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Regulars | The cheshire Magazine

From the

Editor

EDITOR’S PICKs

#1 My Love Letter Pendant, £3,250, (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

#2 The Gilbert Scott Book of British Food, £25, (amazon.co.uk)

2 3 #3 Fede Deco, Armchair, £12,995, (luxdeco.com)

rom just one glance of the cover, I’m pretty sure you’ll have guessed what our July issue is all about – Great Britain and all that being British entails. From a good old G&T to the art of queuing, our quirky guide to being British kicks off the issue on page 27. Gemma Knight then chats to Marcus Wareing, winner of The Great British Menu, about what makes our cuisine great, plus he offers some of his signature recipes to try at home (page 36). From food to style, we look at the latest Cecil Beaton retrospective showcasing his work as one of the most famous English fashion, portrait and war photographers (page 54) and speak with Ben Westwood, son of Dame Vivienne Westwood, as he makes his first foray into the world of fashion (page 70). Make sure you also check out our Homes & Interiors section for a sneak peak around Henry Royce’s Knutsford home (he was the Royce of Rolls-Royce) as it goes up for sale (page 158). And don’t forget to turn to page 96 for Lee Brooks’ predictions on the ones to watch as the World Cup takes over our television screens. Before I go, I would like to make a special mention of an interview I undertook this month with the truly inspirational Kirsty Howard on page 24, a young lady I felt humbled to meet. We hope you enjoy our quintessentially British issue, obligatory G&T to hand.

Louisa Louisa Castle Editor Follow us on Twitter @TheCheshireMag

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The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

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Contents

July 2014

036 140

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Features

art

travel

024 | Recognising Kirsty We meet national sweetheart and fundraiser Kirsty Howard 027 | A-Z of being British The definitive guide to all the best things about being a Brit 032 | A vision for the future Sir Terence Conran explains why British design is best 036 | The great British menu Marcus Wareing’s classic picks 040 | Keeping it in the family The local British businesses showing us it’s all relative 044 | The ultimate sacrifice On the anniversary of the start of WWI, we remember 048 | You get what you give British businesses giving back 088 | Because it’s there Just why are the British such keen and intrepid explorers? 096 | The biggest sports show on the planet Our predictions for this summer’s World Cup 117 | Taylor talk Party planner Liz Taylor on giving the perfect kids’ bash

050 | Art news 052 | Eileen Cooper An artist’s journey from Derbyshire girl to Royal Academy darling 054 | Cecil Beaton This great photographer’s studio archive goes on show at Wilton House 057 | Prize lots

106 | Travel news 108 | Equine divine The luxurious holiday hideaway perfect for you and your horse 110 | Explore Italy From the Amalfi Coast to Porto Cervo, we bring you the very best from this sunny haven 112 | Weekend away Escape in a heartbeat to the beautiful Nunsmere Hall

regulars 008 | Editor’s letter 012 | Contributors 015 | My life in Cheshire Lester Barr on why prevention is always better than cure 016 | Couture culture Our roundup of all the best Cheshire has to offer 020 | Local scene Who attended what, all the glamour and the gossip

collection 060 | Watch news 064 | Jewellery news 067 | Garden of Eden Bejewelled dragonflies, butterflies and bees

fashion & beauty 068 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here 070 | Wild wild Westwood Ben Westwood, son of Dame Vivienne, unveils his first fashion collection 076 | You shall go to the ball Sleek, silk ensembles and bold, sumptuous hues 084 | Beauty news

motoring 092 | Goodwood...it’s glorious Truly a car-lover’s dream 094 | A British classic Your coffee table needs The Aston Martin Book 100 | A good innings We talk to Nick Hancock 103 | Innovation nation The many life-changing inventions created by Brits

family 114 | Kids’ news 118 | Elephant in the room Be in with a chance of winning a gorgeous elephant toy box 121 | The classroom Exam survival guide for parents and students

homes & interiors 124 | Interiors news 126 | Hanging out in the Hamptons Where American luxury lives 130 | Recreate the look Take your cue from The Ritz for the ultimate in elegant chic 140 | Politics by design A glimpse inside the British ambassador’s Washington estate 148 | Rhapsody in blue We show you some of the world’s most awe-inspiring gardens 158 | Local property Take a peek inside Sir Henry Royce’s Knutsford house 162 | Overseas property These stunning properties will have you yearning to emigrate 170 | Beautiful things Finishing touches for your home

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

JULY 2014 s issue 007 s

Editor Louisa Castle Editorial Director Kate Harrison Art Editor Carol Cordrey Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Assistant Editor Gemma Knight Senior Designer Lisa Wade

The

contributors GEMMA KNIGHT Gemma has a background in luxury freelance journalism and comes to Runwild following a stint working and living in China. She has an endless thirst for new places and specialises in lifestyle, culture and travel writing.

RICHARD BROWN Richard is deputy editor of Collection, our dedicated watch and fine jewellery section. He specialises in men’s style, culture and finance. This month he takes us on a journey through some of history’s most innovative inventions.

josh sims Josh Sims is a freelance writer contributing to the likes of the Financial Times, The Times, Wallpaper, The National and The Rake. His most recent book is 100 Ideas That Changed Street Style (Laurence King)

carol cordrey Carol is an art critic and editor. She organises the annual London Ice Sculpting Festival and is permanently on the art scene, bringing us her take on the latest happenings from the constantly evolving world of art.

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.

rebecca miller Rebecca is an American photographer splitting her time between London and Los Angeles and everywhere in between. She shoots fashion and portraiture with a focus on various types of inventive storytelling.

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Oscar Viney Client Relationship Director Kate Oxbrow General Manager Fiona Fenwick Head of Finance Elton Hopkins Publisher Giles Ellwood Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Proudly published by

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, over 300 businesses, as well as newsagents and retail outlets.

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Members of the Professional Publishers Association Written for residents by residents JUNE 2014 • IssUE 14

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Photography Michel Gibert. Photograph used for reference only. With thanks to: Pascaline Rey.

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The cheshire Magazine | Regulars

My life in CHESHIRE Mr Lester Barr Consultant Breast Surgeon at the University Hospital of South Manchester and Christie Hospital Manchester & Chairman of Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention

L ‘Prevention is so much better than cure because it saves the labor of being sicke’ – Thomas Adams

from top: mr lester barr; still searching for a cure; the breast cancer ribbon symbol; the picturesque village of Lymm; a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cancer; The Nightingale centre and Genesis Prevention Centre, situated on the University Hospital of South Manchester

ester qualified as a doctor in Manchester, followed by years of surgical training in London, specialising in breast cancer and surgical oncology at the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital. ‘I moved back up to Manchester to become a Consultant Surgeon initially at Trafford General Hospital. At the time we had two little daughters and in London we were worried about where to send them to school. Moving to Cheshire was a blessing for us because the local schools were so good. When Lester qualified as a surgeon in 1986 most others were ‘general’ surgeons, who would happily operate on any part of the body: ‘This gave women with breast cancer a raw deal, because in the USA the best results were being obtained by specialist breast cancer surgeons with real expertise in that disease. I made a decision early on to learn the latest techniques, to participate in clinical trials, and to develop expertise in breast reconstruction.’ Lester has been the driving force behind Genesis, the only charity in the UK entirely dedicated to cancer prevention. ‘During the 80s and 90s huge sums of money were being spent on developing new breast cancer drugs to treat the disease; but it seemed strange that no-one seemed interested in preventing the disease. To quote the 17th century physician Thomas Adams “Prevention is so much better than cure because it saves the labor of being sicke”. So the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention charity was launched in 1997. The vision to build a Breast Cancer Prevention Centre in Manchester began to emerge in around 2000, and the building was opened in 2007.’ Many of the UK’s top researchers into breast cancer prevention and early diagnosis are based right here in Manchester, and Genesis has played a key role in developing that expert team. The biggest impact made early on was in helping women who came from families where breast cancer had struck several times before; research into diagnosing those breast cancer genes, and then developing strategies for screening and treating the families, has seen a drop in breast cancer deaths. ‘We have helped to develop more accurate early diagnosis through better scanning methods; better quality surgery; better detection of pre-cancer changes; and the development of cancer-reducing diet and lifestyle measures.’ A proud and passionate man, Lester is just as proud of his family as he is his work. ‘We settled in the village of Lymm in 1993, and so family life has always been in Cheshire. My girls went to one of the primary schools in Lymm (Ravenbank) and then to Lymm High School, and I like to think have grown up as well-balanced independent Cheshire girls. Like all dads I am very proud of them.’ (genesisuk.org) 15

The Grand Depart 2014 The world’s greatest cycle race – the Tour de France – will start in Yorkshire this year. With the recent success of British riders, notably Chris Froome in 2013 and Bradley Wiggins becoming the first Brit to win Le Tour in 2012, the popularity of cycling has never been higher. The 101st running of the Tour de France will begin outside the 19th century Town Hall in the heart of Leeds, where riders will set out into the Yorkshire countryside. They will head through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, rejoining the flat roads in the spa town of Harrogate. Stage 2 will take riders from York, through Brontë country, Holme Moss (regarded as one of the toughest image: bradley omesher climbs in Great Britain) ending in Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield. On the final stage in Britain they will head from Cambridgeshire to London reliving the Olympic road races for a sprint finish down The Mall. If you want to experience this first in cycling history you’ll have to hurry. There’s a comprehensive website with details of where to watch and what to do. The Grand Depart, 5 & 6 July (letour.yorkshire.com)

Couture culture Our monthly round up of what we love most right now

event: friday 26-28 JUNE

Boodles tennis at the Mere

ow in its second year The Boodles tennis tournament welcomes some of our favourite players to The Mere for three-days of great tennis, showmanship and that added dash of fun. This year players include Wimbledon winners Goran Ivanisevic and Richard Krajicek, Aussie-sensation Mark Philippoussis and the legendary Henri Leconte. Launched in 2010 (originally as the Boodles Classique) and billed as the North West’s most elegant garden party, Boodles Tennis at The Mere combines world-class tennis from grand slam veterans with award winning hospitality. If you’re wanting to make a day of it and do it in style there are hospitality packages available including opportunities to meet the players, fine food and wine, the exhibition tennis matches and afternoon tea. Ladies’ Day packages start at £2,350. The grand finale of the event, however is on the Saturday with an evening of DJ Tennis. Starting at 6pm with drinks and gourmet dinner, the highlight of the evening features the legends of tennis battling it out on the court to 16

‘Launched in 2010 and billed as the North West’s most elegant garden party’ the background of the resident DJ. Preparations are already underway for the event with a total of 1,000 bottles of Moët & Chandon, 2,000 bottles of wine, 500 punnets of strawberries and 24 cases of Pimms specially ordered for the three days. boodlestennis@themereresort.co.uk 01565 830155 (theclassique.co.uk)

books

THE holiday read The Vacationers by Emma Straub £7.99, Picador A dysfunctional American family takes their summer holiday in Majorca. As their conflicts unfold, this book makes for a spectacular beach read. THE fashion read Dior by Caroline Bongrand and Jérôme Hanover, £50 Assouline Within an elegant slipcase, this tome features three volumes covering the fragrance, jewellery and fashion of the iconic luxury brand Christian Dior. THE health read Eat Well and Stay Slim by Michel Guérard, £25 Frances Lincoln Monsieur Guérard is a French cooking legend; but don’t let that have you believe his food can’t be healthy. His latest book offers a series of recipes that genuinely taste good. the travel read Roast Lamb in the Olive Groves by Belinda Harley £25, Hardie Grant Harley takes us on a culinary journey of the Mediterranean in her new cookbook filled with truly authentic flavours of the region. THE food read Pâtisserie by William & Suzue Curley, £40, Jacqui Small Who better to learn the art of pastry cooking from than the master of all things sweet, William and his wife Suzue.

The cheshire Magazine | Regulars

5 top picks

Gifts

Father’s Day, Christmas or Birthday, buying for the men in your life can be difficult. We’ve been out and about in search of some solutions

film

Image courtesy of David Appleby

Belle

picture is worth a thousand words. Particularly in one portrait, which hangs today in Scone Palace in Scotland, of two women; Dido Elizabeth Belle – an illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral in 18th-century England – and her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray. This portrait serves as the inspiration behind Belle – a true story based on the events around the portrait as one of the first court cases was put before England’s justice system to end slavery in the country. Indeed, as the daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral, part of Dido’s (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) bloodline gives her privilege, such as being raised by her aristocratic great uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) following the death of her father. But because of the

colour of her skin, she is ostracised by many outside of her family. The tension of the film hinges on the fact that Lord Mansfield, Lord Chief Justice, is one of the most powerful decision makers in England, and must rule in court on a case about a ship carrying slaves, who also died en masse. Dido finds that she is unable to restrain herself from ensuring justice is done to put an end to slavery. She also falls for the charming son of a vicar, who is determined to help bring about this change. With names such as Emily Watson as Lord Mansfield’s wife, the cast has interpreted this important moment in history beautifully. It captures the turmoil of the time, which, combined with a love story, makes for a powerful film. Belle arrives at cinemas on 13 June

#1 Old school gaming, featuring Street Fighter 2, £1,295 (beautifulmodernthing.com)

#2 Make your own SLR camera, £29.99 (thegiftoasis.com)

#3 Crest v-jumper in kingfisher blue, £54.95 (ijpdesign.com)

#4 Design icon. Vitra Eames lounge chair & ottoman, £4,879 & £1,707 (johnlewis.com)

‘The Bramble is a modern British classic of the cocktail world – deliciously tart and fruity’ The Tipplesworth Bramble Cocktail Case, £185 (harveynichols.com)

#5 The Perfect Ploughman’s Pack, £32.95 (whiskhampers.co.uk)

HIDDEN GEM… Chester Cathedral at height

going to the chapel Solutions to three of your big day’s most essential elements PHOTOGRAPHS Indigo Images With a client base that spans right across the world, the Indigo team are as skilled as they are creative, with documentary photographers, filmmakers and visual artists combining to provide a truly original way to capture your day. (indigoimages.co.uk)

or a fresh perspective on Chester, book yourself onto one of the new tours which take you behind the scenes at Chester Cathedral and culminate in the tower tour – where you can stand and survey one city, two countries and five counties at the top (British weather permitting of course!). The tours are an hour long, have two guides and 216 steps (to the top of the tower) for the fabulous view. You will also visit the secret spaces

‘You can stand and survey one city, two countries and five counties’ which have been inaccessible to the public before now, including exploring the bell-ringing chamber, getting up close and personal with the stained glass and generally discovering the hidden cathedral. Tours cost £8 for adults and £6 for children. (chestercathedral.com)

PURCHASE OF THE MONTH The Nest

Bring art to your garden with this nest seat from Sussex metalsmith husband and wife team Kim and Alex Moore. An award-winning blacksmith and designer, Alex Moore has created original metalwork for over 12 years and has supplied numerous medal-winning Cheslea Flower Show gardens, public buildings and private residences. Kim Moore is a professional marketer with 15 years of experience building high street brands. Together Moore Designs specialises in contemporary steel garden furniture, obelisks and accessories which can be left outside all year and this is just one of the fabulous pieces produced by the studio. We love the Kirv Nest as it provides a great sculptural form as well as comfy seat for one, two or three people from which to survey your garden through the intersecting ribbons of metal frame. The seat is made from durable acrylic which can be left outside and is machine washable. £3,995 (mooredesigns.co.uk) 18

FITNESS Ice Hoping to shift a few pounds before the big day? This trusted company provides a strict regime of three personal training sessions per week for 12 weeks and a full nutritional overhaul - you know what they say, no pain no gain! (ice-fit.co.uk)

FOOD Olive Tree Catering This Cheshire-based catering company serve up elegant receptions and dazzling dinner parties, with bespoke menus, fresh ingredients and a focus on using local produce. (olivetreecatering.co.uk)

The cheshire Magazine | Regulars

l-r: Richard &

Cheshire Mersey Wine School Entrepreneurial brothers Mark and Richard Winnington, who hail from Congleton, are opening Cheshire Mersey Wine School – an independent wine education company – to offer a range of fun tastings and courses for people who are keen to learn about wine. The graduates – both former assistant managers at Majestic Wine – are the newest franchisees within the successful and rapidly expanding Local Wine School family – a UK-wide network of independent wine schools providing evening tastings, Saturday events, four and eight-week courses, private parties, bespoke tastings and corporate events for beginners and experts alike. The school’s first event in Chester will take place on Friday 18 July, for all details visit the website cheshiremerseywineschool.com (01260 280815; @CMWineSchool)

Mark Winnington

Richard and Mark’s top 10 wine tips 1. Don’t be afraid to try new wines. 2. Ask plenty of questions. No question is a stupid question. 3. Try pairing regional dishes with regional wines – it works! 4. Screw caps are just as good as corks despite what people say. 5. The more you spend on your bottle of wine, the more ‘wine’ you’re paying for after all the tax and duty. 6. Share it – good wine is always drunk best with good company. 7. Drink what you enjoy, doesn’t matter if it’s cheap and cheerful – wine is completely subjective. 8. If you struggle to match the right wine to the right food then follow the basic principle of ‘red wine – red meat’ and ‘white wine – fish, white meat’. 9. Whites are best served between 8-10 degrees and reds between 14-18 degrees celsius. 10. Monks were the best wine makers – thanks to Dom Perignon we have one of the finest champagnes and its principles and production are still used today.

‘To many, no doubt he will seem to be somewhat blatant and bumptious, but we prefer to regard him as being simply British’ – Oscar Wilde

SPOTLIGHT ON… Afternoon tea at Nunsmere Hall

unsmere Hall may be rather spectacular, but its legendary afternoon tea deserves a mention all of its own. Served in the stunning library (we were lucky enough to get the whole place to ourselves and, ensconced on two enormous leather sofas either side of a low oak coffee table, felt every inch ladies of the manor), the traditional tea is presented on a three-tiered tray (how else?) and complemented by steaming pots of tea and warm milk. The bottom tier is devoted to huge, still-warm-on-the-inside English scones, with lashings of jam and clotted cream, while the next is a colourful assortment of sweet treats oozing salted caramel and buttercream icing. For those who need a touch of the savoury to balance the sugar rush, the top tier holds neatly sliced finger sandwiches holding such delightful fillings as brie with sun-dried tomato, smoked salmon, and thickly-cut cheese and pickle. Diet-friendly it is not, but when the surrounds are this decadent, why would you want to be? Tarporley Rd, Northwich, Chester CW8 2ES (01606 889100)

‘The first tier is devoted to huge, still-warm-on-the-inside English scones, with lashings of jam and clotted cream 19

Local scene Phenomenal fundraising with added rockstar magic, divine diamonds and fabulous days out at the races make-up this month’s must-attend events in Cheshire

My rings my style

Angela Scanlon

Jameela Jamil

Pandora, Trafford Centre This month saw the launch of the national #MyRingsMyStyle campaign at the Manchester Trafford Centre store. The exciting new project is a social media-led campaign and national competition in collaboration with TV presenter Jameela Jamil and stylist Angela Scanlon, as well as key fashion bloggers, to promote Pandora’s new collection of Sterling silver and 14kt gold stacking rings. The second of three national events, the party was co-hosted by Jameela Jamil and Rick Edwards with a DJ set by Angela Scanlon. (#MyRingsMyStyle) Photography by Stephanie Sian-Smith

‘The exciting new project is a social media-led campaign and national competition’

rick edwards, JAmeela jamil and angela scanlon

Golfing gala

The Rick Parfitt Jnr Band certainly got the party started.

‘This golf and gala dinner event raised £450,000 for the Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children’ 20

De Vere Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, Chester Organised by The Morgan Foundation and sponsored by UK housebuilder Redrow, this golf and gala dinner event raised £450,000 for the Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children – a charity that supplies wheelchairs and other urgently needed equipment to help transform the lives of disabled children. Guest appearances during the evening included tenor Rhys Meirion, the legendary rock vocalist Robert Plant and the Rick Parfitt Jnr Band, fronted by the son of the Status Quo singer and guitarist. (morganfoundation.co.uk) photgraphjy: The Morgan Foundation / Inspired Images

Robert Plant took to the stage accompanied by the Rick Parfitt Jnr Band

Steve Morgan with Robert Plant who kindly signed a guitar to be auctioned on the night

The cheshire Magazine | Regulars

A Royal Ascot affair Mappin & Webb, Chester VIP guests braved the weather for a Mappin & Webb hosted Royal Ascot themed evening in its Chester store. As the champagne was quaffed, guests were treated to short talks from Martin Swift, the Crown Jeweller, Elizabeth Galton, Creative Director at Mappin & Webb and Tom Dascombe, three-time racehorse trainer winner at Royal Ascot. Stylist, Lisa Stirling and hat designer, Laura Apsit Livens were also on hand to take the ladies through the dos and don’ts of dressing for Ascot. (mappinandwebb.com)

‘As the champagne was quaffed, guests were treated to short talks’ authors anji and jennifer foxx

laura apsit livens

crown jeweller martin swift is introduced by creative director elizabeth galton

The beauty project Selfridges, Exchange Square Selfridges’ The Beauty Project launched this month with a glamorous event at their Exchange Square store. The campaign aims to be a thought provoking exploration on the definition of beauty and what it means in today’s society. Keep an eye on the website for events throughout June (selfridges.com)

‘The Beauty Project launched this month with a glamorous event at their Exchange Square store’

The cheshire Magazine | Regulars

‘The glittering three-day affair kicked off with the Stan James Cup Day, followed by the ever-so-glamorous Ladies’ Day on May 8th’

A day at the races Chester Racecourse May 7th saw the start of the muchanticipated Boodles May Festival, a glittering three-day affair which kicked off with the Stan James Cup Day, followed by the ever-so-glamorous Ladies’ Day on May 8th, and coming to an adrenaline-fuelled close with the City Day on May 9th. Ladies’ Day was its usual colourful and classy mix of fabulous hats, fantastic fashion and fizz, with those who attended reporting a winning time had by all. 23

Recognising Kirsty

Kirsty Howard captured the nation’s heart when she was picked as a mascot for the England team in 2001. Since then she’s helped raise over £8million for Francis House and will be honoured by Variety later this year. Louisa Castle meets her on the eve of the BUPA Great Manchester Run

s a nation we watched with pride as Kirsty, aged six years old with her oxygen cylinder in tow, walked onto the pitch at Old Trafford hand in hand with captain David Beckham; the mascot for the England team as they played Greece in a World Cup qualifier. Since then Kirsty has devoted her life to charity fundraising and won over a host of famous admirers along the way; from Mohamed Al Fayed to the Beckhams (she once opened the Harrods sale with Victoria Beckham). Today, Kirsty is 18 years old, nearly 19, defying

all the doctors’ predictions. In 1999, Kirsty’s parents were told that their daughter had been born with her heart back to front and was unlikely to reach her fourth birthday. She was also born with stomach problems and some of her organs in the wrong place. As she patiently poses for Tim, our photographer, in a vibrant Cloud 23 and we begin chatting, it is clear that she doesn’t let anything faze her. She’s done this many times before and clearly knows that when Tim says ‘one more shot’ there are at least another ten to go! She also doesn’t understand why her mum

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

hides the oxygen cylinder which she has to be attached to at all times, for the photos: ‘It’s a part of me. It was weird at first and it took some getting used to but it’s who I am,’ she says with a shrug. As Tim clicks away we begin to chat about Kirsty’s favourite things; ‘My iPad. That’s always with me. My favourite game at the moment is 2048.’ And I get a demonstration as expert

‘She once opened the Harrods sale with Victoria Beckham’ fingers tap and scroll the screen. (You have to move tiles across the screen to get them to add up to the 2048 tile.) ‘Then I like NCIS on the telly. Not the LA version, I don’t like that. I like Gibbs and Abby. I have shelves of books, half of which I haven’t read as people keep telling me I must read something else but I can’t help buying them.’ I’m with her on that one. I discover her favourite author is Cathy Glass, who writes true-life stories about her time as a foster carer. ‘They’re sad sometimes but I love them.’ At the moment The Maze Runner by James Dashner is on Kirsty’s iPad. ‘My sister said I had to read it. I just read the first paragraph and I was hooked. I’m 300 pages in and I’m still hooked on what’s going to happen next.’ Coming up next on the list is The Hunger Games. Staying on the subject of favourite things, Kirsty’s pets (and future plans for pets) fill the majority of the rest of our chat as her parents, Lynn and Stephen, and Phil Taylor from The Kirsty Club (who I can only describe as a surrogate big brother) do what families do best and tease her about cheese and onion sausage rolls and bingo! ‘Anyway, as I was saying. I think I like cats and dogs the same. I like bearded dragons too but they’re not very cuddly.’ We then get carried away with stories of her cats and some fabulous descriptions of their characters, followed by cute photos of a puppy she was playing with earlier

that day and plans to get a new kitten... sorry Lynn, I’m not sure you know about that one yet! Whilst our conversation was somewhat eclectic (we also spoke about Britain’s Got Talent, that she is really behind on her soaps, and taking her chair ice-skating) we managed to chat away a good hour and could have continued but the Chinese dinner is calling (this is a tradition before the Manchester Run). Kirsty’s story is one we all know and you can Google to your heart’s content. The purpose of this interview was to spend some time with Kirsty Howard the young woman, as opposed to Kirsty Howard the fundraiser. I have very much enjoyed my time with her. She likes to dream and escape like the best of us but she is equally every manner of inspiration. Her matter of fact approach to her condition I think is the thing that I will keep with me – she is a far braver woman than I think I could ever be.

