The Cheshire Magazine January 2016 by Runwild Media Group

Macallan Amber RWMG Ad 420x297 210915.indd 1

THEMACALLAN.COM P L E A S E S AV O U R R E S P O N S I B LY

21/09/2015 13:09

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

From the

Editor

EDITOR’S PICKs #1 Happy Birthday Jodrell Bank (page 58)

#2 Margaret Thatcher’s Art Deco emerald and diamond necklace (page 61)

#3 Animal adventures (page 112)

hether the chilly new year heralds a new you, or you’re just looking for a little inspiration, we’ve plenty to warm your mind and soul this month. The wonderful Gary Barlow and Tim Firth set the tone for the issue (page 30) as they chat about home and heroines, namely the Calendar Girls whom they will be honouring in their new musical, set to hit the stage this month. We even get in a sneaky question about Take That. Then we help to plan your New Year celebrations (and recover from them!) and start 2016 with the best of intentions, as well as giving you coaching advice on how to stick to those pesky resolutions long past January (page 43). There’s celebration afoot as Jodrell Bank marks seventy years of science. Sir Bernard Lovell switched on his radar equipment in 1945 and, with permission for it to remain there for just two weeks, his passion and dedication have spanned the years to ensure that Jodrell Bank is still here today: an iconic landmark of the Cheshire countryside (page 58). Roland Mouret talks about that Galaxy dress (page 72), Dr Howard Murad gets us geared up with some motivation to take us into the next year (page 92), and Wendy Mason takes on the F1 circuit (page 104) – Lewis who? Whether it’s an extravagant New Year’s Eve blowout, or a quiet toast to Big Ben that’s on the cards, we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2016.

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

AL6949 Hug ad North addresses 28 08 15_Layout 1 28/08/2015 11:11 Page 1

London • Liverpool • Manchester • Altrincham Chester • Southport

www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

winter

SALE

% off

everything* 1 S T DE C â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 31 S T JA N 2016

Order online at: mandarinstone.com Or visit one of our inspirational showrooms: Bath Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Cheltenham Exeter Marlow Monmouth Weybridge Wilmslow Order online at: mandarinstone.com or visit your local showroom: 67-69online Water at: Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 your 5BQ local 01625showroom: 531 343 Order mandarinstone.com or visit 49-51 *High Cambridge CB2 with 9HZ 01223 ExcludesStreet, Classic andTrumpington, Discontinued lines. Cannot be used in conjunction any other offer. 846 787

100

030

112

120

Contents

043

048

January 2016

Features

collection

travel

026 | The perfect New Year’s Eve Mix and match our before, during and after suggestions to create your ideal evening 030 | All about the girls Gary Barlow and playwright Tim Firth talk exclusively to The Cheshire Magazine 036 | Colour uncoded The very powerful effect of colour on our perceptions, moods and mental health 043 | Promises, promises Meaningful new year’s resolution ideas that’ll improve you inside and out 048 | The sky’s the limit Why coaching is one of the most powerful tools in effective communication

062 | Watch news Stunning state-of-the-art timepieces for him and her 066 | Jewellery news A full round-up of all the latest in style and sparkle

110 | Travel news 112 | Encounters of the wild kind Tick your own special wildlife encounter off your bucket list 118 | Inner sanctum We find out what makes the Titanic Spa so very special 120 | Weekend away Spend a lazy weekend relaxing at the Windsor Castle Hotel

regulars

104

145

008 | Editor’s letter 012 | Contributors 015 | My life in Cheshire Nicole Goode talks about founding Hampton Living 016 | Notebook This month’s local events, news and best new products 021 | Local scene All the glamour and gossip 052 | Taylor talk Liz Taylor meets treasure of the northwest, Sally Lindsay

art 056 | Art & culture news 058 | 70 years of science Jodrell Bank’s riveting history 061 | Prize lots

fashion & beauty 068 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here 070 | To infinity and beyond Designer Roland Mouret talks about his success and the future of fashion 078 | Silver linings This month’s shoot is all contemporary cocktail wear 090 | Beauty news New treatments, products and all the latest news 092 | All about you Dr Howard Murad believes that achieving true beauty means going all in

motoring 100 | Motoring news The latest developments from the automotive world 102 | Go get ’em, Tayga Bentley’s very first SUV, the Bentayga, is here, and it is thoroughly spectacular 104 | On the track Driving a Formula 1 car is even more complicated than you’d ever imagined 108 | Technology central What’s hot in the world of gadgets, games and geekery

FAMILY 122 | The classroom 124 | Kids’ news The very latest for little ones 128 | The sweetest thing Fall in love with petite haute couture at Tartine et Chocolat

homes & interiors 132 | Interiors news 145 | The fashionable architect Nick Leith-Smith talks creating stores for Manolo Blahnik and working with a vision 153 | Recreate the look This month we’re all about kitchens, to help you create a cosy, stylish hub in your home 158 | Linking inside and out Advice from garden designer Stephen Woodhams, straight from the pages of his new book 164 | Hot properties The best of Cheshire’s homes 168 | Your own Tuscan village Like the sound of owning a whole piece of rustic Italia? 175 | Overseas property These stunning properties will have you yearning to emigrate

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

january 2016 s issue 025 s

Editor Louisa Castle

The

contributors

Deputy Editor Gemma Knight Editorial Director Kate Harrison Theatre Editor Natalie Anglesey Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong

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.

RICHARD BROWN Richard is deputy editor of Collection, our dedicated watch and fine jewellery section. He specialises in men’s style, culture and finance. Each month he brings us all the latest developments from the world of timepieces.

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.

JENNIFER MASON Jennifer started out in luxury fashion marketing and has since worked as a writer in the UK and Dubai, specialising in motoring, travel, lifestyle and local features. Her time is spent reading and obsessing over the latest Formula 1 results.

Iain Warde Iain is a self-confessed geek, having worked in computer gaming and tech magazines since the creation of Pac-Man. He is also a huge petrolhead who spends his spare time marshalling at Oulton Park and around the UK.

Anat Dychtwald Anat started her career as a stylist at Vanity Fair, and has since created fashion stories for Harper’s Bazaar, Cake Magazine and many more. This month, she partners with photographer William Garrett to captured the gorgeous model Xu Liu.

Production Hugo Wheatley, Oscar Viney Alice Ford, Jamie Steele Advertising Managers Kayleigh Penswick, Kathryn Otto Danielle Mullen Brand Ambassador Keely Barrett General Manager Fiona Fenwick Publisher Giles Ellwood 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 circulated luxury publication in Cheshire, delivered to selected homes in over 20 postcodes, plus businesses, newsagents and retail outlets. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Kayleigh Penswick:+44 (0) 784 1199 699 k.penswick@runwildgroup.co.uk Kathryn Otto:+ 44 (0) 797 1981 721 k.otto@runwildgroup.co.uk Danielle Mullen: +44 (0) 796 6159 812 d.mullen@runwildgroup.co.uk

Members of the Professional Publishers Association

cover On the

Tim Firth & Gary Barlow, portrait for The Girls (Matt Crockett) Turn to page 30 to find out more

Also published by

THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT THE FUTURE IS TO CREATE IT.

The new BMW 7 Series

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES. DRIVING LUXURY.

After nearly a decade of development, the new BMW 7 Series ushers in entirely new levels of engineering and technology. From its revolutionary multifunction Display Key, which illustrates vital information about the car and can possess the impressive power of Remote Control Parking*, to BMW Gesture Control and Touch Command, providing control at your fingertips whether you are driving or being driven. Such pioneering innovations are set to shape BMW cars to come. To experience the most innovative car in its class, please contact your local BMW Centre to arrange an exclusive test driveâ&#x20AC; at www.bmw.co.uk/northwest

Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 7 Series range: Urban 24.8-51.4mpg (11.4-5.5l/100km). Extra Urban 45.6-67.3mpg (6.2-4.2l/100km). Combined 34.9-60.1mpg (8.1-4.7l/100km). CO2 emissions 189-124g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

*Available with Advanced Parking Package. â&#x20AC; Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

33623_7_The_Cheshire_Series_Syndicated_Press Ad_A4.indd 1

30/11/2015 16:45

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

My life in CHESHIRE Nicole Goode owner and founder of Hampton Living

“We decided to focus on the elegant, timeless look that The Hamptons offers”

t was after many years of school holidays spent at her family’s home in Mallorca that Nicole Goode, born and bred in Bowdon, discovered a niche opportunity too good to pass up. Having already completed degrees in neuroscience and then in law, it was Nicole’s natural interest in interiors, architecture and fashion which led her to notice the fabulous breadth of beautiful Hamptons beach-style products available in Mallorca’s interiors boutiques – a selection which far outstripped what she had seen in the UK. With a sound legal business skillset under her belt and a desire to start her own business, in 2014 she launched Hampton Living, a luxurious interiors brand inspired by the effortless, chic style of its Long Island namesake. “I’ve been going to Mallorca since I was a child and I love the island,” Nicole explains. “We found some fabulous interiors shops over there, and it was these shops that gave me the idea for Hampton Living. I was keen to bring products into the UK that were different to what was already available, so we focused on the elegant, timeless look that The Hamptons offers.” Nicole is a proud Cheshire resident, attending Withington Girls School (where it was then-headmistress Mrs Kenyon who suggested she start her own business) and the University of Manchester, saying that she particularly loves the area’s uniqueness and diversity. “I love that we have everything located on our doorstep,” she says. “We have the beautiful Cheshire countryside, which is perfect for walking with the dogs, but we are only twenty minutes away from Manchester town centre. There are good schools and great communities, and so many great restaurants and shops in the local villages. “I like organic food and have to be sugar and gluten free, so places like The Yard in Alderley Edge and The Garden in Hale are excellent additions to the social scene for me. I love Granthams and Wienholt’s in Alderley Edge, especially as my gran and her brother used to go to Wienholt’s every Christmas to buy the family treats. There are also some good pubs around Cheshire these days that serve great quality local produce – I love The Church Inn and The Bulls Head in Mobberley. Piccolino in Knutsford recently underwent a refurbishment and now has a fabulous Hamptons-esque style to it, and they’ve just opened a new site in Alderley Edge which incorporates a really good juice bar. For shopping, Cocaranti in Knutsford features some great brands like Paige and Frame Denim, American Vintage, IRO and Rails – all of which I love.” (hamptonliving.co.uk) 15

IT’S ALL ABOUT GEORGE If you haven’t ventured to Worsley to see what all the fuss is about, we certainly recommend that you do. Having had a sneak preview of the latest menu (during which both head chef Andrew Parker and co-owner Ryan Giggs personally tempted us with the tasting menu), we were left charmed, delighted and suitably full. The cocktails are not to be missed either. Try the basil and agave daiquiri, designed in-house by bar manager Simon Dunphy, who scours the latest trends to bring on-trend tastes to the northwest. (georgesworsley.co.uk)

NOTEBOOK CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW It may be a bit early to be talking about this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but two of Cheshire’s oldest and most notable families are coming together with a joint floral exhibit in the Great Pavilion. The Cholmondeley family, who have resided in Cheshire since the Norman times, and Mornflake, the fifteenth-generation family

oat-miller, are proud to recreate Cholmondeley Castle’s iconic Temple Garden at Chelsea – celebrating their roots in the land that has shaped both their histories. Led by head gardener, Barry Grain, the garden is believed to be the first ‘Northern’ garden of its kind to be shown in the famous Great Pavilion at Chelsea.

22%

of people admit to falling asleep before midnight on NYE

Only 8%

of people achieve their new year’s resolutions

2016

will be the first time the Olympics have been held in South America The next solar eclipse will take place on

9 March 2016

“All of us every single year,

we’re a different person. I don’t think we’re the same person all our lives.”

Steven Spielberg Cholmondeley Castle Temple (joe wainwright)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

5 top picks for a handcrafted Christmas look

the original shopping spectacular committee with chairwoman (right) annie cornwal-leigh

SHOPPING SPECTACULAR

he Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular braved the winds to offer visitors the very first spot of Christmas shopping and raise money for the Seashell Trust, a charity for children and adults with complex and severe learning difficulties. As well as helping out with those picky present buyers, a fabulous £45,000 was raised for the charity, taking the overall amount raised over the past five years to £117,500. Celebrating 25 years of the event, Piccolino’s helped the evening along with champagne and canapés, and there were some amazing musical performances from choirs throughout the day. Congratulations, too, to Ali Valentine for winning The Best Dressed Stall. Next year, the Shopping Spectacular will be raising money for The Joshua Tree; so put the date in your diary now!

#1 Personalised ‘reserved for’ hessian cushion, £39 (swankymaison.com) #2 Christmas crate tree, £198.99 (gettingpersonal.co.uk)

#3 Christmas gift wrap set, £3.95 (luckandluck.co.uk)

PURCHASE OF THE MONTH Why not add something a little different, fun and quirky to your Christmas decorations?

#4 Laser cut wooden tree decoration, £6.50 (tch.net)

Alessi Christmas baubles, from £12 (black-by-design.co.uk)

#5 Hanging envelope advent calendar, £7.99 (oakroomshop.co.uk) 17

THE BEST IN EUROPE Chester’s very own Michelin-star Simon Radley at The Chester Grosevnor has been crowned Best Hotel Restaurant at the European Hospitality Awards 2015. Already in the elite company of Le Manoir and Le Gavroche, having held Michelin stars consecutively for 26 years, the restaurant was also named in The Sunday Times’ top 100 – and we can’t see the awards stopping there. Indeed, Simon himself also recently received an award for his academy work, which offers ten lucky 16-24 year olds the opportunity to earn while they learn in a full-time role in the multi-million pound state-of-the-art kitchens. Congratulations to the whole team for a well-deserved award! (chestergrosvenor.com)

GIZZI ERSKINE Food writer, chef and television presenter (previously professional body-piercer)

What is your favourite food and why? Shepherd’s pie – it reminds me of my mum!

NOTEBOOK

Food & Drink PURCHASE OF THE MONTH THE ARTISAN CHEESE MAKING KIT If you’re looking for that last minute Christmas gift for the foodie in your life (or trainee foodie), we’ve found the ultimate choice. This artisan kit comes complete with all you need (except milk) to make four cheeses – mozzarella, ricotta, goats cheese or paneer – so you know exactly what has gone into it and can wow guests with your homemade cheese. £28.99 (design55online.co.uk)

Q&A...

What is your favourite piece of kitchen kit? I don’t think I could live without my Thermomix. It’s like a really powerful blender but it does everything. If you were marooned on a desert island, what would be the one thing you would take with you and why? A really good roast dinner with all the trimmings – crunchy roast potatoes, bone-marrow gravy and fresh horseradish. I don’t think I could live without roast potatoes. Gizzi’s Healthy Appetite: Food to Nourish the Body and Feed the Soul, £7.99 (amazon.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

SPOTLIGHT ON... TOMFOOLERY AT 34 W o r d s : K E E LY B A RR E T T

here’s a new face in Alderley Edge, and it’s already standing out from the crowd. Think bold, eclectic and, I have to say, a little eccentric – but it works. Given what little I knew about this new burger bar (including some sneaky behind-the-scenes photos from its opening), I suspected this was definitely a good time to enlist the help of my three daughters: the most honest critics I know. You certainly can’t miss the façade and, even as we drove past searching for a parking space, it succeeded in catching our attention. The girls squealed with delight as we strolled through the door, though I’m not sure if this was thanks to the mismatched sofas and cuckoo-clock collection, or the amazing cake selection. Either way, I took it as a good sign. A little more my era than theirs, I was soon smiling at the 80s and 90s trivia games carefully left around to catch the eye. There was even a Gameboy or two (which caused much debate at the table), and the menus are presented like a children’s cartoon – if you’ve seen their

adverts, you know what to expect. Everything is homemade, from the buns to the mocktails, and while the surroundings don’t take themselves too seriously, the food certainly does. Chef Brice Moore is the man at the helm, his experience evidenced by his Michelin stars and his history at Manchester House. We chose the calamari to share as a starter, buttermilk fried and served with lime and harissa mayo, and a mix of burgers to follow. How could we resist the Swayze burger? There’s a Jen Grey one too but, as it was a girls’ day out, Mr Swayze it was, complete with onion rings, emmental, ketchup, mayo, gherkins, caramelised onions, lettuce and tomato.

My younger two went for the Simples burger, a simple cheeseburger, and I chose the The John Hughes burger, a buttermilk-fried breast of chicken, maple glazed, and served with red cabbage and apple slaw, avocado, lettuce and tomato. The burgers, or steak patties as they are known there, are succulent and delicious; a little messy, but that’s what it’s all about. Although we were utterly stuffed from our feast, we nevertheless managed to share an Eton mess sundae and a salted caramel popcorn brownie – delightful and perfect for a brand which can best be described as My Little Pony meets Star Wars meets The Simpsons. My coffee was served in a Danger Mouse mug that, of course, provoked yet more debate – but in all this talk of Dirty Dancing and Gameboys, there wasn’t a single check of the phone or tablet: a rare sight to see. It’s most definitely not the norm, but received a total thumbs up from our little troop. We’ll be heading back soon. TomFoolery at 34, 34 London Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7DZ (0161 6413070; tomfooleryat34.com) 19

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Local scene Cheshire has been looking extra gorgeous this month while raising money for good causes

A royal visit Eddie Stobart service support centre, Appleton Thorn Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the northwest to officially open the all-new Eddie Stobart centre alongside executive chairman William Stobart. Attending in her capacity as patron of Transaid, The Princess Royal welcomed Eddie Stobart as a new corporate member of the charity, which aims to improve road safety and access to healthcare in Africa through the implementation of transport solutions and driver training programmes. (eddiestobart.com; transaid.org)

Muscles from Brussels Eventcity Guests travelled from all around the country for an evening with Jean-Claude van Damme, in aid of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charity Candlelighters. Hosted by Jenni Falconer, the Belgian martial arts inspiration regaled fans with tales about his Hollywood career and his love of a good firm Mancunian handshake. It was an interesting evening for all. (olexyproductions.com; candlelighters.org.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Sparkling babygrow Chester Town Hall Cheshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greats ventured out into the snow to raise money for the Countess of Chester Babygrow Appeal, aiming to raise funds for a new neonatal unit. Special guest Louise Minchin added extra sparkle to the sold-out event, alongside committee chair Leila Bibby and paediatric consultant/ iron man Dr Ravi Jayaram, raising over ÂŁ27,000 for the cause. (coch.nhs.uk/fundraising)

The Italian Job Lamborghini Manchester Lamborghini Manchester officially opened its new showroom in St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way, Stockport, with owners, official Lamborghini personnel, the current Lamborghini model range, and with special guest the original Lamborghini Miura believed to have featured in iconic movie The Italian Job. (lamborghini-manchester.com; hrowen.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

50 Alderley Road Wilmslow Bang & Olufsen celebrated the launch of its new state-of-the-art showroom by inviting special guests to an intimate ‘question and answer’ session with footballing legend, and loyal customer, Sir Alex Ferguson. Guests enjoyed canapés, sipped on Laurent-Perrier champagne and were treated to an exclusive demonstration of the new BeoLab 90 – an innovative new 360-degree speaker system launched to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the prestigious sound and vision brand. (bang-olufsen.com)

a perfect new years eve party by kate parks events

The perfect

new year’s eve With so much build-up and only one short night in which to pack your New Year’s Eve plans, we break this annual event into bite-size pieces to help you make the most of every single moment BEFORE

Party planning: Want to party like it’s 1999 without braving the cold and crowds? Hosting your own New Year’s Eve party is a time-honoured tradition, but if you’re going to convince your would-be guests to give the big city a miss this year, you’ll need to pull out all the stops. We’d recommend giving Kate Parks a call – as the lady responsible for organising some of Cheshire’s most exclusive weddings and events, who better to turn your home into a New Year’s nightclub? With her excellent eye for detail, Kate sources everything, from entertainment to décor, and will make sure your party is the hottest ticket in town. (kateparkevents.co.uk)

Get groomed: Not only does New Year’s Eve require the ultimate exertion when it comes to grooming, it also calls for make-up and styling products with as much staying power as their wearer. To avoid that 4am

accidental-smoky-eye, smeared-lip look, we suggest stocking up on your favourite shade from Tom Ford’s beautiful (and hardy) Lips & Boys collection (£27 each), a few of Charlotte Tilbury’s Colour Chameleon eye pencils (£19 each), and Guerlain’s 2008 Radiance Concentrate with Pure Gold (£44.50), the 24-karat gold primer which keeps skin moisturised, smooth and radiant until the wee small hours. (tomford.com; charlottetilbury.com; guerlain.com)

Travel in style: You’ve got the dress, your hair is done, friends have gathered for pre-party toasts, and you’re ready to head towards the celebratory throngs for a night of champagne and fireworks. So why not start as you mean to go on by giving your night an early dusting of glam and hiring a limo to take you on your way? There are a whole host of luxury hire companies on offer, complete with suited chauffeur, meaning all you need to worry about is bringing enough champagne for the ride.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

DURING

Drinking den: Looking for a cosy bar with a truly excellent selection of spirits (and barmen who know how to use them), a great atmosphere and a down to earth vibe? Head straight for Chester’s Liquor and Co, a dark, atmospheric little gem with something for everyone, from chocolate cocktails to craft beers, and a deservedly loyal following of discerning drinkers. With so much character, New Year’s Eve here is guaranteed to be memorable. (31 Watergate Street, Chester, CH1 2LE; liquorandcochester.com)

Intimate evening:

liquor AND co

It’s always a nice idea to start off New Year’s Eve with a nice dinner, be it a private, candlelit affair with your sweetheart or a table crammed with your nearest and dearest, making toasts and comparing notes on the year just gone as the wine flows. For either of the above, refined wine bar and restaurant Piste in Tarporley is the perfect place to start (and finish) your night. This New Year’s Eve at Piste will be Oscars-themed, with champagne on arrival, a buffet and live music included, with guests asked to attend in black tie or as their favourite Oscar-winning icon. £30 per person (pistetarporley.com)

The high life:

getting ready to celebrate at piste

For low-lit, thoroughly glamorous environs, nothing tops the prohibition era-style speakeasy at the summit of Manchester’s Hotel Gotham. Party into the small hours with views over the city (perfect for fireworks) while supping such delightful original cocktails as Bellboy Barry’s Bramble and Lady Crumpsall’s Champagne Cocktail. But beware, the bar is open only to members and guests of the hotel, so you’ll just have to go ahead and book that sumptuouslooking suite you’ve had your eye on too. There are certainly worse places to wake up on New Year’s Day. (100 King St, Manchester M2 4WU; hotelgotham.co.uk)

the brass bar at hotel gotham

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

street on first at innside melia

AFTER

Party on: Who says New Year’s celebrations have to stop when the sun comes up? If you’re a true 24-hour party person, we recommend getting yourself a suite at new contemporary luxe hotel Innside Melia, grabbing a few hard-earned winks in their huge, super-soft beds, then rousing your crew and welcoming the New Year all over again. The hotel’s sleek, quirky restaurant, Street on First, is the perfect spot for a chilled lunch or dinner with its laid back, Ibiza vibes (it even has its own DJ), and an ideal excuse to delay your hangover until January 2nd. (melia.com)

Recovery kit: You danced ’til you dropped, and now your head hurts, your mouth is dry, and there is not enough pasta in the world: you need The Cheshire Magazine’s New Year’s Day survival kit. First, put on a pair of Yawn’s comforting 100 per cent cotton sateen pyjamas, add one pair of cosy slipper socks, one hot water bottle, a large glass of pear juice (to limit alcohol absorption) and a plate of toast (a slow-release carbohydrate that’s low in salt). Combine all of the above in a heap on the sofa, and add a box set or two to garnish.

