The Cheshire Magazine May 2015 by Runwild Media Group

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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester Manchester Road, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 0ST Tel: +44 (0) 1565 700 000 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-manchester.co.uk Official range fuel economy figures for the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II: Urban 13.2-13.3mpg (21.4-21.2l/100km). Extra Urban 28.8mpg (9.8l/100km). Combined 20.0-20.2mpg (14.1-14l/100km). CO2 emissions 329-327g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. ÂŠ Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2014. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.

31/10/2014 11:47

Here’s to your next adventure. The new Continental GT V8 S.

Continental GT V8 S fuel consumption* in mpg (l/100 km): Urban 18.4 (15.4); Extra Urban 36.7 (7.7); Combined 26.8 (10.6). CO2 Emissions 246 g/km. For more information call 01565 220302 or visit www.Manchester.BentleyMotors.com. #Continental #GTV8S Bentley Manchester, Mobberley Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8GT

*EU Drive Cycle. Fuel consumption figures are subject to Type Approval. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2014 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Continental GT V8 S

BEnTLEy MAnCHESTEr

Collection | The CHESHIRE Magazine

From the

Editor

EDITOR’S PICKs

#1 The revival of the pinball machine

#2 Collecting cars

Wedding N

INSPIRATIO

GARDEN, THE WALLED ABBEY COMBERMERE .COM) (ADAMCAPPER

and cakes ls to castles red by From cathedra mes, be inspi to colour sche bride & grooms some local you in Brought to

with association

#3 Inspiration in our wedding supplement

elcome gentlemen. This month we honour the art of being a gentleman; from classic tailoring to modern manners. Rick Parfitt Jr talks to us about rocking and racing in the run up to his appearance on track and on stage at this year’s Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (page 32) as the British Vulcan takes its last flight over Cheshire. Our favourite local personality Michael Oliver, shows us around his ultimate collection of cars and engines (page 96) and the England rugby team suits up in preparation for this year’s Rygby World Cup (page 86). To provide complement and contrast, some of our pages have been taken over with all things wedding related as we celebrate some local leading ladies and gentlemen who have become one this last year. There are also a lot of style ideas to be inspired by too (page 85). Other leading men include Danny Boyle on the importance of HOME (page 38), Robin Windsor on finding a home in Cheshire (page 28) and Tue Mantoni, CEO of Bang & Olufsen, lets us in on some design secrets (page 128). Worry not, we’ve not forgotten our leading ladies. There’s plenty for you too, including a look at modern pearls and how to wear them (page 48). Ladies and gentlemen, we hope you enjoy.

Louisa Louisa Castle Editor Follow us on Twitter @TheCheshireMag

Proud to support: Variety – The Children’s Charity The Pink Ribbon Ball, Manchester & Breast Cancer Campaign

Manchester • Liverpool • Altrincham • Chester • Southport www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

Order online at: mandarinstone.com or visit your local showroom: 67-69 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5BQ 01625 531 343

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Contents

May 2015

142

Features

collection

travel

020 | Get crafty Steve Davis of Commonhall Street Social talks us through the current craft ale revival 024 | Bid for charity An exclusive look at some of the Pink Ribbon Ball prizes 032 | Rocking and racing We talk cars and careers with gentleman racer and rocker Rick Parfitt Junior 086 | Inside the dressing room We meet the man who dresses England’s rugby players 096 | It can be done Michael Oliver shows us his collection of automotive gems

042 | Watch news Stunning state-of-the-art timepieces for him and her 046 | Jewellery news Our usual beautiful array of the very latest jewels 048 | Pearl jam With pearls back in style, we love the daring new designs

104 | Travel news 106 | Mad about Macau There’s far more to this island gambling haven than casinos 110 | On the dock of the bay Explore Hamburg’s cultural and culinary melting pot 114 | Weekend away Discover total indulgence at Ascot’s Coworth Park estate

regulars

032

052 168

008 | Editor’s letter 012 | Contributors 015 | My life in Cheshire Tailor and designer Anthony McDonald on feeling fab 016 | Notebook This month’s local events, news and best new products 022 | Local scene All the glamour and gossip 028 | Taylor talk Liz Taylor chats to Strictly’s Robin Windsor as he searches for a Cheshire bolthole

fashion & beauty 050 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here 052 | Walk the line Embrace military chic and vivid silhouettes with wearable wardrobe staples 062 | Beauty news New treatments, products and all the latest news

WEDDING SUPPLEMENT 066 | A family affair Charlotte Balbier and Amanda Wyatt chat about the ultimate bridal bliss 070 | Bold and beautiful A vibrant Manchester affair 076 | Fun at the folly A small, casual wedding 080 | Fabulous fairytale A fantasy day at Iscoyd Park

art

motoring

036 | Art & culture 038 | No place like HOME We preview the new centre for international, contemporary visual art, theatre and film 041 | Prize lots

094 | Motoring news The latest developments from the automotive world 102 | Technology central What’s hot in the world of gadgets, games and geekery

FAMILY 116 | Kids’ news The very latest for little ones 119 | The classroom 121 | Formative ears The sweet bespoke nursery furniture that’s fit for royalty

homes & interiors 124 | Interiors news 128 | Designing the future Bang & Olufsen CEO Tue Mantoni on an exciting new chapter in the B&O story 142 | Man cave mechanica Two highly collectable must-haves with retro appeal 148 | Recreate the look Male sanctuaries, old and new 154 | Great garden design We give you a taste of Ian Hodgson’s brand new book 162 | Local property The best of Cheshire’s homes 164 | Icon of Oz This legendary property is the jewel of suburban Sydney 173 | Overseas property These stunning properties will have you yearning to emigrate

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

MAY 2015 s issue 017 s

Editor Louisa Castle Editorial Director Kate Harrison Theatre Editor Natalie Anglesey Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Assistant Editor Gemma Knight Senior Designer Grace Linn

The

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

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

AMY WELCH Having trained in costume design for stage and screen, Amy has since worked as a writer and illustrator specialising in fashion, technology and luxury lifestyle. This month Amy talks with Bang & Olufsen CEO, Tue Mantoni.

PHILLIP WATERMAN Phillip has more than ten years experience at a wide variety of publications including the Telegraph, and has also been involved with campaigns for Specsavers. In this month’s fashion shoot, he captures a bright and graphic vibe that’s perfect for this spring’s trends.

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

NATALIE ANGLESEY Natalie is an author, broadcaster and journalist working with the Guardian and Cosmopolitan as well as regional media. She is also a television producer and director, and is currently busy writing a book about the theatre.

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell, Oscar Viney Alice Ford Advertising Manager Kayleigh Penswick General Manager Fiona Fenwick Publisher Giles Ellwood Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Proudly published by

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

www.rwmg.co.uk Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. DISTRIBUTION: The Cheshire Magazine is the largest circulated luxury publication in Cheshire, delivered to selected homes in over 20 postcodes, over 300 businesses, as well as newsagents and retail outlets. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: Please contact Kayleigh Penswick +44 (0)1502 380434; +44 (0)7841 199699 k.penswick@runwildgroup.co.uk

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cover On the

Savile Row tailor Huntsman shares its S/S15 ready-to-wear collection from creative director Roubi L’Roubi. It’s aim to encapsulate the breezy, at ease concept of the season. (h-huntsman.com) Turn to page 85 for more

Also published by

www.my-perfect-t.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

My life in CHESHIRE ANTHONY MCDONALD DESIGNER & DIRECTOR AT MYLES ANTHONY

A ‘Manchester is a good, growing city, which ultimately feeds Cheshire business’

nthony moved to the north west from Jamaica when he was just 11 years old. ‘It’s definitely home now. It’s peaceful and friendly. And Manchester is a good, growing city, which ultimately feeds Cheshire. The only thing I would change is the weather. We need a bit more sunshine. I’m always complaining to my wife about that.’ ‘I got myself a job as a cutter at Alexander Milnes straight from school, then quickly progressed up the career ladder to cutting room manager, factory manager and heady heights of offshore development manager, until one day I thought “I can do this for myself”. So 20 years ago I set up Rosehill Tailoring [named after Anthony’s home town in Jamaica] for women and now Myles Anthony for men and women. ‘I think starting at the bottom I’ve learned the best way. I love finding an amazing material and designing something to show it off at its best. That’s where I get my kicks. As well as creating and wearing individual pieces. ‘I get that from my dad, I think. He was a complete clothes horse and wouldn’t be seen in anything twice. Growing up I was wanting to wear things that were different, unique even, so I think that’s where my passion started. ‘When I’m out I always look for that person who owns the room and a lot of that is how their clothes make them feel. For me it’s not about just about how it sits and fits but how it makes you feel. Just like I think that everyone can wear every colour, it’s just getting the right tone. ‘My tweeds are British and are woven here and all our garments are made in Altrincham. I love beautiful material, top-quality tweeds, wool and cashmere. I’m a real snob when it comes to this. That and a perfectionist, I’m told. We do things slightly differently to traditional tailors. I have my own rules now about look and grade to make sure the best fit is achieved. ‘Instead of measuring and making, we ask clients to put on a garment we have in the style they are looking for. Then we work out if it is actually right for them and the best material. Many times clients have a fixed idea when they come in but sometimes it’s worth trying a range of styles to find the one which is the best for your individual style. That bit’s like a retail store but we then take that garment and amend it to fit you perfectly. ‘The ultimate aim is to see how a client’s posture changes when what they put on makes them feel amazing.’ Anthony will be showcasing his skills at Simply Cheshire, Arley Hall, 22-23 May (mylesanthony.co.uk; simplycheshire.co.uk) 15

CHARITY AT THE CASTLE Bolesworth International Festival has just announced that it will be working with national charity Caudwell Children at its 2015 event. Set in the picturesque grounds of Bolesworth Castle and under the careful management of Nina Barbour and team, the festival attracts some of the world’s best horses and riders in a family event. The partnership with Caudwell Children aims to raise awareness of equestrian and disability sports as well as raising money for local disabled children and their families. The Bolesworth International Festival, 18-21 June. Scouting for Girls, 20 June. (bolesworthinternational.com; caudwellchildren.com)

NOTEBOOK

THE SEASON Dates not to miss this summer 6 May BOODLES MAY FESTIVAL, CHESTER RACES (chester-races.co.uk)

22-23 May THE LDF INTERNATIONAL POLO WEEKEND (chester-races.co.uk)

3-13 June MBNA CHESTER MUSIC FESTIVAL (chestermusicfestival.co.uk)

12-14 June CHOLMONDELEY PAGEANT OF POWER (cpop.co.uk)

16-20 June ROYAL ASCOT (ascot.co.uk)

18-21 June BOLESWORTH INTERNATIONAL (bolesworthinternational.com)

29 June - 12 July WIMBLEDON (wimbledon.org)

AMAZING ANNIVERSARIES

s The Chester Grosvenor celebrates 150 years of history and luxury in the city of Chester, there’s a whole year of celebrations still to come. The landmark hotel still has a whole host of events on the horizon but there’s even more to celebrate. This summer sees 150 years of Alice in Wonderland so be sure to enjoy the Mad Hatters’ 16

tea parties and a special ‘curiouser and curiouser’ themed journey aboard the Northern Belle. Then there’s 140 years of the Anderton Boat Lift and 175 years of teaching excellence at the University of Chester, not to mention all the new landmarks launching and creating milestones of the future. (visitcheshire.com/etw-2015)

3 July - 23 August GROSVENOR PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE (grosvenorpark openairtheatre.co.uk) 1-5 July HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA (hrr.co.uk)

16-19 July THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, ST ANDREWS (opengolf.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

5 top picks

for

TELLING TIME To celebrate the turning forward of the clocks, here are our top-five timepieces #1 COPPER CUCKOO CLOCK, £380 (redcandy.co.uk)

MAN’S BEST FRIEND

rought to us by the same events company as CarFest, DogFest comes to Arley Hall this year to celebrate the bond between man and dog. Dog lovers will be able to get first-hand advice, join the Great Dog Walk, watch the agility shows and duck herding as well as taking part in some everyday fun. What’s more Channel 4’s SuperVet Noel Fitzpatrick will be on hand to make sure everybody (two or four-legged) enjoys the day. DogFest, Arley Hall, 14 June (dog-fest.co.uk)

#2 POCKETWATCH SCREEN, £75 (arthouse.com)

#3 TIME MACHINE WALL MURAL, $165 (miltonandking.com)

PURCHASE OF THE MONTH

#4 REFLECTIVE TILE CLOCK BY BLOTT WORKS, £5,800 (sableandox.co.uk)

#5 BIG BEN KIDS’ WALL STICKER, £120 (nubie.co.uk)

Take inspiration from the jungle fashion trend this season and go wild with this occasional chair.

Delcor’s S/S15 Concept Collection, the Metro Chair (£1,161) (delcor.co.uk) 17

ICOOKINDIAN

NOTEBOOK

iCookIndian was founded in 2013 by chef Amarpal Harrar with the aim of giving people the confidence and skills to cook ‘home-style’ Indian food from scratch. Amarpal’s passion for Indian food began during his childhood in India. In his classes he shares his experiences of the smells and tastes of authentic food cooked from scratch with students to create a classic meal incorporating an excellent balance of traditional dishes. Rated highly by culinary peers, the school has just announced some new classes at the Dorothy Clive Garden, on the StaffordshireCheshire-Shropshire border which we were excited to hear about. In addition to cooking their meal from scratch, students will learn about the heritage of the dishes they are cooking and about the spices and other ingredients they use and, as an added bonus, will be able to take home the food they’ve cooked to share with friends and family. (icookindian.co.uk)

Food & Drink PURCHASE OF THE MONTH Ella’s spice cabinet Made and hand-painted in Shropshire we have developed quite a thing for these bespoke kitchen cabinets. They’re made to order and come with pourable scoop containers and glass bottles with aluminium lids. You can choose your own colours, too, either from the colour chart or simply supply the make and name and they will do the rest. The perfect storage solution for pasta, rice and spices – freeing up much-needed space in your kitchen. Or any other room! Kitchen cabinets, from £175 (ellaskitchencompany.com) 18

Q&A... ERNST VAN ZYL THE LORD CLYDE

What is your favourite food and why? Any baked puddings as they bring back childhood memories from my grandma’s kitchen. What is your favourite ingredient and why? Beetroot because of its versatility for numerous cooking methods, especially when it’s salt baked to bring out its natural earthy sweetness. If you could take one item onto a desert island, what would it be and why? My favourite bottle of wine,. After I’ve finished quaffing it i can send a message in a bottle! Ernst is the head chef at Cheshire’s only three-rosette winning pub, The Lord Clyde (thelordclyde.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

SPOTLIGHT ON… The Black Swan

estled in Lower Withington is The Black Swan, a charming country pub surrounded by glorious countryside. Bought in 2012 by the owners of the famously floral Swan Hotel & Spa in Newby Bridge, the pub was given an extensive makeover and emerged with fresh,modern country cottage-style interiors. Designers Guild fabrics, Lewis & Wood wall coverings and Farrow & Ball paints provide a backdrop for quirky hand-picked gems, including antique animal heads, paper bird montages and covetable Rory Dobner for Liberty of London plates. Despite being so unashamedly feminine, the roaring log fires, fine local ales and comfort-food menu keep the male clientele more than satisfied and, as we arrive on a wet and windy Sunday for lunch, the bar is lined with locals reading papers, exchanging pleasantries and feeding free treats to their well-behaved dogs (welcomed in the bar). We’re met by Gary, the new general manager and seated, pride of place, next to a log burner emitting a cosy, warm glow. The extensive menu is the work of Clare Asbury, executive chef for both venues, and is packed with delicious-sounding rustic dishes crafted using ingredients from Cheshire suppliers, but also favoured producers in the Lakes. Having heard about the hearty portion sizes, and hoping to last the whole three courses, we pick what we hope are modest starters of Ham, Egg & Chip – a delicate terrine of ham hock and tangy piccalilli, with a potato chip roasted in duck fat and crispy quail egg – and light and tasty marinated ginger and soy chicken spring rolls that provide an equal balance of sharpness and sweet in every perfect bite. For mains, it takes considerable effort to steer away from the belly-busting Sunday roasts; which include sweet and spicy beer can half-roast chicken or confit of pork belly with pork and apple sausage roll. Instead, as we’re still hoping to have room for pudding, we choose a lighter Mexican bean and bulgur wheat salad,

‘...the roaring log fires, local ales and comfort-food menu keep the male clientele happy’

served with garlic and sweet chilli toasted pumpkin seeds and a deliciously tangy chimicirri dressing, and a seared sardine on toasted brioche with vine roasted tomatoes and salsa verde, which is on the menu as a starter or main option. Both dishes are a masterclass in how quite simple ingredients can be given a tastebud-tingling new lease of life by the addition of a perfectly spiced accompaniment; the pumpkin seeds provide just the right amount of ‘zap’ to the bulgur wheat and the salsa verde adds an exotic edge to the fleshy sardine. After a short ‘breather’ we find ourselves gleefully asking for the pudding menu and diving into a Strawberry Eton Mess Cheesecake, with crunchy homemade meringue and fruity strawberry compote, and a fluffy Crepe Suzette served with locally sourced vanilla ice cream. Feeling fat, full and very happy, we reluctantly leave the homely warmth of The Black Swan with the echoes of a cheery ‘Thank you’ and ‘See you again soon’ ringing in our ears – and they will! The Black Swan, Lower Withington, Cheshire, SK11 9EQ (01477 571770; blackswancheshire.com) 19

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

GET CRAFTY There’s never been a better time for artisan ale. Steve Davis of Commonhall Street Social talks us through the revival

eal ale has experienced a massive rise in popularity over the years. Inspired by London’s pop-ups, the foodie revolution and a desire to satisfy increasingly more discerning tastebuds as young lads move away from the lagers, it has resulted in a great movement of craft breweries. Everything has a story these days and people want to know more about it. The guy behind the bar has to know about the journey and take the knowledgeable drinker on a journey of new experiences. Our fridges take you from Cheshire to Seattle, Germany to Hawaii. We’re noticing that people are less afraid to ask. They’re appetite is curious. Real ales should be 100 per cent clear with a foamy head which stays put. They should be full in flavour and not tangy. If they’re cloudy they’re off and if they’re sour they’re nearing the end of the barrel. If in doubt over which to choose, though, ask for a sample. Any place worth their salt will oblige. Loads of micro and artisan breweries are popping up with more and more people fed up of the rat race and following their dream. Just as people love the story, they also love the accessibility. We have this one-click connection to the passionate producers. You can tweet the main man and the main man tweets back – you wouldn’t get that with Heineken or Smirnoff! Big, hoppy pale ales are really popular at the moment, with intense sour grapefruit notes a

STEVE’S

TOP TIPPLES 20

#1 Redhook, Long Hammer IPA (Seattle) medium body, crisp finish, very drinkable

little like a Sauvignon Blanc. Although the more traditional mellow, biscuity ales are still holding their own. But the style is ultimately changing as the US brewers are now buying up British hops for their brewing process which, are more citrusy, thanks to our weather. There’s also a rise in the acknowledgement of beer and food matching. We try to offer homely comfort food that will go well with what we have on offer. The team here think I’m mad but we have a special tiger bread sandwich aptly names ‘Steve’s favourite’, filled with strong cheddar, cheese and onion crisps and pickled onions. And there’s nothing better than a fruity IPA to accompany it. Just like making a good old coke float with Tiny Rebel’s Dirty Stop Out smoked oat stout and icecream. Try it, you’ll understand. Commonhall Street Social, 10 Commonhall Street, Chester, CH1 2BJ (commonhall.co.uk)

#2 Tiny Rebel, Dirty Stop Out smoked oat stout (Wales) complex, dark with hints of smoke

#3 Big Wave, Golden Ale (Hawaii) smooth, light and with interesting passion fruit notes

CARNE ARGENTINA UNICA

OUR BEEF IS JUST THE BEGINNING

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Local scene While our pages may be taken up with the forthcoming Pink Ribbon Ball, there have still been a number of launches to cover this month

Two become one Bar Lounge, Chester PWM Wealth Management and Seddon Wealth Management celebrated their merger in style as Illingworth Seddon was launched last month. Directors Phil and Jonathan and their team welcomed clients and contacts over Champagne and canapĂŠs in Chester as their new chapter begins. (illingworthseddon.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Football mad Hotel Football, Old Trafford Former teammates and business partners Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville launched the first Hotel Football in Manchester to fans. Other members of the Class of â&#x20AC;&#x2122;92 showed their support and were on hand to feed the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love of football. (hotelfootball.com)

#1 Meet & greet with Louis Tomlinson from One Direction and show tickets The world’s biggest pop act returns to their homeland this year with the eagerly awaited brand new UK tour and you can watch the show and meet Louis. This money-can’t-buy experience offers three tickets to see One Direction at one of their Manchester concerts in October, followed by a rare opportunity to meet Louis Tomlinson backstage after the show. T&Cs: Please note it is likely that the other members of the band will be at the meet and greet but this cannot be guaranteed.

