Didsbury Magazine Jun|Jul 2019

M AG A Z I N E JUNE | JULY 2019 • ISSUE 127

Lemn Sissay MBE In conversation at Didsbury Arts Festival

Free 5km weekly event Fletcher Moss Park parkrun

TV chef realises her dream Parveen The Spice Queen

Win Afternoon Tea for two K West Hotel & Spa London

Retallack Resort in Cornwall The perfect active family getaway

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EDITOR’S LETTER

GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Beverley Uddin-Khandakar e: beverley@salutions.co.uk GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Salim Uddin-Khandakar e: salim@salutions.co.uk JOURNALIST / OFFICE MANAGER Emily Fitzgibbons e: emily@salutions.co.uk CLIENT MANAGER Stephanie Roberts e: stephanie@salutions.co.uk ADVERTISING Call the sales team on 0161 445 2883 e: info@salutions.co.uk ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Paul King / Claire King

www.twistedgifted.co.uk e: creative@twistedgifted.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Catherine Reed Fay Wertheimer Oliver Chesher Dr Jill Nash Catherine Saunders Ray King Lisa Symonds Emily Fitzgibbons PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Browne PR Shots Bigstockphoto.com Press Loft Martin Hambleton EDITOR’S IMAGE Julian Kronfli

Hello everyone, It’s that time of year for some parents (including me), when your child leaves school and spends the next few weeks revising at home, in Costa or Central Library. We are tackling GCSEs, A-levels and second year uni exams, plus it’s prom season – a stressful time for both parties! If, like us, you have a prom dress hanging in the wardrobe, which has probably only been worn once and will never be worn again, why not donate it to your local school? There will be a child out there more than happy to wear it.

This month, we caught up with celebrity TV chef and Spice Queen, Parveen Ashraf. You can read our interview with her, plus one of her delicious recipes, on page 62. The recipe is simple to make and has already become a regular in our kitchen.

If you like to visit the capital, enter our competition to win Afternoon Tea for two at the K West Hotel & Spa in Shepherds Bush. The hotel is on the doorstep of the Westfield Shopping Centre, the largest urban retail destination in Europe, so it’s a good excuse for a cheeky shopping trip too! Or if you prefer something closer to home, make sure you enter The Mere Golf Resort & Spa competition to win an overnight stay, which also includes an Afternoon Tea for two. Turn to p64 to enter.

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We too have joined forces with the team at Olivia May, who are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a style makeover, photo shoot and an outfit of their choice to the value of £500. We wish we could enter ourselves, but instead, urge you to check out entry details on p33.

Of course, there’s plenty more to read in this issue; from interiors, holidays, carnivals and festivals to my tried-and-tested facials at KP Aesthetics and The Spa at The Midland, and our comprehensive What’s On? guide, not to mention bags of food and drink news and reviews.

And did you know that Hale&Bowdon is officially 100 issues old? So, why not kick back, have a read and raise a glass (or cuppa) to its continued success... I know we will!

Enjoy the start of summer (parents: exams will soon be over!) and we’ll see you again in August.

Love Beverley x GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Beverley@salutions.co.uk June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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This Magazine is published six times a year by Salutions Limited. The contents may not be reprinted or reproduced without prior written permission. The publishers are not liable for statements made and opinions expressed. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher can take no responsibility for omissions and errors.

Salutions Limited. 5 The Stables, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 5PG 0161 445 2883 | info@salutions.co.uk | Visit us online: salutions.co.uk

Competition Terms & Conditions No purchase necessary. Employees of Salutions Limited and associated companies, promotional partners, their agents and families are not eligible to enter. Entries will be declared void if found mutilated, illegible, altered, reconstructed, forged or tampered with in any way. In the event of there being more claims than prizes available in any category, then prizes will be awarded to the earliest claimant. (Where applicable, as stated.) All entries are subject to scrutiny. Salutions Limited reserves the right to stop the promotion/competition at any time at its own discretion. Winners must accept that their names may be announced on any Salutions related media, including web and print, and may be used for publicity purposes if required. Rules as published, when applicable to specific joint offers, product discounts etc. All prizes unclaimed remain the property of Salutions Limited. Persons under the age of 18 are not eligible to enter. The prize must be taken as offered and is not transferable. No cash or credit alternatives will be given.

Editor’s decision is final. By entering a competition you agree to receive e-letters and mailshots from Salutions Limited. We do not sell our database to third parties and are compliant with the Data Protection Act 1998. Should you wish NOT to receive such information, please state NO OFFERS. By entering the competition you agree to the above terms and conditions.

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June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Sun lounger chic or a place that’s unique...

Bespoke, luxury holidays created by an experienced, trusted travel concierge to your personal, exacting requirements: this is what we offer at Inspiring Travel Company. Whether you choose an indulgent stay on an exclusive private island or a few days in the heart of an iconic city, our commitment to excellence at every turn means you receive impeccable service and attention to detail; from first contact to welcome home.

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COnTEnTS Bringing you the best, and the latest fashion, beauty, lifestyle, travel, news and food

PEOPLE 20 25 62 72 83 89

Max Eden: Hale Barns Carnival Lemn Sissay MBE: Poet, writer, broadcaster Parveen Ashraf: The Spice Queen Stephen Blank: Cheshire Freemasons Helen Gee: Headmistress Bowdon Preparatory School for Girls Anita Ryan: Singer, blogger

FOOD & DRInK 60 65 68

theglossymagazine.com

@theGlossyMag

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TRAVEL & EnTERTAInMEnT

REGULARS 01 09 28 30 40 43 52 53 55 74/78 82

Brasserie Blanc, Hale Barns Dante, Hale The Lost & Found, Knutsford | Pointing Dog, Cheadle Hulme | Chilli Banana, Wilmslow Platzki, Manchester| The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Knutsford | Tre Ciccio, Bramhall

Editor’s letter News and Views Colour Pop Costumes: Stand out this summer Tie-dye Vibes: A big trend this season The Lust List Fixx Salons: Get the hair-up look Beautifully Botanical: Bring the outdoors in Grow Your Own, Lady Muck Style Your NEXT home buy, whatever the room Ask the Experts Education News: Latest updates from the schools

32 35 36 90 93 96

Columbia Beach Resort in Cyprus ITC top five private island resorts Retallack Resort in Cornwall What’s On? New musicals, shows, festivals and events Tech: The latest sports and fitness kit Motoring News: Rare breeds

AnD THE REST...

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Tried & Tested: The latest trend in facials Win Afternoon Tea at K West Hotel & Spa London + a stay and Afternoon Tea at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa

On THE COVER JUNE | JULY 2019 • ISSUE 100

M AG A Z I N E

M AGA Z I N E M AGA Z I N E

JUNE | JULY 2019 • ISSUE 64

JUNE | JULY 2019 • ISSUE 127

Lemn Sissay MBE

M AGA Z I N E JUNE | JULY 2019 • ISSUE 35

Beautifully Botanical

In conversation at Didsbury Arts Festival

TV chef realises her dream

Bring the outdoors indoors

Parveen The Spice Queen

Free 5km weekly event

Lemn Sissay MBE

Fletcher Moss Park parkrun

In conversation with Didsbury Arts Festival

Win Afternoon Tea for two

TV chef realises her dream

K West Hotel & Spa London

Parveen The Spice Queen

Win Afternoon Tea for two

Susie’s Midas touch

K West Hotel & Spa London

Retallack Resort in Cornwall The perfect active family getaway

DIDSBURY MAGAZINE Lemn Sissay MBE Poet, writer broadcaster 6

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club – picture-perfect makeover revealed All around the world with Brasserie Blanc’s new spring menu We meet Max Eden – The heart of the Hale Barns Carnival

HALE&BOWDON MAGAZINE Celebrating 100 issues

Rolls-Royce Manchester

Cheshire Home Staging

awarded Regional Dealer of the Year

Win a stay and Afternoon Tea The Mere Golf Resort & Spa

We meet Max Eden The heart of the Hale Barns Carnival

BONUS SAPOR MAGAZINE MEDIACITY MAGAZINE Living Wall Planters Parveen Ashraf Dobbies.com Celebrity TV chef

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Parkrun comes to Didsbury

Every Saturday at 9am, hundreds of thousands of people get together at green spaces across the world to take part in parkrun. The brainchild of Paul SintonHewitt, parkrun is a charity that organises free, weekly, timed 5k events. The events are open to everyone, as stated on the parkrun website: “These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and we encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians, from juniors to those with more experience, we welcome you all.”

A unique concept, parkrun is run on an event level by an army of volunteers.

We caught up with Nick Taylor, Event Director at the recently established Fletcher Moss parkrun in Didsbury, to find out more.

“Fletcher Moss parkrun has been going from strength to strength since the inaugural event in November,” says Nick.

“The number of people taking part has increased steadily and there are now around 300 people meeting at Fletcher Moss park every Saturday to run, walk or jog around the 5km course.”

Nick feels the sense of community and manageable distance has made it a big hit with locals, he says: “It takes place at iconic poplar tree avenue that was recently featured in Cold Feet. It ends with breakfast/refreshments at Didsbury Sports Ground, which also provides car parking for the event.”

If you'd like to give parkrun a try, whether it's to run, walk or volunteer, just go to parkrun.org.ok/register and sign up for free. With over 600 events in the UK and more than half a dozen in South Manchester alone, you will be spoilt for choice!

By Lindsey Farrelly

He too likes the inclusivity of parkrun, explaining: “What makes parkrun special is how inclusive it is. Whether you run the course in 20 minutes or walk it in an hour, you'll be cheered along the way and your achievements will be equally valued.

Parents can take part with buggies, dog owners can run with their dog, and you can run/walk on your own or with friends and family. The physical and mental health benefits of parkrun have been widely praised and parkrun UK now has a partnership with the Royal College of General Practitioners. GPs can register with their local parkrun and then prescribe parkrun to their patients. Two practices have registered with Fletcher Moss parkrun: Ladybarn Group Practice and Barlow Medical Centre, and we hope that this will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of their patients.”

Parkrun also provides a great opportunity for local sports clubs and the local council to support wellbeing.

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Buying a home

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This Is Manchester Awards return for 2019 bolder than ever 11th november 2019 / The Hilton Manchester Deansgate The inaugural This Is Manchester Awards cemented their mark on the city. Attended by celebrities, sports stars and heads of business in 2018, the awards were a runaway success. Over 400 representatives from the world of fashion, leisure and technology all showed their support; entering and supporting various categories to celebrate the best Greater Manchester has to offer.

By popular demand, organisers have opened the call for entries earlier this year – other new additions for the 2019 awards include a Property/ Developer of the Year category to recognise those businesses, developments or individuals that are having a positive impact on the city’s skyline or neighbourhoods, and an Emerging Talent category, recognising a rising star rooted in the city, in any industry, who is championing Mancunian values at home and further afield.

Last Year’s Supernova award was presented to John Roberts, founder of AO.com. A true disrupter, who built a business that went on to become one of the UK’s leading online retailers, the company is now international and employs 3,000 people in the region. More importantly, the award recognised that John had chosen to use this platform to directly affect the futures of many thousands of children, not only in the North West but across the UK. John is 10

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

also Chair of the Executive Board at OnSide, a charity that builds and develops Youth Zones in our communities; levelling the playing field to give all kids somewhere exciting and inspiring to go, something to do and someone to talk to.

So inspired were the organisers by John’s work, monies raised from the 2019 and any future awards have been pledged to support the latest central Manchester Youth Zone opening in Gorton in 2020.

In addition, John has agreed to support This Is Manchester Awards as an official ambassador.

Speaking about the 2018 award, John Roberts said: “Winning the Supernova award was a huge surprise, hugely humbling and brilliant! We were in a room of such amazing company, and to be recognised for such an award by your peers was just fantastic. Really, it should shine and reflect on everybody that is around me, both at OnSide, with everything we are doing there, and at AO, I couldn’t wish to work with better people.”

On the importance of the awards: “Why enter the This Is Manchester Awards?

Well, for me, the answer is simple. In our region, we have amazing businesses and we have amazing talent and we have a huge amount to celebrate. But, as is traditional with a ‘bit of Northern grit, spit

and determination’, we don’t want to talk about that! We want to be humble and quiet about it. Well, that’s not what this night is about, it’s about celebrating Manchester and the surrounding area.

To do that, everyone needs to step forward and to shine a light on your business, or another business, to inspire others.”

Nominations are now open until September 2019 for individuals and businesses across 13 categories. The judging panel is once again chaired by Ged Doherty (Chairman of the British Phonographic Industry and BRIT Awards and the co-founder of Raindog Films).

This Is Manchester Awards organiser Ziara Siddique, Managing Director of Elite Profile Agency, said: “We’re excited to deliver a bigger and better awards.

Overwhelmed by the strength of last year’s nominations, this year will shine a light on those businesses and individuals making a real difference across the region.

“We’re also delighted to confirm our support to the OnSide Youth Zones as official patrons for the development under construction in Gorton.”

For more information, please visit thisismanchesterawards.com, email enquiries@thisismanchesterawards.com or telephone 0161 667 0898.

Employment issues

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Strictly stars help Seashell Trust raise record amount

Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, by heading up the judging panel. She said:

National charity Seashell Trust quickstepped its way to a record-breaking £123,000 at its glittering fundraiser – helped by Strictly celebrity stars Denise Van Outen and Gethin Jones.

Following ten weeks of intensive training, nine big names from North West business and society went from non-dancers to a toe-to-toe public dance-off at Manchester’s glitzy Hilton hotel.

“The whole event was buzzing with excitement from start to finish, all of the dancers worked incredibly hard and did an amazing job. It was an honour to be part of an event that smashed the target to raise so much money for the wonderful Seashell Trust."

Actress Denise showed off her expertise, gleaned from coming runner-up on

Overall champion Joanne Gallemore, from The Hut Group, wowed the judges with

her quickstep and received the coveted perfect score of four 10s, while Pretty Little Thing’s Aisha Kamani’s cha-cha-cha captured the audience’s imagination and won the viewers’ phone vote.

The event raised £123,000, with money still coming in to the Stockport-based charity Seashell Trust, which provides care and education for children and young people with complex learning difficulties and communication needs.

The Original Third Eye Restaurant cook for people in need AKASH KHADKA photographer

“Food is the basic of human needs,” said Sister Lucy. “A hot meal in a warm and friendly environment is important for someone who spends their days on the street. Sitting down with friendly staff and volunteers, having a chat over hot food, giving them back their dignity and a little bit of normality during their crisis.”

Sister Lucy Dunne, Director of Cornerstone Day Centre in Manchester, expressed her gratitude to Arun and Mela Kumar, owners of The Third Eye, for providing hot meals for over 100 people in need at the centre recently.

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June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Cornerstone Day Centre serves hot food, sandwiches and hot drinks throughout the day. For those who can afford it, a hot meal would cost a 50p donation, but, Sister Lucy adds: “It’s free for the rough sleepers, those who are destitute, having financial difficulties or no recourse to public fund.”

The centre provides shower and laundry facilities, a clothing shop, free haircuts, free optician service and a computer suite to help clients apply for jobs, housing, benefits and immigration. Since winter 2015, Cornerstone runs Safe Haven ‘pods’, where rough sleepers and those experiencing destitution can have a roof over their heads, showers and hot meals in the evening. Every night, up to 30 people stay at Cornerstone’s Safe Haven.

For more information on Cornerstone, visit cornerstonedaycentre.org or call 0161 232 8888.

Bereavement advice

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Join in the fun at Cheshire’s favourite food festival!

You will see top chefs and MasterChef winners cooking live, try sweet treats with Bake Off winners and top bakers, sample new wines, champagnes and cocktails, eat delicious street food from around the world, taste new flavours, meet artisan producers, have fun all day with chilli eating competitions and food challenges.

Plus, brand-new extended Kids Zone with Kids Cookery Theatre, slime challenge and new-for-2019 Dog Arena.

Foodies Festival, the UK’s biggest food festival, heads to Tatton Park from 12th14th July. With a mouth-watering summer festival, live music, workshops, masterclasses and, of course, top chefs – pop the dates in your diary and book your tickets now!

Top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music. See performances from much-loved headliner Scouting for Girls, boy band power group Boyzlife and The Specials favourite The Neville Staple Band.

Joining them on stage will be Queen tribute band Flash.

and talented emerging bands and solo artists perform.

Tickets will help raise cash for the UKwide homelessness charity Crisis. For every ticket sold, the festival will make a donation to the cause. There will also be merchandise on sale, giving a further boost to funds.

Weekend tickets let you enjoy three days of great food, great music and great fun, plus day tickets are available.

