The Cheshire Magazine December 2016 by Runwild Media Group

New Showroom Store Street Bollington Cheshire SK10 5PN t: 01625 466200 e: showroom@portraitpools.com w: portraitpools.com

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

From the

Editor

EDITOR’S PICKs #1 Pearl pendant from David M Robinson (p.43)

#2 Margaret Dabbs nail polish (p.96)

#3 Alexander McQueen clutch (p.46)

hat makes Christmas special for you? Those memorable moments that raise your excitement (or stress) levels? For me it’s the frosty mornings taking the four-legged family members across the fields, the serene stillness of snowfall and the piney scent of the tree adorned with jewels. This year, I am refusing to let the stress levels rise; the cake will get made and the presents will get wrapped. Why am I so confident? Because the team here has devised a foolproof guide for the season ahead, including objects of desire to inspire the gift buyers (p.43), fashion to wow and warm (p.78), trips to get you in the mood (p.56) and helpful hints on buying the perfect tree (p.156). The Baker Wilbrahams also welcome us into their fabulous home and gardens as they prepare for the festivities (p.36), and we’ve enlisted the help of a host of industry experts, who share their tips on everything from being the host with the most to making sure you use up the leftovers (p.49). For those who may be less excited about the season ahead, fear not: there are escapes to sunnier climes (p.108), road trips to far flung places (p.102) and snowy mountain ranges (p.170). There’s beauty and homes and property and style – so whatever your outlook for December, we wish you good cheer.

Louisa Louisa Castle Editor Follow us on Twitter @TheCheshireMag

Proud to support: Variety – The Children’s Charity The Pink Ribbon Ball, Manchester & Breast Cancer now the babygrow appeal, countess of chester hospital Cheshire Ladies Philanthropy Club

ONCE IN A LIFETIME FROM THE SKILLED HANDS OF OUR GOLDSMITH TO YOURS. IT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT RING YOU’LL EVER BUY

LIVERPOOL

LONDON

MANCHESTER CHESTER ALTRINCHAM DAVIDMROBINSON.CO.UK

SOUTHPORT

W E BELIEV E In creating new traditions So make a few decorations by hand to add to your treasured collection, let style inf luences overlap so Nordic and English heritage stand side by side, and be brave with colour, leaving red and green a thing of Christmas past. Balmoral dining table, £2,990. William armchair in Hugo Mustard, £700. Highbury candle sticks, £22. Hoxton white wine glasses - set of 6, £40.

neptune.com Neptune Wilmslow, SK9 1BJ, 01625 535255, info@neptunewilmslow.com

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Contents

December 2016

088

Features

collection

travel

036 | Family & friends We meet the new custodians of Rode Hall (and their dogs) as they look to the future 043 | To have and to hold Our luxury gift guide rounds up the twelve must have gifts on our lists this Christmas 049 | Christmas unwrapped The local experts give you their insider tips on creating the perfect holiday season 056 | A Christmas tale Take a trip into Wedgwood’s magical winter wonderland

071 | Watch news Stunning state-of-the-art timepieces for him and her 072 | Especially for you For the person who has everything, it’s time to discover the beauty of bespoke this Christmas 074 | Jewellery news A full round-up of all the latest in style and sparkle

108 | Travel news 110 | Sides of Sydney We discover character and adventure in abundance in the capital of New South Wales 114 | Weekend away York’s beautiful Middlethorpe Hall is straight out of a 19th Century romance novel

regulars

102

174

008 | Editor’s letter 014 | Contributors 017 | My life in Cheshire Meet Karen Flavell, co-owner of ladies’ boutqiue Vicki Allen 018 | Notebook This month’s local events, news and best new products 027 | Local scene All the glamour and gossip 035 | As I was saying... Melissa Porter asks if you’re Mary Christmas or the Grinch 059 | Taylor talks Five minutes with... Lisa Riley, who is now happier than ever

art

fashion & beauty 078 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here 080 | Gone with the wind Breeze into the new season with chunky knits, oversized coats and polo necks to keep you snug this winter 088 | Age is just a number And no one knows that better than veteran model Carmen dell’Orifice 094 | Beauty news New treatments, products and all the latest news 098 | Perfect party feet Margaret Dabbs shares some of her secrets for foot perfection this party season 100 | Gifts for gadget lovers Perfect gifts for your geek

061 | Art & culture news motoring 063 | Prize lots 102 | Take me out 064 | A Manford all seasons With luxury car makers Lancashire comedian and tapping into exclusive, actor Jason Manford is coming factory-organised ‘lifestyle’ home for a Chitty Christmas trips, we round up the best

FAMILY 116 | Kids’ news The very latest for little ones 121 | The classroom 122 | A modern fairy tale Why Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls should be on your shelf

homes & interiors 132 | Interiors news 144 | Through the keyhole Founder of Secretcape, Mathilde Allibe, is no stranger to extravagant requests 149 | Seasonal style Turn your home into a tasteful wonderland with our helpful tips and some expert advice 156 | Oh Christmas tree Our handy guide to help you find that special festive fir 162 | Hot property The best of Cheshire’s homes 168 | Chalet sanctuary This winter, nothing beats holing up in this stunning alpine chalet with friends, wine, cheese and a roaring fire 172 | Overseas property These stunning properties will have you yearning to emigrate

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

DECEMBER 2016 s issue 036 s

Editor Louisa Castle

The

contributors

Deputy Editor Gemma Knight Editorial Director Kate Harrison Theatre Editor Natalie Anglesey Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Senior Designer Daniel Poole Production Hugo Wheatley Danny Lesar Alice Ford Jamie Steele Advertising Managers Kayleigh Penswick Kathryn Otto Danielle Mullen General Manager Fiona Fenwick Publisher Giles Ellwood

MELISSA PORTER Best known for her BBC prime time appearances, property developer Melissa is a self-confessed people junkie and certified coach and mentor. She hopes to bring a little fun and a lot of life to her new column As I was saying...

liz taylor Star of television’s Millionaire Party Planner, Mancunian events organiser Liz creates the region’s most talked-about parties. Her monthly column, Taylor Talks, gives readers an insight into her world, and the people that shape it.

CRISPIN HARRIS Crispin’s role as deputy chair of national estate agents Jackson-Stops & Staff gives him unparalleled access to knowledge of property trends and issues, as well as an accurate and up-to-date global view of the property industry.

gabrielle lane Gabrielle contributes to both The Huffington Post and Positive Luxury. With experience writing across style, beauty and culture, this month she takes us on a tour of the character and adventure on offer in iconic Australian city, Sydney.

Kat Hannon Kat is a commercial photographer based in Chester, and for over a decade she worked in the music and fashion scene. This month she photographs the Barker-Wilbrahams of Rode Hall.

TIM BRADLEY Tim is an award-winning photographer based in the north west. Discovering a passion for photography from his grandfather, he is a regular on the media scene and often works with TV chef Andrew Nutter.

Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Proudly published by

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

www.rwmg.co.uk

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. DISTRIBUTION The Cheshire Magazine is the largest targeted luxury lifestyle publication in Cheshire and the north west, delivered by Royal Mail subscription servcice to selected homes in over 20 postcodes, plus businesses, newsagents and retail outlets.

cover On the

Photography from Rituals Cosmetics, the tradition of giving

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES info@thecheshiremagazine.com

Also published by Members of the Professional Publishers Association

SWAROVSKI CHESTER 9 BRIDGE STREET, CHESHIRE, CH1 1NG

# GiveBrilliant WITH THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION DISCOVER MORE AT SWAROVSKI.COM

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EXTRAORDINARY SEASONAL EXPERIENCES AT TATTU Whether it’s a corporate lunch, a family occasion or meeting with friends, begin your festive celebrations in style at Tattu. Choose from one of our seasonal sharing menus or winter a la carte menu to provide the ultimate dining experience this Christmas. Tattu’s seasonal cocktail menu is also perfect for those wanting to enjoy a celebratory drink after work, or relax in the surroundings of the beautiful Rose Garden. For more information on New Year’s Eve or our January sale please visit www.tattu.co.uk or call our reservations team on 0161 819 2060. COCKTAILS | DIM SUM | CHRISTMAS PARTIES | PRIVATE DINING | NEW YEAR’S EVE TATTU RESTAURANT & BAR, GARTSIDE STREET, 3 HARDMAN SQUARE, MANCHESTER, M3 3EB.

@TATTUMCR

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

My life in CHESHIRE karen flavell, co-owner vicki allen

aving known each other for over 20 years, Karen Flavell and Pamela Hunt joined forces at the beginning of the year, taking over the helm of Vicki Allen, one of the longest running – if not the longest running – ladies’ boutique in Cheshire. “When we first met, we used to say it would be great to do something together one day, and here we are. We have complementary skills so it works really well. Pam’s a thinker and I’m a doer although, as small business owners, we do a bit of eveything.” Karen is fresh from organising a fabulous charity fashion show and bubbling with excitement. “Vicki Allen has a reputation for a superb personal service, and we just want to build on that. We have amazing clients who come back to us each season whose wardrobes we add to. We also go out to clients if requested, and can lend new outfits on approval so that clients can check their accessories and make sure they’re really happy. “Our job is great because we get to help people look and feel their best, and our reputation is everything. “Our SS17 brands will be coming in soon and we’re very excited. There are a few new ones in there and some that will appeal to our younger clients, so watch this space... “I’ve lived in south Manchester all my life and watched Hale village really revitalise its high street. There are a lot of younger people coming in and the social scene is superb. You can get dressed up as much as you want or go casual, it’s truly cosmopolitan and we love it. “I’m also a fan of San Carlo at the Marriott and love the regeneration of Altrincham Market – I often meet friends there before heading off for a walk through Dunham Massey. “My personal style has changed over the years. I had to be suited-and-booted for my previous life in the corporate world, although now I’d call it classic. But I have to have a little sparkle! One of my favourite designers is Joseph Ribkoff – it’s timeless and so elegant. I love the LauRie trouser collection: they have trousers I swear mould to who you are and fit any size and shape. And I have to mention the AW16 Menari range, which has really been flying off our rails.” As this is our December issue, we have to ask. What will you be asking for in your stocking? “Tall, dark and handsome. Seriously, I want to fall in love. If I can’t have that, I’m happy kitting out our clients for their glamorous parties and bringing in the New year with my family in Spain.” (vickiallen.co.uk)

“I love the regeneration of Altrincham Market - I often meet friends there and have been known to while away an afternoon”

clockwise FROM TOP: karen flavell; dunham massey; altrincham market

VINTAGE BELLES

The Mere Resort is opening its doors this November to celebrate all things wedding. The Wedding Fayre promises to be full of vintage, chic goodies and provide a whole host of ideas for those of you planning your big day. Plus there will be handmade eats and treats to sample and you can test out all the venue can offer. The Mere Resort Wedding Fayre, 20 November (themereresort.co.uk)

NOTEBOOK

TOP BIZARRE BREXIT FEARS

European alcohol will be banned in the UK

16% 11% The UK will

eventually be ruled by the Scottish government Britons will be banned from living abroad

14% 9%

Drivers will have to drive on the opposite side of the road

17%

LOST & FOUND

Immerse yourself in Victorian chic at Knutsford’s latest eatery. Taking inspiration from the Victorian architecture (from the designer of the Natural History Museum, Alfred Waterhouse) and explorers and scientists of the day, the interior has been transformed from town hall to beautiful, botanical hideaway. There are ‘lost’ cocktails celebrating forgotten drinks and their ‘found’ counterparts, created by the bar team, as well as a modern menu of crisp sourdough pizzas and classic Sunday roasts. Step back, relax and unwind. (the-lostandfound.com) 18

European foods may be banned in the UK (www.vouchercodespro.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

5 top picks

Velvet

#1 Velvet blusher, £22.50 (Illamasqua, Liverpool Metquarter)

#2 Antonella olive green dress, £115 (House of CB, Liverpool Metquarter)

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

ith the iconic Cheshire Oaks Christmas tree (Europe’s largest walk-in artificial tree) now all a-glow following its annual switch-on ceremony on 9th November (complete with a PopVox Choir and walk-about Christmas characters), now is the time to pay the designer outlet a festive visit. Do a bit of Christmas shopping, then stop to gawp with the little ones – it really is quite a sight to behold. (mcarthurglen.com)

#3 Floralism pouffe, £270 (frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk)

#4 Charlotte Olympia cool cat trainers, £325 (selfridges.com)

PURCHASE of the

MONTH

#5 Tub chair, £445 (oliverbonas.com)

Mini Diffuser gift set from Ecoya, £45 (johnlewis.com)

COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

After 20 years at the helm of Carden Park, general manager Hamish Ferguson is handing over the reins of Cheshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s country estate to Paul Bayliss MBE. Having been part of the original team who opened the hotel in 1996, Hamish will be leaving the hospitality industry and taking up a position as executive director for The PGA. Paul has been at the helm of Plas Coch and Brynteg holiday home parks for the past few years, prior to working in Manchester for more than seven years, and as chair of the regional Hoteliers and Venues Association. Indeed, his introduction to luxury hotels was as deputy general manager to Hamish in 2007 at Carden Park. We wish you both all the best in your new roles. (cardenpark.co.uk)

NOTEBOOK

Food & Drink Star Attraction We are pleased to share that Peckforton Castle, one of our favourite romantic haunts, has been awarded four red stars by The AA. This means that they are among only 38 hotels in England to be recognised at the highest standard for the service and quality we have come to expect from the team there. It comes as an extra birthday present for the owners, the Naylor family, as they celebrate ten years of owning Peckforton, buying it after managing director Christopher married Kate there in 2006. (peckfortoncastle.co.uk) 20

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

...with GARY USHER, Head chef at Sticky Walnut, Chester What is your favourite ingredient? Definitely salsa verde. The chefs in all the restaurants make fun of me because it’s my go-to ingredient. Simply translated to ‘green sauce’, chefs everywhere bastardise it because of its loose name. However, it is generally sharp, sweet and fresh, meaning it is perfect for finishing any dish off: meat, fish and even game. What is your favoUrite food? I’m a sucker for a curry and a beer on a Saturday night, especially after service. Farokh Talati, who often guest chefs at Sticky Walnut – and also helped me open the restaurant in 2011 – prepares legendary staff food. What he can do with a bit of rice and a few cloves is close to magic. What’s your desert island recipe? Easy! Although I’m not too sure of the availability of eggs and flour on a desert island, my go-to pasta is so simple – just double the amount of egg to flour. Being stranded with fresh pasta doesn’t sound so bad… Imagine the crab linguine! What’s your favourite piece of kitchen kit? When we opened Sticky, budgets were tight, and I famously had the choice between an oven or new tables and chairs. I chose the oven. (stickywalnut.net; burnttruffle.net; hispi.net)

PURCHASE of the

MONTH The Detox Kitchen Green Package, £31.45 per day (detoxkitchen.co.uk)

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

SPOTLIGHT ON... TATTU W o r d s : K E V I N E VA N S

hen walking into Tattu, you soon realise that you are going to get a full sensory experience. Opening in April 2015, it serves modern Chinese cuisine in the bespoke surroundings of a two-floor venue. It’s easy to see why it’s just been awarded Best Standalone Restaurant in the UK at the 2016 Restaurant and Bar Design Awards. The focus for the winter menu has been to create big, warm flavours incorporating new dishes that continue to push the boundaries of tradition – though, on seeing the menu, my colleague and I were somewhat puzzled by the lack of descriptions below the dishes. This is a very smart move by Tattu, as it ensures that the clients and staff engage – something that is often missed in many restaurants – and meant that, right from the outset, our waitress Charlotte was like a culinary encyclopaedia, explaining each of the dishes in great detail and displaying an impressive knowledge of ingredients. To start, we decided on the spicy pork wonton, served with a Szechuan sauce and peanut crumb, making it dense in texture with the Szechuan sauce cutting through the pork’s richness. We also had the tuna ceviche, which was done with an Asian twist of yuzu dressing and was utterly delightful. The sashimi tuna was delicate in flavour and not drowned by the citrus of the yuzu, making it a great light option. Onto the mains. I opted for the barbecue chicken, as Charlotte had said it was so good in its simplicity – and she wasn’t wrong: a chicken breast smothered in a barbecue paste then chargrilled to give it a crisp crust. For something so simple it had so many dimensions – sweetness, saltiness, crunchy chargrill and yet succulence and tenderness, with pickled cucumber and sesame seeds. Our second main was much more complex – the royal seafood selection was a cacophony of exceptional seafood: hand-dived scallops with a sea bass fillet, and king prawns and mussels served with a Szechuan sauce. To accompany our mains, we decided on the duck egg and sausage fried rice and Singapore fried noodles (the duck egg fried rice was exceptional), and the team perfectly paired a Picpoull de Pinet 22

with the mains – slightly spiced and crisp – to cut through their richness. For dessert, Charlotte recommended we go for the very decadent chocolate fondant with peanut brittle, satay ice cream and chocolate soil. The fondant was dusted with gold lustre for added opulence, and the flavour combinations of peanut and chocolate worked predictably well – very rich and worth every spoonful. Our second dessert was equally excellent: a banana fritter of caramelised banana pieces with banana candy floss, cinnamon fritter and a beautiful banana mousse and purée. Tattu certainly delivered on its new menu and I was really impressed with the service – they’ve clearly invested in their team and it showed. Tattu, 3 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB (0161 819 2060; tattu.co.uk)

RELISH R ACING ON THE ROODEE 15 opportunities between May and September to experience the thrill of competitive racing in stylish surroundings. 2017 tickets and badges are now available to buy. Information about the discounted offers available and the full list of fixtures can be found in the leaflet enclosed in this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cheshire Magazine.

Call 01244 304 610 or visit chester-races.com

Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Going

Vintage F

or a festive tipple that’s right on trend, we love the ever-versatile spirit that is gin – and this season we’re particularly partial to a rather exclusive variety. Produced in Shetland and specially crafted by master distiller Andrew Bartlem, Blackwoods Vintage Dry Gin is a super-premium limited edition spirit, of which only 22,000 bottles are produced each year – a number chosen to reflect the population of Shetland. Each vintage is produced in very limited quantities, meaning that each batch is subtly different, with the flavour always determined by the availability of handpicked botanicals. And what’s more, it’s a complex gin suited to complex cocktails, making it the perfect gift for the budding mixologist in your life. (blackwoodsgin.co.uk)

CHRISTM AS AT THE SECOND FLOOR ‘Tis the season to celebrate, make sure you do it in style

THREE COURSES £30 12 midday – 5pm

T H R E E CO U RS ES A N D A CO C K TA I L £ 3 0 5pm – 10pm Available from Friday 18 November To book, call the Second Floor Brasserie on 0161 828 8898 or visit harveynichols.com/christmasdining

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Local scene Our social pages this month are filled with style, sport and superb events

A Touch Of Bollywood Ashaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Manchester The ladies of Manchester and Cheshire celebrated all that is fabulous about Indian cuisine over a lunch at the delectable Ashaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this month. The event, organised by ByParallel events, was in aid of The Frost Foundation, a charity which has been set up to help local children who are disadvantaged by illness, circumstance or lack of funding. (ashasrestaurant.co.uk; byparallel.co.uk; frostfoundation.co.uk)

photography courtesy of timbradleyphotography.com

Family Fun Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adventure Farm Trust The CAFT annual family fun day attracted guests from across the county, raising over ÂŁ5,000 for the charity, which provides holidays and daytrips to terminally ill, disabled and disadvantage children from all over the north west. Patrons John Bishop, Jennifer James and John Thomson were also on hand with their family and friends to enjoy the fairground entertainments and have some fun. (caft.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

British Eventing Kelsall Hill A record number of visitors flocked to Kelsall Hill Horse Trials, sponsored by Istanbul BBQ, Chester, for a chance to watch world-class athletes in action over courses designed by Captain Mark Phillips. Visitors enjoyed a varied schedule of attractions including Cheshire’s largest multi-species pet event ‘Pets on the Hill’, a Macmillan Coffee Morning, trade stalls and free face painting for children. Don’t miss Kelsall Hill’s Spring Horse Trials, 21-23 April 2017 (kelsallhill.co.uk)

photography courtesy of peter robinson and frw photography

The Star Ball The Hilton, Deansgate The tenth anniversary Star Ball took place last month in aid of the DMThomas Foundation for Yound People and charity partner, The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Trust. At once a glamorous affair and birthday celebration for the hotel – attracting the great and good of the northwest and beyond with food and entertainment – the event raises money to support disabled, sick and disadvantaged young people. We were lucky enough to hear from patron Christopher Biggins before he took to the stage as host and auctioneer. “I was asked by close friend Dame Maureen Thomas [founder of the charity, which was previously called Hilton in the Community] to come on board. And if she says do it, you do it! It’s amazing. I believe it’s raised over £13 million to date, to support and help young people achieve their potential. Amazing. I never tire of hearing the stories. “And I love coming here. I’m a proud Lancashire lad, and John [McLaughlin, general manager at Hilton Deansgate] always makes my stay welcoming, along with everyone else I meet. Although, Joan Collins did warn me the other day about taking selfies with people when asked, in case I got accused of having an affair with them! “I aim to inject some humour into the auction, to get people to delve deeper into their pockets – the Pelé picture is the biggest lot. But guests are so generous, especially coming up to Christmas. 30

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

“I believe we’ve raised over £13 million to

date to support and help young people achieve their potential. Amazing. I never tire of hearing the stories.”

Christopher Biggins, patron of the DM Thomas Foundation

“I won’t be in panto this year – at the age of 68, as a dame it was two shows a day and various costume changes, so I’m having a break. Life is so important, you have to enjoy it. “So this Christmas I will be able to celebrate with my family and god-children. I love giving, so the best bit is when we set up the present areas and everyone opens their gifts. Followed by a fabulous lunch and movie.” The event was themed around Manchester’s Year of Science, with lab-coated waiters serving test-tube cocktails and plenty of fundraising games. More than £50,000 was raised from the charity auction, with the Swarovski crystal portrait of Pelé selling for £25,000 and the chance to play five-a-side football with the Manchester United Class of ‘92 for £15,000. (dmthomasfoundation.org; hilton.com)

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Table Talk Racquet Club, Liverpool Margaret Harry and Georgia Forrest, owners of the House Beauty Spa in Liverpool, hosted best-selling author and crime writer Ann Cleevesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; latest book signing. The event took place at the Racquet Club Hotel Liverpool, with almost 100 ladies attending this lovely evening. Ann Cleeves wrote the top television series Vera Stanhope, and Shetland with Jimmy Perez as the main character. The evening raised over ÂŁ2,000 for good causes on Merseyside. (variety.org.uk; thehousebeautyspa.co.uk)

photography courtesy of davenelsonphotography.co.uk

Think you need a strong partner when your marriage ends? I do.