Start the detox: If the idea of wallowing in the effects of the night before’s over-indulgences doesn’t appeal (or you’re one of those sensible souls who stuck to apple juice), what better way to get the New Year off to a healthy start than by booking a room at an ABode hotel (they have outposts in both Manchester and Chester) and waking on New Year’s Day to a detoxifying, rejuvenating Amazing Graze lunch at the hotel’s acclaimed Michael Caines restaurant? With such delights as artichoke soup, rillettes of salmon and watercress risotto on offer, you’ll be well on track to stick to those New Year’s resolutions. (abodemanchester.co.uk; abodechester.co.uk)

ila hot water bottle cover (grey), £24.95, nkuku (nkuku.com) lovebirds pyjamas, £89, yawn (loveyawn.com)

alpaca fur hot water bottle, £95, samantha holmes (samanthaholmes.com)

fun for feet slipper socks (lamb), £14.99, aroma home (aromahome.com)

start your new year detox in style with michael caines health y fare

abode hotel

Health Club Membership from

£12 per week

New Year, New You

Receive a Joining pack worth over

£150

including... Complimentary Personal Training session to kickstart your new regime 3 guest passes to share with friends

The first 20 people to join can enjoy a New Beginnings Spa Day worth £99

themereresort.co.uk Call 01565 830155 or email membership@themereresort.co.uk #AMereNewYear Mere Gym membership Ad A4 ARTWORK.indd 1

04/12/2015 12:53

All about

the girls Natalie Anglesey exclusively speaks with theatrical pairing and local lads, Gary Barlow and Tim Firth

his is the story of two little boys who grew up in the same Cheshire village, met briefly as teenagers, and then went their separate ways. They grew up to be both decent and charming as well as a credit to their families. They’re best known to the public as internationally-renowned, singer/song-writer Gary Barlow OBE, and award-winning screen-writer and playwright Tim Firth who wrote, among other things, the hugely successful Calendar Girls. Both Gary and Tim are now collaborating on a musical version of Calendar Girls, based on the inspirational story of the WI members who posed for a semi-nude calendar to help a worthwhile cause. It was first a successful film then a play, both written by Tim, and during a break in rehearsals he waxed lyrical about this brand new version. “When I approached ‘the girls’, as I call them, about turning their story into a musical, they were delighted and couldn’t wait to see it,” Tim enthused. “This story is so near and dear to my heart, I wanted to co-direct it, and I really can’t believe it took so long for Gary and I to work together as we both grew up in Frodsham. When I showed him on a map where we both lived he couldn’t believe we were so near one another – yet never met.”

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Tim Firth & Gary Barlow (courtesy of Matt Crockett)

Gary laughingly points out, “I never stop reminding Tim that’s probably because he’s several years older than me! We both entered A Song for Christmas competition at the old Pebble Mill Studios in Birmingham when we were teenagers and briefly met then. Little did we know we’d end up writing a musical together! I’m thoroughly enjoying the process – which is very different from writing music for an album or a concert,” he beams. Intrigued, I wondered how the collaboration has come about and Tim explained: “Although Gary and I share a love of music, when I saw his meteoric rise with Take That, it made me determined to find my own path. Prior to university, I joined the Arvon Foundation, discovered I could write and, although I loved my time in the Cambridge Footlights with David Baddiel and Nick Hancock, I carried on writing – I even wrote for Jackanory! I was fortunate to meet Alan Ayckbourne and wrote Neville’s Island for his theatre in Scarborough which was a West End success.” Meanwhile Gary knew from an early age he wanted a career in music. “I was about nine when I first heard a synthesizer and really wanted one. Although my parents could ill afford it, they were so supportive and still bought me one. I could never hope to repay my family for everything they’ve done for me and that’s why I still enjoy spoiling them.” Gary worked in clubs from an early age, with his dad as roadie, and even wrote A Million Love Songs when he was only fifteen. The rest is history! Although Tim had established his career as a playwright, it was when he started writing for television that he first gained public recognition with successful series like the Preston Front. But after the success of Calendar Girls he wrote the book for Our House, the successful Madness musical, and This is My Family, for which he wrote both the words and music. “But with Calendar Girls I knew I didn’t want the music to be a razzamataz, Broadway dance musical – it’s more a play with music. The subject matter, about a father suffering from cancer and how a village responded to that, was

so sensitive, I knew immediately Gary was the one to write the music and I’m delighted he agreed to do it.” Gary agreed the collaboration had been an enjoyable process. “Although the story was Tim’s baby and I was more than happy to let him take the lead, after long discussions we decided to broaden the story to encompass some of the younger members of the family and how they were affected. We held four or five workshops in front of small audiences to get their reaction so we could make any changes. They were intense work periods, but luckily I was raised with a strong work ethic

“In a play you write the words, but the beauty of a musical is that you can soliloquise in a song and it moves the plot forward” – Tim Firth from both my dad and my brother. So we were both happy with the results before we even went into rehearsals.” For Tim it meant taking a fresh look at a story he knew well. “The Girls is set in a small village in Yorkshire, like Frodsham, and it’s about how a community rallied round to support the family of a cancer sufferer. In a play you write the words, but the beauty of a musical is that you can soliloquise in a song move the plot forward. I hope people won’t think it’s just Calendar Girls set to music.” Gary makes no secret of the fact he’s enjoyed this relatively new departure. His friend, Donny Osmond, told me once that he writes his songs on a computer during long flights. “I must admit I’ve done that too,” chuckles Gary. “The minute a song comes to me in the car or a plane, I have to write it down – although I prefer writing at the piano.” Fans will be pleased to know Gary has no

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Gary Barlow, Tim Firth and the Calendar Girls (courtesy of John Swannell)

“I was about nine when I first heard a synthesizer and really wanted one. Although my parents could ill afford it, they were so supportive and still bought me one” – Gary Barlow

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Tim Firth, Gary Barlow & the original Calendar Girls (courtesy of Matt Crockett)

intention of giving up Take That. “It’s no longer a job for me; it’s more like an enjoyable hobby. Take That is my family and we remain very close. As long as the fans love our music and want to see our shows – we’ll be there. “I’m still passionate about my work, but now I’ve got three children, I hope I’ve more of a life/work

“It’s no longer a job for me it’s more like an enjoyable hobby” – Gary Barlow balance. I had an idyllic childhood growing up in Frodsham and bring my children back home as often as possible so they don’t lose contact with their relatives – that’s very important to me. I also hope audiences will find this story of human fortitude under exceptional circumstances an inspirational one.” Tim’s never left the place where he grew up. “My roots are here with my family and I can’t think of any better place to bring up our three

Gary and tim’s home town, frodsham

children than Frodsham. We’re happily involved with the local choir and have beautiful countryside right on our doorstep. We’re holding two premieres of this musical – one in Leeds – as ‘the girls’ are from Yorkshire and our families will also be at The Lowry for the premiere relatively near where we grew up. We hope audiences will both laugh and cry in turns at this wonderful story of how we human beings face – and conquer – adversity.” The Girls, The Lowry, 13 to 30 January (0843 208 6000; thelowry.com)

What caught your eye first, the kitchen or the price?

Made in the UK

All these Shaker Aubergine and Winter White kitchen units for just *

ÂŁ5,231

Affordable luxury. Warrington

Riverside Park, WA1 2GZ

Chester

Greyhound Park, CH1 4QG

55 SHOWROOMS NATIONWIDE

Liverpool

Ormskirk Road, L9 5AL

visit wrenkitchens.com

* Priced kitchen is for units only and does not include the price of any handles, worktops, appliances, sink, tap, props, accessories or small worktop appliances. Must be purchased in the exact configuration as offered by Wren. No substitutions or alterations can be made. One per customer.

colour uncoded

Is it blue and black or white and gold? Lauren Romano discovers why the optical illusion that divided the internet has thrust the science of colour into the limelight

s Kim and Kanye disagreed over the colour of that dress – a debate that involved millions of internet users the world over and helped coin the hash tag #TheDress on countless copycat posts – the chromatic confusion saw everyone pitching their own theories. Even style bible Vogue threw in its two cents. When Dressgate has eventually died down and we’d digested the science behind it – something about wavelengths, visual cortex and other words that evoke vague memories of physics classrooms – the idea that colour can alter our vision and ultimately how we perceive the world

around us began stirring curiosity. Scientific research into colour certainly isn’t something new, but once a dinner party topic to be discussed solely within white lab-coat wearing circles, it is now making ripples in the publishing world too. Last year saw the release of a new colouring book for adults. The eagerly anticipated Colour Therapy: An Anti-Stress Colouring Book by Cindy Wilde, Laura-Kate Chapman and Richard Merritt is not the first foray into this most unlikely sounding of genres for Michael O’Mara Books. The independent publisher has been releasing adult jotters since 2012, and this

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

latest title was the follow-up to the The Art Therapy Book, which has been reprinted five times since its original publication in June 2014. Doodling is evidently having a moment. “Colouring has therapeutic benefits – it helps you switch off from the daily grind,” Colour Therapy’s co-illustrator Richard Merritt tells me. Arranged into seven sections, each double page concentrates on a different palette so readers can colour to soothe and suit their mood. “Colouring allows us to go back to a slower pace,” he adds. “If you put a piece of paper and a crayon in front of a child, they’ll start drawing, but I think as an adult you lose that spontaneity.” The book jacket lauds further plaudits on the merits of a colouring-in session, claiming that it can lower anxiety, help you sleep better and increase your attention span. And while this might sound like a tall order, the evidence supporting colour therapy is stacking up. Scientists argue that the right hue can have a profound impact on our mood and overall health.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

It was the ancient Egyptians who first used colour to heal. Papyrus scrolls from 1550 BC suggest that they built temples dedicated to the purpose, where the sick could be revitalised. They believed that the seven colours of the rainbow relate to the seven chakras, or energy centres, of the body. Today 21st century treatments range from coloured silks draped around a patient to high-tech beams aimed at key ‘colour-puncture points’. Lilian Verner-Bonds, president of the International Association of Colour, tells me that the pigments a client is drawn to will provide an insight into their health. “Every colour oscillates at a different rate and each part of the body

“The right hue can have a profound impact on our mood and overall health” responds to a particular colour,” she says. “When we feel stressed or ill we can use the appropriate shade to restore balance.” Beau Lotto, a neuroscientist at University College London, explains in a recent article in The Telegraph that colour is a result of how the receptors in our eyes interpret wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. He states that optical illusions, such as the aforementioned shade-shifting dress, can occur depending on what surrounds the object. Look at something under shadow and it’ll appear lighter than when it’s on a darker background, he says – in other words, it’s a simple trick of perspective. Certain hues are more black and white. Ask people what the colour red represents and they’ll say it denotes anger, perhaps even desire, while blue is calming and clarifying. These culturally approved assumptions are true to a certain extent. Documented evidence confirms that red is rousing: red pills are more effective at perking you up than blue ones, and paintings with burgundy brushstrokes are known to fetch higher prices at auction. Meanwhile, sports teams that wear red have a better chance of winning than competitors dressed in other colours – ten per cent more, according to a study conducted by the University of Münster. As for blue, however, it might be the colour of

choice for sleeping tablets, but recent research has shown that supposedly serene blue light (emitted from tablets, laptops and smartphones) actually affects our sleeping patterns by supressing the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. In fact, because of the alertness it induces, certain bandwidths of blue light are increasingly harnessed in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Pink, meanwhile, possesses more powerful characteristics than its associations with femininity suggest. Researcher Alexander Schauss documented the effects of exposure to the shade on inmates at a naval prison in Seattle in the seventies, coining his own specific bubblegum-esque ‘Baker-Miller’ pink in the process. He noted that 15 minutes in a cell painted this colour was sufficient to significantly reduce violent and aggressive behaviour, lower heart

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

rate and even muscular strength. But aside from banishing phones from the bedroom so we can get 40 winks – and supporting football teams on the basis of their kit – how can we harness the power of colour day to day? In her book How Not to Wear Black, Jules Standish champions injecting specific colours into our wardrobes to help improve our mood. “The media, fashion stores and designers everywhere would have us believe that black is the colour to be seen in if you want to look slimmer,

“Pink possesses more powerful characteristics than its associations with femininity suggest” chic and stylish. However, I saw so many people, particularly women, who had no idea just how ageing it was. Who wants to look a size slimmer but ten years older?” she says. As a personal style and colour consultant, Jules matches clients with their perfect shades to help them look and feel their best. If you suffer from stress, for example, cool blues can stimulate the release of the calming hormone oxytocin; warm, bright colours can improve your mood; and red is

All images from The Colour Therapy Colouring Book (Michael O’Mara Books)

a good bet for dieters as the shade is said to trigger the pituitary and adrenal glands, which can lead to increased metabolism. “We have all experienced days when people comment on how well we look in a specific colour, and yet other days we can feel completely invisible,” she tells me. To remedy this, Jules offers a range of colour analysis services that pay close attention to an individual’s skin tone. “Pigments that harmonise with the skin are the ones that make the complexion look even and minimise lines, giving it a youthful appearance, sometimes as transformational as a face lift,” she smiles. She encourages her clients to fill out personality questionnaires to determine “what colour season each individual’s temperament aligns with”. It might sound a bit hippy-dippy, but Jules’ innate style and shade nous has been sought by everyone from celebs to female executives. Her message is clear: the power of colour shouldn’t be underestimated. Figuring out what your true colours are doesn’t necessarily mean an overnight transformation, but if you’re looking for an instant pick-me-up, a copy of Colour Therapy might help. “It provides escapism,” illustrator Richard Merritt muses. “In that moment when you’re sitting down with a piece of paper and some pens, you almost go back to being a kid again.” And in an adult world, where it is increasingly difficult to switch off, the opportunity to step back and appreciate the eye-opening possibilities of colour is surely a worthwhile way to spend an afternoon. Pass the crayons. Colour Therapy: An Anti-Stress Colouring Book by Cindy Wilde, Laura-Kate Chapman and Richard Merritt is published by Michael O’Mara Books, £12.99 (colourconsultancy.co.uk; hownottowearblack.co.uk)

JoiN uS for A fAbulouS NEW YEAr to rEmEmbEr!

With Amazing Entertainment all night long to count in the New Year ÂŁ85.00 for a 5 course menu designed and delivered by Executive Chef Dave Spanner Dress Code Stylish â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dress to impress

1 first Street, manchester, m15 4rP - 0161 200 2517 innside.manchester@melia.com - innside.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

PROMISES, PROMISES As the year draws to a close, we’ll all soon be reflecting on the past year and dedicating ourselves to self-improvement. Jemima Lovejoy shares some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions

Stress less It’s not a bad idea to resolve to be less stressed, especially after what can be a crazy holiday period at work and at home. Stressing less can make you happier and healthier, but it’s also likely to be one of the first resolutions you break as you stress over eating that doughnut or things that haven’t even happened (guilty as charged). In a job like mine, with frequent deadlines and unpredictable hours, it’s easy to get stressed. Don’t

get me wrong, I love what I do, but stress is just one of those things which comes with it. My coping mechanisms are yoga and time out. Time away from the computer and away from the journalist hat are invaluable, and I admit do sometimes have to be forced – but they work. And yoga mixes time away with concentrating on poses rather than daily minutiae. Actually, perhaps that should be one of my resolutions – to perfect my warrior pose.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Learn something new The world is full of fascinating facts, skills and talents, and the process of discovering them, not just the end result, can be enjoyable and rewarding. What about learning a new language or how to play a musical instrument, or just picking up a book that fascinates you? This could be a passion to follow and fill your ‘time out’ time. Or why not do something a little crazy? Take an adventure and open your senses to the sights, sounds and scents of nature. One of the most daring things I’ve done was to travel to Africa and work with wild animals. Following your dreams can never be a bad thing, can it?

Spend more time with family and friends Work can take over your life if you let it. And the funny thing is, we’re all used to scheduling in deadlines and meetings but tend to let our personal time slip. Business analysts argue that productivity increases if people are given time for breaks away from work and email, time to refresh, suggesting that the most productive people are not those tied to their computers (or phones) but those who prioritise their free time to do something completely unrelated. Personally though, it does make sense. Take some time out for yourself. I remember a wise old friend telling me once that if you don’t look after yourself how are you going to look after others? It’s stuck with me. Take the time, whether it’s a holiday with a pile of books or a new hobby. If you schedule time for your family, friends and passions, then you, in turn, will improve.

Do more exercise and eat healthier food We’re always being told what we should and shouldn’t eat. Some research tells us red wine is good for us, some tells us it isn’t. And after an especially indulgent holiday period (did you know that the average person will eat over 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone?), getting fit is one of the most popular resolutions. Exercise is shown to reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and dementia and help

‘If you schedule time for your family, friends and passions then you, in turn, will improve’ depression. The list goes on, and healthy eating goes hand in hand. High intensity training remains the top fitness trend this year. That’s shorter periods of more intense exercising; for example: four thirty-minute workouts a week, such bite-size chunks making it easy to fit into busy schedules. But it’s also about what you do outside the gym. How many times do we say we’ll take the stairs or walk to the shops? It all helps. Monitoring what you put into your body with a food diary is a great way to realise what you can change. The MyFitnessPal app is a good tool to help with this, as it has thousands of foods to just click on, with all the information already programmed. Plus you can track your food intake and your training sessions, all in one place. The hardest part is probably the mental bit, creating a new habit but, as with anything, practice eventually makes perfect.

Smile more According to psychologists, the simple act of smiling can make your happier and healthier. Without going into too much detail, it activates the

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

release of dopamine, endorphins and serotonin; neurotransmitters that help reduce stress and elicit positive emotions – and that’s regardless of whether the smile is forced or real. In other words, as I understand it, we are telling our brains that we are happy about something, so we start to actually feel happier, making our muscles control our brains, for once. It’s contagious too. Studies out there state that people unconsciously mimic the facial expressions of those around them and, therefore, impact upon

“According to psychologists, the simple act of smiling can make you happier and healthier” others’ emotions. Whether it’s just that you appear more inviting and sincere if you smile or it does actually touch people, is still up for debate. And whether you believe this or the devilish old adage ‘Keep smiling: people will wonder what you’re up to’, it’s a resolution I think I’ll be trying my best to keep.

Support a good cause WORDS: KIRSTY MACDONALD There are far reaching benefits of donating money, assets and time to charitable causes. Many people like to feel that they are doing what they can to help others, or may have a chairty which is close to their heart for personal reasons. There is also a growing trend for companies to build in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies for their staff, which can assist those who wish to use some of their time and efforts to help charities. Whether the funds raised support research, running costs or the purchase of equipment, there is no doubt that charities benefit massively from the support of regular donors. But what about the donor? Arguably, no one would wish to admit that they are making a donation to charity in order to seek a personal benefit, but the UK tax system is nevertheless geared towards providing relief to those generous enough to give to charity. The simplest of the reliefs available is Gift Aid. Essentially this applies to all UK individual (non corporate) taxpayers, and allows their donation to be ‘grossed up’ for tax purposes. This means that the charity will receive more cash and the donor will be entitled to income tax relief. Companies will also pay less tax when they make donations to charity. This is because the cost of making the donation will usually be tax-deductible for the company. Qualifying donations include: cash; equipment or trading stock (items it makes or sells); land, property or shares in another company (shares in your own company don’t qualify); employees (on secondment); and sponsorship payments. These days it’s also very easy to make donations to charity straight out of gross employment income. This can be extremely tax efficient, especially for higher earners. As the donation is made before any tax is deducted at source, employees who give to charity in this way will automatically pay less tax on their earnings. This means that they do not have to wait to claim the additional tax saving through their tax return. Kirsty MacDonald is a tax specialist at DTE and member of The Pink Ribbon Ball Manchester committee, supporting Breast Cancer Now, the UK’s leading breast cancer research charity (dtegroup.com; breastcancernow.org)

The sky’s the limit As the new year approaches, Laura Hothersall suggests that coaching is one of the most powerful tools in effective communication, not just in business. She shares some of her secrets in applying coaching in all areas of life discuss, we can handle a disagreement effectively using coaching skills and asking questions without judgement. The next time there is an important decision to be made, or you expect a disagreement, try to ask only open-ended questions. Respond to answers by paraphrasing what has been said, and then ask another question. Actively listen to what is being said rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak or, even worse, interrupting with your argument. If you are pressed for an opinion, try to remain neutral and say, ‘On the one hand I can see that...’, ‘But on the other...’, ‘What do you think?’ If each person has a chance to be heard, the air of potential hostility will be calmed by your approach, rather than riled by judgement.

Coaching and teenagers

Disagreements One of the most annoying things that people can say in a disagreement is something that falls into the ‘judgement category’. I’m sure we can all recall a disagreement at home, where a simple question has spiralled into an ineffective argument because judgement has crept into the discussion. Yes, it is easier to remain objective when we do not have an emotional tie to the person we are disagreeing with. However, if there is something important to

Coaching skills work with toddlers as well as teens. We may have got the hang of the toddler choice – which coat do you want? This one (that I want you to wear), or this one (the other one you want them to wear)? But teenagers need a more wily approach. Teens are one of the worst groups for needing to reach their own conclusion. Coaching skills are invaluable here. When you are up against a teenager, you will need to give them room to decide. Ask open-ended questions with no judgement (and watch out for those non-verbal judgements – no eyebrow raising or rolling of eyes). Continue to ask questions and rephrase what they have said to you, summarise, keep going and you will achieve the impossible!

