Watts Commercial Finance, Redrow Homes, 360Vu, Bogans Carpets, Capricorn Kitchens, Anwyl Homes and Redwing Living.
32 Your Move
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EVENT
1. The NWPAs’ name in lights.
8. Stewart Milne Homes marked the occasion in style.
2. The Morecrofts Solicitors team were welcomed with prosecco.
9. Capricorn Kitchens guests were in keeping with the stylish theme.
3. Barratt and David Wilson Homes guests.
10. Making a grand entrance.
4. The D’Ukes of Hazzard sparkled on stage.
11. The Anwyl Homes table embraced the black tie dress code.
5. TJ Thomas guests dressed up for the celebrations.
12. Simon ‘Rossi’ Ross was the host for the evening.
6. Redwing Living showed off a victory.
13. Northern Lights gave a spectacular musical performance.
7. Glamorous Placefirst guests. Your Move 33
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www.nwpas.com @theNWPAs
More news coming soon For more information call 0151 709 3871 or visit www.nwpas.com
Thursday 10th October 2019 LUTYENS CRYPT, LIVERPOOL METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
Recognising excellence in the North West property industry
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W he r e t o g o : WO R D S BY L AW R E N C E S AU N D E R S
With the festive season just around the corner, we shine the spotlight on four cracking continental Christmas markets you might not have heard of – all with links from Liverpool.
36 Your Move
Bergen Christmas Market N O RWAY Flight time from LJLA: 1 hour 40 minutes Back in August, twice-weekly flights launched between Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) and Norway’s second largest city of Bergen for the first time. The route will have been chiefly utilised by Norwegian Liverpool Football Club fans en route to Anfield, so the winter months present a chance for us to return the favour and send some Scousers to Scandinavia. A historic port city with a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bergen boasts an amazing Christmas market. Taking place in the central Festplassen square surrounded by seven majestic snow-capped mountains, Bergen Christmas Market runs from 29 November until 22 December. Featuring more than 60 stalls selling artisan gifts and local cuisine, Bergen’s festive market boasts activities that children and adults alike will appreciate including a giant Ferris wheel and a heated room where visitors can enjoy a steaming cup of authentic Norwegian gløgg. If that wasn't enough, the world’s biggest gingerbread town is less than 10 minutes’ walk away. Open from 17 November until 31 December (closed Christmas Day), Pepperkakebyen is a miniature version of Bergen created entirely from the spicy brown biccies. Every year since 1991, nurseries, schools and businesses from across the city have been crafting mini houses, trains, cars and ships to help create a showstopper Paul Hollywood himself would be proud of.
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TRAVEL
The ‘Polish Venice’ is spread across 12 islands. Wrocław Christmas Market POLAND Flight time from LJLA: 2 hour 15 minutes Think of somewhere in Poland and where springs to mind? Its capital, Warsaw? Stag-do central, Kraków? Gdansk, maybe? I’m willing to wager it’s not Wrocław. Pronounced ‘Vrots-wav’, the ‘Polish Venice’ - the city is spread across 12 islands connected by more than 100 bridges and gangways - boasts one of the country’s best-loved Christmas markets. From 22 November until 31 December, the medieval market square and surrounding cobbled streets are transformed into a winter wonderland filled with quaint wooden huts. You’ll find the usual continental market grub such as pancakes, churros and waffles, alongside proper Polish options like shashlik (kebab); finely chopped meat stewed with sauerkraut and fresh cabbage known as bigos; and Oscypek, a golden, spindle shaped smoked cheese made from salted sheep’s milk. The little ones, meanwhile, will appreciate the market's Bajkowy Lasek (fairy tale forest) where they can witness Brothers Grimm stories brought to life including ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, ‘Snow White’ and ‘The Brave Little Tailor’. Keep an eye out for the city’s mascots as well, unless you want a nasty bang on the shin that is. For perched in doorways, alleyways and on street corners are some 165 metal dwarves. The cheeky sculptures pay homage to Orange Alternative, an underground anti-Soviet resistance movement formed in the city in the 1980s which used the dwarf as its symbol.
Natalis Notabilis MA LTA Photo: Pianoforte Agencja Artystyczna
Flight time from LJLA: 3 hour 20 minutes
Montreux Noël SW I T ZE RLAN D Flight time from LJLA: 1 hour 50 minutes Train from Geneva Airport to Montreux takes just over an hour Train from Geneva Airport to Montreux takes just over an hour. Immortalised on Deep Purple’s iconic 1973 single ‘Smoke On The Water’, the Swiss resort town of Montreux doesn’t mess about when it comes to the festive season. Now into its 24th year, Montreux Noël (22 November – 24 December) promises joy for all ages with its traditional Christmas market stretching for a kilometre along the town’s beautiful lakeside promenade. Discover 160 festively festooned chalet stalls selling crafts, gifts, mulled wine and more, alongside restaurants offering traditional cheesy Swiss dishes fondue and raclette. Enjoy workshops and shows in the fabled Chillon Castle, a giant 3D light show projected onto the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace and Santa’s grotto perched atop the imposing Rochers de Naye mountain. If all that wasn't enough, grown-ups can party late into the night with live music and DJ’s at the lakeside ‘La Hot’ bar, grab a slice of wood-fired pizza in the ‘Lumberjack village’ or visit La Redoute House of Wishes for a direct line to old Saint Nick himself.