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Call us on 0808 175 7909 slatergordon.co.uk Offices in Manchester, Chester and throughout the UK

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

A s I w a s s ay i n g . . .

The Season of Good Will Melissa Porter asks are you Mary Christmas or The Grinch?

hat does the mention of Christmas bring up for you? There are generally two camps with regards to the holiday period: we either love it or loathe it. The Christmas-loving gang revel in experiences such as visiting Santa Claus in Lapland, basking in sunny climes, spending sacred time honouring Christ’s alleged birth, family time with nearest and dearest, and enjoying the giving and receiving of gifts. For the Grinch group, this holiday marks emotional pressure, compromise about whom to spend the day with, arguments about money and conflict between partners over access to kids. The holiday just doesn’t vibe with this tribe. My writing is specifically designed for you Grinches out there and, if you commit to following my simple tips, I guarantee you’ll enjoy a different experience this year. Remember Einstein’s definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. We need to change things up if we want different outcomes.

both feeling emotionally fulfilled? The Trump/ Clinton US political debates are a perfect example of how not to listen.

1. If someone is intent on getting their own way

yourself and Nutella. Melissa is a professional, certified transformational life coach (melissaportercoach.com)

at the expense of yours, they’re either under the age of five or have complete disrespect and disregard for your needs. If their only care is to get what they want, irrespective of how you end up feeling, at this point you might want to question why this person is in your life (unless they are under five).

3. You are allowed to wave goodbye to anyone who doesn’t respect your boundaries without apology. Be clear on what you will accept and tolerate and express it so all are clear. I have a personal rule about pessimists and gossips: I politely decline their fabulous invitation graciously. No thanks.

4. Don’t take anything personally. Everyone is fighting some emotional battle: know this to be true. People are able to display compassion and empathy relative to how they are able to interpret and understand their own feelings. Emotionally dysfunctional people need more support. It’s not you, it’s them.

5. Express your needs and know it’s not your responsibility to explain your reasons to anyone but yourself.

6. Some things are best not spread too thin:

2. Activate your ears and listen to understand what your loved ones want instead of listening to construct an answer. Is there a happy ground for you to meet on, that sees no one feeling compromised and manipulated, but instead

Family Friends Famous for its Bluebell Walks, Rode Hall is looking to the future. Natalie Anglesey speaks with the new custodians

isitors can be sure of a warm welcome at Cheshire’s Rode Hall and Gardens in the parish of Odd Rode at Scholars Green. Home to the Wilbraham family for over 350 years, the current residents are Randle and Amanda Baker Wilbraham with their three children. As a family they are determined to ensure that the future of the house and its estate equals its historic past. “Originally, the first Rode Hall was a black and white timbered building similar to nearby Little Moreton Hall,” Randle explains. “But after the Civil War it was eventually replaced by this Georgian building which has been substantially added to over the centuries. Our family name, too, sees the amalgamation of both the Baker and Wilbraham families.” The son of Sir Richard Baker Wilbraham, the eighth Baronet, and his wife Lady Anne broke with convention when a sense of

adventure took him to Australia working as a ‘jackaroo’ on sheep and cattle stations. Eventually he became a firefighter in London where he met and married Amanda. "We’ve recently taken over the responsibility of the everyday running of the estate so that my parents can enjoy their retirement,” Randle smiles. “Although my father’s probably in the office as we speak, overseeing operations. My parents have kindly moved into a cottage on the estate so we could bring our children here without disturbing them.” The family consists of son and heir Rafe, who is on holiday, and their two daughters, Eve and Willa, who are enthusiastic about their new permanent home. Although they tell me much of their time will be spent at school – joining their brother at Rugby. Amanda has the task of turning this charming house into a comfortable home and, looking around the cosy library, you can clearly see the

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

possibilities. The stacks of paintings in the hallways indicate that her artistic flair may come in handy, as she’s an artist who had a career in design in London. “So many country houses have no soul, and I want to highlight the soul of this house with its family portraits and amazing porcelain collection,” Amanda enthuses. “We’ve found some old costumes in one of the attics, and I’m thinking about dressing mannequins at certain stages in the house to bring its history to life. We’re fortunate to have an amazing staff and many kind volunteers who help in the house and grounds, as visitors enjoy the parkland and the woodland walks.”

“Eventually I intend to make this more of a family home – but at the moment our priority is becoming more involved in our community” Amanda insists on being hands on. “Eventually I intend to make this more of a family home – but at the moment our priority is becoming more involved in our community. I’m really keen to build on the links already established by Lady Anne. Our season runs from March 28 to September 28 and we’re usually open on Wednesdays and Bank Holidays, but it’s always best to check. “We’ve had huge success this year with the Just So Festival and our Artisan and Farmers Markets. It affords us the chance to display the vegetables, fruits and flowers from our wonderful kitchen garden, but also it means we can help our neighbours to display their produce.” An invitation to stroll through the walled kitchen garden to meet Kelvin Archer, Rode’s head gardener, brings us through an idyllic garden. There’s a plethora of flourishing vegetables interwoven with a sea of beautiful flowers, while the delightful gardener’s cottage, where he lives, looks straight out of a Beatrix Potter illustration. As we walk Amanda explains: “We’ve given ourselves a family challenge not to visit a

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

supermarket for a whole year. Our Tea Rooms sells delicious lunches with soups and mouthwatering cakes made from ingredients grown here. Incidentally, Kelvin once grew the biggest gooseberry in the world, and will no doubt win that title again!” With a warm hand-shake, a beaming Kelvin proudly nods in agreement, as he explains that it’s a title he held for 16 years and which he regained this year with his Millennium Berry.

He reassures me he’s kept the seeds and will definitely try again! The highlight of the year at Rode Hall is undoubtedly the famous Christmas Markets – which, weather permitting, will be held on 3 December – and the whole family will be involved. This year they hope it will be bigger and better than ever, with festive foods, mulled wine and the obligatory mince pies. Although some stately homes have encountered litter problems, not so at Rode, Randle tells me. “Our visitors are most respectful of our grounds, presumably because they realise it’s our home. We also have a terrific team of volunteers who do a great job.” Amanda adds, “We want people to have fun. We want all our friends and neighbours in the community, as well as our visitors from further afield, to bring their families and enjoy the experience. Then next year we’ll start all over again with our famous Snowdrop Walk in February and the Bluebell Walk in April. I’m also thinking about holding an Antiques Fair in the grounds – so there are plenty of events to look forward to in 2017. In the meantime, we’re all looking forward to our Merry Christmas Market!” (rodehall.co.uk)

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and to

Objects of desire to inspire your Christmas shopping

Hooked On You bangle, £3,250, David M Robinson (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

Junon Goose Bedside table, £499, Design My World Ltd (designmyworld.net)

3D printed Diplodocus, £1,500, Natural History Museum (nhm.ac.uk)

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American Walnut Papa, Mama & Baby Bear, £135, £97, £47, Little Baby Company (littlebabycompany.com)

Exclusive Alexander McQueen envelope clutch, £125, Selfridges (selfridges.com)

The Ritual of Light Candle, £21 (regular)/£42.50 (extra large), Rituals (rituals.com)

Master & Dynamic, MH40 white aluminium headphones, £370, Harvey Nichols (harveynichols.com)

La Prairie X Baccarat Caviar Spectaculaire, £1,350, exclusive to Selfridges (selfridges.com)

Gallerie de Portraits, Le Grand Theatre, tray, £109.99, Dowsing and Reynolds (dowsingandreynolds.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Annoushka gold Butterflies necklace, £19,500 (Limited edition 24), Annoushka (annoushka.com)

The Mixologists’ Toolkit, £150, Harvey Nichols (harveynichols.com)

New shape Gentleman’s Retainer, £3,375 and Grace, a valet for ladies, £3,900, Gentleman’s Valet Company (gentlemansvaletcompany.co.uk)

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d e p p w ra

and n e m e s i ir e The w h t er f f o g n n i e t m a o w cor e d n o e a dv ic ith st y l e and n w a so e a s ng i t a d joy e n a cr rt o f m of co

Plan Your Gift Buying Joanne Forshaw, marketing manager, McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Never underestimate the importance of writing a list to help with Christmas shopping! Make a note of friends’ and family’s hobbies, favourite brands or previous gifts you know you’ve bought, all of which are helpful in avoiding buying someone the same thing again. Be sure to set yourself a budget; I may be biased, but outlet shopping helps it stretch that bit further. I’m terrible at wrapping, so Paperchase is always my first port of call for gorgeous bags and tissue paper with matching cards (they do the hard work for you…). For awkward-to-buy-for family members (everybody has one…) you can’t go wrong with a gift card. (mcarthurglen.co.uk)

Make it Yourself Charlotte Daffern, manager Neptune, Wilmslow

“Faded hydrangeas are a must, and give that stylish, vintage edge to any design” 50

I love this time of year, with the berried ivy, the scent of eucalyptus, rosemary and spruce (a tree that lasts so long and holds its leaves and colour). There are so many interesting mosses about, so when making wreaths I always use the grey talansea and succulents plants, as they’re great for creating different textures. As for roses, this time of year I love black baccara, which I also often use in my wreaths. I know these roses will last for the whole of December on an outdoor wreath, and they dry beautifully indoors, too. Faded hydrangeas are also a must, and give that stylish, vintage edge to any design. But the wreaths we make don’t have to be used outdoors – many of my clients love what they have made so much they keep it for the Christmas table, complementing it with a glass hurricane holding a scented candle. (neptune.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Present Your Presents in Style Mollyann Taylor Commonhall Street Social, Chester No matter how spectacular the gifts under your tree, don’t forget that, for the entire run up to Christmas Day, it’ll be the wrapping paper that’s on show – so, if wrapping isn’t your forte (think twisted Sellotape, excess paper and cheesy stick-on bows), this is a good time to call in the experts. Fortunately, we at Commonhall St Social are coming to the rescue this December, by offering to take the arduous job of Christmas present wrapping off your hands. If you don’t quite have the knack, or simply don’t have the time (and really, who does?), pop in for lunch between Monday and Thursday, 12pm-5pm, and we’ll happily do it for you, (in style), free of charge! (commonhall.co.uk)

“If wrapping isn’t your forte... this is a good time to call in the experts”

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love to bring the outdoors into the home and style using lots of greeneryâ&#x20AC;? The Perfect Table Janey Butler, interior design specialist and owner of Janey Butler Interiors My signature style for interior design has developed over the years as I have travelled extensively and taken inspiration from different countries, cultures, art and architecture. However the one constant when it comes to inspiration has always been nature: natural colours and textures. Nature is always my starting point when it comes to styling and dressing my own home and our show home, for Christmas. I love to bring the outdoors into the home and style using lots of greenery such as soft green/grey eucalyptus, moss, pine cones and tiny fir trees to create a Christmas feel. Berried branches also create impact with their height and work well with large rooms and high ceilings. Adding scented candles is always a lovely way to dress the home at Christmas, with their warm, soft, inviting light and festive aromas. I mix large luxury candles with an abundance of tiny tea lights displayed in beautiful holders and little glass vases. Dressing the table for Christmas lunch is one of my favourite traditions. Last year I created a minimal yet stunning display of baby fir trees along the centre of our large table, mixed with tiny candles. The table was then completed with gorgeous glass and tableware in muted earthy tones to complement the table centre piece. Most of all inject your personality and your own style and enjoy. (janeybutler.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Entertain the Kids Sara Roberts, kids’ party planner and co-founder of Jam & Jelly Parties Christmas really is a magical time for little ones, and we believe that it should be anything but stressful. Leading up to Christmas is a great time to throw a party to get children excited for what’s to come. Using the magic of Christmas as a theme, children arrive to a hot chocolate with a help-yourself-to-toppings buffet. Activities can range from card making stations and tree decorating, at a minimum, to Father Christmas arriving on a sleigh and Carol singers; it all depends on you. Even better if you get someone else to organise it all for you – why stress?! (jamandjelly.uk)

Make an Entrance Adele Gregson, The Christmas Decorators I really love Christmas, hence I love the business I am in, assisting those who love celebrating this special time of the year and making the Christmas season extra special by decorating the inside and outside of their home. Whether you go small or all out, you can always make a statement. Decorating the exterior of your home always makes a big statement – what better way to be welcomed home, or welcome your guests as they arrive to celebrate, than to see the most amazing Christmas display? Look at what you already have growing in your garden and accentuate it. Dress your bay trees with twinkling lights, or create an avenue of Christmas trees down your driveway. Also, don’t forget about the interior of your home, as this is where your family and friends will spend most of their time. Try to highlight the architectural features of your home for maximum effect. It’s not as expensive as you may think, but remember, if you want to add two-metre tall Nutcracker soldiers to guard the entrance to your home, think ahead and plan accordingly. Happy Christmas! (thechristmasdecorators.co.uk)

“Whether you go small or all out, you can always make a statement”

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The Host with the Most Julie Mills, marketing director, Booths Christmas dinner, the most important meal of the year. No pressure there then. Being the grown up in charge of Christmas is a daunting challenge. The secret to a delicious day is to treat all the preparation for the big event as an absolute joy. There’s a maxim: fail to plan, plan to fail. You don’t have to cook every festive meal from scratch – it helps to have a few well-sourced ‘cheats’ on standby. You want to enjoy your guests and not be a slave to the stove, and I know a great store which specialises in regional delicacies to help you put your feet up, pause and enjoy time with friends and family! Hygge is the Nordic word that describes a ‘feeling of cosiness and contentment’ and ‘enjoying the good things in life with people around you’. The good life begins with friends and family gathered round a table. The Great Christmas Dinner, £100 (booths.co.uk)

“The secret to a delicious day is to treat all the preparation for the big event as a joy” Make good use of the leftovers Craig Wainwright, head chef, The White Horse There’s always plenty of food left over at our house on Boxing Day: the trick is working out delicious ways to use it. I promise you there is more to post-Christmas food than dry turkey sandwiches or the fabled turkey curry. Try a succulent turkey pie, cooking out the meat to make sure its still juicy and tender, throwing in some chipolatas and smoked bacon for extra flavour and serving with your mashed up leftover roasties and veg. I won’t be cooking this Christmas, we’ll be heading with the family to the in-laws. My mother-in-law does a great Christmas dinner, but I’ll be back at work on Boxing Day, and pie will be on the menu! (thewhitehorsechester.co.uk)

The magic of Christmas never ends, as long as you believe. Share happiness with those that matter most this Christmas; let them wake to a Chester Grosvenor gift voucher nestled neatly under the tree. From quintessential afternoon tea and Michelin starred dining experiences to the most relaxing ELEMIS spa treatments, purchase gift vouchers online at www.ChesterGrosvenor.com or visit Hotel Reception.

#WeBelieveInChristmas The Chester Grosvenor Eastgate Chester CH1 1LT +44 (0)1244 324 024 Hotel@ChesterGrosvenor.com

A Christmas Tale Louisa Castle takes a trip down memory lane and into Wedgwood’s winter wonderland

conic Wedgwood blue baubles are carefully unwrapped each year and placed on my tree with pride. And, each year, we admire their simple elegance and craftsmanship, though how easily I always forget that they come from just down the road in Stoke.

Upon a quick search looking for the 2016 collection – and being instantly tempted by the grey teardrop – I delve a little deeper into this iconic British brand. Founder Josiah Wedgwood began as an independent potter in Burslem, Staffordshire in

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

1759, experimenting with the possibilities of clay. Some 257 years later, his passion for craftsmanship and innovation have stood the test of time and can still be found in today's Wedgwood production. Josiah was a pioneer, scientist, philanthropist and family man who is well known for leading English pottery from a cottage craft to a global phenomenon.

“The fundamentals which led to his success in the eighteenth century remain at the heart of the company today” Today, the fundamentals which led to his success in the eighteenth century remain at the heart of the company: a celebration of innovation, quality and craftsmanship. You only have to visit the World of Wedgwood, located in Barlaston, to discover this. Modern technology works in harmony with ancient skills of throwing and

decorating; artisans pass on their skills; today's modern designs compliment the traditional, famed Jasperware; and, inspired, you get to have a go yourself. Great for the kids, old and young! Like me, I think we're all aware of Wedgwood, of the timeless pieces presented in cabinets at the family home. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my re-discovery of the British master, and I look forward to their Wedgwood Wonderland this festive season. If you’re inspired by our Christmas Unwrapped feature (page 47) then the Wedgwood Wonderland promises to help you re-discover the joy of Christmas with advice on decorating the tree, sharing a wish and countering the stress the season can bring. Wedgwood Wonderland, 26 November to 18 December (01782 282986; info@worldofwedgwood.com)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

T A YLO R T A LKS

The actress speaks with Liz Taylor about Strictly, losing weight and loving life “to be on the safe side”, which is actually utter nonsense, as I am so much smaller. Hopefully this is part of me I can work harder on. My favourite designer is and always has been Vivienne Westwood. Her individuality speaks so much through fashion. But I suppose when being interviewed I should really say myself, as I now have my own clothing range called Just Be You!

vivienne westwood © John Gomez; kleenex pocket tissues © Antony McAulay; Robin Windsor © Featureflash Photo Agency. all shutterstock

What’s the best thing about your Strictly Come Dancing experience? Basically it’s proving everyone wrong! I believe that when I first announced being involved with the show, everyone saw me and thought “oh, here we go, another Ann Widdecombe”, but it didn’t take me long to prove them all wrong. Of course I was so lucky finding one of my best friends in Robin, my pro-partner. From the first moment we got into the practice room, it was a non-stop rollercoaster of fun, so I feel blessed.

You’ve recently talked about your weight loss. What was your secret? I’ve now lost more than 10 stone, going from a size 30 to a size 14. I have literally changed my life and my lifestyle completely. As you well know I was a party girl, but now it’s over a year since I had one single drop of booze, my portion sizes are so much smaller, I don’t really eat after six at night and I try to exercise as much as I can – and that’s not just gentle exercise, it’s high cardio. But mainly I’m happy: for the first time in my life I can actually say I’m the happiest I have ever been!

Weight loss should always come with a new wardrobe – who is your favourite designer now? I am still in pure denial and I can’t stop. I keep purchasing bigger sizes than I actually need

We both travel a lot – what three things can’t you leave home without?

lisa riley

“For the first time in my life, I can actually say I’m the happiest I have ever been!”

Firstly, my camera and storage stick. I have been so lucky to see such incredible places and to photograph my memories. Secondly, my mascara. No matter how little make up I wear while travelling, I always put my mascara on. But, most importantly, pocket tissues. This is the ultimate must. Believe me, I have seen some ‘unique’ toilets on my travels, where toilet roll is the last thing on the menu!

What does 2017 hold for you? It’s looking very exciting in my world, as I am now a ‘Loose Woman’, which I just love. I am appearing in panto in Wolverhampton this Christmas, and I suppose my most proud moment is going to be when my new BBC drama comes out in February. It’s going to be wonderful. And there’s plenty more, which I will have to keep to myself for the time being! (justbeyouclothing. co.uk; tlc-ltd.co.uk) 59

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

Russian State Ballet

Autumn Lights The National Trust is dipping its toes into the world of contemporary art, with a new installation – ‘Autumn Lights’ by Manchester-based artist Liz West – showing at Little Moreton Hall this autumn. Aiming to offer visitors new ways of absorbing the histories of Moreton’s buildings, the piece streams light through ancient glass windows, to help visitors question the effect differing light has on our sense of sight. The installation is part of the National Trust’s ‘Trust New Art’ project, in partnership with Arts Council England, which will offer artists the opportunity to create new work in spaces and places which wouldn’t normally be accessible, thereby challenging their creative processes. Until 27 November (when house is open), Little Moreton Hall, Congleton Rd, Congleton, CW12 4SD (nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall)

Ballet aficionados of the North West will be thrilled to hear that the Russian State Ballet of Siberia is returning to the UK in 2017 for a 17-venue tour. Set to kick off in Manchester in January, the tour will be the Company’s fifteenth in the UK and will feature exquisite performances of five of the world’s most popular ballets: La Fille mal Gardée; Coppélia; Swan Lake; The Nutcracker and Giselle. The Nutcracker, 3 and 4 January, The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS (0161 907 9000; raymondgubbay.co.uk; eventim.co.uk)

Arts & Culture Gemma Knight brings you not-to-miss shows and news from Cheshire’s thriving arts scene

Chester Arts Fair With more than 90 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors, the Chester Arts Fair is one of the most prestigious art fairs outside London, this year offering a live sculpture demonstration by international artist Ben Dearnley, the launch of leading contemporary oil painter Carl Melegari’s latest collection (which is not currently available in Cheshire galleries) and a chance to see the work of several international artists from the Middle East, Far East and Europe, such as Leigh Shenton from Dubai. 19-20 November, Chester Racecourse (chesterartsfair.co.uk)

Modern Drawings ‘Modern Drawings: Vision and Temperament’, an exhibition exploring the fascinating variety of modern drawings, opens this January at Chester’s Grosvenor Museum. The exhibition is an excellent opportunity to see a collection of stunning drawn works by a variety of artists, selected by Dr Tom McGuirk, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art at the University of Chester, and – in what seems to be something of a theme in Cheshire at the moment – aims to provide insights into the vision of artists and, by extension, into how we all see. Until 15 January, Grosvenor Museum (grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk) Portrait by carl melegari

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

PRIZE LOTs

#1 ‘A Kiss’ by Pavel Aleksandrovich Svedomsky This stunning oil on canvas work by Pavel Svedomsky is emblematic of his ongoing fascination with the classical monuments and history of the ‘eternal city of Rome’. Italianate style in the Salon paintings demonstrated an astonishing longevity and appeal, showcasing sensuality of the southern beauties, richness of colours, picturesque costumes and the beauty of Mediterranean landscape. ‘The Kiss’, with its alluringly life-like sensuality, is a tour-de-force of Svedomsky’s impressive talent. Estimate £80,000-£120,000, The Russian Sale, 30 November (bonhams.com)

#2 Beautiful, hallo, space-boy painting, Damien Hirst with David Bowie, 1995 In 1996 Bowie described Hirst’s kaleidoscopic spin paintings in the art magazine Modern Painters as: “unconcerned with the savageness of life. It’s

optimistic, it’s here and it’s now”. Hirst was inspired to create the whimsical spin paintings by an episode of Blue Peter, and in 1995 he and Bowie actually created Beautiful, hallo, space-boy painting together. The result is a one-off collaborative piece by two cultural icons who have had an incredible impact on a generation. Estimate £250,000-£350,000, 10 November (sothebys.com)

#3 Wellington House Academy: Nude by Walter Richard Sickert A.R.A. Bonhams hold two major auctions each year of the very best of Modern British painting, sculpture and drawing and, this autumn, have the top two prices for celebrated painter Walter Richard Sickert, with his stunning ‘Nude’ (painted crica 1913) appearing in the November sale. Estimate £60,000-£80,000, Modern British and Irish Art, 23 November (bomhams.com)

As Salford-native and nationally-loved comedian Jason Manford gears up for his latest role â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one which brings him back to Manchester â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Natalie Anglesey stops by to chat family, dance lessons and James Bond

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

“I

’m just on my way to meet Truly Scrumptious,” chuckles Jason Manford. At first I think he’s joking, but the multi-tasking comedian-turned-actor and musical star quickly explains. “I’m meeting my co-star, Charlotte Wakefield, who plays Truly. We’re rehearsing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. “ The good news is that this popular musical extravaganza – being performed at the Lowry this winter – means Jason will be home for the Christmas break. “I was born and raised in Salford and really enjoy being on stage at The Lowry,” he explains. “I’ve done several shows there and the audiences are hard to beat, as they get my sense of humour. I must admit, now I barely recognise the places I grew up in, as Salford’s changed so much over the years – but I’m really looking forward to being at home for Christmas and New Year, as that rarely happens in this business.” Home for Jason is now just outside Stockport, where he lives with his partner, Lucy Dyke, and their young daughter, born in January 2015. It’s also near enough for him to see as much as he can of his four children by his ex-wife, with whom he maintains an amicable relationship. “The public are great when I’m out with the kids; nobody really bothers me as they know it’s my family time. It may be a bit different when I’m supporting my football team, Manchester City, but again that’s always been a bit of a family affair with my dad and brothers.”