EVENT AT THE HILTON Variety, the children’s charity, will be hosting an evening at The Hilton, Deansgate on 20 September 2014 to honour Kirsty’s charitable work and achievements. The event will be instrumental in raising much needed funds for Variety and Francis House Children’s Hospice. ‘Variety is renowned for honouring deserving people from all walks of life including many show business and sporting legends, such as The Bee Gees and Sir Alex Ferguson. We are honoured to bestow our outstanding achievement award to Kirsty as she celebrates her 19th birthday, for her amazing charity work with The Kirsty Club for Francis House and for being an outstanding young woman. ‘She is truly amazing,’ explains Lyn Staunton, Development Director, Variety Northwest Region. The event is being supported by Liz Taylor and her company, TLC events. ‘I remember organising some of the very first events for Francis House over 30 years ago so I jumped at the chance to work with the Variety team. Together, we are planning a sensational evening for Kirsty, who fully deserves the honour. I can’t give too much away right now but it will be cool and funky with some added celebrity surprises.’ For tickets, visit variety.org.uk or northwest@variety.org.uk

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS Local showroom, Wilmslow 67-69 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5BQ 01625 531 343 mandarinstone.com

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The cheshire Magazine | Feature

To complement our Best of British theme this issue we look at some of the institutions, traditions and successes which makes Britain great and being British a very original affair

of being

British 27

image © View Apart

BBC

The British Broadcasting Corporation was the world’s first national broadcasting organisation, founded in 1922. It has been operational at MediaCityUK since 2011 producing thousands of hours of content for television, radio and online.

Art & Literature There’s no doubt we are a nation of book and art lovers. And with Elizabeth Gaskell, Lewis Carroll, Nick Munro and Anthony Gormley all hailing from our own fair county we’ve a lot to be proud of.

From fashion guru Victoria Beckham to Lord Foster (who was born in Stockport), great British design in all fields remains a force to be reckoned with.

English breakfast A staple of the ever-satirised English builder, coupled with a builder’s tea of course, the full breakfast has overcome its fry-up roots and is a firm favourite on the menus of the cafe culture.

Football

With the World Cup on the horizon we have to mention football; The Premiership is regarded as the best domestic competition in the world and a lot of the best teams are based in the NorthWest... whichever colour you support. 28

Obsessed with our cheese and the perfect cheeseboard we are ranked second only to France for our love of the crumbly stuff. Our own Cheshire cheese is one of the oldest recorded named cheeses in British history. Check out the International Cheese Awards in Nantwich this July. (internationalcheeseawards.co.uk)

Gin G&T darling? This inherently British drink was actually created by a Dutch chemist in the 16th century as an attempt to cleanse the blood of those suffering kidney disorders. Good for you and delicious then.

victoria beckham image © Featureflash

Design

Cheese

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

Home improvement As a county we are very house proud, checking the latest interiors trends, re-modelling and following our Grand Designs dreams, not to mention our healthy obsession with our investment.

Jam

h Inventions

The Women’s Institute (WI, renowned for jam-making), was formed in 1915 to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during WW1. Today it is the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK and a lot more on trend than it used to be.

Did you know that the toothbrush, fire extinguisher, chocolate bar and collapsible baby buggy were all British inventions? Along with the better known inventions of the World Wide Web, television and telephone, these and many more, make up some of the greatest British inventions.

‘Did you know that the toothbrush, fire extinguisher, chocolate bar and collapsible baby buggy were all British inventions?’

Local produce

Kings & Queens

As I realised after a quick Google, there are probably more reigning monarchs today than you would think but there’s nothing more associated with British culture than the Royal Family.

The longest motorway in Britain and one of the busiest, for those of us who live in the area, the M6 is a part of modern day life. Love it or hate it, it is part of Cheshire life.

Our lives revolve around food, we nourish our bodies with it, celebrate, entertain and express affection with it. It’s no surprise then that we want the healthiest, freshest and best. And we’ve got so much of it on our doorstep in Cheshire.

NHS

If it’s good enough for Danny Boyle to include in the opening ceremony then it’s good enough for us. Implemented in 1948 to create ‘comprehensive health and rehabilitation services for prevention and cure of disease’. 29

oq Outdoor

With so many places of Outstanding Natural Beauty the Great British Outdoors is no longer the domain of campers, twitchers and ramblers. It’s accessible to everyone and great fun!

Politeness Etiquette is unarguably British, from the Countryside Code to meeting Royalty there is only one reference: Debrett’s – a cherished part of the British cultural fabric. (debretts.com)

Queuing It’s what the British are renowned for doing and doing very well. Tea and cake and camping chairs often make an appearance in the Wimbledon queue, it even has its own code of conduct so please beware.

Remembrance

The second Sunday in November is the day we traditionally put aside to remember those who give their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the day Britain entered the costliest war in history – WW1.

Style It’s a hard task to sum up British style – tradition, individuality, understated are just some of the words used. Whatever it is from Audrey Hepburn to Topshop and Dr Martens, Britain’s got style.

Tea

We couldn’t talk about being British without mentioning Afternoon Tea. Today only an occasional luxury or a welcome break from a hectic day’s shopping but the perfect tradition to maintain.

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

Vivienne Westwood

Union flag

I know we’ve already touched on British style but Dame Vivienne Westwood deserves a special mention not only for her designs and unique style but also her influence on Punk in the 1970s.

A combination of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales the Union flag combines all that it is to be British. It is flown high above Government buildings on flag days, the next being The Queen’s Official Birthday this month.

Weather

Our obsession with the weather runs so deep that it has been reported that three-quarters of us check the weather forecast at least once a day. There’s no argument that our weather and our fixation with it is a very British one.

YMCA

Whilst made famous by the Village People in 1978, the YMCA or Young Men’s Christian Association, was founded by George Williams in 1844 in London to develop ‘body, mind and spirit’. Today the organisation is worldwide with over 57 million beneficiaries.

X-factor (celebrity)

There are thousands of ‘celebrities’ in Britain often mixed up with Z-list wannabes. However there is no denying the true celebrity status of some: Wayne Rooney, Daniel Craig, The Queen, Sir Michael Caine.

The zebra corssing is an iconic part of life and British pop culture

from left: wayne rooney © lev radin; michael caine © featureflash; daniel craig © vipflash

Zebra crossing The zebra crossing was first used in the UK in 1949 in its original form of blue and yellow stripes. It’s an iconic part of life and British pop culture with the legendary Beatles album cover. 31

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

A vision

for the future

We catch up with the inimitable Sir Terence Conran to discuss his Medal for Arts Philanthropy and why British design is the best in the world w o r d s : k at i e r a n d a l l

ir Terence Conran is the man with the golden touch. Any business or philanthropic project to which he turns his hand becomes a consummate success. He is a creator of iconic places – he gave London its Design Museum 25 years ago and changed the world of interior decoration by founding Habitat in the sixties. It is in recognition of his tireless work championing the arts and the huge recent donation to the Design Musuem’s future, that HRH The Prince of Wales presented Conran with a medal for Arts Philanthropy in December 2012. Conran is one of the world’s best-known designers, restaurateurs and retailers, renowned for his vision for the future and for his staunch passion for craftsmanship, arts education and excellent design. After a lifetime founding British institutions; setting up restaurants, such as Lutyens and Boundary; and donating to projects with which he shares an affinity, Conran is not ready to rest on his laurels yet. ‘It was certainly a surprise to me – albeit a pleasant one,’ he says of the award. ‘Of course I was extremely proud to receive the medal and very pleased that my contribution had been acknowledged. But without wanting to sound curmudgeonly, I have never been one for

celebrating personal achievements and accolades too long.’ His energy is boundless when it comes to his work, he admits, ‘There’s so much I still want to achieve and you will never get anywhere in life polishing trophies’. This entrepreneurial spirit and drive became apparent from a young age. Born in 1931, Conran enrolled at the Central School of Arts and Crafts at the age of 17. While studying, he used to sell his own textile prints, but the designer was involved in business from a much earlier age. ‘Even as a small child I enjoyed making things and my favourite present was a bag of wooden off-cuts and a box of tools’. ‘I remember exchanging a wooden battleship I had made for a potter’s lathe and being extremely proud of myself with my side of the deal.’ Little did the world know that this boy, with his handmade battleship, would grow up to found design-focused homeware store, Habitat, and his own architecture practice, Conran Roche, completing projects across the globe. Previous commissions have included London landmarks, Michelin House and the Bluebird garage. Conran has set a standard for post-war designers, refocusing consumers’ attention on 

OPENING PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BOUNDARY RESTAURANT; ‘The Way We Live Now’, Sir Terence Conran Exhibition at The Design Museum; computer-animated image of the design museum’s new premises; ‘The Way We Live Now’ at The Design Museum; The CONRAN Shop; ‘The Way We Live Now’ at The Design Museum; CENTRE: Sir TereNCE CONRAN by julian broad

good design and ensuring that the items we surround ourselves with make the world in which we live a more ‘interesting, enjoyable and comfortable place’. Educating the future generation in creative design is extremely important to the designer, and up until recently, he was the provost of the Royal College of Art. The Government discussions of stripping Art and Design from their Baccalaureate particularly irks the designer. ‘The strength of the UK creative industries is no accident, it lies in the quality of the education that our young receive, which is why I founded the Design Museum. We should be encouraging creativity and innovation in our young, not stifling it.’ The young Sir Terence and his sister Priscilla were certainly encouraged and supported

creatively from an early age by their mother. Conran recalls, ‘I think if she had grown up in a more progressive era, she would certainly have been an artist or a designer. We really do owe her so much for setting us on a creative path from an early age.’ When speaking with Conran, you quickly begin to understand that he is not driven by personal success and definitely not by money. He has a bigger vision for the future of British design. ‘I am depressed enough that as a country we make so few things. Imagine if we no longer designed them as well?’ He says, ‘I’d like to make a difference in that respect. It has been my lifelong belief that we have the most amazing craftsmen in this country, and added to the fact that the UK’s creative industries are the finest in the world, why on earth are we no longer a country that prides itself on making things?’ Conran urges that we keep utilising these skills, because they were a vital part of our past. Cementing his argument, he sagely adds, ‘We will never be the workshop of the world again, but at least we should continue to be a high-quality workshop.’ For forty years, Sir Terence has also been serialising his thoughts on the world of

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

interior design in a string of popular style bibles, the latest of which was released this May. Entitled Plain, Simple, Useful: The Essence of Conran Style, the most recent addition to the Conran library dedicates a chapter to each living space around the home, with feature spreads on Duralex glasses, Kilner jars and other simple, small additions that he believes will outlive passing decorative fads. The designer has also extended his wealth of business experience to food. His relationship with it is rooted in memories past. He remembers

‘It has been my lifelong belief that we have the most amazing craftsmen in this country’ – Sir Terence Conran

boat for the 1951 Festival of Britain. ‘Working for Dennis at the festival was one of the most exciting times of my life, when I believed anything was possible,’ he says. ‘You have to remember what a grey and austere place we lived in back then and how the festival demonstrated an enormous appetite for change, even if it took another decade for the changes to take place.’ The colourful event provided a change of palette for an austere Britain and Conran’s abiding memory of this period clearly shapes his views today. To Conran, design is a tool to inspire and to make a difference to people’s lives. ‘I still smile when I close my eyes and remember the sight of people turning up on the South Bank with their Mackintoshes and gas-mask cases filled with sandwiches to see this dream of the future.’ (conran.com)

FAR LEFT: Sir TERENCE CONRAN by julian broad; BELOW, FROM LEFT: Sir TERENCE CONRAN giving Jonathan Ive an honorary degree as provost at the royal college of art; Sir TERENCE CONRAN IN HIS YOUNGER DAYS; 1952 conran furniture

a trip with Michael Wickham, driving through the Dordogne in an old Lagonda. ‘I was amazed by the quality of everyday French country life. The unpretentious but abundant displays on market stalls had a strong impact on me, and demonstrated how everyday products could be both beautiful and practical.’ He explains that he has always tried to capture something of these qualities in his work ever since. Conran kick-started his career in post-war Britain, inspired by visionaries such as Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It was a time which according to Conran, was ’rife with optimism.’ In 1950, he began to work under architect Dennis Lennon, whose practice was commissioned to design the interior of a quarter-scale model of a princess flying

The great

British menu

When it comes to traditional British dishes, there aren’t many chefs who know more about capturing the classics than Marcus Wareing. He explains what makes British cuisine so special, and shares some of his favourite recipes WORDS: GEMMA KNIGHT

‘I

’m a Northern boy born and bred, so naturally I have a love for the great British classics,’ Marcus Wareing explains when we meet – and this, it has to be said, is an understatement. He sits surrounded by the architectural grandeur of London’s stunning St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, the frontpiece of buzzing hub St Pancras Railway Station and home of The Gilbert Scott, the proudly British restaurant Wareing operates alongside his

flagship at The Berkeley. The building, as Marcus points out, ‘is an ideal setting to provide a quintessentially British menu’, while the list of dishes reads like a love song to days gone by (inspired by the likes of Agnes Marshall, John Nott and Mrs. Beeton) and even inspired a book published last year by Wareing and the brasserie’s general manager, Chantelle Nicholson, entitled The Gilbert Scott Book of British Food. Yes, this is certainly a man who loves his English grub. But if you’re imagining that Marcus Wareing’s calling is merely a slog of stodgy shepherd’s pie and soggy fish and chips, you’d be very wrong – his recipes are filled with innovative, creative little twists that make them as surprising as they are aesthetic. ‘Well-loved classics are always changing and evolving, from county to county and town to town, no person ever seems to make a dish the same,’ he tells me. ‘Us chefs are always looking to put our own signature on foods and The Gilbert Scott kitchen is the perfect place to do this, steeped in history and allowing us to offer traditional and classic British dishes, but with something a little bit different – to reflect the stunning unique look of the building.’

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

RECIPE

Smoked Mackerel Pâté We source our mackerel from a supplier on the Cornish coast and it is delicious. This pâté keeps for a few days in the fridge, so you can use it in a number of ways – as a spread with crusty bread, in a toasted sandwich with a slice of melted Gruyere, or dolloped on a salad. (Serves 4)

Ingredients 25g crème fraîche 50g cream cheese 25g homemade or good quality purchased mayonnaise Grated zest and juice of ½ lemon 10 drops Tabasco sauce ½ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste 250g smoked mackerel fillet, skinned and flaked

Method Mix together the crème fraîche, cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Add the lemon zest and juice, Tabasco, salt and a few good turns of pepper. Add the mackerel and fold through the mix. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary before serving. 37

RECIPE

Quince with Ardrahan cheese A semi-soft cheese made from the milk of Friesians, Ardrahan is creamy, earthy and slightly nutty. It is produced on a small farm in Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland. If unavailable, try a British cheese similar to the French Livarot or Munster. (Serves 4)

Ingredients 1 large quince, peeled, cored and cut into eighths 4 tablespoons of your favourite honey ¼ bunch of thyme 200g Ardrahan cheese (or other washed-rind, semi-strong cheese), sliced Maldon sea salt

RECIPE

Creamed Leek Crumble This is a good dish to encourage children to learn to love vegetables. A savoury version along the lines of apple crumble, it contains cheese and thyme to boost the flavour. (Serves 4-6)

Method

Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 160C/325F/gas mark 3. Toss the quince with honey, thyme and sea salt in a small baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until tender. Arrange the quince in a small gratin dish. Top with the cheese, then put back in the oven for a few minutes, until the cheese has melted. Serve with your favorite bread or cheese biscuits.

4 leeks, sliced into 2cm rounds 2 tablespoons oil ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 200ml chicken or vegetable stock 100ml cream 150ml milk 50g Parmesan 100g flour 25g butter ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ¼ bunch thyme, leaves picked

Method Preheat the oven to 180°C. Heat the oil in a frypan over a moderate heat. Add the leeks, season well, and brown on the top and bottom. Lay out in a large baking dish. Bring the milk, cream and stock to the boil, season, then pour over the leeks. Cover the entire dish in tinfoil and bake for 25-30 mins. Remove from the oven and check for tenderness. If almost there, mix the flour, salt, pepper and thyme together and rub in the cold butter, then mix in the Parmesan. Sprinkle with the crumble and cook further until golden.

‘His recipes are filled with innovative, creative little twists that make them as surprising as they are aesthetic’ 38

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

great british classicS English asparagus with burnt butter hollandaise The English asparagus season is one of my favourite, albeit sadly brief. To prepare the juicy spears, you only need to snap the woody ends off, then cook in salted water. The burnt butter hollandaise has a wonderful nuttiness, and with the asparagus creates one of summer’s blissful combinations.

London Pride battered cod with mushy pea mayonnaise We have served this dish in the restaurant since we opened. We set out to make it slightly different from the norm, so instead of serving mushy peas, mayonnaise and vinegar with the fish and chips, we combined all three accompaniments in one. London Pride is a rich ale that is the perfect addition to the batter.

Spotted Dick Spotted Dick was created sometime during the mid-19th century. The ‘spots’ refer to the dried fruit in the pudding. We have slightly adapted the traditional recipe, making it a little more robust in flavour by steeping the fruit in fragrant Earl Grey tea.

Keeping it in the

family

Britain certainly has its fair share of long-standing family-owned businesses, but you might be surprised how many of them hail from the local area. Gemma Knight finds out more about the past and present of some of our nation’s favourite North West family affairs

BOODLES

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: the old boodles store in liverpooL; nicholas wainwright with his father; the chester branch of boodles as it once was

This prestigious jeweller was founded as Boodle and Dunthorne in 1798, when the first store opened in Liverpool, remaining there until 1910 when the firm was combined with another local jewellers owned by the Wainwright family. Boodles, as it was known from then on, has been owned and operated by the family ever since, with nine branches across the UK and Ireland and a total of four family members serving on its board of executive directors; Michael Wainwright, his brother Nicholas, and his nephews Jody and James. ‘We all bounce ideas off each other,’ Michael explains. ‘We don’t have many formal board meetings, but I have spoken to my brother on the phone every day for the last 30 years and I’m lucky to work in a family business where we all get along – some aren’t so fortunate! It’s a great feeling to know that the other man is

really ‘batting’ for you and the staff and customers, for better or for worse, know you are going to be there forever.’ The Chester and Manchester stores opened in 1965 and 1982 respectively, shortly before Michael and Nicholas Wainwright took control of the business from their father. This was a move which saw the company expand and break new ground, though the brothers were keen to make sure that the family-run ethos of the business remained unchanged. ‘Being a family business means that the whole company, including our staff, are like one big family and this permeates through to the customer,’ Michael told us, adding ‘our Chester and Manchester staff are fantastic and have been with us for an average of 15 years.’ But what effect does family-ownership have on a business in practical terms? Michael is quick to

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

point out that it means that he and his family make every decision for the long term and that, as there are no external shareholders, the firm don’t have to put their customers at a disadvantage in the interest of showing a quick profit. The company began as a jewellery maker, silversmith and watchmaker, evolving during the 20th century to provide chronographs, watches and crafted cups for the winners of competitions such as the Grand National and Chelsea Flower Show. As time went on, the brand began to emerge as a leading retailer of bespoke jewellery, using the diamonds and gemstones which it sourced to create its own collections and eventually being selected to join Walpole, a non-profit organisation which

‘The Chester and Manchester stores opened in 1965 and 1982 respectively’ promotes British luxury goods and counts the likes of Sotheby’s, Coutts and Gleneagles amongst its members. Nevertheless, with the benefits of any business will always come drawbacks, and family-owned and run companies are no exception. ‘I think family businesses are difficult to keep going for a number of reasons,’ Michael explains. ‘Obviously old family businesses can cease to ‘trade’ as such after a while, but that’s why it is so important to create and encourage the entrepreneurs of today – they’re the ones who will run the family businesses of tomorrow.’

ROBERTS BAKERY This much-loved North West staple has been around since the turn of the century, when founder Robert Roberts left the small grocery where he had been working in Knutsford and opened his very own shop at 1 Wellington Street in Castle, Northwich. As demand for bread grew, Roberts moved to a larger store and added on a small bakery, now assisted by his wife Mary and children Frank, Annie, Alice, Ada and Nellie so that, by the 1920s, the newly-named Roberts’ Central Stores Limited could boast a steadily expanding workforce and its very own delivery service. The following years brought an acquisition of the local Alfred Middleton bakeries, the passing of the business to new generations of Roberts and a move to the new purpose-built ‘Red Rose Bakery’ with its famous cooling towers in Rudheath, Northwich, a building able to produce around 600 loaves of bread an hour. With the company name changed to Frank Roberts and Sons Limited and its bread now even being exported overseas, the fourth generation of the Roberts family took over during the 1970s and 80s and, in 2012, the company celebrated its 125th anniversary, still family-owned and now producing an incredible 1.6 million loaves a week.