Kindly donated by Louis Tomlinson

#2 4-ball at The Mere with Peter Schmeichel MBE

#3 Luxury Barbados holiday

T&Cs: Date to be agreed at a mutually convenient time.

Whisk your family away to the laid-back world of Barbados for a week, staying at the exclusive and luxurious beach front homes of Saint Peter’s Bay or the marina home in Port Ferdinand where the hospitality is effortless. Sample the local watersports, take a tour of the island, watch a game of polo or simply explore the amazing tastes that the island has to offer. Alternatively, sit back, relax and let the team look after you. This prize includes a contribution of up to £2,500 towards flights in total.

Kindly donated by Peter SchmeichelMBE and The Mere Golf & Country Club

Kindly donated by UNNA Living

With a career that spans over three decades, Peter Schmeichel has run up an impressive list of accolades including three FA cup wins and two awards for ‘World’s best Goalkeeper’. This is the opportunity for three people to join Peter for a round of golf (including buggies) at The Mere, one of the most breath-taking and well-conditioned golf courses in the North of England.

T&Cs: Family of 5. Subject to availability.

BID FOR CHARITY As the inaugural Pink Ribbon Ball Manchester draws close, we take an exclusive look at some of the amazing money-raising prizes and experiences which will be available to bid for during the live auction

JStone / Shutterstock.com

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

#4 Private dinner for ten by celebrity chef Tom Whitaker Tom is a Masterchef 2011 finalist and has since been working as a private and professional chef, including stints at some of London’s best restaurants. He set up Whitaker Bespoke gastronomy in 2013 and has since built an impressive client list of both private dining and corporate customers. Enjoy Tom’s delicious cuisine in the comfort of your own home as he prepares dinner for up to ten people. All food, wine and service will be supplied. T&Cs: Subject to availability. Valid 12 months.

Kindly donated by Tom Whitaker, Whitaker Bespoke Ltd

#5 Behind the scenes visit of ‘This Morning’ at ITV Studios with Eamonn Holmes, dinner at the Oxo Tower and overnight stay in London

#6 The Ultimate Makeover Package

Join Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on an exclusive behind the scenes tour of ITV’s flagship show and watch the show filmed live. Afterwards head to the iconic Oxo Tower where you will enjoy a meal for two with champagne. This prize also includes a one night stay for four people in London (2 rooms).

Beyond Medispa Manchester is offering a Coolsculpting treatment worth £2,400 - a new, non-surgical and natural way to quickly lose those annoying bumps by freezing fat cells without damage to the skin. The lucky winner of this innovative treatment will first be consulted by a medical aesthetician, who will fully assess your aims and explain everything. Then complete your new look with a new outfit from Forever Unique.

T&Cs: All elements of this prize are subject to availability. The visit can be taken most Fridays.

T&Cs: Treatment to be claimed by 14.05.15 (subject to availability). Outfit up to £500.

Kindly donated by Eamonn Holmes, The Oxo Tower and The Booking Portal

Kindly donated by Beyond Medispa and Forever Unique

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Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

#7 VIP behind the scenes experience at Sky Soccer Saturday A rare and exclusive money-can’t-buy chance to go behind the scenes at the Soccer Saturday studio in London. Join Presenter Jeff Stelling and guests and shadow the live TV programme as the results come in. Experience the passion, excitement and comedy of match day from the set of Sky’s cult hit, Soccer Saturday. A truly unmissable experience for any football fan! T&Cs: This prize is for two guests and is valid for the 2015/16 football season.

Kindly donated by Sky Sports

#8 Florida holiday of a lifetime Seven nights at a luxurious Ritz-Carlton Hotel of your choice and one week’s Alamo car rental. Choose from Miami, Key Biscayne, Orlando, Sarasota and Naples, or combine a few of these incredible destinations. T&Cs: The prize is for two adults (and up to two children under 12 years of age) sharing one room, staying between 1 June and 30 September 2015. Terms and conditions apply. This prize includes a contribution of up to £2,500 towards flights in total.

There will also be the chance to bid on some amazing other prizes via the silent auction

#1 Original black and white Picasso lithograph (1950)

Kindly donated by North American travel in conjunction with Ritz Carlton and Alamo.

Breast Cancer Campaign was delighted to announce the brand new Pink Ribbon Ball, Manchester earlier this year. The event follows over twenty years of success in London and will take place at Manchester Cathedral on Saturday, 25 April (breastcancercampaign.org)

#2 Money can’t buy experience at Cholmondley Pageant of Power

#3 A photography experience with Sue Westwood-Ruttledge m

Vlad1988 / Shutterstock.co

#4 Joe Hart signed England gloves & Steven Gerrard signed shirt

#5 VIP interior design package with Jan Dickov & Arighi Bianchi

#6 Marco Bicego gold earrings 26

EAT – SLEEP –WALK – PLAY Stylish products and accessories which fuse effortlessly with your home For the dog less ordinary

Hugo & Otto, 89 The High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0AB 01829 733960 www.hugoandotto.com

TAY L O R TA L K

Strictly Cheshire

A change from the normal column, Liz Taylor chats to Strictlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Robin Windsor over coffee at Piccolinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, as he searches for a Cheshire bolthole

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

have always wanted to dance and when the opportunity came to bid for dance lessons in a charity auction, I went for it! The lessons were with the wonderful Lisa Riley and her Strictly Come Dancing partner and friend Robin Windsor. We hit it off from the first steps. When Robin said he was looking for a home in Cheshire, I volunteered my help to find the perfect place. But first, I wanted to know what made this international dance star really tick.

I had my first dance lesson with you last week, do you prefer teaching or performing? Firstly I have to say that you were a natural – you can’t half move those hips! Definitely a Latin girl! I love both teaching and performing equally and being on Strictly Come Dancing is the perfect job for me as I get to do both – seeing my celebrity partners grow each week and learn a new skill which I have taught them is extremely rewarding. So many people are fearful of dance and perhaps making a fool of themselves, and yet it’s the most energetic and exciting hobby and you never stop learning.

Can anyone dance or do some people just not have the rhythm or timing? Obviously some people take to it more quickly than others, but of course everyone can dance! I love teaching someone who thinks they have no rhythm and lack confidence... They are amazed what I can do with them in the end.

What would be the three best pieces of advice you could give someone learning to dance? Practice! If at first you don’t succeed try again, that’s my motto. Keep at it and once the steps are embedded in the brain it’s like riding a

bicycle – something you never forget And have fun! Too many people take it too seriously from the beginning – learning to dance should of course be hard work, but also a lot of fun. If you are having a ball you don’t realise that you can dance for 10 hours while learning a new skill and lose weight. It’s a win-win situation. You have to let go – so many people come in into the dance studio and as soon as they hit the dancefloor become stiff like an ironing board. The lovely Judy Murray is a prime example! But once you relax in o it as she did and finally let go there’s normally a great dancer underneath . Oh, and relax, enjoy and smile! It’s all in the eyes and the posture.

I am learning the Cha Cha Cha which is amazing, but what’s your favourite dance to perform? I love all the fast dances – Cha Cha, Samba and Jive. I’m a very energetic, lively person in life and that carries over in to my dancing... Although I have to say I love them all – there’s something magical that happens every time I dance. I get

transported to another world, a world where the only thing that matters is the dance. Dancing gives you a freedom and you block out everything else in your life for that moment – it’s magical.

I know we’re looking at a bolthole in Cheshire for you today, what’s drawn you to the area? Since Strictly, dance has taken me all over the place and my partner is currently working in the north west. I love Cheshire. It meets all my requirements geographically and has so much to offer. I am also keen to develop a dancebased show in the area – An Evening with Robin Windsor. It’s going to be an amazing night where anyone can come along and learn ballroom dance and I want to stage it in Cheshire, so to have a place to live close-by will be hugely convenient.

Are we searching for a chic city-style crash-pad, or more of a rural retreat? I am quite a shy person... I blush easily! I love city life but having a place in London I think I am going to retreat to a little contemporary bolthole within walking distance of one of the villages. I travel all over the country so rail networks are important to me as are good restaurants and wine bars. My privacy is respected in Cheshire as it is home to numerous TV personalities and sports stars so I am sure I will pale into insignificance here – except when I take to the floor, of course!

And if money were no object, what would be your dream home?

Definitely a contemporary penthouse in New York. It doesn’t have to be the biggest space, but must have a 360-degree view of Manhattan with floor-to-ceiling glass windows – and maybe a balcony too. I love the city, the people and the views, so a place in the tallest building with the most stunning outlook would be essential. I would fill it with bespoke, designer furniture and have a space to dance, of course.

I always love the costumes, colour and drama of dance, but what drew you into dancing? My father was a teacher of ballroom and Latin, so I have been around dance studios all my life. My parents enrolled me in a local dance school in Ipswich and from the very beginning I was hooked. I completely fell in love with dance and the sense of freedom and joy. It’s simple – dancing makes you happy.

If I hadn’t become an event planner I would have liked to be a barrister. How about you? If not a dancer, what would Robin be doing today? I can’t imagine being anything but a dancer to be honest, it’s in my blood.

I am embarking on dance lessons so that I can teach my gorgeous baby granddaughter one day, but how old were you when you started to dance? I was three years old but, really, I think I started before I was even born. My mum was around the dance studios where my father taught a lot when she was expecting me, so I am sure I was already tuning into the music and rhythm. My parents never pushed me into dance, but when I started to wiggle and move in time to the music they thought that dancing might be good for me.

So the big question, and tell me honestly, what are my chances of dance stardom? Chances darling... You’re already are a star! (tlc-ltd.co.uk; robinwindsor.com; bespokeballroom.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

‘I can’t imagine being anything but a dancer, it’s in my blood’

ROCKING

& RACING As the countdown begins to Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, Louisa Castle speaks with gentleman racer and rocker Rick Parfitt Junior about cars (of course!), careers and cornering quite carefully

s we enter Cholmondeley Castle and settle amidst the scent of hyacinth with coffee in hand, we are looked after by Lady Cholmondeley’s secretary Dilys and there is a genuine warmth in our welcome. My first impressions of Rick stem from this greeting. He is unassuming, charming, warm and very open to my questions. For anyone who doesn’t recognise the name, Rick is the son of Status Quo rocker Rick Parfitt and grew up in the world of ‘rocking and racing – screaming cars and guitars’ - his words, not mine. ‘Growing up there were at least eight cars in the garage, from a smelly old Studebaker to some amazing creations. Needless to say, I was a massive fan and have been a petrolhead for as long as I can remember. ‘As a teenager I raced karts. This was partly to satisfy the petrolhead in me but also it was a way for me to escape. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when I was young and I was very ill.

‘Cholmondeley is full of genuine enthusiasts, raw passion and great drivers’

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

RICK PARFITT JUNIIOR WITH THE GINETTA G40 GRDC AT CHOLMONDeLEY CASTLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY IOAN SAID

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I was a massive fan and have been a petrolhead for as long as I can rememberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Getting into a racing suit was a way for me to cover up my thin body and escape the disease and the insecurity which accompanied it a little.’ Rick was picked up by Biz Karts and over the following years he collected more than 250 trophies and 100 wins, racing at Le Mans 24hr du Karting and The Dubai 24hr. In 2004 he hung up his helmet and concentrated on his music. ‘I was always singing and writing [Rick has written for Matt Willis, Holly & Fearne Go Dating and many more names you will recognise] and always going to events. It was then that I noticed a gap and the RPJ Band was born. And it’s an honour to play with the guys we have on board. We’re a bit like Man United – we have a squad of players who slot in when they’re not on tour or recording. And we have fun doing whatever comes naturally on stage.’ Having watched some clips of the band in action, I can only describe them as energetic and crowd-pleasing. ‘The sixth member of the band is the audience. It’s all about the experience.’ This has earned the RPJ Band recognition as one of the best event bands in the UK, having toured with greats such as Eric Clapton and Robert Plant. ‘Once we found ourselves on stage with the legendary Huey Lewis, only to be joined by Bill Murray (who really is as bonkers as you think but in an amazingly endearing way) who was utterly brilliant. Then Damian Lewis joined in on backing vocals!’ Enter Cholmondeley Pageant of Power and performing at the open-air concert, which accompanies the on-track action. ‘I didn’t really know a lot about the Pageant before. It was really great fun and different. The event is full of genuine enthusiasts and drivers and the raw passion you experience is amazing. We brought my British GT4 Championship car last year and it was a bit hairy on track but we ended up third fastest. The only thing which took away a little of the sparkle was that we were supporting dad on stage but this year we’re the headline so it’s going to be even better!’ Rick is now back in the world of racing, after being given the opportunity by Yorkshire businessman Lawrence Tomlinson to race for

Ginetta. ‘It was a case of “dude, we’ve got to get you in a car” and next thing I had my race licence and was entering the Ginetta GT5 Challenge. It was a fab learning ground. I was up against some of the best young drivers in the UK and we were all in identical 1.8-litre cars.’ Two years later and after several podium finishes Rick graduated to the British GT series in the GT4 class and won the championship in his debut year. ‘2015 is going to be an exciting year. I’m partnering with local boy Tom Oliphant as part of the factory Ginetta cars team in the fire-spitting G55 GT3 monster. Tom and I are a really good pairing, Tom is fastest in practice and we’re constantly pushing each other. Should be a good series to watch! ‘We’ll be back at Oulton this month for the British GT. It’s quite a scary track to be honest. It’s difficult to overtake so we’ll have to qualify as high up as we can and hold that position. ‘Then there’s the challenge of taking the car around the Cholmondeley track. I’ll be breathing in at the start over the bridge, breaking early at the hairpin and when everyone else is flying over the jump I’ll be breaking and pottering over it trying not to damage the car!’ (cpop.co.uk; rpjracing.co.uk; ginetta.com) WIN FAMILY TICKETS TO CHOLMONDELEY PAGEANT OF POWER 12-14 June

Watch all the excitement from The Cheshire Magazine sponsored Member’s Area. Benefits If you don’t win, include VIP parking, use code programme, private CPOPTCM for a marquee and elevated 10% discount on virewing platform. advanced-purchase tickets TO ENTER: Send your name, (cpop.co.uk) address and contact number to info@thecheshiremagazine.com TERMS & CONDITIONS: Closing date 30 April, 2015Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. To be used on day of choice. Non-refundable.

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

SELF PORTRAIT

literary itinerary

Don’t miss a chance to see Tracey Emin’s infamous artwork ‘My Bed’ when it comes to Tate Liverpool later this year. The work, which was bought at auction by German collector Count Christian Duerckheim last year, caused a stir when it was unveiled in 1998 and was even shortlisted for the Turner Prize the following year. Strewn with intimate, personal objects from stained sheets to empty bottles of alcohol, the piece has been described by its newest owner as ‘a metaphor for life, where troubles begin and logics die.’ (tate.org.uk)

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

Artist with attitude You might have seen artist Dan Gold during his star turn in the reality show London Ink, and he’s tattooed a myriad of celebrities (including Britney Spears and Kate Moss) – but it’s his cool fusion of street art and tattooing with fine art skills to create these incredible, unique pieces which really has our attention. His latest collection is currently on show at Congleton’s Attitude Gallery, the first gallery outside London to exhibit and sell Dan’s work, and those who manage to snap one up will find themselves in the company of fellow collectors Iron Maiden, not to mention a whole host of other household names and international art lovers. 12a Swan Bank, Congleton, CW12 1AH (01260 299143; attitudegallery.co.uk) 36

A sport defined by its fair weather locations and distinctive – albeit a little eccentric – dress codes, golf has migrated from its humble Scottish roots and now counts itself as a popular leisure sport in many of the fashionable and prestigious corners of the globe. Brimming with both modern and vintage photography, including snapshots of Dean Martin and Bing Crosby wagering on a friendly game at the Bel Air Country Club, this reflective and lighthearted coffee table book aptly charts golf’s illustrious pedigree and the stylish players who have both followed and shaped the sport. From glimpses of the world’s most idyllic fairways – the royal and ancient St. Andrews is depicted as the true home of golf within the book – The Stylish Life Golf illustrates jet-set golfing at its finest and is a pleasurable peruse for any golf aficionado, but frankly, we think it’s worth its own place on your coffee table for the fashions on the field alone. The Stylish Life Golf, £29.95 published by teNeues (teneues.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

TO KILL A MOCKI NGBIR Daniel Betts (Attic D us Finch) 2. Photo Johan Persson

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels the Musical - Photo by Johan Persson

Deep South drama THEATRE REVIEW

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels If you enjoyed the film version of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, you’ll love this stage musical version of the film classic. I was invited to see rehearsals in London prior to opening night starring Robert Lindsay (My Family), a Royal Exchange favourite. Watching them run through the play, I knew they had a hit on their hands. This is great escapist entertainment. Not only will you be transported to the French Riviera with glamorous sets and costumes but you’ll also discover a sophisticated yet decadent underworld as two seasoned

swindlers attempt to hoodwink an heiress, as well as one another. Multi-award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Legally Blonde) ensures the convoluted plot has laughs galore, ensuring a really entertaining night out. Acclaimed by critics and audiences alike it was voted Best New Musical of 2014. Last year Dirty Rotten Scoundrels sold out in Manchester, on tour and in the West End where it’s just finished a successful run at The Savoy Theatre. Now it returns to Manchester with a new cast and as I enjoyed this elegant, musical comedy so much, I’m looking forward to seeing it again! Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Palace Theatre, 20-30 May (atgtickets.com)

Return to rock

K Ariel in RETURN TO ROC Forbidden Return to the Credit Planet. Photo Clark y Nobb