Jason also remains best friends with his mentor Peter Kay. “I see as much of Peter as I can, and I used to regularly watch him doing stand-up. I really admired the way he involved the whole audience and, when I first took the plunge into comedy at seventeen – in the Buzz Comedy Club in Chorlton – he encouraged me. He also recommended me to study media and performance, as he’d done, at Salford University, where you can learn a lot about acting as well as comedy.” After cutting his teeth in comedy clubs and then winning the Perrier Award for Comedy at the Edinburgh Festival, 2007 brought Jason offers of television appearances and a much wider public following. With a multitude of comedy shows like 8 out of 10 Cats, Tonightly, and Show Me The Funny, he won more popularity. He wrote and presented A Funny Old Year and hosted A Question of Sport: Super Saturday, and Sunday Night at the Palladium, as well as It's a Funny Old Week. Most recently, we saw him as a contestant on Lip Sync Battle UK. But Jason never entirely gave up his acting ambitions. His first acting job was in the BBC’s Ideal, and he later appeared in Moving On. In 2015, he played Marty in the BBC One drama series Ordinary Lies, starring alongside Michelle Keegan, Max Beesley and Sally Lindsay.

Jason Manford as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. PHOTO COURTESY OF Alastair Muir

“This new Yorkshire Playhouse production allows me to be more me with my own Lancashire accent”

Art & Culture | The CHESHIRE Magazine

He also played the medium Alexander Le Cheyne in Ripper Street. In 2012, he took over the small role of Pirelli in the London revival of the award-winning musical Sweeney Todd but, as he once told me, “I was dead by 8.30pm! Yet I loved it, lost weight and seriously began thinking about musical theatre. I knew I’d better start taking singing and even – don’t laugh – dancing lessons.” Jason’s big break into musical theatre came in 2015 when, to rave reviews, he starred as Leo Bloom in the 2015 UK tour of Mel Brooks' The Producers. “It was one of my favourite musicals and, as a huge Mel Brooks fan, I was over the moon. Corey English and Phill Jupitus, who also starred in it, were really supportive. In fact, on tour, Phill and I shared a flat and he did all the cooking. We had a real laugh.” Jason reminds me that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was written by Ian Fleming, who created James Bond. “Barbara Broccoli is the producer of this show and it was her dad, Cubby, who first made the James Bond movies happen – so I was thrilled to be asked.” Does that mean he might be the next James Bond? “In my dreams,” he jokes. “I loved being in The Producers, but that’s a tightly choreographed show, while this new Yorkshire Playhouse production allows me to be more me with my own Lancashire accent. When I was first asked to play it, I only did a short run of three months, as I wanted to have a break for

quality time with my kids during the school holidays. I loved playing Caractacus Potts as, like me, he loves his kids and he’s a bit of a maverick. We’ve been on tour since September and I’m delighted to be back.” With a string of sell-out, stand-up shows, his successful DVDs, his best-selling book, Brung Up Proper (which he wrote with his dad), and now his role in Chitty, life looks good for Jason. “The car’s the star – just wait until you see it, it’s terrific! I’m really enjoying this show, it’s so family-friendly, especially with Phill Jupitus and Claire Sweeney as Baron and Baroness Bomburst. There’s wonderful music by the Academy award-winning Sherman Brothers, who wrote the music for Mary Poppins, with lovely but vocally challenging songs for me, and I even get to do some dancing! All my kids have seen Chitty and loved it – even the little one – and now there’s a chance for them to see daddy on stage again. The beauty of this musical is that it’s a real family show with something for every generation – so you can bring granny too!” Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Lowry 6 December-15 January (0843 2086000; thelowry.com)

Jason Manford as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. PHOTO COURTESY OF Alastair Muir

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Santa Baby

orgot to mention one little thing, a ring – so the song goes. And we don’t mean just any ring: this Christmas we will settle for nothing less than the stunning ribbon collection from David M Robinson. Of course, stacking rings have well and truly staked their claim on the jewellery scene in recent years – but the four rings from the new range, each showcasing a unique ribbon effect combining diamonds

and interlacing gold strands in a single statement piece, is already setting new standards for the stacking aesthetic. Available in either 18kt yellow or rose gold inset with sparkling diamonds, the ribbon rings are the perfect day-to-night piece – ideal for adding a chic element to a casual daytime look, and even better when you’re pulling out all the stops for this season’s festive soirées. ‘Tis the season to sparkle, after all. From £2,650 (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

F I YAH JEWELLERY

www.F I Y A H.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Watch news words: richard brown

Farer’s Mechanical Debut

On Track

While in recent years we’ve witnessed an explosion in home-grown ‘fashion watches’ (think Olivia Burton, Shore Projects and Sekford), you can still count the number of British brands producing serious numbers of mechanical watches, on one hand. Bremont, Christopher Ward, Schofield and Pinion will get you to four; Farer will now take you to five. Until recently, Farer sat firmly within the fashion watch sector, but has now announced its first collection of automatics. As with all UK mechanical watch brands, Farer is reliant on Switzerland for its self-winding movements (the ETA-produced Calibre 2824-2, in this case), but names such as Beagle and Endurance nod toward decidedly British underpinnings. The three 39.5mm timepieces are designed to be unisex. Each comprises a stainless steel case and a sapphire crystal case-back, through which an engraved oscillating weight is visible. £875 (farer.com)

Drawing on Paul’s love of cycling, the new Track collection from megabrand Paul Smith borrows design elements from classic stopwatches used to keep time in the velodrome. The design of the watch dial is simple and clean, while subtle dots of colour are introduced at every hour index. The addition of a dark red second hand references the traditional stopwatch design. The range is extensive, with black and brown leather strap models and steel and black PVD coated Milanese bracelets, while dials come in blue, silver and black. From £179 (paulsmith.co.uk)

ONE TO WATCH “This new Rolex 28mm Lady-Datejust combines 18kt Everose and 904L steel with a symphony of diamond dot indicators that enhances the mother of pearl dial. Finished off with a full diamond bezel, it shimmers elegance to another level. Thanks to the twinlock waterproof crown system and self-winding movement, this timepiece is robust and practical, as well as being feminine and stylish.”

The Perfect Pilot’s Watch As the sporty sister brand to the more classic Frédérique Constant, Alpina has cornered the market when it comes to entry-level action watches. Its latest innovation, the Startimer Pilot Automatic Chronograph, is a distinctly ergonomic piece with highly-legible sub-dials and luminous indexes. Military dial colours come in either black, petrol blue or dark green. Alpina’s distinctive red triangle sits at 12 o’clock and a date window is found at 3 o’clock. Fans of early pilot watches will appreciate the large 44mm case, oversized screw-in crown and chunky leather strap. £2,090 (alpina-watches.com)

– Chinda Jim, David M Robinson’s Manchester Showroom Available at David M Robinson in Manchester, £13,000 (davidmrobinson.co.uk) 71

Especially for You Jewellery occupies a sentimental place in all our hearts; so what better gift for that difficult loved one who has everything, than a custom-made piece that is as unique as they are, asks Rachael Taylor?

e all have one – that much-loved friend or relative who already owns the newest and best version of everything, with notoriously expensive taste, and an exacting eye to match. The thought of tackling the search for their Christmas present fills you with dread, and countless department stores and websites have already fallen – disappointingly – by the wayside since your desperate quest began. Fortunately, the limitlessly imaginative world of the bespoke jewellery commission is the ideal solution to just such a dilemma, allowing you to create the perfect piece for the person in question – a gift that is at once unique and entirely personal. After all, commissioning a custom-made piece of jewellery is certainly no passing trend. In the days when making products for the mass market

was but a twinkle in an ambitious merchant’s eye, the majority of jewellery was made to order for individual customers. This business model is making a comeback as customers start to scrutinise more closely where the products they buy originate. As such, the industry has seen an increase in demand for quality, bespoke goods that will stand the test of time and few products deliver this better than fine jewellery. Well-crafted jewellery collections showcase quality craftsmanship and the artistry of a beautifully-realised piece of jewellery, but what is really keeping goldsmiths busy at the bench is the market for jewels that can be personalised, customised or imagined from scratch, so they are completely unique to their owner. If you’re yet to commission your first bespoke piece of jewellery, you might assume that it will be vastly more expensive than one

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

“The jewellers have recently undertaken several high profile bespoke projects” of the jewels ripe for the picking in the cabinets, but this isn’t always the case. “We can work around any budget,” says David M Robinson goldsmith Dawn Welch, who adds that such commissions work particularly well for customers who want to remodel jewellery. “Recently a lady came in with her engagement ring, wedding ring and late husband’s wedding ring, all to be melted together to make a dress ring. She chose to have a heart-shaped amethyst added to represent their love and their shared birthstone. It was such a lovely way to use the items and to remember her late husband.” The jewellers have recently undertaken several high profile bespoke projects that serve as excellent examples of just how meaningful and distinctive a gift of this sort can be. Earlier this year, for instance, the brand created two beautiful lockets for the mothers of Olympic gold medal-winning cyclists Laura Trott and Jason Kenny when they celebrated their wedding. And then there’s the stunning black-pearl pendant created for an anonymous client (reputed to be the wife of another famous cyclist) by the David M Robinson goldsmiths. Demand for bespoke jewels is definitely on the rise at David M Robinson, according to chairman and owner David Robinson. “We have four goldsmiths in the company,” he says, “and one CAD designer who also assists with designing collections and commissions, working from my designs, producing prototypes and models for our customers to approve.” For those not familiar with the term, CAD – an acronym describing computer-aided design – is used to describe a type of software that allows jewellers to digitally plan out designs. “It takes a confident person to approve a design without seeing the final piece finished,” says David. “That’s why CAD is such a wonderful asset to our business. Initial sketches are still being approved, but the customer can now view CAD images, which are as precise as a professional photography image. We can also produce a resin model to show them exactly the

size and volume of the finished piece.” It really is a glimpse into the future. Another interesting new technology being used by the design teams at David M Robinson is 3D printing. Despite the company’s values being deeply rooted in tradition, the jewellery industry has been embracing this new technique, and it’s now easier than you might think to print your own piece of jewellery – or at least commission a jeweller to print it for you. The process involves the printer building up resin step-by-step, before it is cast in metal using the ‘lost-wax’ casting process – ideal for complex designs that would be too time-consuming to do by hand. But never fear; the traditional artisans are not about to be replaced by lasers and robotic machines. Once the jewel has been cast, the design will be perfect, but the finish will be rough, so it’s back to the goldsmith to be set and polished. “People have been working with their hands since the beginning of time and that won’t stop,” says Dawn. “Goldsmiths add the personal touch and put the printed pieces together, putting the soul into the finished piece.” (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

Collection | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Jewellery

news

WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE

Reach For The Stars

Two By Two

Bridal and ready-to-wear designer Jenny Packham has created an exclusive fine jewellery collection for Goldsmiths. It comprises three engagement rings – Gloria, Aurora and Étoile – and each style arrives with matching earrings and a pendant, to complete the bridal suite. The brilliant-cut Art Deco Gloria ring was inspired by the 1920s Hollywood starlet Gloria Swanson, while both Étoile (a brilliant-cut single halo) and Aurora (an oval double halo) were inspired by the night sky. From £600-£7,800 (goldsmiths.co.uk)

The animal kingdom has once again been brought to life in the world of high jewellery by Van Cleef & Arpels. From elephants and giraffes to parrots and penguins, each creature in this menagerie-inspired line comes in the form of precious clips (presented as a pair or singularly). The eternal faithfulness of penguins, which are known to mate for life, has been illustrated in a tender composition featuring diamonds, black onyx and two shades of coral on the base to represent their icy homeland, while the allure of the mythical phoenix (pictured) has been depicted in golden mother of pearl and diamonds. Noah’s Ark collection, POA (vancleefarpels.com)

Heart Of Gold

True Colours An engagement ring should be a reflection of one’s personality, and when it comes to Fabergé’s new collection, it certainly does just that. In tribute to its colourful creative history, the house has replaced the traditional white diamond with emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Within each engagement ring and wedding band there is an additional concealed gemstone of matching colour to symbolise an unbroken bond between the couple. From £857 (faberge.com) 74

The modern trend for rose gold engagement rings has now been given a timeless appeal thanks to Tiffany & Co.’s latest collection. As part of the celebrations to mark the 130th anniversary of its famous Tiffany Setting that lifts the stone above the band (first introduced in 1886 by founder Charles Lewis Tiffany), the jeweller has reimagined this classic ring – featuring six platinum prongs that elevate the central stone above the band – in contemporary 18-karat rose gold. It also comes with a matching rose gold and diamond pavé wedding band. From £1,150 (tiffany.co.uk)

Anna Bella Silver Charm Bracelet £48 |

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Fabulous jewellery... made with love X Sterling Silver, Gold and Rose Gold Jewellery www.anniehaakdesigns.co.uk | @anniehaakdesigns Sign up to our newsletter for exciting offers and promotions throughout the festive season

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BOSS

Lady

atapulted into our lives straight off September’s fashion week runways, we are already utterly besotted with the new BOSS Bespoke SOFT – the next generation in the BOSS Bespoke bag family, set to be part of the brand’s SS17 collection. Available in four vibrant colourways: royal blue, moss green, warm rust red and sleek black, the bag is Boss’ first ever ‘see now, buy now’ product, meaning that customers were able to purchase it straight after the SS17 runway show in New York (the dream!). Worked in a soft, grainy Italian leather, the bag boasts a relaxed silhouette, with adaptable side panels (which can be styled tucked in for a formal shape, or folded out for extra room and a more casual style), contrast stitching, and an exaggerated version of the signature cufflink closure in brushed gold. It’s inspired by the bright, bold colours used by artist David Hockney, and we love it. (hugoboss.com)

Return Of The Mac At this time of year, the unpredictable UK climate is a familiar obstacle – often alluded to as a very British problem. Hackett has sidestepped the outerwear dilemma often faced during this transitional period with its slick new Mayfair Made in London capsule coat range, created using Ventile fabric. Initially worn by wartime pilots, this pure cotton material is resistant to practically all weathers – even the elusive Indian summer. (hackett.com)

Fashion news The Essentials Established in 2015 and ideal for men hoping to update their look with stylishly mature pieces, the Mr Quintessential’s designer knitwear is all about keeping things simple – no logos, no slogans, just an extensive range in 100 per cent Mongolian cashmere wool. With everything from classic crew necks and polo shirts to V-necks and cardigans, the brand has you covered whether you’re in need of formal wear, everyday pieces or holiday attire, using a fabulous combination of quality cuts, perfectly crafted cashmere and the latest trends, to create a relaxed look that fits well without looking overdone. (mrquintessential.com)

A New Rose If you’re already a fan of Freya Rose’s bridal couture, but find yourself short on reasons to indulge in a wedding dress, you’ll be pleased to hear that the lady behind the brand has now also launched an intricate and beautifully hand-crafted collection of occasion wear. Unveiled in September, the new pieces are priced from £195 and include real python, soft suede, mother of pearl, Swarovski and cubic zirconia, all handmade to the finest quality. (freyarose.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

All In The Jeans We’ve all bought jeans that slide down, don’t sit high enough or bag on the bottom but – fortunately for Cheshire residents – Elegance Boutique stock the popular FDJ (French Dressing Jeans) label; renowned for its four unique cuts designed to perfectly fit individual shapes. For example, there’s Kylie, for slight ladies that like to wear jeans slightly below the waist, and Olivia, a slimming cut that flattens the tummy and lifts the bottom, sitting just below the waist. For a higher cut, which also flattens the tummy and lifts the bottom, there’s Suzanne, while Peggy is best for ladies with a defined waist that like to wear their jeans on the waist without sacrificing tummy control and bottom support. For extra guidance, drop by Elegance’s Sandbach shop on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for the fit clinic, where you’ll be professionally fitted with the correct cut and design for your shape. 57 High Street, Tarporley, CW6 0DP & 10 Congleton Rd, Sandbach, CW11 1HJ

Christmas Corner The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet at Cheshire Oaks will be putting on a festive wonderland this winter, in the form of their fabulous Christmas Corner. Open from Monday 24th October to Sunday 1st January, this year the corner will be après ski themed, with a carousel, a German bar selling beers and gluhwein, a festive swing grill, hot chocolate and crêpes. You’d be a fool to miss it! (mcarthurglen.com)

Head To Toe Cobbler-in-chief at Oliver Sweeney, Tim Cooper, hails from two generations of shoemakers; however, this season, he is expanding his design credentials to include clothing. Endorsed for its superior fit (coined the Anatomical Last) and quirky designs, the footwear brand’s first foray into ready-to-wear since its launch in 1989 is set to shake up the fashion world like its shagreen brogues did in the 90s. (oliversweeney.com)

loves Dressed For Adventure Those of us with a serious case of itchy feet and wanderlust will love the new range of silk and cashmere scarves from luxury brand Lincoln and Lennox – which has, at last, launched in the UK. Designed by the duo behind the brand, designer Krysia Mezger and photographer Amanda Julca, each scarf is a soft blend of 30 per cent silk and 70 per cent cashmere, inspired by destinations all over the world – from the iridescent colours of the peacock, to a sprawling prairie of lavender and the face of a majestic Bengal Tiger. For a stylish look, the scarves can be worn a variety of ways, either casually in the day, or by dressing it up as part of a more formal outfit. (lincolnandlenox.com)

Coat, £1,401, skirt, £279, both Rochas (net-a-porter.com); boots, £1,040, Jérôme Dreyfuss (jerome-dreyfuss.com)

with the

Breeze into the new season with chunky knits, oversized coats and polo necks that will keep you warm when the temperature dips P h o t o g r a p h y: W i l l i a m G a r r e t t S t y l i n g : A n at D y c h t w a l d

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ABOVE Coat, £1,500, jumper, £330, sandals, £415, all BOSS (hugoboss.com)

RIGHT Cardigan, £575, Zadig & Voltaire (zadig-et-voltaire.com); turtleneck, £810, trousers, £1,175, shoes, £546, all Ralph Lauren Collection (ralphlauren.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

LEFT Turtleneck jumper, £330, BOSS (hugoboss.com); sleeveless jumper, £595, trousers, £470, shoes, POA, all Stella McCartney (stellamccartney.com); scarf, £79, COS (cosstores.com)

ABOVE Jumper, £207, PINKO (pinko.com/en-gb); trousers, DVF, £225 (selfridges.com); coat, POA, shoes, POA, both Marni (marni.com)

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ABOVE Coat, £1,320, David Koma (davidkoma.co.uk); turtleneck jumper, £330, BOSS (hugoboss.com); jumper, £165, PINKO (pinko.com/en-gb)

CREDITS Model: Maria from firstmodelmanagement.co.uk / Hair: Shukeel Murtaza from untitledartistsldn.com Make-up: Gia Mills from untitledartistsldn.com / Photographer’s assistant: Andrew Goss Production: Paper Moon Productions Shot on location at Camber Sands, with special thanks to The Gallivant Hotel (thegallivant.co.uk)

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Age is Just a

number And few people prove it better than model and actress Carmen dell’Orefice who, at 85, is the striking new face of Airfield’s AW16 campaign. The lady herself sits down with Gemma Knight to share her wise words on health, happiness and surviving a 70-year modelling career

armen dell’Orefice is a vision – there is no other word for it. Her aura is one of calm, graceful confidence and a refusal to be the least bit ruffled or sacrifice the merest ounce of poise in any situation. This is, no doubt, the tough-skinned result of a seven-decade-long modelling career; one by which she made her living almost before it was a career, and certainly before it involved any of the trappings – the limos, the agents – with which we associate it today. Nevertheless, she is warm and charming, with hypnotic eyes, cheekbones that could cut glass, and a firm, memorable handshake. “I grew up with my mother,” she tells me. “She raised me alone. At an early stage in my life I learned that every penny counts and that you have to take care of yourself, your body and what God has given to you – and, especially, how other people treat you.” The briefest look at her biography is more than enough to understand this sentiment and the profound effect that the struggles of her past have had. Born in 1931 in New York City to an Italian father (hence the fabulous surname)

and Hungarian mother, her early years were marred by poverty and an often unstable home life – as she tells me with a laugh “My father and my mother never stayed together – I´m a modern woman you see!”. As a bright child from a poor household, Carmen spent her youth doing odd jobs to help her parents financially, juggling these with school and occasionally attending her father’s informal jazz soirées at local night spots. It was at just one such soirée that, while sitting on stage at her father’s feet as he jammed with friends, the fourteen-year-old gangly teenager with a mouthful of braces was spotted by a well-connected member of Manhattan's fashion crowd in the audience. With her neat chin and huge, moody eyes, he suspected she had a look which might prove extremely photogenic – and, of course, he was right. Two weeks later, Carmen found herself at 480 Lexington Avenue – New York’s legendary Vogue studios – being photographed by Conde Nast's finest. Cecil Beaton, Irvine Penn and Serge Balkin all wielded their cameras before her, as did the ex-pat German, Horst. For her, it was all a game – a chance to dress up and play

the adult: but for the photographers – particularly Horst – it was a chance discovery of a fresh young talent ideally suited to their fresh young industry. She was pliable and intelligent, easily adapting to the advice and direction they gave her and immediately understanding the ways that a model is able to tell a story through posture and attitude – something of far greater use than mere beauty when it came to shaping the aesthetic for America's nascent fashion business. At the same time, however, she was young and fresh: the very epitome of an ingénue and a perfect canvas for the designers’ creations. The company continued to book her for various modelling assignments, usually by sending a boy to her parents’ apartment with a note explaining the time and place, as the family had no phone. At the close of the second world war and forty-five years before supermodels were claiming not to “get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day”, Carmen would the tell her mother where she was going, strap on her roller skates to save on bus fares, and set off at a lick for the studio – with her cocker spaniel in tow. In October 1947, aged sixteen and on a modelling contract of $7.50 an hour, she became one of the youngest models ever to grace a Vogue cover, and had soon made enough money to support her mother, with whom she would spend evenings altering dresses for the other models to wear in order to bring in extra money. Over the ten years that followed, she was photographed by an endless roll-call of the world’s most celebrated photographers, appearing in magazines all over the world and becoming a muse of artist Salvador Dali. She retired from modelling after her second marriage in 1958, but returned to the industry in 1978 at the age of 47, just in time to be carried along by the earliest ripples of commercial modelling’s golden age.