Tickets are on sale at foodiesfestival.com and 0844 9951111 Children aged 12 and under go free on early bird tickets to all Foodies Festivals when accompanied by an adult.

The events will once again highlight the plight of homeless people. Supported by Musicians Against Homelessness, the live music stage will see a mix of headline acts

Facebook: @foodiesfestival Twitter: @foodiesfestival Instagram: @foodiesfestival

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June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Divorce and separation

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Team 10 for the Great Manchester Run

10th birthday celebrations kicked off in style at the weekend, when a band of runners joined together for Team 10 at the Great Manchester Run. The team, who all have very special motivations for being part of the group, were part of the first public event to mark 10 years since Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital opened on Oxford Road.

One runner represented each year – from 2009 to present day. Team 10 members came from all across the UK to join together for a commemorative photograph before the race, each holding a placard with their year, before heading off to complete the 10k with friends, family and loved ones. Each member had a special motivation for wanting to raise

money for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity – some are parents of former patients, some are still caring for someone undergoing treatment, while others were once patients themselves.

The charity’s Senior Events Manager, Viv Williamson, said: “Team 10 is a very special group of people who hold both the hospital and our charity close to their hearts. “We’re so proud of everyone who took part in Team 10 – they were amazing throughout the entire day. “Team 10 formed a real bond before the race, so to see them all together at the start-line was an image that will stay with me for a long time. “We’re so grateful to everyone for their outstanding efforts on Sunday. Well done, everyone.”

The 2009 representative was Adam Lane, 30, from Stockport, who ran in honour of his son Harley. Harley lost all his limbs to meningitis when he became ill in 2009.

Representing 2019 was Andy Sykes, from Ashton-under-Lyne, whose daughter Pixie-Belle is currently undergoing chemotherapy for a rare brain tumour.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust had 658 entrants in Team MFT. Running in support of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity and Manchester Foundation Trust Charity were 81 halfmarathon participants, 576 10k runners and 80 mini and junior entrants.

To find out more about supporting Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, visit rmchcharity.org.uk

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Settling disputes

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Maggie’s Costume Charity Ball Raises £16,110 at The Lowry Hotel

The Maggie’s Costume Charity Ball returned to the five-star Lowry Hotel with a bang for its third year, raising £16,110 for Maggie’s Centres. Attendees revelled in the Victorian theme and showcased their impressive costumes, including General Manager of The Lowry Hotel, Adrian Ellis, and Janine Watson from Maggie’s Centres.

The annual costume charity ball took inspiration from one of the region’s most flamboyant happenings when, in 1828, generous philanthropists from the North

West attended the extravagant Manchester Ball to raise money for local charities.

The ball was reimagined and brought back almost 200 years later by Adrian, alongside Janine and Homes4U’s Carolyn Mellor.

Adrian said: “We were thrilled to host the third annual charity ball for Maggie’s at The Lowry Hotel again this year. The team is so proud that over £16,000 has been raised for Maggie’s Centres, a very worthy cause close to our hearts.”

Manchester Midnight Walk

The Ashton-under-Lyne family had been attending the Ariana Grande concert and joined the 80-strong choir of survivors when it was set up. Ann said: "All of us were affected physically or psychologically or both and without the support of the choir, I don't think we'd have gone back into the city centre again.

Catherine Burke with mum Ann, both members of the Manchester Survivors Choir.

A family injured in the Manchester Arena attack two years ago returned to the city centre to support St Ann's Hospice.

Husband and wife Darah and Ann Burke and daughter Catherine were members of the Manchester Survivors Choir performing at Manchester Cathedral before the Manchester Midnight Walk. They were in the foyer at the concert venue when the bomb went off and their injuries left them in hospital.

"The choir helped us get going again and we all understand what we've gone through. We love singing together and eating cake at rehearsals!"

Maggie’s Charity Costume Ball is becoming one of Manchester’s most popular charity events, complete with period costumes, historical dancing and a delicious three-course meal.

The fundraising event supports Maggie’s Centres, which provide essential support to patients and families affected by cancer.

This year, the ball was attended by over 100 guests and raised a record amount for Maggie's centres nationwide.

"Knowing the absolutely terrible events that people in our city have gone through but hearing so many positive voices joined in song before setting off to selflessly give up their evening to raise money for others, was really moving.

"People in Greater Manchester really are amazing. Thanks very much to everyone who stayed up late to join us. We really do appreciate it."

Around 1,000 people took part in the 10k walk, which this year, hopes to raise £200,000 for St Ann's Hospice. The event, sponsored by Betfred, has raised well over £2m since it started 13 years ago. St Ann's Hospice Chief Executive, Eamonn O'Neal, said: "A special moment for me was when the Manchester Survivors Choir took to the event warm-up stage to lead the crowd in song.

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Max Eden – the heart of the Hale Barns Carnival

We meet the dynamic heart and mind behind the carnival that’s fast becoming an annual tradition for those living in and around the Hale Barns community.

Max reveals that this year’s event (20th-21st July) is bigger and better than ever, with a famous (and handsome) face from the ‘80s headlining the main stage alongside a host of local new talent…

“Whether you’re six or 86, there will be something for you” guarantees Max. A successful, soulful (and moving) start The inaugural Hale Barns Carnival took place in summer 2017, launching to raise funds for the construction of a new community hall. There’d been nothing of its kind previously staged in the village. It wasn’t an easy ride, but Max (a theatre and music critic) had his finger on the entertainment pulse and managed to pull in NYC dance and soul legends Odyssey.

How would the community react? What impact would it have?

Max gets emotional as he tells one story that sums up the unexpected standard-setting success of that first year: “Odyssey were the favourite band of a local lady who suffered from agoraphobia and hadn’t left her house for eight years,” recalls Max. “She’d loved the band since her teens and she was determined to come to the carnival. When she arrived, we supported her and she bumped into two old school friends and a former work colleague. They all exchanged numbers and they said they’d take her out. How fantastic is that? For me, just this one story made it all worthwhile.

“That’s what you need in a community – people supporting other people, that’s what drives me.”

By Lisa McMahon | Photography Steph Roberts

From pop stars to Shakespeare Max’s drive and passion for what he does is contagious and working to great effect. Last year, around 10,000 attended the daytime activities, a 2,000-strong audience rocked the evening.

“And the support of local businesses has been incredible,” adds Max, “as have been our sponsors, Benchmark Security, Silk 106.9 and B&M.” This year, Odyssey (they’re back!) and The Real Thing play Saturday night and it’s back to the 80s on Sunday with Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet), Brother Beyond and Owen Paul. The evening performances are ticketed, but the daytime (from noon to 5pm) is totally free and featuring everything from award-winning local eats and pop-up Shakespeare shows to sensory activities, a fun fair and birds of prey.

A showcase for new talent The community hall the carnival raises funds for will be a hub for adult learning and youth projects as well as a platform for showcasing local talent, the latter being something that’s central

to the event itself – providing opportunities for fledgling talent to perform alongside iconic artists: “I want to give young songwriters the chance to play their own music in a professional setting and before an audience of thousands,” explains Max. “We push them on social media and the big screens too, so people can find their music. It’s so hard to get heard in the industry.” new skills & amazing memories It’s not just musicians who Max is giving a platform on which to exercise their skills and talents. Upcoming poets will be appearing on the main stage this year and a team of dedicated volunteers will keep the carnival running like clockwork.

“Our volunteers make the carnival happen,” smiles Max, “but the thing about volunteering is that it’s got to be exciting and unusual for the volunteer, you know, not just litter picking?

Last year, a 15-year-old volunteer got the opportunity to help the sound engineering team. It’s about gaining new skills and making amazing memories. I left school at 15. The university route wasn’t for me, but it was so hard to gain experience in what I wanted to do.”

Forget about Brexit Max’s first gig (aged 12, The Black Eyed Peas at the Manchester Arena) kick-started an enduring love of live music and theatre. In his role of critic, he once saw over 560 live performances in a year!

“There’s just something so magical about it, it’s electric… and that’s what I want to do now for those who attend the carnival.

I saw Martin Kemp at the Rewind Festival – he had so much energy and everyone was having fun. That’s why I wanted him to appear in Hale Barns. I want people to forget about their worries for the night, forget about Brexit, and just jump around to ‘80s tunes and be in the moment.”

Better still, the fun will be in the company of friends, family and even neighbours: “Groups of six soon turn into groups of 16,” Max laughs. “A chance to reconnect in an age when, logistically, making dates and plans with people is often hard.”

An annual tradition As the final preparations are made for this year’s Hale Barns Carnival, we ask Max what his hopes for its future are?

“I hope that families attend year on year and it becomes a tradition, and that in 20 years’ time, it will still be happening. I like the idea of it having a legacy, and it’s my duty to make sure the itinerary keeps getting better. Next year, we have a really exciting headliner who typically plays arenas (he whispers the name, off the record – we are SO impressed!), but I can’t reveal him/her to readers just yet.

“My goal would be to have around 10 of the carnivals around the country, in the heart of communities, showcasing unknown artists young and old. That would be my dream.”

To volunteer, email max@halebarnscarnvial.co.uk Buy your evening tickets at halebarnscarnival.co.uk June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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5–14 July Mayfield

6–21 July HOME

59 Productions and Rambert

Art, film, music and more

INVIS IBLE

AT HOME Leo Warner Director Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui Co-Director & Choreographer Lolita Chakrabarti Adaptor 59 Productions Concept & Design Rambert Dance Produced by Manchester International Festival, 59 Productions, Rambert and Karl Sydow. Commissioned by Manchester International Festival, Brisbane Festival, Hong Kong New Vision Arts Festival, Sadler’s Wells, SMG Live, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Centre (JACC) and Karl Sydow. Photo: Jason Bell

10–21 July Saint Augustine’s Church Pendlebury

LYNCH Commissioned and produced by Manchester International Festival and HOME, Manchester, in association with the David Lynch Foundation UK. Photo: Josh Telles

15–20 July Royal Exchange Theatre

GLASS Studio ORKA

TUESDAY Commissioned by Manchester International Festival, hetpaleis, Antwerp and Theater Antigone, Kortrijk.

Supported by The Flemish Authorities, the City of Ghent and Tax Shelter Belgium. Produced by Manchester International Festival and Studio ORKA. Illustrations: Leonard Cools

PHILIP GLASS & PHELIM MCDERMOTT Commissioned by Manchester International Festival, Improbable, Perth Festival, Ruhrfestspiele Recklinghausen and Carolina Performing Arts – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Produced by Manchester International Festival, Improbable and the Royal Exchange Theatre. Photo: Christian Sturm

10–13 July The Lowry

ATMOS PHERIC MEMORY

6–21 July Science and Industry Museum

IVO VAN HOVE

RAFAEL LOZANO-HEMMER

THE FOUN TAIN HEAD Based on the book by Ayn Rand

Commissioned by Manchester International Festival, Science and Industry Museum, FutureEverything and ELEKTRA/Arsenal, Montreal. Produced by Manchester International Festival and curated with FutureEverything and Science and Industry Museum. Photo: Miguel Legault/Antimodular

Family event FREE

(INCLUDING HUMANZ)

20–21 July The Whitworth & Whitworth Park

Produced by Manchester International Festival, De Balie and Internationaal Theater Amsterdam.

Photo: Jan Versweyveld

Commissioned and produced by Manchester International Festival with support from the Whitworth, The University of Manchester. Illustration: Rob Bailey

Didsbury Arts Festival 2019 22-30 June Celebrating 10 years of promoting arts in the community!

Photo credits: Fantabulosa by Simon Hadley; Fantabulosa by Emma Jones; Tales of the Mesmerist by Elly Welford

Didsbury Art Festival (DAF) is 10 years old! And with more than 100 fantastic events packed into nine days, this year’s landmark anniversary festival is going to be bigger and better than ever!

Poet Lemn Sissay MBE, DJ and writer Dave Haslam, author Nell Stevens (Mrs Gaskell and Me) and Manchester singer/songwriter Liam Frost Writer will be among this year’s programme highlights. Also headlining is retired nurse-turned-writer Christie Watson and Henry Normal, best known as co-writer of award-winning TV shows such as The Royle Family. Following a sell-out performance in 2017, soloists from the Hallé Orchestra are making a welcome return to join forces for a very special concert. Don’t miss it!

This year’s festival theme is ‘Curiosity’, so why not try something new? With live music, dance, theatre, visual arts, comedy, spoken word and lots more happening every day at venues all over Didsbury, there’s something for everyone – and most of it’s free.

Join in the opening revelries at Didsbury Library (22nd June) with a day of family

Visit: didsburyartsfestival.org 24

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fun, drop-in workshops, storytelling and creative crafts. Musical highlights are provided by Pop-vox choir with the steel pan band from Ladybarn Primary School.

Just down the road at Fletcher Moss Park, there’ll be more live music, as well as art displayed on the railings.

This year’s specially commissioned works include family-friendly outdoor theatre (Tales of the Mesmerist) from the Northern Rascals. Meanwhile, Manchester theatre company Powder Keg will be your storytelling guides on a ‘curious’ journey around familiar local landmarks in This Is Where It Happened.

More family fun is on the cards with a fantastic party in Didsbury Park (30th June) to celebrate the end of DAF. There’ll be entertainment from the fabulous Fantabulosa! – a unique family-friendly drag show – with live music from Zunzun and some truly curious surprises! Bring a picnic, blanket and the sunshine!

“Community engagement and outreach, as always, will be a huge focus of DAF,” says Festival Director, Ella Wild.

“We look forward to working with local schools, churches, care homes and other

groups to provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to perform, create and volunteer at DAF 2019.”

In 2009, a group of arts-loving Didsbury residents came together to launch Didsbury’s first-ever week-long celebration of local talent. A decade on, the thriving, community arts festival attracts 14,000 visitors and features national names alongside homegrown talent.

“DAF 2019 features a rich and diverse programme, which will provide plenty of opportunities for people to be thrilled, challenged and intrigued,” says Ella. “I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the people of Didsbury, to our dedicated festival team and to all our friends, sponsors and volunteers for their support. Without them, DAF 2019 would not happen.”

For a full list of events, prices and booking information, pick up a free festival programme from Didsbury Library and other local venues.

Lemn Sissay MBE Deborah Grace speaks to Lemn Sissay MBE, the award-winning poet, writer, broadcaster and Chancellor of the University of Manchester.

Born to an Ethiopian mother in Lancashire in 1967, Lemn was handed over to foster parents, who put him into care aged 12. Having overcome his traumatic childhood, the poet works to support other young care leavers. He is about to release a new memoir about his childhood, called My Name Is Why. Earliest memory?

Lying on my back, holding my arms out and crying; wanting to be picked up.

This could have been me in the cot in the hospital when I was waiting to be fostered.

Wanting to be picked up – not hugged – just picked up.

Images Hamish Brown

Where are your roots?

They’re everywhere. I’m a big old tree with long roots, which sought water when they initially found dry land, so I think I’m really blessed. My roots are in Manchester, Lancashire, London, Ethiopia, a little bit of New York, a little bit of South Africa.

All the places where I have really close friendships and family.

Explain the title of your memoir For the first 17 or 18 years of my life, I thought my name was Norman. When my mother had me fostered, the social worker named me (illegally) after himself.

My foster parents had wanted to call me Mark, from the Bible, and their name was Greenwood. So, I thought my name was Norman Mark Greenwood. I even have NG tattooed on my hand. When I left the children’s home, I was handed my birth certificate and there was my real name, Lemn Sissay. I found my mother when I was 21. When I was 29 somebody said, “You know your name – Lemn – means ‘Why’?” (in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia). So, that’s how I’m known to my people; I’m the poet whose name is Why, who searched for his family and found them. Finding your name is almost like fulfilling who you are. I’ve had to travel all over the world to be accepted in my own country for my own name.

What is your greatest achievement?

I realised that my role as an artist meant I could make a difference. The thing I’m most proud of is starting and inspiring the Christmas Dinners, taking place across the country for young people, between 18 and 25, who have left care. Think about Christmas Day when you go to your mum’s or your dad’s. The memories of all the Christmases before are consolidated in that one day. It’s the same for the care leaver, except that often you become more invisible on that day because that’s what you remember from previous Christmases.

When are you happy?

I just got back from Ethiopia and I’m happy in Ethiopia. But I’m happy just because I’m loved by close friends, personally and professionally. I’m happiest when I’ve written something that I’m proud of. Yesterday, I wrote a poem that was unveiled by the Duchess of Cambridge at The Foundling Museum in London. She’s going to be patron of The Foundling Museum, of which I’m trustee.

So, she’s patron of my organisation now!