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

HELP WITH THOSE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS 1. Relentless Action It is relatively easy to make a start on a new goal. Successful people keep doing it. They are relentless about pursuing their goal. Even when the door is closed, they repeatedly try to open it.

Coaching children towards a goal A commonly asked question that coaches receive from parents is, ‘How do you coach children towards a goal?’ One of the most common reasons for a lack of enthusiasm from children to achieve a goal is because it is not their goal. We have to give our children goals, of course, but how do we as parents motivate them to work towards them? The context of the goal is often overlooked. Why would anyone work towards a goal that has no meaning, no context, no ‘what’s in it for me?’ The most effective way to coach children is to set the context. Take the time to explain the situation and then ask them what they think would be the most effective way to tackle it. Encourage good ideas and help them to research options and ideas. If they are encouraged by pictures, print out images. Or find videos that show people who have achieved the goal, reaping the benefits of their hard work. Consider writing the goal down, and ask your child what baby steps they can think of that would need to happen. Put some dates on there, the end goal date, and interim dates. Breaking the goal down will work wonders. Name some options that could be a reward and ask your child to choose one. Laura has been coaching others for 12 years and now trains others to coach, set goals and stay on track. Free training days are held monthly at the Successfactory, Higher Burwardsley, Cheshire. (07976 232019; coachingsuccess.co.uk; laurahothersall@gmail.com)

2. Self-coaching People employ a coach for good reason, but you can help yourself. You need a plan first and foremost – a long-term plan and short-term goals that feed into it. You need small measures of success along the way. If your goal is to lose 5 stone that is going to feel a long way off. But you will feel satisfaction when you have lost 2lbs. Celebrate each small step. Tell someone that you are doing it and ask them to check in with you. You need accountability. 3. Set the bar high You want to start your own business? You can. Set yourself high-reaching goals and do not assume that other people have the secret. They don’t. They have relentless persistence, they self-coach and they aim high. Even writing down a goal of ‘Increase revenue by £1,000 per month’ will focus your actions towards that goal. £1,000 per month – how many new customers per month is that? Break it down and work towards it. 4. Don’t listen to other people No one else knows your life, your business or your family like you do. Only you will know the ins and outs of whether something will work. Keep believing in what you know. You are right! 5. Get it done A mantra in our house. Get the big things done first. The small things will fit in around it. Bite the bullet, do not put things off. Get it done.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE AT ABODE HOTELS THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER & DANCE

ABODE CHESTER Six course tasting menu including Champagne reception, midnight toasting and live band. £99.00 per person. To book, call 01244 347 000 or visit www.abodechester.co.uk

ABODE MANCHESTER Five course tasting menu including Champagne reception and live entertainment. £90.00 per person. To book, call 0161 247 7744 or visit www.abodemanchester.co.uk

TAY L O R TA L K

Winifred’s to Whittington Liz Taylor catches up with Sally Lindsay, one of the funniest and most talented people she knows. A riot socially with a wicked sense of humour, dedicated to her work, yet in spite of considerable success she has her feet well and truly on the ground

I read that your first TV appearance was with St Winifred’s School Choir (they released There’s No One Quite Like Grandma, which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1980). Did you want to be on TV from an early age?

shows and had done a couple of plays, which I enjoyed, but that really was it. I was asked to help a friend out by being in the first play – enjoyed myself, so I auditioned for a second play, and landed the lead role. I loved it – not sure the other kids were happy though!

No at all! I was seven years old when that happened. I auditioned with the choir in Heaton Mersey, and the next thing, we were on TV. Before that I didn’t have much interest in being on television. I loved watching light entertainment

You famously had a stint in stand-up comedy before television found you full time – how did you get started in comedy? I actually had done TV work on The Royle Family, and theatre work, before stand-up. That really came about because I couldn’t find any acting work. I am not one to sit back and wait for things to happen, so I entered the City Life

“I think great female comedy comes from life and not punch lines”

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Comedian of the Year competition and carried on from there. I met some wonderful comedians, like Alan Carr, who has made a great career for himself in comedy, but for me it was seven or eight months until I could find work on television.

You must have a favourite joke from that time? No – absolutely not. I think great female comedy comes from life and not punchlines. Male comedians often have to deliver a punch line – it’s a more aggressive sort of comedy; women can be more subtle and intuitive. The amazing Sarah Millican is a great example: she just talks about life, but is hilarious.

Everyone knows and loves you for playing Shelly Unwin on Coronation Street – how did that come about? And what did you learn from the experience? Everything. How to act. How to perform to a camera. Where the lighting is best. It was tough working on Corrie, though. Learning your lines in 40 seconds. Working long days. The pace is fast and can be difficult, but it’s also the best learning experience ever. I loved every bit of it. It’s intensive and I defy Hollywood actors to take it on. It also taught me to deal with good actors, bad actors, divas – everything. It also gave me confidence that I could perform drama and comedy. This set me on the path that I am on today. I love Corrie. It’s still a great friend.

You’ve had a varied career, with roles in Reggie Perrin, on Loose Women, Scott & Bailey and, of course, Mount Pleasant – what draws you to a role? With Mount Pleasant it was the fact that I could be involved with developing my character with writer Sarah Hooper. I enjoyed being part of that creative process and shaping the character and her life. Scott & Bailey was the brainchild of Suranne Jones and I. We wanted to create two strong female characters and, after many years of trying, were finally able to bring it to the screens. Sometimes developing shows can take years, so you have to be

“It was tough working on Corrie. Learning your lines in 40 seconds. Working long days” determined. We knew that it would work – we just needed TV commissioners and the type of programming that was popular to catch up with us! So I suppose I love opportunities to be a part of the development of ideas, characters and stories. I am lucky that I am asked to be involved in programmes these days so I don’t audition much, but did for Ordinary Lies. I desperately wanted to be part of that show because I found my character, Kathy, so fascinating – oppressed and regressed. She interested me and I wanted to explore her more.

left to right: LISA MARRIED DRUMMER STEVE WIHITE IN 2013; ordinary lies; the mount pleasant cast; sally with bobby ball & daniel ryan, mount pleasant (courtesy of tiger aspect productions)

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

You have worked with some incredible actors and actresses over the years; is there someone that you still think ‘yes – I’d love to work with you’? I work with the amazing David Jason, Stephanie Cole and Linda Barron on Still Open All Hours – it doesn’t get better than that! But I have always fancied working with Victoria Wood and Julie Walters. I love them. Or, Paul Whitehouse and The Fast Show team. You

have of course written for TV too – do you prefer writing or acting these days?

No no, I am a home bird. I am fascinated by Moscow, though. I went as an exchange student when I was 15 years old and loved it. It was just before the Berlin Wall came down and I was intrigued by the country. I am so much a home bird now, though. I still have the cottage I bought in Manchester whilst appearing in Corrie. I need my roots!

“I couldn’t do it all without [my network of friends] and I’m not ashamed to say so”

Are you working on any exciting projects that you can tell us about?

I like both, but the creative process of writing and developing shows is what I love most. I’m currently writing with Suranne Jones, Celia Imrie and Sue Vincent. As well as finishing filming for the new year series of Still Open All Hours. It’s a busy time!

Yes, I am at the Liverpool Empire in Dick Whittington this Christmas and New Year – I’m the fairy! Series six of Mount Pleasant is being filmed in March, and series six of Scott & Bailey and Still Open All Hours are airing in the New Year. Lots in the pipeline!

I was thrilled to help plan your wedding to Steve White, but never asked how you guys met...

Dick Whittington, Liverpool Empire, 12 December to 3 January (atgtickets.com; tlc-ltd.co.uk)

We were introduced by Tony Wood at Coronation Street. I’ve been with him for years and we have two children aged 22 and 18, from Steve’s previous relationship, and twin boys aged five.

You’re a mum as well as working full time – how do you juggle the two things in your life? Steve and I are a real partnership. I go off to work and he keeps things ticking along – I am lucky. I try not to work weekends so we can have family time, and I don’t like being away from home for more than a few nights. I am performing in my first panto in Liverpool this year and the boys will come with me. I also have help from a network of friends – I couldn’t do it all without them and I’m not ashamed to say so.

above: mount pleasant (tiger aspect); and right sally lindsay (matt ratcliffe)

Are you a wanderer or a home bird? I read your favourite place is Moscow – why is that?

“ I fully appreciate the way Caroline went the extra mile in dealing with my case ”

“ An incredible talent ”

“ If anyone needs legal advice I doubt they could do better than using this excellent law firm ”

“ Highly recommended! ”

Caroline Swain, Partner Matrimonial Solicitor

Divorce | Finances Settlements |

We have a variety of funding options available.

Private appointments from 8am – 9pm weekdays and 9am – 12noon on Saturday mornings

1 7 C e c i l R o a d , P r o g r e s s H o u s e , H a l e , A l t r i n c h a m , C h e s h i r e , WA 1 5 9 N Z C a r d i n a l H o u s e , 2 0 S t M a r y ’ s P a r s o n a g e , M a n c h e s t e r, M 3 2 LY

www.bpslaw.co.uk | 0161 926 1430

top image: New build apartments Albert’s Gateway by chris faircloth bottom image: queen street by chris faircloth both images courtesy of chris faircloth

literary itinerary

A new perspective Don’t forget to visit Chester’s Grosvenor Museum to see Silent City: Paintings by Chris Faircloth before its residency ends on 17 January. Based in Chester, artist Chris paints the contemporary urban environment, exploring the loss of local distinctiveness as Britain’s towns, cities and suburbs become increasingly homogenous, reminding us that the places we love could so easily lose their special character. The perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon. Grosvenor Museum, 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester, CH1 2DD (cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk)

Arts & Culture Natalie Angelsey and Gemma Knight bring you not-to-miss shows and news from the world of the arts

Treasure trove There’s still time to pop along to the 30th Annual Open Art Exhibition at Frodsham’s Castle Park Arts Centre, a fantastic chance to see (or even buy) incredible original 2D and 3D artwork created by a range of professional, semi-professional and amateur artists. Visitors are even able to vote for their favourite piece of artwork, the winner of which will be announced at the end of the exhibition and awarded a cash prize. Until 2 January, Castle Park Arts Centre, Castle Park, Frodsham, WA6 6SE (01928 735832; castleparkarts.co.uk)

Blue bell woods by Brian Rudd, one of the works on display

Berluti has been making beautiful bespoke footwear for 120 years, and to celebrate this milestone it has produced an innovative and artistic tome, which looks back on 26 of its most influential customers and the shoes that were designed or inspired by these personalities. The collection of art, music, cinema and sport icons includes Bryan Ferry, Andy Warhol and Yves Saint Laurent. The associated footwear is photographed exquisitely by Erwan Frotin and lies alongside a personalised illustration by art directors Mathias Augustyniak and Michael Amzalag of M/M Paris. The accompanying text is written by Glenn O’Brien, whose vast experience – including working with Andy Warhol – provides an exclusive angle on these 26 lives. The creative contributors behind the publication are a perfect reflection of the Berluti brand, which prides itself on maintaining timeless style while having the courage to push sartorial boundaries – a truly collectable addition to your bookshelf. Berluti: At Their Feet published by Rizzoli, £64 or £280 for the limited edition (berluti.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

Mary Poppins Disney and Cameron Mackintosh are delighted to announce their multi award-winning musical, Mary Poppins, will return to Manchester with Zizi Strallen as the magical nanny. She recently starred as Lana in Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man at The Lowry, while her previous West End credits include Cats, Merrily We Roll Along, Rock of Ages, Dirty Dancing and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Australian Matt Lee, also experienced in musical theatre, plays Bert. This stage version, brilliantly adapted from the beloved Walt Disney film, has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. This award-winning stage version originally opened in 2004 and ran in the West End for three years, while the Broadway production ran for over six years. Don’t leave it too late to book for this magical, family-friendly musical! Palace Theatre, 20 January – 5 March (0844 871 3019; atgtickets.com/Manchester)

Cats Also returning to Manchester is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking, musical adaptation of Cats, based on TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. Directed by Trevor Nunn, with choreography by Gillian Lynne, there’s a spectacular set and costume design by theatre and broadway supremo, John Napier. Cats opened at the New London Theatre in 1981 and closed after 21 recordbreaking years. Winning an Olivier Award for Best Musical and seven Tony Awards, it ran for an amazing 18 years in New York, making it second only to The Phantom of the Opera as Broadway’s longest-running musical. This musical phenomenon has been seen by more than 50 million people, enchanting audiences in 26 countries around the world. Opera House, 30 January – 13 February (0844 871 3018; atgtickets.com/Manchester)

The Rocky Horror Show Sing along to your favourite numbers in Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show. Performed for over 40 years in more than 30 countries, this popular musical stars X Factor finalist and star of Little Voice, Diana Vickers, as Janet, Emmerdale’s Ben Freeman as Brad, and Liam Tamne as Dr Frank N Furter. Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Jerry Springer and Meatloaf have all appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past four decades. Be warned, there are rude parts. Dress to impress with torn black tights and high heels – and that’s only the men! Opera House, 6-16 January (0844 871 3018; atgtickets.com/Manchester)

artist’s impression of first light project pavilion sir bernard lovell

YEARS

of Science On the eve of the seventieth anniversary of Sir Bernard Lovell’s arrival at Jodrell Bank, we celebrate and look to the future

n December 1945, Sir Bernard Lovell arrived at the University of Manchester’s botany testing grounds at Jodrell Bank with his army surplus equipment loaded onto trailers. In a muddy field, with the help of the gardeners, he managed to coax his diesel generators into life and, on 14 December, made his first scientific readings. With these readings, Jodrell Bank – the world-leading Observatory that we now recognise as a part of the Cheshire landscape – was born. Since that time, the scientific work of the

observatory has gone from strength to strength, and counts both world-leading research and hugely important heritage as part of its unique story. The Grade-I listed Lovell Telescope carries out its observations day and night, picking up signals from far out in space, while scientists and engineers work on ground-breaking research, and develop new technology. Indeed, in 2015 it became the international headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array Project – the next big thing in astrophysics and the largest science project known to humanity.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

Its other mission is focused on inspiring the scientists of the future and, through the Discovery Centre, welcomes the public with a host of hands-on exhibits and activities, as well as running a popular bistro-style café, all of which helps fund its education programme. This year, Jodrell Bank received heritage lottery funding support for a £12.15m bid towards the First Light Project, which will conserve, restore and present the heritage of Jodrell Bank, creating a spectacular new space in which visitors can engage with, and learn about, the challenge to explore the universe. It’s amazing to think that such an internationally significant site is right on our doorstep. It is the world’s only remaining site to show the whole history of the development of radio astronomy, scientific discoveries, the dawn of the space age and even a cheeky space hack. There’s lots to get involved in, as the team at Jodrell Bank has a whole year of celebrations planned, but if you’d like to be a part of the future legacy you can get involved too. The original surface of the magnificent Lovell Telescope is made up of 7,100 individual panels, each of which will be removed and replaced as part of the conservation programme. Some of them will be incorporated into the exhibition and the fabric of the spectacular new First Light Pavilion – so who knows, you may even find yourself sitting on one! For £20 you could be one of only 7,100 people who have supported the next journey in Jodrell Bank’s amazing history by sponsoring your own panel. (jodrellbank.net/about/our-vision/support-us; 01477 571766 )

Making a major gift Major donors can choose to support the project at a range of levels, and even sponsor a specific area the project. If you are interested in making a gift to Jodrell Bank, or would like further information about ways to support their work, please contact 01477 571766 or jodrelldevelopment@manchester.ac.uk for further information.

A year of celebrations To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Jodrell Bank, there’ll be a year-long celebration of the past, present and future of its engineering and heritage. Monday 14 December Inaugural Heritage Lecture: The Dawn of the Space Age & the Birth of Radio Astronomy. Professor Tim O’Brien will discuss the early days at Jodrell Bank, the way that the science of radio astronomy first began and how scientists and engineers developed new techniques. Tuesday 15 DecembeR School event: Today will see the launch of the UK’s first European Space Agency astronaut, Tim Peake, on a six-month mission to the International Space Station. To celebrate, KS3 school children are invited to watch the live launch of Tim Peake’s mission at Jodrell Bank. 16– 17 January 2016 Destination Space: Following the broadcast of BBC Stargazing Live there will be a weekend of demonstrations to replicate the science practised at Jodrell Bank in its early days. February 2016 Space Hack: On the 4 February 1966, Jodrell Bank hacked into the Russian spacecraft Luna 9 and printed the first picture from the surface of the Moon on a fax machine. The 50th anniversary of this momentous event will be celebrated with (fun) lectures and family activities. 4 October 2016 The First Observation: A lecture to celebrate the anniversary of the Lovell Telescope’s first observation to track the carrier rocket of Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, launched on 4th October 1957. At the time, it was the only instrument in the world capable of doing so.

JA BE NU ST AR EV Y S ER AL E

www.boothsfurnitureltd.co.uk

Are you sleeping comfortably?

TEMPUR MATTRESSES IN STOCK! FREE 24hr DELIVERY

Tempur Original

A supportive, firmer feel mattress

Tempur Cloud

A supportive, softer feel

Tempur Sensation

A supportive, traditional feel

Buy online at www.boothsfurnitureltd.co.uk Freephone: 0808 6-16 Church Street | Eccles | Manchester | M30 0BL

178 7195

Email: sales@boothsltd.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

PRIZE LOTs

2 #1 Early 17th century gilt brass German automata ‘Turmchenuhr’ This exceptionally fine and rare gilt brass German automata is stamped NS for Nikolaus Schmidt, Augsburg, and has a gilt brass case surmounted by the figure of a standing warrior. The dials are all made of silver, the main dial with some original enamelling in blue and black to the Roman hours, the inner edge marked in Arabic 13-24, enclosing a decorated alarm setting disc. Estimated value £100,000-150,000, 16 December (bonhams.com)

#2 Margaret Thatcher’s Art Deco emerald and diamond necklace by Chaumet This December sees Christie’s hold one of the most anticipated sales of the year: the auction of

Mrs Thatcher’s personal belongings. Many iconic items will be up for sale, including this Chaumet diamond and emerald necklace. Estimated value £120,000-£180,000, 15 December (christies.com)

#3 The Lock by John Constable You can sense John Constable’s fiery passion for his native Suffolk landscape in every brush stroke of this River Stour masterpiece, which is so characteristic of the English Romantic period. The Lock is the fifth painting in a series of six that were influenced by the Stour Valley. Constable was said to have loved this particular “six footer” so much that he kept it in his studio until his death. Estimated value £8m-£12m, 9 December (sothebys.com)

Watch news We kick off the New Year by celebrating the most stupefying examples of mechanical mastery of the last few months words: richard brown

Perpetual innovation “I call perpetual calendars boomerang watches,” says Maximilian Büsser, founder of MB&F. “Boomerang watches because they come back for repair so often.” The trouble with perpetual calendar watches – those that automatically account for months of varying lengths and leap years – is that mechanisms jam and dates jump when they shouldn’t. MB&F’s solution is the Legacy Machine Perpetual which, instead of using a conventional space-consuming big-lever system to flick through dates, uses a series of superimposed disks. MB&F’s system eradicates the need to skip over redundant days, meaning there is no possibility of the date jumping incorrectly. Legacy Machine Perpetual MB&F (mbandf.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

ONE TO WATCH “New for 2015, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm is a long-awaited addition to the Rolex core range. Available with a dark rhodium, blue or striking red grape dial, it is the ideal Christmas gift for any person looking for a classic watch guaranteed to stand the test of time” Hannah Williams, Assistant Manager at David M Robinson’s Altrincham showroom, 14 Railway St, Altrincham WA14 2RE

Rock around the clock Each year, Harry Winston partners with some the most creative minds in independent watchmaking to produce a limited-edition series of extraordinary watches. In 2015, the jeweller collaborated with exGreubel Forsey employee Franck Orny and, previously of Patek Philippe, Johnny Girardin. The result was Opus 14. Inspired by 1950s America, the watch houses a miniaturised jukebox mechanism, where four disks display local time, GMT time, the date and a star bearing the signature of Mr. Harry Winston. Perhaps, the collaboration was written in the stars. (harrywinston.com)

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm, £3,750 (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

Perfect timing

Art for art’s sake

After subjecting the watch to five tests, including three measurement cycles, exposure to magnetic fields, and exposure to more than 150 impacts, judges at the biennial International Chronometry Competition named Louis Moinet’s Vertalor as the most accurate tourbillon of the last two years. The most precise mechanical watch ever created remains Greubel Forsey’s Double Tourbillon 30°, which won the completion in 2011. Vertalor, Louis Moinet (louismoinet.com)

Jaquet Droz’s The Charming Bird has won the 2015 Mechanical Exception prize at the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The watch’s pièce de résistance, a miniaturised bird ensconced in a 47mm-diameter case, plays no part in telling the time and will only sing once activated. Instead, the piece pays homage to the micro-mechanical mastery of the company’s namesake – who built mechanical birds in the late 18th century. The Charming Bird, approx £264,480, Jaquet Droz (jaquet-droz.com)

The most complicated watch ever made A complication, in watch speak, refers to anything a timepiece does over and above displaying the hours and minutes of the day. Launched in 2015, Vacheron Constantin’s Reference 57260 features 57 complications. It will tell you everything from the time in 24 cities, to seasons, equinoxes and signs of the Zodiac. It has 31 hands, two dials and 2,826 parts. Owners must remember to correct it’s moon phases once every 1,027 years. Reference 57260 (vacheron-constantin.com)

Untitled-1 1

20/10/2015 12:27

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Lovingly INTERTWINED

ehold the simple, classic beauty of the stunning Lattice collection from David M Robinson, a striking set of pieces which are one hundred per cent bold style statement, yet entirely understated elegance. Created from diamond and 18ct rose gold, the Lattice earrings (£8,950), Lattice full-finger ring (£4,750) and Lattice cuff (£12,500) exude all the warmth of this most versatile of precious metals and pair easily with an ensemble of any colour (though, personally, we love them against a chic tailored black dress). The geometric design has a contemporary and yet, somehow, timeless charm about it, not to mention a look that evokes the delicate, glistening qualities of a spider’s web. (davidmrobinson.com)