Over the last forty years – already older than the majority of her catwalk peers, but nevertheless often outshining them with her effortlessly unique blend of timeless poise and youthful maturity – she has modelled for a string of big publications and even bigger brands (Harper’s Bazaar, W, Rolex…the list goes on), and was even awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts London in 2011, in recognition of her contribution to the fashion industry. It's nearly seventy years since she was a naïve happy teenager at her first Vogue shoot, and she makes no secret of the fact that she’s still having just as much fun now as she was then. Most recently, she has become the AW16 face of Airfield, the high-end Austrian fashion label founded in 1937 by Franz Moser – a fact which, despite firmly placing it in the realm of heritage brand, nevertheless makes it six years younger than its current leading lady – though both have aged equally well. “I totally stand behind Airfield and what it has to offer to the modern thinking woman,” she tells me. “It’s a brand which clearly represents the highly modern woman. I stand up for how I‘ve lived my life – I’m 84 and always decided how I wanted live and what I wanted to wear – so I feel such a connection to this wonderful brand. These are sensual clothes that make you feel more beautiful, and the best thing is that they are very easy to combine.” And, after all, if there’s anyone who should know the secret to a successful relationship with fashion – being able to achieve a sophisticated level of glamour without overdoing it – it’s a woman whose entire life has been spent adorned in its wares. “I see many changes in the world,” she explains, “and there is one thing I can tell you: keep it good and simple! Haute Couture is very uncomfortable to wear. It takes a lot of time, and women today are

“I totally stand behind Airfield and what it has to offer to the modern thinking woman”

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

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not just the concubine or the piece of eye candy on a man’s arm any more, see? They are more thoughtful about the occasion, where they live and where they work, and so they need excellent bits and pieces that travel well, sit well and which they can afford. I say to women, it is more about taste than money. Don’t copy anyone; have the courage to express your own personality. “To me, Airfield represents all of these things, and that is why women love this brand so much. Airfield always stays true to itself, but still appears to be very modern at the same time. It has wonderful pieces that fit into my wardrobe and my lifestyle. Because, you know, sometimes I am going to the palace to see the queen, and at other times I’m at home going

“I’ve always focused on a plant-based diet. That’s all. It’s all about balance” to my supermarket, and every time Airfield has just the right pieces for that particular occasion. When I travel, I always use a soft case – if I can’t carry it, I don’t bring it – so all of my pieces have to be able to be folded neatly, be light enough to wear and have the right cut so they will be easy to combine and suit any occasion. Airfield provides all these things to me.” In a world and time obsessed with youth and beauty, I’m curious to hear her take on the incredible success she continues to enjoy – despite spending a lifetime in a notoriously superficial industry where extreme measures in pursuit of perfection are all but routine. “I never pushed my body in a way that was unhealthy,” she says. “Of course, my body‘s changed over the last years, and I sometimes laugh when people tell me that I never change. Of course I change. I had times when I was 10 pounds heavier, and there were other times when I had more collagen in my cells. I grew up with a Hungarian mother who always gave me vegetables – and vegetables are very important

for a healthy body. I never took drugs, I never smoked, although of course I do love a little drink every now and then – but, generally, I’ve always focused on a plant-based diet. That‘s all. It’s all about balance. It wasn’t until my forties that I really understood how important that is.” Finally, I ask if she ever feels that she’s had enough of fashion, and she smiles. “People sometimes ask me ‘when will you retire?’, and I say ‘I retire every night!’” She laughs: a confident, warm laugh that has been peppered throughout our interview, testament to a woman who doesn’t take herself – or fashion – too seriously. “I love my job,” she adds. “Am I going to stop what I love doing? Certainly not! Do I love to breathe? Am I going to stop breathing?” (airfield.at/en)

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Beauty news The New No 5 Every woman needs a signature scent, and for most this means one brand and one brand only: Chanel. Arguably the most iconic perfume in history, Chanel No 5 was created at the hands of French-Russian perfumer Ernest Beaux and quickly established itself into the archives of beauty history. Fast forward to 2016 and the brand is unveiling No 5 L’Eau – a lighter, more delicate mutation of its forbearer. Perfumer Oliver Polge has combined top notes of lemon, mandarin and orange with rose, jasmine and ylang ylang to create an immensely fresh fragrance. With a campaign fronted by Vanessa Paradis and Jonny Depp’s daughter Lily-Rose, the launch is very much pointing to Chanel’s future, while giving a clear nod to its past. £96 (chanel.com)

Showing Off If you haven’t yet discovered beauty brand Show, now is the time to race down to Harvey Nichols and get thoroughly acquainted. Having launched in the department store in September, the brand has a fantastic range of styling, care and body products – although our personal favourite (and a few other people’s too, judging by the coverage it’s received since its summer launch) is the Allure Body Shimmer Oil, a lightweight oil which softens skin while creating a luminous sheen for a delicate golden glow. Their haircare products are pretty fabulous too – with special mention going to the Pure hydrating shampoo and conditioner, moisture-balancing products infused with a blend of caviar, white truffle and shea butter: luxury at its best. (showbeauty.com; harveynichols.com) 94

loves

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

TREATMENT OF THE MONTH

COMPUTER AIDED COLLAGEN INDUCTION WORDS: natalie anglesey

As the seasonal parties swing into action, you may feel the need to spoil yourself without resorting to invasive needles. There’s the option of trying a CACI (Computer Aided Collagen Induction) – used, we’re assured, by showbiz names and even royalty! While you relax in comfort after a thorough cleansing, a speciallytrained therapist uses small instruments from a micro-current machine rolled on your face and jaw line to stimulate ageing muscles, soften lines and wrinkles and speed up cellular renewal.

All I Want For Christmas What to buy for the skincare aficionado who already owns every potion on the shelves? Simple – a Christmas gift box from miracle-workers Murad. Choose from three different sets (each containing three products and priced at £60): Merry and Beautiful, which polishes, plumps and smoothes fine lines; Merry and Glowing, which lifts away dullness and restores radiance; and Merry and Renewed, which rehydrates and rejuvenates. And if that doesn’t take your fancy, we can’t recommend the Murad InstaMatte Oil-Control Mask (£35) highly enough – a fabulous three-minute deep-cleansing mask which instantly controls and dissolves oil, reducing excess oil by 93 per cent after just one application. (murad.co.uk)

Gothic Glamour Move over to the dark side this month with the new collection from Christian Louboutin Beauté. For AW16, the brand is introducing a set of seductive, vampy new shades to the existing range of richly pigmented lipsticks and high-shine nail polishes, including hues of deep red, plum, brown and grey. Apply the Velvet Matte Lip Colour in Very Prive for instant sex appeal. Nail Colour, £36 (selfridges.com)

“Think about it as a work-out for the face,” my therapist Carrie explains, and it’s a good analogy. You may feel varying degrees of prickles on the skin as the current reawakens sagging facial muscles. A programme of 8-10 sessions is recommended, although you can see a fresher look after only one. Backed by over 20 years of research, CACI is reported to be the best known system within the beauty industry and is considered by many as the most advanced treatment system of its kind. “You look ten years younger,” my friends agreed. Not sure how long it will last, but with treatments from £62 upwards I may become addicted!

(theknutsfordspa.co.uk; 01565 755765)

Smooth Move Crème de la Mer’s is the one to beat when it comes to superlative skincare, so when the brand moved into makeup, there was no doubt it was going to be ground-breaking. The brand’s new Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation is a weightless formula that promises a long-lasting, flawless finish, while also providing benefits to your skin. Deeply hydrating, the foundation also reduces the signs of ageing and helps to smooth and even out your complexion. It’s a beauty win-win. £80 (cremedelamer.co.uk) 95

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Perfect

Party Feet Passionate about feet, Margaret Dabbs, shares some of her secrets to help us achieve foot perfection this party season

always tell my clients to prepare your feet for special occasions by looking after them whenever you can. And try not to make them work too hard during the run up to the party season! If you lavish a little extra TLC on them whenever you can, you’ll be ready to step out in style and dance the night away! Try to ensure your shoes are as comfortable as is possible – if you can, change them often during the day and wear flats while you are travelling to work. Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated. If you can’t fit a professional foot treatment into your busy schedule then put just a little time aside to do a home treatment – you will be surprised at the long lasting results. With the correct products you can achieve remarkable results. Remember to foot file first – on dry skin before you bathe – make sure it's a quality one, though, to remove the skin evenly, finely, safely and quickly. Bathe the feet when they are tired and, of course, I would recommend our Intensive Hydrating foot lotion daily – this contains emu oil which will act to reduce inflammation and throbbing and keep the feet supple and moisturised. This would be my number one product for looking after your feet this season – after a night out, use this, along with the oil, before bed and you’ll and you'll wake up with refreshed, hydrated feet. All our products have been created by myself and are formulated to treat the feet – they all

contain emu oil to help relieve pain, aching, swelling and throbbing and lemon myrtle to soothe and refresh – these factors give instant and long lasting results , transforming the way the feet look while reducing inflammation and hydrating the skin. The products are transdermal and non greasy and give amazing long-term results. Put your high-heeled party shoes on at the very last minute and, if possible, don’t wear them for long periods of time. Ensure there is a padded sole for comfort as this makes an enormous difference and you don’t have to keep adjusting the position of the insole; it acts as a shock absorber, protecting the ball of the foot. Remember, if your feet are very sensitive – you will find that this is especially so in fair hair and fine-skinned individuals – don’t be tempted to wear patent or hard leather shoes or boots: keep the leather light and soft as they will be much easier on the feet. A chunkier heel will distribute the body weight better and will be more comfortable as it assists with balance when walking, and offers good support to the soft tissues and arches of the foot. And finally, we're going all metallic this Christmas with three new colours being added to the collection: you can't beat Snap Dragon red, perfect for the party season. Margaret Dabbs, 51 London Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7DY (01625 582944; margaretdabbs.co.uk)

ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas All in One Day... removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe All in One Day... AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê All in One Day... theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental itsÊpatients. AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare All in One Day... AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental itsÊpatients. TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas Totally fixed, permanent theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe All in One Day... itsÊpatients. removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall set of teeth TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany inÊoneÊday. OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe Life-like natural smile theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen itsÊpatients. haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall All in One Day... advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. inÊoneÊday. implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering Nothing covering the confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê roof of the mouth TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor inÊoneÊday. haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa itsÊpatients. teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. Perfect solution for advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall patients who are losing OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa inÊoneÊday. ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth teeth due to gum disease thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa itsÊpatients. teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress Often only four dental ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall implants are required OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe inÊoneÊday. AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe to replace a full set of teeth thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe No more loose dentures PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif inÊoneÊday. significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor A new set of teeth, complete thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple itsÊpatients. dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe itsÊpatients. and fitted all in one day in ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. a simple T H E D E N TA L T H E K N U TS F O R D procedure, leaves constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave patients AC A D E M Y D A R E S B U RY D E N TA L AC A D E M Ysmiling confidently securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth and naturally once again. representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse Using the latest technology andRoad, expertise, The Dental Academy offers TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen Chester Daresbury WA4 5LR Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe T H E D E N TA L T H E K N U TS F O RD 01925 740510 Phone: 01565 755765 the perfect solution to missingPhone: or failing teeth. beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. AC A Dwww.dentalacademy.co.uk E M Y D A R E S B U RY D Ewww.dentalacademy.co.uk N TA L AC A D E M Y

Why choose “Teeth in One Day”

AllOne in One Day... All in Day...

Teeth in One Day

confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe

T H E D Ein NenhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall TA T H E K N U TS F O R D With more than 25 years’ Chester experience theLWA4 field enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall Road, Daresbury 5LRof dental implants, the Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates AC A D E M Y D A R E S B U RY D E NPhone: TA L 01565 AC A755765 DEMY Phone: 01925 740510 team at The Dental Academy understands the impact that total tooth inÊoneÊday. inÊoneÊday. thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe www.dentalacademy.co.uk www.dentalacademy.co.uk loss can have on personalChester confidence and quality Road, Daresbury WA4 5LR of life. Everyday Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe TPhone: H E talking D01925 E N TA L appearance can all T H EPhone: KNU TS F755765 ORD 740510 01565 functions such as eating, smiling, and conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge www.dentalacademy.co.uk www.dentalacademy.co.uk AC A D E M Y D A R E S B U RY D E N TA L AC A D EMY be adversely affected. Removable dentures often require the aid -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed of adhesives and do not adequately address the Chester Road, Daresbury WA4 5LRissues. However, Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge Phone: Academy 01925 740510 is at the forefront in Phone: 01565 755765 there is an alternative – The Dental representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse www.dentalacademy.co.uk T H E D Ein, N TA L T Hwww.dentalacademy.co.uk E K N U TS F O R D the advancement of, and investment dental implants. The team’s ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe ADEMY D R E S B U RY dedication to offering anAC alternative toAwearing dentures has seen a huge D E N TA L AC A D E M Y useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. improvement in quality ofChester life forRoad, many patients. Daresbury WA4 5LR Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES Phone: 01925 740510

Phone: 01565 755765

www.dentalacademy.co.uk T by H E people D E N TAwho L have lost, or are about T Hwww.dentalacademy.co.uk E K NCall U TS Ffor O R Da complimentary, One of the biggest fears faced AC A D E M Y D A R E S B U RY D E N TA L AC A D Eno-obligation MY to lose, all their teeth is the prospect of being without any teeth at all for a period of time. The “Teeth in One Day”WA4 concept alleviates this fear. Chester Road, Daresbury 5LR Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES and quote consultation Phone: 01565 755765 Patients leave at the end of thePhone: day01925 with740510 a full set of fixed teeth, a natural TC1216 www.dentalacademy.co.uk www.dentalacademy.co.uk smile, and growing confidence. They find themselves looking forward to an immediately improved quality of life – all in one day.

E NLTA L T H ET H D E NDTA DYE M B U RY AC AAC D EAM DYA RDEASRBEUSRY Chester Daresbury WA4 5LR Chester Road,Road, Daresbury WA4 5LR Phone: 740510 Phone: 0192501925 740510 www.dentalacademy.co.uk www.dentalacademy.co.uk

E UKTS N UFTS T H ET H KN O RFDO R D E NLTA L AAC DYE M Y D E NDTA AC D EAM Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16WA16 6ES 6ES Phone: 755765 Phone: 0156501565 755765 www.dentalacademy.co.uk www.thedentalacademyknutsford.co.uk www.dentalacademy.co.uk

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ow Tie By Design was established by a self-described ‘group of young entrepreneurs with a love for bow ties’, frustrated by the burgeoning trend for pre-tied pieces and boxy, unattractive designs. Keen to turn the tide and prompt a return to luxury, well-made designer bow ties, the brand has recently launched its first collection: a range created by three different designers, made from the finest silks (woven in a mill in Blackburn) and handcrafted in Macclesfield by seamstresses with seven generations of silk work heritage. And that’s not all – using the brand’s patented pre-tied method, Bow Tie By Design has created a pre-tied bow tie that is undecipherable from a self-tied, meaning that – no matter your ability – you can now sport a quality neckpiece with pride. (bowtiebydesign.com)

Technology | The CHESHIRE Magazine

There’s always that one person that’s impossible to buy for, but with the explosion of lower cost technology, you can surprise them with a gadget that they’ll love that won’t break the bank. Martin Bailey, author of The Useful Book of Gadgets, Gizmos and Apps, shares his top tips for Christmas gifts

S Nomad Key, £15 (hellonomad.com)

SECRID, £25 (secrid.com)

Zapp Light, £20 (zapplight.com)

tarting at the cheaper end of the spectrum, Wallet Ninja (around £7) is a great addition to any wallet. At 1.5mm thick and made from heat-treated steel it includes 18 tools cut out of various locations. The Nomad Key (around £15) is a pocket-sized charging cable for iOS or Android, ensuring that you’ve always got a cable close by when you’re running low on power. Staying with pockets, safeguard against RFID credit card ‘skimming’ with the SECRID shielded wallet (around £25), and friends will be amazed how the cards fan out when the trigger is pulled. For the student living in ‘compact’ accommodation, why not treat them to a Rollie Egg Cooker (around £25)? With a small footprint, no buttons and a cooking time of a couple of minutes, it provides a healthy meal for those with limited time, ability or desire to cook. Rather than buying them a voucher for their chosen mobile’s app store, you can always ‘gift’ them a specific app, which shows more thought. Scanner Pro (£2.99) is an essential addition to any phone, turning it into a photocopier and filing system. For the more forgetful person a Tile tag(around £20) is the answer. This 37mm square attaches to keys, glasses cases, bags etc, and syncs with your phone to emit a high-pitched noise to

help you find them when activated. Inversely, you can press the button on the Tile to locate your phone if it’s slipped out of sight. Thinking ahead to summer, if you have a friend that hates flies and biting insects invest in a ZappLight (around £20). This 2-in-1 bulb has a 9w standard light and 1w blue light with electric bug-zapping grid. You can use one, other or both bulbs simultaneously, so it’s great to leave on overnight. Outdoor types will appreciate the Biolite camping stove (£125), which can not only cook your food, but its thermoelectric generator can keep your phone charged up. Finally, pet lovers are covered, with the PetCube (£145). This Wi-Fi-enabled box includes a webcam, microphone, speaker and laser, allowing you to see and even play with your cat or dog remotely using your mobile phone. If all this shopping is proving too stressful then treat yourself to the Thync (around £155). This Bluetooth-enabled device sticks to your forehead and sends electrical pulses to stimulate your brain, either inducing a focused or relaxed mood. This could well be the perfect gift in the run up to Christmas. Martin Bailey’s new book: The Useful Book of Gadgets, Gizmos & Apps is available now on Amazon for £9.99 (amazon.co.uk)

PetCube £145, (petcube.com) Scanner Pro £2.99, iOS 100

Wallet Ninja £7 (amazon.com)

Biolite Camp Stove, £125, various electrical outlets

Thync, £155, (thync.com)

Rollie Egg Cooker £25 (amazon.com)

Tile, £20, all electrical outlets

THE ALL NEW TOYOTA C-HR. COMING SOON. Lindop Bros Queensferry Bridgegate, Queensferry, Deeside Flintshire CH5 2TE Tel: 01244 821031 lindopqueensferry.toyota.co.uk/c-hr /Lindop Toyota

Lindop Bros Wrexham Llay New Road, Bradley Wrexham LL11 4BA Tel: 01978 720 074 lindopwrexham.toyota.co.uk/c-hr @LindopToyota

Take Me Out Luxury car manufacturers are increasingly tapping into the powerful message that exclusive, factory-organised ‘lifestyle’ trips can impart. From ice-driving in the Arctic, to racing your own F1 car, David Williams rounds up the world’s best driving experiences