ABOVE: deliveries of freshly baked bread are made by horse and cart

an old timpson store

TIMPSON Your friendly neighbourhood shoe and boot repair shop was, for those too young to remember, originally a huge national chain of shoe shops as well as the ubiquitous heel bars we know so well today. The first shop was opened by sixteen year-old William Timpson (affectionately remembered as Mr Will) in 1865 on Butler Street, Manchester. By 1869 he had moved the store to 97 Oldham Street and, thanks to his pioneering approach to elaborate, striking window displays, was soon selling up to 100 pairs of boots a day and opening stores in other areas of Manchester, Kettering and Liverpool. By the 1930s the company was opening at least ten shops every year and by the start of the Second World War could boast 189 of them, 11 shoe repair factories and a large manufacturing plant making 17,000 pairs of shoes a week. Shortly after the war, William’s son Anthony took over the chairmanship and, despite the drastically changing world of shoe sales (the likes of Marks & Spencer, B.H.S and Littlewoods had made cheap shoes available en mass for the first time, which hit conventional shoe

businesses hard), managed to build a whole new reputation for Timpsons based on good styling, value for money and good customer service. In 1975 the company passed to yet another new generation of Timpsons, this time to Anthony’s son John who, having governed the brand by the principles of his great grandfather, grandfather and father before him, focused on keeping customer service at the level for which Timpsons had become known, eventually selling the shoe store side of the business in 1987 and concentrating on the repair side of things.

‘By the 1930s the company was opening at least ten shops every year’ This might seem like an odd move, but it certainly paid off. The number of shoe repair shops shot up suddenly from 150 to 315 and the company’s turnover grew from a very respectable £12.5 million to a whopping £40 million, allowing the brand to acquire Supasnaps (film developers) and Sketchleys (dry cleaners) and to add locksmiths, jewellery repair and clothing alteration services to their existing shops. Today the company is still in the capable hands of chairman John Timpson who lives in Cheshire with his wife of 41 years, Alex, with whom he has five children; Victoria, James, Edward, Oliver and Henry.

n store

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

WARBURTONS A more than familiar brand on our local supermarket shelves, even bread maker Warburtons can claim to be a North West native, originally starting life in 1870 as a tiny grocery shop in Bolton owned by Thomas Warburton and his wife Ellen. In 1876, when the grocery market ran into difficulties, resourceful Ellen was quick to suggest they supplement their stock by selling bread. She hand-baked her first batch, four loaves of bread and six cakes, and in under an hour they’d sold out – a clear sign that there was a gap in the market just begging to be filled. Just two weeks later, Thomas and Ellen had changed the name of their shop to Warburtons the Bakers and, as they say, the rest is history. Soon Thomas and Ellen’s sixteen year-old nephew Henry had joined the team and, within ten years, had become well known in the area for his skill as an artisan baker. When control of the business eventually passed to Henry, he made sure to keep the family ethos strong and set about expanding the company and investing in the new breadmaking technology which was steadily becoming available. By 1915 the shop’s location had moved several more times and was now under the control of Rachael Warburton, who named her store Back o’th’ Bank Bakery – not so surprisingly, for its position behind the local bank. Before his death in 1936, Henry Warburton also became heavily involved in the local community and was even Mayor of Bolton for a time, with the business continuing to grow and incorporating several smaller companies from around the North West. Today, the 138 year-old company is still family-owned and now managed by Jonathan, Ross and Brett Warburton, the fifth generation of the family. As Britain’s largest family-owned bakery business it employs an astounding 4,500 people in 12 bakeries and 13 depots around the UK and makes £500 million each year. In fact, more than a quarter of all bakery products eaten in Britain are produced by the brand that began as Bolton’s littlest bakery. CENTRE: model bakery 1915; ABOVE: mr & mrs henry warbuton & family

The

ULTIMATE SACRIFICE â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I have captured a Division, but have nothing but Cheshires.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; These are the words alleged to have been uttered by a senior German officer, following the first major battle of World War 1

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

Feature | The cheshire Magazine

Went the day well? We died and never knew. But, well or ill, Freedom, we died for you. - John Maxwell Edmonds, 1918

reat Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914. Just ten days later the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment sailed from Belfast to France and marched to Belgium as part of a British attempt to halt the rapidly advancing German forces as they pushed east. Ten days after that, on 24 August 1914, the 1st Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment lost 80% of their men in just three hours, at The Battle of Mons. The 1st Battalion was ordered to take position outside the Belgium village of Audregnies, near Mons, together with the 1st Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment. The role of these two Battalions was to provide cover for the withdrawal of the British 5th Division. Their action delayed the German advance by four hours and in the end it took four German Regiments to surround the Cheshire men, which was by now standing alone. A total of 40 men from the battalion remained unwounded. Of the 1,034 men of the 1st Battalion who had been present at the start of the battle, only 202 remained alive. (cheshiremilitarymuseum.co.uk)

far right: salvation army making doughnuts under bombardment of german guns, front line - france (image ÂŠ Susan Law Cain)

DES GNSA E

Save up to 45% on selected furniture The BoConcept Design Sale is on! Enjoy great savings on selected sofas, dining tables, wall and media units and much more. And as we are making room for a new collection you can save up to 50% off display models. See it all at BoConcept Manchester or go to www.boconcept.co.uk

BoConcept Manchester 路 MM2 Building 109-117 路 Great Ancoats Street 路 M4 5AG Manchester 路 Tel. 0161 228 7111

You get what you

give

The Greeks may have invented it, and the Americans may now be its trailblazers, but philanthropy has long owed its global success to the British – and this year our big brands are showing they’re as charitable as ever WORDS: GEMMA KNIGHT

David M. Robinson

This prestigious watch and jewellery specialist has put its not-inconsiderable weight behind two cultural causes in its heartland, our very own North West. As a sponsor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the company support a selection of major works and performances by the group throughout the year – a sponsorship which is becoming increasingly global as the orchestra begins to represent their home city on the international stage more and more.

This Image: David M Robinson’s Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra window display, at their flagship Liverpool ONE showroom; left: David M Robinson Yellow Box Collection ‘Moonstone’ Ring

David M. Robinson also support the first place prize of the John Moores Painting Prize, often regarded as the Oscars of the painting world and second in winnings value only to the Turner Prize, giving known and unknown artists alike the opportunity for international exposure and, for the fledgling competitors amongst them, a potential springboard into a flourishing career. The prize is organised in partnership with the Liverpool Exhibition Trust and the Walker Art Gallery (where the work of shortlisted entrants is displayed) and continues the affiliation David M. Robinson established with the National Museums Liverpool and Tate Liverpool in 2004. (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

above: backgammon board by alexandra llewellyn

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

Alexandra Llewellyn Design

Marks & Spencer Not only does this 130 year-old department store make possibly the world’s best walnut whips, it’s also pretty darn charitable. In addition to donating unsold food, clothing and equipment to charities including Shelter, Oxfam, Newlife Foundation and FareShare, the company was also amongst the founding members of Business in the Community in 1982, an organisation set up to promote investment in local communities. As if that wasn’t enough, it also helps a whole host of charity partners – such as Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support, Oxfam and WWF – raising funds through a year-long calendar of activities and events and even supporting small, local charities with one-off donations of up to £50. But that’s not all. In 2004 M&S launched Marks & Start, a programme designed to provide work experience opportunities for disadvantaged parts of society and help residents become more self-sufficient, also offering its own employees one day of paid time off each year so they can volunteer in their local communities. The brand have also been known to set up partnerships to match the fundraising efforts of groups embarking on stunts or activities to raise funds for charity, as well as often providing huge amounts of aid and funding when major disasters occur worldwide. (marksandspencer.com)

Alexandra quickly became renowned for her stunningly ornate luxury backgammon boards when the company was first launched in 2010, having been introduced to the ancient game in the alleys of Cairo while strolling with her Egyptian step-grandfather as a child. The boards, which can be personalised with initials, messages or semi-precious stone and brass playing pieces, have now garnered an international following (she counts Sir Richard Branson, Elle Macpherson and January Jones amongst her fans and even collaborated recently with acclaimed artist, painter and sculptor Miranda Donovan), a success which has at last allowed Alexandra to indulge her philanthropic side. To do this she created ten limited edition backgammon boards, intending the money raised by the sale of each one to benefit HIV and sexual health charity, the Terrence Higgins Trust. As the UK’s leading and largest charity of its kind, the Trust aims to help those living with the virus to lead healthy, happy lives and Alexandra herself has been a supporter for many years. The first of the editions was entitled ‘Lily’ and sold at Christie’s for £10,000 in March, with the rest expected to reach similarly lofty estimates. (alexandralldesign.com)

above, from left: Miranda Donovan & Alexandra Llewellyn Backgammon collaboration; in the store; David M Robinson Yellow Box Collection ‘Cloud Nine’ pendants; below: M&S store (photo: Julius Kielaitis)

From George to George It’s rather an incredible thought, but the unbroken line of royal succession in Britain is an amazing 300 years old this year – a line which began when the German House of Hanover acceded to the throne with King George I and the Georgian era was born. You may not know it, but the political, intellectual and cultural life of this country was utterly revolutionised as a result and, to celebrate this momentous anniversary, the Queen’s Gallery (located in Buckingham Palace) has curated The First Georgians: Art and Monarchy 1714-1760, a fantastic new exhibition which includes a selection of stunning paintings and furniture which serve to perfectly illustrate the tastes of a time when Britain was becoming the world’s most liberal, commercial and cosmopolitan society. (royalcollection.org.uk)

Art news

With the John Moore’s Painting prize, a new exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery on the First Georgians, and the 180th birthday of William Morris, it’s a very British month for the art world w o r d s : g e mm a k n i g h t 50

The cheshire Magazine | Art

Q&A with… Local landscape artist David Porter

Q: You were born and raised in Cheshire, whereabouts? A: The village I was born in, Gee Cross, is a few miles from the toe of the Pennines and local to picturesque Werneth Low.

Art awards Known as the Oscars of the painting world, and the second richest after the Turner Prize, the John Moore’s Painting Prize sees more than 2,500 entries each year and has been a catalyst for the careers of such renowned artists as Sir David Hockney, Mary Martin and Peter Doig. The prize is organised in partnership with the Liverpool Exhibition Trust and the Walker Art Gallery, where the work of the finalists will be exhibited following the announcement of the shortlist on 5 July. With a first prize of £25,000 announced in September and sponsored by none other than prestigious watch and jewellery brand David M. Robinson, we’re on tenterhooks to hear who’ll be coming out top. (liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/johnmoores)

Not forgotten English artist William Morris, perhaps one of the most influential figures in Western decorative arts and architecture, not to mention a book designer and typographer of considerable note, had his 180th birthday celebrated in March this year. Perhaps best known for his natureinspired pattern designs, Morris is still a notable figure nearly two centuries after his birth and has followers all over the globe – not bad for a pensioner three times over.

Art of sale The local town of Sale is due to play host to a new and exciting art event this July, set to give local art enthusiasts a rare opportunity to meet a whole host of local painters, sculptors, potters, jewellery designers, printmakers and photographers out and about or in the comfort of their own studios. The idea is to showcase the works in quirky and unusual spaces such as gardens, shops and cafes, all of which will be selling the work of professional artists and makers in the Trafford area. The weekend will include demonstrations along with the opportunity to speak to and buy direct from the makers, with organisers hoping the event will highlight the area’s contribution as a vibrant, thriving cultural and commercial hub of the North West. 11-13 July (facebook.com/ saleartstrail)

Q: Do you think being surrounded by the dramatic Cheshire countryside contributes to your desire to paint? A: The area where I was born probably gave me my first appreciation of the local landscape. I don’t have any formal art schooling, but I always thought of that as an advantage since I don’t have any preconceived ideas or methods. I still live in Cheshire and I find the diversity of the county ample inspiration for my work, from the rugged Macclesfield Forest and Tegg’s Nose to the plains of Cheshire. Q: Your work is filled with calm, soft colours what is it about these shades which makes them so appropriate for the landscapes you create? A: Painting for me starts with an immediate response, possibly seeing the effect of light on the landscape, a cluster of trees or contrasting shapes. I make ‘on the spot’ sketches and notes which help me compose the scene in the studio. My aim is to express the essence of the landscape in a semiabstract manner for which quiet, calm and sometimes cool, colours are ideal. I’m not necessarily trying to imitate the view, the paintings are more about emotional input for the viewer by the colours and the handling of the paint. (jobennettoriginals.co.uk)

Eileen Cooper:

Northern girl with an international reputation From the depths of Derbyshire, around the globe and up to the dizzy heights of the Royal Academy, Eileen Cooper’s artistic journey is truly inspirational words : carol cordre y

have been especially pleased to write about Atelier Rose & Gray’s latest exhibition because it shines the spotlight on the esteemed Eileen Cooper. Even more pleasing is the fact that this artist is a Northern girl, one who has done rather well for herself, not just here and in London but across the globe.

a Royal Academician then, ten years later, she actually made history; Eileen Cooper is the first woman to be elected Keeper of the Royal Academy since 1768 when the institution was first established. As a career, it stands heads and shoulders above the rest and the same can be said with

‘Lots of people’s lives are thrown together in my pictures,

below: Under Lavender Skies by eileen cooper

Born in Glossop in Derbyshire, Cooper’s artistic journey has been remarkable. Her talent was evident even when she was at primary school and it was thanks to the encouragement she received there that she went on to develop her full potential during the 1970s. It fell to the famous Goldsmiths College (part of London University) to well and truly develop that potential, followed by the highly prestigious Royal College of Art where she undertook postgraduate studies before becoming one of its visiting lecturers, then a Fellow. Her abilities and exhibitions continued to attract such serious attention that in 2001 Cooper was made

certainty of her artistic oeuvre that has been exhibited and collected extensively. Cooper has enjoyed a variety of media that has included oils, charcoal on paper, linocuts and woodcuts. The scale of her work varies too but when it comes to subject matter, there is a single, clear message that comes across to me which is that Cooper is a great observer of daily life. Consequently, we are presented with colourful scenes of people at leisure, portrayed together or individually. That makes them sound rather simple and carefree which, at first glance, they are: modern – even timeless, perhaps – young males and curvaceous females frolic about; look pensive; adopt alluring poses, participate in creativity; or enjoy relationships with their domestic pets. Simples…or is it? The strong body language and heavy outlining of Cooper’s figures encourages me to focus more closely on them until, suddenly, the artistic symbolism of her animals jumps out and connects with the poses of her human figures. All this is particularly clear in The Fox and the Rabbit which features a young couple creating shadow puppets on an illuminated wall. The couple stare at each other intently but I detect a slight hint of malice; the female’s hands are formed into a fox outline whilst he creates a

The cheshire Magazine | Art

but there is also a strong sense of separateness’ – Eileen Cooper above, from left: trapeze; Free Thinking; shadow fox, all by eileen cooper

rabbit shape. For centuries, the fox has been identified as a ruthless hunter, cunning and devious – you may remember the sobriquet of Le renard rusé (the cunning fox) attached to the late President Mitterand because of his mistrustful behaviour in politics and in private. Also, to describe a woman as a vixen is to be derogatory about her sexual appetite and in this painting, the female’s leg positions suggest she is anything but demure. Now my attention turns to the rabbit in the scene because numerous cultures have used it as a byword for fecundity or lust so that sets me thinking about the characteristics of this couple. I notice that the forming of the animal outlines results in the couple pointing fingers at each other; is this incidental or are these fingers of blame and, if so, do they change the order of who is identified with cunning and who with lust? Furthermore, the painting makes me question the role of men and women in relationships and so, what at first appeared to be a simple scene has developed into a complex, compelling composition. ‘Lots of people’s lives are thrown together in my pictures, but there is also a strong sense of separateness’, Cooper reveals on her website, adding that she is fascinated to discover that, ‘In the busy lives we lead, people have a sense of

their own time, their own moments of reverie’. This is exemplified in many of her works, notably the linocut Willow which shows a lone, crouching, female figure who seems lost in thought as she fondles a willow branch. Similarly, her painting Sweet and Sour seems to catch a young woman unawares as she sits with two cats on her knee. Their contrasting facial expressions may be the source of the work’s title but cats have been used for generations as symbols of sensuality and seduction as well as representations of demonic characters such as witches. This sets my mind racing with varied interpretations of the painting, whereas Cooper’s vibrantly coloured Showing Off seems simply to be a picture of a young woman enjoying a moment of reverie by dancing. On the one hand, Cooper’s images seem clearly defined and lighthearted but on the other, they include elements which invite us to interpret the status of males and females and how they deal with modern, everyday life. As I said earlier, Cooper’s work is utterly compelling so no wonder she has made a great name for herself well beyond these Northern parts and, along the way, made history too. Eileen Cooper RA, 5 August - 28 September (atelierrosegray.co.uk)

Cecil Beaton at Wilton House

e was one of the ‘bright young people’ of the 1920s but his charm, connections and artistic talent propelled him towards the highest echelons of international society. Sotheby’s exhibition at Wilton House celebrates the late Sir Cecil Beaton CBE (1904-1980) as one of the 20th century’s most gifted theatrical designers and photographers. This exhibition has resulted from Sotheby’s guardianship of the Cecil Beaton Studio Archive and the choice of Wilton House could not be more apt because it played such an important part in Beaton’s private and professional life. He was a close friend of the owners of Wilton, the Earls of Pembroke, and he relished attending and photographing their theatrical events, pageants and balls over a 50 year period. His camera documented, also, the general lives

The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive on public view reminds us of the genius of this great photographer

of three generations of Pembrokes, thus creating an important, historical record of this period and niche of English society. Establishing this archive was made relatively easy for Beaton because his own, lovely country houses of Ashcombe and Reddish were just a few miles away from Wilton House and he was open in his heartfelt admiration for it as, ‘Perhaps the most wonderful piece in all Wiltshire’s heritage of domestic architecture… at every time of year, in all weathers, unfailing in its beauty’. In his youth, fancy dress was often de rigueur for large country house parties and balls. Beaton’s connections and love of theatricality enabled him to revel in such occasions for which he often created costumes for himself and for some of the other guests. He found himself in demand as the event photographer

The cheshire Magazine | Art

too and he used the beautiful settings and interiors of those country houses as the backdrop to his portraits featuring elite members of society in the most fabulous fancy dress. His photographic style was often very staged or composed in the manner of a work of art, but carried out with technical brilliance and sometimes ‘touched up’ or enhanced to ensure that the best or most important features were well defined. The results were magical so his reputation spread and with it, his circle of important clients that included royalty, all

‘Beaton was a genius when it came to studio photography, but he also excelled at capturing spontaneous shots of pure joy’ wanting only him to take both their formal and informal photographs. ‘Beaton was a genius when it came to studio photography, but he also excelled at capturing

spontaneous shots of pure joy’, recalls William Pembroke, the current occupant of Wilton House. Beaton was endlessly ambitious and so he adapted his photographic style to changing times and situations and that helped to develop his reputation as a top portrait and fashion photographer. Commissions from Condé Nast brought a stream of famous figures from all walks of life to the far side of his lens. The rest of the population felt the benefit of his theatrical persona and eye for design because of his iconic, unforgettable costume designs for the films Gigi and My Fair Lady, which earned him Oscars. Cecil Beaton continues to be held in such high esteem that another outstanding designer, Jasper Conran, is curating this exhibition which includes photographs never before displayed in public. Together, they give us a snapshot of an elite life spanning the 1920s to the 70s that include some of the most memorable images ever recorded on film. And with them comes the added attraction of wonderful Wilton House so this really is an event not to be missed. Cecil Beaton at Wilton, 3 May – 14 September (wiltonhouse.co.uk; sothebys.com)

all images © the cecil beaton studio archive

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PRIZE LOTs

1 #1 ‘Tygers at Play’ by George Stubbs ‘Tygers at Play’ is one of George Stubbs’ most celebrated works. Painted circa 1770-75, this masterful depiction of two leopard cubs has rarely been seen in public, and will be offered as part of Sotheby’s Old Master & British Paintings Evening Sale. Exhibition and auction at Sotheby’s, 9 July; Estimated range: £4-6 million. (sothebys.com)

#2 ‘A Sea Beach – Brighton’ by John Constable Painted in 1824, this oil sketch depicts beached boats with sails partly set, with a fisherman in the foreground, possibly mending his nets. Constable portrayed a tumbling sea and brisk wind with rapidly moving clouds, using heavy impasto to capture the immediate sensations of

light and atmosphere. Exhibition and auction at Bonhams, 9 July; Estimated range: £4-6 million. (bonhams.com)

#3 ‘The Road to Calvary’ by Pieter Brueghel the Younger One of Pieter Brueghel the Younger’s most important and innovative compositions, the painting is loosely inspired by an equally monumental rendering of the subject by Brueghel the Elder, made in 1564 and now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. Only five signed and dated versions of this composition by the Younger are recorded, and this is not only the largest, but also the only one to remain in private hands. Exhibition and auction at Christie’s, 8 July; Estimated range: £5-7 million. (christies.com)

clockwise from left: Image: © sotheby’s; image courtesy of bonhams; christie’s images ltd

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30/05/2014 10:31

Watch news Treasured timepieces, horological heirlooms and modern masterpieces WORDS: RICHARD BROWN

The cheshire Magazine | Collection

Second time around

In-House investment

Watch connoisseurs will be thrilled to learn of the subtle development to Richard Mille’s sought-after RM 011 model, which launched seven years ago. The updated model, the RM 11-02 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Dual Time Zone (£116,500), includes a UTC feature for the indication of a second time zone with a Super-Luminovafilled hand, along with the traditional functions of the original, such as the Flyback Chronograph, annual calendar with oversized date, 60-minute countdown timer and 24 hour totaliser. The PVD-treated titanium movement is fitted with two winding barrels and an automatic winding rotor with variable geometry supplying circa 50 hours of power reserve. Watch geeks will no doubt recognise that all other RM design elements are present and correct. (richardmille.com)

The Oris 110 might have flown under the radar had it not been for the calibre housed inside. Instead, with that movement having been developed in-house, the first from the brand in 35 years, the watch demanded attention the moment it was unveiled. Launched earlier this year to mark Oris’ 110th anniversary, the 110 comes with an astonishing – and industry-leading – ten day power reserve. ’Tis a pretty little thing too. Regrettably, only 110 will be made in stainless steel (£3,750) and 110 in rose gold (£9,950). So, if you want one, get moving. (oris.ch)

Diamond diva It was designed, we’re told, for divas looking to unite their love of diamonds with an appreciation of high-end horology. No surprise then, that Roger Dubuis’ new Velvet collection sparkles like the best of them. Fitted with a 172-component calibre – designed, developed and perfected in-house, to the industry’s highest possible standards – it also has the mechanical credentials to boot. In case that wasn’t enough, ladies are invited to select the watch’s accompanying precious stones from a range that includes rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Choices, choices, choices. The Velvet Collection by Roger Dubuis. From a selection, The Watch Gallery at Selfridges

ONE TO WATCH Each month, we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting creations:

‘With summer upon us the Patek Philippe 5164A travel time is the gentleman’s choice for summer travel. With a classic 40mm case housing a twin time zone movement which allows you to read a home and local time, this really is a fabulous looking timepiece perfect for the casual elegant summer.’ – Hugh Pottle, Manager at David M. Robinson, Altrincham 5164A Aquanaut, £POA, Patek Philippe (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

Success in sight A device designed for allowing blind people to tell the time is now up for the Design of the Year award at London’s Design Museum. Different from what you’d usually expect to find on this page but no less beguiling, the Bradley Timepiece went through 25 iterations before it arrived at its charismatic, present-day form. Ball bearings denote the time as they are moved around a solid titanium face using magnets. More than 1,000 people pre-ordered the device before it went on sale last month. Such has been the response to the watch’s design, Bradley’s makers believe that only 1-2 per cent of its customers are visually impaired. Bradley Timepiece, £115, Eone Time (eone-time.com) 61

www.bachet.fr

The cheshire Magazine | Collection

Write from the

heart

his rather gorgeous piece, entitled My Love Letter, is the perfect romantic trinket and a gloriously summery accessory. An abstract take on the traditional envelope emblem, the pendant is available in white or rose gold and features a sweetly delicate line of shimmering diamonds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but perhaps our favourite characteristic is its excellent versatility, ideal for dressing up a casual skinny jeans and pumps pairing, or lending a subtle touch of sparkle to an evening ensemble. Gentlemen, no matter what her style, this one is a winner. ÂŁ3,250 (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

Jewellery news

Masterpieces and master diamonds; celebrating the finest of jewellers and their heritage WORD S : OLI V IA S H AR P E

Master diamonds Only in recent years have buyers begun to realise the financial benefits of investing in fancy coloured diamonds. Unlike colourless diamonds where the margins are slim, prices for fancy colours – the most rare in the diamond family category – continue to increase and are therefore a great investment. This year, diamond house De Beers pays tribute to its 125-year-old heritage by unveiling the 1888 Master Diamonds: a unique collection of exceptional coloured diamonds. Ranging in weight from 0.68-carat to 10.10-carat, each exquisite piece has been astutely cut for beauty and come in vivid hues of blue, yellow, grey and cognac. Each piece has been hand-picked by the De Beers Institute of Diamonds. 1888 Master Diamonds & Creative Solitaires (debeers.com)

CUTTING EDGE The significance of Elizabeth Gage’s work in the world of jewellery design is irrefutable and was recognised by the industry in 2010 when, after more than 40 years of work, her jewellery was entered into the permanent V&A collection.