Lemn Sissay will be in conversation with writer and DJ Dave Haslam at Didsbury Arts Festival on 27 June didsburyartsfestival.org

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Picture-perfect makeover for Cheshire venue Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club is amongst Cheshire’s top golf courses and one of the most picturesque 18-hole parkland courses in the UK

By Ray King | Photography Mike Brown

This exclusive wedding, social and corporate events venue is now in the final stages of completing a stunning renovation programme.

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The project, greatly benefiting club members and event clients alike, has seen extensive refurbishment, including floor-to-ceiling windows and the beautiful redecoration of the clubhouse's restaurants – The Club Lounge, Garden Room and Rooftop Restaurant. With the large outdoor patio terrace overlooking the 18th green, these facilities now provide a contemporary and luxurious ambience for wedding ceremonies and receptions, birthday parties, dinners, conferences and business meetings. The venue has also added a state-of-the-art PA system, and with the installation of a lift, all areas of the Clubhouse are fully accessible.

The spacious Rooftop Restaurant, which can accommodate up to 100 guests, offers spectacular panoramic views of Dunham Forest's superb sylvan setting through newly installed floor-toceiling windows. The Club Lounge, with a capacity of 90, is adjacent to The Garden Room, which can accommodate a

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further 70, both of which enjoy uninterrupted views of the golf course. The improved facilities offer complete flexibility and beautiful decor and spaces that can be individually tailored according to event requirements.

Visiting Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club today, it is difficult to believe that as recently as 1960, this splendid course was little more than a collection of huts and a concrete parade ground. The original 90 acres had been used by the US army and as an Italian prisoner of war camp. The club, which is just eight miles from Manchester airport, a 5-minute drive from Junction 7 off the M56 and a mere 14 miles from the centre of Manchester, has created a magical scenic course following the contours of the natural landscape amid birch trees and ancient oaks.

With a comprehensive range of membership offers available, new members are always welcomed. For visiting players, whether they are individual golfers or participating in a golf day, there are green fee rates and catering packages to suit all budgets.

Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club is also a fully licensed civil ceremony wedding venue and offers a bespoke wedding planning service for the perfect day. The team are holding a Wedding Venue Showcase on Sunday 8 September 2019 from 12pm – 3pm that will be well worth a visit for those planning their big day.

As well as exclusive hire of the whole Clubhouse against the fantastic parkland backdrop, your special occasion will be enhanced by the exceptional cuisine offered. There’s a choice of various packages or completely bespoke menus – all provided in-house by an accomplished 12-strong catering team.

The venue team can also assist with a list of trusted suppliers for photography, flowers, lighting, venue dressing and more.

Delighted clients have enthused about the "stunning" venue, "amazing and incredible food”, "very friendly and extremely efficient team" and a “wedding team dedicated to making the whole day run like clockwork".

As a location for business meetings, seminars, team-building events and conferences, the clubhouse is, despite its glorious setting, very well connected and easy to reach.

Event enquiries: Club Manager Mike Saxon on 0161 928 2605 option 2 or email mike@dunhamforest.com Golf enquiries: The Professional Paul Dennis on 0161 928 2605 option 1 or email Paul@dunhamforest.com Membership enquiries: Caroline Brown on 0161 928 2605 option 5 or email: Caroline@dunhamforest.com Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club Oldfield Lane | Altrincham

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Blue Divine One-Piece £160 Gottex | Available at gottex-swimwear.com

Elektra Bikini Top in Turquoise £60 Solitaire Bottoms in Turquoise £60 Available at violet-lake.com

Clous Unis Swimsuit with Plunging V-Neck £120 Maison Lejaby Available at maisonlejaby.com/uk

Colour Pop Costumes

Stand out on the sand this summer by donning hot pinks, sunny yellows, bright blues and emerald greens

Sunshine Striped Bikini Top £100 Sunshine Striped Bikini Briefs £95 Paper London Available at Harvey Nichols

By Emily Fitzgibbons

Green Mustique Halterneck Bikini Top £99 Green Mustique Halterneck Bikini Bottoms £99 Melissa Odabash | Available at Selfridges

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Tropical Print Swimsuit £38 Lipsy | Available at Next

Suffered from a Cosmetic or Dental Disaster?

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Trim Healthy: NON-SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS SERVICE

A unique consultant led medical weight loss program combining the most up to date drug therapy, alongside specialist nutrition and behavioral support for proven results. Providing personalized weight loss solutions for you.

Trim Healthy will not only improve general appearance after weight loss but also will reduce your general risks of cardiovascular disease, strokes and diabetes.

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Oversized Tie-Dye Silk Shirt with Collar in Stolz £241 Privatsachen | Available at oliviamay.org

Grey Tie-Dye Mesh Sleeveless Dress £35 Topshop | Available at Selfridges

Black Tie-Dye Tee £15 Very

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By Emily Fitzgibbons

One of summer’s biggest trends, perfect for home or holiday

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Pink Pleated Tie-Dye Effect Maxi Dress £40 Roman Originals

Turquoise Tie-Dye Tweed Jacket £1,895 Balmain Available at Selfridges

Black Tie-Dye Slip Dress £26.25 Dorothy Perkins

Win a style makeover from Olivia May

We have joined up with the team at Olivia May to bring you this fabulous competition Imagine a whole new look! Olivia May is synonymous with style and individuality and is the passion of owner Ann Whorrall. You are encouraged to explore your own look and work with the team to create a style with a difference. Layers, texture, colour, fabrics and design; all creating a new way of dressing to suit modern life whatever your preferred style from tailoring and avant-garde to luxury, romantic or casual, from an array of over sixty high-quality European designers.

The prize includes a style consultation, makeover, photo shoot with a copy of all the images, an exclusive goody bag, an *outfit of your choice to the value of £500, and a feature in our October/November magazines.

Runners-up will receive a styling voucher with Olivia May. You can enter yourself by following the entry details below, or perhaps nominate someone else who you think deserves a little pampering.

Simply send an email with your name, age and contact details, including a daytime contact number and a photograph to emily@salutions.co.uk or send a postcard to Salutions. 5 The Stables, Parrs Wood Entertainment Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 5PG *Clothing, accessories, footwear pieces may be across ranges SS19, AW19 or outlet collections.

Closing date 31 July 2019 | See Salutions for terms and conditions

Olivia May showroom The Barns, Lane End Farm, Kelsall Road, Ashton Hayes CH3 8BH www.oliviamay.org

Luxury Awaits Explore, dream and discover at Columbia Beach Resort

It’s not surprising that Columbia Beach Resort has established itself as the crème de la crème of Cypriot resorts. Set along the Blue Flag-honoured beach of Pissouri Bay, it stands out as intimate and authentic for all the right reasons and as such, is featured in the widely respected Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s boutique collection.

The five-star Columbia Beach Resort boasts a total of 169 luxury, multi-purpose suites, all within a serene space that offers lush green gardens and a lagoon-style pool; set against the beautiful panoramic backdrop of Pissouri Bay and the Mediterranean Sea. Guests can enjoy a tranquil stay at Columbia Beach Resort and its ambience is perfect for weddings and other special occasions. In addition to caring for its guests at every point during their holiday, the resort also thinks green and is committed to several eco-initiatives that ensure the environment also benefits from its caring luxury stance. The resort operates as a virtually Co2-free entity, making it an attractive proposition for those wanting a luxury experience that Pissouri Bay

Hébe Spa interior cares for the environment. The Columbia Beach Resort team is also heavily involved in many local wildlife conservation efforts, including the Columbia Cat Care project, turtle rehabilitation support and beach cleaning initiatives – at every opportunity, guests are encouraged to take part.

The cuisine at all four resort restaurants is highly regarded and the dining experience is something Columbia Beach Resort takes very seriously. All restaurants offer a fusion approach to flavours, taking

inspiration from several areas of the world and using local ingredients to inspire a love of food in its guests. Michelin star-trained Executive Chef, Ioannis Giakoumidis, and his team work tirelessly to ensure that every culinary creation is always fresh, fun and innovative.

Guests planning to pamper themselves can visit the luxurious and award-winning on-site Hébe Spa. Named after the ancient Greek goddess of youth, its expert therapists offer sumptuous treatments designed to revitalise and rejuvenate; each tailored to meet individual needs.

For the more adventurous, Columbia Beach Resort now offers five-star, PADIcertified diving courses, giving guests the chance to explore the stunning underwater sites of Cyprus. Or why not take in the stunning local vistas with a cycling excursion run by former Swiss cycling champion Thomas Wegmüller. Whatever your adventure level, there is something to keep all visitors happy with activities, such as golf, hiking and water sports, available for all guests longing for some excitement.

To discover more about Columbia Beach Resort or to book a memorable stay, visit columbiaresort.com.

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Retallack Resort, Cornwall Adventure thrills, delectable food and luxury lodges: Jill Nash discovers the glorious Cornish countryside is a perfect active family getaway

Sleep Set in the heart of Cornwall’s rolling countryside, approximately half an hour from Newquay, is the newly developed luxury lakeside Retallack Resort. The resort offers an incredible range of luxury self-catering options for every budget, starting from £504 per week per family, you can’t get better value for money. You can choose to bed down in a two-bed hotel suite or a premium-style lodge with a steaming hot tub and terrace. Each lodge has its own sundeck, complete with outdoor furniture and BBQ, and the lodges are designed with wide glass windows to make the most of the Cornish scenery.

With little ones in mind, the lodges come readily stocked with essentials – from cot beds to plastic plates – and the kitchen cupboards with coffee, tea and basic provisions, which make the first night an easy transition. Further supplies can be picked up nearby (or delivered from) local supermarkets and topped up with the on-site small shop selling local jams, bakery goods and tempting bottles of Tarquin’s gin from a local distillery. There are also the usual food delivery companies, which will bring hot meals to your door from a range of local eateries.

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At the centre of the resort, there’s a children’s play area with a zip line and an outdoor ‘Shipwrecked’ playground, and for rainy days, the indoor ‘Den’ is very handy too.

During the school holidays, there are organized woodland activities, arts & crafts, and cookery classes to keep them busy. There is also a ‘Little Den’, a fully managed crèche with qualified childcare experts (costing £5ph).

night in. The restaurant is open 9-11pm and offers generous portions of children’s food, from mini mezze boards to sausage pasta bakes. The Lookout also has a little terrace over the FlowRider surf school, so you can be entertained by the surfers testing out their skills. During the afternoon, it is the perfect spot to enjoy a Cornish cream tea or relax in the sunshine at one of the al fresco tables.

For more grown-up indulgences, the spa presents an extensive menu of pampering facial, body and cosmetic treatments designed to relax, revitalize and rejuvenate using marine-inspired products. The small but stylish spa facilities include a relaxation area and treatment rooms – all linked to the pool, gym and eucalyptus steam room.

Located on the lakeside waters edge, next to the waterpark, is a small beach café, where you can grab a café latte and a hot bacon bap before enjoying one of the adrenaline-fuelled activities.

Drink & Dine Having gained a great reputation amongst visitors and locals, The Lookout Restaurant is an informal bistro-style venue with a locally sourced, Mediterranean-inspired menu. With an emphasis on using the best seasonal ingredients the South West has to offer, The Lookout produces an everchanging menu and even offers a takeaway service, so food can be ordered and enjoyed in the comfort of your lodge if you fancy a

Explore & Experience Families looking for an active getaway won’t be disappointed at Retallack.

Open all year-round, it is Cornwall’s only FlowRider, giving you the chance to surf the crest of a wave whatever the weather and whatever your ability. Combining the experience of surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding, this is the coolest new sport around. By generating a sheet of water no more than three inches deep, the FlowRider’s waves are safe and easy to ride, giving you and your kids a chance to learn to surf in totally safe surroundings.

The instructors will have you standing up in no time and riding the waves like a pro.

Riders must be over 107cm tall, and prices start at £25 pp for 60 minutes.

Both kids and adults will love the giant Aqua Park, an inflatable assault course on the lake (open March-October). The course includes a giant trampoline, catapult, water wheel, ‘stepping stones’ climbing wall, slides, blast bags, challenging balance beams and lots more. Race your friends around the course, watch them wipeout, try and beat the obstacles, and hurl yourself into the water. It is so big, it can take up to 100 people in one session, so it’s fantastic for birthday parties, hen weekends and large families. Sessions cost £15 pp and include wetsuits, buoyancy aids and lifeguards on watch for safe and fun experience. The Aqua Park is open to anyone over the age of six, but children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult (one adult over the age of 18 in the water per three children under the age of 11).

On site, there is also a system 2.0 wake cable for those looking to hone their wakeboarding skills or, for a change of pace, try Double Water Zorbs and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). If you want to enjoy all the watersports, you can purchase a 7day pass from only £25, giving you access to sessions on the Aqua Park, FlowRider, Wake Park, Water Zorbs and SUPs. A short 10-minute drive away from Retallack, you can hire bikes and try The Camel Trail – an 18-mile, largely trafficfree, surfaced and virtually level multi-use trail, which provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. You can find more information here bridgebikehire.co.uk or by calling 01208 813050.

For those wanting an authentic Cornish experience, then head to Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm. Located near to Newquay, it’s a family-run farm where there’s plenty of family fun. You can join a guided tour,

where you’ll be taken on a journey through the press house, jam factory, museum, distillery and cellars before climbing the cider vat and enjoying an aerial view of the modern cider production halls. Finally, the kids will love the tractor ride through the beautiful orchards.

Add in the signature afternoon tea and make it the perfect Cornish day. See healeyscyder.co.uk for more details.

Further information on Retallack Resort, tariffs, late deals and booking, please visit retallackresort.co.uk or ariaresorts.co.uk Getting There For week-long stays, it would be beneficial to travel by car, allowing you the freedom to explore the region. Driving takes approximately six hours from Manchester.

For a short stay, hop on a one-hour flight to Newquay from Manchester Airport, which is 15-minutes away from Retallack.

There are regular flights throughout the summer with Flybe.com

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The North West & Cheshire’s cosmetic experts explain Renovatio Cosmetic Clinic gives an unbiased insight into the future of non-invasive treatments BOOST LyMPHATiC DRAiNAGE Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a valuable treatment for those suffering from lymphedema, lipoedema, sinusitis, migraines, fibromyalgia, MS, chronic fatigue or premenstrual syndrome.

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PERMANENT, FAT-DESTROYING LASER SculpSure is the 25-minute, non-invasive laser lipo that helps to target stubborn areas. SculpSure is ideal for people with trouble spots, particularly those areas that seem resistant to diet and exercise. Your treatment provider will develop a customised treatment plan explaining that there is no downtime, and optimal results are typically seen at 12 weeks. COST FROM £150 NON-SURGiCAL SkiN TiGHTENiNG ThermiSmooth Face radio frequency skin tightening facial gives instant results without any downtime. To stimulate collagen production, it heats the skin to 45° and feels like a hot stone massage. The results are an instant lift and the tightening results continue to show for the next 12 weeks. Suitable for all skin types.

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No7 also discovered that over half of women would consider using a targeted at-home skincare product before considering a clinical treatment.

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By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

GET THE LOOK 0161 928 6366

@fixxsalonsaltrincham

Dutch braid When braiding, pull the hair tight to the head to keep secure. Once finished, hold the end of the braid, pinch out and loosen the braid to make it look softer and more boho. Secure braid using either hair elastics or bobby pins

Prom hair?

Wedding hair?

Big night out?

FIXX Salons / 1b Lloyd Street / Altrincham / WA14 2DD

Hair-up specialist Danielle@FIXX Salons tells us more!

TOP TIPS When putting hair up, make sure it stays put by flipping the bobby pin over, so the wavy side is against your head.

We ALWAYS recommend washing hair the day before the hair goes up.

Backcomb everything before manipulating the hair into style and smooth out any ‘fuzzy’ bits for a good base and a strong foundation.

Preparation is key when putting hair up – smoothing away any flyaways and adding the right products is a must!

UPDO ESSENTIALS A sturdy, soft bristle backcomb brush – Tangle Teezer do a fantastic one. EIMI Dry Me Dry shampoo to add some structure and texture to the hair. System Professional Instant Energy Dry conditioner. The Cloud 9 straightening iron to add curls or to smooth the hair. We love Hot Tools Curl Bar to give hair softer ‘beach’ waves – super-easy to use.

TRiED & TESTED

The ESPA Natural Face Lift at The Spa at The Midland I love facials, so when The Spa at The Midland asked me to review ESPA’s Natural Face Lift, I jumped at the chance.

The treatment is delivered in four stages – detox, invigorate and sculpt, finished with a lifting and firming mask – using ESPA’s new Tri-Advanced ProBiome range of products.

The Spa at The Midland Peter Street Manchester M60 2DS 0161 932 4086

The treatment ended with a soothing, lifting and firming mask, followed by a sleep-inducing head massage. Once the mask was removed, my therapist applied moisturisers to lock in all that goodness.