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Bentley Glitz, glamour and those once-in-a-lifetime experiences As the fleet of Bentleys swept into Florence’s ancient Piazza della Signoria, locals and tourists stopped and stared in disbelief. Home to Michelangelo’s David, the historic square strictly prohibits all traffic. But the 12-car convoy had somehow slipped in under police escort. Glinting in the Tuscan sun and with the square’s walls reverberating to the thrum of finely tuned V8s and W12s, the cars glided to a halt before the very doors of the Palazzo Vecchio. Onlookers whipped out their cameras to capture the scene as the mystery VIPs disappeared inside the imposing medieval palace for a private tour and dinner – followed by exclusive access to a secret tunnel running through the nearby Ponte Vecchio, constructed hundreds of years ago so that the Florentine nobility could move about incognito. “It blew everyone’s socks off,” says Neil Foulkes, Bentley’s head of UK marketing, as he recalls the high point of this year’s Extraordinary Drive programme, which aims to give customers unforgettable experiences. Just like rival luxury car firms such as RollsRoyce, Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari and Range Rover, Bentley is increasingly supplementing its marketing activities by seeking ingenious new ways to showcase its vehicles in glamorous lifestyle settings. As a prelude to that grand entrance in Florence, part of Bentley’s £12,995-per-head Dolce Vita extravaganza, customers had already enjoyed exclusive access to the Monza race circuit, a

fashion-shopping excursion in Milan and a night in that city’s Bulgari hotel. “Our customers are discerning individuals who are used to getting what they want,” explains Foulkes. “It’s our job to deliver and surpass their expectations.” Bentley’s programme began with Power on Ice four years ago, a lavish private jet trip to an ultra-exclusive ski resort high in the Finnish Arctic Circle. Here, customers mingle with other wealthy clients for a long weekend while they learn to slide £250,000 Mulsannes and £150,000 Continental GTs sideways on a frozen lake. The luxury car firm didn’t look back. Its dealers enjoyed the clout it gave them with big-spending customers; the customers loved it too. One Russian client loved it so much he promptly re-booked all 40 places on the next Power on Ice trip – at £11,000 a head – so that he could entertain just three chums and have the vast expanse of frozen lakes, fine dining and husky dog sled treks all to himself. “What do we get out of our programme?” poses Foulkes. “It gives us the opportunity to get in touch with, and build relationships with, our customers – and it gives them a unique opportunity to network with each other, too.” Today the programme – for which customers can apply via dealers – has expanded to embrace lap-of-luxury trips to California’s Pebble Beach, Dubai, and even Chile and Bolivia, with packages costing from £7,000£14,000 per person. (bentleymotors.com/en/world-of-bentley)

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PORSCHE Tailor-made trips on the world’s most breathtaking roads Not to be outdone, Porsche’s Travel Club offers bespoke driving tours of locations including Scotland, Germany’s Black Forest and the Côte d’Azur from around £900 £5,300 and ranging from a long weekend to 12-day adventure tours, studded with top hotels and gastronomic delights. The Porsche Travel Club has been running for almost 20 years. Along winding coastal roads, serpentine bends, deep valleys or breathtaking mountain passes, every year, around 100 tours are tailor-made to meet the company’s clients’ requirements. Porsche Travel Clubs also operates in China, Japan and Russia. (drivingexperience.porsche.com)

FERRARI Factory tours and F1 thrills Ferrari’s Esperienza Ferrari is a two-day activity with the first day dedicated to a Factory Tour and the second to a thrilling driving experience on the Fiorano circuit in the hills of Maranello. It is targeted principally at new clients, with the dealer usually paying the (undisclosed) cost for one person to attend in order to confirm interest in a new order, explains Jason Harris, Ferrari UK Communications Manager. The firm’s other events focus on existing clients who pay for trips offering exclusive access to Ferrari F1 through the Paddock Club. Ferrari also takes customers through its Pilota Course programmes, which span obtaining a

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race licence, entering a Ferrari Challenge race series, racing a GT car at Le Mans or even driving your own F1 car. “The philosophy is to ensure clients have the best possible experience with Ferrari, the company, the people, the racing activities and, of course, our cars,” says Harris. Search ‘Esperienza Ferrari’ at auto.ferrari.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

LAND ROVER For those with a real taste for adventure, Land Rover has, surely, stolen the crown Teaming up with international luxury travel specialist Abercrombie and Kent, it offers customers ‘The most luxurious road trip on earth’. The ‘unrivalled’ 21-day trip takes place in five continents, eight countries and nine of the world’s very best hotels. Clients get to experience truly off-the-beaten track driving activities in the most luxurious Range Rover ever; the SVAutobiography, described by the firm as the ‘epitome of elegant and indulgent living’. The trip of a lifetime starts in the twisting mountain roads of Monaco and travels via the Italian lakes, includes lunch on a glacier in the Alps (customers are flown in by private helicopter) before moving on to Marrakech. It culminates in the Atlas Mountains with lunch at Richard Branson’s exquisite hotel, Kasbah Tamadot. Cost? A cool £100,000 per person. For those who are possibly cash rich but time poor, Land Rover, in conjunction with Abercrombie and Kent, offers no less thrilling off-road experiences in southern Chile (from £4,750), Scotland, Thailand and Laos, Spain and Costa Rica. (landrover.co.uk/above-and-beyond; or search Land Rover at abercrombiekent.co.uk)

The trip of a lifetime starts in the twisting mountain roads of Monaco and travels via the Italian lakes

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ASTON MARTIN Celebrate the joie de vivre on a global scale with Aston Martin That most iconic of British brands, Aston Martin offers ‘beautiful and unexpected experiences’ through its Art of Living programme. This includes VIP access to polo at Cowdray Park while staying at Cowdray House, three days at the Villa Collalto, located between Siena and Florence while driving the DB11, and New Zealand On Ice – the marque’s first ice experience in the southern hemisphere, following similar successful events in Europe and the US. Upcoming experiences include a technology and architecture tour of Japan, a classic culture trip to Cuba, a Californian food and wine experience and a behind-the-scenes-tour of Paris, complete with an overnight stay at the newly refurbished Ritz Hotel. (astonmartinartofliving.com)

That most iconic of British brands, Aston Martin offers ‘beautiful and unexpected experiences’ through its Art of Living programme

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

ROLLS-ROYCE Exclusive access, fine-dining and a laid-back approach For Rolls-Royce, even the allure of licensed hooliganism on ice isn’t quite special enough. It specialises in curating what it terms ultra-exclusive ‘embassies of luxury’ at sumptuous private homes in dream locations spanning the globe. “Our customers are wealthy, incredibly discerning, incredibly sophisticated people. These experiences allow us to spend time with our customers and lets them spend time with our cars. They do not have to care about a single thing from the moment their private jet touches down.” In the company of other, handpicked high-net-worth individuals, the firm’s best customers are invited to party with senior RollsRoyce executives as they enjoy untrammelled access to renowned artists, jewellers and tailors. They sample the finest food imaginable, enjoy rarefied sailing excursions on classic yachts – perhaps in California or in Italy – sip the finest wines and view priceless art in private

collections. If the mood takes them they might even drive a car or two. “Our customers are very wealthy but time poor,” says James. “We have experts on hand to very gently, should they ask for it, say ‘Don’t worry about a test drive today – we’ll chauffeur you up to the yacht for lunch and if you want to drive the Wraith or Dawn in the afternoon that’s completely up to you. If you want to join us at the winery in the afternoon that we’re running with one of our luxury partners that’s fine too. And why don’t you come to our party the following evening...’ “At this end of the spectrum our duty is to segue very gently into the lives of our customers. We don’t just want to slap our name on a bit of sponsorship in the mass luxury approach.” (rolls-roycemotorcars.com)

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Travel news Breathing Space As the sentiment of mindful living soars in popularity, those looking for some TLC are turning to spa specialists for help. The boutique spa hotel Mayflower Grace in Connecticut is celebrating its 10th anniversary and, to mark the milestone, has refurbished its guest rooms with the help of acclaimed interior designer Rod Pleasants. As well as revamped boudoirs, guests can enjoy rejuvenating treatments such as the Journey to Wellness package, which focuses on the mind and body, as well as forest bathing: a combination of mindfulness and hiking. Continue nourishing your body with the hotel’s fresh seasonal menu devised by executive chef Isaac Olivio and feast on produce home-grown in the hotel’s garden. Rooms from €610 (gracehotels.com)

Buon Natale! If you can’t manage to squeeze in an Italian mini-break this winter, never fear – for this Christmas, London deli stalwart Lina Stores is launching its very own range of luxury hampers filled with festive Italian goodies. Available in three sizes, the small hamper (£35) will contain such delicious fare as soft cocoa and hazelnut nougat, martelli pasta, dried porcini and grana padano – while the medium hamper (£65) will include such delights as Giuseppe Afeltra pasta, flamigni Christmas shortbread biscuits, parmigiano reggiano and white truffle oil. But our favourite simply has to be the largest hamper (£100) – which arrives in a beautiful branded wooden box filled with Benedetto Cavalieri pasta, duca parente rustic passata, Anna Spinato Prosecco, and balsamic syrup flavoured with figs. Perfect for a fabulously continental – and utterly decadent – Christmas. From £1,132 (thereveriesaigon.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

GOING FORWARDS

Authentic Luxury Owned by the Ferragamo family, Il Borro is a former medieval village in the heart of Tuscany which has been transformed into an authentic 700 hectare working estate, complete with 19th century villa and two acclaimed restaurants. It’s a rather unique concept, with the idea of produce harvesting at the core of the hotel’s ethos – from vineyards spreading 45 hectares and producing five varieties of grape extracts, to much-loved bee hives producing fresh honey – but really it’s all about relaxing, being outdoors, simple luxuries and reconnecting with nature. (ilborro.it/en)

Short haul vs long haul

Short haul A City Escape

Escape The Gloom If you’re yearning for a good excuse to indulge in a Caribbean escape, then look no further – airline Thomas Cook is doing almost criminally cheap flights from Manchester to beautiful Trinidad and Tobago throughout November. Starting from £199.99 for economy class and £289.99 for premium economy, flights depart twice weekly from Manchester, meaning that you’ll be able to spend twice as much on cocktails. At the time of writing, we’re reliably informed it’s a balmy 30 degrees on the dual-island nation – where do we sign up? (thomascookairlines.com)

loves

Housed in an iconic skyscraper, Hilton Manchester Deansgate is the perfect place to stay after Christmas shopping and parties. For a break from the busy Christmas markets, pop in for a festive afternoon tea amid the clouds or, for an extra special evening, opt for an executive room with its king-size bed and city views, with access to the executive lounge, which offers free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, canapés and drinks. 303 Deansgate, Manchester (hilton.com)

Long haul Take A Break

Tucked away in the Maldives in South Ari Atoll, on the stunning island of Dhidhoofinolhu, LUX* Holidays has upped the relaxation ante with a selection of refurbished beach houses. Whether you’re seeking an active escape or the ultimate Zen experience, diving, swimming, snoozing and cycling are abundant on the island. For stress relief, visit the spa, or dine in one of the acclaimed eateries, which offer diversified cultural menus. From £1,699 (hayesandjarvis.com)

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Sides of

sydney The capital of New South Wales may be renowned for its glamour and modern landmarks, but Gabrielle Lane also discovers character and adventure in abundance

f you’ve ever become ill once you’ve slowed down from travelling, you’re not alone. It’s called a ‘healing crisis’, when your body starts to dispel all the toxins from your cells. At the start of a three-month sabbatical, I landed in Sydney during its autumnal April heatwave and was soon struck down with a shivering cold. The downside? Obvious. I was virtually bed-bound for a week. The upside? A frank take on the city’s best hotels. I kicked off my stay at the Park Hyatt Sydney, which happens to have the best view of the Harbour in the whole city, built directly on the curve of the waterfront and opposite the Opera

House. The unobstructed view from the terrace might even hurt your eyes – especially if feeling under the weather – as the sun bounces off the water, bathing everything in gold and blue. But it does mean you can pick out the postcard-worthy landmarks without leaving your king size bed. The view is all the more spectacular by night, as the coloured lights from the skyscrapers and fireworks, combined with the hum of the occasional boat, make the city feel alive. The hotel has a very discreet spa, but its showpiece is a rooftop pool: small, with brilliant turquoise water and big white parasols that have attracted the reclining great and the good of

THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: PARK HYATT SYDNEY

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show business. It was at the Park Hyatt that Elton John once holidayed – complete with a baby grand piano airlifted into his lounge. Suites are smart, cosy and neutrally decorated: fluffy duvets, deep bathtubs and curiously heated toilet seats. And what really helps when you’re unwell is the butler service. Mine not only brought me chocolate-dipped strawberries (nutrients, of course) and homemade treats from the chef, but pots of hot water and lemon, after I had phoned to cancel a morning meeting, in between coughs. In keeping with the old adage “feed a cold, starve a fever”, The Dining Room is a gorgeous glass-walled lounge, well-suited to business breakfasts as well as smart dinners. In a country renowned for local provenance, the meat is tender, the fish feather-light and the vegetables succulent and crunchy, wherever you go. At Park Hyatt, choose the lightly-seared bay scallops with celeriac, hazelnuts and apple buerre blanc, followed by the culinary equivalent of a hug: slow-cooked pork cheeks with mandarin, Jerusalem artichoke and red cabbage. The rich saltiness that characterises the dish was certainly present, with layers of flavour that were so good they challenged the deadening of my cold-stricken taste-buds. Thankfully, I had recovered by the time I checked in to QT Sydney – not least because this boutique hotel has an entirely different character. There is no butler service: this is the kind of place where you shake your own cocktails on the rocks direct from the mini-bar, and staff are surly if only to add to its rebellious tone. QT is a fun and a proud member of the Design Hotels franchise, and its rooms are dramatic. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen so many black sheepskin rugs or got dressed in such moody darkness before, but shocks of fuchsia, 1980s dance music and lots of theatre props make this an entertaining destination for those dreaming of theatreland. The hotel’s Gowings Bar & Grill is something of a rarity. It’s a draw for the young and glamorous, but mature enough to serve wine in glasses rather than jam jars. Based on the idea of

a European brasserie, an on-site rotisserie and wood-fired oven means plates groan with flavour. There’s a dedicated fish menu incorporating everything from tuna to a seafood pie of scallops and red snapper, and grill suggestions including hearty portions of Australian sirloin served with golden chips and boats full to the brim with various sauces. Service is friendly and the atmosphere will make a social butterfly of even the shyest guest; upstairs is a cocktail bar that welcomes a well-heeled crowd. The other hotel that you’ll hear a lot about in Sydney is The Old Clare. Set in a converted brewery administration building, its exposed brickwork, modernist furniture and brilliant cuisine – its Kensington Street Social restaurant is headed up by Jason Atherton – make it a hotspot that draws everyone for drinks on a Friday evening. Don’t leave before trying out the rooftop pool, and choose a suite to make the most of staying here. The Abercrombie Room has a free-standing bathtub, the Chippendale Loft has floor-to-ceiling

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glass windows, and the Showroom Suite is fitted out with a super king size bed, antique furniture and original bar. Out in the city itself, the Bridge Climb is a rite of passage. Groups are harnessed to the inner walkways of the 134-metre steel landmark and tackle a relatively shallow ascent to admire the views of the Harbour, Opera House and beyond. The climb feels very safe, with the most daring part being the early ladders and stairways. A less high-octane way to see the cityscape is a drive to the heath-covered clifftops of North Head, where the city centre looms across the blue water like an island, framed by jutting green land masses. It’s a lesser-known spot, and a quiet one – you’ll never be able to capture the beauty of it in a photograph.

“The Gowings Bar & Grill’s atmosphere will make a social butterfly of even the shyest guest” Sydney is also a great base for a trip to the Royal National Park to its south. Unmarked hiking trails take in forests, rookeries, lakes and beaches as well as native flora and the odd pelican. The more challenging routes include the five-hour Curra Moors loop track, which passes waterfalls and heath, as well allowing seasonal whale-watching where the track progresses south along the coast. Brace yourself to re-evaluate life while you’re scrambling across the rocks in such a wild and beautiful place. Back in the city’s embraces, Centennial Park offers its own dose of greenery – and history. The site of the inauguration of the Australian Federation in 1901, the 189-hectare site has

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since been transformed into Victorianinspired parkland. If it’s Sydney’s beach culture you’re seeking, skip Bondi in favour of Balmoral. At first glance it’s a sleepy and picturesque bay, but it’s here that small boats are moored alongside the smartest of holiday homes and restaurants that come to life. On the way to creating a little black book in every city, seek out a great restaurant with great wine. Those in the know recommend Chiswick – a conservatory-style restaurant and bar in the upmarket suburb of Woollahra, where locallyreared lamb shoulder with pine nuts or steak tartare with quail’s egg and quinoa is served in a garden-like environment set back from the road. Sydney is a city for eating and drinking, for walking and sailing, for admiring its stunning seaside panoramas and cityscape alike. And it’s a fabulous one at that. Bridge Climb from AUD$158 (bridgeclimb.com); (chiswickrestaurant.com.au); Park Hyatt Sydney, from £652 (sydney.park.hyatt.com); QT Sydney, from AUD$240; The Old Clare, from AUD$279 (designhotels.com)

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A BEDROOM AT THE QT SYDNEY; ROYAL NATIONAL PARK, ©Benny Marty/ shutterstock; THE OLD CLARE STAIRWELL

Exclusive 17 Night Cruise & Stay with Seabourn & Sandy Lane Barbados Seabourn and the legendary Sandy Lane in Barbados offer the ultimate cruise and stay experience in terms of style, sophistication and exclusivity. Seabourn’s fleet is renowned for its elegance and relaxed ambiance as well as its fabulous but unobtrusive service. Each of the intimate ships offers all-suite accommodation providing the necessary space in which to truly relax, while the open seating policy for dining promotes a more sociable atmosphere on board. The open bar policy means the premium wines, champagnes and spirits are free-flowing and the menus offer a sensational level of cuisine. With a reputation as one of the finest hotels in the world, iconic Sandy Lane conjures up images of luxury and indulgence. From the moment its first guests were welcomed in 1961, Sandy Lane has been the premier address in the Caribbean - preferred by royalty, stars and the business world’s most discerning personalities. Combine the ultimate cruise and stay experience by calling cruise specialists Prestbury Worldwide Resorts on 01625 858158

17 Night Cruise & Stay – Barbados to Barbados Enjoy a 14 night Caribbean cruise on Seabourn Odyssey with a 3 night stay at Sandy Lane. Book with Prestbury Worldwide Resorts and receive at Sandy Lane a complimentary room upgrade to a Luxury Ocean Room subject to availability, one complimentary lunch and dinner for 2 people, complimentary roundtrip transfers and one complimentary 60 minute massage or round of golf on the Country Club course Day 1

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Prestbury Worldwide Resorts are specialists in luxury cruise and travel. For more information, please contact us: 01625 858 158 | discover@prestburyworldwide.co.uk | prestburyworldwideresorts.co.uk Details are subject to change and availability, terms and conditions apply.

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Weekend away …Middlethorpe Hall, York WORDS: louise castle

wned by the National Trust, Middlethorpe Hall is a William and Mary country house straight from the pages of a 19th century romance novel. It occupies 20 acres of landscaped gardens on the outskirts of historic York and was our weekend getaway destination. Just over an hour and a half away (with easy motorway access) from Cheshire, there’s lots to do nearby, but there’s plenty to attract you simply to escape here. Sympathetically restored, the hotel offers suites in the main house and courtyard. Our home for the next two nights was in the Sir Henry Thompson Suite in the courtyard, a light ground-floor apartment with a living room, kitchenette, large bedroom and bathroom. While traditional in taste, it still offered the modern conveniences we have become accustomed to: flatscreen TV and Nespresso machine happen to be our weaknesses. The public rooms in the main house are similarly decorated, with portraits of ancestors adorning the walls, and finds from across the empire. It also affords delightful vistas across the lawns, perfect for pre-dinner drinks. Recognised locally as a go-to destination, the wood-panelled restaurant was a real gem. The team looking after us was an absolute delight, managing to balance friendliness and expertise with aplomb. And the food was delicious.