‘The garden is both my anchor and my reservoir of ideas when designing collections. The boldness, contrast of shape and colour are reflected in my jewels – constantly changing, they remind me that I, too, must change and so must my designs’ – Elizabeth Gage (elizabeth-gage.com) image: Sterle diamond bow necklace

The cheshire Magazine | Collection

Showstoppers at Masterpiece Among the art and antique collectors who showcase annually at the recent Masterpiece London are a number of master jewellers who present their coveted collections at the summer fair. One of these is long-established jeweller Hancocks, who chose to celebrate the fair’s fifth anniversary by displaying works from some of the finest jewellers from the canon of jewellery history, including Cartier, Boucheron and Pierre Sterlè. These were showcased alongside pieces from one of the 21st century’s most notable collections, owned by The Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Key pieces included a retro rose gold bangle by Boucheron and a stunning double row diamond ‘Ribbon’ motif necklace by Pierre Sterlè. Other jewellery exhibitors at the fair included Grima, Theo Fennell, Fred Leighton, Verdura and Wartski, to name but a few. Masterpiece London 2014, 26 June - 2 July (masterpiecefair.com)

Q&A with… Jewellery designer and craftswoman Carolyn Grant Q. Your workshop is based in Pickmere on the outskirts of Knutsford. What do you like most about the area? A. I love it – my workshop looks out over a field behind my house, yet we’re not too remote. Knutsford is a fantastic little town. Lots of independent retailers and loads of restaurants and pubs. The chain stores have crept in a bit since I moved here, but every month I have a stall at the Makers’ Market in the town centre when artisan craftspeople and producers sell their wares. There’s a real buzz in the town when the market is on, so hopefully there’s enough support for local businesses to keep it independent and quirky. Q. Your lampwork glass beads are stunning and so unusual – how did you begin working with glass? A. Thank you! When I first started making jewellery I used mass produced beads, but soon discovered a whole network of glass artists using traditional techniques to make beautiful handmade glass beads. I was instantly hooked and wanted to make my own, and as lessons are expensive I decided to invest the money in equipment instead and teach myself. I imagine it’s probably quicker to learn through tuition, but I like to think that the hours invested in trial, error and practice mean than I’m developing my own style rather than learning someone else’s. Q. Many of your pieces are limited edition or unique, is this because you feel constantly inspired to create new ones? A. In a word, yes. There aren’t enough hours in the day to make everything I’d like to try, so making one offs keeps things fresh and gives me more scope to experiment. It also means people know they can buy something truly unique. Q. You spent a brief spell working in London’s banking sector. What drew you back to the North West? A. I moved to London after graduating and worked in the banking sector there for almost 10 years. My husband and I loved it in our twenties but like a lot of other people wanted to move somewhere a little less frantic before having kids. Long, stressful commutes and the price of property in London were the main drivers I suppose. As my roots are here it made sense to move closer to family. The plan originally had been to move to Manchester, but we just never quite made it that far. (ceegeejewellery.com) 65

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Garden of Eden

Fly by night with bejewelled dragonflies, butterflies and bees

#3 #5

#11

#6 #10

#1 Amethyst and diamond bee drop pendant, £2,995, Theo Fennell (theofennell.com) #2 Urban Jungle gold-plated Swarovski crystal necklace, £1,295, Erickson Beamon (net-a-porter.com) #3 Binsect spider earrings, £85, Tom Binns (matchesfashion.com) #4 Fantasia earrings in 18-karat white gold, diamonds, pink sapphires and micro-mosaic, from a selection, Sicis Jewels (sicisjewels.com) #5 Butterfly gold-plated Swarovski crystal earrings, £430, Erickson Beamon (net-a-porter.com) #6 Stone embellished earrings, £433, Ermanno Scervino (farfetch.com) #7 Gold-plated and silver-plated Swarovski crystal dragonfly ring, £335, Roberto Cavalli (robertocavalli.com) #8 Honeybee gold-plated, crystal and Czech stone bracelet, £98, J. Crew (net-a-porter.com) #9 Printemps Mon Amour ring in 18-karat yellow gold, sapphires and micro-mosaic in blue and yellow tones, from a selection, Sicis Jewels, as before #10 Candy coloured flower drop earrings, from a selection, Butler & Wilson (butlerandwilson.co.uk) #11 Papillon Royale ring in 18-karat white gold, diamonds, sapphires and micro-mosaic, from a selection, Sicis Jewels, as before 67

Embrace the summer with graceful, floating kimonos, Escada’s eye-catching new collection, Bentley aftershave and the new, sleek loafer designed exclusively for feminine feet w o r d s : K AT E R A C O V O L I S

Fashion news

Eastern influence

Japan is not only known for its experimental cuisine, silk kimonos and Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, but also for its contemporary fashion designers. These have graced our rails since the 1970s, and now e-retailer Yoox is celebrating the country’s 20th century designers with a hand-picked collection by distinguished journalist Lynn Yaeger (recognised by her dark, cupid’s bow lipstick). The carefully chosen selection is entitled ‘Mezurashi Hakken – The Japanese Revolution’ and features designers including Kenzo, Issey Miyake, and Comme des Garçons, paying homage to the immaculate tailoring of these forwardthinking creatives. Issey Miyake, from a selection (yoox.com)

Kimono couture Elizabeth Taylor wouldn’t be seen in an old, towelling dressing gown. No, she would parade around in a silk kimono, just like the new range from British heritage brand Gilda & Pearl, which is launching at Selfridges this June. Embracing Hollywood glamour, the collection features a selection of sleepwear including the ‘Harlow’ metallic gold and lace kimono, and the ‘Isadora’ navy silk kimono, both of which are hand-finished with vintage-style lace. Kimonos, from a selection, Gilda & Pearl (selfridges.com) 68

The cheshire Magazine | Fashion

Buckle up The buckle is no longer just there to hold your belt together; it has become a fashion staple. Now Salvatore Ferragamo has reinterpreted the iconic buckle in a new collection which launched in May 2014, with a selection of eyewear and timepieces. The glasses feature a buckle shape on the bridge of the nose, and the frames are available in four combinations including light Havana and palladium. Salvatore Ferragamo Buckle Collection, from £250 (ferragamo.com)

Auto aromas Synonymous with highoctane luxury, Bentley has now launched a limitededition aftershave, Bentley for Men, which comes in a sleek black and gold bottle with the classic ‘Flying B’ logo. Made from some of the world’s most precious woods and expensive raw materials the fragrance is a spicy cocktail of fresh ginger and pink peppercorns – and a lot more affordable than a new car. Bentley for Men Absolute Eau de Parfum (harrods.com)

Elegant relief When the biggest names in fashion unite, you know there’s a good reason behind it. The charity Born Free has launched a range for Shopbop.com, showcasing an exclusive collection with the aim of ending mother-tochild HIV transmissions, and all proceeds will go to the initiative. The pieces, for both mother and child, are by some of fashion royalty, from Diane Von Furstenberg to Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Prada to Phoebe Philo for Céline. Born Free + Shopbop, from a selection (shopbop.com)

Light up Fabulous fashion house Escada’s Pre-Fall 2014 collection is quite the sight to behold, inspired as it is by innovative artist James Turrell’s futuristic LED light fixtures. The result is draped charmeuse tops, cigarette pants and fur coats with detachable leather sleeves in bold colours such as blue sapphire, pink tourmaline and purple tanzanite. If it’s good enough for Kelly Osbourne and Helen Mirren (who wore pieces from the collection to The Golden Globes and SAG Awards respectively), it’s most certainly good enough for us. (escada.com)

On point The loafer has undergone a transformation. In Nicholas Kirkwood’s S/S14 collection, no longer are loafers clumpy and masculine, but rather, feminine and sleek. Made with a pointed toe in soft tumbled calfskin leather, they come in a variety of colours, suitable for every occasion and taste, from fuchsia to classic black, and they also feature the classic Kirkwood architectural heel. Bottalato loafers, £295, Nicholas Kirkwood (nicholaskirkwood.com)

WILD WILD The son of Dame Vivienne herself, Ben Westwood is – perhaps inevitably – making his first foray into the world of fashion design. He sits down with Gemma Knight to talk eclectic careers, fetish photography and Clint Eastwood

A images: Ben Westwood’s collection modelled by himself and wife Tomoka, photographed by his uncle, Rodney Westwood

t the age of fifty-one, Ben Westwood is everything you’d expect as the son of one of the world’s most unorthodox and eccentric designers – and, at the same time, somehow also completely the reverse. Sitting cross-legged in the chair opposite me, he is – like his mother – all long, delicate limbs and piercing eyes, with feathery grey hair that hangs past his shoulders and wrapped in a duck-down bomber jacket, the metallic coating of which is fractured with

cracked, broken foil and what appears to be rubber glue. It’s Copydex, as it turns out. ‘It was a cheap reject,’ he tells me. ‘Because the shiny coating was peeling off. I bought several pots of Copydex which I kept sticking the coating back with over the years until it looked like something out of Mad Max. Everyone liked it and asked where I’d bought it.’ This is as ideal an analogy of the man’s personal style as could possibly exist – and

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WESTWOOD considering that, after years in such careers as DJ, post office worker and fetish photographer, he’s now produced his first clothing collection, it’s this personal style I’m most intrigued by. ‘My mother has a maxim about buying less but buying well and then wearing the item until it falls to bits,’ he explains. ‘I’m not following her words but they do describe my dress sense. Safety pins, holes, rips and repairs are on all my clothes, but that’s because when I find something I like I stick with it – it makes the item more personal and distinctive.’ This ethos is certainly borne out in his collection, a fabulous, quirky romp of vaguely Spaghetti Western-style pieces evolved from the

likes of cavalry-style double-breasted coats and oilskin capes, cut in a whole host of fabrics (all surplus from his mother’s design house, though he’d like to produce his own prints eventually) which allow the pieces to run the full gamut from his to hers and smart to casual. His inspiration is not Westerns, as it turns out, but specifically gun-slinging icon Clint Eastwood. Ben is obviously a fan, explaining how great he thinks Eastwood looks in all his 60s and 70s films then adding ‘Actually I sent him a coat as a present two years ago out of respect but I never heard back from him, so he was either too busy or else more likely he never got it.’ He pauses, adding a little sadly ‘All I wanted was a signed 

photo.’ Then, as if to change the subject, he gets technical. ‘The thing that I do like about the Spaghetti Westerns is that all the clothes look well-worn but also of good quality; functional, comfortable and very often quite flashy and extrovert. There’s a good mix of different styles and cultures, so a gentleman’s top hat goes well with Indian feathers sticking in it and an 18th century frockcoat goes well with a sheepskin waistcoat.’ Having helped out in his mother’s business from 1986 to 1990, it’s a natural assumption that he always had designs on the fashion world – but he’s quick to point out that, at the time, his focus was only on helping his mother and

‘The inspiration for my designs has been the process of designing them itself’ – Ben Westwood that his current aspirations only surfaced recently – and, it seems, quite organically. ‘The inspiration for my designs has been the process of designing them itself,’ he says. ‘I started off with a coat I had always liked from the film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, then I decided to add a hood but I didn’t like the way this turned out so the idea of a very high collar came to me. I called this coat the Cavalry coat because of the way the collar fell when it was turned down. The coats both come in at the waist so the idea of cutting them off at this point and making a short jacket came to me. The other method I use is to take something I already like and wear a lot and work out how to adapt it to make it better and more functional.’ We chat about his career as a fetish photographer for a while – a period of highs and lows which didn’t always pay the bills, but did provide such highlights as ‘having three books of my work published, seeing one of my pictures printed six storeys high in London for a billboard campaign for lastminute.com, and a

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latex shoot I did for my designer friend Atsuko Kudo after which I, Atsuko and the models (still dressed in latex) all went to a private party for Marilyn Manson where I was DJ-ing’ – then (perhaps unavoidably) the conversation turns to his mother. I feel guilty asking (how many times must he have fielded these questions?), but he takes the interest graciously and answers kindly and candidly, so I ask what it was like growing up on the fringes of such tremendous limelight. ‘The problem with having a high profile parent is that the light can be shone on you without you having done anything credible to deserve it, which makes me very uncomfortable,’ he replies. ‘It makes me feel like a fake and it also makes me very critical of the fame loving public. Another bad side to it is when the light just misses you. I went to an event once with my mother and the photographers all wanted a picture of her. I didn’t know where to stand, next to her or off to the side. I stood to the side, they didn’t want me.’ After a period of estrangement, however, he and Dame Vivienne seem to have patched up their relationship to the point that the only place on earth where you can currently purchase Ben’s designs is, in fact, from the rails of her World’s End store on London’s fashionable King’s Road. I ask if she has any creative influence, but he tells me that it’s important to him that his ideas are his and his alone. ‘When I let other people give me ideas it breaks the chain of thought from which an original idea can come to me,’ he says, adding fondly ‘though of course I respect my mother’s creativity immensely and her work has been a great education

for me.’ In addition to selling his collection at the World’s End store, Ben’s main job is now writing the shop’s blog, which he loves. ‘It’s rather like being a journalist,’ he says. ‘I do the writing, which it seems I have an aptitude for, and I still take any new photos that I need for the posts.’ Nevertheless, he’s not convinced he’s found his niche just yet, and I’m not surprised to discover that he doesn’t really believe in permanence – which, to him, seems synonymous with stagnation. ‘I can’t relate to the word permanent as I myself change over time, and most of the things that I like to do with my time are nothing to do with making money. However these are the things from which I gather my ideas and inspiration and at the moment designing is giving me a productive outlet. I do enjoy it and I do definitely intend to expand on this project. At the moment the business and production sides are taking my attention, and I’m experimenting in using different types and weights of fabric for my designs. I don’t really see my business plan as revolving around seasonal collections – I see it as a unisex, timeless, classic collection that I build up over the years.’ But I’m not satisfied – I want to know if he’s content to evolve only as Ben; the designer, or if even that would be too restrictive for a man so determined not to be creatively stifled. He grins and, ending our interview as enigmatically as it began, says ‘I always feel like there is still something else to do,’ standing up and adding casually ‘Maybe politics?’

The cheshire Magazine | Fashion

ADORING ALEXANDER S

peaking at the unveiling of the Spring/Summer 2014 clothing collection for Alexander McQueen, its designer Sarah Burton said: ‘I didn’t want it to feel too referenced to a period or theme.’ The result is lace-like lattice skirts worn with armoured belts, traditional feather fringing juxtaposed against geometric prints and these Maya sandals – completely, fantastically otherworldly in their sense of drama, and as fun as they are intimidating. Arriving in stores imminently, the platforms have a futuristic feel and we can’t take our eyes off them. £2,645 (alexandermcqueen.com)

Light rose short lace dress, ÂŁ1,470, Sophia Kah (sophiakah.co.uk). Gold and bronze Vincentian mask, ÂŁ900, Julia Burness (theshopatbluebird.com) 76

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You shall go

to the ball With sleek lines and delicate cuts, this is elegance at its very best

Ph o t o g r a p h y : Rebecca Mille r St y li s t: Davi d H a w ki n s

Fashion | The cheshire Magazine

above Metalised lemon short dress, ÂŁ910, Sophia Kah, as before. Toy Box crown, from a selection (tamwalsh.com)

right Long Joan dress and apron skirt, both from a selection, Vivienne Westwood Gold Label capsule collection A/W14/15, Vivienne Westwood Gold Label, Bridal and Couture, 6 Davies Street, W1K

The cheshire Magazine | Fashion

above Silk chiffon and bead fishtail dress with train, from a selection, Roberto Cavalli Couture (robertocavalli.com)

left Tamika dress in tulle and silk, ÂŁ799, Catherine Deane, available at Harvey Nichols (catherinedeane.com)

Fashion | The cheshire Magazine

above Ivory midi silk dress with lace, £1,430, Sophia Kah, as before

right Strapless cerise and scarlet plissé chiffon dress with a cascade of handmade appliqué roses and dramatic train, POA, Catherine Walker & Co.(catherinewalker.com)

CREDITS Make-up: Marco Antonio using MAC Cosmetics Hair: Bart Czajka. Model: Brit Wood @ M & P Photographic assistant: James Rawlings Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistant: Phoebe Haines Retouching: Kasia Kret @ Studio Invisible Thank you to Hartwell House for the location (hartwell-house.com)

Beauty news From Chanel to Guerlain, we bring you all the trends and tips you’ll need to smell gorgeous, look fabulous and help your hair and skin survive the (hopefully) scorching heat this summer Another chance Following the success of its popular Chance perfume, Chanel is to issue three new body products for the summer. Mere weeks after it turned the legendary Coco fragrance into a Scented Foam Bath, it has paired the jasmine and citrus fragrance of Chance Eau Fraîche with Shimmering Touch, a gel that gives a subtle sparkle to the décolletage. Elsewhere, Chance Eau Tendre is available in what is billed as a Shimmering Powdered Perfume – which is in fact a scented powder puff, while the original Chance perfume is infused into a Shimmering Body Cream. From £50 020 7493 3836

Is this the most lavish beauty concierge ever? French skincare brand Institut Esthederm is renowned for its detailed approach to sun care – but it has taken its passion for UVA/UVB protection a step further by hiring dedicated therapists to apply it. Guests staying at the One and Only Reethi Rah resort in the Maldives can enrol at the Institut Esthederm Sun Spa for regular inch-by-inch skin check-ups with a tanning coach – hourly if your skin demands it. The idea is that the careful monitoring programme prevents burning and restores moisture levels. The biggest tip? Use Pre-Tanning Suncare spray before departure to trigger melanin production. (feelunique.com)

High definition Did you know that you should ideally replace your mascara every three months for hygiene purposes. If the Duchess of Cambridge was still Kate Middleton when you last bought yours then throw it away immediately and replace it with this fabulous new version from MAC. Its lightweight formula glides on easily, while the intense pigment gives a blacker– than–black finish. In Extreme Dimension Mascara in 3D Black Lash, £18, MAC (maccosmetics.co.uk) 84

‘A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future’ – Coco Chanel

Absolutely flawless

Unwind in style

Bored of reapplying? Had a cheeky bit of laser and don’t want to shout about it? Or are you someone who occasionally stumbles into bed without taking their make-up off? If any of these apply to you then you need this foundation in your life – a Hollywood favourite, it is now finally available in the UK and promises both complete coverage and skin protection. Oxygenating Foundation, £45, Oxygenetix, available at Skin Energy Clinic (drterry.com)

If your shoulders are permanently glued to your ears then add this new De-Stress Massage & Body Oil to your shopping list. A glorious mixture of arnica, lavender and warming ginger, it’s both anti-inflammatory and deliciously soothing – aches and pains will melt away while racing minds will calm in an instant. De-Stress Massage & Body Oil, £41, Aromatherapy Associates (feelunique.com)

The cheshire Magazine | Beauty

Treatment of the month

KISSED by Mii As the summer wardrobe gets into full swing there’s nothing better than a sunkissed glow. And ideally, no streaky orange legs in sight.

Happy birthday Terracotta This year, Guerlain is celebrating 30 years of creating the perfect sun-kissed complexions, with the release of Terracotta Sun Celebration. It incorporates two tones of bronzer alongside a blusher and is said to give the appearance of having spent three weeks in the sun. The limited edition range has been available nationwide from June. £47 (guerlain.com)

Surviving summer We’ve always loved vibrant beauty brand Lush’s quirky products, not least because they’re as kind to our skin as they are colourful. Its newest range is designed to help get your skin through the summer unscathed, whether it be with the help of the Breath of Fresh Air toner, which helps refresh and moisturise sun-dried skin, the cunning Colour Supplements, which help give skin a fresher, even look, or (our personal pick) the Godiva Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bar in one – a shea butter-infused lifesaver for festival-goers suffering from burnt scalps or sun damaged hair. (lush.co.uk)

We popped down to the new La La Spa in Knutsford to try out a new salon tan from the makers of Jessica nailcare. Any regular fake-tanners will know that exfoliation and skin preparation is key to the perfect tan and this treatment is no different. First comes a full body exfoliation to polish your skin, concentrate on those stubborn areas around your elbows and knees and provide the hydration and nourishment the skin needs. Courtesy of Julie, the spa manager, I lay cocooned in towels before the scrub is taken off and I am ready for the tan. You can choose the ‘strength’ of tan to suit your skin and because the collection uses marine minerals to replenish your skin naturally the result I am looking for is natural and glowing. After I have been expertly sprayed it is time for the tan to develop and me to sneak home in loose clothing (without that strong burned biscuit smell often associated with fake tans). I am advised that you should leave it on for a good 8 hours for maximum effect. I am actually heading out in the evening so sneak a shower only 6 hours later but the result is still great. I look healthy (not orange) and inspect as I might I can’t to find any little areas which don’t quite look right. So, that’s hair, cellulite and tan ticked off my holiday list. Next... The exfoliation and tan package is a special package at £39.99 from La La Spa, Knutsford. (Kissed by Mii tanning from £22.50). Top-up and aftercare products are also available to enhance your tan (01565 634289; lala-spa.com)

BACK PAIN? SPORTS INJURY? SKIN TIGHTENING? STRESS? INSOMNIA? CELLULITE? ANTI-AGING?