Jewellery news

W OR D S : O L I V I A S H AR P E

Cut to ribbons Mikimoto has released its ad campaign for 2015-16 (shot by David Bellemere in New York), which stars not only model Esther Heesch but also the equally beautiful Ribbon necklace. Highlighting why the brand has become renowned for being the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost purveyor of the finest cultured pearls, the piece features lustrous white South Sea cultured pearls that have been seamlessly embedded within a stream of 18-carat white gold and diamonds. It comes accompanied by a pair of matching earrings, but with only one of four of the sets being made for the European market, I suggest you do not hesitate in snapping them up. Ribbon necklace and earrings, POA (mikimoto.co.uk)

Image courtesy of: Mikimoto

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Peacock necklace, £50,000, available at Hirsh London, 13 Grafton Street, W1S; hirshlondon.com

Cutting Edge With the turning on of Christmas lights on the nation’s streets without doubt one of the most anticipated events in the country’s festive calendar, jeweller Hirsh London has chosen to highlight this occasion by designing a Peacock necklace inspired by the dazzling lights. Jason Hirsh comments:

“We created the Peacock necklace in partnership with the Bond Street Association to celebrate the beauty of London at Christmas time. It is completely handmade in platinum with diamonds, opals and a rare Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline”

Bright star Italian jewellery brand Damiani’s latest collection pays tribute to one of its country’s most legendary muses: actress Sophia Loren. Capturing her unique beauty and grace, pieces include the Acqua diamond necklace with matching earrings, featuring a soft and feminine circular design. The standout piece from the collection is undoubtedly the stunning Masterpiece necklace in white gold; with 1,350 diamonds (totalling 81 carats), this one-of-a-kind creation is an apt tribute to one of Italy’s brightest stars. Sophia Loren collection, POA (damiani.com)

Green Sleeves Continuing their joint mission to champion sustainable luxury, Chopard and Livia Firth (who is the creative director of EcoAge) have once again collaborated, on this occasion launching a diffusion range created solely from 18-carat Fairmined gold. Named after the Palme d’Or award given at Cannes Film Festival, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, Palme Verte is made up of four pieces, starting from an affordable £1,550 (ring) up to £7,000 (bracelet) – thereby dispelling the myth that ethical jewellery can only be expensive. (chopard.co.uk) 67

Hats off When the worlds of lingerie and millinery collide, you’d be forgiven for wondering what might happen. But when it’s the result of a collaboration between Parisian fashion houses Eres and Maison Michel, it can only be sophisticated and chic. Say hello to the new Calais lace wide-brimmed hat, inspired by a modern-day Belle de Jour and designed to complement the Eres Honoré bodysuit of the Fall 2015 lingerie collection. Horsehair yarn creates the flowing structure of the hat’s brim and autumnal leaves pattern the vintage-inspired black lace. It’s understated elegance at its best. Hat, £580, Eres by Maison Michel (eresparis.com)

Fashion news Time after time Since the Apple Watch was launched back in April, the innovative accessory has fused the worlds of luxury fashion and smart technology. And no realisation of the glamorous device has excited us more than the new Apple Watch Hermès. Merging heritage and craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology, it is the ultimate accessory for your wrist. Apple Watch Hermès, from £1,000, Hermès (hermes.com)

Snap it up It’s all about crocodile skin this month as Baraboux returns with a new collection of its signature Reema clutch bags. Exclusively designed for Harrods and handmade in Florence, the new look blends the highest grade skins with beautifully crafted Italian enamel hardware. The two curved compartments will carry those much-needed essentials, while the unique cuff seals them in place. The design is set to launch this month, taking its place among the most iconic luxury handbags. Clutch bags, from a selection Baraboux (harrods.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Lights, camera, action What happens if you take the worlds of fashion, football and film and marry them all together? The answer is Outlaws, the new short film produced by Belstaff Films and featuring none other than David Beckham. Shot on location in Mexico, the film can be viewed on the Belstaff website and shows Beckham as a mysterious drifter and motorcycle stuntman who is on the receiving end of a manhunt. (belstaff.co.uk)

Built to last We love Crockett & Jones’s latest footwear offerings for AW15, including these black calf Camberley boots featuring a rather dapper monk strap front. Made from the softest of leathers, the style (which you may have spied in the latest James Bond film Spectre) will effortlessly bridge the gap between your formal and casual attire. Camberley boots, £460, Crockett & Jones (crockettandjones.com)

Man’s best friend If you’re on the hunt for something different, take a trip to Turnbull & Asser, which has delved into its archives for these canine-themed creations. Take the chance to adorn a fine silk pocket square with an image of a popular dog breed or a photograph of your own beloved hound. The exclusive service, perfect for dog lovers, hasn’t been available since 1931, so it’s high time it retruned to the fore. Pocket squares, from £295, Turnbull & Asser (turnbullandasser.co.uk)

To Infinity and Beyond As the iconic Galaxy dress celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, Olivia Sharpe speaks to its creator, Roland Mouret, about his astronomical success, the prospect of ageing and the future of fashion

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

hile certain members of the fashion industry have been criticised in the past for their sizest views of women’s body shapes, the same cannot be said of French fashion designer Roland Mouret. The self-confessed “man of the women” and his celebrated designs have invariably been praised for revealing an appreciation and “an intuitive understanding of the female form”. This year sees Mouret celebrate the 10th anniversary of one such design in particular, the legendary Galaxy dress, with a limited edition capsule collection inspired by the original hourglass silhouette design. First introduced in his Spring 2006 collection, this simple cocktail dress now has superstar status, adored by womankind for its miracle fit that flatters all body shapes. And although bodyhugging, Roland has often been quoted as saying that it was always his intention for the dress to be worn by a more shapely woman who “wears a bra”. It is rare for such a statement to be uttered by a fashion designer and is, therefore, a very refreshing one, having personally become tired of seeing skeletal women – whose unhealthy physiques bear no resemblance to those of normal women – parading the catwalks. Roland presented his collection starring the Galaxy dress less than a year before the Uruguayan model Luisel Ramos tragically died of heart failure caused by anorexia nervosa during a show (which resulted in Italian fashion designers banning size zero models from walking down their catwalks), and so it was almost as if the French designer had anticipated this now hotly debated issue. Ten years on, I ask Roland whether the industry is any closer to accepting larger sizes: “I see the fashion industry for what it is and it is primarily interested in being a business, and most of the time the business is not very interested in clothes that sit outside dress sizes eight, ten and maybe 12,” he states candidly in his sultry French accent (which, it has to be said, is the perfect

“While initially meant for curvaceous figures, the Galaxy dress has since been worn by women of all shapes and sizes”

accompaniment to his rugged good looks). While initially designed for curvaceous figures, however, the Galaxy has since been worn by women of all shapes and sizes, including the ultra-slim Victoria Beckham (with whom Roland has a long-standing friendship). “I still believe that you can have curves no matter how small you are,” he responds. “I have draped the derrière of a size eight by taking a square piece of fabric and making it curve round the body so that it sits flatteringly on the hips and the breasts. As a man, I couldn’t possibly imagine the concept of a female figure being about angles and pointedness, but more of a roundness, which doesn’t need to be extreme at all.” Explaining it in this way, it is clear to see how the Galaxy dress has had

such universal appeal, worn by countless female celebrities – from Dita Von Teese and Beyoncé to Demi Moore and Cameron Diaz. However, while Roland evidently has a business head on his shoulders, he insists that he does not care whether the women who wear his clothes are celebrities or not, feeling privileged to have met and dressed “so many amazing women” from all walks of life. Roland Mouret could not be further from the stereotypical image one has of a cut-throat and spiteful fashionista (as portrayed in The Devil Wears Prada); when I ask him what are his biggest pet peeves when it comes to women’s style choices, he explains that it has never been in his nature to be unkind: “I don’t think I am ever harsh. Of course there have been times when women have approached me and said, ‘I’m sorry Roland, I’m not dressed properly’, but I never think like that. I’m just happy to have a discussion with these women and find out about their lives because their stories are what inspire me.” Although Roland concedes that he has met women whom he feels might have “lost themselves by trying to be someone else” and this is often reflected in their appearance, he always takes the “gentle” approach in order to try and help them rebuild their confidence. In typical French fashion, Roland discusses the relationship between a woman and her outfit as akin to that between two lovers, saying that when there is “no chemistry between the two”, the ensemble won’t work. “I think an outfit can become an invaluable tool in a relationship because if you make an effort with what you wear, it shows that you’re not taking one another for granted. Like the Galaxy, all my dresses have been designed so that they are something women can always rely on.” Ironically, growing up it was Roland’s father, a butcher, and not his mother, who ignited his desire to become a fashion designer and dress the women he so loves. It was through watching the skill and

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

precision with which his father cut the animal’s skin in his workshop in Lourdes, and how he divided each section with a knife, that directly influenced the physicality of his designs, many of which feature intricate folds and layering techniques – developed not in the typical process of sketching, but by draping the fabric directly onto women’s bodies. More importantly, Roland’s father taught him that you should always make the customer happy. “He taught me how to be selfless,” he says, smiling. “He was such an amazing butcher and loved his work, but more than that he loved making his clients happy and I hope that I have inherited that from him.” Growing up in a small village also led the young Roland to see clothes and fashion as a “means of escape” – to “break free” from his parochial existence – so he moved to fast-paced Paris at the tender age of 18, where he trained for three months in a fashion college. Following this, he worked as a model for none other than Jean-Paul Gaultier and a stylist for French Glamour, before packing up and moving to London, where he opened a café/ gallery space in Soho, among other projects, before eventually launching his own label in 1997. Roland’s adeptness at reinventing himself has evidently stood him in good stead, as less than two months after Galaxy’s glittering runway debut, it was announced that he had split from his financial bankers, citing “managerial differences”. However, despite this momentary career hiatus, Roland

managed to bring himself back, launching his new label, RM by Roland Mouret, under the new backing of Simon Fuller (the mastermind behind the Spice Girls). Shortly after this, the designer released two more pieces that saw him rise back into the fashion stratosphere once again: the Moon and Titanium dresses. His first standalone boutique in London opened on Mayfair’s prestigious Carlos Place in 2011, proving how the designer had landed himself firmly back on the fashion retail map. Judging from Roland’s attitude now, it would seem that, in many ways, this difficult period in his career taught him a good deal, remarking how the advice he would give to anyone starting out in the industry would be “to have no regrets”. Because the designer is constantly having to look to the

“Roland finds that the biggest challenge he faces is the prospect of ageing” “next challenge and a new vision” for each collection, he therefore makes a point of living in the now in his day-to-day life. He confides how his favourite weekend is spent lazily in the country with his partner, drinking Aspall Cyder at the local pub (his guilty pleasure) and taking his Jack Russell terrier, Dave, for long country walks. Like many artists, Roland finds that the biggest challenge he faces is the prospect of ageing and coming to the realisation that he cannot remain a young designer forever. However, having created pieces that so far have stood the test of time, I feel certain that Roland Mouret’s legacy will be eternal. Galaxy 10 collection, available in Roland Mouret stores, select department stores and online; (rolandmouret.com)

Say it all this Christmas... ...without saying a single word DISCOVER THE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS WITH OUR BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE 2016 COLLECTIONS, LOVINGLY CRAFTED BY OUR MASTER JEWELLERS SINCE 1937. DIAMOND SET WEAVE BANGLE £6,900

150 ASHLEY ROAD, HALE, WA15 9SA

STEVENSTONE.CO.UK

HALE - LONDON - PALM BEACH

Tel: 0161 233 9977

Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The most wonderful time of the year You’ve found that special person; it’s a special time of the year; you need that special ring

arl Christopher has more than seventy years’ experience in the craftsmanship and design of bespoke jewellery. We opened our flagship store in St Helens, Merseyside, and have steadily developed an unrivalled reputation for quality and service, not to mention a growing client base across the North of England and four beautiful new stores in Glossop, Southport, Chester and Congleton. We cater for customers both locally and regionally, placing prime importance on providing a much more pleasurable and personally tailored shopping experience than can be found elsewhere in the region. Finding your soulmate is a landmark time in anyone’s life, and at Carl Christopher we are here to help make your engagement special. Choosing or crafting an engagement ring is a wonderful opportunity to create something which really reflects and embodies your relationship, so we take great pride in our work, elegant designs, fine materials and attention to detail, hand-crafted in our on-site workshop. We understand the four C’s that are so important to your decision.

CUT: choose from Princess, the modern cut, to the more traditional Brilliant. CLARITY: fewer inclusions make the sparkle dazzling. COLOUR: a colourless diamond is the most desirable for many. CARAT: the weight of the diamond, which does not reflect the size. It may appear bigger but weigh less. We also specialise in creating wedding rings to complement the most unusually shaped engagement rings, so don’t be shy when it comes to pushing the boundaries and really indulging your imagination, even if it might not be something you’ve seen done before. We can create the ring of your dreams, no matter what your specifications, listening to your ideas and inspirations, as well as advising what might work best to help you to craft a piece that’s as unique as it is beautiful. Let us be part of your future. Carlchristopher Makers of Fine Jewellery, 38 Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HA (01244 329923; carlchristopher.com)

silver linings Days are getting shorter, nights are getting longer, and the party season is upon us. Turn to structured, textured pieces â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from lace and leather to fur â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is cocktail wear at its most contemporary p h o t o g r a p h y : W i l l i a m G a r r e tt s t y l i n g : A n a t D y c h tw a l d

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Dress, £495, Caterina Gatta (caterinagatta.it). Cape, POA, Marco de Vincenzo (matchesfashion.com). Bag, £1,095, Christian Louboutin (christianlouboutin.com). Headband, £28, Monki (monki.com). Ring, £275, Alexander McQueen (alexandermcqueen.com) 79

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ABOVE Dress, POA, Robert Wun (robertwun.com). Hat, POA, Victoria Grant (victoriagrant.co.uk)

RIGHT Jumpsuit, £795, Diane von Furstenberg (dvf.com). Top, £485, Red Valentino (redvalentino.com). Gilet, £2,100, Marni (marni.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

ABOVE Top, £485, Red Valentino (redvalentino.com). Skirt, £495, Stella McCartney (stellamccartney.com). Coat, £6,000, Burberry (burberry.com)

LEFT Dress, £10,000, Julien MacDonald (julienmacdonald.com). Boots, £415, Zadig & Voltaire (zadig-et-voltaire.com). Bag, £975, MCM (mcmworldwide.com). Ring, £275, Alexander McQueen (alexandermcqueen.com). Bracelet, £695, Alexander McQueen (alexandermcqueen.com)

Sequin dress, £375, Ganni (ganni.com). Jacket, POA, Dsquared2 (dsquared2.com/gb). Louboutin Casanovella in Kid/Nappa, £675, Christian Louboutin (christianlouboutin.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ABOVE Dress, £10,000, Julien MacDonald (julienmacdonald.com). Bag, £975, MCM (mcmworldwide.com). Ring, £275, Alexander McQueen (alexandermcqueen. com). Bracelet, £695, Alexander McQueen (alexandermcqueen.com)

credits Hair and make-up: Charlotte Reid at One Represents using Shu Uemura and Sisley Photographer: William Garrett at John Parkinson Agency Photography assistant: Martin Plasek Model: Xu Liu at Storm Models With thanks to Canvas backdrop from Hapaca Studio 86

A RS

CELE

TING 20 RA

PA R T I E S

THE ULTIMATE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY... Y ONL

00 £75PE.RSON PER C VAT) (IN

Celebrate the biggest party night of the year in style. Make an entrance on the red carpet and prepare to be amazed by an evening of incredible live entertainment followed by a sumptuous five course dinner. Try your luck at the charity casino, enjoy our party games, take a spin on the dodgems or hit the dance floor! There’ll also be bacon butties and a Highland piper at midnight.

One fantastic night, two great venues, which one will you choose?

ALPINE THE

BALL

TATTON PARK

Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6SG

AINTREE RACECOURSE Aintree, Liverpool L9 5AS

Book online: jdparties.co.uk Ticket hotline: 0844 318 3903

WATERFRONT NEW YEAR.indd 1

01/12/2015 15:40

Corporate E vents Weddings Private Parties Entertainm ent Venue Finding

K at e Pa r k TEL: 0161 905 2052 MO B: 07718 456 054 w w w.katepa rke ven ts.c o.u k

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

The line of fire

his season sees Agent Provocateur celebrate its beloved icons. While old favourites make a comeback, including the Molly collection (returning in black silk and peach lace) and the Gloria basque (redesigned in black), three new lines have also been added to the Classics range. Featuring AP’s staple powder pink silk and black lace, Amelea has tasteful sex appeal, while Georgie, arriving in midnight blue and French lace, is ideal for everyday elegance. Finally, Donna is the epitome of what AP’s creative director, Sarah Shotton calls “posh filth”. The collection has been brought to life in avant-garde photographer Ellen von Unwerth’s exclusive film. (agentprovocateur.com)

Beauty news Seasonal saviour Need a little pick me up to get you through the cold, dark English winter? Head for the beautiful Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, just 7 miles outside Chester, and indulge in its revitalising Relax into Winter Wellness package. Lasting the entire day, the package includes a morning yoga or pilates class, sumptuous lunch for two, Top to Toe Elemis Radiance treatment and full use of the state-of-the-art spa and leisure facilities. Sounds like just the ticket to us. Monday – Thursday £90 per person, Friday – Sunday £110 per person (macdonaldhotels.co.uk)

Lipstick lust Everyone’s favourite beauty accessory is getting a futuristic makeover. The trusty Dior Addict Lipstick has been a sophisticated staple since its launch in 2001 and today, its reinvention brings together a technological breakthrough with the timeless elegance of Dior. A hydra-gel core now runs through the lipstick, giving a mirror shine top coat effect with every application. It’s now undeniably shiny, easy to wear and vibrant in colour, reminding us all why Dior is a leader in lipsticks. Dior Addict lipstick, £26.50, Dior (dior.com)

Hollywood glamour At 82, it’s fair to say that Joan Collins has a timeless beauty and is one of the most glamorous icons of our time, so it’s no wonder that her own beauty range has become so popular. Now the collection is growing, with the introduction of new lines, including the I Am Woman Skin Silk Body Oil and the Amanda range in flattering russet tones, with a new lipstick, nail lacquer and compact duo – perfect to emulate the Collins style. Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Collection (joancollinsbeauty.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

TREATMENT OF THE MONTH

CRYOTHERAPY WORDS: LOUISA CASTLE

I’ve seen the stand-up cubicles and people having fat sucked and frozen, so it was with slight trepidation that I entered Nicky Clarke’s Spinningfield’s salon for my cryotherapy body-sculpting session. There was no need. Kelly, my therapist, put me at ease straight away, explaining the process and science behind this latest beauty must-have. Basically, it takes the whole idea of ice baths to another level, the aim to stimulate the body’s own natural physiological and biological reactions. She settled me onto a comfortable massage table to begin, putting pay to the adage no pain no gain. I had opted for the targeted body sculpting, my bottom the focus. The freezing was to collapse the fat cells and cellulite, reducing the density of fat and result in a loss in body density. The cryotherapy bit takes the form of an ice cold (up to -160 degrees) vapour that is passed through a funnel and aimed at the body part in question, whilst the therapist gently massages said body part to keep the skin warm.

A nose for luxury Harvey Nichols is excited to confirm that award-winning perfume designer Azzi Glasser’s first collection of limited edition fragrances, exclusive to Harvey Nichols, are at last available in store. Her bespoke perfumes are produced for the who’s who of Hollywood, including Jude Law, Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp, and were introduced by the lady herself at an exclusive event held in-store at the end of October, celebrating the Art of Scent and giving guests a chance to smell Azzi’s luxurious commissioned creations first hand. 21 New Cathedral Street; Manchester; M1 1AD (harveynichols.com)

Top tip It was a relaxing half an hour out of my day. Some people, I’m told, even fall asleep. We took before and after photos and measurements, and the results were quite impressive for just an hour of relaxing and chatting. Buttocks appeared pert-er and an inch was lost on each of the three measurements. It continues to work after the treatment too, as your lymphatic system is stimulated to remove toxins and deliver lovely healing proteins. It’s the go-to treatment for the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Kate Moss, and I can see why. Maybe it’s a last-minute Christmas gift... A minimum course of six treatments (which is recommended for optimum results) starts at £550 (cryotherapyuk.com)

January is here again and the traditional time when our thoughts turn to self-improvement and one of the most popular resolutions - to lose weight. But how many of us actually achieve this goal? Sensoria’s managing director Angela Bartlett offers her advice. “Make it easier on yourself, and more achievable, by introducing a series of figure-improving treatments into your regime of diet and exercise. After over 30 years of experience, and working with a variety of different weight loss treatments and plans, my recommendation is for Bioslimming, from Provence Cosmetics. This highly effective treatment targets three components, resulting in reducing fat, improving contours and firming the skin. Our research has shown that by introducing an effective, enjoyable and nurturing element into their fitness regime, our clients are four times more likely to adhere to their diet and exercise programme and achieve their goals.” Wild Boar Hotel, Whitchurch Road, Beeston, Tarporley, CW6 9NW (sensoriabeauty.co.uk) 91

The The CHESHIRE CHESHIRE Magazine Magazine | Beauty | Style

ALL ABOUT

YOU Our quest for beauty perfection is an endless one. But Dr. Howard Murad believes that true beauty can’t be achieved by applications alone, it’s about the whole person. It doesn’t have to be regimental either...

r. Howard Murad is a world-renowned dermatologist, trained pharmacist and associate clinical professor of medicine. He’s seen over 50,000 patients in his medical career, treating them with his Inclusive Health approach to care, which focuses on incorporating small changes over time for significant, lifelong improvements in your skin, health, sleep, weight and stress levels. According to Dr. Murad, detox isn’t always best: “Small changes lead to long-term success. When you detox the body, it shocks it into results but it can also deplete the body of vital nutrients, actually harming your body, skin and brain. You can get the same amazing results, and better, by practising an Inclusive Health approach to living, focusing on small changes each week.” Through examining thousands of patients, Dr. Murad observed the mistakes people make in day-to-day activities that ultimately speed up the ageing process. By turning these wrongs

into rights, we can fight different elements of ageing. “Ageing is a fact of life. Looking your age is not.” He explains that much of what we perceive as skin ageing is, in fact, caused by environmental damage and external factors that can be controlled, treated and prevented. Exposure to sun, pollution, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, pesticides, toxins, poor nutrition and stress all damage the skin. His Inclusive Health lifestyle is based on the following principles: looking better through high-performance topical skincare products; living better through nutritional care (eating your water), dietary supplements and exercise; and feeling better through managing daily stress and reconnecting with your passions. This three-pronged approach addresses the mind, skin and body, and this unique approach to improving skin health focuses on the internal, external and emotional needs of the whole person.