The Olivier Award-winning rock classic returns to the Palace Theatre in its 25th anniversary year. Inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest and littered with quotes, it explodes onto the stage with rock ‘n’ roll classics like Great Balls of Fire, Shake, Rattle and Roll, Young Girl, Johnny B. Goode and many more. A great night out, be ready for blast off! Return to the Forbidden Planet, 4-9 May, The Palace Theatre Manchester (atgtickets.com)

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel, sees racial injustice envelop a small town in America’s Deep South. Daniel Betts plays compassionate lawyer Atticus Finch and Jemima Bennett is his daughter Scout, both caught up in the turmoil that involves a whole community. It still packs a punch. To Kill A Mockingbird, The Lowry 19-23 May (thelowry.com)

Reach for the stars S Club 7 returns with the Bring It All Back arena tour, the first in over 10 years. The band exploded onto the pop scene in 1999 with Bring It All Back, which topped charts world-wide. Hits followed with Reach, Don’t Stop Movin’, Never Had A Dream Come True and S Club Party leading to global sales of over 10 million records. The band’s status was cemented with record-breaking TV shows watched by 90 million in over 100 countries. With four multi-platinum selling albums, two Brit Awards, and nine number one international hit singles, S Club 7 fans should start practicing their moves now! S Club 7, 8 May, Manchester Arena (eventim.co.uk) 37

NO PLACE LIKE HOME This is an exciting time for the arts in Manchester with the opening of HOME, the centre for international, contemporary visual art, theatre and film. Natalie Anglesey previews what will be on offer

Dave Moutrey, chief executive of home PHOTO BY: Paul Greenwood

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

oon to be situated in First Street, HOME will include a 500-seat theatre, a 150-seat flexible studio space, a large art exhibition gallery and five cinema screens. There is no doubt that this high-profile addition to Manchester’s cultural scene will be a keystone in the city’s cultural regeneration, since it will be England’s largest combined arts centre outside London. It has also attracted the backing of some big names. Among HOME’s patrons are Manchester’s Sir Nicholas Hytner, Oldham’s Suranne Jones and Radcliffe’s Danny Boyle. Acclaimed film-maker and architect of Britain’s spectacular Olympics opening ceremony, Danny is proud of his Northern roots. He was previously a patron of Cornerhouse, which has merged with the Library Theatre Company to form HOME. ‘To have this wonderful expansion of arts facilities outside London, especially at a time of sustained pressure on arts funding, is such a shock,’ comments Danny. ‘But it’s what you would expect from a visionary city. HOME will stand as a complement to the vision of the arts institutions in Manchester and of Manchester City Council. Their faith in the power of the arts to transform lives and the economy is impossible not to support. ‘We’re not going to lead the industrial world anymore and that world now looks to us for our arts and culture. The world is inspired by our creativity and one effect of that can be an extraordinary economic benefit. What Manchester is known for now is football and music. But what it will be known for in 20 years could be film or theatre. HOME ensures that the next generation has a facility in which they can express themselves.’ Dave Moutrey, chief executive of HOME, adds ‘Danny’s a supreme example of British creativity. He’s an inspiration to the artists we are working with in theatre, film and visual arts and is a fantastic advocate for audiences and the importance of supporting the creation and production of the arts.’ Scheduled to officially open on 21 May, a weekend of world-premiere theatre, new visual

a computerised depiction of home’s exterior

actress suranne jones

Walter Meierjohann, artistic director (theatre) at HOME

arts commissions and a unique film and music project will introduce HOME’s spaces and contemporary artistic vision to the public. Headlining will be the world premiere of The Funfair, a new adaptation by double OlivierAward winning playwright Simon Stephens of Ödön von Horváth’s classic 1932 play Kasimir and Karoline. It promises to be a fabulous showcase, according to HOME’s artistic director of theatre Walter Meierjohann, ‘complete with freak-show, live band and a big dipper.’ ‘We’re also incredibly excited to have Hofesh Shechter, the world-class choreographer, presenting an immersive world premiere called The Bad, a production which raises the bar for dance performance in Manchester and beyond.’ Opening celebrations also include a season of new commissions pairing archive footage and silent film with original live scores by Manchester’s finest musicians. Actress Suranne Jones is a passionate patron of HOME: ‘The programming is vast and varied, performed by visiting artists from all over the world. Although we already get the big shows here, they sometimes come at a cost. HOME is determined to keep its ticket prices reasonable and that’s really important to make it easier for young people to visit the theatre.’ (homemcr.org)

Investment PLANNING

Retirement Planning

Tax & Estate Planning

THE OLD SCHOOL, HIGH STREET, TATTENHALL, CHESHIRE. CH3 9PX TEL: 01829 771707 FAX: 01829 771195 EMAIL: illingworthseddon@sjpp.co.uk Illingworth Seddon Chartered Financial Planners is a trading name of Illingworth Seddon Ltd and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

PRIZE LOTs

#1‘The Sunrise Ruby’ This stunning gemstone will be sold as part of Sotheby’s auction of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, due to be held in Geneva this May. Weighing 25.59 carats, this Burmese ruby and diamond ring created by Cartier is extremely rare and a truly superb and peerless addition to any collection. Estimate: CHF 11.5 million - 17 million / US$12 million -18 million, Sotheby’s, 12 May (sothebys.com)

#2 An Egyptian silver royal diadem, circa 1580-1550 B.C. Within Egyptian society, silver was restricted to the highest echelons, far more precious than gold. Fronted by two separately made uraei (indicating the property of an Egyptian queen)

this second intermediate period, 17th dynasty diadem is an exceptional link to ancient history. Egyptian royal jewellery remains exceedingly rare and this is one of only two surviving Egyptian silver diadems in the world. Estimate: £100,000 - £150,000, Antiquities at Christie’s, 15 April (christies.com)

#3 Silver-Mounted Flintlock Sporting Gun As part of its forthcoming Islamic and Indian Art Sale, Bonhams will be auctioning a magnificent 17-bore two shot superimposedload silver-mounted flintlock sporting gun from the personal armoury of Tipu Sultan, created by Asad Khan-e Muhammad in the Indian town of Seringapatam and dated AD 1793-94. Estimate: £100,000 - £150,000, Bonhams, 21 April (bonhams.com)

Watch news The latest ultra-minimalist timepiece from Hysek, IWC celebrates its 75th birthday, and we discover the slim-line, paired back precision pieces which come courtesy of German brand Junghans w o r d s : r ich a r d b r o w n

Crystal Clear If you failed to get your hands on one of the 16 original IO Skeleton Tourbillons released by Hysek last year, now is the time to place your order for the Skeleton Tourbillon mark II. The maison has updated the ultra-minimalist timepiece by adorning it with a glass back sporting a guilloché sunburst motif in a metallic finish. The result accentuates the solar effect of light passing through the skeletonised watch, drawing attention to its barrel at 7 o’clock and tourbillon at 11 o’clock. It’s what’s on the inside that counts. IO 45mm Skeleton Tourbillon, £POA Hysek (hysek.com)

IWC’s Portugieser Party For the Chinese, 2015 is the Year of the Sheep. For IWC, it’s the Year of the Portugieser. Celebrating its 75th birthday, the watchmaker’s most prestigious range of timepieces has been modernised with a host of design and technical modifications. Most recently updated is the Portugieser Yacht Club Worldtimer. With a 24-hour dial, the Worldtimer offers 13 time zones, including the current Universal Time Coordinated (UTC), with each location named on the outer ring. The limited-edition model is available in a run of 100 red gold cases and 500 stainless steel cases. Each features special printed glass on its case back, were all 24 geographical time zones are displayed. Portugieser Yacht Club Worldtimer, £18,750 in red gold, £7,500 in stainless steel, IWC (iwc.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

ONE TO WATCH ‘This the first time IWC has introduced an Annual Calendar into the collection - in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the iconic Portugieser family. The timepiece also includes the new IWC-manufactured 52850 calibre, which features two barrels that together generate a seven-day power reserve.’ Paint it Blue A relative under-the-radar-brand in Britain, Junghans has been a purveyor of slim-line, paired-back precision instruments since 1861. Based in Schramberg, Germany, the company remains independently-owned and highly-respected within watch circles. Junghans’ Meister watches debuted in the 1930s, were refined during the 60s and remain the company’s principle collection.

Lee Chadwick, Manager at David M Robinson’s Manchester showroom IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar in 18ct red gold (£23,500), available at davidmrobinson.co.uk

In celebration of what Jungham calls the ‘blue hour’ - the brief moment only observed during sunrise and sunset – this year sees the Meister range presented with a deep-blue dial, adding an additional elegance to a enduring aesthetic. Meister range, from £1,550, Jungham (junghans.de)

A Question of Sport Every watch brand has a creation that defines it; a preeminent collection that shapes the association between company and consumer. In Audemars Piguet’s case, that’s the Royal Oak, and its sportier sister the Royal Oak Offshore, whose latest incarnation is the Selfwinding Tourbillon Chronograph. Driven by a peripheral oscillating weight made from satinbrushed, 950 platinum, the watch contains AP’s latest Calibre

2897automatic movement. It comprises 335 parts and a tourbillon carriage that takes a watchmaker three days to assemble. Water resistant to 100 metres and protected by a forged-carbon case, screw-locked crown and titanium pushpiece guards, it’s a watch that’s meant to be worn, whatever the terrain. Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Tourbillon Chronograph, £201,200, Audemars Piguet (audemarspiguet.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Going to the

chapel

hotos and eternal wedded bliss aside, perhaps the most long-lasting memento of your special day and accompanying nuptials is your wedding band. And what bigger jewellery-based decision will a woman ever have to make than choosing the ring which will adorn her hand for the rest of her days? We love this beautiful selection from David M Robinson, all of which are options for traditional or unusual wedding and eternity bands guaranteed to stand the test of time in the style stakes. They also offer a bespoke service, with expert goldsmiths creating the wedding band of your choice in their workshops, and even the option to have the ring engraved with a message of your choice. Prices from ÂŁ550 (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

Penny for your thoughts After being given an exclusive sneak preview of Tessa Packard’s latest fine jewellery collection Fat Free back in January, we have been craving to see the finished results and only now has our curiosity been satisfied. The irresistible spring range sees a playful new side to the designer, who was inspired by the quintessential English penny sweet to create her fourth line. With mouthwatering pieces including a gummy bear necklace, fried egg earrings, a waffle heart bracelet and an ice-cream ring, it’s almost good enough to eat. However, be warned: each piece, crafted in 18-carat white or yellow gold and incorporating precious diamonds and gemstones, will certainly cost you a pretty penny. (tessapackard.com)

Jewellery news

WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE

Wind beneath your wings Beautiful though jewellery is, we love the idea that our favourite pieces can do more than just sparkle. The new Angel Wings and Sound Balls Pendant from Engelsrufer (Germany’s number one jewellery brand) is intended to call to your guardian angel to bring you power, guidance and strength when you need it most. The baskets can be filled with a choice of nine differently coloured bells (each one carrying a different meaning) with the option to complement your bell with an angel wing charm in silver, gold or rose gold plated. (engelsrufer.de) 46

Winging it Those of you who regularly frequent Loulou’s members’ club will already be familiar with the charms of Shepherd Market and its surrounding streets but may be unaware of another one of its gems: Guy & Max. The unassuming jewellery boutique, founded by two brothers, is a contemporary treasure trove of unique fine jewellery pieces made in-house using 3D printing technology alongside traditional techniques. One of the latest collections to catch our eye is Phoenix: inspired by the concept of movement within a bird’s wing, the innovative structural design (invented by Max), enables the metal wings to move freely as if in flight. Phoenix pendant, £2,000 (guyandmax.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Jewels of the sea Fabergé recently re-hatched its one-of-a-kind egg object in the form of a new Pearl Egg in celebration of the jeweller’s forthcoming centenary. Created in collaboration with the Al-Fardan family, which is among the industry’s most wellregarded pearl collectors, the egg’s design has been inspired by the precious gemstones’ formation in the oyster; it features a crafted mother-of-pearl exterior, which carefully opens up through the use of a built-in mechanism to reveal its treasure – a unique 12.17-carat grey pearl sourced from the Arabian Gulf. A total of 139 white pearls (hand-selected by company chairman Hussain Ibrahim Al-Fardan from his private collection), adorn the outside, along with 3,305 diamonds and carved rock crystal. The piece is accompanied by a necklace of white pearls, diamonds and mother-of- pearl, finished with a 19.44-carat white pearl drop. Pearl Egg, POA (faberge.com)

CUTTING EDGE One of the year’s most anticipated auctions took place at Bonhams New York on 31 March and 1 April, seeing a selection of late Hollywood actress Lauren Bacall’s jewellery collection, comprising more than 30 pieces, go on sale as part of an extensive 700-lot auction of her estate. Susan Abeles, Bonhams’ head of jewellery in the United States, commented:

Lot 725, sapphire and 22-carat gold earrings, Darlene de Sedle

Lot 711, 14-carat yellow gold long chain, Tiffany & Co.

Lot 739, Amethyst, turquoise and diamond ring, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.

‘The pieces offered are timeless, understated and classic in design and represent the sophistication and glamour of a true Hollywood legend’ 47

Collection | The CHESHIRE Magazine

#1 #4

#8 #7

#17

#9 #15 #10

Pearl

Jam

#16

#14

There's no disputing that pearls are in vogue. Look away from your grandmother's jewellery box and towards these daring new designs

#11

#12

#13

#1 Cages diamond earrings, £3,500, Melanie Georgacopoulos (melaniegeorgacopoulos.com) #2 Coralline circle pendant, from £720, Ornella Iannuzzi (ornella-iannuzzi.com) #3 18-carat white and rose gold pearl necklace, POA, Yoko London (yokolondon.com) #4 Faux pearl and Swarovski crystal necklace, £615, Ben-Amun (net-a-porter.com) #5 18-carat white gold cuff with South Sea pearls and diamonds, POA, Yoko London (yokolondon.com) #6 Tribal earrings, £380, Dior (dior.com) #7 Monsieur Dior ring, £370, Dior (dior.com) #8 18-carat yellow gold classic Baroque pearl drop earrings, £295, Annoushka (annoushka.com) #9 Coralline Reef ring, from £300, Ornella Iannuzzi (ornella-iannuzzi.com) #10 Duet pendant, £585, Melanie Georgacopoulos (melaniegeorgacopoulos.com) #11 Sterling silver, diamond and pearl earrings, £3,400, Amrapali (amrapalijewels.com) #12 Silver sapphire and pearl Mitra ring, £325, LeiVanKash (leivankash.com) #13 Silver vermeil and pearl Rose ring, £240, LeiVanKash (leivankash.com) #14 18-karat black gold, South Sea pearls and diamond earrings, POA, Yoko London (yokolondon.com) #15 18-carat white gold, black and white diamond tassel earrings with cultured pearls, £16,800, Shaun Leane, Selfridges Wonder Room, 020 7318 3603 #16 Perle au Trésor shoulder brooch, POA, Boucheron (boucheron.com) #17 Mise en Dior necklace, £2,350, Dior (dior.com) 48

An auction of Vintage & Modern Wrist Watches

Monday 20th April at 10am A selection of wrist watches previously sold at auction.

Fashion news Great minds Finke alike Shortly after being commissioned by McQ to take part in one of its ‘Instagram Takeovers’ – which sees a young creative talent take over the brand’s Instagram channel for a limited period – London-based artist Ophelia Finke was once again called upon to collaborate on the fashion brand’s S/S15 campaign. Shot by Laurence Ellis, the arresting images showcase Finke’s powerful art installation ‘Carrara’, which was inspired by a quarry site and brings together seemingly unconnected objects that have been unified by the neutral colour palette. Completing the image, models Michael Sharp and Sunniva Wahl pose statuesquely in the latest collection. (alexandermcqueen.com)

The key to success Like fellow designers Anya Hindmarch and Lulu Guinness, Sophie Hulme believes in taking a more playful approach to fashion and her first ever silk scarf collection exclusively for Liberty London highlights this. Summing up the collection as a ‘nice, tongue-in-cheek nod to those serious vintage scarves’ Hulme’s 70s-inspired prints give a quirky twist to what is typically considered a basic and mundane object, incorporating chip forks, spirographs, lollipop sticks and whistles onto vibrant backgrounds of Klein blue and hot pink, along with more sober colours of black, navy and burgundy. Liberty X Sophie Hulme Charms Scarf collection, from £190 Exclusive to Liberty London (liberty.co.uk) 50

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Tang-tastic

Travel light

Continuing its 20th anniversary celebrations, luxury fashion house Shanghai Tang recently joined forces with Chinese designers Masha Ma and Wang Pei Yei on a capsule collection for S/S15. This is part of its ongoing China Fashion Chic initiative, which was launched last October to champion exceptional international Chinese talent by giving them the opportunity to design for a luxury brand as well as for catwalk on their home territory in China. The Masha Ma & Wang Pei Yi x Shanghai Tang collection will be available from April at select Shanghai Tang stores and online. (shanghaitang.com)

The luxury leather goods brand TUMI is celebrating its 40th birthday and, to mark the occasion, will be unveiling a commemorative collection named 1975 this April. Design excellence and outstanding product innovation are at the heart of this limitededition line, which is crafted from full-grain and cowhide leather. It includes a carry-on case, duffel bag, travel kit, cross-body and rucksack styles, with pieces taking nostalgic cues from the year of the brand’s inception, which, it just so happens, ties in nicely with this season’s biggest runway trend. The tan international carry-on case (pictured) bearing a unique embossed number is an investment piece for any discerning jetsetter. International carry-on, £1,895 (uk.tumi.com)

Soles apart Gaziano & Girling has caused quite a stir in the cobbling world. Although a relatively new company – founded in 2006 – its strong background in shoemaking has meant that the methods and techniques it employs are as traditional as they come. The brand philosophy is to produce ‘benchmade’ shoes that have the look and feel of bespoke models; made in a Kettering-based factory using additional hand processes and top-quality materials set these soles apart. From £852 (gazianogirling.com) 51

Walk the Line Embrace military chic and vivid silhouettes with wearable wardrobe staples P h o t o g r a p h e r : P h i l l i p W at e r m a n S T Y LI S T: J ess S t e b b i n g s

Graphic Content Top, £395, shirt, £355, and ‘DKNY X I Still Love You NYC’ choker, £88, all DKNY (dkny.com) 52

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Military Precision ABOVE: Silk evening dress, £3,850, and calf-skin belt, £310, both Ralph Lauren Collection (ralphlauren.co.uk); Plume earring, £190, Eddie Borgo (harveynichols.com) OPPOSITE: Jacket, £219, and skirt, £75, both Isabel Garcia Gold Label (shop.isabelgarcia.it)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Bodacious Blooms OPPOSITE: Carsani gown, £3,640, Erdem (net-a-porter.com) ABOVE: Jacket, £439, Orla Kiely (orlakiely.com); Sunglasses, POA, Coach (coach.com)

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Float Away ABOVE: Silk dress, £2,295, Burberry Prorsum (burberry.com) OPPOSITE: Lillie dress, £668, DVF (dvf.com)

Hair & Make-up: Lou Box using The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars Chanel SS15, Chanel Body Excellence and Redken Hair, Melissa Bell @ Select Models Shot on location at Hotel Hospes Palacio de los Patos, Granada (hospes.com) British Airways currently flies from London City to Granada twice a week, with three flights a week in the summer, and is the only airline operating to the Spanish city from the UK (ba.com/londoncity)

ed as nd le a re m s de le ar ab u l r t op he p rt to Fu ue d

Pink Ribbon Ball Manchester Cathedral Saturday 25 April, 2015 Pricing from ÂŁ150 per person or ÂŁ1,500 per table Tickets include champagne reception, four-course meal by Harvey Nichols with fabulous entertainment