WBC IS THE ANSWER

The Mozhgan Taheri Clinic has NOW introduced WBC WHAT IS WBC? Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is the exposure of the entire body to extreme cold to stimulate the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural response to inflammation, pain, spasms and promote healing. Proven to improve joint and muscular function from sporting injuries and accelerate recovery WBC can also be used to treat chronic arthritic diseases and skin conditions. For many, though, it is an answer to the everyday stresses and strains, stimulating endorphin production, easing tension and promoting sleep. On a beauty level it can reduce cellulite (lifting and lightening legs), increase collagen production and accelerate metabolism for weight management burning up to 800 calories.

Mozhgan Taheri Clinic, 3a Alma Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5ND

01625 402080

www.mozhgantaheri.com

The CryoSauna is used by professional athletes at the highest levels of the NBA, the NFL and the Premiere League.

The cheshire Magazine | Fashion

IVY LEAGUE

unspel’s Spring/Summer 14 collection is all about nostalgia, specifically inspired by post-war Britain and America; the British label has taken influence from the ‘make do and mend’ austerity of Britain, and the colourful optimism of American culture and design. Using a neutral but refreshing palette of greys and blues, the wardrobe staples are reminiscent of 1960s Ivy-League style with raglan sweatshirts, chinos and Harrington jackets. The collection wouldn’t be complete without the underwear; they were the first brand to introduce the ‘boxer short’ to the UK. SS14 collection, from a selection (sunspel.com)

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BECAUSE IT’S THERE A series of auctions of rare books on and by great explorers not only provokes wanderlust but the question of quite why Brits especially have a penchant for going off the map WORDS: JOSH SIMS

evison Wood is halfway through a walk. And it is some walk: it will, if he makes it, cover some 4,250 miles, pass through six countries and take a year or more. It covers the entire length of the Nile. Small wonder that adventurer Bear Grylls has called it ‘the Holy Grail of an expedition’, or that Sir Ranulph Fiennes, arguably the greatest living explorer - or, at least, what is left of him, having lost several digits to frostbite - has called it

‘I always loved the stories of great explorers who underwent privations to discover new things’ – Levison Wood

‘an immense feat of endurance’. One thing is extraordinary about the adventure: that there remain any such extreme examples of outward boundliness, so to speak, that have not already been done. But if Levison pulls it off, he will be the first to have walked the length of the Nile. But another is far from surprising: like Grylls and Fiennes, Levison is also British, more specifically from Stoke-OnTrent. ‘I always loved the stories of great explorers who underwent privations to discover new things,’ he has said. ‘Other than going to Mars, this was the biggest expedition I could think of. I had to do it.’ Levison is too late to make it into the pages of a number of books charting British exploration under auction at Sotheby’s throughout this and next year, but the private library certainly points to just how far and wide the members of this small, cold island have made it beyond its shores. The 1,500 books compiled by Franklin Brooke-Hitching include the likes of Slave-catching on the Indian Ocean and Tramps in Dark Mongolia, but also Ernest Shackleton’s Aurora Borealis, actually printed on his 1909 

opening page, from top: Shackleton, Heart of the Antarctic - Signed by the Shore Party, 1909 (Including Shackleton); panoramic view of Lhodse and Nuptse; this page, clockwise, from far left: Portrait of Shackleton, Heart of the Antarctic; Bear Grylls; books under auction at sothebys; Lot 322, James Webber (1808); Lot 101, Voyage of Discovery towards the North Pole (1843); captain james cook

uction under a s k o o b The

Captain

James C ook

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Antarctic expedition and bound in wooden boards taken from food provision crates. ‘The books document voyages all over the world, from the Elizabethan Age to the exploration of the Antarctic - and there is a lot of interest in the history of exploration and discovery,’ says Richard Fattorini, a books specialist at Sotheby’s involved in the sale. ‘This is in part out of that Boy’s Own sense of adventure, but also because these are amazing tales of epic journeys that were often extremely important in terms of first encounters and scientific discovery.’ Might, indeed, there be something in the British psyche that encourages what, from one perspective, can strike onlookers as being an indication more of madness than derring-do? Although it smacks of national stereotyping, the likes of the stiff-upper-lip and the gung-ho attitude, there is some charm to climber George Mallory’s supposed retort to the question of why he wanted to climb Mount Everest: ‘Because it’s there’. And certainly some have attributed the spirit of adventure to the more personalitybuilding curriculum traditionally espoused by Britain’s public school system. But many a Briton’s feats of wandering off the edge of the world have been inspired as much by the search for wealth or territory fuelled by the prevailing expansionist mindset of Britain’s Empire days - as they have been an individual bloodymindedness or a thirst for knowledge. In 1925, for example, Percy Harrison Fawcett ventured deep into the Amazon rainforest in search of a mythical kingdom, one he probably believed to be El Dorado, the city of gold - he disappeared. Francis Younghusband was an explorer and diplomat, but his main motivation for leading a British mission to Tibet in 1903 was to bring the region under British sway. On entering Lhasa he mistook the clapping crowd as a sign of their welcome. The clapping was actually intended to ward off evil spirits. Indeed, motivation aside, Britain has a history of fostering exceptionally remarkable explorers,

many of whom have practically become part of British folklore for their gentlemanly if sometimes disastrous ‘against the odds’ heroism - from Captain Robert Scott to Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake; many of whom also survived to tell remarkable tales, many of whom never came back. Captain James Cook - one of Britain’s greatest explorers, navigators and cartographers, for

Captain James Cook charted much of the unknown world throughout the 18th century example, charted much of the unknown world throughout the 18th century, until finally being killed in Hawaii. John Franklin tried, in 1845, to chart the Northwest Passage, but his boat became trapped in ice and he was never seen again. Sir Richard Burton, the 19th century geographer, journeyed widely through Africa and Asia, travelling in disguise into Mecca and returning to publish the Kama Sutra in English for the first time. Dr David Livingstone - an inspiration to Levison - searched ceaselessly through uncharted Africa for the source of the Nile, his wife Mary also becoming an unsung hero of exploration in her own stead. Similarly too often overlooked, Freya Stark was one of the first non-Arabians to travel through the Arabian deserts, and one of the first Europeans to explore Iran. The quest that tireless readiness to add one small step to another and in so doing cover thousands of mysterious miles through often terrible conditions - must have lived deep within all of them. It is a quest that goes on. ‘There are still parts of the land on Earth we don’t know because it’s just so inaccessible,’ notes Fattorini. ‘And we won’t stop there there is the seabed to explore and we know so very little about our solar system. But we will read about those future adventures on-line perhaps rather than in beautifully-tooled leather-bound books.’

GOODWOOD... Even if you don’t really like cars, Goodwood’s Festival of Speed and Revival events are not to be missed W O R D S : M a t t h e w Car t e r

wenty-one years ago, Lord March decided to hold a motoring gathering in his front garden at Goodwood in Sussex. He called it the Festival of Speed and hoped a few fans might turn up to watch. ‘I wasn’t too certain if anyone would be interested in coming along to our very first event back in 1993. We expected around 5,000 people, but more than 25,000 turned up,’ he says. ‘Today the Festival attracts over 185,000 enthusiastic spectators which I just couldn’t have imagined back in 1993. I think it is safe to say that the event now looks like it is here to stay!’ That’s an understatement if ever there was one. The Festival of Speed has been one of the biggest events on the social calendar for some years now, and is sufficiently important that virtually all the Grand Prix teams and top drivers make sure they are there. It has also become a must-do event for the mainstream manufacturers who all spend a small fortune ensuring they have a massive presence at Goodwood; it’s now the closest thing the UK has to a motor show. To get those crowds into the grounds of Goodwood House, the Earl of March and Kinrara has turned what started out as a small garden party into arguably the world’s biggest

motor sporting festival. The FoS now regularly attracts not just the most important cars and bikes that ever raced, but many of the top drivers past and present, too. But don’t assume it’s a weekend just for petrol-heads. The really clever thing about Lord March and his team is that they create events with broad appeal, with something for everyone, young and old. The Festival is centred around the tricky 1.16-mile hill-climb course that snakes through the grounds of Goodwood House, and throughout the weekend competition cars of all

‘The skies, meanwhile, will be full of Spitfires and Hurricanes’ shapes and sizes – Grand Prix single-seaters through the ages, American NASCAR and Indycar racers, Grand Prix bikes, rally cars, road-going supercars, Le Mans cars, you name it – race up the hill against the clock. Best of all, when not being driven in anger, these rare, historic and, in many cases, extraordinarily valuable pieces of motor-racing history are corralled together in various paddocks around the grounds, so close that they

The cheshire Magazine | Motoring

it’s glorious are within touching distance. But there’s much more. The lawns in front of the house become a garden party with jazz bands, champagne stalls and picnic areas, while the field on the far side of the track turns into a huge automotive fairground with manufacturer stands, shops and stalls and some of the most breathtaking displays you are ever likely to see in the Goodwood Action Sports (GAS) arena. Each Festival has a theme, and this year it’s Addicted to Winning – The Unbeatable Champions of Motor Sport, a theme which ‘will celebrate the legendary drivers and riders, teams and manufacturers who have swept all before them in their sport.’ That’s how Goodwood puts it. But the Festival of Speed is not the only motor-racing event put on at Goodwood. Five years after the Festival began, Lord March started the Goodwood Revival race meeting. Based at the nearby Goodwood Circuit – the track where, in 1962, a huge accident effectively ended Stirling Moss’s career – the Revival recreates the atmosphere of the circuit as it would have been in its heyday before racing stopped there in 1966. Like the Festival, the Revival attracts the best historic racing cars and drivers in the world – the grid for the feature TT Celebration race will be full of Ferraris, Astons, ACs and Jaguars driven by former Grand Prix stars and endurance racing legends, for example. But this time they are racing against each other rather than the clock; the grid for the celebration race might be worth more than £150 million, but

that doesn’t stop everyone having a real go. And the same applies for the myriad of other races for single-seaters, touring cars and sports cars. Special races this year include what promises to be a memorable event for anyone who loves large American cars. The Shelby Cup is open to V8 powered saloons: expect to see dozens of Ford Mustangs (celebrating their 50th year). The skies, meanwhile, will be full of Spitfires and Hurricanes with the occasional Lancaster bomber thrown in for good measure: Goodwood was a bomber airfield during the Second World War and is still a working airfield. Like the Festival, however, the racing is only part of the show. At the Revival you’ll find car parks full of classic cars and everyone – yes, everyone – comes dressed in period costume. The crowds are full of Teddy Boys, hippies, RAF pilots and glamour models. Gentlemen wear ties or cravats and hats, while the ladies get out the pearls, stockings and furs. Even the pit lane mechanics wear white overalls as they would have done in period races, while the track course cars are classic 60s’ sports cars; no modern cars are allowed closer than the outer car parks. As a piece of theatre it is unsurpassed, and you’d be mad to miss either the Revival or the Festival. And while you’re there, say a big thank you to Lord March for his foresight. Festival of Speed (26 - 29 June); Goodwood Revival (12 - 14 September) (goodwood.com/motorsport)

above: lord march (photo: matt sills), all Images courtesy of Goodwood

‘Feel transported to a time of Daniel Craig in Skyfall, or Sean Connery in Goldfinger’

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

A British

classic

amed photographer, Germany-based René Staud, knows his automobiles – he has, after all, been photographing Mercedes, Porsches, Aston Martins and many more of the most prestigious cars in advertisements and magazine editorials for some 25 years. This April saw the release of the latest coffee-table book we’re coveting; The Aston Martin Book – a tome that features

160 exquisite colour photographs of the classic British cars, each of which are brought to life through these vivid portraits. As you devour the pages one by one, you will feel transported to a time of Daniel Craig in Skyfall, or Sean Connery in Goldfinger in true Aston Martin style. The Aston Martin Book by René Staud, text by Paolo Tumminelli, £100 (teNeues.com)

The biggest

sports show

on the planet

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

No other continent has taken football to its heart quite like South America so it’s fitting that the World Cup returns to Brazil this year where the sport is something of a religion W ords : L e e B roo k s

or four weeks this summer, expect to hear cheering -– or groans of frustration – from your normally quiet neighbours, see bars and pubs filled to the brim with all eyes glued to a giant screen and notice flags flying from windows, attached to cars or draped round people as makeshift items of clothing. The country hasn’t gone mad but rather they’ve caught World Cup fever – the bug caused by a single sporting event with the ability to capture the imagination of men and women, young and old, from across the globe irrespective of if they usually indulge in watching 11 players kick a ball around for 90 minutes. This year, the 20th edition of the World Cup, takes on special significance as it returns to Brazil for the second time. England is the home of football, but Brazil is where the sport is a religion. You can find it in every corner of the country, from down on one of the sumptuous beaches, on makeshift pitches, or simply in the street. The support, then, for the host nation will be huge. England booked their ticket to the World Cup with a tense victory over Poland in the final qualifying match. They finished top of Group H, going unbeaten with 22 points from 10 games, and finishing one point clear of Ukraine. Impressively, they conceded just four goals, equal second best in European qualification behind reigning champions Spain, to qualify for their fifth consecutive World Cup finals. As ever, England expects. But the challenge for the 1966 World Cup winners is huge. For starters, the heat will put coach Roy Hodgson and his team under extreme pressure. Their first game – against Italy – takes place in the Amazon jungle in the city of Manaus. Before the draw was made Hodgson said Manaus was the ‘place to avoid’ because of its tropical climate where temperatures hit 30C and humidity is about 80%. For that reason, it’s no coincidence that no European side has won the World Cup in South America. Another challenge is the quality of their group. In Italy, they face a team that oozes 

IMAGE: THE Maracana Stadium © T photography

BELOW, FROM LEFT: WAYNE ROONEY (PHOTO © Fstockfoto); Adidas Brazuca World Cup 2014 Football (PHOTO © Jon Le-Bon); Roy Hodgson (PHOTO © Vlad1988); Brazilian BOY in Rio de Janeiro; ENGLAND FOOTBALL SHIRT (PHOTO © stephen mulcahey

flair and variety to their play and who beat England in a quarter-final penalty shoot-out on their way to the Euro 2012 final. Next up is Uruguay, two-time champions, who reached the semi-final stage in 2010 and will be used to the playing conditions. The Copa America champions, who hosted and won the first ever World Cup in 1930, also have Liverpool’s prolific striker Luis Suarez leading their attack. England complete the group stages against Costa Rica, ranked 31st in the world, 18 places below them. The challenge is huge but as is the case ahead of any major tournament, in England the nation believes and in the World Cup, in challenging temperatures, anything could happen. ‘Do I believe the squad can win the World Cup? Yes, otherwise what is the point of taking a squad to

‘Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart will be joined by midfielder team-mate James Milner’

the World Cup,’ said Hodgson when he named his team for the trip to South America. ‘I hope the squad will give a good account of itself and they won’t let the country down.’ Of Hodgson’s 23-man squad, 14 are from north-west-based clubs. Fresh from winning the Premier League, to add to their League Cup triumph, Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart will be joined by midfielder team-mate James Milner. Despite missing out on European action for the first time in 25 years and finishing down in seventh in the Premier League, Manchester United have supplied four players – defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling and strikers Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck. From Merseyside, Liverpool’s defender Glen Johnson, midfielders Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling and striker Daniel Sturridge have been included, while Everton provides defenders Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka and midfielder Ross Barkley. Barkley is an interesting choice, making a name for himself with a spectacular goal against champions Manchester City last season. The 23-year-old is a risk-taker so he’ll have good and bad moments, but Hodgson is prepared to take a risk. ‘He’s in a position where he plays on very small margins,’ Hodgson said. ‘Sometimes the margins work, sometimes they don’t. But we picked him because we think he’s got potential to do some very exciting things during this World Cup.’ For Rooney, it represents a chance to shine for his country after failing to deliver in 2006 and not managing to score in 2010 despite such promising form in the league for United. The 28-year-old has scored 38 goals in 89 international matches, and is only 11 away from equalling legend Bobby Charlton’s national record. It’s a very youthful squad,

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

one of promise with an eye on the future. As a result, the experienced Michael Carrick and Ashley Cole, the latter of which has clocked up over 100 appearances for his country, have been overlooked. It is hoped that the young squad will be eager to prove themselves on the pitch and it is with that commitment that the nation can be hopeful going to a tournament England have only ever won once. The finals takes on a familiar look with only one debutant – Bosnia & Herzegovina – making it through qualifying. The favourites are, of course, host nation Brazil. The team oozes talent, most notably defensive duo Thiago Silva and Dante and they hold the record for the most World Cup wins – five. But Spain, winner of their last three major competitions (Euro 2008 & 2012 and World Cup 2010) will be a formidable force with Atletico Madrid strikers Diego Costa and David Villa leading the attack. Two-time champions Argentina, who won both their titles on South American soil, will feature heavily, especially as their ranks include the world’s best-paid player Lionel Messi, while Germany are always a well-organised unit who perform strongly on the major stage. Brazil has a romantic relationship with football like no other country and while the nation had to battle to get ready in time to host the sport’s showpiece event, there’s no doubting the players, the fans and the colourful, carnival atmosphere will make the 20th World Cup one to remember. The 2014 World Cup runs from 12 June to 13 July (fifa.com/worldcup)

ENGLAND’S ROUTE TO THE FINAL GROUP D URUGUAY, ITALY, COSTA RICA, ENGLAND June 14 Manaus, 2300: England v Italy June 19 Sao Paulo, 2000: Uruguay v England June 24 Belo Horizonte, 1700: Costa Rica v England LAST SIXTEEN Match 50 - June 28 Rio de Janeiro, 2100: Winner C v Runner-up D Match 52 - June 29 Recife, 2100: Winner D v Runner-up C QUARTER-FINALS Match 57 - July 4 Fortaleza, 2100: Winner Match 49 v Winner Match 50 Match 59 - July 5 Salvador, 2100: Winner Match 51 v Winner Match 52 SEMI-FINALS July 8 Belo Horizonte, 2100: Winner Match 57 v Winner Match 58 July 9 Sao Paulo, 2100: Winner Match 59 v Winner Match 60 THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF July 12 Brasilia, 2100 FINAL July 13 Rio de Janeiro, 2000

Comedian Nick Hancock is a familiar face on our screens and one of the North Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most-loved natives. He sits down with us to talk regional pride, meeting his idols and playing the odd bit of celebrity cricket W O R D S : GE M M A KN I G H T

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

ick Hancock, most notable for presenting TV shows Room 101 and They Think It’s All Over, is a NorthWesterner through and through, not least thanks to his rumoured ranking as ‘TV’s most well-known Stoke City supporter’. ‘I’ve lived on the border of Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire all my life apart from a ten year stint in London when I was doing stand up,’ he tells me. ‘When you live in a place as an adult that you grew up in as a child, you definitely have a strong sense of home. Instinctively my heart turns to Staffordshire and Stoke but I’m lucky to be able to claim a little of Shropshire and Cheshire too. Gorgeous countryside, historic cities and the potteries too,’ he explains, grinning. ‘Bliss!’ Nick started out as a member of Cambridge University’s prestigious Footlights, before graduating and briefly becoming a PE teacher before teaming up with fellow comedian Neil Mullarkey and gradually making his foray into television (by way of small roles in the likes of Mr Bean and The Mary Whitehouse Experience). The rest, as they say, is history. ‘I’ve been very fortunate to have had 30 years of not having a proper job and enjoying every (well nearly every) moment of it,’ Nick admits. ‘I started out doing stand up and I’ve been so lucky to have had some great experiences in the years that followed, meeting many of my heroes and

occasionally making them laugh. My mother said to me when I was about 15 “You’re never going to get a job if all you do is watch football and tell stupid jokes” – how wrong she was!’ For several years now Nick has also been president of the North West Lord’s Taverners, a regional division of a club formed by actors in the Tavern at Lord’s Cricket Ground more than 60 years ago, and now both the official charity for recreational cricket and the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity. Each year, Nick and a group of celebrity friends from the worlds of cricket, football and journalism take part in the organisation’s summer event at Cholmondeley Castle – an occasion which, like the club itself, is very close to Nick’s heart. ‘They do wonderful work raising money for children with special needs and supporting

‘They do wonderful work raising money for children with special needs and supporting inner city areas with sports equipment’ – Nick Hancock on The Lord’s Taverners inner city areas with sports equipment,’ he says. ‘The North West Taverners puts on many amazing functions and we have wonderful support from people across the area. We have so much fun and raise a great deal of money for good causes too, what’s not to like?’ And, with the event regularly raising more than £20,000 to benefit the Lord’s Taverners – who place a particular focus on raising funds for young people with special needs – we can’t help but agree. (lordstaverners.org)

The cheshire Magazine | Lifestyle

innovation nation From the steam engine to the sewing machine and the sandwich to Sellotape, our sceptred isle can lay claim to some of history’s most remarkable and revolutionary inventions. Richard Brown considers some of the most significant

or a small slab of rock nestled off the coast of Europe, Britain has certainly made a disproportionately large contribution to the narrative of civilisation. Over the years, our island’s inhabitants have been responsible for some of history’s most pioneering inventions, discoveries and technical breakthroughs – innovations that have changed the way people live. Think, for example, how different our lives would be without television, radio or the World Wide Web; without the flush toilet, the vacuum cleaner or the electric toaster. Or, for that matter, Marmite. Back in 1775 – long after Jethro Tull had revolutionised farming with his seed drill, John Harrison had cracked the longitudinal puzzle with his grasshopper escapement clocks, and Isaac Newton had eyed the four Galilean moons of Jupiter through his reflecting telescope – James Wyatt invented something that would transform human existence more than any other creation: the steam engine. Redesigning a model originally patented by Thomas Savery a century

before, Wyatt’s was the first commercially efficient steam engine – using 75 per cent less coal than previous models. Whereas the rudimentary nature of earlier designs restricted engines to pumping water, Wyatt’s modifications provided a rotary motion that was suitable for driving factory machinery, an innovation that heralded the arrival of the Industrial Revolution and a period of economic and social

‘Think, for example, how different our lives would be without television’



transformation of a scale hitherto unseen. Some 29 years later, in 1804, Richard Trevithick won a bet when he hauled ten tons of iron over ten miles of track in the first successful steam-driven locomotive and two decades on, George Stephenson connected Yorkshire and Stockton with the world’s inaugural railroad. His ‘Rocket’ had already made history when it 

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became the first locomotive to complete a 50-mile trip. At the time, the train was better known for having dampened the mood of the 1830 Liverpool to Manchester Railway opening when it ran over and killed Liverpool MP William Huskisson. Inventions like the steam engine and railway locomotive transformed travel and industry, but you don’t have to go as far back as the Industrial Revolution for examples of British innovations revolutionising society. Welshman David Hughes’ radio, Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone and Englishman Joseph Swann’s light bulb were all invented in the latter half of the 19th century, at the same time as Darwin was penning On the Origin of Species, Brits were building the world’s first underground railway in London and the modern rules of football, tennis and rugby were being drawn up. The UK’s flare for creativity continued undiminished into the 20th century. In 1925 – after stainless steel, the vacuum cleaner and automated tea makers – Britain gave the world the television. The brainchild of John Logie Baird, the first ‘TV’ transmitted only five images per second. As visual broadcasts have to transmit 12 images per second to create the illusion of motion, it was hardly an optical spectacular. However, a year later, when Baird demonstrated to the Royal Institution a device that broadcast 12.5 images per second, the first truly working

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television was born. Although Baird’s scanning disk produced an image with a resolution of only 30 lines, compared to later resolutions of several hundred, the Scotsman’s invention changed mass entertainment and social interaction forever. The 1930s arrived and Brits made roads safer by separating lanes with ‘cat’s eyes’ and enhanced the experience of music by inventing stereo. At the end of the decade, Hitler invaded Poland, World War Two was declared and Britain went invention crazy. In addition to bouncing bombs, ballistic missiles and corner shot rifles, out of the war came the jet engine (the British Gloster Meteor fighter appeared in 1944), radar (a device that enabled the RAF to scramble fighters in response to incoming enemy planes) and... the computer. Although the idea for an automated calculation and programmable machine was dreamt up by Charles Babbage in 1812, it is Maida Vale’s Alan Turing who is recognised as the father of modern computer science. Turing had already helped to theorise the logic of computer algorithms with his Turing Machine when, in the 1940s, the Government enlisted him to join Bletchley Park – Britain’s code breaking headquarters – where he devised

‘Joseph Swann’s light bulb was invented in the latter half of the 19th century’

The cheshire Magazine | Lifestyle

several techniques for breaking German ciphers. Post-war, Turing created a design for the earliest stored-program computer, something that in 1999 earned him a place on Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of the 20th century list. A few decades later, as Baird had done with the television and Turing with the computer, fellow Brit Tim Berners-Lee would once again metamorphose society. In 1989, with the aim of creating ‘a common information space in which we communicate by sharing information’, the Oxford graduate conceived the World Wide Web. Devising a way to communicate information between a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) client and a server via the Internet, Berners-Lee enabled the sharing of data across computers not linked by hardware. People have been swapping everything from bank details to holiday snaps ever since. Of course, invention isn’t just a product of all things new, but a progression of existing products and designs: the re-invention of standardised ideals – something London-born Kenneth Grange has been doing since 1950. His designs include the British Rail High Speed Train (in use since 1972), the bus shelter, the parking meter and the Wilkinson Sword razor. Grange not so much invented products to fill a functional need as invented ways in which we

picture specific products with only his designs in mind. The modern black cab, for instance, was his creation. The monumental success of Apple in the 21st century can be attributed to the similar endeavours of a single, little-known Essex boy. Born in 1967, Jonathan Ive was just 31 when he revolutionised computer design with the iMac. Later, when given the task of engineering a pocket-sized hard drive that would play thousands of songs, he created the iPod. In 2005, he designed the iPod Nano, and in 2007, the iPhone. The Apple iPad is a direct descendant of Ive’s efforts. For sports fans, being British can sometimes feel synonymous with defeat and disappointment, but if it wasn’t for the creativeness of our ancestors, sports like football, rugby and cricket may never have existed. Nor perhaps would have elastic fabric, greeting cards, matches, sunglasses, carbonated soft drinks, rubber bands, pencils, hovercrafts, lawnmowers, the pocket calculator or Viagra. With history proving our nation’s ability to innovate and design as second to none, next time you have time on your hands, why not put your creative cap on and see what you can come up with? After all, to borrow one of 1,700 words and phrases invented by one William Shakespeare, the world is your oyster.