Top 5

Water-Rich Foods Cucumbers (96% water) – they’re rich in silica, a trace mineral that contributes to the strength of connective tissue.

In the spirit of being inspired and planning for a happy and healthy new year, Dr. Murad reveals his top tips for a healthier and happier life:

1. Eat your water! “Healthy, hydrated cells are the key to ageless skin and a healthy body. My advice for your New Year’s resolution is to replace a glass of water a day with a piece of fruit or vegetables. “Think about what happens when we drink eight glasses of water a day – we’re in the bathroom eight times, flushing our system of vital nutrients. Raw fruits and vegetables contain structured water which is released into your system at a slower rate, allowing you to stay hydrated for longer. Cellular water loss is the common pathway to all ageing, disease and wrinkles, so we need to keep our cells healthy, strong and fully hydrated.”

Pomegranates (82% water) – they’re a wonderful source of antioxidants. Avocados (82% water) – they contain potassium, monosaturated fats and are very high in fibre. The monosaturated fats in avocados contain oleic acid, which has been found to improve fat levels in the body and help control diabetes and cholesterol. Apricots and Mangoes (86%) – both contain high levels of Vitamin A. This vitamin normalises the production and lifecycle of skin cells. In skin with acne, there is an overproduction of cells in the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of biologically “dead” cells. These excess dead cells combine with sebum (the skin’s own natural oil) to form comedones – the pore plugs that are the defining element of acne. Taken as a dietary supplement, Vitamin A helps to prevent overproduction of skin cells in the stratum corneum. Broccoli and Spinach (92%) – these green foods are a great source of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), which is a potent fat-and-watersoluble antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

2. Savour sleep “We all know that getting deep sleep is one of the best things you can do for your skin and health. While you sleep, all of the systems in the body repair and regenerate themselves; the skin detoxifies itself overnight, too, so it’s important to create an ideal environment to help your body to get a full and restful night’s sleep. I encourage my patients to keep a sleep journal. Think back in the past month – which days did you feel the most energetic? How many hours of sleep did you get the night before? Use that average to determine how many hours of sleep your body ideally needs, then aim for that amount at least five days a week. Schedule your sleep like you would your work and stick to it. No matter how effective your skincare products are, not sleeping enough will counteract your efforts to get healthy skin.”

3. Identify the ‘cultural stress’ in your life “Another area of life that contributes to ageing, both visibly on the skin and also emotionally, with feelings of isolation and a lack of confidence, is stress. Stress is an inevitable part of life; the key is how you handle it. Identify your stressors and do what you can to keep them at bay. Take a break for some deep breathing and meditation to help you gain perspective and reclaim sanity. Also, studies have proven that it has a significant effect in improving the health of body, mind and soul. “Cultural stress is the constant and pervasive stress of everyday life that has become a normal part of our society. This continuous stress maxes out our tolerance and lowers our stress threshold so that when stressful events happen, we hit maximum stress capacity. How to make it right? Take a deep breath and remember that the most important person in the world is YOU!

“When you become the most important person to yourself, your accomplishments will amaze you” “I have a few positive insights that will help centre your brain and avoid the inevitable ‘freakout’: don’t let failures spoil your successes; if it’s not personal, don’t take it personally; be imperfect, live longer. Stick them on the wall, set a reminder on your phone, keep them to hand.”

4. Try something new “Break out of your normal routine today and try something you’ve been wanting to do for a while but haven’t. It’s thrilling to enter a new environment, meet new people and learn something different. It’s good for your mind and your health.”

5. Get moving “My final piece of advice is to ‘get moving’. The secret to sticking to an exercise routine is to exercise for pleasure. You should be driven less by exercise’s health and body-sculpting rewards than by how working out makes you feel. Today, choose one physical activity you enjoy and do it.” By revamping daily routines through external, internal and emotional methods, Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health philosophy helps you to capitalise on cell regeneration. By taking advantage of the completely new population of cells that crop up every four to five weeks, rewinding time and rebuilding youth is possible. And a final word from Dr. Murad: “When you become the most important person to yourself, your accomplishments will amaze you.” (murad.co.uk)

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

TOP 5

BEAUTY TRENDS of 2016 Our experts keep you ahead of the curve with their round-up of all the hottest beauty trends set to hit the world’s catwalks and make-up counters in the new year 1. The perfect pout

3. Blue-eyed baby

Make no mistake, statement red lips are going to be the look du jour this spring, so go full-on femme fatale and don’t be afraid to go as bright and bold as you dare. For a great range of intense shades, we love the new Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks from YSL Beauty. (£26 each, yslbeauty.com)

Be it dramatic, winged aquamarine, electric blue lines or explosions of soft powder blue, it’s definitely time to experiment with this gorgeous, fresh new eye palette. Kind to all eye shapes and colours, 2016 is all about blue. Try Laura Mercier’s Chrome Extravagance Collection for an extra kick of metallic chic. (£32, lauramercier.com)

2. Keep it natural If there’s one thing the recent catwalk shows were in total agreement upon, it was a move towards natural, dewy skin, with many models going foundationfree and letting the fresh, glowing hues of their expertly cared for skin shine through. Invest in a great moisturiser (like the new Vital Glow overnight serum from Elemental Herbology) and give it a go. Scary at first, but oh-so low maintenance, it’s time we dare to go bare. (From £55, elementalherbology.com)

4. Nailing the line Nail art is going all subtle and classic on us, with a steadily emerging fashion for linear, geometric patterns. So, basically, paint a thin line along one side of the nail or across the top, and you’re all set. For good sturdy polish which will stand the test of time, we love the Gel Effect collection from Nails Inc. (£15 each, nailsinc.com)

5. More messy buns One of our favourite trends (less effort = more style, what’s not to love?), the messy bun is predicted to ever increase its hold in the style stakes next year. Buy a good salt spray to help add volume and really nail that just-off-the-beach look – the John Frieda Beach Blond spray should do the trick. (£5.89, johnfrieda.co.uk)

ESCAPE AND PAMPER

Start the year with a relaxing pamper at Cheshireʼs Country Estate. Discover the variety of treatments including the brand new Bamboo Massage and Thai Poultice Massage. Enjoy a dip in the swimming pool, chill-out in the sauna or steam room and take a seat on the heated tepidarium spa beds. Work out in the gym or choose one of the Þtness classes. Spa Days start from £59.00 per person or join the leisure membership from £475.00 Carden Park Hotel, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 9DQ 01829 731000 reservations@cardenpark.co.uk cardenpark.co.uk T&Cs apply

hotel golf spa

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

ROUND THREE

he first collection for Mr Porter’s British-made brand Kingsman united a number of heritage manufacturers, who designed exclusive pieces directly inspired by the costumes worn in hit spy film Kingsman: The Secret Service, starring Colin Firth. The popularity of the collection’s high-quality British tailoring, with a focus on slim silhouettes, has seen the line grow beyond its initial lifespan, and its third season has just launched. Seasonal additions such as Drake’s pocket squares and cashmere scarves, Deakin & Francis cufflinks and George Cleverley footwear are the perfect accompaniments to sharp suiting for the New Year’s roster of formal events. (mrporter.com)

Image: Clement Jolin for MRPORTER.COM

Motoring news words: Iain Warde

Take two The new two-wheel drive Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 has been revealed to the world. Specifically designed and engineered for its rear-wheel-drive set-up, it has a naturally aspirated V10 5.2-litre engine sending 580hp to the rear axle and its dry weight is just 1,389kg, thus 33kg lighter than the four-wheel-drive version. “The Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 continues the Lamborghini tradition of pure, visionary and technology-driven models,” says Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The rear-wheel-drive model fits perfectly into our Huracán family, appealing to those wanting an even more intense driving experience. It is a serious car for serious drivers: it is maximum driving fun.” (sytner.co.uk)

Motoring classics If you’re still struggling for that perfect gift for Christmas, then why not pop over to the relaunched Motoring Classics website, where there’s a raft of new products for him and for her. We love these heritage leather gloves and Mota-Lita steering wheels – the ‘must have’ accessory for generations of classic car enthusiasts. Christmas done, thank you. (motoringclassics.co.uk) 100

“The Lamborghini Huracán continues the Lamborghini tradition of pure, visionary and technology-driven models”

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

The longest ever traffic jam occurred in France on 16 June 1980. It stretched from Paris to Lyon, a distance of 109 miles (176km)

Porsche double Porsche has concluded the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Bahrain by taking the sixth consecutive race win and second title this year. For Mark Webber, Brendon Hartley and Timo Bernhard, fifth place was enough to win the Drivers’ World Championship. And Romain Dumas, Neel Jani and Marc Lieb took their first race win this season with the second Porsche 919 Hybrid. Bernhard/Hartley/Webber had started with a 13-point lead ahead of the bestplaced Audi trio. Given the great season Porsche has had so far with the Le Mans victory and the early win of the manufacturers’ title, it looked possible to win the drivers’ title in Bahrain too. But half an hour into the race, the number 17 car had to come into the pits for a long repair stop. After that, the trio had to go flat out to catch up from the very back of the pack, and eventually they finished fifth. It was the sister car that took the lead and the crucial points away from the Audi. (porsche.co.uk)

New look This year will see orders being taken for the new Mercedes SL. It has an eyecatching revised front end with two powerdomes accentuating the long, drawn-out bonnet. Also adding to the unmistakable new appearance is the new standard-fit Intelligent Light System, with headlamp housing extending far to the outside. The sporty silhouette is emphasised by the enlarged cosmetic air outlets with wing-like chrome inserts in the dynamic, broad vehicle wings and the exterior mirrors positioned on the beltline. There’s also some new AMG models, the SL63 and SL65, producing 430bhp and 463bhp respectively, and with top speeds of 250 in around four seconds. Nice. (mercedes-benz.co.uk) 101

Go Get ’em, tayga Do you love your GT Continental but find yourself limited by its off-road capabilities? Does your current SUV just not have enough clout in the car park? Bentley has the answer W o r ds : J e n n i f e r M a s o n

All-powerful

n one of the biggest shake-ups to the Bentley brand in decades, it has recently unveiled its very first SUV. Named the Bentayga (pronounced ‘Ben-tie-guh’), the SUV takes its name from Roque Bentayga, a suitably rugged peak in the Canary Islands. Bentley describes its new beast as “the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world” – and with its new 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 TSI engine, which produces 600bhp, a top speed of 187mph and does 0-60 mph in just four seconds, the brand might have a point. “The Bentayga is the next step in our brand’s bold future,” said Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors. “It offers a genuine Bentley experience in any environment, thanks to a combination of unparalleled attention to detail, goanywhere ability and cutting-edge technology.” Rumour has it that the first person to own a Bentayga when customer deliveries commence in early 2016 will be Her Majesty The Queen herself. The jury is out on what specs HM will choose for her model, but if the calibre of the first customer is anything to go by, you can expect the Bentayga waiting list to include some very high profile names indeed. The launch model will be joined by a high-performance, clean technology diesel model, a plug-in hybrid alterative, and a seven-seat option. (bentleymotors.com)

102

An all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine delivers a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph, making it the world’s fastest SUV to date.

Urban assistance There are plenty of driver aids for urban roadsters; Traffic Sign Recognition (which does exactly what it says on the tin), Rear Crossing Traffic Warning (radar technology that helps lazy parkers) and Top View, which uses four cameras to display an overall picture of the Bentayga’s surroundings.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

Looking glass Passengers will enjoy the Bentaygaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s panoramic glass roof, which comes as standard. The 1.35m2 glass feature makes up almost 60 per cent of the total roof surface and is split into two panes; the front of which tilts and slides.

Ear to the ground

Tech savvy Other innovations include Park Assist (with autonomous steering to support parking manoeuvres), Electronic Night Vision, which uses infra-red technology to identify potential obstacles ahead â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a Head Up display to reduce driver distraction.

Bentayga owners can choose between three different sound systems, one of which, Naim for Bentley Premium Audio, is the most powerful system available, offering a network of 18 speakers and super-tweeters for unrivalled recreation of the highest audio frequencies.

Back seat bliss The two individual rear seats have 18 different adjustable settings, including a massage function and footrests.

103

ON TRACK:

THE FORMULA 1

EXPERIENCE Reckon Lewis Hamilton and chums have it easy out there? Think again – as Wendy Mason finds out, driving a Formula 1 car (even one from the ‘90s) is more complicated than you’d think

“D

o you like driving and fancy a driving experience?” asked the voice at the other end of the phone. “We’re getting a group together and going up to Wigan.” (Wigan? What’s so special about Wigan? Of all the race tracks around the country, this is going to have to be good). “This is the only place in the UK you can drive a Formula 1 car….” OK, I’m sold. In fact, at Three Sisters Race Circuit you don’t just get to test your mettle in a Formula 1 car. This is a full day’s driving experience that begins with instruction around the track in a standard saloon (mine was an Alfa Romeo Giulietta) to help you familiarise yourself with the braking points, turning points and apexes of the corners. Having done the groundwork, I move on (with my instructor in tow) to try the 380bhp Aston Martin V8 Vantage, followed by the 400bhp Ferrari 360 Modena. After lunch, it’s time to take on the track by myself in the single-seaters. First I squeeze myself into a 132bhp Formula Ford (it does 0-60mph in 6.0 seconds with a top speed of 130mph) and join my fellow drivers on the course to test my novice cornering abilities and overtaking manoeuvres. This is the first real taste of what it’s like to be a racing driver… not only is there an open cockpit, but the ride is low to the ground, which accentuates the feeling of speed. A large part of driving the Formula Ford is struggling with the offset gear box, as well as trying to keep (almost) perfect lines while fighting to maintain

104

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

105

Motoring | The CHESHIRE Magazine

position on the track and keep an eye on approaching cars in the tiny mirrors. I’m beginning to realise just how tough racing drivers have it – there’s an awful lot to concentrate on. This is the last opportunity to ‘race’– from now on I’ll be on the track on my own. I’ll need everything I’ve learned so far to manage the step up in performance to the Formula 3 RALT RT3/RT32 165bhp – it does 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 150mph. The corners come much more quickly and the tight, technical track accentuates the need not just for speed, but also skill and control.

“The adrenaline rush is fantastic, the noise tremendous (none of that decibel control you hear in the current F1 cars)” While I await the pinnacle of the experience, a professional driver takes me out in a two-seater Ariel Atom (just so I know how it feels to do it properly). They just throw the car around all over the track – it’s such a thrill, though sadly one that I know I just can’t achieve for myself yet. And then they roll out the 1994 Arrows FA14 600bhp (as driven by Aguri Suzuki). This is old school F1. 1994 might seem like a long time ago, but it just wouldn’t be possible for an amateur to step into a modern F1 car with all its electronic wizardry. Suddenly the mood has become very serious. The increase in raw power beneath my right foot is breathtaking. I have to temper my desire to ‘gun it’ while also worrying about spinning tyres and keeping the car safely between the lines. I now know why they pulled those harness

106

belts so tight – as I accelerate off the corners, my body is pushed hard against the cockpit edge. The pace at which the car gobbles up the track is awesome. The adrenaline rush is fantastic, the noise tremendous (none of that decibel control you hear in the current F1 cars). I soon learn how to pick up speed and improve my technique, running deeper into the corners, remembering to hit the turning points on the track as instructed and trying my best to nail every apex. I feel myself getting quicker lap by lap. And then it’s all over… my Pit Board signals it’s time to come in. At the close of the day, each driver is presented with a Certificate of Achievement and photograph of their F1 experience, but you won’t find your lap times. This is a deliberate exclusion to prevent dangerous over-competitiveness. That’s not to say the day hasn’t offered ample opportunity to compete – mostly with oneself. As I get behind the wheel of my own car to drive home (a distinctly disappointing experience after the day I’ve had) I find myself searching for the apex of each turn, lining up the cars in front of me for the perfect overtake, and mentally calculating how fast I can take each corner and remain in control. Whether this experience has made me a better or worse driver… only time (and possibly my insurance policy) will tell. But boy, was it fun. Formula 1 Driving Experience, £1,599 per person (three-sisters.co.uk)

Wireless speakers that make a statement

Technology central words: Iain Warde

Capture the best moments OF this YEAR’S holiday For decades, the digital SLR has been the top choice for anyone who wants to take their photography to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, a DSLR offers three key ingredients: manual controls, excellent picture quality and interchangeable lenses.

USP: Wireless, top quality Bluetooth and lengthy playback time £2,799 (canon.co.uk)

C a n o n EOS 5 DS

he Canon EOS 5DS is a natural follow-up to the three-year-old 5D MKIII, a legendary model beloved of many photographers. Its incredibly high-resolution, 50.6-megapixel full-frame sensor is better primed than any other currently on the market to produce an incredible amount of detail, especially when natural or set-up lighting means only base ISO settings are needed.

Megapixels: 50.6 Screen type: 3.2-inch, 1,040,000 dots maximum video resolution:1080p

The competition

108

Nikon D810 USP: High pixel count, no anti-aliasing filter for better detail resolution, 5fps shooting at fullresolution £2,349 (currys.co.uk)

Pentax K-S2 USP: Small size, 100 per cent viewfinder, Wi-Fi and NFC £439 (jessops.com) Sony A77 II USP: Size and handling, image quality, effective in-body stabilisation system £1,244 (amazon.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Technology

App: TomTom CURFER TomTom Telematics has announced the launch of TomTom CURFER, a smart connected car solution designed to give feedback to drivers on their driving style. Consisting of a smartphone app and a small on-board diagnostics device, it is available in the UK and Germany and uses the latest developments in connected car technology to provide drivers with visual information on how they drive. Feedback includes live and retrospective information on their braking, cornering, acceleration and idling. £Free both android and iOS

There are 6.8 billion people on the planet and 4 billion of them use a mobile phone. Only 3.5 billion of them use a toothbrush

Game Tom Clancy’s: The Division A devastating pandemic sweeps through New York City and, one by one, basic services fail. In only days, without food or water, society collapses into chaos. The Division, a classified unit of selfsupported tactical agents, is activated. Leading seemingly ordinary lives among us, Division agents are trained to operate independently in order to save society. When society falls, your mission begins. £44 (Xbox One) (tomclancy-thedivision.ubi.com)

A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE Honda unveiled several concept vehicles during the 44th Tokyo Motor Show. Most were cars, but then there was the Wander Walker and sister product, Wander Stand. Both devices have the power to revolutionise the way we walk and interact with our surroundings. First, the Wander Stand: reminiscent of a futuristic golf cart, it will accommodate two people who can ride side by side. It comes with all those additions you would expect from a futuristic piece of tech, but what does impress is Honda’s Omni Traction Drive System which

allows the ‘vehicle’ to drive laterally or even diagonally. Great for city driving! Then there’s the Wander Walker, a compact version of the Wander Stand, which could be mistaken for the mobility scooter of the future. It supports both walking and standing positions, but the most impressive feature is its manoeuvrability. It is tiny though, perfect for humanoid robot Asimo, but I’m not sure about the average human. Certainly a glimpse into the future here and one to look out for in 2016. (honda.co.uk) 109

Rocking it At Kata Rocks, guest satisfaction is the number one priority, and with more than 20 awards for hospitality and facilities, it clearly succeeds at providing unbeatable service. Whether you want to relax at the serene spa, dive off a yacht, or visit thriving Phuket Town, the staff, named ‘rock stars’, will organise everything. They can book you a table at the resort’s restaurant, or, if you want a quiet night in, arrange private chefs to cook in your villa. During the day, enjoy the private expansive terraces and stunning ocean views from your infinity pool. Finding it hard to leave? Buy one of the residences and return whenever you wish! Kata Rocks, Phuket (katarocks.com)

Travel news Life of Thai Patong is a backpacker’s rite of passage, but if its nightclubs and bars have worn you out, head to the newly opened Keemala, tucked away in the rainforest with views of the Andaman Sea in the distance. The holistic-focused escape consists of 38 pool villas and offers talks on the different healing methods used in Asia, yoga and meditation classes, nature walks and martial arts classes. From £335 a night (keemala.com) 110

Frequent flyers For a truly memorable winter getaway, try PrivateFly’s private jet tour of the Caribbean. This seven-day VIP trip is aimed at aviation geeks who want to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the region’s most complex landing points. The excursion can be tailored to your tastes, but can include private tours of airports, flying lessons and meetings with specialist pilots. If you’re not an aspiring aeronaut, don’t be put off; the holiday includes return flights on a private jet, accommodation at Sonesta Ocean Point Resort and trips to St Barths and Saba. VIP AvGeek Trip from £48,000 per person (privatefly.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Food glorious food

Catwalk of cakes Calling all fashionistas! Next time you pay a visit to London, be sure to head to hyper-luxe Knightsbridge for the capital’s only designer afternoon tea – the decadent and delightful Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley London. Gather your most fashionable friends and enjoy a glass or two of couture champagne in the beautiful Caramel Room, complemented by an assortment of expertly crafted goodies, each inspired by the colours of the fashion season and in the style of the world’s finest designers – from Dolce & Gabbana’s pink rose dress to Valentino’s rockstud striped Victoria sponge shoulder bag. From £45 per person (the-berkeley.co.uk)

Long haul vs short haul

Short haul Tea thyme

You’re never far from your next meal at Thyme. The cuisine at the idyllic country estate in the Cotswolds is dictated by the seasons and the abundance of natural produce found nearby. Its award-winning cookery school follows ingredients from planting to the plate and hosts demonstrations, garden tours and foraging lessons. Classes cover everything from Indian spices to bread making and you can get all the family around the stove for a bespoke session. Cookery classes from £145 (thyme.co.uk)

Start the countdown Awkward hugs and kisses at the strike of midnight are not on the agenda for Hotel De Rome’s New Year’s Eve party. Located on the historic Bebelplatz, you can experience Berlin’s vibrant celebrations in one of its finest fivestar hotels. A sumptuous dinner and midnight snacks created by Michelin-star chef Fulvio Pierangelini, a steady flow of champagne and spectacular fireworks will make this the perfect way to toast in 2016. New Year’s Eve Gala at Hotel De Rome, €416 (roccofortehotels.com)

Long haul Oceans apart

Shanti Maurice in Mauritius has launched a new food concept, Aquacasia, to celebrate the culinary diversity of the Indian Ocean’s islands. Chef Willibald Reinbacher travelled to Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Réunion and Indonesia to pick up inspiration from food traders keen to share their family recipes. The end result is a menu of more than 50 indigenous dishes, served at the hotel’s laidback restaurant Stars, which is dangerously close to the in-house Rum Shed. From £235 a night (shantimaurice.com) 111

Encounters

of the Wild kind

112

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

From elephants in Africa, to migrating whales in New Zealand, the world is packed with some of nature’s most incredible creatures. And with better flight routes, it’s easier than ever to create your own special wildlife encounter and add another tick to the travel bucket list

ildlife encounters are now not only big business for the tourism industry, but are also helping to support vital conservation projects. In some cases, the tourism and conservation projects are so symbiotically linked, that you never know where one finishes and the other starts. There are some real success stories where tourism and the protection of local wildlife have come together successfully. Sometimes where you might least expect it: jet boating companies that also run a predator control campaign; luxury lodges that are protecting the native habitat of local plants and animals; and big wildlife experiences that allow you to get eye-to-eye with Earth’s biggest marine mammals – all under the close scrutiny of local departments of conservation.