To book: 020 7749 4106 pinkribbonball@breastcancercampaign.org www.breastcancercampaign.org/pinkribbonballmanchester

Registered charity no. 299758

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Blossom hill

o matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow, so the old proverb goes. And there to tickle our senses with the most nostalgic scents of the season is Jo Malone, with its new limited-edition collection of three blossom-based colognes. Choose Sakura Cherry Blossom with its red lid and matching velvet bow for a delicate hint of blossom blended with rose and bergamot; exotic Osmanthus Blossom for peachier notes (marked with a green top); and Plum Blossom with its corresponding splash of purple packaging. ÂŁ86 for 100ml (jomalone.co.uk)

Beauty news Come rain or shine Even in springtime with the weather so unpredictable, it can be next to impossible to keep one’s lips looking and feeling hydrated. Thankfully, Estée Lauder has come up with a cure for the dreaded chapped lips with its new Pure Colour Envy Shine Sculpting Lipstick collection, featuring a unique modern formula for long-lasting moisture. As well as hydrating properties, the lipsticks also contain multi-faceted colour pigments that give unbeatable colour projection as well as longlasting shine. Available in a number of different shades, our personal favourite includes Surreal Sun which gives a warm hue to any complexion. Available from March NEW Pure Colour Envy Shine Sculpting Lipstick, £24 (esteelauder.co.uk)

Barrecore arrives A huge hit in London, Barrecore is the latest fitness class to come into our radar and is now in Alderley Edge. A full-body interval training programme, incorporating isometric exercises, alternated with stretching, the aim is to create a longer-looking and leaner physique. Go for the Mixed class for a trial or Asana if you’re a bit of a yoga-fan. We found it a great way to achieve goals but also provide a feeling of well being and a hard workout. (barrecore.co.uk)

Face value The list of new facials hitting treatment lists across the country seems endless – so it’s a good job we’re here to help weed out the ones that work from those that don’t. Our latest favourite is the Red Carpet Facial, which targets fine lines and dark circles, using enzymes to gently digest dead cells and reveal naturally radiant skin. Various versions of the facial are available around the country, but we prefer the 30-minute version on offer at the tried-andtrusted, celebrity-go-to Harley Street Skin Clinic. If it’s good enough for this roll call of highprofile clients, it’s good enough for us. (harleystreetskinclinic.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

TREATMENT OF THE MONTH THE ICONIC CREME DE LA MER

Fashion house This month art, fashion and beauty come together in one fabulous new launch: three limited-edition nail polishes by Christian Louboutin inspired by his Python Vulcano shoe collection, which echo the wildly abstract paintings of Jackson Pollock. The printed box fuses blue and white paint, exotically splattered over shades of grey and cream. Be it the cool nude, periwinkle blue or vivid yellow, the miniature polishes will pair perfectly with your favourite red soles. (christianlouboutin.com)

Crème de la Mer moisturisers are the stuff that beauty editors wish lists are made of but for many who haven’t tried them, it’s a bit of an expensive punt. Enter the new 15ml introductory-size exclusively available at House of Fraser.

Arley has the answer And what better way to be introduced than by the Express Facial. In the safe hands of Claire I am whisked away to a soothing treatment room and begin to relax to the sound of waves crashing against the sea. Claire begins by taking off my make-up with The Cleansing Lotion and then purifying and refreshing my skin with The Tonic. Followed by The Radiant Infusion lightly pressed onto my skin to smooth and boost the benefits of The Radiant Serum. My aim is to come away with glowing skin and having been on holiday recently I am worried about hydration so The Moisturizing Soft Cream is gently massaged into my skin. It uses advanced-absorption ‘moisturising spheres’ to penetrate deeply replenishing moisture and strengthening skin. To finish The Eye Concentrate is applied to my eye area, gently adding pressure to key points to improve the impending dark circles. That first look in the mirror sees a positively glowing face looking back. Bare-faced and happy I am pleased with the results, not feeling the urgency to put my face back on as I browse my way through the floors on the way to the car park. The Moisturizing Creme and The Moisturizing Soft Creme, 15ml are only available at House of Fraser, £60. The Express Facial is priced at £50.

Move over coconut water – as those in the know will already be aware, 2015’s newest health craze is (somewhat bizarrely) none other than birch sap. A tasty liquid that’s extracted from silver birch trees, the sap combats everything from high cholesterol to flu, kidney stones, headaches, eczema, cellulite and even dandruff. It’s not easy to get hold of yet, but lucky for us Cheshire’s own Arley Hall is in on the secret, with many of its birch trees tapped and gardeners quite partial to a mid-morning sap break. And if you’re really nice, we’ve heard the odd visitor is even allowed to partake. (arleyhallandgardens.com)

The bare necessities Clinique understands that most men want no-nonsense skincare – if it involves more than a handful of products or any mystery ingredients, forget it. The Clinique men Essentials Kit is ideal and the routine is simple: cleanse with the oil-control face scrub and face wash, then hydrate with the oil-control mattifying moisturiser and anti-age eye cream, then you’re done. Well cared-for, totally lowmaintenance skin. (houseoffraser.co.uk)

Elixir of youth Here lies a new staple in your skincare routine. Verso’s No. 7 Super Facial Oil harnesses the powers of concentrated vitamin A to activate skin cells without irritation. Simply put, the four vials promote collagen production. Whether you suffer from dry or oily skin, the serum feels soothing on skin before bedtime. Prepare for luminous skin once again. Verso No. 7, £135, Verso (versoskincare.com)

LET CHISHOLMHUNTER.CO.UK

BLOSSOM TEL: +44 (0)844 417 6058

VISIT YOUR NEAREST CHISHOLM HUNTER STORE: ST MICHAELS SQUARE GROSVENOR SHOPPING CENTRE CHESTER CH1 1EE

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Wedding

INSPIRATION

THE WALLED GARDEN, COMBERMERE ABBEY (ADAMCAPPER.COM)

From cathedrals to castles and cakes to colour schemes, be inspired by some local bride & grooms Brought to you in association with

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Wedding

A family affair Charlotte Balbier and Amanda Wyatt are mother and daughter – and business partners. We speak to them about working together, family life and two very spoiled labradors

t seems inevitable that Cheshire mum and daughter Amanda and Charlotte would follow the family path into bridal fashion. As we settle in the tranquil showroom at the company headquarters, Charlotte begins with a little family history. ‘My grandparents opened one of the first independent bridal retail boutiques back in 1960 and built up quite a collection of boutiques and a great reputation for business. They’re the ones responsible for heavy beading and big shoulders in wedding dresses in the 70s and 80s! ‘Amanda (mum) was involved in the family business and when they were bought out by a plc she stayed with them a while. It was soon evident, though, that a big company wasn’t for her and so she left to do her own thing – and Amanda Wyatt bridal was born. ‘I think with all her experience and knowledge and being immersed in the industry at home and work it was easy for her to spot a gap in the market that she could claim: a softer more whimsical look and chiffon. [This same concept is evident today as Amanda Wyatt launches its latest collection Promises of Love.] ‘We have our own chiffon now, exclusive to us. And she never looked back. Amanda Wyatt is now in over 300 stores nationwide.’ Amanda appears less forward about blowing her own trumpet, but clearly very proud of both their achievements. ‘The Charlotte Balbier

brand was established in 2003, following in the family footsteps. I don’t think I had much choice really, it’s what I love doing so it made complete sense.’ And what about the stresses and strains of working with family? ‘Oh it took a little time, like anything but we realised very soon what each other was good at and fortunately those skills complemented each other,’ explains Amanda. ‘Just like any business you play to your strengths. Plus, we’re there to support and encourage each other, so it works really well. ‘The bridal fashion business is hugely competitive now and brides are willing to travel a lot more for their “dream” dress.’ ‘The internet has brought about some great concepts – like Pinterest, which I love and was obsessed with for my wedding,’ continues Charlotte. ‘Finding a beautiful image on the internet is one thing, tracking down where to buy what’s in it is quite another. I got quite obsessed over finding gold cutlery!

‘It’s all about the feeling. The perfect dress makes all the hang-ups disappear and makes the bride feel as gorgeous as she looks’

Wedding | The CHESHIRE Magazine

‘I think, having got married last year, it really cemented some of our ways of working to decrease any stress for the bride (and the boutique owner!). For us, it’s all about keeping calm whatever is thrown at us, and we have some stories to tell, believe me, but we’ve always delivered, haven’t we?’ Amanda picks up. ‘Absolutely. It’s all about the feeling. The perfect dress makes all the hang-ups disappear and makes the bride feel as gorgeous as she looks. We do so many practical tests too, always listening to our brides and boutiques – like the itch test for strapless dresses and comfort to make sure brides can actually sit down and enjoy their wedding breakfast!’ Amanda and Charlotte are Wilmslow born and bred. ‘In fact if you trace our family tree back, they’re all local from Altrincham to Knutsford.’ Charlotte teases that Amanda was slightly disappointed by this, hoping for a royal line perhaps.

‘I don’t think I’d ever move away. I love where we are, we’re very lucky. We’ve beautiful countryside on our doorstep and accessibility and a friendly feel. Whilst I love going down to London for a day, I love coming home more.’ ‘We’re really close and all about family, really,’ agrees Charlotte. ‘And that includes our labradors Buster Bear and Tilly, who are very spoiled and we couldn’t live without them. That and my husband, my friends and family and pink. And cooking. I love entertaining. I think I get that from dad’s mum - a lovely Italian mama. Oh and social media. I am addicted.’ And for Amanda. ‘My family and friends are top, followed by Tilly, facials, diamonds and duck egg blue. And you can’t beat a nice holiday.’ ‘Yeah, Amanda gets a surprise holiday to Barbados for her Christmas present and I got a slow-cooker! We had just got married and been on honeymoon I admit... but still.’ (charlottebalbier.com; amandawyatt.com)

BOLD &

beautiful

Rosanna and Tom chose to make a statement with their wedding reception at The Monastery, Manchester

or Italian lawyer Rosanna it was all about vibrant colours and mixing the old and the new in perfect harmony - with the aim to create an immediate wow factor as guests entered. Big lighting effects make the most of the dramatic venue, showing off the stunning backdrop in all its glory. A mixture of hot pink, lime green, orange, yellow and sharp blue lights in niches and columns and on arches and the ceiling were used to dramatic effect against the stone backdrop. Stone tables reflected the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architecture and enhanced the ecclesiastical look, while silver plate chargers and chairs offer a slightly metallic influence (a real trend for 2015, we are told). The silver, grey and black colours used on the table also provided a neutral backdrop against which the bright floral table centres could stand out. The perfect mix of masculine and feminine.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Wedding

Wedding | The CHESHIRE Magazine

STEAL THEIR STYLE

Bold colours Bold colours are a big choice this year, especially in a big venue such as this, so the wedding was right on trend with the deep reds, rich purples, yellows and bright oranges to offer warmth, energy and depth to the overall scheme. The floral displays were a mix of high and low - kept low on the top table so that everyone could see, but with a mixture of height on the huest tables. Tall displays of styled trees created a cascade of orange flowers, intertwined with foliage and holding storm jars and candles. And tall, slim vases also featured with flowers pouring from the top and draped in orange beads. Varying the displays throughout the room was crucial, as the same displays on each table would become lost in such a large venue. By creating floral dĂŠcor and candles displays at different heights and in different styles, interest and focal points around the room were added, breaking up the large space. (tlc-ltd.co.uk)

Gift from the heart Bridesmaids are lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support team and to say thank you, Rosanna and Tom gifted their wedding party with personalised infinity bracelets, but there are lots of personalisation options out there today. (poshtottydesigns.com) 72

Weddings at Emirates Old Trafford Home of Lancashire County Cricket Club

Enquire about your wedding: Call 0161 282 4020 or email events@lccc.co.uk @EmiratesOT

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01/04/2015 22:02

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Wedding

Fun at the folly Louisa and Iain wanted a small, casual wedding where everyone was involved throughout the whole day – the ultimate house party, really P H O T O G R A P H Y: T I M B R A D L E Y

fter visiting Portmeirion one cool, crisp, autumn day, Iain and Louisa (our editor) fell in love with the colours and quirkiness of Clough Williams-Ellis’ faboulous folly on a north Welsh peninsula overlooking the estuary. The unique collection of buildings provided the perfect backdrop and all the inspiration needed for an autumn wedding. This, balanced with the beautiful jewel tones of anenomes provided the colour palette and natural inspiration for the day.

Guests stayed in the self-catering homes or hotel suites, all on site and partied exclusively at Castell Deudraeth for the weekend. A simple, elegant affair, the bride and groom retained the quirky element (‘we fell in love with Portmeirion as it was just beautiful, but that little bit quirky too!’) with transport through the land train, the must-have Vivienne Westwood bright pink shoes, a ceremony accompanied by local harpist and virtual (but side-splitting) best man’s speech. The result, a relaxed, comfortable celebration for everyone.

OPPOSITE: THE CENTRAL PIAZZA PROVIDES BEAUTIFUL BACKDROPS to photos THIS PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT: cOLOUR PALETTE INSPIRED BY AUTUMN & ANEmOnES; AUTUMN BRIDESMAIDS & PAGE BOY; arriving in style

Wedding | The CHESHIRE Magazine

STEAL THEIR STYLE

Work with what you love I love baking and both Iain and I love our family roots, Yorkshire vs Lancashire. So we made our own wedding cake and added cheeses from our heritage: a crumbly Wensleydale for Yorkshire, a creamy Lancashire and a Welsh cheddar for our venue, adorned with some beautiful, cheeky, bronze mice sculptures. (churchmousecheeses.com; notonthehighstreet.com; pauljenkinsgallery.co.uk)

Use treasured items It was important for us to make everything personal and involve close family and friends, some who were no longer with us but who would have loved to have been there, so we incorporated important pieces of jewellery into the bouquet; from grandma’s pearls to vintage brooches from my great aunt and a Welsh love spoon my dad bought my mum. If you don’t want to make one, there are some beautiful vintage brooch bouquets out there too. (dcbouquets.co.uk)

Add your personal touch With any event it’s important that you add your own personal touch and, if you can, make things by hand with love and patience. We made our own handwritten invitations and gifts. Iain loves all things Japanese so after months of hunting for something a little bit different we settled on origami. The hearts were detachable so they could be hung at Christmas or for decoration. The cranes come from Japanese heritage; a thousand paper cranes are traditionally given as a wedding gift by the father of the bride, who is wishing a thousand years of happiness and prosperity upon the couple. It is said that a folded crane makes a wish come true. (@Handwrittenpop) 78

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Wedding

Fabulous

fairytale Charlotte and Edward pulled out all the stops for a fabulous fairytale wedding at Iscoyd Park P H O T O G R A P H Y : P O L LY A L E X A N D R E

hen a renowned wedding dress designer gets married you expect a fabulous, fairytale affair and this was no exception. A planner by nature (and avid Pinterest-goer), the glass slipper was on the other foot when Charlotte began organising her own wedding and she readily admits she can now fully empathise with some of the brides that have walked through her door. Once the decision was made that, ultimately, the theme was ‘fabulous’ it took a strong colour scheme and a desire to keep things local to create Charlotte’s fairytale wedding day. The colour palette was pink and gold and, ever the perfectionist, there was no deviating however high the hurdle for golden cutlery. The effect, we think, was well worth the work.

Wedding | The CHESHIRE Magazine

STEAL THEIR STYLE

Floral architecture Create great impact from a simple room and stunning floral architecture, both high and low. The effect can be quite stunning. Go on, be bold. (redfloral.co.uk)

Stick to your theme Charlotte’s biggest tip is to choose your colour scheme and stick to it. Don’t go changing your mind a few months before the big day.

Change for dancing Charlotte changed her gown for the evening celebrations. There’s been a huge trend for this over the past few years and we love it.

Charlotte wo re The Charlotte fo r the ceremony an d Iscoyd Park for the evening (charlotteb albier.com)

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TO THE MANOR BORN

nly the most debonair of gentlemen will frequent H Huntsman & Sons. Offering bespoke craftsmanship and signature one-button jackets, the long-standing brand can count screen icon Gregory Peck as a lifelong fan. His adoration for the house certainly instils in us a pressing desire for Huntsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two-piece tailored creations. For S/S15, lightweight wools and linens encapsulate the heritage of British country estates. What attire could better suit a quick game of croquet and afternoon tea on the lawns? (h-huntsman.com)

Inside the

England

Dressing

Room Ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup, we meet the man responsible for dressing England’s finest: French rugby legend and founder of Eden Park clothing, Mr Franck Mesnel

inning 56 caps for France, four Five Nations crowns and playing in three Rugby World Cup finals, you might think Franck Mesnel was a man more suited to the back row than the boardroom. It turns out that the Neuilly-sur-Seine-born fly-half has found enough parallels between the world of rugby and fashion to forge a game-changing clothing company. Founded in 1987 by Mesnel and four other

French internationals, Eden Park now boasts 52 standalone stores, a turnover of nearly £50 million and is retailed in more than 430 independent shops and department stores around the world. As part of the company’s contract with the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Eden Park dresses all of England’s 215-strong squad, ranging from senior players through to the England Sevens, Under-20s and Under-18s, management and backroom staff.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Tom Wood, Flanker

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Tell us about your logo, the pink bowtie. One day, as students playing for the Racing Club de France, one of the backs urged us to play wearing the famous French beret. We proudly won that game and began to be known as the ‘showbiz’ team. We continued our rugby antics, playing with our faces painted black to celebrate our Guinean prop’s birthday, or coming onto the pitch riding bicycles or celebrating the bicentenary of the French Revolution by wearing huge tricolour shorts. Before the final of the French Championship in June 1987, we had to come up with an idea to illustrate our special state of mind. We had to be elegant and add a touch of fantasy to our strip. Suddenly the idea of a bowtie came up, but as our mascot was the Pink Panther we decided it needed to be pink. We won that game, and everybody was talking about those crazy students wearing what would become our logo. Why would a Frenchman partner the England rugby team? The French love England. We are jealous of your British qualities like education, efficiency and your humour. The pink bowtie shows that we are different, like when Mr Bean played the piano with one finger for the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games. We aim to add a touch of eccentricity. I like to think that the English also like the French for some of the qualities that they don’t have. What’s harder, winning a Grand Slam or running a successful clothing company? Developing a lovely brand, but the management of the team is very difficult. In rugby, we take on responsibilities and we pass the ball; in a company, we pass on the responsibility. The entire Eden Park staff are like rugby men committed to attacking the goal line. Can business ever give you the same kick as top-level sport? Definitely yes, but to be honest, getting my helicopter licence was one of my best moments. It is the same feeling you get during the first few months of dating the love of your life.