The results are instant and you will certainly notice a difference. My skin felt toned and plump and I felt totally relaxed.

The first stage of the treatment incorporates oils, so your therapist will ask you to smell four oils and the one that suits you will be used in your treatment.

After making myself comfortable, the treatment began with a deep cleanse, followed by exfoliation.

The chosen oil being massaged into the lymph points to eliminate toxins.

Suitable for all skin types, the ESPA Natural Face Lift is available for £115 (85 minutes) The Spa at the Midland will also be celebrating its 4th Birthday this June, so for the entire month of June, join in the celebrations and enjoy a complimentary 25-minute back, neck and shoulder massage when you book the 85-minute Natural Face Lift.

My therapist then massaged my skin using a Japanese Kobido-style technique which strengthens the muscles and tones the entire face while promoting blood circulation. Jade rollers were then used on my forehead, under the eyes, cheeks and chin to reduce puffiness, increase circulation and bring oxygen to the surface of my skin. The sculpting massage that followed felt like it was lifting my jawline and cheekbones.

The spa day experience is available between either 9am till 1pm or 2pm till 6pm.

Every spa day package includes a robe, towel and slippers for use during the day, full use of the thermal suite, poolside areas, relaxation suite and full use of the private gym.

TRiED & TESTED HydraFacial at KP Aesthetics How we feel about our skin reflects how we feel about ourselves and great-looking, healthy skin can really boost our confidence. So, I was delighted when I was asked to review the facial that A-listers have been trying to keep to themselves. HydraFacial is a resurfacing and rejuvenating treatment that is now readily available, so I went to KP Aesthetics in Hale to experience it.

The principal is simple but effective – deep cleansing and exfoliation, extraction and, finally, hydration by infusing skin with intensive serums through a unique HydroPeel tip.

Gemma explained that the HydraFacial is “much more than just a facial, it is an experience, and after just one treatment, you’ll look and feel great instantly. And the more you use it, the healthier your skin will become”. And it covers all skincare needs – fine lines and wrinkles, elasticity and firmness, skin tone and vibrancy, skin texture, brown spots, oily and congested skin and enlarged pores.

First and foremost, DETOX – lymphatic drainage, which improves circulation and helps to eliminate toxins.

Cleanse + Peel – gentle exfoliation and relaxing resurfacing.

Extract + Hydrate – removing debris from pores with painless suction, followed by nourishing with intense moisturisers that quench the skin. Fuse + Protect – saturating the skin’s surface with antioxidants and peptides to maximise your glow. And finally, REJUVENATiON – with red and infrared LED light reducing redness and further stimulating collagen, supporting the natural production of vitamin D and leaving your skin glowing.

While it appeals to all ages, complexions and concerns, the HydraFacial is ideal if you aren’t quite ready for injectables but want anti-ageing results. Apart from the standard regime, there are targeted add-ons and boosters, which means you can tailor the treatment to focus on specific concerns.

This was a truly relaxing, feelgood experience, my skin felt squeaky clean and was plump and positively glowing – and you can actually see what has been removed at the end of the treatment!

Great for brides-to-be who want to glow on their big day, or perfect for any special or red carpet occasion.

The cost is £130 for one session and £650 for a course of 6

KP Aesthetics 8 Broomfield Lane, Hale, Altrincham WA15 9AQ | 0161 929 0540 42

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

Prevention and Wellness: Investing in yourself and your family's health Health DNA testing has come a long way in recent years and at Everything Genetic, we are proud to be able to offer a wide range of products that enable you to understand more about your health and put you back in control of your wellbeing.

Everything Genetic provides you with pioneering, medically validated genetic testing to determine the risk of you, a family member or loved one developing cancer and heart disease.

"At Pall Mall Medical, we believe in proactive, preventative healthcare,” continues Raja, “and are excited to be working with Everything Genetic, as this allows us to provide an additional layer of health understanding to our patients.

Genetic testing is the analysis of your DNA. Using a sample of your saliva, or sometimes blood or tissue, it is possible to establish if you have a gene variant associated with an increased risk of certain diseases.

"One of the key products is the remarkable Color 30 Gene Cancer Panel, covering DNA testing across breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, melanoma, uterine and stomach cancers, which will greatly benefit our patients."

Medical partners We work with the UK's leading healthcare providers and are delighted to have recently joined forces with Pall Mall Medical to enable them to expand their wellbeing and screening services to patients.

Expert guidance As part of our service at Everything Genetic, we provide an initial phone consultation, which explains the implications of the test and covers any queries that you may have before your sample is sent-off for analysis.

Raja Pitalia, Pall Mall Medical Business Manager, said: "We provide one of the most comprehensive screening services in the North West, including full-body

MRI and heart and lung CT screens – all alongside our standard Well Man and Well Woman Health assessments.

We also offer a post-test counselling appointment with one of our recommended clinical geneticists to discuss the outcome and a potential course of action, if required.

Wellness offering • Color 30 Gene Cancer Panel • Color Extended Panel (cancer, cardiac and medication response) • Invitae Cardiac 77 Gene Panel The Color Extended Panel is one of most comprehensive tests available. In addition to combining information from cancer and cardiac aspects of health, it also includes a pharmacogenomic report about an individual's response to certain medications.

The invitae Cardiac 77 Gene Panel analyses 77 genes associated with an increased risk of arteriopathy, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, thrombophilia and hereditary forms of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The genes are wellestablished indicators of an increased risk of developing cardiovascular conditions.

This information can be used to help recommend early care, regular monitoring or possibly initiate early intervention to prevent onset of disease.

For more information or to purchase a test, please call 01270 623 179 or visit everythinggeneticltd.co.uk Or call Pall Mall Medical directly on 0330 058 44 55 or email gp@pallmallmedical.co.uk

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

43

Peace of mind for you and your family at all times

The Private GP & Night Doctor Service We are a group of experienced GPs based in South Manchester, we offer the highest level of medical care, above and beyond the NHS. Whilst the NHS is a good system, demand has increased so much that it has become almost impossible for it to offer the prompt and personal care that we all wish for.

We believe our registered patients want a professional service with peace of mind at all times – from immediate telephone advice to organising an admission into hospital, anytime, day or night – all provided by a small group of doctors whom they know.

Hopefully, you will not need to see a doctor urgently, but accidents or illnesses can occur when least expected, and having to travel or wait several hours for healthcare can only make the ordeal worse.

You can stay registered with your NHS GP, as our aim is not to replace your care but to work alongside it, providing you with our extra medical care when you or your family need it most.

It only takes two minutes to register online today, so we can look after you in the future.

4 24 hrs a day

4 7 days a week

4 Personal and confidential

4 Well-being and full health Dr Bruce Jobling

checks with general blood test

4 Night and weekend home visits

4 Routine non-urgent appointments or same-day and evening consultations as you need

4 Covering Hale, Wilmslow,

Didsbury and their surrounding areas

Registration fee from £18 per month plus consultation fees You can remain with your NHS GP • Additional surgery in Hale If this service is of interest to you or your family, please contact us to register

0161 980 2626 | Info@ThePrivateGP.uk | www.TheNightDoctor.uk The Surgery, 96 Church Road, Gatley, Cheshire SK8 4NQ | The Practice, Hale, Cheshire WA15

Oaklands Hospital People Caring for People Why choose Oaklands Hospital?

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787 7700 | Private PPatient atient Manager 0161 787 3495

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Oaklands Hospita Hospitall

World-class experts when you need them At Spire Manchester Hospital you’ll see a leading specialist in as little as 24 hours.

Fast access to diagnosis and treatment

You don’t have to wait to see one of our specialists, because less waiting means less worrying.

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Book to see an expert today Search ‘Spire Manchester Hospital’ Call 0161 825 7050 ,QWHUHVW IUHH ĆQDQFH å 0% representative APR available

Spire Healthcare offers over 300 treatments. See our website for the exact treatments at each hospital.

Timings given are indicative, actual timings may vary based on consultant and tests required.

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Lounge before and after

Snug before and after

Susie’s Midas Touch We meet the woman whose job it is to dress Cheshire homes to really impress and add a much higher value to the house Study before and after

Kitchen before and after

When it comes turning run-of-the-mill rooms into wow-factor spaces (all, remarkably, without any building work), Susie Batista – smiley, upbeat and a self-confessed perfectionist – undeniably has the Midas touch. A home enhancement specialist with a natural talent for what makes a house scream ‘buy me now!’, her company – Cheshire Home Staging – is increasingly in demand by estate agents, property developers and private clients looking to revamp lacklustre homes.

Swapping the skies for sales Susie’s former career guise was in the skies; an air hostess travelling the globe and soaking up international cultures, which now, she explains, inspire some of her home staging work.

During her winter break from continenthopping, Susie worked for a property firm in Manchester. She had every intention of returning to her jet-setting role until her manager asked her to add ‘a few bits and bobs’ to a series of city-centre apartments that showed no signs of selling: “She gave me the company credit card and a contact for a furniture company,” recalls Susie. “So, I staged the apartments and as I was doing it, I was like, ‘this is it! This is awesome!’ I’d always been fascinated by interior design and suddenly I realised I never wanted to work in an office again!”

And the apartments? They sold one after the other in quick succession.

After completing a diploma in interior design (she has since finished another in home staging) and whilst on maternity leave, Susie made the decision to leave her job and stage houses full-time.

What is home staging?

Cheshire Home Staging repaints rooms, changes carpets and curtains, polishes floors, removes tired furniture and ushers in fresh, contemporary pieces. There too are the extras, that talking-piece lighting fixture or print on the wall. Candles are lit and even the front of the house and gardens are spruced to enchant potential buyers. Forget a lick of magnolia and baking bread, Susie’s transformations go way beyond and are breath-taking.

And, unlike the restyles made on TV shows

of old (think Changing Rooms), the majority of Susie’s clients won’t be living in the madeover space, instead, they’re looking for it to jump off the market as soon as it hits Rightmove.

Home staging is standard practice in the US and Australia (“a staging budget is always included in the marketing fee, houses aren’t sold unless they’re staged”) but is only just catching on in the UK. Susie credits the fact that we live in such a visual, ‘image-driven’ society for the growing trend: “We all want a home that will steal the show on Instagram or Pinterest, so people place huge importance on the photos they see on Rightmove. Gone are the days when people walked into an estate agent and he/she convinces them to go and view a house.

Nowadays, property buying is like Tinder.

Don’t like the photos? Swipe left. Next house. Opportunity lost.”

Boosting house prices Whilst Cheshire Home Staging does do work on smaller homes, it’s high-end properties that aren’t selling and luxury show houses waiting for buyers where Susie mainly weaves her magic, offering different levels of consultation to meet any budget: “People think they have to spend lots of money to give rooms a new look, but that’s not true at all,” reveals Susie. “I spent £3,000 staging my old house and the first person who came to view it, bought it… for £45,000 over the original valuation! We don’t knock down walls or build costly extensions. With clever staging, properties look instantly bigger, lighter, airier.”

In fact, Susie tries to save clients money wherever she can – the furniture is rented from a company who agreed to work with her when she first started out and when it comes to paint, for example, she mixes top-of-the-range Farrow & Ball colours with cost-effective Dulux – double the cover, half the price. “Minimum investment, maximum return,” says Susie.

The wow-factor Pre-staging, clients are given a presentation

by Susie, detailing the colours and styles she will use. When the work is done – by a tried and trusted team of tradespeople – the reaction is typically ‘wow!’

Does anyone ever regret putting their home on the market once they’ve seen the new look? “Yes!” smiles Susie. “I had one young woman and her mum who, when the revamp was unveiled, said, ‘we can’t let it go!’ and the daughter took it off the market.”

Similarly, when people visit show homes Susie has worked on, they often (especially if they’re young professionals just starting out) ask if they can buy the furniture. And they can, at a special discounted price. Otherwise, all the goodies simply move onto the next job, business is rarely slow enough for them to go into storage.

Trade secrets We ask Susie which changes to a room have maximum impact when it comes to staging?

“Changing the carpet is a big one,” she reveals, “and window dressing – curtains and blinds.

Cushions too! The right cushions can change everything. I can spend a long time getting them just right. People underestimate their importance to a room.

“Oh, and depersonalise! Always. Put things like family photos and trinkets in boxes – it’ll give you a head start when moving.”

Indeed, Susie is extremely generous when it comes to sharing her wisdom. She receives lots of emails asking for home staging career advice, mainly from other women. She even invited two of them to assist her on jobs to gain experience.

Does this mean she’s about to expand her team? “Not just yet,” she says, thoughtfully.

“At the moment, I like being in control of each of the projects. When people hire Cheshire Home Staging, they should get me!

My husband, Romão, travels a lot with his work and my children are still young (Benjamin, aged 7, and Nina, aged 3), but as the kids grow, the business can too, maybe even go national.”

Suddenly, her phone rings – a mightily impressed estate agent asks if it’s ok to pass her details onto a developer looking to stage eight plots…

We wonder, is this possibly the best job in the world? She flashes a huge smile: “I love it! I adore it!”

See more before and afters on Instagram @cheshirehomestaging Visit: cheshirehomestaging.co.uk | Contact: 07903 375 214 June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

51

Parlane B Hanging Plant 94 £24 Parlane Available at House of Fraser

Black Metal Single Plant Holder £14.99 Very

Set of Three Sand Succulents £9 Next

Beautifully Botanical Bring the leafy green outdoors indoors with one of the fastest-growing trends of the year

Palmeras Square Cushion £109 Maison Margot Available at maisonmargot.com

By Emily Fitzgibbons

Set of Two Floating Botanical Hanging Frames £22 Next

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June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Succulent Potted Plant with Pot £9 Ikea

Grow your own

STYLE Vegetables. Absolutely hated by most kids I know. But what if you could get your kids eating their greens without all the drama?

By Catherine Saunders. Read more at www.ladymuck.style Every June, we host a big boozy BBQ. The bubbly flows. The beer’s chilled. The Bose booms. Great for us adults, but not so great for the poor kids that get dragged along. Muck Manor is a pretty dull place these days or so I thought. No Play Station, no Wii, no trampoline and, because of my beloved greenhouse, no ball games. But last year, the kids proved me wrong.

Three hours into our drinkathon-in-thesun, we realised the kids were nowhere to be seen. Always a worry. So, off his Lordship and I trotted, only to discover them behind the potting shed, covered in dirt, heads down, concentrating hard with sticks in their little hands, silently scrabbling around in the earth. “Ink-sets”, came their collective reply when we asked what they were up to, “we’re looking for ink-sets.” Now, I know his Lordship got rid of my (failed attempt) at art yonks ago to make room for his brewing kit, so what were they talking about? Rolling their eyes at us oldies in frustration, they explained again very slowly: “INK-SETS. We’re looking for INK-SETS.” We looked at each other in bewilderment, which prompted

them to thrust under our noses nine wiggly worms, twelve slimy slugs and eighteen loathsome louses – all proudly held out on their ickle hands as if they were holding precious treasure. Insects.

They had entertained themselves all afternoon looking for Insects. Brilliant.

Right there and then, I wondered if the mucky old insect-ridden world of grow-your-own might interest them. Let’s face it, kids love getting dirty, they aren’t afraid of creepy crawlies and, most of all, they are curious creatures. I tentatively asked the Ink-Set Crew if they would like to go hunting for more insects in my kitchen garden and greenhouse and, you know what, they jumped at the chance.

Much to the amusement of their parents, these kids followed me round for the next couple of hours, bombarding me with questions about veggie growing. But the one question that took me most by surprise was a simple one: “Do you think we could grow something Auntie C?” Over the course of just one afternoon, somehow, I had assembled my own little army of Mini-Mucks, who went home

uber-excited about sowing some of my seeds in their own gardens. And reports back from our pals were positive. Not only had their kids remained enthused but also seemingly keener to eat their five a day.

Result.

So, if you fancy not having to force-feed your kids their greens, why not have a go at creating your own Mini-Mucks? Just stick with easy-to-grow seeds – such as cress, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, beans and carrots – and give them their own little patch of ground to look after. Or if space is tight, maybe start with a couple of pots.

Throw in a kid’s set of gardening tools, a diddy watering can and a bit of guidance from you, and they’re good to go. Try kidsinthegarden.co.uk for more information.

Right, must dash. The nice man from the local beer shop is here. In a juggernaut.

Oops, may have slightly over-ordered for this year’s BBQ…

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

53

Your Next Home Buy Whatever room you’re looking to buy for, make sure your next home purchase is a Next purchase. Visit next.co.uk to shop!