‘There are a lot of wildlife experiences that advertise conservation benefits’ It is, however, important to be aware of the potential impact, both negative and positive, that tourism may have on wildlife. There are a lot of wildlife experiences that advertise conservation benefits, however it is important that you either do your research or book through a reputable company. There is no doubt that done in the right way, this can not only leave guests with lifelong memories, but also help threatened species regain a foothold in their natural habitats.

113

our top three

Marine mammals and giants of the sea in Kaikoura, New Zealand Known as the place where the mountains meet the sea, Kaikoura on New Zealand’s South Island has long been globally renowned as one of the best places in the world to whale-watch, with rare year-round access to these magnificent animals. The waters off the peninsula offer a complex marine system which provides a rich habitat for a wide range of marine mammals and seabirds, making it ideal for getting close to nature. The main draw for nature-loving visitors is the chance to join a boat in search of whales. With more than 25 of the 37 southern hemisphere marine mammals having been identified in the area, visitors have the chance to meet everything from resident sperm whales to migrating species such as humpback whales and orca that visit throughout the year. However, there is so much more to Kaikoura than just whale-watching. Other highlights for any visit include swimming with dolphins and fur seals; marvelling at one of Earth’s largest flying birds, the albatross, taking off from their clifftop nests; surfing, trekking or horse riding; helping local fishermen bring in a catch; and taking in the local food, culture and history of the township. With so much on offer you could easily spend a week close to nature in this stunning area of New Zealand alone.

Personal experience: “One of my favourite aspects of New Zealand is its spectacular landscapes and nature, and Kaikoura has both in abundance. It has been, and will always remain, a special place for me as it not only allows you to get close to incredible wildlife, but does it with a very close eye on conservation and ethical tourism. “There is no question that coming face-to-face with huge whales is both mind-blowing and addictive. As graceful as they are powerful – whether it’s a fluting whale tail, breaching humpbacks or playful dolphins – I always return

114

to shore feeling as though I have had a brief glimpse into another world. “Although the whales are a draw card, whenever I’m in Kaikoura, I always feel it’s a wasted trip if I haven’t taken a look beneath the waves and swum with some of the local wildlife. For me, the experience of swimming with dolphins is wonderful, and one that must be ticked off any travel bucket list; however, I would always prefer to swim with fur seals. In the water, their playful, inquisitive nature makes any visitor as interesting as a new toy, and there is nothing they enjoy more than playing.” Paul Carberry, New Zealand In Depth travel and wildlife expert

Itinerary: A ten-night, nature-filled New Zealand South Island adventure with New Zealand In Depth costs from £1,670 per person, not including flights. This includes accommodation in quality hosted B&Bs; car hire; whale-watching adventure, albatross adventure and swimming with fur seals from Kaikoura; a kiwi-spotting experience at Okarito Lagoon; guided tours to see the world’s two rarest penguins at Lake Moeraki and the Otago Peninsula. (newzealand-indepth.co.uk; 01298 74040)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

The unique and enchanting Galapagos Islands As the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s seminal work on the Theory of Evolution, the Galapagos Islands top many nature lovers’ holiday wishlists. What makes this volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean some 600 miles off the coast of South America so magical is that the islands have remained isolated from predators, particularly humans, for most of their history. The result is an utterly unique and diverse range of animals and birds, many of which are not found anywhere else on earth and all of which are totally unafraid of people. The most iconic of these is the giant tortoise, a slow-moving behemoth that can grow to more than half a tonne in weight and live for over 150 years. Other unique species that call the islands home include the marine iguana, the only sea-going lizard in the world capable of diving to depths of 10 feet to feed on the algae that flourishes in the nutrient-rich waters of the Galapagos. Then there is the flightless cormorant, an evolutionary gem of island ecology. Natural selection led to the species no longer having functioning wings as they had so few land predators, therefore individuals that were better suited to swimming were more successful and passed on their genes.

Personal experience: “It’s always such a pleasure to be able to swim and interact with the young sea lions in the Galapagos. Once you are in the water the innocence, playfulness and curiosity of these wild animals really makes you feel like you are part of their world. You dive, they dive. You make bubbles, they make bubbles. They dart down deep in a game of hide and seek and suddenly show up in front of you seemingly out of nowhere. They seem to enjoy themselves as much as me. For me they are nature at its purest – no fear, no enemy, just pure fun!” Santiago Bejarano, co-founder of UK-based Think Galapagos, who has been leading groups to the Galapagos Islands for more than 20 years.

Itinerary: A ten-day Galapagos wildlife trip with Think Galapagos costs from £2,465 per person based on a couple sharing. This includes an eight-day cruise around the Galapagos, with all meals and transport included and services of a top Galapagos National Park Guide, two nights B&B at a boutique hotel in Ecuador, all domestic flights and private airport transfers. Not including international flights. (thinkgalapagos.com, +44(0)1964 552292)

Right: marine iguana; above: giant tortoise

115

116

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Face-to-face with elephants in Zimbabwe This land-locked country is undoubtedly one of Southern Africa’s most stunning, and is also the best place in Africa for an up-close, heartthumping encounter with wildlife on foot and. In Zimbabwe, Mana Pools is the place to go for an elephant interaction like no other. In the middle reaches of the great Zambezi, 100km from Kariba, you’ll find a series of broad, beautiful pools overhung with giant acacias and ebony. This is Mana Pools. Mana is the Shona word for four, and of the four main pools here – depressions filled with water in abandoned river channels – Chine and Long Pool hold water throughout the year and attract vast herds of animals as the dry season marches on. It is famous for its magnificent elephants that return year after year to the same places. Some guides, like Nick Murray, Stretch Ferreira and Humphrey Gumpo, have developed extraordinary, trusting relationships with particular animals over the years and offer their clients close-up interactions. In Zimbabwe, accreditation is incredibly hard to achieve, with years of study and field experience required, so you know you are being guided by the best. Other wildlife to see in Mana include buffalo, which are always about, and predators such as leopards, lions, wild dogs and cheetah are also regularly seen. The Pools are a haven for Nile crocodiles and large hippo pods, as well as black rhino. For an immersive safari experience like no other, including the chance to walk, paddle a canoe on the mighty Zambezi and camp in truly pristine wilderness, then Mana is a great choice.

Mana Pools. “We stopped by a track as a small group of elephants were browsing through the woodland nearby. Getting out of the vehicle, we stood by a large tree as the ellies seemed to turn our way. I was slightly apprehensive about this but thought the guide seemed to know what he was doing – and he had a gun! Out came the JVC and I started filming as the small group of elephants came nearer and nearer. It was amazing how they held their trunks up, sniffing the air (and us!). They were grunting quietly to one another, as if discussing us. Our guide gently said, ‘Blend with the tree!’ but I kept on filming. The ellies were only a few yards away. I shut my eyes. When I was brave enough to open them again, the elephants had passed us by. This is probably the best and most intimate wildlife experience I have ever had in Africa.” Travel expert Lily Appleby-Newby, from Real Africa

Itinerary: A 16-day Ultimate Zimbabwe journey with Real Africa costs from £6,165 per person, all-inclusive, based on two sharing, including flights from the UK. This fly-in safari combines Zimbabwe’s most iconic safari destinations, Hwange, Lake Kariba and Mana Pools, with stays in authentic camps offering top-quality guiding. Your journey ends at Victoria Falls, staying at one of the world’s most famous hotels. (realafrica.co.uk / 01603 283 517)

Personal experience:

left: mana elephant; right: Mana Pools, VUNDU CAMP

“I watched our pilot, Giles, fly off towards Kariba before commencing on the journey to camp. Little did I know at this stage that I was in the company of one of Zimbabwe’s top guides – I was soon enlightened to the fact by his astounding knowledge of the flora and fauna of

117

Inner sanctum With awards for the Best Luxury Destination Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards, we thought it was about time we sent Thomas Gomulko, health and fitness trainer, to the Titanic Spa in Huddersfield

n a scenic setting with green surroundings and air fresh from descending the Yorkshire Dales, Titanic Spa, nestled in the centre of a quiet valley in Huddersfield, is quite possibly the most relaxing and refreshing sanctuary I have visited. On arrival, staff greeted and catered for us from the word go. With our luggage being escorted to our accommodation, we enjoyed a coffee in the main reception, a therapeutic environment in itself, with the calming music and smell of incense lingering. As for the accommodation, the deluxe double apartment overlooking the scenic local valley was breathtaking. From a breakfast basket provided for all, to a spacious bedroom, we immediately fell in love with the environment in which we were to spend the next 36 hours, winding down from what had been an intense couple of months. We toured the facilities and, much to my delight, discovered a state-of-the-art leisure club with free weights, cardiovascular equipment, a 15-metre salt-regulated swimming pool with hydrozone and underwater music, along with the option of having a leisurely lunch in the bistro. The spa itself had recently been enhanced with an outdoor jacuzzi. Based in the propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gardens and surrounded by more greenery, trees and the whistling of local wildlife, what better way to begin our experience? Initial rest in the jacuzzi and, before we became too prune-like, it was time to experience the hot and cold treatment chambers. With a combination of sauna, ice rooms, saunarium, ice buckets and foot baths, the alternate use of the temperature chambers left our skin tingling and feeling refreshed from the bombardment of our

118

pores and senses. Not only is this highly therapeutic in general, but when stressed, suffering from increased muscle tightness, or maybe even having sustained an injury of some sort (I fall into this category from a rugby injury), this treatment is highly beneficial as a natural pain-relief and relaxant by helping to increase the blood flow, therefore promoting relaxation and natural healing. Perfect for a post-workout wind down. On completion of the hot and cold treatment, we looked forward to our individual Elemis massages, where we were able to choose between four different oils, depending on how we wanted to be affected. From the soothing Oriental oil to the restoring Arabian oil, to the energising Mediterranean and the stimulating Indian oils, there is something for everyone. In total, the massage itself lasts around 40

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

minutes and simply removes any physical or mental stress from your body. With the delicate power of the masseuse’s hands and the soothing, gentle music in the background, this is truly a stand-out part of the experience. Afterwards my partner sighed, “This is the most relaxed I’ve ever felt in my life”, before flopping down in the relaxation room. As well as fantastic treatment, the dietary availability is second to none, with a selection of meats, fish and vegetarian dishes cooked to perfection in the bistro. Absolutely everything was cooked or made with great attention to detail and intricacy, to not only ensure great taste but great presentation too, not to mention the light entertainment of simply watching how the barmen make your cocktails. Whether you are a forever-working business person, a group of ladies looking for a more subtle kind of hen-do, or a gym-junkie looking for a spot to wind down without sacrificing your training progress, Titanic Spa has absolutely everything to offer in order to make your body think ‘wow’! (titanicspa.com)

119

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Weekend away The Castle Hotel, Windsor WORDS: LOUISA CASTLE

ith a heritage that dates back more than 500 years, we were eagerly anticipating a weekend of Christmas shopping at this recently refurbished hotel standing in the shadow of Windsor Castle. Unfortunately the Great British weather had its own ideas, but this did not detract from the warm welcome we received from the moment the doorman guided us into our parking space and ushered us, under umbrellas, inside. As we were courteously helped with our bags to the room, the modern styling of one of Windsor’s oldest inns appealed to the eye without ignoring the character of the place. The corridors are charmingly uneven, with the proud heritage of the hotel and town displayed prominently in pieces of artwork. The Pennington Penny (introduced by inn keeper George Pennington in the 1600s) forms the frosting on the shower doors and bathrooms, and the rich fabrics are imprinted with a mermaid, homage to the building’s original name, The Mermaid Inn, back in 1525. We stayed in the John Chater suite, one of five suites on offer. Located on the second floor, the spacious suite is divided into a living room – with Nespresso machine and views overlooking the high street and Sir Christopher Wren’s Guildhall – and a master bedroom, with king-size bed, fluffy gowns

and airy en-suite bathroom. But there was little time to dwell as the rain had eased to a drizzle and the shopping streets beckoned. There’s lots to do in Windsor, whether it’s a trip on the Thames or a tour of the castle. There’s a great mix of independent and high street shops, too, including some of my favourite gift shops, such as Vinegar Hill, T2 and Jo Malone. Satisfyingly laden with bags, we headed back to our suite for a warming cup of something and those fluffy gowns, and of course some girly gossip. Before we knew it, it was seven o’clock and there was just time for a cheeky cocktail before heading through to the relaxed restaurant, Eighteen, for dinner. Seated in a prime viewing spot in the restaurant’s windows, we sat smugly with our Federalist Zinfandel as Saturday night revellers battled with the weather. The menu is hearty and has a good mix of dishes, including some good options for vegetarians. Guided by the friendly front of house team, we dined on scallops with black pudding risotto, goats cheese and beetroot tart, the rib-eye steak and haddock, and a sneaky gooseberry fool and crème brûlée. Then it was time to return to those robes and the king-size bed to relax once again, trying not to think about returning to a grumpy four-year old and a house in need of decorating the following day. (castlehotelwindsor.com; mgallery.com)

‘The modern styling appealed to the eye without ignoring the character of the place’

120

New Year’s resolution

Always g n i h t e m o s y r t d n a W NE g n i u g i intr

New amazing ﬂavours have arrived in Ten Acre for the New Year. Try our tantalisingly tasty Pastrami in the Rye and When the Pepper Crack’d Hand Cooked Crisps, and the fabulous Lucia Popperley’s Cappuccino Popcorn and Cousin Penelope’s Strawberry & Cream Popcorn. What a wonderful way to start a New Year. Find us in fine food shops, delis, cafes, bars and selected outlets including Selfridges.

tenacresnacks.com @10acre

/10acre

ten_acre_snacks

TA_079_101115_Cheshire_Life_Full_Pages_x3_Jan.indd 1

Welcome to wonderful 30/11/2015 16:47

Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The classroom The human touch

A new head Withington Girls’ School has announced the appointment of the school’s current deputy head, Mrs Sarah Haslam, as the eleventh headmistress of WGS. Mrs Haslam will take up her new post next September, succeeding Mrs Sue Marks, who is to retire at the end of the academic year after 15 years of headship, of which the last six have been at Withington. Following her undergraduate studies at the University of Lancaster and her postgraduate teaching qualification in Sheffield, Mrs Haslam began her career as a teacher of English in 1990 at a co-educational school in Manchester and joined Withington Girls’ School in 1995. She is also an independent schools inspector, an Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel lead trainer, and has been a governor of another independent school. (wgs.org)

King’s high-flyer Sarah Laughton has won the UK Student of the Year Award for Humanities in a national competition that recognises the most talented students nationwide. The 17-year-old King’s School academic scored a perfect ten A*s in her GCSEs, but it was her advocacy for the disadvantaged worldwide that impressed a panel of distinguished judges drawn from education, business and culture, including Baroness Martha Lane Fox and the director general of the Institute of Directors. Sarah, who is studying geography, French, mathematics and economics in King’s Sixth Form, also promotes the work of the international charity RESULTS. “Geography is my main subject, hence my nomination for humanities. I love all aspects of the subject, but particularly human geography and studying the effects of global social, political and cultural influences on mankind and the planet. “Ultimately, I would love to work for the United Nations or another similar organisation working to help people in the developing world.” (kingsmac.co.uk)

JustGiving Grange Junior School pupil and fundraising superstar, Ted McCaffery, was named winner of the Independent on Sunday Happy List Award during this year’s JustGiving Award ceremony in London recently. Ted, who is now a fundraising ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, gave a speech on the importance of making people happy, before being presented with his JustGiving award by Superman actor Henry Cavill. Ted began fundraising for Alder Hey after undergoing lifesaving open heart surgery. Initially, he wanted to raise enough money to replace a broken television at the hospital, but has since gone on to raise more than £20,000. (grange.org.uk; alderheycharity.org) 122

New Year’s resolution

t a e y l On ’ g n i t s a T t a e ‘Gr g n i n n i w d r a aw s k c a n s

Great Taste is what you get with Ten Acre’s Award Winning Hand Cooked Crisps and Popcorn. The judges of the Great Taste Awards certainly thought so when they presented us with a clutch of their wonderful awards. Pick up a packet today and start the New Year with great taste. Find us in fine food shops, delis, cafes, bars and selected outlets including Selfridges.

tenacresnacks.com @10acre

/10acre

ten_acre_snacks

TA_079_101115_Cheshire_Life_Full_Pages_x3_Jan.indd 2

Welcome to wonderful 30/11/2015 16:47

Art attack

Kids’ news Playing house While you may be familiar with the online boutique interiors company Houseology, you might not know about its new range of children’s furniture and accessories. Having recently unveiled its exciting new nursery section, Houseology is fast becoming the website of choice for mini home décor enthusiasts. From beautifully crafted cribs to stylish high chairs, there’s everything you could possibly need to give your nursery a stylish edge. Hosting a number of well-known brands, including Charlie Crane, Oliver Furniture and Micuna, you’ll be spoilt for choice. (houseology.com) 124

Giant buttons, spools of thread and unwound yarns of wool – no, this isn’t the set of The Great British Sewing Bee but the latest campaign from Catimini. Let loose on a supersized sewing box, this season Catimini presents the new L’Atelier des rêves collection, a playful line of kidswear in a kaleidoscopic range of colours. Comprising geometric prints and animal illustrations, the vibrant outfits will make the transition into winter all the more seamless. From £20 (catimini.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

MR HENDRIX leashed

H All hands on deck Not even the seasonal weather can rain on French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s parade this month. In anticipation of the damper weather, he has launched a capsule collection for Petit Bateau. Quintessential pieces from the brand’s signature staples have been reworked. Top of our wish list is the classic raincoat, which has been transformed into a bright, canary yellow poncho, while the colourful sailor-adorned T-shirts add a cheery touch to winter dressing. From £25 (petit-bateau.co.uk)

Soft touch Blue Almond has launched a second collaborative collection with luxury cashmere designer Madeleine Thompson. The babywear range features adorable cardigans, leggings and blankets in soft hues of grey, pink and baby blue adorned with cute pompoms. The gentle material is ideal for your baby’s delicate skin, and will keep them cosy and comfortable during the colder months. From £95 (bluealmonds.co.uk)

appy New Year! I’m celebrating my new year on the beach, paws in sand, sunshine on fur – what a lucky Pom I am! But as it’s a fresh new year I decided to chew over all the ways that different cultures choose to welcome it. It doesn’t matter where you are or how different the traditions, we all have the same aim; to welcome in a happy and prosperous new year. The English believe that the first guest of the year should be male, bearing gifts – a loaf for the kitchen, a drink for the head of the family and coal to light the fire – believing these bring good luck to the home. Residents of Denmark, meanwhile, keep a pile of broken dishes at the front door to symbolise friendship, meaning that the house with the most dishes has the largest number of friends. In Spain they believe eating 12 grapes at every toll of the clock on New Year’s Day will bring good luck and happiness for the next 12 months, and let’s not forget Puerto Rico, where they throw buckets of water out of their windows (best to stay indoors over there, I think!) before cleaning their homes inside and out to drive out evil spirits and scare away bad luck for the coming year. Wherever you’re celebrating, it’s a time for togetherness, warmth and love, a time for making (then breaking) resolutions, eating too much and singing off-key songs while reaffirming our goals to be happy and make our lives better. So what better way to celebrate the new year than by embracing National Thank You Month this January? This year I’m thankful for my little brother, Aston Foxx Broderick, coming into my life. Dogs in a family with small children can be an emotive subject, but I believe if trained and supervised we can enrich a child’s life and teach them life skills, from patience and sharing, to love and affection. Having a furry friend in the house brings families together – playing outside, lowering stress levels and enhancing family life. And let’s not forget we are cute, cuddly, and oh-so-friendly, providing companionship, sharing adventures and making memories to last a lifetime. My little brother and I are best friends. I know he loves me and I love him – so my thank you goes to Aston. Good luck with your resolutions and a Happy New Year! Love and licks,

Mr Hendrix

xxx (facebook.com/MrHendrixandFriends)

125

Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The million-pound drop Does the impending drop in the lifetime allowance mean you should stop saving into your pension? Financial adviser Jonathan Seddon contemplates the answer

rom next April, £1 million is the maximum the Chancellor says he will allow anyone to have in their pension before the excess is taxed at 55 per cent. This ‘lifetime allowance’ is, in effect, a ceiling beyond which pension savings should not be allowed to rise. It may seem beyond the reach of most people, but for thousands of workers, including middle managers, teachers and doctors, a pension of this size is not uncommon or unachievable at retirement. Moreover, responsible savers in their 30s and 40s with relatively modest pension pots can expect to reach the lifetime allowance by retirement, given a run of good investment returns. It is a curious state of affairs as the government stresses the need to make sure that the tax system incentivises more people to take responsibility for securing their financial future in retirement, whilst simultaneously denying diligent savers by restricting how much they can put away in their pension. Nevertheless, it appears that the limit is here to stay. The lifetime allowance was introduced in 2006 at a level of £1.5 million and it has been steadily reduced to the current level (2015/16 tax year) of £1.25 million. It will reduce further to £1 million from April 2016 and from 2018 it will start to rise with consumer price inflation (CPI). Dedicated savers need to keep an eye on their pension pot to make sure it doesn’t go over the lifetime allowance. Even if you’re still a long way off retirement, your pension could grow to exceed the lifetime allowance by 60 or 65. If you have a defined benefit (also known as ‘final salary’) pension, it’s a bit more difficult to work out. To give you an idea of