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During our two-night stay, we could not find fault, even when Yorkshire’s finest food critics (otherwise known as my parents) joined us one evening. We dined on crab ravioli with lobster, beetroot-cured salmon, and Yorkshire ham and egg, followed by fresh sea trout, aged smoked beef and straight-talking Ribeye and chips, each dish providing the perfect balance of taste, freshness and visual appeal (without being played with). Beyond staying in a gourmet country house, Middlethorpe has a hidden grotto. Just across the lane, behind a quaint cottage door, is the Spa, offering treatments, pool, sauna, gym and Jacuzzi. I took advantage of this and a Decléor Discovery Facial on the Sunday – 55 minutes of relaxation with a massage, essential oils and skin revitalisation – before heading into historic York for a spot of shopping. If you do choose to stay at Middlethorpe, I would advise taking advantage of this – in fact, they’ve got a great Health, Beauty and Bubbly package which gives you a taste of all the elements as well as discounts at the York Designer Outlet. For us, the food stole the show, followed by the quiet setting close to all the local attractions and city centre and the hidden Spa an added bonus. Step back, take it all in and relax. Middlethorpe Hall, York (01904 641241; middlethorpe.com)

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A Gloriumptious Christmas As Roald Dahl himself said, “those who don’t believe in magic will never find it” – so it’s just as well that Cheshire is full to brimming with little boys and girls who do, because Tatton Park’s year of Dahl-themed events (marking the author’s centenary) will be coming to a truly spectacular climax this Christmas. Visitors large and small can step into the Christmas Mansion and into Roald Dahl’s magical world as his extraordinary storytelling weaves itself through the grand staterooms and into the bustling servants’ quarters – making for an imaginationstirring, magical Christmas like no other. Mon 21 November - Sun 4 December, Fri 9 December - Sun 11 December & Fri 16 - Sun 18 December Tatton Park, Mereheath Dr, Knutsford WA16 6QN (tattonpark.org.uk)

Kids’ news Animal Kingdom Nature, animals and cold weather are three things associated with Alaska, and also with MiniRodini’s AW16 collection. Playful animal prints adorn organically sourced materials in an eclectic mix of earthy shades, representing the free spirited nature of the Alaskan region. Kids can keep warm as the days get chillier, with a selection of overalls, sweatshirts, dresses and basics. From £17 (minirodini.com)

Big Softie We are huge fans of kids’ plush toy brand Jellycat – as much for the quirky silliness gently imbued in their toys as their sky-high adorability levels. They are the softest soft toys you’ll ever have touched, making them impossibly huggable, and launch a new range every January and July. Some of our favourites include the Bashful Monkey (£11) and the so-sweet-we-mightcry Bashful Blue Elly Booties (£12), both of which make perfect Christmas presents for little ones. (jellycat.com; geminera.com)

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MR HENDRIX leashed

F The Stylish Life Of Pets Calling all sartorial-savvy hound owners: dog accessory brand Harper & Hugo has collaborated with canine cashmere specialist Ruby Rufus to create a limited-edition sweater and matching necklace for seriously pampered pooches. The 100 per cent cashmere jumper features a camouflage and striped design and is available in a variety of sizes to suit all dogs, from Great Danes to Chihuahuas. £75 (harperandhugo.com)

loves

Time For Chocolate Just because they’re little doesn’t mean children can’t have the most sophisticated of tastes when it comes to sweet treats – after all, they do consume more of them than anyone else come Christmas. This year, the most discerning of mini chocoholics will want to get their hands on the Marzipanerie Dark Chocolate box from Niederegger (400g, £17.99) – a selection including dark chocolateenrobed hearts, fruit-filled mini marzipan cakes and classic loaves – and the Christmas Truffle Box (12 pieces, £23) from Godiva, which includes truffe mousse de lait, truffe amere, truffe mousse vanille miel, truffe speculoos, and truffe praline amande. (niederegger.de; johnlewis.com; godivachocolates.co.uk)

eeling all festive, I have enrolled my little brother Aston on a very important Christmas mission. Santa’s Elves are set to arrive in Cheshire to share magical secrets and stories of their life in Lapland, a place of sparkling snow-topped trees, frozen lakes and mystical mountains – and Aston will be heading to the Elf Adventure Challenge at the Ice Cream Factory in Chester, where he’ll learn how to be a Christmas Elf! Working closely with head elf Pümpaå, this challenge will be full of Christmas games and creativity, listening to amazing tales and music on a day filled with fun and bringing Christmas magic to life. If Aston completes the challenge (and I’m sure he will), he’ll even get a certificate – and the grand title of Honorary Elf – along with memories of a truly magical day to last a lifetime. My advent calendar tells me it’s not long till the big day, so if – like me – you still need to post your letter to Santa, head over to The Blakemere Woodland Experience. Your task is to find Father Christmas in his hidden hideaway to deliver your Christmas letter. Along the way you’ll meet characters from the Theatre in the Woods and woodland creatures who will help you in your quest. Look out for Snowy Owl who may swoop overhead or sit watching you from the trees. This magical adventure continues with a performance by the Theatre in the Woods, then with skating on the large artificial skating rink. Take the Santa Express train around Blakemere Village or enjoy a carousel ride. So much is happening in Cheshire this Christmas, including the many Christmas fairs, but the one Anji, Aston and I are most excited to be attending is the one at Cheshire Dogs Home on the 4th December. My furry friends and children of all ages are invited to meet Santa in his grotto, before making a wish under the Christmas tree, and we will definitely be browsing the stalls for all our Christmas gifts. What a paw-tastic event to bring all the family together: having fun while raising money to care for dogs less fortunate than me. I know I will be doing all I can and lending a helping paw, so I hope to see you there! Happy howl-idays, love and Christmas licks,

Mr Hendrix (elfadventurechallenge.com; christmaswoodland.co.uk)

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A Strong Partner â&#x20AC;&#x153;Think you need a strong partner when your marriage ends? I do,â&#x20AC;? says Amanda McAlister, Head of Family Law at Slater + Gordon. When faced with a breakdown of your marriage, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is choosing who will represent you and your interests

ike most important decisions, you will gather a wealth of information from as many sources as you can and speak with all the people you think understand what you are going through. While this may seem like it is helping in the moment, it may also give a false sense of security and preparedness. Or worse, it may make you even more unsure and confused. Before losing countless hours searching for these answers, you can cut down your time by asking yourself a couple of key questions. As an experienced family lawyer, and someone who has personally confronted divorce, these questions will ultimately help you to define your divorce profile and help you to more effectively find the relationship you want and need in your solicitor. The two key questions to ask yourself are what kind of divorce do you expect it to be between you and your former partner and what kind of support do you need to work through it? In my experience divorces tend to fall into the following categories:

Bitter or sweet If the situation between you and your ex-spouse is extremely bitter and hostile, you will need a lawyer who can put up a fight: someone strong with age and experience on their side. If, in comparison, you are on reasonable terms with your ex, then you will need a lawyer who will encourage positive dialogue, and who will not be shy to instigate round table meetings, where face-to-face negotiations can take place.

Business If you have a business that you have worked desperately hard to build, then you will require a solicitor who understands the complexities this dimension adds to a divorce. In addition, you need to ensure that the lawyer appointed has access to the best possible experts, who can assist with the valuation of your business and identify

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areas where you may be vulnerable. Alternatively, if your spouse has a business, about which you know little, then it is imperative that the lawyer can stand in your shoes and get to the bottom of what the business is worth and what your rights and entitlements are.

Unpredictable If you do not believe that your spouse will be honest or you fear they have hidden assets, then you will need a lawyer who has been specifically trained to wade through financial disclosure and undertake a tracing exercise to bring forward any concealed assets. In addition, you may need a lawyer who knows the best professionals to appoint, such as private investigators, to help to trace missing funds.

Families with children Divorce that involves children more often than not is likely to be one of the most emotional and difficult times you will ever experience. Very few family lawyers actually have a significant level of expertise in this area. Looking for somebody who is a member of the Advanced Children Law Panel is a must.

Choosing your legal partner Slater and Gordon has one of the largest family practices in the UK, with offices all over the north west, including Manchester, Chester, Preston and Liverpool. We also have additional meeting spaces available in Alderley Edge, Hale and Wilmslow. Understanding our clients, helping them to process the dimensions of their divorce and ultimately matching our extensive range of expertise to their needs is something we are uniquely able to do. We have worked deliberately to build a practice that offers a range of specialisms that can be paired with your personal needs and circumstances.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

Amanda McAlister – ‘a strong partner fighting for your interests’

Amanda McAlister leads the family law practice. The Legal Directories refer to her as an “eminent” practitioner known for fighting tirelessly to secure her clients the best possible financial outcome. She has focused on building a team with a range of expertise to service any individual client need, whatever the circumstances. And, this year, the team was recognised as the Private Client Team of the Year in the Manchester Legal Awards.

Liz Cowell

– ‘being a judge, fairness is key’ Liz previously worked at Pannone Solicitors, working out of Alderley Edge, Hale and Manchester. She has over 30 years’ working experience in dealing with family law matters. As a Deputy District Judge, Liz’s judicial experience enables her very early on to ascertain what would be the best possible outcome in a particular case. To Liz, a fair financial settlement is key, and this is something that she will fight hard to secure.

Fiona Wood

– ‘protecting your work and your business’ Fiona is known as being cool and calm with a brilliant academic brain. She specialises in acting for business owners and helping to protect business assets in divorce. The fact that Fiona is the “go to lawyer” by a number of corporate and business bodies, endorses Fiona’s skill in this area. Fiona is experienced in undertaking detailed analysis of company accounts and working with clients to devise the best plan of action that protects these interests.

Christopher Fairhurst – ‘putting your children first’

Christopher is a member of the Advanced Children Law Panel and has more than 20 years of experience representing parents who are going through children disputes. Chris is himself a father of four and understands the distress that a relationship breakdown can create for parents. Chris works tirelessly on trying to reach an amicable solution, but in the event that this cannot happen, then Chris will take a case throughout the court process, to secure the best possible outcome for you and your children.

Sarah Thompson

– ‘divorce might seem like a battle, but it does not have to be a fight’ Not all family disputes are hostile, with many clients wanting to ensure that communication remains strong with their soon-to-be ex-partner. As a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer, Sarah prefers not to take the hostile approach to family law disputes. Instead, she tries to encourage amicable negotiations enabling both parties to be in control of their case, but also, retain and maintain self-respect moving forward.

Vicki McLynn – ‘no stone left unturned’

Vicki is an extremely approachable lawyer with a wealth of experience in dealing with business matters, but is also known for going to great lengths to try and find assets that have been hidden to avoid inclusion in a divorce settlement. If you are unsure as to the nature of your spouse’s business, then Vicki can help to provide you with a full brief of what the business is worth and what the likely entitlements are to be.

It is often said that there are no winners in a family law dispute. To this, we disagree. Success will mean different things to different people. At Slater and Gordon, success to us means achieving a fair and reasonable financial settlement within a reasonable timeframe, at minimum cost. (0808 175 7909; slatergordon.co.uk) Slater + Gordon has offices in Manchester, Chester and throughout the UK 119

“What we learn with pleasure we never forget” Alfred Mercier

2017 ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS For Year 7 entry:

Monday 9th January 2017

For Years 3-6 entry:

Saturday 14th January 2017

To arrange a tour of the School please call 0161 224 1077 To arrange a tour call 0161 224 1077 Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL

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wgs.org

Means -tested bursaries now available from Year 5 upwards

03/11/2016 14:03

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

The classroom Discovering Radiotherapy LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester has donated a specially built LEGO radiography machine to help staff at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust treatment centre explain to children how radiotherapy works. Sarah Stead, paediatric specialist radiographer at the Centre, demonstrates to many children how radiotherapy works by using a small and basic LEGO model of a radiography machine she built herself, which is one of a number of play initiatives used to put the young cancer patients at ease. Fascinated by the technology behind the radiotherapy

equipment, Reece Holt, aged 10 from Morecambe who was treated with radiotherapy for a brain tumour, took inspiration from Sarah’s model and decided to make his own recreation of the machine. He then kindly gave this to the radiotherapy department so he could encourage other children to feel inspired, which in turn inspired Legoland’s master model builder. Sarah said: “Children are vulnerable and a visit to a new hospital can be a daunting experience. “I focus a lot of the time on play, as it helps children to understand, make friends and develop relationships, but more importantly to have fun.

New Year, New Role

“I spend time with each child in the radiotherapy machine room explaining how the machine works, but unfortunately time is limited. I can use the LEGO® model to explain how the machine will move in more depth and answer any of their questions.” (legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/manchester)

NEED TO KNOW For advice on helping your child with entrance exams, visit independentschoolparent.com

Withington Girls’ School has a new headmistress. Mrs Sarah Haslam, deputy head from 2007, has been appointed the school’s eleventh headmistress after 21 years at the school. “A part of me is Withington through and through. We have a fabulous school with a dedicated team and a great sense of community. I feel honoured and privileged to take up the headship.” Starting the autumn term in her new role Mrs Haslam is already making her mark, with the launch of exciting initiatives to encourage girls to be enquiring, intellectually curious, and brave and independent in their learning. These include a new Sixth Form Enrichment Programme offering stimulating study options beyond A-Level subject choices and increased digital learning which will play an increasingly important part in lessons. (wgs.org)

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A Modern Fairy Tale Inspired by their own journey as female entrepreneurs, Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo have published Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Here’s why it should be on the Christmas list...

reated by Elena and Francesca, co-founders of children’s media company Timbuktu Labs, the book tells the story of 100 great women, from Frida Kahlo to Emily Bronte. The fairy tales for the modern girl are also illustrated by female artists from around the world. It has its own fairy-tale beginning. The concept is to celebrate great women. "It's important for girls to see female role models. It helps them become more confident and set bigger goals for

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themselves," says Francesca. “We know children’s books are still packed with gender stereotypes,” continues Elena. “And we’re both in our early 30s, we’re female entrepreneurs, and we know first-hand how hard it is to succeed, to be considered, to be given a chance. "We started sending out stories about extraordinary women in our newsletter and the response was so great, we had to make the book. "We chose to write the stories in the style of a fairy tale – lots of them start ‘once upon a

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

time’,” says Francesca. “We are really thinking of the book as a modern fairy tale that children will read at bedtime before they go to sleep.” Once this was settled, the pair launched their Kickstarter with the goal of making $40,000 (£32,000) to print 1,000 copies. It quickly raised more than $600,000 (£483,000). In addition to their Kickstarter, they have a Rebel School Kit for the classroom and added a week of workshops in Rwanda about female leadership. The book was released in November, and the plan is to print more than 10,000 copies. Timbuktu Labs focuses on children’s media innovation. The lab builds mobile apps, designs playgrounds, publishes interactive books and produces children's shows, combining storytelling and technology to build educational interactive experiences that wow children and grown-ups. (kickstarter.com; timbuktu.me)

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Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Withington’s 126 Founders Day th

A celebration of creativity and connections Withington Girl’s School recently celebrated its 126th Founders’ Day with this year’s theme being ‘Creativity and Connections’

ddressing a packed auditorium at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, Withington’s new Headmistress Mrs Sarah Haslam told the audience: “Creativity is at the heart of what we do at Withington and crosses all parts of our curriculum and activities, while the idea of Connections reflects the values we share and the nurturing and empowering Withington community that we cherish.” Withington’s pupils come from all over Greater Manchester and beyond, from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths to be taught by committed and talented staff, and supported by parents, alumnae, governors and trustees, Mrs Haslam explained. “When all these individuals come together, who all bring their own perspectives, opinions and skills, yet have such a strong sense of shared purpose, the chemistry that results is magical.” Reflecting also on the School motto ‘Ad Lucem’, (Towards the Light) and the energy and aspiration of WGS, as well as a commitment to what is ‘right and good’, she said: “Walk through the doors of Withington and you feel it. Pupils and staff alike are inspired by it.” Now into her 21st year at the School, firstly as a teacher of English and latterly as Deputy Headmistress, Mrs Haslam went on to say, “Seeing and sharing a girl’s journey from Year 3 or Year 7 to Year 13 is a privilege I will never tire of and I know that all my colleagues at Withington feel the same. That journey is full of steps: some small, some leaps, some challenges and occasional setbacks – but also much laughter, shared endeavour, friendship, satisfaction and reward.”

Former Withington pupil Judith Moritz, North of England Correspondent for BBC News, was guest speaker for the evening and shared the story of her career journey. Covering major stories, including terrorist attacks, murders and disasters, she told the audience: “Connecting with people is fundamental to what I do. This, and taking time to listen properly, are things we should all aspire to, whatever field we choose to work in.” Withington’s Head Girl, Emily Herbert, also spoke at the event. “Creativity is our inspiration; connection is how we share it,” she said. “We are the next generation of innovators, leaders, teachers, carers. The world will soon be passed to our generation for its safekeeping. Creativity and connection, in other words education and vision, will be our essential tools.” Withington Girls’ School is one of the UK’s top independent schools offering an outstanding education in its broadest sense to academically-able girls who are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. Excellent transport links mean pupils travel to Withington from Cheshire, Greater Manchester and parts of Lancashire.

Entry to the senior school is by examination and interview. Entrance exams will be held on Monday 9 January 2017 with papers taken in English, mathematics and verbal reasoning. For the junior school, there is an entrance assessment which is being held on Saturday 14 January 2017. Applications (with downloadable forms available on the school website) are accepted up to the day of the examinations. All admissions enquiries should be directed to the registrar, Mrs Louise Jefferies. Open days are held during the autumn term and private tours can be arranged on request. (jefferiesl@wgs.org; 0161 224 1077; wgs.org) 124

Achieving Success Together One Year GCSES Two Year A-Levels One Year Intensive Retake A-Levels A stimulating environment, inspirational teaching, very small class sizes and a strong tutor system enable our students to achieve academic success and fulďŹ l their potential.

Visit www.abbeymanchester.co.uk or call 0161 817 2700 Abbey College Manchester, 5-7 Cheapside, King Street, Manchester M2 4WG

Secure your place... Our nurturing ethos underpins an adventurous approach to learning. Pupils feel confident to just ‘have a go’, embracing challenge without fear of failure. Register now for the Entrance Assessments/Examination in January. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS OF THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND EXAMINATION PAST PAPERS.

MONDAY 16 JANUARY LOWER SCHOOL Entrance Assessments (Infant and Juniors) SENIOR SCHOOL Entrance Examination (Year 7)

T 01244 312078 E admissions@thequeensschool.co.uk www.thequeensschool.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

hose swapping the Cheshire drizzle in favour of some winter sun should look to Heidi Klein’s kids’ collection for stylish swimwear that will block out harmful rays. Manufactured with advanced UPF+50 light weight fabrics, the collection comprises a variety of one pieces, triangle bikinis, shorts and rash vests, including a quirky flamingo print and a bespoke navy compass design. From £45 (heidiklein.com)

Walking on

SUNSHINE 127

Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Weighing It Up With New Year fast approaching, now is a good time to take a look at your investment portfolio and maybe even consider making some changes. Tristan Hartey explains the best way to do this

arrying out regular portfolio reviews is crucial when considering the suitability of your investments and ensuring that any changes in your attitude to risk are accurately reflected. Over time, your attitude to risk is likely to change. If you are approaching retirement, for example, you may want to preserve capital or generate an income, while if you are investing for growth, you may need to take on more risk to potentially boost returns. There are two key questions that you should ask yourself: firstly, ‘How much capital can you afford to lose?’, and then, ‘How long is your investment horizon?’

Reviewing the amount of risk These two factors can change considerably over time which is why it is important to regularly review and adjust your portfolio to reflect them. It’s key to remember that the value of your investments and the income received from them may go down as well as up, meaning you may not get back the full amount invested. As well as regularly reviewing the amount of risk taken in your portfolio, it is also important to make sure your portfolio remains as diversified as it can be and that it reflects any changes in your investment objectives. The key to building a diversified portfolio is to take a balanced approach. This means combining a range of investments that can help you meet your investment goals within an appropriate level of risk.

Exposure to different markets Income-seeking stock market investors may want to diversify away from their home UK

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market to take advantage of dividend opportunities globally. Meanwhile, in fixed income, the current low yield environment means that investors may need to look across a wider range of global bond sectors and markets to maintain attractive future returns. Either way, you need to make sure you have the right levels of exposure to different markets for the outcomes you’re looking for. However, please note that diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. Investing outside the UK can involve a higher degree of risk and also involves a degree of exchange rate risk. If you’re unsure about any aspects of your investment portfolio we always recommend seeking professional financial advice. Tristan Hartey is managing director of Hartey Wealth Management who have recently been announced Best For Investment Portfolio Management Shropshire & Cheshire by the Wealth & Money Management Awards (harteywm.co.uk; 0808 168 5866)

The above has been provided by Hartey Wealth Management Limited, Oswestry, SY11 2NR. Tel: 0808 168 5866. www.harteywm.co.uk. Registered in England and Wales No 8288660. Registered Office: 5-7 Beatrice Street, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1QE. Hartey Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The Christie Charity Ball

The Palace Hotel Saturday 18th March 2017

Join us for a spectacular and show-stopping evening while raising vital funds for cancer patients.

Expect a night of glamour, fine dining, top class entertainment and celebrity guests, all in the stunning newly refurbished ballroom of the Palace Hotel, Manchester.

For more information please call 0161 918 2418 or email specialevents@christies.org

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Getting

festive We help you turn your home into a tasteful yet cosy winter wonderland

Homes & interiors news

Two-Faced Fornasetti’s new candle design, L’Eclaireuse, offers another surreal representation of the brand’s favourite face – that of Italian muse Lina Cavalieri. On one side her visage is decorated with regal jewellery, and an eye patch on the other. The wax is scented with a recently developed aroma named Mistero: a cosy blend of warm wood and spices, which we can’t wait to see lit as the nights begin to draw in. From £125 (fornasetti.com)

King Of The Castle

Hot Desk Smallbone of Devizes is a renowned purveyor of unusual, bespoke and superbly fashioned interior suites and one-off pieces. Creative director Andrew Hays’s latest work takes inspiration from Georgian architecture. This desk, a new walnut creation, is carved in a quoin style, resembling many of London’s historic street corners. Desk, from £60,000 (smallbone.co.uk)

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Fans of Polish pottery brand Bunzlau Castle will be delighted to know that Amara is hosting the label’s new AW16 collection. Also known as Polish Pottery, the kitchenware is inspired by a popular trend that began in Poland in the 1800s, when craftsmen would hand-paint colours and mesmerising designs onto ceramic ware to create vibrant centre pieces for the dining table. And that’s not all. Having served interiors fans with a variety of homeware for 11 years, Amara is launching its very own collection: Amara’s Own Label. Expect mohair throws, velvet cushions and crockery in geometric designs. (amara.com)

Homes and Interiors

TWEET of the MONTH HannahBarnesDesigns @HannahBarnesDes Minimalist clean lines, light varnished wood and neutral colours make up the minimalist interior trend

#interiortip ChangingSpace4U @Changingspace4u #Interiortip: Use furniture with rounded edges in a small bedroom. It will take up less floor space # H o m e W e b w at c h : F o r Ch r i s t m a s t r e e d e c o r at i o n s ,

Winner Takes It All One of our favourite local companies, the much-acclaimed Janey Butler Interiors, was honoured at the United Kingdom Property Awards Ceremony, which took place in London on 28 October, picking up not one but two awards: the Best Residential Show Home in the North West for a project in Capesthorne Hall, Siddington; and the Best Office interior in the North West, for the interior of Stuart Rushton Estate Agents in Knutsford. “We are thrilled to have won, and we are especially proud to have achieved awards in both the categories we entered into,” explained owner and design director Janey Butler. “These wins represent all the hard work and dedication of the fantastic team at The Llama Group and Janey Butler Interiors.” (01625 861 935; janeybutler.co.uk)

we love…

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“A house is much more than a mere shelter, it should lift us emotionally and spiritually.”

Knit Wits Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Ian Mankin has launched its new Ashfield wool collection. The range, which champions British heritage, is not only named after Yorkshire towns and villages, but is also woven in the last remaining mill in Burnley, using Shetland spun wool. The collection includes classic prints such as stripes, checks and plain styles, as well as quirkier patterns such as houndstooth, stylish damask and honeycomb, all of which exude timeless taste and quality. From £49.50 per metre (ianmankin.co.uk)

loves

– John Saladino, architect and interior designer (saladinostyle.com)

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Homes and Interiors

Homes & interiors news

Plan ahead for your next move W O R D S : C r i s p i n H a rr i s M R I C S , J a c k so n - S t o p s & S t a f f

is the season to be jolly and it’s also the season when many of us look back to what we’ve achieved and look to the future as we cement our plans for the coming year. This takes many forms such as career, family and often property. Are we in the home we dreamed of? Do we need to move closer to better schools? Could we afford to move to a larger home? Planning to buy or sell a home during the holiday season is a good bet, as by the time your property comes to market we will be in the dying embers of winter and into the time of year when there are traditionally more buyers – spring.

Ensure that you instruct a reputable agent who can provide you with first class photography There are many advantages to selling your home in spring: your garden will transform into a riot of colour, the nights are getting shorter, the weather is warming up and, like you, buyers are keen to follow through on their plans for the year ahead. Parents may be looking to be in a new home near a good school for the next academic year, empty nesters may be looking to downsize in time for older children to fly away to university and plans hatched over the holidays begin to take real form and are implemented with gusto. According to the latest news from RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) buyer demand has increased and market confidence continues to improve following the Brexit vote. Activity and volume in sales is increasing so why not make the most of the good news and the New Year? Plan ahead – have an agent visit your home before Christmas to begin the process. Ensure that you instruct a reputable agent who can provide you with first class photography, quality brochures, regional and national marketing and who has a keen understanding of the local market.