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The height of luxury Having only opened on 1 May and already being talked about as one of Holland’s finest luxury hotels, the new Waldorf Astoria in Amsterdam has certainly arrived with a flourish. Nestled in the heart of the city’s long-established and canal-covered Herengracht district, the hotel spans six historic town houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, one of which was once home to the Mayor of Amsterdam, while another belonged to Dutch historical figure Hendrick Hooft. The Rococo interiors are elegant and sophisticated, with 93 guest rooms boasting sumptuous furnishings and splendid views that we’re willing to bet are rather hard to beat. (waldorfastoria.com/Amsterdam)

Travel news From icon-inspired breaks to havens on the Serengeti, cooking courses in stunning surrounds and Europe’s newest super-luxe hotel, consider all future travel plans well taken care of words : g e mma k n i g h t

Home from home

Safari so good

New online rental programme StopSleepGo is one of a growing number of companies cleverly connecting home-owners and holidaymakers, allowing travellers to swap the sterility of a hotel room for a stay in the welcoming surrounds of a vacant home. With a staggering 15,000 properties listed within its first year, the choice on offer right across the globe is certainly impressive, with secure payment options, a user-friendly vibe and a minimal fee for homeowners wanting to advertise their property for holiday rental (a mere 3%). With an already thriving and loyal fanbase, we love seeing this revolutionary idea done with such sheer finesse. (stopsleepgo.com)

Having been closed to the world for more than twenty years in order to help foster cheetah breeding and research, the brand new luxurious safari haven at Namiri Plains will at last open to the public this July. Situated in the heart of the Serengeti, the area boasts one of the highest densities of cheetahs in East Africa, while the six-tented camp itself offers tailor-made trips and what they lovingly term ‘bush luxury’, which includes sunrise breakfast picnics and fabulous views of the sweeping plains, not to mention expert guides and the chance to hear stories from big cat researchers across the dinner table. (namiriplains.asiliaafrica.com)

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The cheshire Magazine | Travel

Case in point We’ve been treated to a sneak peak at the new Autumn/Winter ’14 collection from luxury luggage brand Antler – and, unsurprisingly, it’s simply gorgeous. The collection marks the brand’s 100th anniversary and places particular importance on its innovative British heritage, meaning that every piece is brimming with neat, practical features (such as machinewashable lining and waterproof zips) in bold, classic colours. We particularly love the Jupiter, a case made from Makrolon polycarbonate which makes it incredibly strong but also surprisingly lightweight. Available from the end of August (antler.co.uk)

‘Travel and change of place impart new vigour to the mind’ – Seneca

INSPIR

ICONS ED BY

Long haul Vs short haul

Long haul Los Angeles, USA

In homage to one of the legendary hotel’s most famous guests, and timed to coincide with the much-anticipated release of Grace of Monaco in June, the historic Hotel Bel-Air has created the ‘Graceful Living’ package. Known as the hotel where Grace Kelly lived before her marriage to Prince Rainier Grimaldi III, the BelAir’s package includes accommodation in the star’s former suite, speciality cocktails and a bespoke Princess facial at the hotel’s exclusive Spa by La Prairie.

Short haul Milan, Italy

Food glorious food Magnificent Yorkshire country estate Carlton House has recently unveiled its latest venture – a School of Food (otherwise known as ‘Cooks’) which aims to help guests of all ages and abilities ‘discover food’. Courses focus on the art of traditional cooking as well as foods of the future, taking place in the rather splendid surrounds of the Grade I listed building’s original kitchens. (carltontowers.co.uk)

There should be only one city break on the list of Leonardo Da Vinci fans this summer. Boasting a three-hour tour of Milan which takes in many of the maestro’s masterpieces (including the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, The Last Supper, the Sforza Castle and Pinacoteca di Brera) and the opportunity to retrace the footsteps of the man himself, the Hotel Principe di Savoia’s ‘A Road to Leonardo’ package should satisfy even the most eager culture vultures. 107

EQUINE DIVINE Finding lovely places to holiday with a four-legged friend is easy these days, but if your holiday companion is of the equestrian variety, finding high quality facilities that meet the requirements of you and your horse is tough – neigh, almost impossible. Jackie Fox-Jones discovers one such place which may just have the answer

or passionate riders, the opportunity to spend holidays exploring new trails and tracks on horseback is a welcome one, and even more so if you are astride your own animal. Whilst some providers are facilitating equestrian breaks, few offer the chance to holiday with your own horse or the ability for either of you to stay in anything better than sub-standard accommodation. Thankfully, it looks like the dream of a five-star riding holiday is becoming a reality following the launch of Holidays for Horses by White Beach Holiday, where both horse and owner can reside, ride and relax in sumptuous surroundings. Located around two hours drive from our beloved county is White Beach Cottage near Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey. As its name suggests, the Cottage is located within trotting distance of glorious White Beach Cove, one of the island’s many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a perfect spot for swimming, beach barbecues or sun worshipping. The Cottage enjoys a quiet haven of calm and tranquility at the end of a private country lane. Despite being a delightfully secluded location, there is more than enough room to manoeuvre a horsebox, or car and trailer – just one of the many equestrian-related details considered. Sitting pretty within perfectly presented two acre grounds is the Cottage, a modest and pretty white stone building swathed in honeysuckle and clematis. Built around 1810 it has a colourful past, having once been used to serve beer to men working at a local quarry as well as provide shelter to livestock. The sheep and cows are now long gone and the

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accommodation has been tastefully remodelled to suit those with more discerning tastes. The interior has been transformed into spacious living accommodation whilst skillfully managing to retain its external character. The Cottage comfortably accommodates five guests in a master bedroom with en-suite, a double bedroom and a ‘crog-loft’, a single attic room, which younger guests love. Each bed is dressed in fine white linens and topped with invitingly fluffy white bathrobes, for use after a power shower, a spell in the Cottage’s steam

‘The Cottage enjoys a quiet haven of calm and tranquility at the end of a private country lane’ room or a dip beneath the stars in the hot tub, located in the garden. Cosy nights can be spent in the living room, which features an original cast iron stove doubling as a fireplace. A well-equipped galley-style kitchen even includes an espresso coffee machine and relaxed mealtimes can be enjoyed in the smart dining room. An orangery, with underfloor heating, provides the opportunity to enjoy the cottage’s outstanding environment regardless of the time of year, or the weather. Every need has been considered and catered for; there is Wi-Fi, a printer, a Smart 3D TV and Sky TV with access to over 1,000 movies.

The cheshire Magazine | Travel

And the horses’ accommodation is equally plush. Sitting adjacent to the Cottage, and watched by smartphone-accessible interior and exterior CCTV, are stables for up to six horses. As horse owners themselves, White Beach Holiday has provided everything an equestrian enthusiast might require. Bespoke requests can also be catered for via a network of trusted local equine specialists and suppliers. Available for use is a turn out, horse walker with magnificent views over the sea, a grooming area with solarium for any necessary heat treatments, a rug room, tack room, feed room, barn with haylage, a wash room with horse shower and a 40 metre x 20 metre silica sand and rubber arena. Each stable has rubber matting plus an automatic water bowl. Being so close to Cheshire, it’s likely that many will have holidayed on Anglesey at some point but experiencing the island on horseback takes you off the beaten track to discover brand new sights and sounds. With the help of a sat-nav and a list of some of the island’s top riding routes – both available in the Cottage for guests to use – you can head out into unfamiliar Anglesey territory or explore locations slightly further afield. Out of the saddle, there is plenty to keep visitors entertained. After the famous sighting of ‘Wills and Kate’ in a certain Menai Bridge supermarket, Anglesey has enjoyed a renaissance and the annual events calendar is packed with local food fairs, festivals and open-air theatre performances as well as the Anglesey Show and the popular sailing event, the Round Anglesey Race. And, for when you reluctantly head home, you can re-live your Anglesey horseriding adventures through videos captured on a helmet-cam – yet another useful gadget that the owners of this amazing equestrian escape have thought to provide. Holidays for Horses is owned and operated by White Beach Holiday. Accommodation from £100 per night & £15 per horse per night based on one horse per stable (holidaysforhorses.com)

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Venice A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s much to be discovered in this city steeped in history and culture, making this the perfect city break. Get lost amongst the abundance of sublime architecture or open your eyes to the many pieces of world-famous artworks. Where to stay: Belmond Hotel Cipriani is perfect for both couples and families. Children can enjoy their own dedicated pool as well as the Smile Club playroom, allowing grown-ups to enjoy some time together knowing the little ones are safely supervised. Just a stone’s throw from Venice’s mainland on the island of Guidecca, we find this hotel is an ideal lakeside retreat while having the city at your fingertips.

With its illustrious history, rich tapestry of culture and wealth of stunning landscapes, Italy is certain to leave a lasting impression – though choosing where you visit may prove difficult. Luxury travel expert Annelouise Speakman explores a few of her favourite Italian locations

Amalfi Coast Lauded for its outstanding beauty, Italy’s Amalfi Coast lies on the peninsula of Sorrento, reaching out into the clear Mediterranean Sea. It’s no surprise this 50km stretch of coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Where to stay: The prestigious Palazzo Avino, dating back to the Middle Ages, is hugely popular with couples and with a commanding location upon a cliff top that’s 1,000ft above sea level, the views are breathtaking and unrivalled no matter where you’re staying. There’s also a lavish attention to detail, with personal terraces featuring Jacuzzis, large walk-in closets, private boats for hire and a full-service spa, you’re instantly welcomed to the sweet life here.

explore…

ITALY

T Bar Terrace, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como

Rome Italy’s grandest city offers so much thanks to its unprecedented cultural heritage. Though don’t be fooled into thinking the capital is all antiquity, you’ll also find chic, modern cafes and bars juxtaposed against stunning architecture. Where to stay: We love the elegant Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto, located in the very heart of Rome on the trendy street of Via Veneto – a popular haunt for many iconic figures past and present, including Audrey Hepburn, with its stylish cafés and restaurants.

massage IN Cipriani, Venice

Jumeirah Grand Hotel, Via Veneto, Rome

Grand Hotel Tremezzo by night

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Exterior, Cala di Volpe, Sardinia

The cheshire Magazine | Travel

As glamorous as the city itself, exquisite features include a 24-hour gym, the boutique Aqva City Spa and a selection of gourmet restaurants, making this a perfect base for exploring the city.

my SUITCASE E S S E N T I A L S

Lake Como, Lombardy

Palazzo Avino, Amalfi Coast

The muse of many literary geniuses from Dostoevsky to Hemingway, this serene, unspoiled setting is a far cry from the bustle of a popular coast or city break, so you’ll love this if you simply wish to get away from it all and unwind in peace. Where to stay: Sitting directly on the shore of Lake Como is the luxurious Grand Hotel Tremezzo. At over 100 years old, the hotel effortlessly merges traditional charm with contemporary flourishes and one of the resort’s most impressive features is its floating pool which extends out from the hotel directly over the lake. Couples are well catered for with its intimate style, while large suites and a list of activities to choose from allow for families and larger groups to enjoy the hotel’s charm as well.

Porto Cervo, Sardinia

Gondolas moored by St Mark’s square IN VENICE, with San Giorgio di Maggiore church in background

The Coliseum, Rome

Located off the west coast of Italy you’ll find the island of Sardinia, a paradise of golden beaches, beautifully carved rock faces and sapphire blue seas. To the north is the exclusive resort of Porto Cervo, with its vast harbours of private yachts and luxurious boutique hotels. Where to stay: Couples will love the renowned Hotel Cala di Volpe, set amongst the exclusive Costa Smerelda bay. Designed in the ‘60s by famed architect Jacques Couëlle, it effortlessly exudes style and glamour with its granite walls, pastel hues and wooden arches mimicking a charming ancient fishing village. Boasting excellent gourmet dining, a famous clientele – both real and fictional - that includes James Bond and incredible spa and seawater pool facilities, this hotel is sure to make anyone feel special. Annelouise Speakman is a luxury travel expert and director at Destinology. 47 – 49 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, SK9 1NZ (01625 88 55 88)

#1 Hat, £29, Marc Cain (marc-cain.com)

#2 Sunglasses, £97, Scarlett of Soho (scarlettofsoho.com)

#3 Bag, £367, Carlo Pazolini (yoox.com)

#4 Skirt, £189, Marc Cain (marc-cain.com)

#5 Sandals, £235, Carlo Pazolini (yoox.com)

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Travel | The cheshire Magazine

Weekend away

… Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire WORDS: GEMMA KNIGHT

t may not be a million miles from home, but there is certainly something comforting about the idea that it’s possible to escape the stresses of everyday life without playing that familiar and exhausting game of planes, trains and automobiles. This super-plush, quintessentially English country house hotel is nestled away in a secluded spot just south-west of Northwich, surrounded by a scenic sixty acre lake and made all the more private by a ring of thick woodland. Having found our way up the winding, wooded driveway, we arrived to a typically warm Cheshire welcome and were shown to our rooms,

elegant oasis is the fact that, once your keys are out of the ignition, there’s no need to set foot off the site until the end of your stay. Afternoons can be spent in leisurely exploration of the sprawling grounds, or indulging in an afternoon tea in the library or – if the weather’s on your side – on the terrace over a game of croquet. When evening falls, head to the award winning Crystal Restaurant at the rear of the house, a spot which allows diners perfect views of the fragrant Italian gardens (particularly lovely at sunset) and boasts a hearty menu of classic gourmet dishes such as braised beef, fois gras and roasted butternut squash (not to

‘Sumptuous enclaves, each with a personalised welcome letter’ sprawling, sumptuous enclaves, each with a personalised welcome letter giving such helpful information as tomorrow’s weather, suggestions of things to do in the local area and routes to take when exploring the grounds. All 28 rooms and eight suites are individually designed, meaning that each one boasts its own quirky touches (we rather liked the carved wooden cats curled up in the corners) along with antique furniture and frankly enormous beds enveloped in the softest of sheets. The rooms are spacious and light without ever sacrificing their cosy feel – a delicate balance not easily achieved – and a special mention must go to the homemade biscuits which accompany the luxurious tea tray. Perhaps the best thing about this quiet,

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mention Sunday lunch). After dinner, it would be criminal not to while away an hour or two more at The Captain’s Bar, a smart, nauticallyinspired room named after the original owner of Nunsmere, Sir Aubrey Brocklebank, and serving a range of tipples including Hendrick’s handcrafted gin, vodka from Kazakhstan and Ireland’s most exclusive whiskey. Nunsmere Hall is already a well-loved intimate wedding venue, and frequently popular as a conference centre. Nevertheless, with its traditional feel and excellent facilities, this country retreat remains first and foremost Cheshire’s ultimate weekend escape. Tarporley Rd, Oakmere, Northwich CW8 2ES (01606 889100, primahotels.co.uk/nunsmere)

Europe Dubai Maldives Mauritius Thailand Caribbean USA

Belmond hotel CiPriani, veniCe from ÂŁ1399

Includes 4 nights for the price of 3 on Bed & Breakfast, flights from Manchester. Travel selected dates 12 October - 8 November 2014.

Jumeirah grand hotel via vento, rome from ÂŁ719 Includes 3 nights Bed & Breakfast, flights from Manchester and free access to Aqva City Spa. Travel selected dates 8 August - 5 September 2014.

Price is per person based on 2 sharing. Book by 30 June 14. Price subject to availability. Booking conditions apply.

Destinology - cheshire magazine.indd 1

01625 88 55 88

www.destinology.co.uk/wilmslow 47 - 49 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1NZ

04/06/2014 09:43:15

Kids’ news Born free Born Free is a private organisation dedicated to one specific and admirable goal: ending mother-to-child HIV transmission by 31 December 2015. To help raise awareness, 22 designers have used their collective resources to create the Born Free Collection, with world-class talents Stella McCartney, Miuccia Prada and Donna Karan contributing. With support from the M.A.C AIDS Fund, Vogue and Shopbop, the collection will no doubt raise vital awareness and funds. The designs include childrenswear and matching mother-daughter pieces. Available exclusively on shopbop.com

Book now This summer has seen the publication of Liz Pichon’s eagerly awaited new children’s book. Aimed at 8-12 year olds, A Tiny Bit Lucky is the exciting new episode in the author and illustrator’s prize-winning Tom Gates series. With prestigious awards like the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and Roald Dahl Funny Prize to her name, Liz has proven she knows how to captivate children through reading and laughter. Written in diary form with fun and distinctive illustrations, the books provide a first-hand glimpse into Tom’s hilarious, characterful and chaotic adventures. His latest entries promise doodles, disasters and band battles. Published by Scholastic, £10.99

PETS CORNER Pick of the litter Well-loved – and staunchly British – brand Pickett has long been providing the finest luxury leather goods to the discerning British public. Now your four-legged friend can enjoy its wag-inducing wares too, with the creation of a matching dog lead and collar made from strong bridle leather and with a brass clasp. Fido will never have looked so dapper. (pickett.co.uk)

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Ultimate comfort If you thought memory foam beds were for humans alone, think again. We’ve recently discovered this incredibly appealing Oversized Horseshoe dog bed from Orvis, complete with polyester-filled bolsters and a double-bolster design for extra support, while also offering your pooch the cushioning and support of a 4 inch-thick cushion of memory foam designed specifically for dogs. Frankly, we’re a little jealous. (orvis.co.uk)

The cheshire Magazine | Family

Grand slam The Wimbledon Championship is tantalisingly close, and from 23 June to 6 July, it will once again dominate television sets and conversations. There are certain recurring traditions that Wimbledon would not be the same without, like strawberries and cream, Pimm’s, or the ball boys and girls in all their precision and perfection. This year’s new ball boy and girl uniforms have been designed by Ralph Lauren, official outfitter for the tournament, and retain a classic design with a modern sportswear feel, with the familiar purple and green colour palette tastefully referenced. The Polo Ralph Lauren Collection will be available to purchase in select stores and online. (ralphlauren.co.uk)

image: Instinia

Luxe learning Students ferried to and from their lesson in a Rolls-Royce Phantom? Tutors contactable twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year? This is certainly not your average tutoring firm. With a tutor qualified in every conceivable subject and based right across the UK (not to mention those based overseas in addition to the company’s ‘travelling tutors’), Tavistock Tutors has a truly enviable record of success and count the children of some of the world’s most powerful people amongst its clientele. For truly luxurious tuition, you need certainly look no further. (tavistocktutors.com)

/ Shuttersto

image: Bykofoto / Shutterstock.com

ck.com

Spoiled for choice Wondering how you’re going to keep the little ones entertained during this year’s summer holidays? Luckily, the clever folks at Tatton Park have created ‘101 things to do’, a fantastic compilation of events being held at the stately home this year, from magic potion-making to outdoor theatre performances, food festivals to historical re-enactments. Coming up soon is ‘Adventurers: Practice your survival skills in the wild’ (31 July), an excellent opportunity to learn how to survive in the wilderness of Tatton’s overgrown woodlands, while the dedicated website allows you to search for specific events by month and category. (101tatton.org.uk) 115

TOM HAMMICK ‘DREAMSCAPES’ WOODCUTS & DRYPOINTS 3 JUNE - 26 JULY 2014

_______________ Beech House 1 Cambridge Street, Hale, Cheshire. WA15 9SY www.atelierrosegray.co.uk

Rose & Gray Hale

The cheshire Magazine | Family

TAY L O R TA L K

First birthday

If your little prince or princess is turning one this year, Liz Taylor of Manchester based event company Taylor Lynn Corporation has plenty of party advice and ideas to share

he gorgeous Prince George will celebrate his 1st birthday on 22 July and you can be certain that Kate and William will ensure their son’s special day is filled with family, friends and, if Uncle Harry has anything to do with it, plenty of fun! Making it through the first year of parenthood is quite challenging. I am reliving it all with the birth of my first grandchild, Mimi, who is eight weeks old. She has developed an obsession with Minnie Mouse and, with a grandma in the party industry, a very special party is being planned for 10 months’ time. Creating a successful birthday party is all about entertaining the children, and whilst they are busy having fun, you can capture a few rare moments of quiet to spoil the frazzled mums. So ensure you have a range of toys available and a selection of nursery rhyme CDs to play. Creating a soft play area is always popular, or go to town and hire children’s entertainers to help keep the little ones happy. With chaos and cupcakes in mind, spare a thought for the new mums who would welcome a well-earned shoulder massage whilst sipping their elderflower cocktail. And, as all little ones like forty winks, why not have some mani and pedi girls on hand – with gel colours for quick drying. Check guest nap times beforehand so you can time the party to suit. Create a quiet, nap-zone and you are on your way to some parent-time. #1 Food: Bashful Blue Bunny Ring Choose a range of simple, soft foods for the little ones – and don’t be Rattle, £8 (jellycat.com) upset if it gets wasted. The party is much more about the playtime. Select some small, bite-sized nibbles for the mums so they can eat and play. Gift bags are a great addition to the party. Offer your adult guests mini presents such as cute Grays & Feather’s ‘Silver Bubble’ champagne bottles (available from Selfridges). For the children, personalised drawstring bags filled with goodies such as Organic Pharmacy baby bath, wooden toys and a Jellycat Rattle Ring or cuddly toy is always well received, and can even be reused as swim bags after the event. #2 Venue: It can be difficult to find a venue that can cope with an abundance of one year olds, so if a party inside your home is out of the question, it’s worth considering a marquee. #3 Theme: Whatever style you choose for the party, choose something that is bright, visual and fun to engage and entertain. Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, Disney movies and of course, Beatrix Potter are always popular. #4 Remember: An absolute must, is a party photographer. You’d be amazed how much stress trying to capture those special moments can be, and by hiring a photographer you get some fantastic, natural shots of your family and friends that really capture the essence of the day and of course, you’ll have something to embarrass them with at their 18th birthday party! Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC); 0161 876 6266; tlc-ltd.co.uk

Alexi nail polish, £9.95, Little Bu (selfridges.com)

The Bubble world’s smallest bottle of sparkling wine 125ml, £12.99, Grays and Feather (selfridges.com)

Lavender & Chamomile Milk Bath, £24.96 (theorganicpharmacy.com)

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Family | The cheshire Magazine

Elephant in the room

WIN!