126

the approximate value, you should multiply your annual pension income figure by 20 and add on any tax-free cash you are due. There are alternatives for saving if the lifetime allowance is an issue. Rather than continue to fund your own pension, you can think about using your income to fund someone else’s pot – for instance, your spouse or partner. These will receive basic-rate income tax relief at source. Any higher or additional rate tax relief can only be claimed by them. You can even contribute into a child’s pension if you like. Alternatively, ISAs can provide a tax-efficient home for surplus income and, for the more advanced investor, there are alternatives such as venture capital trusts and Enterprise Investment Schemes to consider. If you already have over £1 million in your pension and you’re concerned about whether you can escape a 55 per cent tax bill, it’s likely that there will be some form of transitional arrangement that will shield you from being penalised, up to the old allowance of £1.25 million. It’s likely this protection will be similar to what was put in place for the previous reductions, but we’re still waiting for detail from the government. The lifetime allowance serves as yet another reminder of the value of financial advice. Jonathan Seddon, director, Illingworth Seddon (illingworthseddon.co.uk) The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances. The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, see www.sjp.co.uk/products for more details. ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing .terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives’

New Year’s resolution

o t g n i o g m ’ I s e x o b e r o m tick avour ﬂ f o l l u f snacks y o j n e l l i & st

Ten Acre’s Award Winning range of tantalisingly tasty Hand Cooked Crisps and Hand Picked Popcorn all enjoy unrivalled free from credentials that help you tick all the boxes. It’s a brand packed full of personality and bags of crunch. Try a packet today and taste the diﬀerence. Find us in fine food shops, delis, cafes, bars and selected outlets including Selfridges.

tenacresnacks.com @10acre

/10acre

ten_acre_snacks

TA_079_101115_Cheshire_Life_Full_Pages_x3_Jan.indd 3

Welcome to wonderful 30/11/2015 16:47

Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The sweetest thing

s the new year dawns, make sure your children are beautifully dressed with the help of house of petite haute couture, Tartine et Chocolat. The kidswear brand has created party dresses in powdery rose pink and intense sapphire blue, embellished with sparkling rhinestones, fine lace and pearl buttons that will have little mademoiselles channelling their inner fairytale princesses. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget the gentlemen, who will look as dapper as daddy in timeless blazers and bow ties. The collection also includes seasonal staples such as cable knitwear and fleecy gilets to ensure that your little oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s everyday look is covered too. From ÂŁ29 (tartine-et-chocolat.fr)

128

Have a l u f r e d won h t i w r a e New Y cre Ten A Hand cooked crisps The Day Sweet and Sour The Amazing Adventures Became Friends of Salt and Vinegar

Hand picked popcor n

When the Chilli got Sweet

Cousin Maisie’s Fennel and Lemon Popcorn Cornelius Popperley’s Sour Cream and Chive Popcorn

How Chicken Soup Saved The Day

Ambrose Popperley’s Wasabi Popcorn

When Hickory got BBQ’d

The Secret Of Mr Salt

When The Pepper Crack’d

The Story of When the Cheese Met the Onion

When Bombay

Pastrami in The Rye

Aunty Winifred’s Sweet and Salty Popcorn

Got Spicy

Captain Theodore’s Lime and Sea Salt Cousin Penelope’s Popcorn Strawberry & Cream Popcorn Lucia Popperley’s Cappuccino Popcorn

Welcome to Ten Acre. If you haven’t been before, then you are about to discover a wonderful new world, a place full of ﬂavour, warmth and plenty of fun! Fabulously ﬂavoured Hand Cooked Crisps and tantalisingly tasty Hand Picked Popcorn which are all Gluten, Dairy and MSG free, as well as Vegan and Vegetarian approved. Enjoy a wonderful year with Ten Acre. Find us in fine food shops, delis, cafes, bars and selected outlets including Selfridges.

tenacresnacks.com @10acre

/10acre

ten_acre_snacks

TA_087_011215_Cheshire_Mag_Jan_Artwork_Final.indd 4

Welcome to wonderful 01/12/2015 13:43

TANNERS WINES NOW OPEN IN CHESTER

TANNERS WINES

150 Christleton Road

CHESTER CH3 5TD Tel: 01244 343244

Do come and see us at our new branch on Christleton Road just off the A55 ring road. You will find that we have been perfecting over four generations along with the friendly staff ready to give down-to-earth advice.

u u u u

TANNERS

Free local delivery Tastings, sampling system & seating Great value for money Plenty of parking

Large Independent Wine Merchant of the Year 2015/16

WINE MERCHANTS ESTABLISHED 1842

Independent family shippers of estate wines

www.tanners-wines.co.uk

International Wine Challenge

homes and

interiors showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

Heart of the

HOME

Create a kitchen space that’s perfect for cooking, socialising and being together

the interior of 1 central park south, on the market for $59 million (£39 million) with Christie’s International Real Estate (page 175)

Homes & interiors news Wall to wall When it comes to adorning your walls with art, the London-based interiors company, 17 Patterns, has a refreshingly unique approach. Working in collaboration with artists and illustrators, 17 Patterns has debuted a series of dynamic wall coverings for the home, all produced in the UK from artists’ unique illustrations. We love the avant-garde Jellyfish collection, featuring a vibrant medley of marine life on a noir background; it is bold enough to completely transform an interior space with an instant injection of personality. Jellyfish wallpaper, 17 Patterns (17patterns.com)

Italian job

Finishing touch Coffee and design lovers can rejoice this month as Alessi launches its sleek Pulcina espresso coffee machine, in collaboration with the Italian coffee house illy. Abstractly designed by Michele De Lucchi, the machine resembles a young chick and will prove an elegant, modern addition to your kitchen. Pulcina espresso coffee maker, £49, Alessi (alessi.com)

132

The architectural lines of Italian designer Achille Salvagni’s furniture pieces are synonymous with timeless style and use fine woods such as mahogany, accented with the durable yet luxurious materials of onyx, gold and bronze. As the award-winning designer opens his flagship atelier in London this month, following successes in Rome and New York, a selection of his most iconic works will be on display and available for purchase. Drop Ebony table, £6,600, Achille Salvagni Atelier (achillesalvagni.com)

Homes and Interiors

Architect (@ArchitectNI) Forget open-plan living – ‘broken-plan’ is the new interiors trend

#interiorstip Interiors HQ (@interiorsHQ) Avoid fluorescent tubes as they tend to make everything look way off colour

W e b w at c h :

Cosy winter rugs We LOVE:

therugseller.co.uk benuta.co.uk landofrugs.com

“If you love something, it will work. That’s the only real rule”

Get it while it’s hot With a limited series of only 10, the new five-piece silver tea service by Georg Jensen and acclaimed Australian industrial designer Marc Newson is the most exclusive tea set this year. Newson’s innovative design matched with the impeccable craftsmanship of Jensen’s master silversmiths together bring the modest, domestic tea set into a new sphere. The inclusion of materials such as mammoth tusk and natural rattan add sophistication, while also complementing its industrial, paired-down design. Having taken more than six months to create, it’s possibly the longest we’ve ever had to wait for a cup to tea, but without a doubt, it’s entirely worth it. Tea set, £82,000, available from Georg Jensen (georgjensen.com)

The Mouse Trap Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, renowned British furniture and design house Linley London has released a new accessories collection that showcases the company’s ability to combine supreme craftsmanship with imaginative designs. Comprising eight pieces, each one references a particular year in the brand’s history, such as the Aston Armchair paperweight – a miniature reinterpretation of the iconic original first created in 2002. Similarly, the Mr Mouse doorknob is a mischievous reminder of the Cheese Doorstop that Linley released 15 years ago, available in both oak and walnut. Each piece has been finished with a special commemorative plaque. (davidlinley.com)

Bunny Williams, interior designer (bunnywilliamshome.com)

133

Homes and Interiors

Homes & interiors news

More for your money up North 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

ews from the Nationwide Building Society’s house price index for the end of 2015 is that the north/south housing price divide continues to widen. It’s not all doom and gloom, though, as the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings’ (Office of National Statistics) latest figures show that the gap between UK average earnings – specifically London & the south east and the north – is narrowing. Between 2008 and 2014 salaries in London and the south east rose by 2.8 per cent, but the UK national average rise was a more positive 5.9 per cent. House price affordability compared to salary continues to make stark reading, especially in London. The average property to buy in London is now 15 times the average earnings of residents, with some (such as those in Westminster) a startling 24 times average earnings. England and Wales’ average house price versus national salary is currently around 8.78 per cent – still high, but relatively more affordable. According to the Land Registry house price index for September 2015, the average price of property in London is £499,997, in comparison with the average for England and Wales of £186,533. In Cheshire East, meanwhile, it currently stands at £160,598, while at the end of 2015, the RBS Regional Growth Tracker reported that during the second quarter of 2015 the north west’s economy was the country’s equal second fastest-growing region after London. All of this points to what we know already: the cost of living and cost of housing in the north is more favourable than in the south. Given the consistently high quality and volume of properties that give you more for your money, living in the north, and specifically Cheshire, has never been more attractive. (jackson-stops.co.uk)

134

In the atmosphere For a modern take on traditional designs, see Jane Churchill’s latest collection of luxury fabrics and wall coverings, named Atmosphere. Inspired by nature, the line features a variety of new patterns that look great when paired with each another or simply as eye-catching individual pieces. Cool metallic shades return in wallpapers such as Crocodillas and Monty, bringing a sharp sophistication to the winter collection, while bursts of vibrant orange and rich purple add a modern edge to the more classic designs of Fresno, Plato and Ciro. For a more subtle injection of colour, the freeform stripes of the City Lights and Spindrift wallpapers arrive in a number of colours to suit all tastes. (janechurchill.com)

STANHOPE: RIBA WINNER / MSA WINNER / MEN WINNER / ROSES SILVER

CARRWOOD: WINNER BEST LUXURY NEW HOME - NORTHERN DESIGN AWARDS

NORTH ROAD MSA DESIGN AWARDS WINNER - ONE-OFF HOUSING (UNBUILT) 2015 NORTHERN DESIGN AWARDS WINNER - ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CONCEPT 2015

L I V E B E A U T I F U L LY WE DON’T DESIGN AND BUILD HOUSES / WE CREATE AWARD WINNING HOMES ABODA Living specialises in luxury residential property creating properties of true architectural distinction. Building both speculatively and by client appointment, always using the finest materials to offer beautifully crafted and practical living spaces you’ll be proud to call home. With no two houses ever the same, our aim is to provide a genuinely unique home for each client.

From initial brief to completion ABODA Living approach every aspect with expert professionalism. The multi-disciplined service incorporates plot identification, design, planning, property development, construction and project management, all orchestrated with ABODA Living’s smooth efficiency and attention to detail.

TO DISCUSS CURRENT PROPERTIES, OR BESPOKE REQUIREMENTS CONTACT: RIBA AWARDS / WINNER MSA DESIGN AWARDS / WINNER NORTHERN DESIGN AWARDS / WINNER

Aboda Brand A4.indd 1

MEN PROPERTY AWARDS / WINNER ROSES DESIGN AWARDS / SILVER

m INFO@ABODALIVING.CO.UK O 0161 929 8186 W WWW.ABODALIVING.CO.UK

24/11/2015 10:49

jackson-stops.co.uk

Kermincham An exquisite contemporary family house with an outstanding interior nestled in rolling Cheshire countryside.

• 3 reception rooms • kitchen/family room • 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) • bathroom • leisure suite with pool, spa, steam room & games room/gym • garaging • in excess of 2.5 acres • further 9.5 acres available by separate negotiation • hard tennis court • EPC - D Guide Price: £2,495,000

People Property Places

FF60916

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

Offices in London and across the country

Nether Alderley A newly constructed 14,000 sq ft Georgian style country house with an outstanding specification & leisure suite.

• 4 reception rooms • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • lower ground floor 1 bedroom suite • garaging • leisure suite with pool, Jacuzzi, playroom, games room & gym • gardens • in all just over 1 acre • EPC - B Guide Price: £4,950,000

People Property Places

FF62846

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

Offices in London and across the country

jackson-stops.co.uk

Brereton Park A tastefully appointed country house in a delightful parkland setting, accessed off a private road.

• 3 reception rooms • snug • morning/breakfast room • 6 bedrooms (1 en suite) • 2 bathrooms • garaging/workshop • stable block & hay barn • paddock land • gardens • orchard • approximately 7.35 acres • EPC - E Guide Price: £1,695,000

FF54353

CGI

VIEW

Wilmslow A newly constructed 6,000 sq ft 5 bedroom house sitting in wonderful landscaped gardens.

• 3 reception rooms • media room • kitchen/dining room • 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) • bathroom • leisure suite with pool, gym & sauna • garaging • gardens Guide Price: £2,850,000

People Property Places

FF57790

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

Offices in London and across the country

Mobberley A truly stunning Grade II* Listed Queen Anne Manor House with picturesque gardens.

• 4 reception rooms • study • breakfast room • garden room • 6 bedrooms (all en suite) • garaging • small lake • in all over 1 acre Guide Price: £2,295,000

People Property Places

FF60236

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

Offices in London and across the country

jackson-stops.co.uk

Alderley Edge A magnificent original Alderley villa with a stunning bespoke interior nestled in wonderful mature south-facing gardens.

• 3 reception rooms • study • breakfast room • cinema room with kitchen • 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) • 3 bath/shower rooms • laundry • garaging • gardens • in all just over half an acre • EPC – E Guide Price: £2,500,000

FF61251

Mottram St Andrew Astbury A wonderful period family house with picturesque views.

A splendid barn conversion with far-reaching rural views.

• 3 bed house with annexe & outbuildings, 2.47 acres • EPC – D • further 4.68 acres available by separate negotiation

• dining hall • 3 reception rooms • 4 bedrooms (2 en suite) • bathroom • garaging • approximately 5 acres • EPC - C

Guide Price: £1,200,000

Guide Price: £895,000

People Property Places

FF60170

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

Offices in London and across the country

FF48486

Brereton Park A compact Country Estate with a Grade I Listed Elizabethan country house.

• 7 reception rooms • domestic offices • 12 bedrooms • 10 bathrooms/shower rooms • suite of offices with potential for self contained wing • outbuildings • planning for stable block • approximately 116.68 acres Guide Price: £6,500,000

FF16959

Alderley Edge A magnificent, newly constructed Alderley villa with a superb leisure suite.

• 3 reception rooms • snug • leisure suite with pool & gym • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • garaging • gardens • EPC – B Guide Price: £2,950,000

People Property Places

FF62521

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

Offices in London and across the country

jackson-stops.co.uk

Bowdon An attractive family house in an exclusive gated development on one of Bowdon’s finest roads.

• 4 reception rooms • conservatory • 5 bedrooms (2 en suite) • bathroom • garaging with games room above • gardens • just over half an acre • EPC - D Guide Price: £1,499,500

FF39715

Lancaster An outstanding Grade II Listed house just minutes from the North West motorway network.

• 4 reception rooms • study • party room • games room • 7 bedrooms (1 en suite) • 4 bathrooms • 2nd floor living room • garaging • extensive gardens, woodland & parkland Guide Price: £1,500,000

People Property Places

FF61850

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

Offices in London and across the country

Bowdon A stunning family house of superb proportions in a fine location.

• 5 reception rooms • cinema room • 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) • bathroom • leisure complex • garaging • gardens • just over half an acre • EPC – C Guide Price: £2,695,000

FF60688

Hale Barns Constructed in 1938 by Crosby Homes and standing in beautiful gardens.

• 3 reception rooms • 4 bedrooms (1 en suite) • bathroom • rumpus room • gardens • garaging • EPC - D Guide Price: £1,595,000

People Property Places

FF62427

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

Offices in London and across the country

Pugs & Kisses

1 LITRE BATH FOAM FROM THE BATH & BODY COLLECTION

www.lilouetloic.com

Ad-Pug-A6-snowbow-A4.indd 1

06/11/2015 13:25

Homes and Interiors

INTERVIEW le peep boutique

The fashionable ARCHITECT With Harvey Nichols, Kurt Geiger and, of course, Manolo Blahnik, amongst his clients, Nick Leith-Smith has had his fair share of dealings with the fashion world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but, as Gemma Knight discovers, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly not all there is to this Hong Kong-born designer and architect

145

INTERVIEW

t the age of five, Nick LeithSmith was already leaving parents and teachers aghast at his drawing skills, even trading a picture done for his class’s end of year exhibition for a friend’s new pencil case (“He won the year art prize and three gold stars with it!” he tells me with a chuckle) – so, more than thirty years later, it stands to reason that he’s become one of the UK’s leading experts in bespoke contemporary design, working on anything from one-off furniture commissions to new-build private houses. “I have always sketched cityscapes and landscapes. Growing up in Hong Kong fuelled my fascination with cities and the effect they have on behaviour,” Nick tells me. “I remember the first time I consciously thought someone actually designed buildings as a job, and from that moment on I knew what I wanted to do.” With a clear natural artistic talent and a childhood which, thanks to his father’s job as a Cathay Pacific pilot, saw him inspired by some of the world’s most architecturally rich places, Nick completed an undergraduate degree at Glasgow School of Art’s renowned Mackintosh School of Architecture, then returned to Hong Kong

146

Homes and Interiors

le peep boutique

147

INTERVIEW

to work at a regional office of Rotterdam’s Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA). “It was a really exciting start up,” he explains. “It was set up by six students from [Dutch architect, urbanist and professor] Rem Koolhaas’s Harvard class. This really inspired me to do the same. I went to the Architectural Association to finish my studies and then set up Data Nature Associates [later to become Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design] in 2000 with Kristina Blahnik, who was a classmate at the time. My first commission was my parents’ barn conversion, and I haven’t looked back since.” In 2003, when the practice was still in its infancy, Nick received a career-defining commission from Kristina’s uncle, shoe icon Manolo Blahnik, who tasked him with

“The latest shop is in the fifthfloor Shoe Heaven of London department store Harrods, a 42,000 square foot salon dedicated to fine footware” designing an exhibition for the brand at London’s Design Museum. It was a great success, and led to a long-standing creative partnership between Nick’s firm and Blahnik’s brand, which has seen him design more than twenty Blahnik stores, including those in Hong Kong and Dublin which opened at the end of 2015. “The creative process in the fashion industry has always fascinated me,” Nick says. “Fashion moves at such a pace and designers are always looking for the next inspiration for their collection, working sometimes two years in advance. As soon as the collection is made, that is done and

148

dusted and the next collection cycle begins. It’s been a privileged experience creating architecture and interiors for this industry, and I‘ve been able to observe how Manolo masterfully fuses ideas, muses, cultures and manufacturing techniques to create shoe sculpture. I’ve used this insight to evolve his retail brand so that every regional shop is different. Through discussion and then images, the starting point is always to develop a visual dialogue. This could be a film, an artist or a specific vernacular architecture that is his reference to the specific location. These shops become installations based on these references where we design everything down to the furniture and bespoke display systems.” The latest shop is in the fifth-floor Shoe Heaven of legendary London department store Harrods, a 42,000 square foot salon dedicated to fine footwear, with a separate raised demi-floor in the West Tower dedicated entirely to Manolo Blahnik. “It’s a bright beautiful space with two elevations made up of three large archtopped windows,” Nick explains, his enthusiasm for his craft almost tangible. “We wanted to create a grand salon feel enhanced by these proportions, so we added a coffered ceiling to echo the bays of the windows, and from these hung custom-designed brass and silk shades. The starting point for inspiration on this shop was the architect and decorator Josef Hoffmann, one of the leading proponents of European Art Nouveau, and particularly his use of refined geometry and monotones; so we contradicted this concept with bold-coloured upholstery and matching lampshades.” So far the shop has been nominated for a retail design award and garnered much praise for its innovative style and playful ethos, so it’s fair to say that Nick’s

Homes and Interiors

manolo blahnik store at harrods

painstakingly reasoned design approach has not gone unappreciated. Nevertheless, while Manolo Blahnik may be Nick’s most high-profile client, he is of course one of many, each of them requiring the use of a different string from Nick’s diverse bow. He recently finished work on an apartment in London’s exclusive Grosvenor Square, managing every aspect of the project, including the full refurbishment of the space, plus all the furniture and furnishings. The company designed bespoke items, including kitchen, fireplace, headboards, benches and vanity desks, as

louis kahn’s national parliament house in bangladesh, jatiyo sangsad bhaban

149

Homes and Interiors

interview

well as designing and manufacturing backlit floating side tables with integrated wall mirrors, and a pair of wall lamps in bronze and onyx for the hallway. The crowning glory, however, was the frameless glass wall and with its full height doors and bronze portal frames dividing the hallway and living spaces – a true statement feature. Calling on a very different skill set, another recent residential project for Nick and his team involved the refurbishment of a 1950s house in Kensington with a new-build rear extension. The extension, which covered the full width of the house, transformed its entire ground floor and created extensive LA-style lateral living spaces with frameless glazed openings and flush floor finishes to connect the inside with the courtyard garden. “In a similar way to the fashion industry, often my favourite project is the one I am working on or just finished,” Nick says, “and I like working with clients who have a clear vision of what they want to achieve with their project. You might think that would be limiting, but it actually gives me more creative freedom as it means we can focus our energy evolving the brief and concept around their vision. Last year we designed Le Peep Boutique, a membership bar and nightclub which just opened in Mayfair. This was an example of the client having a strong initial vision which meant that we worked together to create the overall identity and concept behind the brand and then transformed it into reality.” Nick is inspired by many of the world’s great buildings, but particularly admires the work of the late American architect Louis Kahn – specifically one of his most famous works, the striking National Parliament House in Bangladesh, Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban, and the lesser-known Esherick House, a one-bedroom, flat-roof box house in Philadelphia famous for its spatial

150

organisation and for the ventilation and natural lighting provided by its unusual window-and-shutter configuration. “I believe great buildings can be spiritually inspiring and have a sense of place that is akin to a dramatic landscape,” Nick explains. “And Khan was really a master at this, creating exceptional monumental modernism.” I can well see the influence of Khan’s ethos on Nick’s own creations, and there seems a particularly strong truth in his use of the word ‘spiritual’: there is, without doubt, something spiritually stirring about a really great piece of design or architecture – be it big or small – that we can’t help but respond to as human beings. And if you’re still not convinced after a glance at Nick’s work, but have a penchant for shoes, a quick tour of the Manolo Blahnik stores he’s created should be more than enough to change your mind. (nickleithsmith.com)

Christmas at home, naturally A welcoming table, exquisitely set; delicious food; happy chatter; dancing candlelight Arundel table from £1,350 and bench from £550, Tolsey plaid rug £370, Bowsley tableware from £22, Greenwich wine glasses £40, Holborn tealight holders £32, Anabel glass baubles from £21

Create your own designs at neptune.com Neptune Wilmslow, SK9 1BJ, 01625 535255, info@neptunewilmslow.com

Llama Property

Winner of numerous Industry Awards. Designing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or working with your own Architect to help you create your dream home in the UK or Abroad.

www.llamadevelopments.co.uk

0844 809 4469

info@llamadevelopments.co.uk

Homes and Interiors

RECREATE THE LOOK

In the kitchen

he hub of any home, the kitchen is the room in which families small and large come together to talk, eat and relax; a sacred space of connection away from the blare of the television and outside world. Owing to the functional necessity of such a room (a kitchen’s not much good if it isn’t first and foremost built for cooking), it’s often tricky to keep comfort and aesthetics the primary concerns they’d ordinarily be during an interior design project. Luckily, we have all the tips and tricks you need to balance elements of practicality and style in perfect harmony.