Collection Luxe Hurricane £42

Roman Numeral Wall Clock £28

By Emily Fitzgibbons

Sloane Dressing Table £550

Willow Ottoman £125

By Emily Fitzgibbons

Ellison Dining Table & Bench Set £325

Folding Wooden Fruit & Veg Storage £50

55

ABC+ Warranty and Architects Certificate – Altrincham’s latent defect insurance company A win-win for all Thanks to the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ stringent stipulations following the 2008 financial crash, the age of notorious house builders is becoming a history. UK-wide developers, constructors, banks and homebuyers are now protected by the vigilant monitoring of all residential and commercial new build, conversion and refurbishment projects. One of only ten UK latent defect insurance companies, Altrincham’s award-winning team provides nationwide surveying services prior to issuing its ABC+ Warranty.

This guarantees you 10 years’ full structural certification, also obtained retrospectively.

The certificate ensures neither lender nor homeowner can lose out financially should a building or conversion collapse within its first ten years. The mortgage lender recoups his loan. The homeowner is free of liability.

Dynamic Sales and Marketing Director, Adele Reid, adds,” We certify anything from one-off, self-build properties and multiple units in tower blocks to new housing estates.’’

Work in a man’s world In 2010, mum-of-three Adele Reid, married to Development Manager Adrian, joined Denstone Chartered Surveyors. By 2011, she had streamlined, revamped and renamed the firm, now boasting 18 office staff and 30 chartered surveyors UK wide.

Combining her expertise in insurance, property development and financial services, this personable, gritty and competitive Yorkshire lass found her niche – a far cry from those teenage aspirations for air travel!

By Fay Wertheimer

Now 43, she admits, “I want to build on our reputation and become a household name – but never at the expense of our personal service. It’s crucial to my beliefs – clients often pop in for a coffee and a chat. We are forward planning. Rather than waiting for work to come in, we offer staff six months’ training to meet demand before it arises. It seems to be effective.

Recommendations and returning custom have been our norm.”

Predictably, at trade shows, glamorous Adele is taken for a secretary or mascot by members of this male-dominated industry.

Unless in the know, delegates never approach her until her team identifies her as the boss. Mind you, she still owns a pickaxe from those earlier property development days!

Family Balancing family and work is vital and now far easier for this devoted mum, whose proud parents Christine and Brian still cross the Pennines weekly to help out. Adrian is the perfect sounding board for Adele’s new ideas. Their teenage lads require less attention, leaving Adele to relish one-to-one girlie trips with 10-year-old Bella. Not one for taking things for granted, Adele concludes, “It’s been an amazing journey so far. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my dedicated staff and family.”

If you’ve a construction project in mind, you know who to contact!

Why are we different?

Certification prepared within minutes No holding bonds No membership or renewal fees Willing to match & beat all other quotations For new build & converted dwellings, we offer: 10 year & 12-year Structural Warranty known as ABC+ Six-year Professional Consultants Certificates Developer insolvency protection Help to Buy compliant Road, sewer & performance bonds Building control Recent attainments: 2019: Council of Mortgage Lenders Associate Members 2019: Winner – Architects Certificates & Structural Warranty 2019: Winner – Best Specialist Provider 2019: New offices relocation

ABC+ Architects Certificate 08456 800467 | 0161 928 8804 info@architectscertificate.co.uk architectscertificate.co.uk 1 Anchorage Court, Caspian Road, Altrincham, WA14 5HH Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Out of hours appointments available.

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

57

TAPAS BAR, SPANISH RESTAURANT, WINE MERCHANT

KNUTSFORD TERRACE IS OPEN FOR SUMMER 2019 BRINGING YOU THE DIVERSITY OF SPAIN FOR 15 YEARS WINE - TAPAS - PAELLA WWW.EVUNA.COM 46 King Street, Knutsford T: 01565 634777

277-279 Deansgate, Manchester T: 0161 819 2752

79 Thomas Street, Manchester T: 0161 833 1130

84-86 Stamford New Road, Altrincham T: 0161 928 9898

DANTE ITALIAN KITCHEN

Presto Lunch Menu – Pizza or pasta and glass of wine or soft drink for £9.95 Monday-Saturday from noon till 5pm

DANTE ITALIAN KITCHEN, 151 ASHLEY ROAD, HALE, CHESHIRE WA14 2UW 0161 928 0453 INFO@DANTEHALE.CO.UK

MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & SUNDAY: NOON TILL 10PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY: NOON TILL 10.30PM www.dantehale.co.uk June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Beef roast

Sticky Toffee

All around the world with Brasserie Blanc’s new spring menu

Summer Pavlova

Poached egg & asparagus

Lamb roast

Mezze

Spring Spritz

Pork roast

For Raymond Blanc, French food is in Brasserie Blanc’s DNA – food that comes from so much tradition, inspired by his mother, and eating quality ingredients when they are best in season However, the launch of their new spring menu sees Brasserie Blanc look further afield, taking inspiration from Raymond’s love of travel. Alongside his Executive Chef Clive Fretwell, Raymond has introduced dishes from all over the globe to bring in new flavours, spices and textures to work alongside their French classics.

Raymond’s travels have taken him to China on so many occasions and as a homage, gunpowder chicken with papaya salad now sits proudly on the menu. The dish uses Schezuan pepper, soy, chilli, honey and a sriracha glaze to bring a true depth of flavour to the chicken.

Other global dishes to the arrivals board include a slow-cooked lamb tagine and a Moroccan mezze platter with harissa aubergine, artichoke, falafel with cashew nut cream, houmous and flatbread – inspired by Raymond’s visit to a Moroccan market whilst exploring the Atlas Mountains.

Closer to home, the smoked pork belly with pink champagne rhubarb and hispi cabbage takes you back to the British countryside with seasonal ingredients. And, with springtime being prime time for asparagus, guests can enjoy spring on a plate with grilled asparagus, cauliflower, courgette, poached egg and a zingy hot smoked paprika dressing.

Fabulous Sunday roasts Treat the family to a Blanc Sunday roast with bottomless Yorkshire pudding, rich gravy and roasties, plus cauliflower cheese and seasonal vegetables.

Roast Cornish beef and cottage pie (£17.80) is created using melt-in-the-mouth free-range beef, mini homemade cottage pie, Yorkshire pudding and pumpkin purée. Heavenly!

Roast pork sirloin (£14.80) brings together outdoor-reared pork, pulled pork bon-bon, apple sauce and black pudding.

Roast Cornish lamb and shepherd’s pie (£15.80) combines shoulder of lamb with Provençale stuffing, mini homemade shepherd’s pie, slow-cooked lamb bon-bon and minted pea purée.

Leave room for pudding Desserts include perfectly tart rhubarb and creamy custard with cinder toffee, poached pink champagne rhubarb and honeycomb crunch as well as a traditional British sticky toffee pudding with Normandy crème fraîche, crunchy nougatine and red-veined sorrel.

Classic favourites Classics remain, with the likes of duck leg confit with citrus sauce, moules-frites with white wine and shallot marinière, and chocolate feuillantine – a French classic of layered sponge and mousse.

Buckle up and take off on a culinary journey exploring exciting international flavours with the new Brasserie Blanc spring menu.

Rhubarb & custard

Brasserie Blanc Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel Hale Road, Hale Barns WA15 8XW T: 0161 870 2633 brasserieblanc.com

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

61

Parveen The Spice Queen…

TV chef realises her dream at 53

Indian food is one of the most popular cuisines here in the UK, but what do we actually really know about its origins and heritage? Many of us enjoy these spicy dishes that stem from the subcontinent of India, but how many people can claim to make their favourite Indian dish from scratch? If you have always wanted to learn how to cook Indian food but thought it was too difficult, then think again. To shed some light on how to cook healthy, 62

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

flavoursome Indian food, we spoke to Parveen, known as The Spice Queen, whose brand-new ITV show aired in January this year. We asked her about her inspiration and why she never gave up on her dream of being a TV chef.

Where did your relationship with food and cooking begin?

My relationship with food began in my childhood. I am a child from a very large

family and mealtimes were the only real chance we got to sit down after a busy day and connect with one another. There were seven of us, plus mum and dad, we were like the Asian Waltons! I now realise that my mother was an extremely passionate cook and everything she made just tasted amazing... even if it was a simple roti and daal! To mum, cooking wasn't a chore, it was a pleasure. Even though my mum would use her own freshly roasted and

ground spice mix, she would always tell me that there is one essential key ingredient that one needs to add in every dish – LOVE. I seem to have inherited my mum's passion for cooking and every time I cook, I can hear my mum saying, ‘now Parveen, have you added a little love?’

Tell us about your cookbook and what it means to you?

I actually wrote my very first recipe for my son when he went to university. Even though he lived a stone's throw away from Manchester's 'Curry Mile', he was missing a taste of home and missing my chicken masala. So, I wrote him a recipe and posted it to him, along with a little sachet of freshly ground spice mix. He rang me a few days later and said that it worked and tasted just like mine. Fast forward several years and after writing many more, I collated them into my first book. Many of the recipes are based on my mum's recipes and I had personalised each one with a humorous little anecdote as an introduction. As well as personal stories, I also cooked and styled each dish, some of the styling maybe a little unconventional, but it's very personal to me.

There are so many aspects of the book that pay homage to my mum. For example, the styling of my carrot’s dessert was done on my mum’s shawl, and the mint in the mint dip recipe is from my garden, which was planted the last time we (mum and I) were at my house.

My mum was so supportive when I was writing the book, but she never saw her recipes in print as she sadly passed away before I got the book deal. However, the book is dedicated to my late mum and I am sure she would have loved it – I can see her licking her hennapainted finger and turning the pages as she admired the beautiful photography, which was done with love.

What do your husband and children think of you being on national television?

I feel that my husband and my three adult children are my biggest critics but are also my biggest fans!

I was quite nervous of what they thought and of how the show was going to be perceived by the public.

I was quite confident about the recipes as I have been teaching on camera for 10 years, but would me and my recipes stand up to national scrutiny?

Well, my fears were unfounded as on the morning of the show, my husband and children watched the beginning of it while I nervously made breakfast in the kitchen and cleaned already clean worktops. My daughter shouted over, ‘Mum, its brilliant, it's just you but a slightly posh TV version of you’. I was so relieved, I then brought breakfast into the living room and sat and watched my own show with my family. It was quite surreal but at the same time, quite special. I felt really blessed to share my recipes with a TV audience and mum would have been thrilled.

PAN-FRIED TANDOORI CHICKEN

These spicy, tender tasting medallions of chicken are quick and easy to make. They are a firm favourite in my home. The best thing about this dish is that it's 'marination to mouth' in just 10 minutes!

Cooking time: 10 minutes Makes between 18 to 20 pieces INGREDIENTS 2 chicken breasts 1 tbsp plain yoghurt 1 tsp of chilli powder 1 tsp of tandoori powder ½ tsp of coriander seed powder 2 tsp lemon juice 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp salt METHOD 1. Cut chicken into medallions (1cm thick), the pieces should be roughly the same size.

2. In a large bowl, add the yoghurt, salt, lemon juice, chilli powder, coriander powder and tandoori powder and mix together – this is the marinade. Now, add chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.

3. Heat 1 tsp of oil in a non-stick frying pan and add the chicken pieces into the pan.

Add 5 or 6 pieces to the pan at one time.

4. Cook on high heat for about 1 min on each side to seal the chicken, then a further 2 minutes on each side to make sure the chicken is cooked through.

5. Clean the frying pan with kitchen paper between each batch of chicken and continue to cook all the chicken.

6. Best served in warm pitta bread with a mint dip or in a wrap with a shredded lettuce and a little mayo.

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Win a Retro Afternoon Tea for two in London at K West Hotel & Spa One lucky reader will be given the chance to taste the sweet treats of yesteryear with the Retro Afternoon Tea for two at K West Hotel & Spa in Shepherds Bush Expect the ultimate throwback with a playful, confectionary-inspired menu in the swanky surroundings of K West Hotel. In true K West fashion, the afternoon tea is served on a retro turntable to reflect the hotels’ rich musical history.

To book call…

K West Hotel & Spa Tel: 020 8008 6600 k-west.co.uk

Savouries include: mini prawn cocktails spiked with Jack Daniel’s Whiskey; mini beef sliders with BBQ sauce and cheddar; and mini halloumi sliders with sundried tomato and guacamole. The creative new afternoon tea also includes: black forest roulade filled with chocolate truffle and cherries; yuzu-infused meringue lolly torched meringue and white chocolate; and bubblegum macaron. Both classic and apricot and ginger scones are available with all afternoon teas and served with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

The hotel’s contemporary vibe attracts those from the music and media industries who enjoy the proximity to the nearby O2 Shepherds Bush Empire and the Apollo. Situated in Shepherds Bush, the hotel is on the doorstep of Westfield shopping centre, the largest urban retail destination in Europe with over 240 outlets. Fashionable areas, such as Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Kensington, are also just a short walk away.

To enter, email winner@salutions.co.uk stating K West in the subject field. Don’t forget to include your contact number. Or send your name, address and contact number to K West Comp. Salutions, The Stables, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, M20 5PG. Closing date 15th July 2019.

T&Cs: The prize is subject to availability, booking is required. The prize is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. The prize must be redeemed by 30th June 2020.

The prize may only be redeemed once and may not be exchanged for cash or replaced if lost. The prize is not transferable. Prize winner must be 18 years or above. All additional miscellaneous expenses incurred during the visit are the responsibility of the winner and must be settled prior to departure. Travel and stay are not included.

Win an overnight stay and afternoon tea for two at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa Salutions have teamed up with The Mere Golf Resort & Spa to give one lucky reader the chance to win an overnight stay, which includes an afternoon tea for two.

The Mere is one of Cheshire’s premier resort destinations, complete with 81 luxurious guest bedrooms, including 10 suites, two restaurants, a championship golf course, a floating driving range, and an awardwinning health spa and health club.

One reader and a guest will be treated to a cosy overnight stay that’ll ensure they wake up feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready for a delicious full English breakfast in the morning.

During the stay, the winner can enjoy a decadent afternoon tea in Browns restaurant, which includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, strawberry preserve, homemade assorted cakes and pastries.

Served with tea or coffee blend of choice.

To win this fabulous competition, simply send your name, address and daytime contact number to The Mere Competition. Salutions, The Stables, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, M20 5PG or email winner@salutions.co.uk stating The Mere Competition in the subject field. Don’t forget to include your name, address and daytime contact number in the email. All entries must be in by 15th July 2019.

T&Cs Entrants must be over the age of 18 years. Prize must be redeemed in six months.

Prize includes overnight stay, breakfast and afternoon tea for two for winner and guest only.

Subject to availability.

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June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Dante Your Italian kitchen in Hale diners downstairs and 60 above. Most importantly, upstairs – once more surrounded by the designer, Grace Fraser’s stunning, intimate, dark blue, grey and copper decor and those vineyard ceilingtrellises – you know you’ve hit upon the perfect venue for any celebration, whether formal or informal.

Luigi states enthusiastically, “We don’t charge for hiring this space.

And it’s perfect for large or smaller parties, family functions, birthdays, christenings and corporate events too. Just let me know.

We offer seated or buffet-style options at prices which are fair.

You needn’t spend a fortune. I am here to help. You give me your budget and we’ll meet it.”

By Fay Wertheimer | Photography Mike Browne

Brimming with patriotic gastronomic pride, Luigi and his team offer you the best of their homeland’s fare. Many ingredients, the Parma hams, the calamari, the San Marzano tomato sauces, the mozzarella and melanzane alla parmigiana cheeses are supplied locally. Moreover, the head chef hails from Modena, home of balsamic vinegar and Luigi’s childhood-favourite, Dante’s famed tagliatelle ragu, comes from Bologna and is better known here as Bolognese. The wines are all Italian. And the ice-cream? Well, obviously, it’s homemade and you’ll soon be able to buy it from Dante’s wonderful ice-cream bike outside!

Luigi adds, “I am thrilled to represent my country. But don’t forget, I love it here too, despite the weather, and arrived in 1998.’’ That’s when, studying law, he quit Naples for cool Edinburgh and fell for Scotland and its folk. Luigi entered hospitality as an est est est bartender and learned on the job. Dante’s Italian Kitchen opened in June 2018. Bringing his 31 years’ experience, including 10 years managing Hale Piccolino from day one, Luigi has adopted us here up north and punctuates his year with quarterly visits home.

If you are after the real deal in quality Italian food and atmosphere, Hale’s revamped and independently-owned Dante’s Italian Kitchen provides the answer. Walk in to General Manager Luigi Lanzotti’s hearty welcome, sit snugly in alcoves or at tables beneath vine leaf-decked ceilings and let the 100% Italian kitchen team serve you their homemade delicacies. From pasta and pizza to gelati, Dante’s five Italy-trained chefs create every item in-house. And the open-kitchen layout ensures you see them hard at it too!