If your miniature explorer is in need of some safari-inspired storage, email info@thecheshiremagazine.com to be in with a chance of winning a beautiful Anaiza elephant trunk all of your own. Don’t forget, all entries must be in by 31 May!

ursery specialists Anaiza make truly beautiful kids’ furniture, and this adorable safari-themed storage trunk is no exception. The innovative design includes two removable drawers and a shelf, with the trunk itself opening to provide secret storage and the option of using it as a table.

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Great for stealthily hiding away books, toys and games and, like all the other pieces in the Anaiza nursery collection, inspired by owner Kyra Algazi’s love of all things safari. If you’re looking for kids’ furniture with character, this is most certainly it. (anaiza.co.uk)

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND? THE LATE LOUNGE

Upstairs in 1539, enjoy drinks with table service and tunes from our resident DJ, the perfect backdrop for a weekend, open from 8pm â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;till late.

BRUNCH

New for 1539, our brunch is best enjoyed with friends, the weekly papers, a Bloody Mary or a glass of fizz. Available from 9:30am to 11:30am, Saturday and Sunday.

SUNDAY LUNCH

Our Sunday lunch has all the trimmings and is served all day, together with an impressive list of Sunday specials.

BOOK NOW: RESTAURANT1539.CO.UK 01244 304 611 FIND US AT THE RACECOURSE, CHESTER

Variety Club Kirsty Howard Letter 2_Layout 1 15/05/2014 09:22 Page 1

Honours

Kirsty Howard Outstanding Achievement Award Saturday, 20th September 2014 Hilton Hotel, Deansgate, Manchester Kirsty has raised over £7.5 million for Francis House Children’s Hospice. She has inspired Royalty, Prime Ministers, Heads of State and world-class Sports and Entertainment industry stars with her determination and strength of character to survive against all the odds. Who could not be in awe of this amazing young lady, who has touched so many people’s lives? This event will be the highest profile Variety function of 2014 in Manchester, attended by many of Kirsty’s VIP guests. The event will include a sumptuous threecourse meal and wonderful entertainment including fabulous raffle and auction prizes. This “Outstanding Achievement Award” dinner will be instrumental in raising much needed funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice and Variety, the children’s charity.

Tickets for this prestigious event are very limited and are as the following:

£125 Platinum VIP ticket £100 Gold ticket £75 Silver ticket We do hope you can join us for this special “Outstanding Achievement Award” dinner to the amazing Kirsty Howard, who truly deserves to be recognised for her outstanding achievements in life and for her dedication to her charity work, and we are delighted this event is being held on Kirsty’s 19th Birthday, a double celebration.

Call Variety, the children’s charity for more information and to reserve your place at this prestigious event

T: 0161 236 0500 E: northwest@variety.org.uk www.variety.org.uk @VarietyGB #varietykirsty Variety, the Children's Charity | Registered Charity No. 209259 (England & Wales) and SC038505 (Scotland)

The cheshire Magazine | Family

The classroom Exam survival guide for parents

Exam time can be just as anxious for parents as for students but there are ways you can help, minimise stress and come out the other side smiling. We’ve consulted the experts for their top tips On the day Revision time can wreak havoc in a family house – stress levels are high, coffee mugs accumulate, and anxious parents grow ever watchful. It’s difficult to get the right balance, but on the whole Mumsnetters advise parents to exercise patience – take the pressure off, stock the snackcupboards and offer muchwelcomed tea breaks. – Mumsnet founder, Justine Roberts

• Eat something an hour or two before – bananas are recommended • Stay calm • Avoid people who might stress you more • Read all the exam questions carefully • Plan your answer in bullet points, then re-read the question to make sure you have enough material • Re-read your work, checking grammar, punctuation and spelling (bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize)

Advice for exam-takers

Advice for parents

First and foremost there is no substitute for hard work throughout your school or examination course. A carefully planned revision timetable will help give you the confidence that you are on track and avoid last minute cramming. Fail to plan and plan to fail! A positive approach will also help. Try to see the exam as an opportunity to show what you can do rather than an obstacle to trip you up. Remember that active revision is always best. You might want to make some crossword puzzles for key terms, write some Fifteen to One style questions or plan out some essays. Revising with a partner, be it a friend or a relative, can be a way forward, but you need to keep your cool. Whatever you do, get a good night’s sleep. We always do better in tests if we are refreshed and if we aren’t too nervous. While waiting and then inside the examination room try to relax; simple routines can be used to clear the mind and energise you. Remember the advice on exam technique offered by your teachers. Be neat, be tidy and be legible. You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. Good luck. – Dr. Simon Hyde, Headmaster The King’s School, Macclesfield

Stay as calm as you can. You may not feel it inside but when you are steady they’ll feel it too. Help in practical ways: your teen will study better if you encourage them to take regular breaks from revision, eat well, exercise and see their friends. Use all your entertainment and distraction techniques for brothers and sisters so they are less likely to pester and disturb the person studying. It doesn’t do any harm to remind your child that you’ll be proud of them for trying hard – and avoid offering big rewards for high exam scores as this can layer on the pressure. Do help your child to get to the exam on time, maybe make their breakfast that day or treat them to a lift. They’ll feel calmer if they are not rushing or worrying about being late. Don’t forget results day! Avoid booking the summer holiday that week and be at home if you can – to help celebrate or plan the next steps. Ps – don’t forget to look after yourself too! – Claire Halsey, chartered clinical psychologist, author and broadcaster 121

Adderley: A resid ence that inhabits you

Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen Adderley, you will find it occupies your thoughts like no other. Such grace in such space is all too rare. For this residence has been created as a celebration of grand living. Its statement entrance. The capacious rooms for entertaining. The five bedroom suites, off-the-charts de luxe. The pool, the spa, the grounds, the vista and exquisite finishings at every turn. And beyond the gates: the rarefied environs of the finest par t of Wilmslow. However : there is just one Adderley. We recommend you visit immediately. For more information about Adderley, Wilmslow, Cheshire call 01942 263485 or visit us at www.eventusproperties.co.uk

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

homes and

interiors showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

AFFAIRS OF

STATE

The Washington estate of the British ambassador

Home of innovation

The Knutsford house of Sir Henry Royce

image: from ‘The Architecture of Diplomacy: The British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington’, by Anthony Seldon and Daniel Collings.

Homes and Interiors

Home & interiors news words: kate racovolis & gemma knight

#1 TRUE COLOURS Furniture brand Ena Shaw is all about big, bold style statements, and we love it. The range of pieces for bedrooms and living rooms is made up of elegant, vivid creations like the teal and cream Burlington sofa and burgundy and champagne Waldorf Grand sofa, while a delicious assortment of soft furnishings include zingy Panama cotton prints and reams of luxurious, eclectic fabrics. If your home is in need of a revamp, your prayers have been answered. (enashawhome.co.uk)

#2 FINISHING TOUCH Like fine-jewellery for your ceiling, these colourful, hand-blown glass lights, designed by artist Arik Levy for Lasvit, will brighten up any room. Available in a range of colours – sapphire blue and ruby red – or simply stick to elegant crystal – very enlightening. Crystal Rock collection, Lasvit, from £680 (lasvit.com)

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#3 Swing low The idea of a floating outdoor living room may sound like a scene from The Jetsons, but outdoor furniture specialist Dedon has made it a reality. It has added a series of elegant new styles to its Swingrest collection, designed by Daniel Pouzet, which stems from the idea that nothing in a garden is static, and the furnishings should be a natural extension of just that. Swingrest, from a selection, Dedon (dedon.de)

#4 The Italian job There is no time like the summer to bring out the linen tableware and bedding, with its soft, airy texture that signals the warmer weather has arrived. Once Milano’s latest collection captures the tradition of the Italian linen craft, with a series of pieces to cover everything, from your bed to your dining table in both neutral and vibrant colours. There is also a range of crushed linen that you will be pleased to know looks better unironed, as well as a custom service, where you can have your initials monogrammed, or delicate lace trimmings to truly make it your own. (oncemilano.com)

#5 Game on Chess and backgammon aficionados – take note. British cabinet maker Halstock has come up with a beautiful way to have both games in one statement piece. Ripple sycamore forms the inside while macassar ebony and boxwood string line forms the outside, making for one seriously covetable example of craftsmanship. Games Table, from £4,000 Halstock (halstock.com)

#6 Wall to Wall More art than wallpaper, this panel by Maison Martin Margiela, in collaboration with the environmentally friendly Belgian wallpaper company Omexco, forms part of a stunning collection of pieces to adorn your walls. We love La Paésine – a Tuscan limestone that was found at a flea market, photographed and enlarged and digitally printed to form this chic, monochrome panel. Paésine panel, £650, Maison Martin Margiela + Omexco (maisonmartinmargiela.com)

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INTERVIEW

Hanging out in the Hamptons The ultimate in A-list beachfront chic, Long Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrated Hamptons seaside resort is also home to some of the most expensive, beautiful and architecturally eclectic real estate in the world. WORDS: Nick Smith

Image courtesy of The Big Book of the Hamptons ÂŠ Assouline

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here are very few places that can conjure up a complete picture with just one word but with the Hamptons you’ve found such a place. Located 100 miles outside New York on the South Fork of Long Island there’s a cluster of small villages upon which the rich and famous descend for ‘the season’. Lured by wide, splendid beaches and the magical light that has drawn artists to the peninsula for more than a century, billionaires, celebrities and investment bankers flock to the Hamptons to realise a dream of living the life bohemian, albeit shot through a lens of rather fabulous luxury. Before we start to feel sorry for these city folk roughing it on the edge of the vast Atlantic, it’s worth remembering that beach huts don’t get more upmarket than this. When Calvin Klein wants to get out of the city, he can relax in the knowledge that his multi-million dollar glass-box pad is but a short hop by helicopter from New York, secluded in the windswept surroundings of marsh grasslands, farms and bordered by the Ocean (as the locals universally call the Atlantic waters the Hamptons face). The village of Sagaponack (population: 313) in Southampton has the most expensive zip code in the US where the average price for a property is £2.7 million. It is this gilt-edged beachfront chic of the American Riviera that Michael Shnayerson’s The Big Book of the Hamptons sets out to celebrate. Shnayerson, who is an editor at Vanity Fair, has been a Hamptons resident for more than 20 years and he’s seen its architectural moods come and go

along with trend-driven celebs and the more anonymous high-rolling bank and media magnates. While others are prone to get sniffy about any whiff of modernism in the Hamptons, Shnayerson remains open-minded, firmly stating that the Hamptons’ uniqueness has always come from the mix of the old and the new. ‘The fields are vanishing,’ he says ‘and the traffic is definitely worse. Yet preservation has drawn firm lines. Only vigilance has kept the Hamptons from being destroyed, but the naysayers have always been too quick to mourn their demise.’ One thing of which you can be absolutely sure is that this hippest of beach resorts for the world’s A-listers is an eclectic feast of architectural styles. From wood-shingle windmills and stark modernist cubes to traditional high-set Victorian town houses, oceanfront mansions and renovated red-brick factories that have been converted into Manhattan-style lofts, the Hamptons has a charming lack of uniformity. One moment you could be in a quaint English village and the next in the Hudson Valley. There are white picket fences and high privet hedges everywhere, creating privacy for the residents and an air of rigid order. Shnayerson says that the Hamptons are the privet capital of the world and yet the formality is put in balance by the grasses and wildflowers swaying in the sea winds. In summer it’s a transient place. When the season starts on 4 July, affluent New Yorkers stream out of the steaming city on the Montauk Highway and towards the fresh, 

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INTERVIEW

cooler air; the restaurants and galleries of the Summer Colony burst into life and predictably the small resident population becomes wildly outnumbered by its glamorous visitors. Golf is a staple pastime in the Hamptons, with this tiny pocket of land home to two of the finest courses in the US. Everything is upscale and the atmosphere at its best is often one of laid-back tranquility and escape. This is where the rich run to, where they have their second or third homes, where they relax in what is after all a seaside resort. So it is a shame, as Shnayerson confesses, that ‘there are moments, I’ll admit, in the craze of late August, when the Hamptons are too much. The restaurants are noisy, reservations impossible to get. The highway is hopeless and the back roads are backed up. But when September comes, the towns exhale and the farmers harvest, bathed in the light of early autumn.’ The character of the Hamptons cycles through phases and there are always protests over anything new. But this is all part of the fun for Shnayerson who thinks that the spirit of the place will survive, because it always does. While today it is a curious mixture of new money from the media and banking industries, once upon a time it was the cultural retreat of offbeat artists, poets and musicians. This is where the likes of Roy

Lichtenstein and Jackson Pollock overturned the conventions of modern art, and where John Steinbeck based his novel The Winter of Our Discontent, while Sag Harbor features in Melville’s classic Moby Dick. It’s also been a place of exile, where England’s finest comic novelist P G Wodehouse spent his final years in high dudgeon, dismayed by his homeland that once thought he was a Nazi spy. Today, the Hamptons lack some of their former atmosphere of an artistic enclave and to some might appear as little more than a name-droppers paradise where fleets of convertible Rolls-Royces add vulgarity as well as style. Moored up at the marinas there are row upon row of superyachts. Some of them belong to Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs, apparently, but even in the Hamptons things are discreet and no one can be sure. Nonetheless it is undeniably a place to be conspicuous; people who call the Hamptons home include Jerry Seinfeld, Paul McCartney and Steven Spielberg. It is also a slice of real America, where the wide, rugged seashore had such an effect on Walt Whitman a century ago that it was here one of America’s greatest poets decided he ‘must one day write a book expressing this liquid, mystic theme’. The Big Book of the Hamptons, with an introduction by Michael Shnayerson, published by Assouline (assouline.co.uk)

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RECREATE THE LOOK iF YOUR ABODE IS LACKING IN THE ELEGANCE DEPARTMENT, WHY NOT TAKE SOME INSPIRATION FROM THE ORIGINAL HOME OF UTTER OPULENCE, THE LEGENDARY RITZ HOTEL

nnovation underpinned the vision of renowned French hotelier César Ritz when he oversaw the creation of a resplendent property in the heart of Mayfair in 1904. The hotel opened two years later, with luxurious features such as brass beds and en-suites which were unknown to its rivals, under the watchful design of The Ritz French-English Charles Mewès and Arthur Davis. To this day its Parisian-inspired architecture continues to signal a unique opulence, evident in the Louis XVI style vaulted gallery, sumptuous suites

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and extravagant crystal, gilt and marble adornments throughout. The beautiful expanse of the duplex Royal Suite is divided into a bedroom, sitting room and bathroom. In keeping with the rest of the property, the décor reflects the Louis XVI period, illuminated by natural light. The ornate walls and ceilings are embellished with 24-carat gold leaf, while flowers in the suite are designed by Paul Thomas who is responsible for many of the Royal Family’s private commissions. (theritzlondon.com)

be inspired by the ritz, london ‘Parisian-inspired architecture continues to signal a unique opulence’ #1 Ivory Finish Italian Ironwork Chandelier, £654.89, Juliette’s Interiors (juliettesinteriors.co.uk) #2 Round Jewel Photo Frame, £10.50, Biba (houseoffraser.co.uk) #3 Florence Dressing Table, £499, Linea (houseoffraser.co.uk) #4 Primrose Stool, £149, Shabby Chic (houseoffraser.co.uk) #5 Velvet Ottoman, £395, Oliver Bonas (oliverbonas.com) #6 Aubusson 613, £1,780, The Rug Company (therugcompany.co.uk) #7 Versailles Damask Gold Seat, £449, The French Bedroom Company (frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk)

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jackson-stops.co.uk

CGI with pool

Alderley Edge A magnificent modern Alderley villa with a sumptuously fitted modern interior ● ●

3 reception rooms ● study ● 5/6 bedrooms ● 5 bathrooms ● integral staff suite planning permission for an indoor swimming pool ● EPC – C

Guide Price: £2,750,000

People Property Places

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Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Chelford An exemplary Grade II* Manor House with additional cottages nestled in fabulous private gardens & grounds ●6 ●

reception rooms ● breakfast room ● 7 bedrooms (2 en suite) ● bathroom ● shower room two 2 bedroom cottages ● outbuildings ● professionally landscaped gardens ● approximately 7.5 acres

Guide Price: £6,000,000

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Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

People Property Places

jackson-stops.co.uk

Grappenhall A Georgian gem with luxurious living and fabulous leisure suite ●

5 reception rooms ● snooker room & bar ● 5 bedrooms ● 3 bathrooms ● leisure suite

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garaging with 1 bed annexe above ● approximately 1 acre ● EPC – E

Guide Price: £1,500,000

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Somerford Booths A beautifully presented substantial family house ●3

reception rooms ● 6 bedrooms ● 3 bathrooms ● approaching 1/2 an acre ● EPC – D

Guide Price: £715,000

People Property Places

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Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Alderley Edge A magnificent Victorian family house with a superb interior ●3 ●

reception rooms ● media room ● 5 bedrooms ● 4 bathrooms ● 1 bedroom coach house

garage ● approximately 3/4 of an acre ● EPC – E

Guide Price: £1,950,000

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Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

People Property Places

jackson-stops.co.uk

Swanscoe An extensively refurbished fine stone hall in an imposing elevated position with far-reaching views ●5

reception rooms ● 7 bedrooms ● 4 bathrooms ● outdoor pool ● approximately 8 acres ● EPC – E

Guide Price £1,650,000

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Aston by Budworth Prestbury A breathtaking thatched property with immeasurable charm

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3 reception rooms ● 5 bedrooms (all en suite) ● 3 bathrooms

bed annexe ● tennis court ● approx 2.25 acres ● EPC – D

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approximately 1/2 an acre ● EPC - D

Guide Price £1,995,000

Guide Price £1,950,000

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4 reception rooms ● 3 bedrooms ● 3 bathrooms ● separate 1

A stylish house within walking distance of the village

People Property Places

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Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Twemlow Green A historic 5 bedroom Grade II Listed country house nestled in 21 acres ●

reception hall ● 4 reception rooms ● 5 bedrooms ● 3 bathrooms ● attic space with potential ● approximately 21 acres

Offers in the region of £2,000,000

FF52655

Alderley Edge

Nether Alderley

A distinguished mansion in a private setting

A magnificent newly constructed Manor House

●

4 reception rooms ● 7 bedrooms (all en suite)

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5 reception rooms ● 6 bedrooms (all en suite)

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leisure suite ● approximately 1 acre

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leisure suite ● annexe ● just over 6.5 acres ● EPC - D

Guide Price £5,750,000

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Guide Price £5,750,000

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

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People Property Places

jackson-stops.co.uk

Bowdon A generously proportioned detached family home recently constructed by M Residential ●

2 reception rooms ● cinema room ● games room/gym ● 5 bedrooms (all en suite) ● garaging ● gardens ● EPC - D

Guide Price: £2,350,000

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Hale A particularly spacious detached family home in an unparalleled location with views towards Hale Golf Club ● ●

3 reception rooms ● study ● 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) ● bathroom ● self-contained annexe garaging ● gardens ● EPC – D

Guide Price: £1,995,000

People Property Places

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Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Hale A handsome Edgar Wood listed detached family home in stunning gardens on a large corner plot ●

3 reception rooms ● snug ● 7 bedrooms (1 en suite) ● 2 bathrooms ● cellarage ● self-contained annexe

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garaging ● gardens ● EPC – E

Guide Price: £2,225,000

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Hale A stunning penthouse apartment with rooftop views towards Manchester city centre & beyond ● ●

communal entrance ● lift to 2nd floor ● 2 reception rooms ● 3 bedrooms (all en suite) rooftop terrace ● 2 parking spaces ● communal gardens ● EPC – F

Guide Price: £1,495,000

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Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

People Property Places

Homes and Interiors

INSPIRATION

Politics by design Step inside the magnificent estate of the British Ambassador in Amerciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political powerhouse, Washington D.C. words: marianne dick

right: Lutyensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stunning Main Corridor comprises the principal east-west axis of the Residence.

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n Washington, there is much more to interior design than creating a space to be enjoyed by the people who call it home; here it can make political statements and even help support relationships between countries and its leaders. ‘For over eighty years, the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington has stood as a magnificent symbol and a practical manifestation of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom,’ says HRH The Prince of Wales. To celebrate the rich political heritage of this important building, historians Anthony Seldon and Daniel Collings have released The Architecture of Diplomacy: The British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington – a stunning new tome filled with exquisite images by photographer, Eric Sander. The property is the only creation of renowned British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the United States, and its

distinctive design, combined with his successful neoclassical English country house style with New England colonial features, results in a truly unique Anglo-American construction. It is a particularly important establishment, not only for its architectural beauty, but because it marked the beginning of a relationship between America and Britain in the aftermath of World War I when the Embassy was commissioned. Over the years, much has changed, as the property is used as predominantly residential. Be inspired by the inimitable features of the interior and exterior, including the long, majestic corridors, swirling spiral staircases, Andy Warhol’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and Lutyens’ lavish garden with secret hiding spaces and sculptures by British artists. Wall to wall history and glamour – quite literally. The Architecture of Diplomacy: The British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, by Anthony Seldon and Daniel Collings, £45, published by Flammarion

above: This photograph reveals the full geometric masterpiece of Lutyens’ spiral staircase design. He plays with the concept of spiral in the pattern of the support for the metal railings, creating a dazzling effect. right: At this point, overlooking the pool, we are now at the highest point on the site, a full twenty-three feet above the level of the entrance to the Chancery off Massachusetts Avenue.