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Come Dine With Me Bespoke furniture maker I & JL Brown has added a contemporary twist to traditional dining this autumn with the Pimlico set. Inspired by antiques, museum pieces and historical documents, the latest range features a beautifully crafted chair and round dining table handmade in Herefordshire. The designs can also be customised in any colour and paired with a wide range of accessories that are available to match the furniture. From £525 (ijlbrown.com)

Polo In The Park Inspired by the heritage décor in Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar in New York, the Kipton mixologist box – made from saddle leather and Wexton tartan wool – unfurls to reveal a selection of gleaming cocktail accessories, and a particularly stunning crystal decanter centrepiece. Perfectly portable, it’s an essential accompaniment on crisp days out in the countryside. £3,995 (ralphlauren.co.uk)

Whatever your style, a beautiful treasure from FrithRugs makes the perfect finishing touch to your home. Our stunning selection of oriental rugs and large rugs is the largest in the UK and includes finest quality hand-crafted designs from all over the world. There are over 30,000 rugs and large rugs in stock across our stores with styles to suit every taste, setting and budget - from machine woven rugs from Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading manufacturers to precious hand-knotted masterpieces from India, Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Persia and China. A world of choice for any home.

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Prestbury A unique Arts and Crafts, Percy Worthington designed family home, with leisure complex, nestled in stunning grounds.

• 3 reception rooms • kitchen open-plan to morning room • orangery • cinema room with bar and balcony • snooker room • study/snug with staircase to private office • wine cellar • 5 bedrooms (2 en suite) • 2 bathrooms • leisure suite with pool, Jacuzzi, bar, gym & steam room • 6 car garaging • in all just over 4 acres • EPC - E Guide Price: £3,850,000

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Alderley Edge Unashamedly opulent - an ultra modern bespoke house with exquisite leisure suite & equestrian facilities set in 32.7 acres.

• 3 reception rooms • kitchen/breakfast room • study • library playroom • 7 bedrooms (4 en suite) • shower • Leisure suite with pool, steam room, sauna, gym, bar, dance floor & media room • wine cellar & kitchen • barn with office • garaging with 1 bed annexe above • stabling • manege • paddock land • gardens • approximately 32.7 acres Guide Price: £5,750,000

People Property Places

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Offices in London and across the country

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Wilmslow An exquisite Victorian town house with a modern interior and large professionally landscaped gardens.

• 2 reception rooms • kitchen/breakfast room • 4 bedrooms (2 en suite) • bathroom • leisure suite with gym & sauna • cellarage • gardens • garage • EPC - E

Guide Price: £1,200,000

People Property Places

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

CGI

Mobberley An opportunity to live on your own golf course - Planning Permission to create a magnificent 9,735 sq ft five bedroom country house with leisure suite, nestled in magnificent grounds of about 10 acres. Approximately 50 acres available by separate negotiation. Proposed: • 3 reception rooms • study/playroom • kitchen/breakfast room open-plan to family room • 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) • shower room • leisure suite with 12m indoor pool, gym & games room • 1 bedroom annexe • garaging • grounds • former 9 hole PGA Championship golf course • In all about 10 acres

Guide Price: £2,250,000

People Property Places

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

CGI

jackson-stops.co.uk CGI

CGI

Over Alderley An exciting opportunity to build a 11,378 sq ft house with leisure complex sitting in just over 11 acres. Proposed: • 3 reception rooms • orangery • breakfast kitchen • 6 bedrooms (4 en suite) • shower room • wine cellar • leisure suite with indoor pool, gym, sauna, steam room & media room • garaging • gardens & grounds of just over 11 acres in total • EPC (existing) - E

Guide Price: £2,195,000

Wilmslow A contemporary barn conversion within walking distance of Wilmslow. • sitting room • 2 bedrooms (both en suite) • allocated & visitor parking • gardens • EPC - C

Guide Price: £625,000

People Property Places

Mottram St Andrew A wonderful period family house with picturesque views

• 2 reception rooms • conservatory • 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) • shower room • garaging with 1 bedroom accommodation above • stabling • gardens • paddock • approximately 2.37 acres • EPC - D Guide Price: £1,200,000

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

rt e Pa ang red ch e Ex nsid Co

Swettenham An exemplary historic Victorian country house nestled in superb gardens.

• 2 reception rooms • music room • library • garden room • orangery • leisure room • media room • billiard room • 6 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • 2 bedroom annexe • garaging • planning permission for outdoor swimming pool • about 3 acres • EPC – E Guide Price: £2,650,000

People Property Places

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

jackson-stops.co.uk

Hale A stunning new build house which has been designed and finished to the highest of standards, set on one of the most prestigious roads in Hale.

• 3 reception rooms • family living/dining kitchen • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • garaging • in all over 0.4 of an acre • EPC – B Guide Price: £2,995,000

CGI

Hale

Lymm

A handsome semi-detached house with scope for extension. • 2 reception rooms • 4 bedrooms • bathroom • garaging • gardens

An exciting opportunity to build an equestrian centre. Planning permission for: • 3 bed house (subject to an occupational residency clause) • office • equestrian facilities including 12 loose boxes manège & paddocks • in all about 6 acres

Offers in excess of £750,000

Guide Price: £575,000

People Property Places

Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

Hale An immaculately refurbished Edwardian home on a highly desirable road and within easy walking distance of Hale village. • 3 reception rooms • kitchen • wine store • 6 bedrooms (3 en suite) • 2 bath/shower rooms • in all just over ¾ of an acre • EPC - D

Guide Price: £3,250,000

Bowdon

Hale

A stunning family house in one of Bowdon’s finest locations. • 3 reception rooms • study • cinema • morning room • 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) • bathroom • leisure complex • garaging • just over half an acre • EPC - C

A luxurious detached family house in an exclusive gated development. • 2 reception rooms • study • garden room • 5 bedrooms (2 en suite) • bathroom • garaging • gardens • EPC - D

Guide Price: £2,695,000

Guide Price: £1,650,000

People Property Places

Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

INTERIORS INSPIRATION

Through the Keyhole From home cinemas to security bunkers, interior designer and founder of Secretcape, Mathilde Allibe, is no stranger to extravagant requests. Ellen Millard gets a sneak peek at her latest project in Knightsbridge

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Homes and Interiors

“They’re all so different and they are challenging, but that’s what’s extremely exciting”

ow would one go about designing their dream home, complete with a rotisserie wheel in the kitchen, a wardrobe bigger than the bedroom and a cinema complex thrown in for good measure? Firstly, a well-stocked bank account would certainly be of assistance. Secondly, enlisting the services of Secretcape founder Mathilde Allibe would make even the wildest of interior dreams come true, for the designer is no stranger to extravagant requests. Allibe has seen it all, from “porno chic” décor – I decide against asking what this particular commission entailed – to anti-burglary security bunkers. “Swimming pools and cinema rooms aren’t extravagant; they’re common for London,”

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INTERIORS INSPIRATION

she shrugs, perched on a cream sofa in the living room of her latest residential project, 30 Pont Street. “We have been asked many times to do a kind of security room, which needs a lot of technical consideration. We have lots of clients who have suffered from burglaries, so they keep that in mind. Not only do you have to make it nice, but you have to make it work.” Challenging commissions are a day-to-day occurrence for Secretcape, an architecture and interior design firm that Allibe set up in 2008. Since it began, the company has garnered an impressive list of projects, including homes in the prestigious districts of Chelsea, Belgravia and Mayfair, to name a few, as well as elsewhere on the globe. The designer’s latest commission, a Knightsbridge townhouse divided into three roomy apartments, is one of Allibe’s more straightforward projects, which is telling, as prices for the residencies start upwards from £7,000,000. Commissioned by a family who dreamt of spreading themselves out across all three apartments, the three-year project is no longer of use to the owners who now have mini families of their own. But there are no qualms, as it’s unlikely that the central London block will be on the market for long. So new is the design that there’s still a builder hammering away at the final touches when I arrive. As last minute DIY-jobs go, the Knightsbridge townhouse is certainly one for the CV. I shuffle past in my cotton slippers – shoes are a big no-no on the freshly laid floor – and get my first glimpse of the top floor apartment, a vast

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two-storey penthouse with three ensuite bedrooms, a dining and living area, a fully-equipped kitchen and a private library. As we explore the rest of the block via plush red-carpeted stairs (there’s also a lift that stops at every floor) I mentally add aspects of the design to my dream home wishlist: a massive bay window with accompanying banquette bench and hidden storage space and a white marble bathroom with gold accents and underfloor heating. What surprises me is that, despite its linear, clean design, the space is surprisingly homely. But it’s little wonder given that Allibe is well practised at creating warm environments that she herself would

Homes and Interiors

want to live in. “I have always felt that it’s about being welcoming. It’s like I’m welcoming the guests, so I want to create that feeling throughout the property,” she tells me. “I don’t have kids, so every single project for me is my baby. None of my projects take just one week or one month; they take one or two years so it’s a big part of my life. They’re all so different and they are challenging, but that’s what’s extremely exciting.” A love of art and an appreciation for good design meant that a career in interiors was always on the cards for Allibe, who recalls playing a considerably more glamorous version of DIY SOS with her siblings as a child. “When I was younger, my dad bought a castle, in the north of France, which had 13 bedrooms. We would spend our summers there and my favourite game to play was to make my sisters change the bedrooms every single day,” she recalls fondly. “We didn’t have friends because they were at home in the French West Indies, so instead we would move the furniture again and again. My dad saw that I had this predilection for that kind of thing, and was convinced that I would end up working in this sort of job.” And that she did, calling on her childhood growing up between the French West Indies and Africa for inspiration and using her little black book of manufacturers and designers to eventually build her own brand, Secretcape. Now she spends her days crafting the dreams of her clients, who come to her with big budgets, big spaces and big ideas. “We have so many clients who will start a project and then they’ll go to a hotel or a restaurant or a friend’s house and say

‘oh do you know what, I said I liked that but in actual fact this is what I like’,” she laughs. “During the design process you discover things in their soul and in the soul of the house. In one of the properties we found a room that nobody knew about. That is so inspiring.” Based in Mayfair, the self-confessed “pure nomad” lives in High Street Kensington but is rarely home, as her work means she is constantly travelling the world. “I live in so many countries and so many cities. I was in New York and then Los Angeles last week and the week before that I was in Stockholm. It’s tiring but it makes you so strong as a person.” (secretcape.co.uk)

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Homes and Interiors

recreate the look

Seasonal

Style

is the season once again, and we’re busy transforming our homes into festive wonderlands – but if you think creating a cosy winter vibe begins and ends with fairylights and baubles, you’ve much to learn. First of all, be sure to pay close attention to the smaller details, adding in rustic candles and warm-hued furnishings – we show you how on this month’s ‘recreate the look’ page. Next, you’ll need to maximise the features of your home which best lend themselves to a snug ambience – a fireplace, for example, or even an exterior glass wall which perfectly frames the wintry beauty outside while accentuating the warmth within. To learn more about this fabulously stylish design idea, we consult the experts in ‘structural glazing’ at Clear Living. Et voila; your home is fully prepped for Christmas – now all that’s left to do is get the mulled wine going and put your feet up.

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recreate the look

A View Not A Window No home would be complete without windows but, with more architects opting to embrace the structural qualities of glass in their designs, glazing is being placed firmly at the heart of modern home building. The experts at Clear Living tell us more

hroughout time, glass has protected us, adorned us, served us and sheltered us, but, until relatively recently, it wasn’t considered for its structural properties. Always, glass sat firmly in the domain of cladding or curtain wall, whereas structure was all about steel. Now, though, the design world has woken up to the qualities of glass as a structural material, extending the palette of the architect and enhancing builds in ways never

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before seen. So what is structural glazing? In short, it’s where glass becomes an intrinsic part of the structure, where load-bearing capabilities are as, if not more, important than its aesthetic appeal. “Structural glazing allows us to do fantastic things with glass,” explains Kristian Hansen of Clear Living. “In traditional glazing, it’s the frame which provides the strength, be it in oak, timber or aluminium. But by utilising the structural qualities of the

Homes and Interiors

glass as a load-bearing medium, we can do away with frames and edges and create these aesthetically amazing living spaces of seamless glass which connect directly with the building, becoming an intrinsic part of the design.” In terms of thermal qualities, the ‘u’ values of structural panels are superior to traditional framing systems, meaning that your home is fantastically insulated and stays nice and toasty. “The reasoning for this is that the centre of the glass has the best insulation,” Kristian continues. “The minimum is by the frame joints, so by avoiding any frame joint, we can provide the maximum overall ‘u’ value to the installation, and many of the properties we work on perform to German Passivhaus standards.” Another great appeal of structural glazing is that it gives the feeling of bringing the outdoors inside, and creating a connection which hasn’t been possible until now – an especially appealing prospect during the winter months when we’re cooped up indoors (and perfect for watching the snow fall without catching a chill). Formed in 2007, Clear Living has become a market-leader in the design, supply and installation of structural and frameless glass, with two of its projects listed for the RIBA House of the Year 2015 award, and another on the shortlist for 2016. The Company, based in Wincham, Cheshire, was brought in by architects to provide bespoke glass frontage and minimal windows for properties in Formby, Liverpool, and in Criccieth, Gwynedd. “Our prime motivation at Clear Living

“The design world has woken up to the qualities of glass as a structural material” is to provide a first class service to all our clients,” Kristian adds, “and we do this using our superior design concepts and expert engineering skills.” Clear Living Limited, Ellesmore House, Wincham Ave, Wincham CW9 6GH (01606 45109, www.clear-living.co.uk)

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Homes and Interiors

recreate the look

#1 #7 #3

a season of snug #1 Bolsius Red Metallic Pillar Candle, £POA, Bolsius (bolsius.com) #2 Wool Plaid Olive Grove, £POA, Art of the Loom (artoftheloom.co.uk) #3 4ft (47-inch) Round Display Plain Wreath, £140, B&Q (diy.com) #4 Chrome Ceramic Lantern with LED Candle, £POA, DecoBREEZE/DecoFLAIR (decobreeze.com) #5 Mandala Cross Bench, £355, PUJI (puji.com) #6 The Spenser Christmas Sack, £17, The Handmade Christmas Co. (handmadechristmasco.com) #7 7ft (213cm) Cleveland Dew Drop Pre Lit Christmas Tree, £167, B&Q (diy.com) #8 Christmas Cabin Dine Collection, Dunelm (dunelm-mill.com)

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St. James Park is an exclusive collection of beautifully converted luxury apartments, mews homes and stunning individually designed newly built properties. This inspiring and leafy setting offers a unique opportunity to enjoy life at the very heart of Didsbury village.

Prices s tart from ÂŁ524,950 Call the marketing suite on: 0161 445 3138 www.s tjamespark-didsbury.co.uk | sales@s tjamespark-didsbury.co.uk Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manches ter, M20 2RR Images are indicative of the properties at St. James Park and other similar P J Livesey developments. No assumptions should be made as each property is individually designed, please contact the sales team for full details.

BERKELEY BERKELEY HOUSE, HOUSE,WILMSLOW WILMSLOW THE THE BEST BEST OF OF BOTH BOTHWORLDS WORLDS

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Situated Situatedwithin withinananexclusive exclusiveresidential residentialarea areaofof Wilmslow, Wilmslow,Berkeley BerkeleyHouse Houseoffers offersthe thebest bestofof contemporary contemporaryopen openplan planapartment apartmentliving livingyet yetitsits character characterechoes echoesthe theVictorian Victorianarchitecture architectureofof bybygone goneyears. years.ItIttruly trulyisisthe thebest bestofofboth bothworlds. worlds.

Think Think spacious spacious light light filled filled living living rooms, rooms, ideal ideal forfor relaxing, relaxing, dining dining and and entertaining. entertaining. With With elegant elegant interior interior design design and and thoughtful thoughtful layout, layout, they they areare perfect perfect forfor today’s today’s relaxed relaxed lifestyle. lifestyle. Also Also featuring featuring thethe latest latest touch touch button button media media forfor watching watching TV,TV, listening listening toto your your favourite favourite music, music, oror controlling controlling thethe ambient ambient lighting. lighting. Think Think SieMatic SieMatic kitchens kitchens that that areare a cooks a cooks dream dream with with plenty plenty of of worktop worktop space space and and state-of-the-art state-of-the-art Siemens Siemens appliances. appliances. Think Think two two oror three three bedroomed bedroomed apartments, apartments, allall designed designed toto bebe a sanctuary a sanctuary of ofrest restand andcalm, calm,with withen-suites en-suitesand andbathrooms bathroomsthat thatboast boasthigh highquality quality Hansgrohe Hansgrohe finishes finishes and and clean clean contemporary contemporary lines. lines. Alternatively Alternatively if aif private a private study study is is your your preference preference thethe spare spare bedroom bedroom can can equally equally fulfi fulfi l this l this function. function. Think Think ‘alfresco’ ‘alfresco’ breakfast breakfast oror a cup a cup of of coffee coffee in in thethe fresh fresh air,air, where where your your private private covered coveredloggia loggiaororoutdoor outdoorbalcony balconybecomes becomesa welcome a welcomeextension extensiontotoyour your home. home. Some Some ground ground floor floor apartments apartments also also feature feature private private terraces, terraces, where where you you cancan enjoy enjoy thethe manicured manicured surrounding surrounding garden, garden, all all looked looked after after byby someone someone else. else. SetSetin inmature maturelandscaped landscapedgrounds groundsBerkeley BerkeleyHouse Housefeels feelsprivate privateand andquiet, quiet, despite despite itsits convenient convenient location, location, just just a short a short walk walk from from thethe centre centre of of town. town. The The town town itself itself is is filled filled with with attractive attractive red-brick red-brick buildings buildings and and leafy leafy streets streets with with a wide a wide range range of of independent independent coffee coffee shops, shops, delicatessens, delicatessens, restaurants, restaurants, a post a post offioffi cece and and a newsagent’s, a newsagent’s, allall onon your your doorstep. doorstep. There’s There’s lots lots of of choice choice forfor dining dining out out with with friends friends and and family, family, from from wine wine bars bars toto cosy cosy country/gastro country/gastro pubs. pubs. Wilmslow Wilmslow also also boasts boasts a mix a mix of of well-known well-known and and independent independent stores, stores, including including thethe iconic iconic Hoopers Hoopers department department store. store. AA weekly weekly ‘MAKERS’ ‘MAKERS’ market market offers offers thethe best bestof ofartisan artisangoods goodsand andthetheHandforth HandforthDean/Cheadle Dean/CheadleRoyal Royalretail retailparks, parks, which which include include a large a large M&S, M&S, Tesco, Tesco, John John Lewis Lewis and and Sainsbury’s, Sainsbury’s, areare both both within within easy easy reach reach byby car. car.

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Berkeley Berkeley House: House: 2020 Chapel Chapel Lane, Lane, Wilmslow, Wilmslow, Cheshire, Cheshire, SK9 SK9 5HX 5HX T. T. 01942 01942 263 263 485 485 E. E. info@berkeleyhousewilmslow.co.uk info@berkeleyhousewilmslow.co.uk www.berkeleyhousewilmslow.co.uk www.berkeleyhousewilmslow.co.uk

04/10/2016 04/10/2016 10:20 10:20

gardens

Oh Christmas Tree What would Christmas be without the humble tree? While we all love the scent, the twinkling fairy lights and the bauble-laden branches, the dizzying variety can make choosing your tree a tough chore – so we’ve put together a handy guide to help you find that special festive fir

he origins of the Christmas tree are as complex as they are far reaching, with evergreen firs traditionally used by the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews to symbolise eternal life. This custom continued into pagan times, with evergreens used specifically to celebrate winter festivals, and pagans decorating their homes with branches during the winter solstice to remind them that spring was coming. The tradition was later adopted by the Vikings and Saxons of Scandinavia, who thought that evergreens were the special plant of the sun god, Balder, and would use trees to scare away the devil during the new year. Christmas trees as we know them – decorated with lights, and kept indoors – first came about during the Renaissance of early modern Germany in the 16th century, when devout Christians began to bring decorated trees into their homes. The custom was then adopted by European nobility, and soon found its way to Britain in the 19th century, when the Royal Family became united with the German Hanover family – particularly when Queen Victoria and the German Prince Albert were married, and the custom became immediately fashionable.

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Homes and Interiors

Norway Spruce As the traditional Christmas tree used for decades in Britain, this is certainly one you’ll recognise. A beautiful bright green, it’s one of the best choices if you like a rich, full, fresh pine scent – but beware, as it’s notorious for dropping its needles quickly.

Nordmann Fir It hasn’t quite overtaken the Norway spruce yet, but its popularity in the UK has been sharply on the rise over the past few years. It doesn’t offer much in the way of scent, but is usually slightly more expensive than its rival thanks to its ability to hold on to its broad, dark green needles for much longer.

Noble Fir A pretty and unusual grey-green colour, the Noble is the true workhorse of Christmas trees. Its needles tilt upwards, and the branches are extremely strong, so it’s ideal for hanging heavy decorations like the oversized baubles currently in fashion (and those ambiguous yet prized masterpieces the kids made at school).

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Homes and Interiors

gardens

Serbian Spruce Another Norway spruce lookalike, the Serbian variety has the pretty distinction of needles with a bright blue underside. Like the Fraser fir, it has a slender base and slimmer overall shape, making it well suited to children’s rooms and annexes.

Fraser Fir Extremely popular in America (perhaps largely thanks to its annual appearance in pride of place at The White House), it has a similar shape to the Norway spruce and also holds on to its needles. Its best feature, however, is its narrow base, making it ideal for smaller spaces.

Blue Spruce

Artificial Tree

Ever-popular with those looking for a twist on the traditional bright green tree, the sleekly silver-blue of this species works well with coolercoloured interiors and silver decorations. Like the Nordmann, it holds onto its needles well, though they are a good deal pricklier.

The beauty of a faux tree is that you can now find a convincing replica of almost every type – plus there’s no messy dropped needles, no maintenance, and (for those unsuperstitious among us) no rush to dispose of it. And the best bit? Now you can even get fake trees with a delightfully authentic fresh pine scent.