Named after the renowned 13th century Florentine poet Dante Alighieri, Dante’s two stories boast a bar on each level, seating 50

He says, “In dealing with a thousand people a week, I’ve learned that providing excellent food can sometimes be less challenging than trying to please everyone. Of course, it’s not possible – we’re all so different. But it helps to engage, to try to understand people, and develop skills so you sense someone’s mood as they arrive.”

At Dante, you are guaranteed personal service par excellence and food lovingly prepared by experts. You also know under Luigi Lanzotti’s watchful eye, you have 20 full and part-time staff dedicated to making you, your family, your friends and clients so comfortable and satisfied, you cannot wait to return and even host your event here too! And why not? Dante offers you the Dolce Stil Novo (the sweet new style) in Hale.

Dante’s Italian Kitchen, 151 Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire WA14 2UW 0161 928 0453 | info@dantehale.co.uk Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, & Sunday 12noon till 10pm Friday & Saturday 12noon till 10.30pm.

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FOOD NEWS The independently owned Albatross & Arnold at The Range in Spinningfields has launched its classy Bottomless Brunch Club.

Available on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm until 6pm (last booking at 4pm) and costing £40 per person for a sumptuous bite to eat and unlimited drinks for two hours, including Prosecco, mimosa, bottled beer, bloody Mary, gin and tonic, and rosé. Its food menu features bright and fresh dishes where presentation and taste match one another. The bottomless brunch comprises two courses and includes a savoury and a sweet option. Albatross & Arnold offers a chilled-out atmosphere in a refined setting, and with cool funk and disco tunes being played by their DJ, this really is a soulful experience.

With floor-to-ceiling windows, you can sit back and people watch or take in the stunning artworks courtesy of Comme Ca Gallery in the Northern Quarter. albatrossandarnold.uk.com

Grand Pacific, Manchester’s exquisite colonial-style bar and restaurant, has launched an incredible new menu, with seasonal dishes devised to perfectly complement the summer months. Grand Pacific has kept its cool and created a heavenly iced peanut butter parfait, topped with chocolate crunch and almond brittle and served with miso caramel sauce. Sweet-toothed diners will equally adore the peach summer pudding, also known as ‘sunshine on a plate’; filled with summer fruit goodies and served with raspberry and peach coulis. A starter to whet your appetite is the tiger prawn cocktail, served with kimchi Marie rose sauce and a generous portion of rye bread. On to the mains, and you will be truly spoilt for choice. The pièce de résistance is the utterly magnificent Grand Pacific ‘thali’ plate, which serves at least two people. This dish features a veritable feast of sesame chicken wings, creamy forbidden rice balls, crispy prawn tempura, bakwan sayur vegetable fritters and duck gyoza. Food is served from lunchtime through to the evening, with a classical Sunday lunch available at the weekend and indulgent high tea offered daily (booking usually required). The show-stopping, twenty-five-seat Long Bar is inspired by Raffles Hotel in Singapore and plays host to expert mixologists, who create bespoke cocktails filled with imported fine spices and intriguing botanicals. grandpacific.uk.com

DINING GuIDE To get your business featured contact the Sales Team on 0161 445 2883 or email info@salutions.co.uk

THE LOST & FOuND

POINTING DOG

CHILLI BANANA

Knutsford

Cheadle Hulme

Wilmslow

We’re not surprised The Lost & Found restaurant is large, grand and beautifully lit (it has previously been Knutsford’s old Town Hall and a popular quirky antiques shop after all), and we’re more than pleased by the botanical-cum-industrial decor, which is bang on trend.

Seated in a private booth, we browsed the very extensive cocktail list – happy hump day to us! The Lost & Found’s cocktails are separated into sections ‘Lost’, which focusses on classic cocktails with a twist, and ‘Found’, which are the bar and restaurant’s own creations. The spring/ summer menu is packed full of fresh, tasty, seasonal flavours, and we weren’t disappointed. We started with a crispy squid and chorizo with roasted garlic aioli (note – no kissing after this), the perfect pairing for the taste buds, and juicy grilled chicken skewers with satay sauce. For mains, we ordered a pair of colourful dishes; glazed duck breast with pak choi, red pepper and pineapple ketchup – a great balance of sweet and sour flavours, and the ricotta and spinach ravioli, finished with semi-dried tomatoes, crème fraîche, buffalo mozzarella and lemon zest. If you’re watching your weight for holiday season, there’s a selection of summery salads for a lighter bite. To finish, alongside another cocktail (oops), we indulged in white chocolate and raspberry Eton mess with white chocolate dome, thick vanilla cream, fresh raspberries, raspberry meringue and raspberry sorbet, and lemon posset with meringue, lime curd, caramelised white chocolate and topped with shortbread pieces. Both desserts can be upgraded for a couple of pounds to create a mini dessert accompanied by complementary tipple option. The perfect mid-week treat!

We visited at the end of the working week and, with the bar busy and tables bustling, we settled in to enjoy our much-needed Friday night feast. With a glass of rosé in hand, we ordered starters. We were torn between the palette-pleasing meat and mezze sharers, but in the end, settled on charred sourdough topped with creamy burrata, prosciutto ham, colourful heirloom tomatoes and basil leaves, and maple-glazed smoked pork belly with black pudding crumb and Bramley apple purée.

Pan-fried meat breasts were the mains of choice – duck breast with a sweet honey sesame glaze, gooey Old Winchester cheese croquette, roasted purple carrots, carrot purée and red wine sauce, and a plate of succulent chicken breast with sautéed new potatoes, roasted chorizo, wilted spinach and wild mushroom sauce. We chose three sides to accompany both dishes: grilled asparagus, charred courgettes, green peas and chilli toasted seeds; moreish but tasty chorizo mac and cheese with sourdough crust; and sesame roasted carrots with balsamic glaze and a gloriously light whipped feta topping. The sides come large, so we recommend you share.

Located on Wilmslow’s main stretch, on the corner of Water Lane, the two-storey restaurant is cosy yet contemporary, with welcoming staff and a friendly atmosphere.

The Lost & Found Old Town Hall, Princess Street Knutsford WA16 6BW 01565 760096

Pointing Dog Grove Lane, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle SK8 7NE 0161 485 6031

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We over-ordered on the main menu (there were too many yummy options to pick from), so we could only manage one pud between us – a refreshingly fruity raspberry sorbet with lots of red berry coulis, strawberries, raspberries and mint.

The Pointing Dog offers fine dining with a home-from-home atmosphere.

We settled into a window booth (perfect for watching the world go by) with cocktails, and ordered starters; Tempura Gung, deep fried prawns and vegetables, and Thai fishcakes with cucumber and peanut pickle.

For mains, we had to try a Thai favourite Gaeng Keo Wan, commonly known as Thai green curry. It packed a punch just as it should and wasn’t overpowered with lemongrass as some are. We really fancied beef, and were recommended the ‘heavenly beef ’, which rang true to its name. Juicy and packed full of flavour, we devoured this with sides of Thai chilli broccoli and sticky and egg fried rice dishes. The chef also sent over a popular Chilli Banana dish Pla Song Kreuang – crispy seabass fillets infused with chilli oil. Perfect for lovers of spice and fish.

We were stuffed with Thai goodness (and even took a doggy bag home) but had to try dessert, which arrived beautifully presented; a zesty and refreshing passionfruit Eton mess and a classic Thai banana fritters with maple syrup and ice-cream – both a treat for the eyes and the taste buds! If you prefer a boozy meal ender, their peanut butter or tiramisu martinis will be right up your street.

The very best of Thai home cooking can also be found in Knutsford, Bramhall, Macclesfield and Didsbury.

Chilli Banana 71 Water Lane , Wilmslow SK9 5BQ 01625 539100

HELLO CHESHIRE

Sangam, Bowdon's newest restaurant is now open with a new look and menu

Sangam Bowdon 3 Richmond Road, Bowdon WA14 2TT Bookings: 0161 929 0211 / 0161 929 0222 / www.sangam.co.uk Bowdon | Didsbury | Manchester City Centre

DINING GuIDE To get your business featured contact the Sales Team on 0161 445 2883 or email info@salutions.co.uk

PLATzKI

THE MERE GOLF RESORT & SPA

TRE CICCIO

Manchester

Knutsford

Bramhall

With vintage chic decor and rustic furnishings, we imagine entering Platzki is what it would be like to dine in a traditional Polish family home. Platzki is a concept created by two food fanatics, who took a humble Polish potato pancake and turned it into fine dining cuisine.

You may be surprised to find that you can’t view a menu online, but that’s because the restaurant changes their entire menu twice a week, so there’s always something different. This does make the menu quite limited, but all ingredients are fresh and traditionally Polish. Platzki plays acoustic song covers, which is enjoyable to listen to as you browse the menu. Drinks wise, the vodka, lager and wine options are plentiful, so it’s a treat for big drinkers. We started with beef fillet tartar, accompanied by onions, capers and an egg yolk, and ‘Roladki’, marinated courgettes filled with sunflower seeds and red pepper hummus. To follow, there was more steak – grilled with butter and garlic braised potatoes and a fresh pea shoot salad – the meat juicy and cooked perfectly. To accompany our mains, the chef recommended we sample their popular coffee and dark chocolate sauce, which was surprisingly not bad, but an acquired taste nonetheless! The ‘Kaczka’, confit duck leg with beetroot and celeriac purée and blueberry sauce, was exceptional. The dessert menu includes traditional Polish cake with fresh fruits, vegan apple cake or a Polish cheeseboard with pretzels and rum marmalade. Located at the back of The Great Northern Building – not too easy to find if you’re not in the know – but when you do, you can expect to find something truly tasty and different.

Situated in the heart of the stunning Cheshire countryside, and nestled by the beautiful Mere Lake, The Mere Golf Resort & Spa boasts wedding and event spaces, golf courses, luxury bedrooms, a fully equipped spa and pool, and a range of delicious eateries. We were invited to the sophisticated yet relaxed setting of Browns restaurant (found in The Mere’s main area) to enjoy Afternoon Tea on a sunny Thursday afternoon.

Tre Ciccio is a traditional Italian with menus inspired by a neighbourhood village nestled in hills near Salerno, Campania. It takes huge pride in sourcing only the finest ingredients from both Italy and the UK, and it shows.

Platzki F 255 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN 07719 731662

We were seated under the restaurant’s bright and light glass ceiling, and happily welcomed glasses of chilled Prosecco and chose pots of tea and cups of coffee (which are unlimited, FYI) whilst we waited for the Afternoon Tea to arrive.

The Mere’s decadent afternoon tea offers a selection of finger sandwiches, including the usual suspects; ham, chicken, cheese and pickle, salmon, cucumber and beef. We tried not to get too full on these before starting on the assorted cakes and pastries, which were beautifully presented. The mini desserts incorporated many different flavours to satisfy all palette preferences, ranging from chocolate, cherry, passionfruit, strawberry and pistachio. The scones, which were so obviously freshly baked (two with fruit and two without) were served with deliciously fruity strawberry preserve and thick and rich clotted cream – our favourite!

We settled into a booth at the Bramhall restaurant and sipped on Prosecco-based cocktails; a classic Aperol Spritz and an Amalfi Spritz (topped with luscious limoncello) – a true taste of Italy! Tre Ciccio boasts a main menu, specials menu and a seasonal specials menu, focussing on one ingredient, asparagus (which happens to be one of our favourites), being the choice on the board this time around.

We started with tomino fritto – a gooey ball of fried goat’s cheese coated in breadcrumbs with caramelised balsamic red onions – and the antipasto di Tre Ciccio, which consists of a selection of Italian cured meats and cheeses, served on a board with pickles and bread.

We simply had to try one of Tre Ciccio’s renowned pizzas and picked pizza asparagi e salsiccia from the seasonal specials menu; a soft, light pizza with English asparagus, spicy Calabrian sausage, olive oil, basil and, most importantly, lots of fior di latte cheese. We also enjoyed the British lamb cutlets with spring peas and roast potatoes.

For dessert, we went for an Italian classic, tiramisu.

Creamier than most, but that’s something we love, so we weren’t about to complain! The coffee isn’t overpowering either, which can be common in most tiramisus.

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa is the picture-perfect place to enjoy a sparkling Afternoon Tea treat.

Tre Ciccio is typically traditional and tasty too!

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa Chester Road, Mere, Knutsford WA16 6LJ 01565 830155

Tre Ciccio 26 Bramhall Lane South Bramhall Stockport SK7 1AF 0161 439 8080

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Stephen Blank Debunking the freemasonry myths Forget those knowing winks and disparaging nods about freemasons’ ceremonies and their 13th century guild handshake.

The UK’s 47 masonic ‘provinces’ and their London counterparts have decided to debunk the mystique veiling this 302-year-old men’s’ club. Promoting greater transparency in this region is former accountant Stephen Blank. Swapping from academia to his profession, he joined his father’s lodge at 26, progressed through the hierarchy – enlisting his son-in-law on the way – and 46 years on, as Cheshire Freemasons’ Provincial Grand Master, now oversees 4,300 fellows aged 18 and upwards.

Stephen attributes some hush-hush hype to the aftermath of WW2. As members of an independent, non-political and non-religious fraternity racking up nearly 6 million adherents worldwide, masons were consistently viewed with suspicion by reactionaries. Alongside millions of Jews, gays, disabled folk and gypsies, 80,000 freemasons were targeted and killed by the Nazis.

After 1945, many men back on civvy street still feared for their lives and kept quiet.

from illness or bereavement. And in 2018, the UK’s 200,000 freemasons raised 48 million pounds for charitable causes, half of which were unconnected with freemasonry. So, why the secrecy?

Blank responds, “Half our applicants contact us online. If they like the lodge we’ve suggested, they join. But we actively discourage men only interested in networking. We’ve a 200-year-old student membership scheme, which now reaches more universities and is attracting young men, whom we try to keep with us for life. You see, unlike a business network, you don’t outgrow freemasonry.

You need never leave. I really know no other fellowship as effective on so many fronts.”

So why lift the lid now? Well, the Grand Lodge’s 44-year-old CEO David Staples saw freemasonry’s tercentenary as an opportunity for change, recruitment and a launchpad for dispelling the movement’s undeserved, yet self-inflicted, negative image. It’s all above board. Ceremonies revolve around morality plays recited preferably from memory. Each masonic hall is identically laid out, featuring twin pillars representing the Temple of Solomon and constructed by a master builder. The pillars overlook a chequered floor surrounded by strategically placed officials’ chairs. Donning craftsmen’s work aprons, the masons complete their rituals, chat and settle down to the serious business of food and drink.

Charitable deeds are priority. The masons run 17 care homes nationwide. An almoner at each lodge tends to families in stress

For more information call 0161 980 6090, visit cheshiremasons.co.uk or email enquiries@cheshiremasons.co.uk Facebook: ProvinceofCheshireFreemasons 72

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

By Fay Wertheimer

But freemasonry is anything but a threat, as Stephen explains, “Freemasonry is simply about making good men even better by helping each other, contributing to society and providing a genuine social purpose. Freemasonry is rooted in the traditions and rituals of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals. By the mid-1640s, merchants and artisans had formed lodges in Warrington and Scotland. In 1717, London’s Grand Lodge was set up to bring together men of ‘good standing’ who, incidentally, weren’t necessarily rich. Having a faith was and still is a prerequisite. Talk of religion and politics was and still remains taboo. So, in the early days, lodges provided a safe place for Protestants and Catholics to actually meet.”

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Jill Mackenzie

Mr Winston Kim

Sarah Emblow

Jill Mackenzie is a highly specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at Spire Manchester Hospital, Didsbury and their clinic in Hale. Jill has a specialist interest in musculoskeletal conditions, particularly neck and lower back pain, sports injuries and post-surgical conditions.

Mr Winston Kim is an experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon at BMI The Alexandra Hospital, who pioneered robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery in the North West.

Sarah Emblow heads up Barrecore in Alderley Edge and Hale. A beautiful space to sculpt your body and restore your mind, Barrecore classes offer incredibly fast results.

Why do I suffer from regular headaches, neck and shoulder pain at work? Our skeleton wasn’t designed to sit for long periods of time. Our lifestyle and work environments are more sedentary with increased use of PC’s, laptops and mobile phones. With regular use, this eventually puts increased pressure on our musculoskeletal system leading to pain, loss of mobility and reduction in strength in certain areas.

What are your clinical interests? My clinical practice is focused on arthritic conditions of the knee and hip and sports injuries, aimed at utilising advanced technology, such as stem cell treatment, minimally invasive surgery and robotic-assisted joint knee replacement. I am particularly pleased with being able to perform roboticassisted surgery from Smith and Nephew™, now exclusively available at BMI The Alexandra Hospital.