Who’s going to be the best player at this year’s Rugby World Cup? From what I know about the French team, Brice Dulin could be in the top five and Alexandre Dumoulin could be the big surprise of the tournament. Who’s going to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy? England are under pressure, but they have a good chance of winning. It would be nice to see them win, like South Africa did in 1995. The All Blacks are still the best and South Africa want to become number one. I think the Australians will come in fourth place and the French team will have a one-in-five chance of winning. What is your most memorable on-field moment of all time? The day I entered Ellis Park for the first time in 1989, as an international rugby player to face the likes of Naas Botha and his South African teammates. Best players you’ve played against? Naas Botha, Jonathan Davies, Rob Andrew, Grant Fox, Michael Lynagh, and all the number 10s! Best player you’ve ever played alongside? Philippe Sella. And my daughter. Highlight of your career? I should have stopped playing rugby after the 1987 World Cup final. For me it was a French title with the Racing Club de France, a Grand Slam and a World Cup final. Another great moment was my first real selection in 1986 against the All Blacks in Nantes. If you could play one match again, it would be… Without a doubt, the World Cup final in 1987 in the Eden Park stadium in New Zealand. That is the reason why our brand is called Eden Park, with a name like that, we can only be successful! Eden Park is available at uk.eden-park.com and houseoffraser.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: George Ford, Fly half Joe Marler, Prop Marland Yarde, Wing

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Danny Care, Scrum half Henry Thomas, Prop Kyle Eastmond, Centre All photography by Asia Werbel @AsiaWerbel

Motoring news words: Iain Warde

NSX is back! Twenty-five years after the debut of the original NSX supercar, Acura revealed the production version of its highly anticipated successor. The next-generation NSX showcases the production styling, design and specifications of Acura’s mid-engine sports hybrid supercar. Customer orders for the new NSX start in the summer, with customer deliveries expected later in 2016. Specifically created to bring a ‘new sports experience’ to the supercar segment, the NSX challenges conventional beliefs about supercars – 94

much as the first generation did a quarter of a century ago. The approach is realised through an all-new power unit – a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine with a nine-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system. The company isn’t going to reveal the total power output of the car until closer to its launch this summer, but has hinted that the max power output is ‘more than 550bhp’. It will need to be if it’s going to stay in contention with its rivals: the Ferrari 458, Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 V10. (honda.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

It’s a classic More than 300 of the world’s rarest, most desirable and valuable classic cars will descend on one of London’s most dramatic and famous venues this autumn thanks to an all-new, must-attend historic motoring event: Classic & Sports Car – The London Show. Brought to you by the experts behind the world’s best-selling classic car magazine, Classic & Sports Car, this all-new show will feature the world’s most prestigious and glamorous historic cars thanks to contributions from world-famous collectors, motor manufacturers and classic car retailers. Running from 30 October to 1 November 2015, the home of Classic & Sports Car – The London Show will take place at one of the capital’s most scenic and well-known venues, Alexandra Palace; the perfect venue to relive the classic era.

Stampede It was a web stampede a half-century in the making. Potential customers flooded Ford websites to design, specify and price nearly 500,000 new Ford Mustang models in the first month of them being available to order across Europe. During the first week, more Mustang models were specified online than any other Ford vehicle. Ford Mustang websites, enabling customers to build and price a Mustang to a chosen

specification attracted more than 1.1 million visits from mid-January to mid-February. ‘The rush to configure Mustang online represents 50 years of pent-up demand across Europe,’ said Roelant de Waard, vice president of European Marketing, Sales and Service. ‘For some people, the new Mustang is the car they’ve waited for their whole lives.’ (ford.com)

‘Racing, competing, it’s in my blood. It’s part of me, it’s part of my life; I have been doing it all my life and it stands out above everything else’ Ayrton Senna

(classicandsportscar.com/show)

The R8 gets faster Just days after the global premiere of the all-new Audi R8 at the Geneva Motor Show, its pricing and specification have at last been confirmed by Audi UK. Power for the second-generation line-up will be provided exclusively by a ten-cylinder FSI engine delivering 540 bhp in the ‘standard’ version and a mighty 610 bhp in the ‘Plus’ model – notable as the fastest and most powerful series production Audi in history. The R8 V10 Plus can hit 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-124 mph in 9.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 mph. Available from May, the R8 V10 at £119,500 OTR, the R8 V10 Plus at £137,500 OTR (audi.co.uk) 95

Under Lock & Key

It Can Be Done As varied as it is vast, this collection of near-priceless automotive gems are the spoils of a tightly run pressure-valve engineering business. George Chapman meets impassioned engineer and entrepreneur owner Michael Oliver PHOTOGRAPHY: MARK LACEY

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

in association with

www.hrowen.co.uk

1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

roudly born and bred in Hale, Cheshire, entrepreneur and engineer Michael Oliver owns what must be one of the most exquisite collection of cars, motorcycles, steam traction engines and aircraft in the country. Comprised of more than 32 cars, 20 motorcycles, seven aeroplanes and one very famously pre-owned helicopter, this impressive amalgamation of vehicles is inspired by engineering while also acting as a very memorable in-house marketing tool. A relatively unassuming Cheshire industrial estate is home to Michael’s three family-owned valve companies: Oliver Valves, Oliver Valvetek and Oliver Twinsafe. Together, the three pipeline, sub-sea and instrumentation valve companies are on target to produce a turnover of £100 million in 2015. He’s also recently acquired 17 acres of neighbouring land, ‘In case the company grows in the near future.’ Leaving school at 15 and following a stint as an apprentice at legendary engineering company David Brown working alongside his father, Michael decided to move to America in the 1960s where he designed a new gear rolling machine for the Ford Motor Company. After receiving draft papers for service in the US Army in Vietnam, Michael packed up and came home where he became manufacturing manager and MD with several other engineering companies. By the late 1970s, he decided to start his own enterprise, founding Oliver Valves. ‘The rest is history,’ he adds. He walks across the road to a modern unit containing his trio of magnificent steam traction engines, one of which ‘Fred’ was owned by the late Fred Dibnah. Kept in fine fettle by a team of soot-

Engine bay of 1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost ‘ Alpine Eagle’

faced mechanics, it’s a wonderful display of engineering in its finest form. ‘Let’s go by car to the next stage of the tour,’ he suggests, climbing into his brand new Rolls-Royce Phantom. Once on board he also voices his opinion on the Wraith, ‘My wife has one in the exact same colour as this. It’s a fabulous car. I own six Rolls-Royces in total, I’m a very good customer.’ Pulling into the car park of his neighbouring factory, he points at one of his latest acquisitions, a GR4 Tornado fighter from 617 Squadron – the original ‘Dambusters’. Entering the next unit, the iconic shapes of some of the world’s most recognisable vehicles meet your eyes; Aston Martin DB5, McLaren Mercedes SLR Roadster, Mercedes SLS, Bentley Continental R, Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Alpine Eagle, Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé, the list goes on and on… The collection also includes more humble vehicles, such as the green 1955 MG TF 1500. Originally bought for him by his father as a 21st birthday present, Michael spent several years negotiating the sale of the car from its owner, almost 30 years later. He then had the car fully restored bar, ‘a curious indent on the dashboard of a stiletto heel.’

‘This car is believed to be a oneoff and the very first DB2/4. I’m very pleased I own it as was David Brown’s personal car, which means I now own my father’s boss’s car’

1955 MG TF 1500

1954 Maserati 250F

Delving deeper into this dream garage reveals more incredible vehicles making it difficult to know where to look next. Parked up against the rear-most wall a Bugatti Veyron sits between Fangio’s Maserati 250F(!) and a magnificent 1905 Léon Bollé Tourer. Michael admits he has a ‘thing’ for Ferrari’s too – a fact proved by his stunning 1963 250 GT California Spyder in the centre of his garage. ‘Jodie Kidd drove this car for a TV programme recently, so no-one’s allowed to sit in it from now on,’ he laughs. Several of his prancing horses stay at home, including his 1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 and 2010 Ferrari 599 GTO. He plans to travel to Modena in late September collect his latest purchase, the emphatically named ‘La Ferrari’. ‘I can’t wait to drive it around the Fiorano track,’ he remarks. Michael is also the proud owner of another prized Italian thoroughbred, a pre-war Alfa Romeo 8C. Deep in thought while examining his 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 Cutback Prototype Michael

1949 Vincent Black Shadow

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explains, ‘This car is believed to be a one-off and the very first DB2/4. I’m very pleased I own it as it was David Brown’s personal car, which means I now own my father’s boss’s car.’ Asked if he’d like to be photographed in it he initially agrees before replying, ‘On second thoughts I won’t, I’ll sit in the Spitfire.’ Michael’s Spitfire is an exact replica of an original MK4B, ‘The young and inexperienced pilots that flew these things were incredibly brave. The guns were filled with enough ammunition to last just 15 seconds of continuous firing.’ You don’t so much as interview Michael, just pin your ears back and listen. Once out of the Spitfire, he asks, ‘Do you like motorcycles? This is a Vincent Black Shadow – the world’s fastest when it was built and so far ahead of its time. Over here we have a racing Manx Norton and I’ve also got a Matchless G45 and AJS 7R, plus a Gilera 500/4 which makes a lovely noise.’ Other vehicles in the room include a 1958 Jaguar XK150 Roadster, 1993 Aston Martin Vantage, 1962

1962 Austin-Healy 3000 Mk III

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

Austin Healey 3000 MK III, 2009 Bentley Azure, 1999 Bentley R Mulliner, 1920 Armoured Rolls-Royce (complete with Vickers .303 machine gun), Triumph X-75 Hurricane, Carl Fogarty’s Ducati 916 SPS and many, many more. Upstairs, located on a mezzanine level is a collection of miniature steam engines. Clearly very happy and relaxed among these rare beasts, he speaks of next generation’s engineers. ‘Without engineers, nothing happens. It’s a fascinating and creative career choice for young people. There is a huge arena out there and serious money to be made. There are far too many students with degrees in media and drama these days.’ The final industrial unit caters for Michael’s interest in military aircraft and boats. A glistening black Harrier Jump Jet dominates the room, its Rolls-Royce engine removed and in pride of place. On the right, a very rare 1941 Mercedes V20 fast-boat engine. Further back, Idi Amin’s helicopter. ‘It’s a rare old thing and I bet it could tell some tales.’ The tour finished, Michael insists on a short ride back to the factory on his charming 1937 Renault bus, a vehicle that was operated along Route 68 in Paris throughout WWII. ‘I greatly admire that kind of dedication to a task’, he says. ‘I only employ forward thinkers in business, I don’t want to work with people who will hold us back. With a company motto as clearly defined as ‘It can be done’, expect Oliver Valves and the associated ‘Michael Oliver Collection’ to continue expanding for many years to come. (valves.co.uk)

The ‘Borough of Lambeth’ Michael Oliver is also the proud owner of arguably one of the most famous and well-loved Spitfires ever made. Call sign ‘NK-K’, serial number P8088, ‘Borough Of Lambeth’ is a Mk IIA Supermarine Spitfire (the only MkII in the world!) manufactured at the Castle Bromwich Aeroplane Factory in February 1941. Named after the group of Lambeth Borough residents who funded her construction in wartime London, NK-K was taken on charge at No 39 MU Colerne on 1 March 1941 and delivered for active service on 21 March 1941 to 66 Squadron, Exeter. After several months of frantic active service, the aircraft was damaged in a night landing at Matlask. Following repair and subsequent postings all over the UK it tragically ‘dived into the ground’ on 16 September 1944 near Prees, Shropshire, killing its then pilot, 22-year-old Flight Sgt John Cashel Barry RAAF, from Wahroonga, NSW. In 1978, the entire remains of the aircraft were recovered from the crash site by W.A.R.G. – a wartime heritage aircraft group. Today, thanks to Michael’s son Mark, the fuselage and cockpit section have been reconstructed returning much of the damaged and twisted remains back to the correct shape. Attending a number of charity events and as an educational tool, NK-K now brings happiness to many people. It has also been modelled by Airfix and Microsoft, making it one of the most modelled and digitally re-mastered aircraft in history. As a complete project with CAA registration it also offers the very real potential to be taken to the next stage and rebuilt to flying condition!

1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost ‘ Alpine Eagle’

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Technology central words: Iain Warde

Radio ga ga Music is a big part of most of our lives, and there are some great looking and sounding radios available these days. We look at some of the best

ROBERTS Revival Mini DAB/FM Digital Radio USP: Beautiful and compact BEST FEATURE: Auto-tune DAB radio £139.95 (johnlewis.com)

Ruark R7 DAB/FM/CD Bluetooth Wireless Integrated MUSIC SYSTEM USP: Retro look with a modern twist BEST FEATURE: Sound quality, wifi, Bluetooth £2,000 (johnlewis.com)

Geneva Sound System Model XXL USP: Stunning looks and quality acoustics BEST FEATURE: Powerful amps and multiple connections £2,499 (genevalab.com) 102

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Technology

App: Evernote Evernote has just had a nice update on Android. This app will let you write notes of all types, from short lists to lengthy research records, and access them on any device. Collect web articles, handwritten notes and photos, and keep all the details in one place. A handy tool that makes your life much easier when you’re on the road. (play.google.com)

‘Toyota has announced it will start integrating Microsoft technology into its vehicles. It’s perfect for the person who wants a car that crashes every ten minutes’ Game:

Conan O’Brien

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Wild Hunt is a next-generation story-driven open world role-playing game, set in a graphically stunning fantasy universe full of meaningful choices and impactful consequences. You play as Geralt of Rivia, one of a dying cast of monster hunters, and embark on an epic journey in a war-ravaged world that will inevitably lead you to confront a foe darker than anything humanity has faced so far – the Wild Hunt. Gritty and merciless, the world in which the adventure plays out sets new standards in terms of size, and ecosystem complexity. £46.99 (amazon.co.uk)

Apple Watch Apple has finally entered the smartwatch era with the innovatively named Apple Watch, finally shedding the fabled iWatch moniker. Available now, the Apple Watch is an iPhonecompatible smartwatch that does the usual email, calendars, health and fitness yet, strangely, is missing a GPS function. Prices range from £299 for the entry-level Sport model to £13,500 for the top-tier 18 carat gold editions (apple.com) 103

Great Scot

Travel news Hide and souk Tucked away from the hustle, bustle and ferocious bartering of the old maze-like Medina, the Mandarin Oriental’s Marrakech hotel is a tranquil anthesis to the chaos of the walled old town. Opening this month, the collection of 56 private-walled riads is set amid 20 hectares of landscaped olive groves. A further seven suites occupy the main building and come with their own rooftop pools and views of the Atlas Mountains. Get into the swing of things at Marrakech’s premium golf courses, to be found just a five-minute drive away, or relax on site at the palatial spa which boasts two traditional hammams. (mandarinoriental.com/marrakech) 104

The Balmoral in Edinburgh has upped the stakes even further at its Michelinstarred restaurant – the aptly named Number One – with an elegant new refurbishment. Rich red lacquered walls, dove grey banquettes and oak flooring are complemented by a redesign of the menu by head chef Brian Grigor. Opt for the four-course Scottish Experience Menu for a taste of Balvenie smoked salmon, hand-dived Dingwall scallops and Orkney beef fillet. Tasting menus from £75 (roccofortehotels.com)

The Pearl of Asia With hammocks slung between coconut trees, sand the colour of sugar cubes and a turquoise-toned sea, Phú Quoc Island in Vietnam is the very picture of paradise. Its first luxury retreat, Salinda Resort and Spa opened at the beginning of the year with 121 luxury guestrooms and villas. All the activities on offer, from the watersports to the comprehensive spa menu have been devised to match the peaceful pace of island life. Rooms from £254 per night (salindaresort.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

T I P P L E T R AV E L S

A certain kudos Sightseeing fatigue is a common holiday conundrum, but anyone who has ever experienced a pang of guilt for vetoing crowded museums for the sun lounger will like the sound of Kudos Life Experiences. The company creates bespoke trips to Greece that avoid the usual tourist traps. For an authentic snapshot of the country’s 3,000-year old civilisation, take a helicopter tour of its most remote landmarks, attend a traditional Greek tragedy play performed in an amphitheatre, or meet the local fishermen and catch and cook your own dinner straight from the Aegean sea. Step away from the guidebook. (kudoslifeexperiences.com)

Long haul vs short haul

Short haul Hampshire, UK

Gin connoisseurs, take heed – you can now visit the Bombay Sapphire distillery and enjoy one of three unique, behind-the-scenes experiences as part of the brand’s new Discovery Series. Meet the master distillery team behind the brand, visit the still houses, learn about Bombay Sapphire’s history, and even take part in a fabulous masterclass. Prices for the experiences start from £27 (distillery.bombaysapphire.com)

Long haul California, USA

Farm to fork Sustainable development is the name of the game at Belle Mont Farm. Situated among 400 acres of fertile organic farmland on the island of St Kitts, the farm grows almost all of the produce used in its restaurant and supports local suppliers to source the

rest. Guests should look out for ‘pick me’ signs hanging from the ripest fruits, ready to be plucked and enjoyed as they lap up the Caribbean Sea views from their private wraparound verandas or outdoor bathtub. (bellemontfarm.com)

The Jackson family have long been creating award winning Pinot Noirs, and now fans of their sumptuous, silky fare can pop in for a tasting or a tour of their stunning wineries on the California coast, stretching northwards from Santa Barbara up through Monterey, Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties. The brand also boasts gorgeous vineyards in Tuscany and Chile, but if even that’s a little far you can also purchase their wines online. (winedirect.co.uk, jacksonfamilywines.com)

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BODRUM

Mad about

macau

Lisbon meets Las Vegas in one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s richest cities, the once-Portuguese owned Macau. Tiffany Eastland explores this cosmopolitan contradiction

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

t may be small (11 square miles) but Macau is most definitely mighty. This Special Administrative Region of China is the world‘s largest gambling hub, with an industry that brings in more than seven times the revenue of the Las Vegas Strip. Perhaps best known for its casinos (I’ll admit, before my visit, that was the extent of my knowledge), Macau is home to everything from a Wynn to a Venetian, and it seems there’s no slowing down for the Monte Carlo of the Orient, well at least not in the immediate future. In fact, one need only observe the cranes on the Cotai Strip to know that Macau has much on the horizon, starting with the Ritz-Carlton’s first all-suites hotel next year. By 2017, Macau will also be home to the world’s first hotel designed by fashion industry icon Karl Lagerfeld, and Asia’s first Versace hotel. However, the most significant infrastructural change taking place is the construction of a bridge that will connect Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai, drastically reducing travel times and boosting tourism when it opens in 2016. At present Macau attracts around 30 million visitors each year as the only region of China to have legalised gambling, in what was a successful attempt to generate revenue for the government during the 1850s. And that is just one small aspect of its fascinating history; the truth is, Macau’s unique Portuguese-Chinese heritage is unlike anything else in the world. A distinct 450-year-old blend of culture is reflected in everything from the architecture to the food. The historic centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, puts you in Europe and Asia at the exact same time, while its Macanese cuisine offers a taste of Africa, India, South America and Malaysia, brought to Macau by the Portuguese explorers who settled in the region. And despite being handed back to China 15 years ago, the Portuguese presence is certainly evident. At the very forefront of promoting Portuguese food and culture is chef and local personality António Coelho, who in 2008 opened his popular restaurant António. Serving a wide variety of authentic Portuguese dishes, this

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Michelin-recommended restaurant didn’t remain a hidden gem for long, and today it boasts a clientele of local and international foodies, not to mention a place in the Hong Kong/Macau Louis Vuitton City Guide. One thing I learnt during my time in Macau is that there’s certainly no shortage of fine food establishments, and for those looking for something truly exceptional, Vida Rica at the Mandarin Oriental is not to be missed. Upon entering, the décor and interior design alone are enough to impress, but for me, the highlight is a spectacular glass wall offering views over the South China Sea and Nam Van Lake. Open all day, the executive chef has created a classic menu with a clever modern twist that features highlights including wok-fried scallops and asparagus with peppers in taro nest. How does one top that? Perhaps by pairing your incredible dinner with an absolutely mind-blowing show. The House of Dancing Water at the City of Dreams combines high-dive

FROM LEFT: St Dominic’s Church, interior of The Venetian Macao, The House of Dancing Water at City of Dreams, The Venetian Macao Hotel, Taipa Food Street

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‘A distinct 450-year-old blend of culture is reflected in everything from the architecture to the food’ acrobatics, high-wire stunts and stunning fountain effects in a multi-million-dollar production developed by Franco Dragone, the man behind many of Cirque du Soleil’s most spectacular shows. From here, you really must enjoy Macau’s lively nightlife and pay a visit to one of the rooftop bars that take advantage of the generally fine weather. 38 Lounge on the top floor of Altira Macau features an outdoor terrace that opens up to unrivalled views of Macau peninsula, while the main hall indoors is a hotspot for live music from the resident DJ. For those seeking a little more action away

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

from the gaming tables, Macau Tower is worth paying a visit. As one of the world’s tallest towers, standing at more than 330 metres high, it dominates the skyline and offers the most incredible views over the Pearl River and this forever expanding region of China. Those who dare can experience the world’s highest bungee jump, as certified by Guinness World Records, and reach speeds of up to 200 kmph during a four to five-second freefall, stretching the 50 metre bungee cord nearly four times its unloading length before rebounding at approximately 30 metres above the ground. If your heart just skipped a beat reading this, there is (slightly) less panic-inducing fun to be had at Macau Tower. The Skywalk X takes you out onto the 1.8 metre-wide outer perimeter that encircles the tower 233 metres in the air, without any hand rails to cling to. Alternatively, if you’re a keen climber, the Mast Climb offers visitors a unique opportunity to stand atop the building after climbing 100 metres up the mast’s

vertical ladder, a truly exhilarating experience if you can stomach it. If you are, however, risk-averse, don’t let the casinos or the tower keep you from discovering this truly extraordinary destination. Macau ticks more than a few boxes and packs an impressive amount into 11 square miles – you really must see it to believe it.