Rabat is 25 minutes in the car from Malta International Airport No one loves a Christian celebration more than the Maltese, so naturally the festive season is a big deal on this miniature Mediterranean island. This year the historic town of Rabat will play host to the country’s biggest Christmas market from 7-13 December. Organised by a dedicated group of volunteers, Natalis Notabilis Malta's Christmas Village - helps raise funds for the conservation and restoration of Rabat’s heritage. Around 100 stalls are expected to line the narrow streets and alleys selling the usual German market fare alongside traditional Maltese sweet treats like honey rings (soft pastry with a treacle filling) and Imbuljuta tal-Qastan, a hot drink made using cocoa, chestnuts, cloves and citrus zest. Historic buildings will be hosting various festive activities as well, including the Nativity Trail within the Franciscan friary's secret garden and the Natalis Notabilis crib exhibition located in a 500-yearold convent. Whilst you’re in the area, you'd be remiss not to visit nearby Mdina. The ancient walled city, a short bus journey from Rabat, was once Malta’s capital and according to tradition it was where, in 60 AD, Saint Paul resided after being shipwrecked on the island. The tiny city’s cobbled streets make a particularly beautiful setting for an evening stroll as lamplight illuminates its magnificent mix of medieval and baroque architecture. Your Move 37
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Fashion from our city’s streets
Scroll through style on Instagram FOLLOW US @YM_LIVERPOOL #MyLiverpool
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Style C O U N S E L View more photos @ ym_liverpool
STYLE
YM Liverpool has been scouring the city’s streets once again to bring you the latest looks and trends. LE STREET STYLE ET STYLE STREET STY E R T S E L Y T S T E E R T S STREET STYLE
Jo
spotted on College Lane Where is your outfit from? Glasses are by RayBan, coat is from Primark, the scarf is from Shared Earth on Bold Street, my mum made these trousers for me and the trainers are Adidas. Who is your style inspiration? I don't really have one, I just like what I like! What is your favourite shop? I love charity shops.
Michael
spotted on Upper Duke Street Where is your outfit from? Jacket is from Topman, the bag is from Herschel and it's taken me ages to find one in this colour, the shirt and trousers are from Uniqlo and trainers are by Adidas.
Erin
spotted on Rodney Street Where is your outfit from? The coat is from Mango, the jumper is by Uniqlo, the dress is from Primark, trainers are Converse and my bag is from Topshop.
Who is your style inspiration? I like Father John Misty's style he dresses really well.
Who is your style inspiration? I like a mix of ‘70s style and ‘90s influences - like if the ‘70s and the ‘90s had a child!
What is your favourite shop? Uniqlo is amazing, it has pretty much everything I need.
What is your favourite shop? I'm not wearing any [vintage] today but I love vintage shops. Your Move 39
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Get into the seasonal spirit and start preparing your celebrations with a unique Liverpool twist. From workshops for making your own cards and decorations to events that’ll light up special city locations, our round-up is sure to get your 2018 festivities off to a magical start.
Ch r ist m as i s com i ng... SET A DATE WITH SANTA
Unsurprisingly, the big man in red has a hectic schedule as the countdown to Christmas gathers momentum but you can snap up a sit-down with him in a Liverpool grotto. This year Santa and Mrs Claus will be leading a host of activities in the city’s landmark St Luke’s ‘Bombed Out’ Church, as the historic venue is transformed into an immersive Winter Wonderland attraction. Book in advance for a two-hour slot between 1 and 23 December, and you’ll enjoy activities including family-friendly craft workshops and art sessions, storytelling with characters, a silent disco and a chance to build and dress up a snowbuddy – all amongst atmospheric festive backdrops. There will, of course, also be a trip into Santa’s Grotto with a gift and framed photograph to take home, and hot drinks and mince pies for the adults.
Embrace the
Photos: David Munn
panto season
40 Your Move
It’s that time of year again when a bumper selection of fun-packed family theatre rolls into town (oh yes it does!). Pantomimes don’t come much more inclusive and original than the Unity Theatre’s contribution, which this year retells the classic family tale of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The show is created by the theatre from scratch, including the music, and this year the Hope Place venue has teamed up with Action Transport Theatre to stage the production in association with disability arts organisation DaDaFest. The run kicks off on 30 November until 5 January, and includes a number of performances using British Sign Language as well as less formal ‘relaxed’ shows in a more supportive atmosphere to reduce anxiety levels. Tickets are priced from £9.50, with family passes also available.
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CULTURE
TRY SOME DECORATIVE
Photos: Frances Disley
DIY
SAY IT WITH PRINT
We all want to give our Christmas greetings that personal touch, and Bluecoat is on hand to help on 9 and 10 November. Design and print your own cards and gift tags to make your festive message stand out as two one-day courses take place at the city centre arts hub. The ticketed Bluecoat Print Studio workshops, priced £60 for the day, will have you using linocut and screenprint techniques to create stunning seasonal stationery with a difference.