How can this be prevented?

It’s easy to fall into bad habits in relation to our posture.

Work station assessments should be conducted by your employer to make sure your working environment is as good as it can be. However, with more people working from home, the working environment is not monitored.

Taking regular breaks and simple stretching exercises to incorporate into your work day will ultimately help reduce your risk.

What are the benefits of a robotic-assisted knee replacement? The benefits are precision and accuracy of prosthesis implantation tailored to the individual patient’s anatomy, alignment, size and gender. It allows for less invasive surgery (e.g. partial rather than full knee replacement), a minimally invasive approach, bone preservation, less blood loss, less post-op pain, quicker return to full recovery and reassures patients of the technical approach to surgery.

I want to shape for up my summer holiday, have I left it too late?

With a bit of focus, I promise you can feel great on holiday. Aim for 12 to 15k steps per day. Do four 50-60-minute classes per week (I see clients’ results increase by 50% when they change from 3 to 4 workouts per week) Cut out ALL sugar two weeks before your holiday, drink 3 litres of water per day, take fish oil, and you’ll be good to go!

Are there any treatment options?

Physiotherapy can be of great benefit in assessing and advising you on a treatment programme. Treatment may include advice about posture – to reduce tension, improve flexibility and, most importantly, increase strength. At Spire Healthcare, we have a team of highly trained musculoskeletal physiotherapists who can restore patients back to normal functional movement and ultimately reduce pain.

What advice would you give to a patient considering full/partial knee replacement? Ensure your surgeon is a high-volume surgeon (performs at least 50 a year), as knee replacement is a technique-dependent procedure. Check your surgeon and hospital outcomes.

Knee replacements are successful operations but associated with up to a 20% dissatisfaction rate, which may, in part, be addressed through advanced technology such as robotic-assisted partial and total knee replacement.

I tend to go to a class or the gym in the morning, what’s the best thing to eat beforehand?

I always advise a mixture of protein and healthy fats for breakfast – this fuels you up for the day. This morning, I had salmon, spinach and half an avocado, or you could try eating a handful of nuts before class or a couple of spoonfuls of almond butter – so you have some fats in your body to fuel you through your session – and then eat a proper protein-based breakfast after class.

What is your own personal exercise regime like?

I try to do 2-3 Barrecore classes per week as these keep me strong and are amazing for efficient fat burning. I walk for 45 minutes each day (about 5K). Once a week I like to do a high intensity outdoor bootcamp in Bramhall Park to clear my head and blast away any stresses from the day.

The advice given by our experts is in no way intended to replace professional advice and is only a guideline in response to individual reader comments.

Unfortunately, due to a high volume of queries, our experts are unable to engage in any direct correspondence.

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Does the Common Law Spouse exist?

Common-law marriage hasn’t existed in Britain since 1753, yet the belief that it does is widespread. No one acquires rights over someone else’s property simply by living with them, so it’s important to consider your position before you decide to cohabit.

Below is a short guide for anybody planning to move in with their partner.

Joint tenants If you own the property as joint tenants, the property is held in equal shares – one tenant cannot have a larger ownership than another.

A key concept in joint tenancies is the right of survivorship. This means that if any one of the joint tenants dies, the remainder of the property transfers automatically to the survivor. The transfer happens even if the joint tenant provides for something different to happen with his or her property in a Will.

Tenants in common If you own the property as tenants in common, the property doesn’t have to be held in equal shares.

For example, one tenant in common can own 75% of the property and the other 25%. There’s also no right of survivorship for tenants in common and should one tenant in common die, his or her share of the property passes under the terms of any Will.

Deeds of trust A Deed of Trust (also known as a Declaration of Trust) is a legal agreement that can be used to specify how a property is held between joint owners. They can include specific information such as each party’s contributions towards the purchase price or their respective shares in the property.

Moving in with a partner who owns property in their sole name (or jointly with another person) • Consider what will happen if your relationship breaks down.

• Does the legal title need changing?

• Will you be making financial contributions towards the property and will these constitute as an interest? If there’s no financial contribution, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to establish any legal interest.

• Do you have children with your partner? Will it be possible to bring an application for the benefit of the children upon separation, if no agreement can be reached?

Preparing a Cohabitation Agreement Whilst it may be ‘unromantic’ to plan for a possible separation, more couples are acknowledging that it’s something of a necessary evil.

It’s far better to agree your respective intentions and plans from the outset, than to separate and face legal intervention and costly court proceedings later.

The best way to ensure that you’re protected when moving in with someone is to: • Consider the above points carefully and ensure you have frank discussions with your partner.

• Is there anything else about the property that you need to know?

This is particularly important if the property is held in joint names with a former spouse or partner.

• Consider entering into a cohabitation agreement which can detail how the property is to be dealt with both during the relationship and in the event of separation.

The rules for separating cohabitees are different to couples getting divorced

• Prepare a Will.

Many people ask whether there are any other financial claims upon separation. If there are children of the relationship, child maintenance will be payable by the ‘non-resident’ parent. Other than this, it is doubtful.

Generally you will only be looking at assets held in joint names and claims are limited to those under the laws of property and trusts.

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

However, if you are unsure about any aspects, it’s always best to seek legal advice.

Offices in Manchester and throughout the UK.

0808 175 7837 slatergordon.co.uk

Exceptional court results for Hale solicitors, specialists in motoring law advocacy

By Ray King | Photography Mike Browne

Millionaire former footballer banned from driving for six months earlier this year after admitting using his mobile phone at the wheel, adding six penalty points to the six he already had on his licence for speeding.

It can happen to anyone, just ask David Beckham.

Under the totting up procedure, a ban is automatic for drivers accruing 12 points in three years – unless the court accepts they face ‘exceptional hardship’.

In the former England skipper's case, missing out on the school run twice a day wasn't going to amount to that.

Exceptional hardship The threat of a driving ban is a very different proposition for people in danger of losing their livelihood or business and perhaps, as a consequence, their homes – and it's an area of the law in which JTS Solicitors excel.

The husband and wife team of James Street and Tineka O'Mara, who opened new offices in Ashley Road, Hale, three years ago, have made protecting clients' licences a special area of expertise with a remarkable degree of success, both by deploying their knowledge of the law to win cases in court and by presenting persuasive arguments as to why bans should not be imposed.

Success rate So far this year, JTS have won 352 driving cases across the whole range of motoring offences – a success rate in court of over 95 per cent and with a large number of cases being withdrawn before any hearing takes place.

Says Tineka: "For clients not used to the legal system, court proceedings can be incredibly daunting. They need someone on their side. James and I have in-depth knowledge of how courts work and help clients understand it and reduce their concerns."

In the particular field of totting up threatening driving bans, when an exceptional hardship argument is put forward, magistrates are obliged to consider the effects of a period of disqualification on ‘innocent’ parties.

Tineka explains: "Our skills in advocacy is where our strength lies. There are several tests that magistrates are looking for when exceptional hardship is argued. We know these tests backwards."

Fixed fees She adds: "We act for hundreds of clients and we know that everyone is different, their circumstances are different, as are the details of each case, so we meticulously tailor our services to meet their needs.

"At JTS, we also understand that one of people's main concerns when instructing a solicitor is the risk of spiralling fees. Not knowing what a case can cost only adds to the stress. We address this by offering a fixed-fee service. This means that you will always know what your case will cost from the very start, no matter how long it goes on for."

Call or email now for free initial advice on 0800 002 9705 enquiries@jtssolicitors.com

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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ASk tHE ExpErtS

Everything Genetic ‘Take our cancer test today’ www.everythinggeneticltd.co.uk

Colin Bethell

Lorraine Harvey

Dr Basil Issa

Colin Bethell is Head of Property at Pabla and Pabla Solicitors in West Didsbury. He has over 10 years experience dealing with residential and commercial property transactions.

Lorraine Harvey is a Principal Lawyer in the Family Team at Slater and Gordon, Manchester. She has worked in the family law field for almost two decades and has successfully handled cases that include everything from prenuptial agreements, family businesses and complicated pensions.

Dr Basil Issa is a Consultant Endocrinologist who has over 20 years experience as a consultant in the NHS and the private sector.

He leads the weight management service, Trim Healthy, at the Renovatio Clinic, Cheshire.

Should I avoid leasehold properties if I am looking to purchase? Not necessarily. The difference between freehold and leasehold properties is a common area of confusion, but it is certainly not as simple as ‘freehold is better than leasehold.'

What sort of issues may affect a family business on divorce? Businesses form part of the assets to be shared on divorce. The courts can require business interests to be valued as part of the financial disclosure process. Valuing business assets can be difficult. There is a danger that an unrealistic amount of emphasis would be put on the value of the business when dividing up the family assets.

What are the possible complications of being overweight?

Being overweight and obesity are now an epidemic and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, breathing problems, some cancers and our quality of life in general.

Is there a risk that a lease will run out?

A lease, in simple terms, is an agreement by which a landowner grants rights to another to occupy and use the land and any property on it for a specified period of time (often called the ‘term’), usually in exchange for a rent. There is no standard length of term for a lease and, therefore, your solicitor will check to see how many years there are left as part of their investigation on any property purchase. Note, however, so far as the remaining term is concerned, the value of a leasehold property is likely to be unaffected where a lease has 100 years or more left to run.

Can the lease be extended?

Yes. There is a statutory right to extend the lease on your property, provided you have owned it for at least two years. The process is slightly different depending on whether the property is a house or a flat. A legal advisor will be able to advise you on the costs and timescales. It should be noted that costs involved in extending can jump significantly when the lease term remaining drops below 80 years.

What should I do first? Speak to a specialist family lawyer who has experience in dealing with family businesses. They will advise whether it is appropriate also to instruct an accountant. The financial settlement needs to be built around your medium/long-term goals and it may be that you will want a share of the future income of the business as opposed to a share of the overall value.

Does it matter who owns the business? If a business is owned outright by one spouse, the court is more likely to treat it as just another family asset. If the business is owned by several people, i.e. various shareholders, then the divorcing spouse may have a minority shareholding and it will be the value of the shareholding that is relevant on divorce. If there is a minority shareholding, it is unlikely that the business will be sold. If you are the non-business owner, then you will want to make sure the business is not being jeopardised and therefore, it is important to seek independent legal advice at the earliest opportunity to ensure that assets have not been moved around to avoid a claim.

Why are some people overweight and others not?

The bottom line is a mismatch between the energy we take in (food and drink) and the energy we expend.

BUT there are other important factors, such as our genetic makeup, the hormonal control of our appetite and our feeling of satiety, and the pleasure we get from food.

What treatment is available?

There is no single effective silver bullet for weight management. The best results for non-surgical treatment is a combination of lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and medication. There are a number of effective drugs that are safe when correctly prescribed.

This multidisciplinary approach can result in up to 10Kg weight loss.

The advice given by our experts is in no way intended to replace professional advice and is only a guideline in response to individual reader comments.

Unfortunately, due to a high volume of queries, our experts are unable to engage in any direct correspondence.

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WHErE tHErE’S A WILL (Or NOt), WE’LL FIND A WAY We all hope that when the time comes, we will have put our affairs in order, properly prepared our Will, and that those to whom we are leaving our estate are comfortable with how we’ve decided to distribute our assets. For the majority, the Will is the way and, although probate can be a lengthy process, all will go smoothly.

But what happens when you’re not comfortable with the contents of a Will or there is no Will at all? When family wrangles come to a head after a death, you may not be happy with the deceased’s intentions or their failure to make their wishes clear.

A word of caution: usually, we learn of the contents of a Will (or that there is no Will) at a time when we are still grieving and coming to terms with the death of a family member. Emotions can be heightened and we may react differently from how we might have otherwise. So, take time to think carefully about whether you wish to dispute a Will, or the default arrangements that arise where no Will exists, as doing so can affect relationships within the family for a long time to come.

Why would you challenge a will?

First things first. Is the Will a valid document? Has it been properly signed and witnessed? Once you have established that a Will is valid, other possible reasons to challenge a Will include: •

• • • • •

Was the deceased of ‘sound mind, memory and understanding’ when they made their Will i.e. were they mentally capable?

Were they unduly pressured or influenced to make a Will against their own wishes?

Did they really understand fully the contents of the Will?

Is the Will a forgery or fraudulently created?

Has there been another Will created more recently?

Are the assets detailed in the Will the property of the deceased i.e. were they theirs to pass on in the first place?

Whether or not there is a Will, a dependent who has not been sufficiently provided for may be able to seek a greater share of the estate.

What are the next steps?

If you are concerned about an inheritance or are thinking of challenging what has happened with an estate, it is best to get some legal advice quickly. It is better to notify the executor (or personal representative) before the assets of the estate are distributed. If the assets have already been distributed, it is still possible to challenge an estate, but it will be more complicated.

Watch out though, a dispute about an inheritance can lead to contested court proceedings and if it turns out that you are not successful, the court will probably order you to pay the majority of the costs incurred by all the parties involved.

A helping hand Are you wanting some advice about disputing an estate that you’re not happy with or is someone else challenging an estate of which you are an executor or beneficiary? Our specialist legal team can guide you through the complexities in order to find a resolution. Please get in touch to arrange a consultation.

Prosperity Law LLP, Vantage Point, 4 Hardman Street, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3HF Tel: 0161 667 3686 | Email: info@prosperitylaw.com | Web: prosperitylaw.com June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Longmires – helping South Manchester’s small businesses to grow Emily Fitzgibbons sits down with Sarah and Dathan Steel, who own Longmires Business Accountants in Timperley, to chat all things accounting and adventure, and tell us how their round-the-world adventure led them to Longmires 80

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Let’s take it back to the beginning, how does your story start?

Sarah: We met on a night out in Didsbury and just clicked – turns out, we’d studied in the same Manchester Met University building and knew some of the same people for years. We were destined to meet!

You spontaneously went travelling in 2004, tell us more…

I was in my 20s, working as a financial controller for a games company. I was happy but wanted more life experience.

Dathan was working as a management accountant – counting really large beans – and needed a change. He rang me to say we should go travelling… and I said ‘yes, let’s do it!’ We purchased round-the-world tickets and flew out of Heathrow in just 98 days! We handed in our notices, sold our house, and that was it.

We started in South Africa, followed by eight weeks in Australia, taking a trip through the Red Centre and a campervan down the East Coast. New Zealand’s North & South Islands were next. We then went to North America and visited friends in North Carolina and Vancouver. We had memorable road trips all over the USA! Then we moved on to Mexico and finished with a big trip through South America on a big yellow bus with 30 other 20-somethings.

Highlights?

Dathan: Skydiving over Lake Taupo and cycling down Death Road in Bolivia on my 27th Birthday. Climbing the glaciers in New Zealand was amazing too, and something I didn’t think we would do. You meet some unique individuals travelling, one guy climbed the glaciers in his flip flops and, unsurprisingly, couldn’t get down!

Sarah: Spending News Year’s Eve in Australia, overlooking Sydney Opera House and having a Prosecco picnic whilst watching the fireworks.

Favourite country?

Sarah: New Zealand, but the Iguazu Falls in Argentina were impressive. Ending in

Rio was amazing. We did miss home though and got back to Manchester in August with two weddings to look forward to.

What did you do before establishing Longmires?

After university, I knew I wanted to be a finance director and I achieved my ambition before I was 30. I’ve worked in various industries. My final role before setting up Longmires was head of finance at Cash Converters, which was a great role with lots of challenges (she headed up a team of twelve and helped the business totally restructure), which helped me move forward with starting Longmires.

Dathan: I actually started out as a photocopier salesman but quickly changed career to management accountancy – I’ve tried hard to get away from being an accountant, to be honest, but it keeps dragging me back in! After several years working as a financial adviser, sales development manager and business relationship manager, I jumped at the chance to develop Longmires. Four years later, we’re a team of eight across two offices!

Why did you set up Longmires?

Sarah: In February 2015, Dathan was up and down the motorways and I was in a corporate job with long hours. I’d drop the children off at mums in their PJs every morning. Evan and Neve were still very young at two and five – we had to leave them all day and were unable to attend school assemblies or sports days.

Something had to change.

I started Longmires as a sole trader when we came back from travelling to help the businesses of friends and family. It helped pay for holidays and I loved helping businesses grow – it was more like a hobby! We enjoyed business in general and working with people, so decided together we could develop Longmires.

We took a leap of faith but if it’s right, a little risk is needed. We set up Longmires that evening and Dathan handed in his

notice the next day. He felt sick for a week - just as he had after purchasing the round-the-world tickets – but knew it was right for us all. I reduced my work hours; we needed financial security while we built the business, but it wasn’t easy, I was essentially working two jobs!