Flights Virgin Atlantic flies daily from Manchester (via London Heathrow) to Hong Kong. Economy fares start from £320 plus £381.26 taxes return. For more information and to book, visit virgin-atlantic.com or call 0844 209 2770. Macau is just 45 minutes away by TurboJet ferry with the terminal five minutes by shuttle train from Hong Kong International Airport. Accommodation Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 offers rooms from £104 per night in a Superior Room, excluding tax and breakfast. For bookings, please visit (sofitelmacau.com) Tourist information For further information on Macau, please visit (macautourism.gov.mo)

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On the

Dock of

the Bay Jennifer Mason explores the port city of Hamburg; a cultural and culinary melting pot that has plenty to offer

amburg is a place of contradictions. Each district appears to represent not only a different era in the city’s development, but also a distinct social climate. The Binnenalster (or Inner Alster Lake), the area where The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten (our home for the trip) is situated, is renowned for offering visitors access to the finer things in life; but travelling further out will allow those looking for a little more action to relive the early days of The Beatles in the trendy St Pauli quarter, home to numerous clubs, bars and the city’s seedier side, along the infamous Reeperbahn. Or, if you’re in search of real historical treasures, navigate your way to a hidden unnamed street ‘off the Krayenkamp’ near the beautiful St Michael’s Church in the Neustadt district. It’s the last 17th century courtyard remaining in the city and a wellpreserved example of original (if crooked) plumb lines from the mid-1600s. In this way, Hamburg reminds me of a sort of grown-up Disneyland – each district has a unique atmosphere and you’ll discover something unexpected around almost every corner. Driving from the classical architecture of the Binnenalster to the Speicherstadt or ‘warehouse district’ is another surprise. As a lass with a whole lot of Lancashire in her genes, I’m immediately struck by the similarities between this part of the city and the newly regenerated dock areas of Liverpool. The buildings have been restored thoughtfully – with original

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warehouse pulley systems still swinging from each roof – and there’s plenty to see and do here, with bars, museums and restaurants popping up like mushrooms in the old industrial quarter. Dining at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is a varied experience that your taste buds will certainly thank you for. During our stay, we visited several of the restaurants and

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten

cafés under its more than 100 year-old roof and tried cuisines from around the world – all with a Hanseatic twist. Well worth a mention was the legendary Doc Cheng’s, an award-winning basement restaurant serving up European-Asian fusion cuisine against a vibrant Far Eastern and Western 1920s-themed backdrop. Although the food was delicious – unusual flavours married well with traditional classics – hands down the best part of the experience (and indeed my entire trip) was the exquisitely balanced Tarragon Smash aperitif I enjoyed before my meal; gin muddled with passion fruit, lemon juice, bitter orange and a hint of tarragon. Fresh and fruity, the subtle hint of herb elevated this cocktail to something I would happily drink every day for the rest of my life – and I don’t even like gin usually. Of course, it would have been rude not to try its sister – the Basil Smash – which is very nearly just as good. The Haerlin Restaurant is where the majority of the culinary action is – although keen diners should be prepared to book months in advance to enjoy head chef Christoph Rüffer’s two Michelin-starred cuisine. We didn’t manage to sample the delights during our stay, but we were given a tour of the unique glass-walled dining room set up in the middle of the restaurant’s kitchen. Sit at the chef’s table and you can count on a fascinating dining experience for those who want to see the inner workings of a top-class kitchen – and grill the chef for details about his techniques. After dinner, if you’re the kind who likes a cigar with their nightcap, it’s time to head for the Jahreszeiten Bar. Set over two floors just off the hotel lobby, this Mad Men-esque bar just oozes style and elegance, and is usually packed to the rafters with Hamburg’s elite – particularly at weekends. For a long weekend filled with culture, history, good food and a lively atmosphere, what Hamburg has to offer Europe-weary travellers is a fresh and unusual experience, topped off with a little luxury. Single rooms from €220 (£175) per night double rooms from €270 (£215) per night (fairmont.com/vier-jahreszeiten-hamburg)

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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Weekend away …Coworth Park, Berkshire WORDS: GEMMA KNIGHT

t’s hard even to begin talking about Coworth Park without inadvertently stumbling over your superlatives – the problem is, when it comes to this slick, majestic country house hotel, no other words quite do the job. Opening as Dorchester Collection’s eighth property after an extensive renovation in 2010, the Georgian manor house itself boasts a long and glorious past all of its own, including ownership by Lords, Earls, Baronets and, in the 1980s, owner of Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason Galen Weston, the man responsible for building the site’s first polo ground and stables to house his Canadian polo team. The hotel is now a grand, perfectly preserved building surrounded by neatly manicured grounds and rolling fields, with thirty lavish rooms and suites, a futuristic spa a few seconds walk from the main building, and Coworth Village, a cluster of stable-style cottages with their own communal courtyard. It’s ideally placed for those attending the races at Ascot (a mere three miles away), but we can think of plenty of reasons never to leave the grounds during your stay. Our suite was, like the rest of the hotel, light, airy and spacious, with the sumptuous furnishings and technical touches one would expect of an exclusive country retreat, but which are rarely done quite so well. At one

end of the hallway was a plush sitting room and, at the other, a cosy bedroom and enormous adjoining bathroom (complete with huge copper bathtub), all with pictureperfect, sunlit views across the estate from large west-facing windows. If you can tear yourself away from the room, however, there’s a whole range of country pursuits to indulge in (from shooting and fishing to mountain-biking, tennis, golf and even croquet), but for those looking for more of a sedate getaway there’s also the hotel’s excellent selection of restaurants and bars (including its signature Restaurant Coworth Park, which is frankly unmissable), kitchen masterclass experiences and, of course, the spa. We’ve seen our fair share of spas, but again this one is done exceptionally well – simple and to the point, with a warm, low-lit lap pool, sauna and gym, all with views out across the fields. There’s even a kids’ club, with activities and toys designed to cater for children of between two and eight years – though this is without doubt a country retreat which lends itself to child-free girly weekends and romantic escapes far before family getaways (though a family game of croquet isn’t without its charms). (dorchestercollection.com/en/ascot/coworth-park)

‘All with picture-perfect, sunlit views across the estate from large, west-facing windows’ 114

12-14 JUNE 2015 ‘You’ll come back different’ Steve Cropley Autocar

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Off the deep end

Kids’ news

It’s rare that you’ll find a childrenswear collection that will incite uncontrollable jealousy among adults, but when it comes to Baby Dior’s new S/S15 range, this is exactly what has happened. Taking inspiration from post-war New York fashion, key pieces for spring include darling ‘sunray-pleat’ dresses and ‘Corolle’ skirts, while the classic Dior ‘New Look’ silhouette has been updated with punchy blocks of colour. The boys’ collection is equally as dapper, comprising crisp white and cobalt blue shirts, tailored shorts and snazzy trainers. (dior.com)

Soft touch If you have a penchant for cashmere matched with a concern for the environment, Cashmirino is certain to become your new go-to brand. Created with loving affection and skilled craftsmanship, all garments are spun from the finest natural fibres (cashmere, cotton and linen), sourced from Inner Mongolia. One of our favourite pieces from the new S/S15 line is an A-line dress in Liberty of London fabric with hand-embroidered ruched criss-cross detailing. (cashmirino.com)

Little Mayhem If you didn’t already know that there is a four-year-old (yes, four-year-old) fashion blogger who has been enlisted by Crewcuts to help create a whimsical capsule collection, you do now. The teeny bopper first caught our eye when she used paper to recreate red carpet looks for her blog, Fashion By Mayhem. And now, it’s clear that J Crew’s creative director Jenna Lyons was equally as impressed, as the two have partnered together on a nine-piece collection of children’s clothing, available this spring. With a fashion repertoire that most of us can only dream of, we’re sure that this won’t be the last we hear of this mini fashionista. Little Mayhem, available at jcrew.com 116

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Dog fashion The strict, thematic approach that Armani Junior has adopted for S/S15 is a welcome move, with both the boys’ and girls’ collections comprising three themes to suit all occasions. While some inspiration has been taken from the adult counterpart, the junior range has a youthful gaiety, featuring floral trims and ties, nautical stripes, polka-dot inlays, gingham accents and paisley fabrics. A showstopper from the boys’ range includes a suave striped seersucker jacket, while for girls it’s got to be the distressed denim shorts and jeans. (armani.com/gb/armanijunior)

Geronimo! This year there’s a brand new kids’ festival on the circuit – and it looks set to well and truly live up to the hype. Geronimo will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend at Tatton Park, aimed at families with children of 12 and under and promising an exciting programme of acts, amazing experiences and wonderful adventures to create the ultimate summer family day out. Tickets are just £25 per person (or £75 for a family of four) and are on sale now. 10am–5pm daily, 23–25 May (tattonpark.org.uk, geronimofest.com)

Water babies Since the successful launch of Stella McCartney Kids back in 2008, it was inevitable that the luxury fashion brand would, in due course, embark upon a new venture. Cue the effortlessly chic new swimwear collection for S/S15. Playful designs include underwater 3D prints and black cartoon-like sandcastle kingdoms. We love the nostalgic, 50s-inspired illustrations of dusty pink Cadillacs, drive-in signs and palm trees. If you’re not sold, the built-in +50 UV protection and the brand’s pledge to sustainability should do the trick. (stellamccartney.com/gb/kids_section)

d e MR HENDRIX h s a e nl U

o more dragging my tail, summer is almost here and – hoorah! – it’s National Smile Month, so I’ve decided to take my paws off the brakes by challenging myself to a five-and-a-half mile walk. Yikes! Anji chose the circular walk around Arley, a scenic well-marked route passing through ﬁelds, along woodland paths, over stiles and kissing gates to the village of Great Budworth, where we stopped at the dog-friendly George and Dragon for well-deserved refreshments. The second leg of our walk took us back to Arley where we had left the car in the free walkers’ car park, all of which (not counting our stop) took us about three hours. Arley Hall is a Victorian Jacobean-style country house in the village of Arley, home to Viscount Ashbrook and his family. It’s the perfect romantic wedding venue for grand ceremonies, civil weddings and small intimate celebrations, and the 12-acre gardens, with a double herbaceous border planted in 1846, have a superb avenue of holm oak, walled, woodland and herb gardens, shrub roses and yew hedges. The Hall holds many events throughout the year from bluebell walks, garden festivals, photography workshops, family fairytales and a Live in the Park outdoor concert on Saturday 11 July – but the one I sniffed out as my favourite this year takes place on Sunday 14 June, when Arley Hall will be hosting DogFest. Whoop Whoop Woof. The festival makes a great day out for you and your family and will be opened by Noel Fitzpatrick, best known as the Bionic Vet on BBC One. The many events include a competition for most handsome dog (which certainly pricked up my ears!), but there are many others to get involved with too, including doggy dancing, prettiest bitch, golden oldie, best rescue and dog with the waggiest tail, plus grooming sessions, talks and demos on all aspects of a dog’s life, and even a dog cafe and dog chill out zone. DogFest will also be hosting The Great Dog Walk charity, a 4km walk in aid of The Humanimal Trust (entry by donation on the day). This is the pawfect day out for all the family. Children will love the animal-themed face-painting and bouncy castle, and there are lots more surprises still to be announced. Until next time, live life like there is no end to your leash,

Mr Hendrix

xxx (facebook.com/mrhendrixandfriends, dog-fest.co.uk)

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Where bright futures are built...

Withington Junior pupils with Mrs Kathryn Burrows take a first look at their new building as work progresses

Withington Girls’ School new purpose-built, expanded Junior School opening September 2015 Withington Girls’ School will be opening its doors to a new state-of-the-art Junior building and social ‘hub’ later this year (2015), enhancing existing accommodation and creating additional places for pupils from ages 7 to 11. Coinciding with Withington’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the purpose-built two-storey suite of classrooms is part of a £4.3million development programme, which will be completed in time for the start of the new academic year in September. The spacious new building means that the School will introduce additional classes in Years 5 and 6, opening up extra places, subject to selective assessment. There will be the usual number of places available for entry into Year 3 as well as a small number for Year 4. Head of Juniors Mrs Kathryn Burrows, herself a former Withington pupil, says she is ‘immensely excited’ by the host of opportunities the new building and ‘hub’ will offer the already thriving Department.

Says Mrs Burrows:

“It’s been wonderful for us to have been able to design, from a blank canvas, a building that is bespoke to the requirements of our Juniors. It has enabled us to create an environment that is modern, flexible and very childfocused. Importantly, it will also further enhance the exceptional learning experience our girls enjoy here, whilst still ensuring our younger pupils are connected and integrated with the Senior School where they have access to excellent specialist teachers and can access the Science laboratories; a dance studio, gym and sports hall; music rooms and Art and DT rooms.”

“The general ambience is calm and nurturing, but purposeful. At the heart of our approach in the Juniors is a commitment to empowering our girls at an early age with an inner confidence and a sense of freedom; freedom to be an individual, freedom of expression and a freedom to fly – and to equip each pupil with the foundations necessary to be able eventually to pursue her own talents and dreams. I feel that the building we have created very much responds to our ethos, allowing our girls the space, both mentally and physically, to flourish.”

Transport Excellent transport links are available to the School which are used by pupils from age 7 to 18. The School’s City Centre Shuttle Bus provides a dedicated service to/from the mainline Manchester Stations. There is also a late service to enable girls to participate in after-school activities. Some girls use the City Centre Shuttle to connect with on-going trains, buses or trams but a number of parents of younger children drop off and collect their daughter directly from the station.

“I am delighted to announce that, from September 2015 onwards, our means-tested bursary scheme will be extended to include Junior girls in Years 5 and 6. This will be in addition to the Senior School Bursary Scheme which currently helps around one-insix senior girls with the fees, according to each family’s needs.” Mrs Sue Marks Headmistress

Limited places are still available in Years 5 and 6, please call for more information Prospective parents and their daughters are very welcome to visit the School. To make an appointment or for further information, please call Acting Registrar, Mrs Louise Jefferies, on 0161 224 1077

wgs.org

Withington Girls’ School, Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL

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03/02/2015 10:11

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

The classroom Free school success North Cestrian Grammar School has succeeded in becoming a non-selective, non-fee-paying academy through the Government’s Free School programme. The school’s new status is subject to public consultation but is looking to open its doors to non-fee paying pupils in September 2016. (ncgs.co.uk)

Pink vs blue A recent global study from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has shown some very interesting challenges to generalisations about girls always doing better than boys. It suggests that school systems give greater rewards to girls, and even when pupils are of similar abilities; teachers are more likely to mark-up girls’ work as an unacknowledged reward for being more school-friendly. The study ultimately concludes that there is no such thing as the maths gene, and there is nothing inherent about boys or girls doing well or badly in different subjects. The debate continues... (oecd.org)

support

this

A cut above Talia Zelhof and Lily Amet from Stockport Grammar Junior School are having their hair cut and donating it to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real hair wigs to children who lose their hair through cancer treatment. The two girls will be having their hair cut on 18 April, saying ‘It’s sad that children are losing their hair when they’re so ill, so we thought it’d be nice to help. ‘We’ve got very long hair at the moment and so we’re going to have it cut to about chin-length. We’re excited about how it’ll look, and proud that we’re able to help children by doing something so simple!’ (justgiving.com/Talia-Lily) 119

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COMING SOON... Join us on an exciting journey of discovery from Nursery to Year 8 with the TN Baccalaureate. The TN Baccalaureate is a rigorous, inspiring and progressive curriculum to prepare children for the challenges of young adult life and beyond. Following an individually-tailored curriculum, the TN Baccalaureate takes children on a journey of exploration and enquiry, equipping them with a fantastic education, and developing the skills and resilience essential for later life.