Once December arrives it feels like a race against time to get the tree up, tick everything off your festive shopping list and put the final touches to your celebrations so that you can enjoy a smooth-running Christmas with loved ones. Grand plans of creating beautiful handmade decorations for your home and personalised gifts can easily fall by the wayside with the busy build-up in full swing. Luckily there’s a solution as Muir Simpson, the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies’ North West president, is lining up a six-week course to keep your craft ambitions on track. Making an early start on 6 November, weekly three-hour workshops at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral will cover everything from flower arranging and needlework to arts and crafts. Places can be booked in advance for the course, priced at £60 per person for the full six weeks.
SHOP FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT Avoid the crowds of last-minute high street gift hunters and head to the winter instalment of Pop-up in the Palm House. Taking place on 17-18 November in the lovely setting that is Sefton Park Palm House, the event is the perfect excuse to make an early start on present buying and support local makers by purchasing their creations. Plus there’ll be food and drink stalls so you can reward yourself for being so organised this year by enjoying a bite to eat and a homemade mulled wine!
En joy a cup of creativity Make that festive feast even more memorable with some spruced up cups and plates this Christmas. National Museums Liverpool is hosting a seasonal edition of its ‘Crafternoon’ activity session at the Walker Art Gallery on 13 November, when the focus will be on decorating crockery. The relaxed workshop for adults is free to attend but it’s essential to pre-book a ticket online.
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So, where do you fancy tonight?
Browse our restaurant guides online VISIT YMLIVERPO OL.COM/FOODAN DDRINK #MyLiverpool
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FOOD
Stanley’s Bar & Grill
Restaurant Review By Matthew Smith |
British |
£££ |
On arrival at Titanic Hotel Liverpool’s Stanley’s Bar & Grill we were warmly greeted by attentive and friendly staff and shown over to our table overlooking Stanley Dock. My dining partner and I were particularly impressed with the interior design of the restaurant which appeared to pay homage to the area's maritime heritage. Our drinks arrived in good time and as my fellow diner sipped her non-alcoholic Pina Colada (£5), my refreshing glass of fresh orange juice was served at the table. Glancing over the menu, we both agreed to sample a dish from the ‘Nibbles’ section. We ordered the Titanic hummus served with pitta bread (£3.95) to share and were pleasantly surprised by how such a seemingly simple dish could be done and presented so well. To start, my guest ordered the crispy cod
“This is, without pretension, the most beautifully presented plate of fish and chips I have ordered and it tasted sublime.”
Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Stanley Dock, L3 |
cheek with minted pea puree and homemade tartar sauce (£7.50) and, although it was a small portion, she remarked how deliciously intricate the dish was. I began the meal with the Thai-style fish cake with sweet chilli jam and coriander (£7.50). The sweet flavour of the jam combined very well with the slightly spicy fish cake. My only gripe is that it did leave me wanting more than just one! I would happily have ordered another portion if it weren't for the size of the undertaking we had ahead of us, but I can't recommend this dish highly enough and I’ll definitely be ordering it again on my next visit. Next up was the main event. My dining partner selected the mammoth sirloin steak (£27). The meat was served with triple cooked chips, onion rings, roasted confit tomato, portobello mushroom and baby watercress. The information on the menu was insightful as it explained the British Herd steak is dry aged for 28 days. Most importantly, the meat was cooked to my dining partner's requirements. As a lover of the ever popular British classic that is fish and chips, I plumped for the Titanic beer battered fish served with triple cooked chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce (£18.50). This is, without pretension, the most beautifully presented plate of fish and chips I have ordered and it tasted sublime. I could instantly tell that the generous portion was prepared with a loving authority as it arrived at the table on a wooden board, served on top of grease-proof newspaper, delicately arranged on the serving dish. Fish and chips
"#%# %%& #$$$
executed in this way certainly makes you feel proud to be British. In response to the petit starters we backed up our main courses with side orders of salt and pepper fries (£4), which were a personal favourite, and beer battered onion rings (£3.50), but we instantly realised our generous meals were more than sufficient without. As we gave into temptations and our weakness for desserts, I rounded off the evening with a sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and double milk ice cream (£7), which came served with honeycomb atop the scoop. For me, this was a perfect way to end the meal as the dish wasn't too rich and it added that all important sweet finish to what was a remarkable dining experience. Meanwhile, my guest ordered the chocolate and black cherry tart (£7) and was pleasantly surprised with how it left her wanting more. Obviously the prices at Stanley’s Bar & Grill are relatively steep compared to other eateries in the city centre, but with this being a wholly positive dining experience, my guest and I both agreed we would be returning for a special occasion very soon.
MATTHEW RECOMMENDS''' The Titanic beer bat te re d f is h an d ch ips was exe cuted a nd pres e nte d pe r fe ctly. View food photos @ ym_liverpool Your Move 43
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