Suffolk kitchen charcoal from £9,000, Neptune Wilmslow (01625 535255; neptune.com)

153

RECREATE THE LOOK

Top Tips

1. Function first When redesigning a kitchen, put function first â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no matter what shape the room (galley, U-shape, L-shape, etc), you should always plan for the sink, fridge and cooker to make three points of a triangle with each no more than 6ft from another for ease.

2. Nooks and crannies The biggest mistake made during the planning of a new kitchen is, undoubtedly, underestimating the need for storage space. We love the idea of having a wide, flat drawer with an extension cable at the back so you can charge multiple devices without them cluttering the countertop, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a growing trend for vertical kitchen drawers which make the most of otherwise wasted space.

154

Homes and Interiors

4. Space to dine

3. See the light

“A family that dines together stays together, as the saying goes, and dining spaces are back in vogue. A versatile table is essential, so choose one that is extendable if possible, and in a style that can be dressed up or down. Wood is practical for day to day use and looks great when dressed with runners and accessories. Dining chairs must be comfortable, and a wipe-down padded linen fabric makes for a stylish option over hard seating.” Alison Cork, founder of WITHIN Homes (withinhome.com)

You want to be able to see your chopping board/dinner/children with ease, but you also want the kitchen to have the warm, low-lit glow of a cosy Italian restaurant – quite the conundrum. We recommend having the best of both worlds by opting for bright under-cabinet lights (which won’t cast a shadow over the counter while you’re working), and softer ceiling lights close to the dining area. Industrial lighting, in particular, is very on trend right now, utilising black steel, stainless steel, wire caging in place of sconces and clear glass or oldfashioned style lightbulbs, not to mention giving your kitchen a New York loft feel.

Airfix kitchen apron, £18.95, Victoria Eggs (victoriaeggs.co.uk)

ANJOU EXTENDABLE TABLE, £645, WITHIN (WITHINHOMES.COM)

5. All about the details But don’t forget, a kitchen is only as good as the small practical items which are scattered throughout its cupboards and worksurfaces, hung on its walls, and draped casually over its oven handles. For a quirky, oh-so-British touch, we love Victoria Eggs’ bold and playful homeware and gifts, with designs ranging from nautical tea towels, aprons, oven mitts and fine bone china mugs, to cushions, canvas bags, screen prints and wallpaper.

155

Homes and Interiors

RECREATE THE LOOK

#1 #2

Industrial Recycled Modern Retro Natural Timber Wood Mobile Dining Table, £2,500, Ghify (ghify.com)

LOFT LIVING #1 Industrial French Wall Clock, £195, Alexander & Pearl (alexanderandpearl.co.uk) #2 Factory Pendant Lamp, £390, In Spaces (in-spaces.com) #3 EVA tea set in black matte stoneware, €120, Maia Ming Designs (maiamingdesigns.com) #4 Kanushi Glass Storage Jar, £14.95, Nkuku (nkuku.com) #5 A bright blue vintage lacquered Chinese trunk dated c.1920, £795, Orchid Furniture (orchidfurniture.co.uk) #6 Tonbridge Stool, Oak & Cast Iron, £169, Swoon Editions (swooneditions.com) #7 Bell Jar Tea Light Holder, £10, In Spaces (in-spaces.com)

156

truKitchen showcasing contemporary German kitchens by Rempp. truKitchen contemporary German kitchens by Rempp. Experienceshowcasing our luxury kitchens in one of our beautiful showrooms. Experience our luxury kitchens in one of our beautiful showrooms. Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm hello@trukitchen.co.uk | www.trukitchen.co.uk hello@trukitchen.co.uk | www.trukitchen.co.uk Showrooms Wilmslow 01625 533111 | Harrogate 01423 522275 Showrooms Wilmslow 01625 533111 | Harrogate 01423 522275

Scan here to find out more

gardens

Linking

inside & out

Expert advice from award-winning garden designer Stephen Woodhams, straight from the pages of his new book; Garden Design Solutions: Ideas for Outdoor Spaces

158

Homes and Interiors

s part of the design process, I always look into easy and clever ways to link the inside space to the garden outside and vice versa. Creating a coherent style or colour theme between the interior and exterior results in a calmer space, where nothing jars. It also makes both the garden and the room inside seem larger than they are, as the transition between the two becomes seamless, making it feel like one large space. One of the easiest ways to achieve this link is to use the same or similar flooring materials both inside and out. For example, a natural stone may be honed for the interior and flamed or rough-sawn for the exterior; or a grey, limed-wood interior floor may be chosen to match the colour of timber decking outside when it has weathered to a silver-grey over time. Travertine and limestone can work well in this application, as can porcelain or grey concrete paving slabs. The same idea can apply to your choice of materials for other surfaces, too, keeping to a limited palette throughout the design â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the same stone for a kitchen worktop as for a dining table or coffee table in both the house and garden, for instance. This principle can also apply to seating and even fabrics, as there are now some wonderful exterior-grade velvets, linen and chenille available. Another clever way to link the inside of the house with the garden is to paint all

The 4m- (13ft-) wide, double-height glass doors (left) give a view right through the property to the tall clay pots on each side of the front door, on the limestone entrance apron. As all the walls are painted in the same colour, you are never sure whether you are inside or out.

159

Homes and Interiors

gardens

The vista continues from the back of the house to the Ben Nicholson-inspired water wall at the end of the garden.

the interior and exterior walls in the same colour, so you are never quite sure whether you are inside the house or out in the garden. Alternatively, paint just one exterior wall, which may be a boundary wall, and take the same colour onto one feature wall inside. We tend to go to a lot of trouble to link a colour through several items in a garden. For instance, the fabric used for the sofa cushions may match the canvas blind (shade) over the seating area; an umbrella and the metal containers in the same space may be colour-matched. Such co-ordination strengthens the story and makes it look considered, but still retains a simplicity. I also like to work within the same tonal colour. In a basement walkway, we painted the interior walls white like the exterior walls, making a pleasing backdrop

160

This entrance area (above) is graced with overscaled pots planted with Brahea palms underplanted with Syngonium, which connects with the larger palms outside. Placing tall faux white Agapanthus plants on the central table, with ornamental decorative vases, makes the garden seem to flow right through the covered space and links up all the garden areas.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paint just one exterior wall and take the same colour onto one feature wall insideâ&#x20AC;? for textured cream clay pots. The pots, planted with tree ferns, are on metal frames with wheels, so they can be moved around easily for maintenance. Garden Design Solutions: Ideas for Outdoor Spaces by Stephen Woodhams. Published by Jacqui Small, ÂŁ25 (quartoknows.com)

RESIN BOUND DRIVEWAYS

Botanica Resin Bound.... At BRB we pride ourselves on the design and installation of beautiful resin bound driveways. This product has all the aesthetical beauty of a quintessential English gravel driveway, combined with the lowest maintenance of all the other surface choices. It is tough, durable and completely permeable. A Botanica Resin Bound Drive will enhance the look of any property and continue doing so for many years to come. The product comes with a 18 year guarantee that covers cracking, oil stains, loose stones and UV discolouration. Resin bound gravel can be laid directly over suitable tarmac drives or installed from scratch.

GARDEN DESIGN Botanica Garden Design is an award winning Cheshire-based garden design and landscaping company, with over 20 years experience in creating exquisite and classical contemporary gardens in Cheshire and the surrounding counties. Our in-house garden designer will work with you every step of the way, from the concept stage through to the completion of the garden build. We strive to offer the finest of services with outstanding quality and attention to detail. In the past 20 years Botanica has built a reputation as one of Cheshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest garden design and build companies.

Botanica Garden Design Cable Road, Hoylake, Wirral. CH47 2AY 0151 632 0909 07779 024 853 info@botanicagardendesign.com www.botanicagardendesign.com

Approved Installer of the year 2015

Winner Botanica Resin Bound Driveways

Botanica Resin Bound Driveways Cable Road, Hoylake, Wirral. CH47 2AY 0151 632 0909 07779 024 853 info@botanicaresinbound.co.uk www.botanicaresinbound.co.uk

New showroom opening soon in Bollington Cheshire

t: 01704 544 222 e: info@portraitpools.com w: portraitpools.com

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

OLD BRAESTEAD PRESTBURY

Old Braestead was built in 2005 by the prestigious Hillcrest Homes in the Arts and Crafts style, a magnificent, opulently fitted, six-bedroom house with south-facing views, sitting in 1.44 acres. The house is constructed of cream rendered elevations, adorned by climbing roses and wisteria, with stone detailing to the leaded windows, all surmounted by a slate roof. The house benefits from stunning south-facing gardens, enjoying further southerly rural views within the pretty village of Prestbury. Internally, the majesty of the exterior is only amplified by the interior, with state-of-the-art fitted rooms, all decorated beautifully. Internally, the specification includes oak flooring,

164

solid oak doors, a galleried entrance hall with floor-to-ceiling windows and a SieMatic fitted kitchen with Corian worksurfaces, Miele fittings and central island unit with breakfast bar. The designer fitted modern bathroom/showers boast Kohler fittings and stone/granite tiled walls as well as gas fired underfloor heating, while the house is also equipped with a sophisticated alarm system with electric gates with CCTV. There is also surround-sound in the kitchen, breakfast room, family room, dining room and master bedroom – fed through the TVs in some rooms – as well as a hardwired internet connection. On the market at a guide price of £2.495 million through Jackson-Stops & Staff 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

Homes and Interiors

PARKFIELD NETHER ALDERLEY

Parkfield, constructed of Birchover Derbyshire ashlar stone and sitting in just over one acre, is a beautiful 14,000 sq ft Georgian style country house with an outstanding specification and leisure suite situated within Nether Alderley. There is an impressive stone-pillared portico over the front door, setting the scene for a grand, light, spacious and

substantial family house. This house is built to an extremely palatial and exacting standard, with a no expense spared mantra that is evident in every aspect of both the well thought-out layout and the specification of each fitting. The house boasts a bespoke kitchen and bathroom fittings with granite worksurfaces, as well as an entrance hall, four reception rooms, five bedrooms (all en-suite, two with dressing rooms) and even a leisure suite with an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, pool playroom, games room and gym. The technical fit out includes fully automated Lutron lighting with mood settings, remote-controlled blinds, control of a surround-sound system fitted to all rooms, radio and TV, iPod and iPad docking stations, while there is also a state-of-the-art, sophisticated, fully monitored

security system with night vision laser perimeter with tripping sensors, internal and external cameras with speakers, infrared beams around the house, electric gates with CCTV and zoned internal areas. The house is also fully air conditioned, with an award-winning Portrait Pools swimming pool with underwater lighting and a rollaway electric cover that can support a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weight. There is also an electronic turntable in the garage to enable easy manoeuvring of cars (capable of turning two at the same time), and a backup generator in case of a power cut that automatically comes into action and can power the house for seven days. On the market at a guide price of ÂŁ4.95 million through Jackson-Stops & Staff 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

165

NEW LUXURY HOMES OFFERING GOLF COURSES, DRIVING RANGE AND HEALTH SPA FACILITIES STRETTON GREEN ~ MALPAS, CHESHIRE SY14 7JA

It’s not just the beautiful city of Chester you’ll find yourself close to...

}

Stretton Green is a beautiful collection of luxury country homes set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and just 10 miles from the cosmopolitan city of Chester

Unrivalled Location Superb Specification Idyllic Lifestyle

TO BOOK A PRIVATE VIEWING CALL JAN MAC CUTCHAN ON 01829 458977 OR VISIT REDROW.CO.UK/STRETTON

PROPERTY PICK

YOUR OWN TUSCAN VILLAGE Restoration specialists Essentis Properties is offering investors the opportunity to buy their very own piece of Italian history in the form of the Medieval village of Poggio Santa Cecilia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; truly the best-kept secret of the Italian property market

168

Homes and Interiors

estled in the quiet foothills between Arezzo and Siena, the Medieval village of Poggio Santa Cecilia commands panoramic views across its 1,730-acre estate of Tuscan hills and olive groves. The estate is surrounded by Tuscan countryside and includes twenty farmhouses, two lakes, olive groves, vineyards and fruit trees on its extensive grounds. The estate is truly steeped in history, with documented evidence dating the village back as far as 1198, when it served as a castle. Over its 800-year history, the village has survived famine, war and several sieges (one of which is thought to have lasted five months), and at one point, after becoming a part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1559, was given its own small army. As a result the property has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years while still retaining many of its grand period features. The castle ramparts, walls and tower are all

still in pristine condition, and even its more intricate historic details remain, such as with the coat of arms of Sienna and the one-time owner Count Buoninsegni (whose family owned the property for many centuries) which can still be seen over the main travertine gate. In 1847 Giuseppe Garibaldi stayed at the Poggio Villa, having returned from Aspromonte where he was reviving his body and spirit at the Rapolana baths. An autographed ode of the general is preserved in the archives of Poggio Santa Cecilia as evidence of his stay. The village of Poggio Santa Cecilia itself is typically Tuscan in style. Around twenty farmhouses are dotted around the estate; historically the farmworkers lived in the village and worked on the nearby farms, and these rustic buildings present a real opportunity for development. The buildings within the castle walls are arranged in three distinctive rows, running parallel to the three

169

Homes and Interiors

PROPERTY PICK

entrances into the village, and have many stone and ceramic coats of arms adorning their walls. The roofs are covered with red ‘cotto’ tiles and the walls are covered with sun-baked plasterwork. The narrow winding paths between the houses open up onto the village’s piazza, just one of its beautiful period features; others include the village’s bell tower, stone fountain, its church (which bears the Buoninsegni arms) and the Poggio Villa itself. The villa sits on the most sheltered part of the hill and merges perfectly with castle features such as the Borgo walls, and as with many of the buildings on the estate it boasts large arch windows and beautifully crafted caisson ceilings. Features of particular note include the villa’s vast entrance hall with a gallery of square columns and its countless cellars, calling back to its Medieval history. There is also a vast 1800s style English Romantic park at the entrance to the property. Oak and cypress woods occupy the hill area and around the spacious park, but many smaller delights are hidden in the gardens of the village. On your walk back to the property, through the grotto and spiral staircase that gives access to the park, you can wander through lemon groves, Italian gardens, bamboo woods, past stone fountains and the stables, which have a double row of stone columns. Even with its idyllic rural location, Poggio Santa Cecilia is just 20 minutes from Siena and one hour and 10 minutes from Florence. Siena-Ampugnano airport is just a short 37-minute car drive away and Sienna train station is only 30 minutes. Poggio Santa Cecilia is on the market for €40 million with approximately €200 million needed for restoration. For more information, or to arrange a bespoke appointment please contact Essentis Properties (+44 (0) 782 571 7758; essentisproperties.com)

170

NORTHERN DESIGN AWARDS WINNER - BEST LUXURY NEW BUILD HOME 2015

L I V E B E A U T I F U L LY 60 CARRWOOD / AN AWARD WINNING LUXURY HOME FROM ABODA LIVING ABODA Living specialises in luxury residential property creating properties of true architectural distinction. Building both speculatively and by client appointment, always using the finest materials to offer beautifully crafted and practical living spaces youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be proud to call home. Situated in Hale Barns, this unique contemporary home is presented to the market completed and ready to move in to. The ground floor includes a large open plan kitchen fitted with

Siemens appliances and informal living space, a walk-in pantry and separate utility room, dining room, lounge and study. Upstairs there is a master suite with large terrace, dressing room and generous bathroom, with a further 4 ensuite bedrooms all with either fitted or walk-in wardrobes. To the outside there is a large south facing terrace leading to landscaped gardens with views across open countryside at the rear, a triple garage, extensive driveway, all enclosed with a stunning contemporary style gated entrance affording excellent privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIEWINGS PLEASE CONTACT MARK OAKES: RIBA AWARDS / WINNER MSA DESIGN AWARDS / WINNER NORTHERN DESIGN AWARDS / WINNER

Aboda Carrwood A4.indd 1

MEN PROPERTY AWARDS / WINNER ROSES DESIGN AWARDS / SILVER

m INFO@ABODALIVING.CO.UK O 0161 929 8186 W WWW.ABODALIVING.CO.UK

24/11/2015 13:20

Intoto Kitchens provides a bespoke service creating the perfect kitchen for every client. As one of the World’s leading quality kitchen brands and part of the most established fitted kitchen businesses in the UK, we mix German quality and craftsmanship with our specialist design service. Created specifically for you and your lifestyle, each of our kitchens is designed, produced and professionally installed by our experienced Installation team and project managers, whilst being supported by our KBSA Consumer Care Protection Insurance. Appointed as a Neff Master Partner & Exclusive Brand Partner, our clients benefit from exclusive products and additional savings across leading appliances, worktops & accessories. Providing a free Survey and Design service to clients, we also work

closely with Architects, Designers and Developers form an early stage, to deliver the perfect balance in kitchen living spaces across the Cheshire and the North West. If you’re looking for inspiration and would like to see how an Intoto kitchen might look in your home, visit our showroom to discuss your ideas and plans, or contact us for a free survey and design consultation.

SUMMER SALE

IS NOW ON Limited offer period. Ask in store for details

UP TO 30% OFF www.intoto.co.uk

WWW.INTOTO.CO.UK

WILMSLOW Sta t io n R o a d , W ilm slo w, C h esh ire, (ne xt to Kwik F it ) S K9 1BT | T el. 01625 530792

Give your plot a fairytale ending Most of us have a dream home in our heads. At Eventus, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the business of turning it into stunning reality. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re starting with a plot of land, or demolishing and starting again, or need a sensitive redesign of a precious listed property - Eventus are experienced project managers. With the skills, experience and passion to deliver your completed project, on spec, on time and on budget. Discover some of our latest projects at www.eventusproperties.co.uk. Then tell us your dream.

Eventus Properties Ltd Oakland House, 21 Hope Carr Road, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 3ET T. 01942 263485 E. info@eventusproperties.co.uk www.eventusproperties.co.uk

5606 Eventus_Waterfront_Advert.indd 1

13/08/2015 10:51

Homes and Interiors

overseas property

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

UNITED KINGDOM

XXVIII Old Queen Street, London

UNITED STATES

1 Central Park South, New York City Located on the coveted northeast corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South in New York City, Penthouse East is the only triplex residence within The plaza and is accessed via a private elevator. The residence comprises four bedrooms and four bathrooms and spans three floors. Boasting a 1,000 sq ft master floor with a 32 sq ft terrace overlooking Central Park, this is the ultimate New York apartment. On the market for $59 million (£39 million) with Christie’s International Real Estate (+1 212 508 7362; christiesrealestate.com)

Set in historic St. James, this beautiful Grade II Georgian residence has been restored sympathetically and enjoys sweeping views of St James’s Park. The property offers the choice of formal principal spaces for grand entertaining, or a sense of calm and tranquillity within the bedroom suites and private spaces. The property consists of four reception rooms; open-plan kitchen, dining and family room; wine room; duplex master suite with study; 4/5 further bedroom suites; media/games room with butler’s kitchen and en-suite shower room; service kitchen and laundry room; terraces and a lift. Available at a guide price of £23 million through Hathaways (hathaways.co.uk)

175

overseas property

All Prices And Exchange Rates Correct At Time Of Print

176

AUSTRALIA

Bridge House, New South Wales This stunning contemporary home presents a rare opportunity to buy into this prized harbourside location, with direct access to the picturesque Parsley Bay Reserve. This four-bedroom property spans over three floors and boasts four full bathrooms and two powder rooms. Additional features include a wine cellar, abundant storage, bespoke cabinetry, an outdoor gas bayonet for the barbeque and being just moments from boutique beaches such as Nielsen Park and Kutti Beach. On the market for POA with Christieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Real Estate (+61 2 9328 1422; christiesrealestate.com)

Homes and Interiors

ITALY

Abetone, Tuscany Nestled between Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, Abetone is a ski village surrounded by expert-level peaks. Zeno Colò, one of the greatest Italian skiers, was born here in 1920. This exclusive ski-in/ski-out home consists of two apartments which join together to form one unique property. A lift from the slopes takes you directly to the penthouse, while a terrace overlooks the gorgeous surrounding mountain scape. The property provides flexible accommodation, with three bedrooms and three full baths, as well as generous living space and a fitted kitchen. The property is currently on the market at a guide price of €950,000 with Italy Sotheby’s International Realty (+39 055 075 1888; milan-sothebysrealty.com)

4 177

Homes and Interiors

BEAUTIFUL THINGS

INTENSE LUXURY We really must stop being so surprised every time Jo Malone releases another strikingly beautiful scent, when we should know by now that, where our noses are concerned, they can do no wrong. The latest unveiling is the Orris & Sandalwood Cologne Intense, a sumptuous scent that’s woody and floral, powdery and deep, conjuring images of Tuscan hillsides with irises in bloom and piqued by creamy sandalwood and sensual amber. It’s the perfect moody but uplifting aroma to help guide you through the winter months unscathed, and we advise purchasing one as a matter of urgency. Jo Malone London Orris & Sandalwood Cologne Intense 100ml, £105 (jomalone.co.uk)

178

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

01625 861935

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