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

formative

ears N

ot many shops can boast royal fans, but when Kate and Wills are neighbours a regal sighting is all the more likely. Knightsbridge-based Blue Almonds was rumoured to be Kate’s port of call for Prince George’s Moses basket – which will no doubt be whipped out again for the second arrival this month (and it’s not hard to see why). The luxury children’s boutique started out as a bespoke nursery furniture store, and now offers a vast range of interiors and clothing for little ones, such as this made-to-order Rabbit Chair – a cream leather-bound armchair with novelty bunny ears. £4,000 (bluealmonds.co.uk)

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interiors showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

Designing

the future

We meet Bang & Olufsen CEO Tue Mantoni as the quirky Danish brand embarks on a new chapter

RECREATE THE LOOK IMAGE from the sanctuary, turks and caicos (overseas property, page 177)

Luxury patios for every style palette

Home & interiors news

#1 New Age Walls Inspired by different artistic movements focusing on the interpretation of colour, the Substance and Extravagance collection from Rubelli upholds the notion of Italian craftsmanship, with a stunning selection of fabrics and wall coverings. Strong Venetian ties can be seen throughout, as the new range encompasses the best of traditional luxury in a reinvented modern setting. The Lady Roxana Wall has been inspired by an original floral pattern of the same name from the second half of the 19th century. Lady Roxana Wall is available in two colours, ÂŁ560 per metre (rubelli.com)

#2 Bath Time There is something unmistakably comforting about going home to a hot bath after a long day and so it is essential to have a bath that is both inviting and practical. For an elegant and luxurious statement, look no further than Victoria+Albert Baths, a company that offers a modern-day approach to classic Victorian and Edwardian bath designs. The traditional collection features quarry cast: a special blend of volcanic limestone offering a scratch-resistant exterior that is both lightweight and strong, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideal for fragile flooring in older houses. With these indulgent baths, you may find it difficult to get out. (vandabaths.com)

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#4 True Love

#3 Ready to Go If you’re feeling a bit lost with where to begin when it comes to decorating your home, Prêt-a-Meubler will be your beacon in the dark. Meaning ‘ready to furnish’, Prêt-a-Meubler is a go-to source for all decorative inspiration, offering an eclectic mix of antiques, contemporary furniture, homewares and art from around Europe. Choose unique pieces such as a beautifully painted Belgian ceramic pot or a contemporary dining chair. (pret-a-meubler.com)

Stepping outside of her comfort ‘bridal’ zone, revered American fashion designer Vera Wang has come across the pond and launched a new collection in partnership with Wedgwood, the historic English homeware company. Celebrating the global expression of love, the With Love Treasures range comprises silver plate and enamel treasure boxes alongside picture frames. Each treasure box comes in a different colour and with its own gold charm, such as the light-hearted butterfly, the mythological apple or the blue dragonfly, all of which symbolise love from different parts of the world. (wedgwood.com)

#5 Getting Personal Adding a personal touch to the everyday towel, pillowcase and robe, the Monogrammed Linen Shop allows you to add that special finish to all of your favourite household items. Offering both hand and machine embroidery, you can choose from an array of thread colours, designs and fabrics. The extensive range of luxurious linens available in the store will have you spoilt for choice, with stock from Brinkhaus, Laurence Tavernier nightwear and bedding from specialist Yves Delorme. (monogrammedlinenshop.com)

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INTERVIEW

Designing

the future Creating some of the world’s most iconic premium technology, Bang & Olufsen is an institution of innovation. With its first UK flagship store now open on Hanover Square, London, Amy Welch catches up with CEO Tue Mantoni on an exciting new chapter in the B&O story

‘G

ood design is innovative. It has to be honest,’ says Tue Mantoni, CEO of technology giant Bang & Olufsen. When I first met him at the brand’s latest launch, a flagship store in the heart of London, Mantoni was a quiet force of confidence, appearing as deeply enthralled in a demonstration of the new BeoSound Moment as the rest of us in the dense

crowd surrounding the product. It has been four years since Mantoni took the reins at the helm of the infamous Danish company, set to celebrate its 90th anniversary later this year, and the brand has, coincidentally or not, gone from strength to strength; weathering a global financial crisis and staying firmly ahead of the curve in an ever-changing industry. Dynamic and forward thinking are words often articulated far too freely, but Bang & Olufsen does seem to adapt and centre itself extremely well as a company, something which reflects Mantoni’s managerial style. ‘I used to work in a privately owned company where I was told to look after the people, and the people would look after the business – I think that’s a good way to look at it.’ Equal focus is put on the customer, as Bang & Olufsen has carved out a niche, devising products which create a luxury experience for people’s

all images courtesy of Bang & Olufsen

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everyday lives and homes. ‘It’s the customers who need to be excited about what we do,’ Mantoni explains. Although, considerably more attention to detail goes into a B&O product than the mere folly of exciting new technology. ‘There’s a lot of innovation going on in the industry with no purpose,’ says Mantoni, who strongly believes ‘innovation, should not just be done for the sake of technology, but should be done because it improves people’s lives.’ ‘Bang & Olufsen is an experience brand,’ explains Mantoni. ‘It’s a lot more than selling a TV or speakers, it’s about the dream of technology being simple and easy to use, where technology adapts to your life; you don’t have to adapt your life around the technology.’ Judging by the new store, client experience is at the forefront of Mantoni’s mind. Uncharacteristic of the panelled wood entrance (the new store was once a bank and I’m told the basement safe still remains) the sleek interior incorporates a wholly modern interactive space, complete

with a self-contained cinema room and rotating speaker stands. ‘That’s my favourite feature, the rotating speaker wall, because you get that element of surprise.’ The element of surprise is one thing B&O still knows how to pull out of the bag, despite possessing a universally recognisable

‘It’s a lot more than selling a TV or speakers, it’s about the dream of technology being simple and easy to use’ design concept. Speaking of the brand’s latest triumph, the BeoSound Moment wireless music system (featuring the world’s first touch-sensitive wood interface), Mantoni states ‘the feedback has been really positive’. Both acclaimed and embraced by technology critics at Las Vegas’s annual Consumer Electronics Show in January, it seems almost disingenuous to describe

all images courtesy of Bang & Olufsen

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INTERVIEW

the BeoSound Moment as merely inventive. Analysing users’ listening patterns, the device suggests music based on your tastes and time of day from your own music collection and the online streaming service Deezer. ‘What we’re trying to do is be relevant when we drive innovation,’ says Mantoni. ‘At a time when everyone is looking at smaller screens, bigger screens, and then something comes with touchsensitive wood, everybody is looking at it thinking, “Wow, here is finally something innovative and new,”’ the native Dane adds. When B&O first came into its own as a premium brand, 1970s technology was heading in a very different direction. ‘It was a time where the competition signalled innovation and technology by adding a lot more knobs and dials and buttons and flashing lights,’ at which point B&O adamantly committed to following its own path of clean user interfaces and simple aluminium surfaces with few controls. ‘We signalled that technology is all about simplicity.’ This too reflects Mantoni’s own preferences when it comes to design. ‘I like things that last. I love objects that are beautiful, that also have a purpose,’ says Mantoni. ‘It shouldn’t be fashionable; if you look at many of our products, they may be ten, 20 or 30 years old but they don’t look antiquated.’ With Bang & Olufsen’s UK flagship set to become a defining accent in the renovation plan for this area of London, Mantoni envisions a welcoming and relaxing

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environment to complement a new age for the area. ‘You don’t have to buy anything to go there, you can go and have an experience and enjoy what we do – a place where you can see the best of the best,’ Mantoni explains. ‘It’s a very small chapter in a long Bang & Olufsen book’. (bang-olufsen.com)

all images courtesy of Bang & Olufsen

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INSPIRATION

man cave

mechanica Alongside the watch on your wrist and the classic car in your garage, allow us to suggest two highly collectable man cave must-haves that share a very retro appeal

NEON SIGNS Instilling an immediate nighton-the-town atmosphere, no man cave is complete without a neon sign. George Chapman visited the zany Walthamstow wonderland God’s Own Junk Yard and had the privilege of meeting the late Chris Bracey Throughout the early 1970s, ‘King of Neon’ and expert tube bender, the late Chris Bracey worked as a graphic designer. By the mid-seventiess, he was busy re-signing the majority of Soho’s infamous establishments, reinventing the visual landscape with the colours of the fairground and exotic typography. Chris’ love of old signs and his fascination with the unusual inspired him to produce neon and bulb artworks. Created by hand, his pieces encompass new, originally illuminated sculptures, salvaged signs, vintage signage, old movie props and retrospective display pieces. Alongside

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his prestigious art, Chris also created unique items from discarded objects. Historical imprints of the 1950s seaside and circus figure as motifs in his work alongside Americana and rock ‘n’ roll. A passionate recycler, Chris re-fashioned pieces from salvaged iconic signs, spent window displays and discarded neon from yesteryear before they disappeared forever. Repaired and resurrected, the items were reworked and reincarnated for a new era. Many of the iconic pieces, like ‘God Save the Queen’ and ‘Seduce Me’, have fetched large sums of money at Phillips de Pury and Sotheby’s auction houses. To create the effect, neon tubing is heated and bent into shape and filled with rarefied neon or other gases. When a voltage is applied to electrodes inserted through the glass, an electrical glow is discharged. Very often a phosphorescent coating is applied – the colour of the light emitted by the tube may be just coming from the gas or the light from the phosphor layer. Pure neon gas is used to produce only a third of the 100 available colours. The greatest number of colours is created

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INSPIRATION

by filling the tubing with another inert gas, argon, plus a drop of mercury which is added to the tube immediately after purification. Chris’ cavernous Walthamstow industrial unit God’s Own Junkyard glimmers with floor-to-ceiling items, including many of the iconic movie pieces he had created over the years. The ‘HOTEL’ neon from The Dark Knight Rises (starring Heath Ledger) is displayed next to the ‘STARK’ sign that Chris made for Captain America. An oversized top hat sign emblazoned with ‘Tuxedos’ and ‘Rainbow Costumes’ are two of the many pieces Chris made for Stanley Kubrick’s last movie Eyes Wide Shut. He described the interior as ‘what the inside of my brain looks like’, a pair of neon eyeglasses encased in black perspex is a nod to TJ Eckleburg, one of the dominant symbols of The Great Gatsby, which Chris fashioned after watching the 1974 version starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. He produced pieces for Scandal, Superman IV, Tomb Raider and the re-make of Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His credits also include many of the James Bond movies and Daniel Craig’s debut 007 flick Casino Royale. Some of his last commissions include

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Dark Shadows and Brad Pitt’s postapocalyptic movie, World War Z. The collection of neon Chris left behind was the largest in Europe and one of the most comprehensive in the world. Among the art pieces that Chris sold through Scream gallery are vintage signs from as far back as the 1930s and original circus signs made by his father. A God’s Own Junkyard studio range is also sold through a pop-up store at Selfridges, London. (godsownjunkyard.co.uk)

PINBALL MACHINES Hugely popular from the 50s to the 70s, electro-mechanical pinball machines, with their bell-chimes and score-roll clack make great man cave additions. Paul Rubens meets the south Londoner at the industry’s helm Gleaming chrome, beautiful paintwork and complex machinery ticking away perfectly – if you appreciate classic cars then it’s not hard to understand the attraction of a painstakingly-restored vintage pinball machine. The similarities are striking; both are visually stunning, both rely on

Homes and Interiors

old-fashioned craftsmanship and precision engineering beneath the hood, the most sought-after ones are increasingly rare and valuable, and as well as being good investments both also exist to be shown off and enjoyed. Pinball designers frequently look at cars for inspiration when choosing a theme for a new table, resulting in machines with names including Stock Car, Road Race, Grand Prix, Nitro Ground Shaker and Corvette. Stern Pinball, the only large-scale manufacturer still in business, even produced a Mustang pinball machine this year to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary. But it’s rare to see a pinball table ‘out in the wild’ in a pub or arcade these days, or in a French café or an American drug store for that matter. That’s because the great Chicago-based pinball manufacturers of the past such as Gottlieb, Williams and Bally have been driven out of the business by video games and gaming machines. The majority of pinball tables that are still working are now in private hands, and most of these are relatively modern electronic pinball models from the 1990s. But there’s a growing interest in the restoration of rare ‘classic’ pinball tables – these are machines that were made in a much earlier period, from about 1955 to the early 1970s. Unlike the electronic machines from the 1990s, these vintage pinball tables are completely electro-mechanical, relying on relays, solenoid stepper units and score reels rather than microchips and dot matrix displays to make them function. Natural wear causes each of these parts to behave

slightly differently, giving each table its own unique personality. And unlike the electronic tables that feature digital sound effects and licensed sound and video clips from films or television shows, the only sounds that classic pinball machines make are bell chimes, the noise of the silver ball bouncing off the mushroom-like pop bumpers and the clack of the score reels as they tot up the points as they are scored. But perhaps the biggest difference between electronic pinball machines and classic electro-mechanical tables comes down to aesthetics; many classic tables are works of art in their own right. That’s because when they were built the most important way to differentiate one game from another

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INSPIRATION

and to attract players was by the artwork, the hand-designed illustrations on the playfield – the surface on which the pinball moves around – and on the back glass where the scores are displayed. Many of these tables are now more than half a century old, so happening on one in good condition and full working order is almost impossible. But there’s a small group of pinball craftsmen around the world who specialise in restoring these machines to their former glory. Giacomo Malvermi operates a pinball workshop in south London called Pinball Creative, from where he restores about two dozen pinball tables every year. Restoring a single machine can involve hundreds of hours of work: ‘The idea I have is to restore pinball tables from the period I think is the golden age back to the condition they were in when they were made,’ he says. ‘My passion is restoring things and making them beautiful.’ But not all of these machines are destined to be luxury toys, taking pride of place in a man cave. Interior decorators looking for something beautiful and out of the ordinary are also becoming an increasingly important source of sales, Malvermi says. A fully restored machine is likely to cost around £4,000 - £5,000, although Malvermi sold a rare example for £12,000 at a recent Christie’s auction. The restoration process starts with the refurbishment of the wooden cabinet, which is then repainted using paints that are painstakingly colour-matched to the originals. Meanwhile, the legs and other metal

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work are removed and sent off to be re-chromed, while the playfield is stripped down and cleaned. If the playfield is worn or faded, it is sent to a playfield specialist company in Germany for repairs and touch-ups. And while all this is going on, the stepper unit and other mechanical parts are removed, cleaned and refurbished or replaced so that the machine is restored to perfect working order. Finally, the machine is reassembled, new bulbs and rubber parts are fitted, and it is play-tested to ensure that it works exactly as it should. Once completely restored, a classic pinball machine needs a degree of care and attention paid to it to keep it going. Malvermi recommends cleaning tables every month or so, with a service every six months. Much like a vintage car, in other words. (pinballcreative.co.uk)

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RECREATE THE LOOK

The games room

he billiard room, the rec room, the den – call it what you will, the games room is a sacred space. If a man’s home is his castle, this is the fortress within; a room dedicated entirely to social delights and recreational pleasures. If your home lends itself more to a contemporary interpretation, we suggest a good dose of masculine chic; clean lines, soft, neutral colours and exposed metal, wood and brickwork (plus the obligatory pool table, sound system and home cinema, of course). If you’d prefer to do something a

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bit different, we rather like the idea of creating a room which harks to a bygone era – one of bridge games and mahjong tables, mahogany fixtures and historic printed wallpaper complemented by the clinking of brandy glasses and sportsman-like conversation. Careful not to overdo it though – vintage furniture is often delicate and reproductions have unquestionable advantages when it comes to comfort and longevity, while skilfully-placed spotlights and light marble floors help to bring the whole tableau gently into the present day without seeming misplaced.

Homes and Interiors

MODERN & MATURE #1 Eichholtz Maritime aluminium pendant lamp, £768, Sweetpea & Willow (sweetpeaandwillow.com) #2 Marius reclaimed wood kitchen & dining bench, £285, Modish Living (modishliving.co.uk) #3 R4i Integrated music system by Ruark Audio, £599, Design 55 Interiors (design55online.co.uk) #4 Wolseley corner sofa group, Wolf Grey, £1,999, Made.com (made.com) #5 Velvet cushion in Truffle, £26.50, Alison at Home (alisonathome.com)

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RECREATE THE LOOK

#2 #1

CLASSIC & CONSERVATIVE #1 Leila chandelier, £295, The Chandelier & Mirror Company Ltd (chandeliersandmirrors.co.uk) #2 Planter Torino, grey, £65, The Farthing (thefarthing.co.uk) #3 Vicenza Damask red wallpaper, £22.99, Arthouse (arthouse.com) #4 Plantation chair with cushion, £1,950, Georgina Brett Chinnery (georginabrettchinnery.com) #5 Regency chest, £399, Living It Up (livingitup.co.uk)

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Cheshire Magazine Issue 1 A4 + Bleed_Layout 1 30/03/2015 09:39 Page 8

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gardens

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Homes and Interiors

Great garden design Crisp and clean, formal gardensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; distinctive style combines strict symmetry, geometric shapes and structural plant forms. Ian Hodgson explains how they can be ideal for both urban and country settings

f all the various styles, the formal garden is the one most readily identified and perhaps the most imposing. The use of strong lines and geometry to create a hierarchy of interrelated and interlocking shapes exerts a powerful effect on the landscape, one brimming with confidence and self-assertion, and seemingly offering the opportunity for tight control and ascendancy over nature. Results are crisp and clean-cut, with blocks, rectangles and other geometric shapes realised in hard and soft

landscaping materials, while the interplay of scale, proportion and perspective generates a wealth of drama and theatrical effects. Formal designs can be employed with great success in almost any space, large or small. They can be used to recreate an ornate period piece or something radical and contemporary, or austere and minimalist. If you have never designed before, the formal style is also one of the simplest to employ, as shapes are rigidly geometric and easily linked together to produce a pleasing picture.

Main image: A formal parterre garden design by Nigel Philips. LEFT: A selection of clipped picturesque plant forms, including hornbeam hedges and upright and globular yew specimens, punctuate these interconnected spaces. Design by Tom Stuart-Smith.

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gardens

‘Formal designs can be employed with great success in almost any space, large or small’

ABOVE: Hurlingham 2 © Charlotte Rowe Complementary dark-toned surfaces inset with repeated plant motifs are the ying and yang of this Modernist-inspired town garden, with planting neatly confined to the margins. Design by Charlotte Rowe

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Symmetry is central to the design of a traditional formal garden, with features mirrored on either side of a central axis, often a path or lawn. Motifs, in terms of designed spaces or elements, such as patterns in paving or topiary spheres, are often repeated either side of the axis to provide visual harmony, or slightly askew to strike a note of discord. Designers of formal style also link the garden to the house or other buildings by aligning key elements, such as paths, terraces and lawns, with the windows, doors or gateways, thereby extending the architecture into the landscape. The ground plan of the garden may also closely reflect the floor spaces within the house. In traditional large formal gardens, this

alignment becomes looser and more informal with distance from the building, before merging into the surrounding landscape, but because the space around most homes today is at a premium, this is not always possible or practicable. Many gardens include formal elements, whether it is the geometric shape of borders, alignment of a straight pathway or arrangement of vistas, but these are often subsequently blurred by other features that are more casually positioned. It is only when geometrical elements and their mathematical arrangement predominate that the powerful effect of the truly formal garden is realised.

Roots in history Formal design has its roots in the 17th century gardens of the great French and particularly the Italian palaces. Designers of today have been influenced by the famous terrace gardens cut into the mountainous northern Italian landscape, such as the Villa d’Este and the Boboli gardens, as well as the formal parterre gardens, including Versailles and Vaux le Vicomte in the Loire Valley in France. Contemporary designs also make reference to design principles developed by ancient cultures, such as those of Greece, Persia and Rome, which featured cloistered or open courtyard gardens that offered shade, shelter and repose from the dry, sun-beaten climate. These oases included still water, fountains and trees to promote reflection and quiet contemplation, with flowers to stimulate the senses.

Homes and Interiors

Contemporary formal planting designs Structural plant forms are used sparingly in both formal and Modernist-inspired gardens. Crisply clipped hedges of yew, box or deciduous hornbeam provide barriers, edges or blocks to reinforce the design. Pleached hornbeam or lime, with branches trained to create elevated screens of foliage atop bare trunks, are also used to provide privacy and control views through the space. Topiary is popular in contemporary formal designs, with pyramids, cubes, globes or cylinders carved from bay, box, holly, yew or Portuguese laurel. Spaces may also be punctuated with trees and large shrubs pruned to raise their canopies to expose decorative stems, or with cloud-pruned specimens planted at strategic points or in large, elegant containers. Cloud pruning, a style that originated in China and Japan, crafts multi-stemmed specimens of fine-leaved shrubs, such as Ilex crenata, into elevated globes of foliage to produce striking features. Flowering plants, if used, are confined to particular beds, which may be filled with colour-themed seasonal bedding, monochromatic

flowers and foliage, or naturalisticstyle plantings to counterpoint the formality.