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The cheshire Magazine | Fashion

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Homes and Interiors

INSPIRATION

top: Lutyens’ beautifully proportioned room is shown in this photograph of the candles being lit for a capacity of thirty-four for dinner in the Dining Room. ABOVE, LEFT: Lutyens always conceived of his buildings in three dimensions, in contrast to the modernist placing of function ahead of form. Nowhere in the Residence is his mastery of dimension and his generous use of space seen to better effect than in the dazzling Grand Staircase. Lutyens employed a similar double staircase design at the Viceroy’s House in New Delhi, with a large space above open to the sky. ABOVE, RIGHT: Afternoon tea set out on one of a pair of carved giltwood console tables in the manner of William Kent (1685-1748), that were made in the early twentieth century. The room features a pair of George II-style carved wall mirrors, which reflect views of the garden opposite. RIGHT: In the middle of the Dining Room table is a large George III silver surtout de table in three sections, the sides mounted with four cast royal coats of arms. On it is placed a silver centrepiece comprising three musicians, inscribed on the underside ‘British Embassy to Washington’, all the work of the celebrated silversmith Paul Storr in 1815. On either side are a pair of George IV silver soup tureens and covers, applied with cast royal coats of arms to both sides, inscribed on the underside ‘Her Majesty’s Embassy at Washington’, made by James Collins in 1827. The fireplace behind is in Classical style with pillars on either side, a common style in Lutyens’ fireplaces, with a similar example at Midland Bank in Poultry, designed around the same time.

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The cheshire Magazine | Fashion

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

Homes and Interiors

FEATURE

Rhapsody in blue Inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show and the colours of summer Janine Murray-Smith explores some of the most beautiful gardens of the world, focusing on the art of garden design in Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle

enowned as the resting place for Yves Saint Laurent’s ashes, these gardens were actually created by French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1930s. Fascinated with the Islamic world and its culture, Majorelle gradually bought up parcels of land on the outskirts of the New Ochre City, Marrakech. He built modest workshops and the Cubist villa which is still standing today but his passion was in the botany he planted around these buildings.

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For over forty years he sculpted the twelve-acres of gardens, introducing new varieties of plants from all five continents and creating his legacy – bleu Majorelle – a special shade of bold cobalt blue still used in artists’ workshops today and used extensively in the gardens and buildings. After Majorelle’s death in 1962 the gardens fell into disrepair and it wasn’t until the 1980s that Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé bought the gardens to save them from falling victim of another hotel complex. The pair undertook the restoration

of the gardens personally in order to make ‘the most beautiful garden – by respecting the vision of Jacques Majorelle.’ Automatic irrigation systems were installed along with new species of flowers, taking the total to 300, and a team of 20 gardeners employed to maintain the garden, its ponds and fountains. Upon his death in 2008 Yves Saint Laurent gifted the entire Jardin Majorelle to Marrakech, the city that adopted him in 1964 after a sequence of events that included, in rather unfortunate order: launching hippie fashion; fame as a ground-breaking gay icon; and an obligatory stint in the French military. Per his instructions, Yves Saint Laurent’s ashes were scattered over Jardin Majorelle upon his June 2008 passing. Today, the Yves Saint Laurent connection ensures that the gardens are one of Morocco’s premier tourist attractions but the stunning cobalt blue and the striking planting scheme remain true to Majorelle’s vision of the combination of art and botany in perfect harmony. The planting scheme is composed of striking shapes of drought tolerant species, predominantly succulents and cacti with a multitude of bright colours consisting of fuschia bougainvillea, rows of bright orange

‘The planting scheme is composed of striking shapes of drought tolerant species’ nasturtiums, pink geraniums, complemented with bold pergolas and concrete paths that exist in shades of pastel pink, lovely lemon and apple green. Beautiful groves of bamboo rustle in the breeze, rills lead into pools floating with water lilies and flashes of golden carp and terrapins sunbathe on the cobalt blue walls beside great bright coloured pots overflowing with succulents. For the botanically curious, everything is clearly labelled but I would suggest that the first time you visit you let your senses guide you. Follow your eyes and your ears around one of the world’s most recognisable works of art. (jardinmajorelle.com) Where to stay: Riad Cocoon, Marrakech. Much like the Majorelle Garden, Riad Cocoon is a peaceful sanctuary away from the snake charmers and souks of the medina. Located in the ancient quarter, the Riad features a library, heated pool, yoga facilities, traditional hammam and options to visit the Essaouira and the Atlas Mountains. From £71 per room per night, secretescapes.com 

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Homes and Interiors

FEATURE

Other unmissable botanical hot spots Winner of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2014, the Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin is within easy access to the rest of the city’s districts, and a short trip from the Sanssouci Palace. From £94 per apartment

The Alhambra Water Gardens, Spain This fabulous water garden is considered one of the greatest in Europe, featuring waterfalls, pools and fountains, celebrating Andalusian Moorish art and history. Where to stay: Malaga Playa. A short drive from the Alhambra fortress, Malaga boasts stunning beaches, consistently beautiful weather and provides the ideal base from which to explore the surrounding landscape and gardens. From £399 per person for 5 nights Sanssouci Palace, Berlin Surrounding the former summer palace of the King of Prussia, Frederick the Great, the must-see Sanssouci grounds are splayed out in an intimate Rococo style, with stunning tiered borders and landscaped water features. Where to stay: Adina Apartment Hotel, Berlin. Stay in the heart of Berlin’s historic Mitte district, home to Berlin Cathedral, Boulevard Unter den Linden and Alexanderplatz.

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Villa Lante, Italy One of the most stunning examples of Italian renaissance design, the Villa Lante gardens are the work of Cardinal Gambara, reflecting his elegant and grandiose tastes. Where to stay: The Duke Hotel, Rome. Enjoy a Roman holiday at the elegant Duke Hotel, located a short drive from Villa Lante and a stone’s throw from Villa Borghese gardens. The hotel also features a lovely spa, VIP access to a nearby sports club with an Olympic-size swimming pool and delicious Italian cuisine at the I Duchi restaurant. From £232 per person for 2 nights Check out secretescapes.com for deals like this and many more

When your hom e is part of who you are For a certain type of person, their home deﬁnes them. It plays a fundamental part in their contentment with life. If that sounds like you, we should meet. Because at Eventus we understand you want your residence to be the sum of a thousand extraordinary parts. Where every room makes a statement. Every space exudes style and grace. And every detail - from light switches and skirting boards to the pool tiles and landscaping - has been considered and ﬁnessed. That’s why Eventus exists. To design, build and deliver residences that are as extraordinary as their owners. For more information about Eventus call 01942 263485 or visit us at www.eventusproperties.co.uk

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

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Casa Tessuti T H E H O U S E of F A B R I C S and H O M E F U R N I S H I N G S

UP TO

OFF

SUPPLIERS OF DESIGNER FABRICS & LEADING BRAND FURNISHINGS AT PREFERENTIAL PRICES FABRICS ~ WALLCOVERINGS CURTAINS ~ CARPETS ~ LIGHTING UPHOLSTERY ~ FITTING If you would like to arrange an initial meeting, without any obligation, please call Leo on 07450 106435 or email on leo@casa-tessuti.co.uk

ARMANI CASA, BAKER, BELLA FIGURA, C&C MILANO, CHARLES EDWARDS, FENDI, GEORGET TI, HOLLAND & SHERRY, HOLLY HUNT, J ROBERT SCOT T, JAB, JANE CHURCHILL, NINA CAMPBELL, PHILIPE HUREL, RALPH LAUREN, VAUGHAN & MANY MORE

Homes and Interiors

FINISHING TOUCHES Add a LITTLE glamour to your home interior with furnishings inspired by Art Deco design

#2 #3

#1 Matilda Mirror, £1,188, Porta Romana (portaromana.co.uk) #2 Art Deco Dining Cabinet, £17,365, Ralph Lauren Home (ralphlaurenhome.com) #3 Suspended Eltham Light, from £5,040, Charles Edwards (charlesedwards.com) #4 Manhattan on Foot Votive, £1,200, Lalique, (lalique.com) #5 Enterprise, £704, Calligaris (calligaris.co.uk) #6 Art Deco Chrome Cocktail Trolley, £440, The Old Cinema London (theoldcinema.co.uk) #7 Fede Deco Armchair, £12,995, Tura (luxdeco.com) #8 Louis Poulsen Table Lamp, £703, Louis Poulsen (heals.co.uk)

#6 #7

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Endless holidays and weekend getaways are closer than you think…

Exclusive new holiday homes minutes from Abersoch Within 2-hours’ drive you’ll arrive at The Warren’s gates. Opening onto a world that is the ultimate in exclusivity and opulence. The Warren’s beautifully appointed chalets are a truly luxurious home-from-home. And The Warren’s superior facilities offer everything you and your family need to enjoy perfect holidays and weekend breaks away together. From sports and activities, to leisure and dining, there’s something to suit all tastes. “When you go for just a weekend it’s really like going on a holiday and when you get back to work on the Monday it feels like you’ve been away for a whole week, it’s so relaxing.” The Warren’s latest development of just 6 stunning, fully-ﬁtted chalets is selling fast. And with prices for these and our other chalets ranging from £150,000 - £450,000, your dream of escaping to an idyllic hideaway is more affordable than you think. To avoid disappointment, please arrange your VIP viewing today.

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• Superior sports, activity, leisure, and dining facilities • Heated swimming pools, tennis courts and multi-purpose sports hall • Private beach, boat launch ramp and helicopter landing available • Exclusive social events in a prestigious holiday home environment • A sensational setting with breathtaking coastal and rural views • 24-hour gated security with swipe entry access

Opportunities are limited, so please call today on

01758 649244 or to register your interest simply visit

www.haulfrynholidayhomes.co.uk/cm1 The Warren, Abersoch, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 7AA

THE WARREN Holiday Resort, Abersoch

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NE w luxury HOMES OFFERING GOLF COURSES, D R I V I N G R A N G E A N D H E A LT H S PA FA C I L I T I E S

10004 S

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Whether you’re teeing off on Carden Park’s Championship Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, or being pampered to a tee in their sumptuous spa, life at Stretton Green is country living like no other. Prices from £775,000 to £1,250,000. Call today to appreciate what this prestigious development has to offer. Stretton Hall Lane, Chester, Cheshire SY14 7HS. View: strettongreen.co.uk Call: 01829 458 977

Homes and Interiors

LOCAL PROPERTY

Former residence of Sir Henry Royce Brae cottage, Knutsford

Grade II listed period house constructed in 1898 for its original owner, Sir Henry Royce, the co-founder of Rolls-Royce Motorcars, Brae Cottage stands within delightful landscaped gardens which include a tennis lawn, orchard and terraced rear garden which runs down to the source of the River Lily. The house was designed by notable architect Paul Ogden and is constructed of brick under a stone flagged roof. The house has been in the same family’s ownership for the last 40 years and is now offered for sale, with Legh Road considered to be one of the finest addresses in the locality and boasting a sequence of Italianate villas built around the same time as Brae Cottage by Richard Harding-Watt, a local entrepreneur. The great significance of Brae Cottage is the fact that Sir Henry

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Royce not only lived in the house but also worked from it, running the electrical and mechanical engineering company F. H. Royce and Co. which he founded in 1884. Early products of the Royce Company included battery powered doorbells, electric motors and switchgear – hence the reason that Brae Cottage was one of the first houses in the area to have electric lighting. Henry Royce used the drive of Brae Cottage to test his original Quadricycle and is said to have worked on his many projects in the extensive basement of the house. The property offers spacious and stunning accommodation retaining many original features including Henry Royce’s bathroom, Art Deco light switches and fine door and window furniture designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Knutsford, Guide Price £2,200,000 Meller Braggins (01565 632618)

Gravestones Farm House, Aston by Budworth

The Hague, BROADBOTTOM

The Hague is an exemplary stone family house with secondary accommodation, set in fabulous gardens, enjoying panoramic views of the Peak District hills. A grand family house, it is believed to have been built in 1850 by a local mill owner, wanting to show off his wealth. The large mullioned windows, some in bays, are a real feature and flood the house with an immense amount of natural light. The elegant facade is adorned with dressed stone quoins, with carved finials in the shape of a ball leading the eye up to the tiled roof, with its majestic chimney stacks stretching up to the sky. The undeniably lavish exterior is only amplified by the interior, with extraordinarily high ceilings with decorated cornices, deep skirting boards, wonderful open fireplaces, Minton-style tiled floor to the hall, large wooden doors with detailing to the architraves and a majestic, bespoke solid wood carved staircase. Broadbottom, ÂŁ795,000, Jackson-Stops & Staff (01625 540340)

A stunning four bedroom family house with beautiful landscaped gardens and equestrian facilities set in 5.5 acres, Gravestones Farm House is constructed of mellow Cheshire red brick, surmounted by a slate roof, with large UPVC windows flooding the house with natural light. The house is ring-fenced by its own landscaped gardens and has stunning far-reaching rural views. This house has the best of both worlds with its delightful pastoral location, yet is under 10 minutes from the M6 motorway and only some six miles from Knutsford. Internally the house has real charm, with large spacious rooms, all beautifully decorated, with such features as oak/ stone flooring, beams, log burning stove, Living Flame modern wallmounted gas fire and a fabulous granite-topped breakfast kitchen. The first floor has four good sized bedrooms, one en suite shower room and family bathroom, again, all totally up to date. Aston by Budworth, ÂŁ795,000, Jackson-Stops & Staff (01625 540340)

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Gravenhunger Hall

£1,250,000

Cheshire/Staffordshire Borders A superb Grade II listed family home. Gravenhunger Hall is a rare mix of impressive historic formality and comfortable contemporary space. It’s unusual mix of period charm and modern convenience makes it truly a home for all seasons and purposes. Substantial but relaxed and set in five acres of gardens and paddocks close to the village amenities this elegant and private property is a rare and lovely home. With up to seven bedrooms, three bathrooms, four/five reception rooms and large family kitchen breakfast room there is ample living space.

7 Abbey Square, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2HU 01244 340402

• • • • • •

Superb Historic Hall Seven Bedrooms Three Bathrooms Gardens & Paddocks Five Reception Rooms Five Acres

Location Set on the quiet Gravenhunger Lane the advantage of a semi rural location is obvious. Quiet untroubled privacy awaits the buyer but local amenities are within easy reach. The M6 lies within 20 minutes and makes much of the north and midlands easily commutable. Crewe mainline train station is a short drive.

Martin Haywood

01244 340402 martin@fearnalls.co.uk

Emma Crowther

01978 340030

wrexham@belvoirlettings.com

fearnalls.co.uk

Homes and Interiors

luxury overseas property: MADE IN AMERICA

We bring you our pick of the most lavish and striking properties the USA has to offer, from East Coast chic to West Coast glamour and everything in between

LOS ANGELES #1 Oriole Way

With sweeping panoramic views of the entire LA basin, this stunning contemporary architectural property is perched on celebritystudded Oriole Way, in the highly desirable ‘Bird Streets’ above the Sunset Strip. Guide price $38,000,000, through Savills (savills.co.uk; 020 7016 3740)

florida

#2 Coconut Grove

A classic five bedroom French-style manor of over 6,000 square feet situated in a private gated community. There is vast amounts of formal and informal entertaining space and a huge chef-style kitchen. Outside is a summer kitchen, large pebble pool, shaded grotto, private dock access and a private guest house. On the market for $5,999,000 through Sotheby’s Realty (+1 305.666.0562; sothebysrealty.com)

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Miami Beach

#3 Hibiscus Island

A rare opportunity to own a unique architectural masterpiece on gated Hibiscus Island. This is a modern Mediterranean estate with a main house, guest house, boat house and cabana set with tiered pools and connected by walkways. There is downtown views and over 150 feet of water frontage. On the market for $22,500,000, One Sotheby’s Realty (+1 786.395.2139; sothebysrealty.com)

new york

#4 Upper East Side This is a one of a kind nine into seven room penthouse located in an elegant pre-war cooperative. It has wrap around terraces, soaring ceiling heights, year round solarium and wonderful expansive views in every direction. On the market for $6.5 million through Stribling Private Brokerage (stribling.com)

Venetian Islands

#5 Rivo Alto Drive

A unique waterfront estate on the Venetian Islands. The luxury property includes a large sundeck, private dock with direct ocean access, home theatre, formal entertaining space and a beautiful swimming pool. There is also separate staff accommodation. Within walking distance of Sunset Harbour and Lincoln Road. On the market for $16,495,000 through One Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Realty (+1 305.608.0007; sothebysrealty.com)

San Francisco

#6 Vallejo Street

This magnificent home is located on one of the most desirable streets in Pacific Heights and enjoys amazing views of the sparkling San Francisco Bay. The home at 2900 Vallejo extends over four gracious levels totaling approximately 8,675 square feet, and was originally designed by noted Bay Area architect Louis M. Upton. On the market for $15,998,000 through Savills (020 7016 3740; savills.co.uk)

new york

#7 Vestry Street, Tribeca

6 7

This magnificent condominium home which is perfectly positioned on a quiet cobblestoned street in the North Tribeca Historic District, consists of six bedrooms, three living areas, two kitchens, 5 baths, two laundry rooms, a gym, and three landscaped terraces, perfect for large scale entertaining and plenty of rooms for everyday living. On the market for $14,995,000 through Stribling Private Brokerage (stribling.com)

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Cheshire and Manchester’s Largest Leading Independant Estate Agents www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

Royal Gardens Bowdon Guide Price: £960,000 Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Originally the show home on this exclusive ‘Crosby Development’ • Cul-de-sac location with beautiful private gardens • Four large double bedrooms, Two en-suite • Four stylishly decorated reception rooms including a lovely conservatory • Double garage and off road parking for several vehicles

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

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

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

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

Macclesfield Road Alderley Edge

An imposing and substantially proportioned detached residence • Exclusive Alderley Edge location • Five bedrooms, three reception rooms and four bathrooms • Dedicated cinema room and gymnasium • Internal viewing essential

Guide Price: £2,200,000 Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

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

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

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

Cheshire and Manchester’s Largest Leading Independant Estate Agents www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

South Downs Road Hale Guide Price: £1,595,000 Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Imposing Period House, nestling in a private plot unseen from the road • The accommodation stretches over four floors with an abundance of family space • Open plan kitchen, dining room formal lounge and sitting room • Separate annex ideal for a variety of uses • Wonderful secluded grounds surround this substantial property

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

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

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

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

SOLD Devisdale Road Bowdon Guide Price £3,300,000 Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Another wining ‘Belmont Homes’ property • Sold before going to market • Beautifully constructed detached residence nestles in a lovely leafy spot on one of Bowdon’s premier roads • Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, three ground floor reception areas and incredible kitchen • Fully equipped basement leisure facility including swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, cinema room, gym, bar area and bespoke wine cellar • Wonderful architectural features throughout and stunning interior design • Private gardens and double garage

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

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

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

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

Homes and Interiors

PROPERTY

Idyllic family life IF finding the perfect family home seems like an unattainable dream, trading in your old property for a stunning new home at Stretton Green could help you achieve your ‘happy ever after’ quickly and simply

eing in a property chain can bring added stress to a move, but use part exchange to purchase a new luxurious Redrow home in the idyllic Cheshire countryside and you’ll be free from any chain. It’s the ideal way to speed up the moving process. In the heart of rural Cheshire, just 10 miles from Chester, Stretton Green is an exclusive enclave of country homes. Part exchange is available to make that move easier for those who don’t want to spend time, money and effort selling their current property.

The best of both worlds Stretton Green offers an impressive selection of four and five-bedroom detached homes. Using a handpicked array of designers and craftsman, Redrow has ensured its

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designs fit the bill for modern lives. The new homes feature a premium specification and a host of additional luxuries designed to meet every requirement for discerning buyers. Sam Williams, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (NW), said: ‘Inspired by the charming country cottages and impressive manor houses in the surrounding areas, our homes portray the character that buyers often feel they have to sacrifice in order to obtain all the mod cons; the homes at Stretton Green really do offer the best of both worlds. ‘It’s not just green by name either. We’ve taken great care in creating a central village green, which is not only scenic and restful but is also perfect for enhancing the sense of community.’

Part exchange is available on selected Redrow homes, as long as the value of the property being traded in is worth at least 35% less than the chosen home. Redrow has the existing property valued and then an offer could be made within 48 hours. If the seller is happy with the offer, they’ll be able to reserve their brand new Redrow home virtually straight away.

And relax… The prestigious development sits adjacent to the 1,000 acre Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa. With two stunning golf courses, plus a host of other leisure pursuits, residents are positively encouraged to enjoy the hotel’s facilities. Home owners will benefit from a bespoke leisure package, including a two-year full membership of the golf club as well as extensive use of the hotel’s spa facilities, and there is private buggy access from Stretton Green straight onto the golf course. Current prices at Stretton Green range from £775,000 for a fourbedroom ‘Penley’-style home complete with a generous porch, up to £1,200,000 for the substantial double fronted ‘Highclere House’ with its five double bedrooms and ample living space for all the family. Highclere House’s premium specification boasts three luxury en suites and a spectacular feature staircase. Also available now is the fivebedroom ‘Mentmore’ at £975,000 with not only a huge kitchen/dining and family room but also another downstairs room that could be used

as a luxurious study or a media room for all ages. All of the striking houses have been carefully arranged around a new village green and boast a high calibre specification inside and out. Nearby, the charming villages of Tilston, Farndon and Holt and Malpas offer local family essentials, including village schools, shops and excellent pub fayre. From the depths of the scenic countryside, Chester city centre can be reached in around 20 minutes via the A41. This also links to the A49, A55, M6 and M56, bringing Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales and the Midlands within a commutable distance.

Award-winning quality Redrow’s bespoke development has won a number of accolades including the coveted What House? Gold award for Best Exterior Design and a Silver Gilt accolade in the New Homes Garden Awards. Stretton Green was also a finalist in the Best Family New-Build award and most recently reached the final shortlist in the Residential Scheme of the Year category at the Insider North West Property Awards. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Redrow Homes is well known in the area for its expert craftsmanship and strong emphasis on high quality family homes in prime locations. The marketing suite and show home is open daily. For more information call 01829 458977 or go online at redrow.co.uk/stretton.

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Homes and Interiors

beautiful things

TUB OF LOVE Famed for its hand-made Chesterfield sofas, luxury furniture-maker Fleming & Howland has unveiled the Oxford Tub, a comfortable armchair upholstered in ‘silk leather’ – the brand’s term for its glossy, super-soft finish. The hand-waxed piece is available on a made to order basis, with a buttoned or unbuttoned back and in the most vibrant selection of colours that Fleming & Howland has used to date. Pull up a tub. £1,350 (fleminghowland.com)

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A genuine Starck.

Design by Philippe Starck

The bathroom by Philippe Starck.

More nuances. More elegance. More versatility: The Starck bathroom series with coordinating furniture. Just one example from the comprehensive Duravit range â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, accessories, bathtubs, wellness products and saunas. To find out more: Phone 0845 500 7787, info@uk.duravit.com, www.duravit.co.uk

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