Douglas Fir Another of America’s most popular Christmas trees, this is another tree which doesn’t let its needles drop all over your floor (or piles of perfectly-wrapped gifts) too quickly. But its most attractive feature is, without doubt, its gorgeous fresh citrus scent.

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Celebrating

20 years 1996-2016

Designers and makers of Bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms, Home offices and furniture

Workshops and showroom, 6a Old Brickworks, Bakestonedale Road, Pott Shrigley, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 5RX | T: 01625 560700 | E: info@jamierobins.co.uk | W: www.jamierobins.co.uk

The Old Stables, Capesthor ne Hall, Nr Alder ley Edge , Cheshire . SK11 9JY By Appointment

W: j a n e y b u t l e r . c o . u k E: hello@janeybutler.co.uk T:

01625 861935

Janey Butler Interiors w o r k i n g i n c o l l a b o r at i o n Janey Butler Interiors w i t h BRAN D VAN EG M ON D I n t e r n at i o n a l P r o p e r t y A wBarri dn gW i ni g n nto e r yo 2 0u1r6 -h2o0m1e7s inC t eo r mm i o re racricah l i tO ec f fti u c re e I n u tnei r qi u oer, i n divid u a l s t y l e a n d d e s i g n .

Homes and Interiors

INSPIRATION

PRETTY AS A PICTURE As winter beckons, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to keep our feathered friends fed and watered, and we love this picture-frame feeding station. Over half of us feed the birds in our gardens, providing that necessary supplementary food required to allow us to enjoy them year on year. At this time of the year put out food and water on a regular basis. In severe weather, feed twice daily if you can: in the morning and in the early afternoon, using good quality food and scraps. Practical yet stylish, fill the feeder with nuts and seeds and watch the display all through the year. Bird frame feeder, ÂŁ7.99 (jeremyshomestore.co.uk)

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HOT PROPERTY our SHORTLIST OF top properties on the market in and AROUND cheshire

Hanson Hall Nether Alderley

This Tudor-style period hall has been lovingly constructed to the highest contemporary specification, fusing glass, green oak, marble and stone. The house is designed to take full advantage of the maximum amount of light through glazed floor-toceiling windows bringing the outside garden and woodland in, creating an ever-changing 360˚ painting. The handcrafted, hand-painted kitchen has the highest quality of appliances, including equipment by Miele, Cornue, Blanco and Sub-Zero, while the house also boasts the very latest state-of-the-art technology, from a fully-integrated home intelligent system including Lutron lighting, audio/visual entertainment and AMX intelligent room-by-room controls. Approached from the main reception hall via the beautifully

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crafted lime oak staircase, stone walling and limestone-flagged floors, a glass automated door opens to reveal an Aladdin’s cave: an entertaining suite featuring a sophisticated bar area and wine cellar, utility room, cloakroom and gymnasium. The house also boasts a stunning fully equipped home cinema room with projector and built-in screen, as well as five bedrooms, all en suite. A further set of automatic glass doors lead to an amazing pool complex, where different types of stone, marble and tile have been

combined to create the ultimate in relaxation areas. As well as the spectacular pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, there are his-and-hers changing rooms and showers. The beautiful architectural theme is continued to the garage and annexe, both meticulously thought out to blend with the main house. On the ground floor are four garages with three electronically operated oak doors with oak frames. To the rear is a workroom, gardeners’ WC and stores. A side staircase leads to a selfcontained annexe on the first floor. The manicured gardens and lawns surround the house and are enveloped by woodland and bushes totalling almost 13 acres. A secondary driveway approaches the rear of the property over a short drive through the woodland, providing access to the lawns at the back of the house. The stone-flagged driveway at the front of the property also leads to an impressive medieval-style separate outbuilding, with a quadruple garage and stores. An imaginative external staircase leads to a separate selfcontained two-bedroom annexe. On the market at a guide price of £7.25 million with Jackson-Stops & Staff 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

Homes and Interiors

Swanscoe Hall Swanscoe

This exquisite seven-bedroom period country house in eight acres occupies an imposing elevated position, enjoying wonderful panoramic views across the Cheshire Plain. This large country house is constructed of dressed stone elevations under a slated roof, with numerous impressive rooms, none more so than the expansive breakfast kitchen with hand-made David Lisle kitchen. Each room has its own character, with superb period features such as open fireplaces with carved surrounds, wood block flooring, high ceilings with decorative roses and mouldings and an oak-panelled ceiling to the drawing room. These

features, coupled with large sash windows, taking full advantage of the breathtaking far reaching views, make Swanscoe Hall a real rarity to the market. The house is approached by an impressive set of stone entrance pillars, which lead to a wonderful rhododendron-lined drive winding its way upwards, opening out to breathtaking manicured lawns.

Swanscoe Hall is situated on the outskirts of the hamlet of Swanscoe, some two miles north-east of Macclesfield. Macclesfield has an array of day-to-day facilities, including excellent shopping, recreational and transport facilities: the main line railway station enjoys an intercity link to Manchester and London. Manchester city centre is 18 miles away, while the international airport is 13 miles away. There are numerous excellent private and state schools catering for all of your educational needs. The Peak District National Park is close to hand, which provides many beautiful walks. On the market at a guide price of ÂŁ1.495 million with Jackson-Stops & Staff 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

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Homes and Interiors

HOT PROPERTY

Carrwood HALE BARNS

Aboda Living specialise in luxury residential property, creating properties of architectural distinction, building both speculatively and by client appointment and using the finest materials to offer beautifully crafted and practical living spaces. The multi-disciplined service incorporates plot identification, design, planning, property development, construction and project management, all orchestrated with Aboda Livingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efficiency and attention to detail. They offer an end to end solution from plot identification through to handing over the keys to your new home, using an in-house architect and interior design services, unique main contractor partnership and preferred partner network of professional service providers to achieve results of

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the highest possible quality. This beautiful home is a fantastic example of contemporary design, perfectly balancing functionality with modern inspiration. The house benefits from a generous open plan design, including a kitchen of the highest specification and a collection of informal living areas. The ground floor also boasts a utility room, generously apportioned study, formal dining room and lounge. Upstairs are five en-suite bedrooms, the master bedroom even accompanied

by a dressing room and its own external terrace. Outside are a triple garage, terraces and landscaped grounds, while security is given prime importance with the inclusion of a video entry system. The gardens are south-facing, with stunning uninterrupted views over the Bollin Valley and plenty of space for entertaining. On the market for ÂŁ3.25million with Jackson-Stops & Staff, 174 Ashley Road, Hale , WA15 9SF (0161 928 8881; jackson-stops.co.uk)

HE L SB Y C HE SHIRE

Get your foot on the ladder for just £128,000*

Dream of owning your own home? Dream of living in an awesome location? We’ve launched our brand new, two-bedroom starter homes at Mere’s Edge in Helsby. Situated in a great village, with shops, restaurants a well connected train station, close to the M56 - and the fabulous Frodsham just minutes away by car - Mere’s Edge is a great place to get your foot on the ladder. Designed by Lancet Homes, these stunning 2-bedroom homes are the perfect starter properties. Just FOUR of these homes will be available for sale so register now by emailing info@lancet-homes.co.uk. With properties ready for occupation from early 2017 you’re just months away from holding the key to your very own front door.

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Cheshire and Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Independent Estate Agents Visit our new web site www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

BROAD LANE, Hale

An absolutely incredible top floor apartment in this prestigious Hale development of only Six luxury apartments. Luxury is an understatement with it boasting features such as intelligent light and sound systems, a outside terrace and a balcony, Siematic kitchen, walk in wardrobe, bespoke furniture to name but a few. This apartment has the wow factor and a wealth of practical liveable space. The whole apartment is on another level to anything else on the market and viewing is advised.

New Price ÂŁ1,295,000 Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Hale Office 172 Ashley Road, WA15 9SF Sales: 0161 929 9797 Lettings: 0161 929 9898 E: hale@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Didsbury Office 757-759 Wilmslow Road, M20 6RN Sales: 0161 445 4480 Lettings: 0161 434 5290 E: didsbury@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Macclesfield & Prestbury Office 84-86 Waters Green, SK11 6LH Sales: 01625 434000 Lettings: 01625 502222 E: macclesfield@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Sale Office 95-97 School Road M33 7XA Sales: 0161 962 2828 Lettings: 0161 976 5080 E: sales@jordanfishwick.co.uk

South Downs Road, Bowdon Guide Price £1,425,000 Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

A complete contradiction in terms - off the beaten track, yet close to everything - describes this wonderful period family home. Being so setback for the road, it is not easily seen, yet a comfortable stroll to Hale village. Dating back to the turn of the last century, the house exudes a wealth of character that is complimented by a delightful garden setting and needs to be seen. The property sits in around 0.45 Acre and boasts over 3000 sqft internally including ‘The Croft’ which is the charming converted outside building currently used as a music/games room but would make a great home office.

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 4444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Manchester City Centre Office 217 Deansgate M3 3NW Sales: 0161 833 9499 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 E: manchester@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Salford & Media City Office City Point Unit 2, 156 Chapel Street M3 6BF Sales: 0161 833 9499 opt 3 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 opt 2 E: salford@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Northern Quarter Office 45 Tib Street M4 1LT Sales: 0161 833 9494 Lettings: 0161 833 9494 E: nor thernquar ter@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Cheshire and Manchester’s Leading Independent Estate Agents Visit our new web site www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

York Drive, bowdon Guide Price £2,650,000 Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

A superbly appointed detached residence in a secluded location sitting on one of Bowdon’s premier, private roads with gated entrance and CCTV. This bespoke designed family home combines all the modern technology one would expect from a house of this calibre together with the practical features required for modern family living. A beautiful looking house that includes four reception rooms, 6 double bedrooms and four bathrooms. Bespoke, stunning Clive Christian kitchen equipped with a range of Wolf, Miele and sub zero appliances. Lift access to all floors, under-floor heating, Integral double garage with parking for several vehicles, private landscaped gardens to the front and rear with decking, sunken hot tub and outside entertaining space.

Hale Office 172 Ashley Road, WA15 9SF Sales: 0161 929 9797 Lettings: 0161 929 9898 E: hale@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Didsbury Office 757-759 Wilmslow Road, M20 6RN Sales: 0161 445 4480 Lettings: 0161 434 5290 E: didsbury@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Macclesfield & Prestbury Office 84-86 Waters Green, SK11 6LH Sales: 01625 434000 Lettings: 01625 502222 E: macclesfield@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Sale Office 95-97 School Road M33 7XA Sales: 0161 962 2828 Lettings: 0161 976 5080 E: sales@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Hale Road, HALE Guide Price £1,950,000 Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Built in 1901 and with Grade II listed status, ‘Greystoke’ was designed by eminent architect Edgar Wood. Wood designed an enclave of just nine properties in Hale forming an integral part of Hale’s history and our national heritage. The house offers a wealth of accommodation throughout including four reception rooms and seven bedrooms totalling over 4100 sq ft within the main house and a further 600sq ft within the separate coach house. Also worthy of mention is the fact it has a self contained coach house, four car garage and sits behind secure gates in 0.6 of an acre.

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 4444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Manchester City Centre Office 217 Deansgate M3 3NW Sales: 0161 833 9499 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 E: manchester@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Salford & Media City Office City Point Unit 2, 156 Chapel Street M3 6BF Sales: 0161 833 9499 opt 3 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 opt 2 E: salford@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Northern Quarter Office 45 Tib Street M4 1LT Sales: 0161 833 9494 Lettings: 0161 833 9494 E: nor thernquar ter@jordanfishwick.co.uk

property pick

Chalet Sanctuary Fancy a cosy week away â&#x20AC;&#x201C; filled with soft cheese, red wine, fresh powder and friends â&#x20AC;&#x201C; holed up in an alpine chalet so luxurious you may not even make it to the slopes? Well, look no further

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or the ultimate group getaway this winter – complete with every conceivable luxury and the quaintest of chocolate box surrounds – we’ve seen no better property offering than the brand new Chalet Calistoga in Du Cret in Val d’Isere, recently opening its doors for weekly rental for the 2016/17 ski season. Owned by Consensio chalets, who exclusively operate a portfolio of 13 handpicked, high-end luxury chalets in the French Alps – catering to the desires of seasoned skiers who seek indulgence, comfort, convenience and the highest level of service – it’s fair to say that this is a brand which all but defines the luxury ski chalet market. The resort of Val d’Isere is a firm favourite among skiers and is not short of luxury chalets; however none that we’ve seen offer anything quite like Chalet Calistoga. Located in the exclusive domain of Du Cret in Val d’Isere, Chalet Calistoga sleeps ten guests in five en-suite bedrooms. The chalet combines high-spec interiors and contemporary amenities, while maintaining the charm of a traditional chalet with exposed stone and brick walls, timber beams, a large open fire place and cosy fittings, meaning that – no matter your design preferences – it’s frankly impossible not to love. The double-height living area boasts panoramic views down the valley through the floor-to-ceiling windows, with doors that open onto a vast terrace. The relaxed seating area is located around the fireplace and the adjoining dining area is spacious, to ensure guests can relax and enjoy

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property pick

meals prepared by their private chef. On the same floor is a TV snug, suitable for young and old, perfect to watch movies or television together, complete with Sky and Apple TV, and on the lower floor there is a children’s games room. Those who prefer a slower pace of life can retreat to the chalet’s private indoor pool for a few laps before relieving aching muscles in the sauna or with a massage in the chalet’s own treatment room. Consensio prides itself on its passion for food, using only the finest ingredients and, where possible, in season, local produce: it has just launched its new exclusive breakfast menu in partnership with one of London’s most popular restaurants, Duck & Waffle, offering guests the ultimate breakfast ahead of a hard day’s ski. The menu was created by executive chef of Duck & Waffle, Tom Cenci, who has also been working with the Consensio chefs in the lead up to the start of the season,

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to ensure a full reflection of the unique dishes that have made Duck & Waffle London’s most celebrated brunch spot. So gather up your nearest and dearest, invest in a whole new ski wardrobe, and book your week of winter indulgence before this fabulous oasis is all booked up. Entry level prices for the Classic Collection start with a Lifestyle Associate membership for £88,000 (thehideawaysclub.com)

Thomas Property Group’s Premier Homes Portfolio is proud to present Church Manor, a historic, mature and unique Grade II listed Manor House set in large gardens in the picturesque village of Old Waverton, near Chester. Designed by the renowned architect John Douglas and built circa 1880 to his exacting standards, many original features have been retained. The wealth of features includes pitch pine stair cases, sandstone mullioned windows and exposed timbers. Accommodation includes four reception rooms, study / home office with ethernet connnection point, five double bedrooms and impressive breakfast kitchen. A separate self-contained annexe can be created. The master bedroom suite and bedrooms 2 and 3 share the 1st floor, with the top floor hosting the 4th and 5th bedrooms. The large, mature, private, landscaped gardens are delightful. This outstanding home must be viewed to be appreciated.

Church Manor, Old Waverton

Rightmove’s best selling agent* www.thomaspropertygroup.co.uk *postcode data available

Offers in the region of £1.25M

OVERSEAS PROPERTY we’ve picked OUR FAVOURITE properties from AROUND THE WORLD for your viewing pleasure

FRANCE Penthouse, Cannes This outstanding Penthouse boasts 227 sqm of stylish French design and is situated in the heart of the Croisette. It offers contemporary furnishings throughout, and boasts a large 89 sq m terrace which provides the residents with an amazing panoramic sea view and an excellent backdrop for entertaining guests. On the market for €14,500,000 (£12,927,000) with Christies International Real Estate (33 (0)4 93 39 77 77; christiesrealestate.com)

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CONNECTICUT

Great Island, Long Island Sound Great Island, a 63-acre private enclave on Long Island Sound, has come to the market for the first time in over a century. The only property of its size still in existence on the New England seaboard, and only 55 minutes from Manhattan, the superbly situated century-old main house, Villa Juliette, dates back to 1902. The home has been built to impressive standards, entirely out of stone with a tile roof. The equestrian facilities on the estate are world class, with an indoor ring, extensive paddocks, a generous Grand Prix jumping/riding arena, exercise track, sand dressage ring and bridle trails. Other amenities include a private beach and beach house; an extensive, well-sheltered harbour with a private deep water dock and boat house; two comfortable guest houses; and a tastefully restored additional home. On the market for $175,000,000 (£143,038,000) with Christies International Real Estate (609 921 2600; christiesrealestate.com)

NEW JERSEY

La Maison de Verre, Princeton Located a short walk from prestigious Princeton University, La Maison de Verre is an homage to Frank Lloyd Wright. The lower level of the 10,800 sq ft main house, with a 700-bottle wine cellar and tasting room, includes one bedroom and exercise room. There is an extensive interior security system, Mobotixsecured entry portals, as well as a guard house, and a separate entrance opens to an additional 1,400-square-foot, one-bedroom guest apartment. Complementing the interior are the gardens, originally designed by the late noted landscape architect Robert Zion. Separate spaces on either side of the house provide space for intimate and large gatherings and include a cascading water fountain. On the market for €5,995,000 (£5,343,000) with Christies International Real Estate (609 921 2600; christiesrealestate.com)

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OVERSEAS PROPERTY

FRANCE

Le Palais Bulles, Théoule-sur-Mer Built in 1979, this impressive home was designed by renowned Hungarian architect, Antti Lovag and is also famous for being owned by French couturier, Pierre Cardin who bought the property in 1991. Set on an 8,500 sqm estate overlooking the sea, the property features 10 bedrooms and the grounds encompass three swimming pools, landscaped gardens complete with water ponds and a 500-seat outdoor auditorium. On the market for €350 million (£312 million) with Christie’s International Real Estate (+33 (0)4 93 39 77 77; christiesrealestate.com)

CALIFORNIA

The Manor, Beverley Hills Designed by architects James Langenheim & Associates and built in 1988, the home was originally built by entertainment royalty Candy and Aaron Spelling before being acquired by its current owner, British heiress Petra Stunt, daughter of Formula One racing’s Bernie Ecclestone. The French chateau-style residence is roughly 56,500 sq ft, making it one of the largest private homes in Los Angeles. Ms Stunt embarked on an extensive and exquisite renovation since purchasing the estate in 2011. Sited on roughly five acres, the property has seven bedrooms plus a service wing. The home’s entry boasts 30-foot-highceilings and a double staircase. There is also a two-lane bowling alley, a wine cellar and tasting room, catering kitchen, gym and a beauty salon with massage and tanning rooms. The roughly 7,000 sq ft master suite has its own kitchen, living room and a two-level closet connected by a pair of staircases. On the market for $200 million (£163.5 million) with Christie’s International Real Estate (+1 310 278 3311; christiesrealestate.com)

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TARPORLEY

NORTHWICH

56B High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0AG T

28 High Street, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 5BJ

01829 730 021

E tarporley@hinchliffeholmes.co.uk

Tarvin

£599,950

Situated in a quiet central village location and dating back to 1898, an outstanding detached Victorian residence with exceptional accommodation and specification throughout. • Two reception rooms. • Family Breakfast Kitchen. • Four bedrooms.

Spurstow

• Three bath/shower rooms. • Beautifully landscaped private gardens. • Electric gated off road parking.

£725,000

Set in beautifully landscaped grounds of approximately one acre in a picturesque location with open views across farmland, a sympathetically presented detached period home with character and charm throughout. • Three reception rooms. • Conservatory. • Family Breakfast Kitchen. • Three double bedrooms.

Open 7 days a week

01606 330 303

E northwich@hinchliffeholmes.co.uk

• Two bath/shower rooms. • Double gated entrance. • Off road parking for several vehicles. • Detached Double Garage.

Duddon

£695,000

Situated in a sought after and most convenient location with views across open farmland an outstanding detached family home with flexible accommodation and quality fixtures and fittings throughout. • Three reception rooms. • Open Plan Family Breakfast Dining Kitchen. • Four/Five double bedrooms. • Beautifully landscaped south-facing private gardens.

Kingsley

• Four bath/shower rooms. • Electric gated entrance. • Extensive driveway. • Detached double garage. with loft room above.

£1.18 Million

With outstanding views across the Cheshire countryside, a well-presented detached family residence with flexible accommodation throughout. • Two reception rooms. • Open Plan Family Breakfast Kitchen. • Five bedrooms. • Two bath/shower rooms. • Electric gated entrance with turning circle. • Extensive parking.

www.

• Landscaped private gardens and paddocks. • Detached Triple Garage. • Coach House with First Floor. • Various planning permissions granted. • Stables - With planning permission for conversion.

hinchliffeholmes.co.uk

Homes and Interiors

FINISHING TOUCHES

fashion forward High fashion and luxury interior design are fast becoming a popular combination and, with the launch of its stunning, super-luxe Home brand in 2012, time-honoured designer label Roberto Cavalli has proved itself to be more than up to the challenge. There is just one dedicated mono-brand store in Europe from which Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors can be bought which, lucky for those with a bold eye for designer luxury and a desire to be among the first to use the range in their projects, happens to be right here in the UK. Kings of Chelsea – situated in the fashionable eponymous London district – is a true treasure trove of beauty, filled with pieces from the latest collections, each one made entirely in Italy by top craftsmen using the finest materials; a pedigree attested to by every impeccable stitch and finish. Then again, with each furniture and homeware collection directly controlled by the very upper echelons of the fashion house (and designed to reflect the latest Cavalli catwalks), this is to be expected: Cavalli creative director Peter Dundas has direct input into the shapes, tones and general direction of each new collection, and all the luxury materials used (including silks, leathers, velvets and furs) are Cavalli exclusives, only available on Cavalli furniture. Like each piece in the range, the service at Kings of Chelsea, too, is all about attention to detail. Gladly flying technicians from Italy to personally fit customers’ walk-in wardrobes, the store frequently opens outside normal business hours to accommodate prospective clients, and will even make special home visits to present ranges, answer enquiries and provide interior design advice. The store is also one of the only places where it’s possible to buy Cavalli wallpaper, ceramics, glass and linens and, for those with the most exacting of taste, even offers the possibility of couture pieces for those wanting one off commissions. (kofc.co.uk)

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The Old Stables, Capesthor ne Hall, Nr Alder ley Edge , Cheshire . SK11 9JY By Appointment

W: j a n e y b u t l e r . c o . u k E: hello@janeybutler.co.uk T:

01625 861935

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