Decorative highlights Even though the current trend is for quiet, contemplative spaces that utilise a restrained palette of colours, contemporary and formal gardens can be made vibrant through the use of paving, gravel and artefacts, or with splashes of brightly coloured foliage and flower. The trick is to weave together colourful elements so they do not overwhelm each other to maintain the elegant look. Designers often include sculptures or artworks to decorate formal designs, providing incidental interest or a dramatic focus for a vista, their impact intensified by the absence of floral distraction. Contemporary works of art with simple, clean lines in polished stone or metal, blend perfectly into a formal design, while elevated stone friezes make dramatic focal points where ground space is at a premium. Static or moving water can enliven a space, too, a single fountain, cascade or film conveying movement, reflection and sound. As furniture is the main functional item in the garden and on permanent display, it should be chosen with care and embody or complement the nature of the design in some way, through shape, texture or colour. Painting mismatched structures, such as timber chairs and tables, in a single understated tone throughout will help provide visual cohesion, with restrained flourishes of gilt paint enhancing the theatricality of the design. LEFT: An elevated geometrical canopy pierced by a cluster of copper rods creates a striking tableau. The contemporary style contrasts with the ancient technique used to build the rammed earth walling. Design by Wilson McWilliam.

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CASE STUDY Design by Luciano Giubbilei This tree-shrouded garden is located behind a Victorian house in central London, and the aim was to realise an outdoor space that complemented the proportions of the rooms within, with a stone-clad patio of identical tone to the flooring inside. Layered greenery and trees play a crucial role in creating the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of the 25m x 20m (82ft x 66ft) space. The focal point is a bronze sculpture, ‘Double Ellipse’ by Nigel Hall RA, elegantly showcased on smooth rendered walls, its shadows playing across the surface. A shallow water feature by Andrew Ewing reflects the sculpture during daylight, while illuminated jets sparkle at night. Tiered hedges in

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box (Buxus sempervirens), yew (Taxus baccata), and Portuguese laurel, (Prunus lusitanica), counterpoint the installation, and a cloak of Virginia creeper [Parthenocissus] provides potent autumnal colour. The whole edifice is set around a verdant lawn framed by charcoal basalt paviors. Great Garden Design by Ian Hodgson, £25, Frances Lincoln

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or 35 years the family owned PJ Livesey Group has specialised in saving listed and heritage buildings, converting them into homes of unique character and quality. Right across the country from historic houses in formal gardens to Victorian hospitals and grand mansions they create a lasting legacy of luxury living and some of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious developments are currently under way now in the North West. M O S T Y N

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On The Wirral the company is currently converting another much loved gem, the distinctive Mostyn House School on the promenade at Parkgate. The Grade II listed buildings now offer a range of beautiful apartments including penthouses with vast open terraces, garden apartments with private green spaces and sophisticated two bedroom apartments with balconies. It will also see the conversion of the Tower into one stunning four bedroom property with its own viewing platform offering stunning 360 degree views over the entire estuary. In Lancaster, the vast Grade II listed Lancaster Moor Hospital is being converted to create a stunning mix of spacious apartments and penthouses around a central landscaped courtyard. The scheme, named The Residence, has already been shortlisted as the Best

Residential development in the North West in the prestigious RICS Property Awards. Now plans have been drawn up to turn the landmark tower into one unique property that would span five floors topped with a roof terrace that will give dramatic 360 degree views over Morecambe Bay to the Lake District, the city of Lancaster and the Bowland countryside. A truly one-off property, in a wonderful building, in a remarkable setting. As well as employing the finest craftsmen for its heritage projects the company also has its own new build division, building bespoke new homes with the same skill and attention to detail to deliver the same level of character and luxury. The PJ Livesey Group will be combining both divisions to develop the 17 acre former MMU campus at Didsbury. Detailed plans for the scheme will be revealed this spring but include the conversion of the existing Admin Building into town houses and apartments, the Grade II listed chapel into four apartments and a range of large, family sized homes in the grounds. The PJ Livesey Group has a genuine passion for Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural heritage and invites anyone considering a new home to visit the show units on any of their on-going developments and see for themselves how that passion shines through in every detail of the homes they create. M M U

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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

LOCAL PROPERTY

Hanson Hall NETHER ALDERLEY

his Tudor-style period hall has been lovingly constructed to the highest specification, fusing glass, green oak, marble and stone, and boasting almost 13 acres of grounds. The hand-crafted and painted kitchen with granite, limestone and marble work-surfaces has the highest quality appliances including equipment by Miele and Sub-Zero. Built into the walls and floors of this period home is the very latest state-of-the-art technology. From a fully integrated Home Intelligent System, right through to an intelligent under-floor heating system throughout that significantly reduces heating and energy bills. Reached by a beautifully crafted

lime oak staircase is an entertaining room featuring a sophisticated bar area and wine cellar, utility room, cloakroom and gymnasium. There is a stunning fully equipped home cinema room with projector and built-in screen. The house also boasts a spectacular pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, plus his and hers changing rooms and showers. The architectural theme has been continued in the garage and annexe, with four garages and a workroom on the ground floor and a side staircase leading to a self-contained twobedroom annexe on the first floor. Price on application. For enquiries contact Jackson-Stops and Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

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LOCAL PROPERTY

Healey Hill MOTTRAM ST ANDREW

ealey Hill is a newly constructed, four-bedroom family house with an impressive facade and one-bedroom annexe. The house boasts an exemplary interior, fusing the finest bespoke 21st century fittings with features such as bleached oak panelling in the sitting room, a stone fireplace with Living Flame fire, polished marble floors and surround sound in the main reception rooms and master bedroom, while large windows and French doors flood the house with natural light. The ground floor rooms radiate from the central reception hall, with a sweeping staircase leading to the landing. Healey Hill is accessed through an impressive set of lit wrought iron

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gates, with CCTV, leading to a drive, lined by dwarf stone walling with coach lighting. To the right hand side of the drive is a regal lake with a timber bridge to a central island. An extensive lit stone terrace wraps around the house, and the gardens have far-reaching pastoral views. Impressive sweeping lawns roll away from the house, with a netted hard tennis court. The timber stable yard lies adjacent to the house and comprises three loose boxes, feed store, tack room and fenced paddocks, with the entire property boasting more than 13 acres of land in total. On the market at a guide price of ÂŁ4.95 million. Jackson-Stops and Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

Homes and Interiors

Brereton Hall BRERETON PARK, NEAR HOLMES CHAPEL

his stunning home’s two principal reception rooms are housed in the southern wing of the building separated by a central hall with the impressive minstrel’s gallery above. The central wing of the Hall houses a variety of rooms including a study, billiards room, the five sided Victorian conservatory and a family sitting room. Beyond here is the large kitchen/breakfast room, which is fitted with an extensive range of handmade oak furniture. There is a lovely breakfast area in a projecting bay window and the sink area is set into a bay with extensive views. On the first floor, the principal bedroom lies on the southwest corner of the hall, with two wide bay

windows providing lovely views of the grounds, plus a carved stone fireplace and ensuite bathroom with shower. There are five further bedrooms with a variety of architectural features and five additional bath/shower rooms on this floor. There is also guest accommodation which includes six bedrooms, four bathrooms and two sitting rooms on the level above. The grounds at Brereton Hall extend to about 47.2 hectares (116.68 acres) in all, including a three-car garage, a good-sized workshop, and a substantial multipurpose building, previously used as a studio. On the market at a guide price of £6.5 million. Jackson-Stops and Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

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Homes and Interiors

LOCAL PROPERTY

300 Leigh Road WORSLEY

uilt in authentic Georgianstyle architecture by Bell Meadow Homes, this exceptional five-bedroom detached family home is tastefully designed throughout and situated in a prestigious location in the highly sought-after Leigh Road. It offers beautiful uninterrupted views across the grounds and green belt of Worsley New Hall to the front, complete with a unique paddock area covering two acres to the rear, which is unrivalled in the local area. This paddock land is enclosed by well-appointed mature trees and fencing, which gives private seclusion and is ideal for equestrian activity.

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The far side of the paddock is adjacent to the fairways of the Marriot Worsley Park Golf Club and Worsley Old Hall. Internally, this fine property offers a high specification of fixtures and fittings throughout, adding a contemporary and modern feel to the Georgian build. Viewing is essential to truly appreciate the attention to detail within the elegant family home; an irrefutable attribute is the homely feel that the current owners have created. On the market at a guide price of ÂŁ2.1 million. Jackson-Stops and Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

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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INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

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Homes and Interiors

ICON of Oz With a history stretching back 126 years, this spectacular coastal property in suburban Sydney is one of a kind

ositioned on the Balmoral slopes of Sydney is the enchanting Glenmire house at 17 Stanley Avenue, a prestigious address in the suburb of Mosman. Originally completed in 1889 by wealthy gold miner Edwin Stanley, Glenmire was then a fine three-storied house surrounded by a well-planned garden, a tennis court and a large stable to house the horses and the family coach, with grand views of the Sydney Heads. Today the sandstone Italianate villa still carries a weighty reputation as one of Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most iconic homes, with four generously proportioned bedrooms with high ceilings, a master suite with bathroom, study, dressing room and sitting room with kitchenette, five luxuriously appointed bathrooms with underfloor heating, two full-sized gas kitchens, five marble fireplaces, an internal lift, a heated swimming pool,

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Homes and Interiors

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

‘Though the entrance is impressive, it really doesn’t do justice to what you find waiting over the threshold’

beautifully landscaped grounds and even a fountain. Though the entrance is impressive, it really doesn’t do justice to what you find waiting over the threshold. Exquisitely restored by the current owners, Julie McCourt and her husband Tom Goudkamp, it’s immediately obvious that the entire renovation has been a labour of love. ‘When I first inspected the property in 2007, the house was in a very sad state,’ Julie explains. ‘The gardens were overgrown and the inside of the house was in need of some major works, but I could see that it had something special, particularly given the location and the stunning views over Balmoral

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Beach and the Sydney Heads. It’s even believed that the lights of Glenmire were used as a beacon by ships’ captains to steer a straight course through them.’ Julie and Tom completed the renovation project in 2009 and as testament to their hard work and dedication, in 2011 the project was awarded the 2011 Heritage Award and nominated in the RAIA Awards, as well as winning first place in the Master Builders Awards. Since its early days the house has undergone a number of alterations and numerous changes of use. Towards the end of the Second World War, it was a convalescent home until it was damaged by torpedoes and shellfire that rocked the house and collapsed the plaster ceilings. ‘This is truly a spectacular house,’ says Adam Ross of Savills Luxury Residential Sales. ‘Not only is the architecture stunningly beautiful, but the intricate detailing inside, from the cornicing to the mosaic flooring, is nothing short of spectacular. What is even more unique to find is a period home which has been fully renovated with all of today’s modern conveniences and technology.’ The house is on the market for AU$18 million through Savills Luxury Residential Sales (savills.com.au) jointly with McGrath (mcgrath.com.au)

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Grange Road Bowdon

Detached family residence. Nestling in approximately five acres bordering the Bollin River. Eight Bedrooms, seven bathrooms. Two formal reception rooms, plus four further reception rooms. Large detached garage block. Immaculate presentation and stunning interior design.

Guide Price ÂŁ3,600,000 Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Hawley Lane Hale Guide Price ÂŁ1,350,000 Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Beautiful and deceptively spacious, modern home. Accommodation spread over three floors. Providing five bedrooms, three bathrooms and three reception rooms. Separate guest suite over the double garage. Tasteful interior and fittings. Set behind electric gates with fully enclosed grounds.

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

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East Downs Bowdon POA

Stunning period property in grounds of around an acre. Far reaching views over the Cheshire Plain. Accommodation rambles over four floors. Large rooms, with lovely high ceilings. Six bedrooms, three reception rooms, four bathrooms. Spacious basement area ideal for a variety of uses. Driveway with ample parking for several vehicles and the generous grounds even have room for a tennis court.

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SUPERB, LUXURY HOLIDAY RESIDENCE

The Sanctuary, Gwynedd

Stunning, luxury 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom lodge located in the 5 star Sanctuary Lodge Park in the heart of rolling North Wales countryside. This superb holiday residence has unsurpassed contemporary style, an impressive open plan living space with fully fitted kitchen, uPVC double glazing & Gas central heating. Spacious decked terrace with southerly aspect & hot tub. The lodge benefits from an 88 year Licence Agreement which ends on 10/01/2102. Peaceful location with pleasant views | Situated on a 60 acre Country Estate | Fully furnished ready for occupancy | Two allocated parking places | Park, outdoor heated swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis court & fishing lake | 5 miles from Pwllheli | 10 miles from Abersoch The lodge has been greatly reduced to ÂŁ100K for a quick sale (original price ÂŁ170K) Contact Claire Wilman (M) 07771701773 clairewilman@me.com

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

GREECE

#1 White Luxury, Mykonos

This stunning residence stands majestically on a rocky cliff above the new port of Mykonos. From its elevated position it affords breath-taking panoramic views of the glittering sea and charming town below. Its all-white rounded walls and gleaming floors exude a feeling of cool luxury and create a seamless flow of space, making the property a serene and private haven, located only a few minutes away from the lively and cosmopolitan town of Mykonos. On the market at €4,750,000 with Christie’s International Real Estate (+30 210 364 3112; christiesrealestate.com)

AUSTRIA

#2 Alpine Estate, Salzburg

This contemporary villa designed by renowned architect Volker Hagen is celebrated for its 360-degree views of the Salzburg Mountains. Comprising three spacious bedrooms, the residence also offers a contemporary indoor swimming pool and sauna, a fitness room, library and a wine cellar designed with rustic red brick walls. Alpine Estate is located next to two of Austria’s most well-known skiing resorts, Flachau and Altenmarkt, which offer a vast choice of slopes to explore. On the market at $8,029,200 with Christie’s International Real Estate (+43 662 658 5110; christiesrealestate.com)

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overseas property

MALDIVES

#3 The Imperial Maldivian, Ocean Flower

JAMAICA

#4 L’dor V’dor

Overlooking the magnificent Tryall Club, L’Dor V’Dor encompasses nearly 20,000 square feet of accommodation including a grand villa, guest residence and staff quarters creating ten bedrooms in total. The estate boasts direct views of the Caribbean Sea and horizon which can be appreciated from the multiple outdoor spaces including the expansive wraparound balcony and splendid outdoor dining area. The property is the perfect island home complete with a luxurious infinity pool which overlooks the well-manicured lawn and showcases spectacular sea views. On the market at $5,000,000 with Christie’s International Real Estate (+1-888 552 5228; christiesrealestate.com)

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The Ocean Flower is a development of 185 stunning water villas situated in a prime location just a 15-minute boat ride from the Maldivian capital of Malé. Plot sizes range between 1,102 square metres to 5,204 square metres, with The Imperial Maldivian being largest. Imperial villas span three stories over a 493-squaremeter interior. Consisting of four spacious bedrooms including a full-floor master suite complete with a terrace and sundeck, ocean views can be enjoyed from every part of the home. Imperial residences are complete with a contemporary gym and private cinema. On the market from $1,500,000 $4,000,000 with Christie’s International Real Estate (+960 333 6664; christiesrealestate.com)

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TURKS AND CAICOS

#5 The Sanctuary

Located on Parrot Cay, one of the most secluded and exclusive resort islands in the Caribbean, the property fronts powder-white sand and turquoise waters. This seven-acre compound is an extension of The Sanctuary, the retreat of designer Donna Karan. Two four-bedroom guest villas are the centrepieces, featuring spectacular ocean views, an infinitypool, chef’s kitchen and a yoga studio for total relaxation. On the market at $39,000,000 with Christie’s International Real Estate (+1 649 441 1151; christiesrealestate.com)

SARDINIA

#6 Villa Sa Sposa, Porto Cervo Beautiful villa located in Liscia di Vacca near Porto Cervo in a community of twelve luxury villas. Offering over 600 square metres of living space on an estate measuring 3,120 square metres, the home comprises five bedrooms, four which are located in the main residence and one in the guest house. This luxury villa is fully equipped with all modern amenities including a 12m outdoor heated swimming pool and a private pétanque court. On the market at €12,000,000 with Christie’s International Real Estate (+39 0789 909 000; christiesrealestate.com)

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overseas property FRENCH RIVIERA

#7 Roquefort Les Pins

Dating from the 18th century, this forge is the perfect combination of ancient charm and modern comfort. With a living area of about 200 square metres, the main villa is composed of a spacious living room with fireplace, a fully equipped Provencal-style kitchen and an interconnecting dining room, all opening onto flat landscaped gardens with a heated swimming pool. On the first floor is a master bedroom with dressing room and two further bedrooms, while there is also a guest house with a living room, separated kitchen, bedroom and shower. On the market at â&#x201A;Ź1,690,000 with Savills Residential International (020 7016 3740; savills.com)

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PORTUGAL

#8 Quinta Do Lago The villa encompasses a bright lounge and formal dining room with large sliding doors leading out to the manicured garden, as well as a swimming pool terrace, allowing plenty of light and pleasant views. The modern kitchen is adjacent to the dining room and opens out onto a terrace and outdoor dining area, with two spacious bedroom suites leading directly

into the garden on the same level. The first floor has two sizeable bedroom suites, one with its own private terrace, while the lower ground floor area comprises a large garage and laundry room. On the market at â&#x201A;Ź2,950,000 with Savills Residential International (020 7016 3740; savills.com)

Homes and Interiors

VENICE

#9 Ca’ Del Felze, Dorsoduro This elegant spacious apartment on the second floor of a palazzo is extremely well kept, with communal areas which enjoy a spectacular view of the large Canale della Giudecca, the Zattere promenade and the charming ‘Mulino Stucky Hilton’ on the opposite side. Characteristically Venetian in style, the apartment features high frescoed and beamed ceilings and terrazzo or old wood floorings. On the market at €2,450,000 with Savills Residential International (020 7016 3740; savills.com)

TUSCANY

#10 Marciana Marina This 10 bedroom villa is set in one of the most beautiful and prestigious areas of Elba island and benefits from a private beach. The property consists of three buildings and stretches an impressive 700 square feet boasting breath taking sea views. The main building enjoys rich interiors throughout with beautiful attention to detail and finishes using Tuscany materials, such as brick and granite quarries and chestnut beams to ensure the property is well harmonized with the environment. Available at a guide price of €11,500,000 through Tuscany Sotheby’s International Realty (+39 02 87078300; sothebysrealty.com)

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BEAUTIFUL THINGS

The Beatles by Terry O’neill

COFFEE TABLE COMPANION It would be impossible to speak of photographic legends without mentioning Terry O’Neill. His portfolio reads like a dream dinner party guest list, encompassing Winston Churchill, Brigitte Bardot, Elton John, Elizabeth Taylor, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and so it goes on. His latest book, Rock ’n’ Roll Album documents his illustrious career and the photographs he took of some of the most venerated stars of the 20th and 21st centuries. Whether captured in public or in private, each photograph is compelling in the way that it gives us a personal insight into the world of these artists. An essential chronicle of rock ’n’ roll history, the limited-edition book is a must have for anybody with a passion for music. Rock ‘n’ Roll Album Deluxe Edition, £500 (antiquecollectorsclub.com)

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