Dathan: I love networking, so work soon started to come in. Sarah left her job after 12 months and we built the business from our house. One evening, we were meeting clients in the kitchen and there were also clients in the living room. Our little boy wrote a note saying, ‘be quiet or I’ll knock your block off ’ – turns out, we had successfully managed to become too big for our house!

Sarah: In July 2016, we decided to rent offices and get our first employee – a scary moment, but I knew that without the office and employee, we couldn’t grow further. We moved into the offices in September 2016 and Paul, who I’d worked with before, joined us a month later. By the end of the year, we had bigger clients and had employed another person.

Dathan: AND we’ve not missed an assembly or sports day since!

Sarah: We’ve now offices in Littlemoss and Tameside. The Littlemoss office is a lovely shop front. We get people popping in asking questions, which we love.

Littlemoss Director, Vikki, is a great asset and will help build the team in Tameside.

We now have over 200 clients.

What can Longmires offer?

Dathan: Full outsource finance function; book-keeping, payroll bureau, monthly management accounts, KPIs, forecasting, board meetings, and more. We value our clients and treat their finances as if they’re our own.

Sarah: Dathan and I have some different skills and outlooks, which helps our clients. We must be doing something right – we’re still happily married!

Longmires Suite 4a Paul House | Timperley | WA15 7UQ | 0161 714 4404 June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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BELIEVE • PERSEVERE • SUCCEED

An independent day school for girls from 3-11 years

Find out more: 0161 928 0678 office@bowdonprep.org.uk www.bowdonprep.org.uk

SUCCEED

@BowdonPrep

STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL An independent school for girls and boys from 3-18 years

Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested), academic and music scholarships FOUNDED IN 1487

࠮ Outstanding teaching and exceptional exam results ࠮ A happy school community in which every child is an individual ࠮ Extensive programme of co-curricular activities ࠮ Excellent facilities ࠮ Extensive school bus routes including Sale, Altrincham & Hale Open events and regular school day visits throughout the year

Inspiring your child Tel: 0161 456 9000 82

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

SUPPORTING LOCAL EDUCATION

“Family and Property Law Specialists”

EDUCATion nEWS results are in!

Bowdon Prep finds the right senior schools for its pupils We recently had the privilege of speaking with Helen Gee, Headmistress of Bowdon Preparatory School for Girls. Read on to find out about her commitment to getting pupils to the senior school that’s right for them and why she’s thrilled about the school’s latest set of results.

“We’re once again delighted by the results of the 11+ examinations and the quality and breadth of schools that our girls will be moving on to.”

“This year, 96% of Bowdon Prep girls who sat exams for selective independent schools secured offers. The majority of these schools place exceptional academic attainment high in their selection process, so this is an incredible achievement, especially for a non-selective school such as ours.

“In fact, 83% of our girls as a whole have secured places at selective schools within the state and independent sectors. This breaks down as 42% of girls going to Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and Loreto Grammar School, with 41% attending independent schools, including Manchester High School for Girls, Withington Girls’ School, Alderley Edge School for Girls and Cheadle Hulme School. Many also achieved academic, music and sporting scholarships. The remaining 17% are going to excellent state schools, such as North Cestrian, Wellington and Knutsford Academy.”

Helen Gee, Headmistress, Bowdon Preparatory School for Girls

Mrs Gee continues: “For 83% of our girls to achieve places in highly selective schools shows their hard work and focus and is a testament to the academic excellence of the school. This percentage of girls is conservative too, as some of our girls achieve places in selective schools yet actually choose a different school. There are also a number who don’t take any examinations at all. What matters above all else, however, is that each girl goes to the school that’s right for them; a school where they feel happy and one where they will be in an environment where they flourish and succeed in all that they do.”

Bowdon Prep has also received many positive and excited comments from Year 6 parents about the senior schools that their daughters will be moving on to, and the support that Bowdon has provided as part of that process. Two examples...

“We’re thrilled! Flora had a big learning curve when she joined Bowdon Prep in Year 4, as her English and maths teachers advised us that although she had grammar school potential, there was clear blue water between where she was at that point and the exam pass mark. The academic and wider support from Bowdon Prep, however, has been incredible, and we can hardly believe that she went from that, to passing!”

“We have been impressed and are incredibly grateful with how Bowdon Prep has supported us in deciding which senior school would be best for our daughter Harriet. Harriet was fortunate to have offers from four schools and her teachers were all there to support us in coming to the best decision for her. They know her so well and we really felt they went above and beyond.”

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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SUPPORTING LOCAL EDUCATION

“Family and Property Law Specialists”

Bowdon prep takes Gold Award for outstanding geography work to schools that, in the words of the organisers, “ensure that their planning, policies and practice maximise pupil learning and are not afraid to take risks, innovate and challenge to achieve progress in geography.”

10 schools in England were given the Gold Award Primary Geography Quality Mark (PGQM) by the Geographical Association this academic year, and Bowdon Preparatory School (BPS) was one of them! The prestigious award is a result of the high quality of teaching and learning in geography at BPS. The award is given

BPS’ Specialist Geography Teacher Mrs Waters explained: "We actually entered the Silver Award category, but the Geographical Association felt our entry was so good that they awarded us gold! The award is testament not only to high standards of teaching and learning across the school, but also to our girls’ enthusiasm, exceptional independent study and research skills, and creativity; I’m very proud of them”.

Craig Henderson, Learning and Adventure Manager at The Outward Bound Trust in the Lake District (where the school’s Year 6 residential takes place), commented: "Their social and emotional level is the highest I've ever encountered in Year 6 pupils in my 15 years of teaching."

Wow, girls!

The awards were presented at a ceremony as part of the Geographical Association Annual Conference 2019, which took place at the University of Manchester on 9th April. Mrs Waters is pictured (front of photo) with other winners.

Full article: bowdonprep.org.uk/news

Win for ECOSIppIN at Young Enterprise Awards

Budding young business minds from Cheadle Hulme School have been sucking up their success after making their way to the North West final of the national Young Enterprise competition – by selling

reusable straws. After winning Best Company in the local final, the school’s team, ECOSIPPIN, were declared Greater Manchester Final winners of the area round at University Campus Oldham. They now head to the North West Final at Lancaster University with the hope of going on to represent the region at the UK Final in London.

Year 12 student Dani Kers was elected as Managing Director of the 18-strong Sixth Form team, whose members were selected for their strong individual applications. Upon brainstorming and researching their ideas, the team chose to sell metal straws, reflecting their concern with the increase of throwaway plastics found in the ocean.

ECOSIPPIN have now expanded their portfolio of socially-conscious products to include shopping bags and collapsible coffee cups. So far, they have made over £1,000 profit by selling their products online and at various trade fairs.

Stockport Grammar Juniors dazzle in Mary poppins Year 6 pupils from Stockport Grammar Junior School delighted audiences with two supercalifragilisticexpialidocious performances of Disney’s Mary Poppins.

All of the children had the chance to show off their talent in the performances, with a variety of roles on offer from lead characters to chimney sweeps, kite flyers and police officers. Dancers, actors and singers collaborated to tell the story of the Banks family who need a new nanny for their children Jane, played by Lily Brown, and Michael, played by Finn. After many failed interviews, a strange wind brings in Mary Poppins, played by Abigail Sullivan, floating

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down from the sky using her magical umbrella.Highlights of the show included a lively performance on the rooftops of London, complete with the chimney sweeps and a wonderful rendition of the famous kite-flying scene. There are more than 200 co-curricular opportunities available at Stockport Grammar, including a variety of performing arts-based clubs.

The school regularly puts on dance shows, music concerts and drama performances, giving pupils the chance to perform at prestigious venues, such as the Royal Northern College of Music.

SUPPORTING LOCAL EDUCATION

“Family and Property Law Specialists”

Ellesmere College titan Freya Anderson strikes gold in Glasgow Alan Bircher, Director of Swimming at Ellesmere College, said the Titans are relentless in their pursuit of perfection. “Freya did well in retaining her 100m freestyle title and then adding the 200m freestyle title,” he said. “The 200 is something we’ve been working hard on.

“Looking forward to the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020, myself and Freya will look back at these British Championships satisfied but not content. We know what needs to be done and are already back in training.”

Ellesmere College Titans swimmer Freya Anderson has become a double British Champion after striking gold at this year’s British Swimming Championships.

The 18-year-old retained her 2018 100m freestyle title at this month’s event in Glasgow in a scintillating time of 53.79 seconds – a fraction shy of her all-time best. She also won the women’s 200m freestyle and a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle. The teenager has blossomed on the international sporting scene in the past 12 months.

Other Titans swimmers featured in a host of finals as they competed at this year’s championships and their medal-winning performances caught the eye of the GB selectors, earning five selections to represent Great Britain at the European Juniors. Charlie Hutchison, Pia Murray, Adam Metcalf, Joel Thompson and Lauren Wetherell were all picked out as ones to watch.

For more information on the Ellesmere College titans, visit ellesmerecollegetitans.co.uk.

Headmaster welcomes Education Secretary visit

government progress measures, released in September 2016, reveal that Oak View’s children are now amongst the top 5% in the country for reading progress and top 30% in writing and maths.

“It has been an honour to be involved in this transformation as Chair of NWAT and there are many aspects of my role there that I can learn from as headmaster here at Ellesmere College in Shropshire.

“It is great for the college to have these links with the Academy Trust and we can share a lot of expertise.

The headmaster of a Shropshire College has welcomed a visit by the education secretary to show him the transformation of an academy in Cheshire, which he oversaw.

Brendan Wignall, who is chairman of the North West Academies Trust (NWAT) as well as headmaster at Ellesmere College, met Damian Hinds MP at Oak View Academy Winsford last month.

He said: “Formerly Greenfields Primary School, it was statistically the second worst school in the country in terms of attainment and progress when NWAT took over five years ago, but the latest

“Mr Hinds was keen to know about my experience in education, both at NWAT and Ellesmere, and said what he saw on the day was ‘inspiring’ with committed leadership.” He added: “The Trust had three politicians visit all on the same day, entirely coincidentally. Michael Gove was at Grosvenor Park CofE Academy, a primary school in Chester, and Esther McVey was at Rudheath Senior Academy, our secondary school in Winsford.

“To have these MPs visit NWAT schools all on the same day shows just how progressive the work we are doing is and how we can be a beacon in the education sphere.”

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SUPPORTING LOCAL EDUCATION

“Family and Property Law Specialists”

Family and friends pay tribute to Yousef Makki during which Yousef’s mum Debbie (the Head of Ladybarn Primary School, where Yousef previously attended), his closest friends, his young nephew, his boxing coach and two of the teachers at MGS who knew him best paid tribute to him; sharing stories and anecdotes about Yousef’s life and how much he meant to them.

Family and friends of Yousef Makki gathered at The Manchester Grammar School (MGS) to pay tribute to a muchloved young man. A memorial service was held on 27th April 2019 in honour of Yousef, who tragically lost his life on 2nd March.

A tree in Yousef’s memory was planted on the school grounds by his family and friends, followed by a moving ceremony,

– the people that knew him best – about what a caring young man he was, who would have done anything for his friends and family and touched so many people’s lives.”

The ceremony was interspersed with video clips and photographs from Yousef’s life as well as his favourite pieces of music. That was followed by a two-minute silence before balloons were released into the air in Yousef’s memory.

High Master at MGS, Dr Martin Boulton, said: “Yousef was a dearly loved young man and an incredibly bright pupil. “The memorial service was about paying tribute to Yousef and remembering all that he had achieved in his life. It was so moving to hear from his family and his closest friends

Young Enterprise Success for Withington Girls’ School

Withington Girls’ School’s ‘Warrior’ Young Enterprise team progressed through several rounds to represent Greater Manchester at this year’s North West Regional Final, achieving the Best Marketing Skills Award.

Young Enterprise is a well-established national charitable organisation, which aims to enable young people to develop their business, financial and entrepreneurial capabilities as well as equip them with the essential skills, knowledge and confidence required for the world of work.

Warrior sold bracelets made from leather and wood, intended to be an aid to mental strength. The bracelets were designed to be worn as a reminder that ‘you are stronger

and more courageous than you imagine’.

On their journey to the Young Enterprise regional finals, the 11 enthusiastic and talented Year 12 students who make up the Warrior team won Best Company in the Manchester North-South and Salford Finals held at the HSBC Bank in Spinningfields, which qualified them to represent Manchester in the Greater Manchester County Final held at Oldham University.

Here, they met winning teams from Bolton, Bury, Rochdale and Oldham, Trafford, Stockport, Tameside and Wigan and were judged on their company report, team interview, presentation, digital presence, customer service, teamwork and sustainability.

They were awarded the runner-up position, which allowed them to progress to the North West Regional Final held at Lancaster University Business School, representing Greater Manchester. They competed against the winning and runner-up companies from Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria and won the Best Marketing Skills accolade. The judges were particularly impressed by Warrior’s determination to not only market a product but also raise awareness of mental health issues.

Withington’s Young Enterprise Coordinator, Ms Catherine Ositelu, said: "Congratulations to all the girls from our YE company Warrior. They worked well together to grow their business and prepare for each competition, which got more and more challenging as they progressed to the next stage. They were a real credit to our school!

I was particularly proud of their determination to increase awareness of such an important issue like mental health by developing an attractive and trendy product."

June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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W I T H I N G T O N

G I R L S ’

S C H O O L

Summer Holiday Fun

This year’s activities will take place during July and August.

Activities on offer are: • Animation • Art • Creative

Writing

• Chemistry • Food

Technology • Folk Music • Irish Dance • Mosaic Making • Multi-Sports • Spanish Activities are open to girls and boys aged from 8 to 16.

Please see our website for further infomation.

wgs.org/summer

Year 5 External Taster Day Monday 1 July 2019 Our fantastic School offers outstanding provision and education for girls aged 2–18.

Register online at www.aesg.co.uk

Tel: 01625 583028 www.aesg.co.uk admissions@aesg.co.uk

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Anita ryan Vivacious Anita Ryan hails from an irish family of music and stage performers, including her first cousin Jason Manford

By Fay Wertheimer

Her multi-instrumentalist grandparents sang. Her drummer dad, Michael Fitzgerald, and vocalist mum, Bridie, still perform.

But nowadays, Anita, who toured European churches with her local gospel choir at 17, restricts performances to select charity, corporate, MUFC events and parties.

Why? Well, after some soul-searching and sound advice, she‘s branched out as an event host and singer-speaker advising other mums on finding or reclaiming their true career path.

In her 20s, workaholic Anita gigged constantly, secretly hoping, like all wannabees, for that special record deal. In her 30s, her clientele included clergymen, MPs and a Dutch billionaire. Somewhat embarrassed travelling by private helicopter, she quipped, “I’m just a Salford girl.

There’s no real need for this!” – but she boarded it! She guested for Carnival Cruises and Windstar Yachts, was flown to the Caribbean, Singapore and Doha and working 4 nights a week minimum and covered all types of occasions, including Irish events.

Her striking, trained voice, her personable manner and easy-listening repertoire from The Carpenters and Eva Cassidy to rock and folk kept her in high demand, and still do so. Life was busy and revolved around the ‘next gig’. But living out of a suitcase offered little time for love. Then, at 39, she fell for Mulligans Irish bar owner, Padraig Brady. Having embraced motherhood at 40, Anita was back on stage when threeyear-old Pauric was just seven weeks old.

But balancing work and family – that dilemma facing almost every working mother – loomed, coming to roost in acute child-homesickness for five-monthold Niamh during MUFC’s 2017 Europa Final in Stockholm.

Padraig solved the problem. “You really needn’t work if you don’t want to, darling!” he said. Anita recalls, “I was shocked. I’d always worked. What am I and who am I if I don’t work? What’s my purpose?”

But she took stock. She couldn’t and wouldn’t relinquish or neglect her talents but had to change. She consulted a New York mentor online, who helped organise

her haphazard work style into an actual business. She re-branded herself. Last October, at 42, offering experience and expertise, Anita launched her First Time Mum at 40 blog and was immediately contacted by mothers’ and womens’ groups. It’s been all go.

She adds, “I sing and speak to mums who, like me, need to maintain their work identity and individuality but are unsure of which direction to follow. I encourage other women in business, to listen to their inner voice and look into what they really want from life.”

People’s person par excellence, Anita Ryan is never happier than off-stage mingling and making contact with her audiences.

Performing for causes bearing relevance to her own family adds depth to her delivery.

She explains, “We have been touched by my brother’s debility after his childhood accident and my niece’s cerebral palsy. We have insight. Contributing to charities we really understand makes everything worthwhile.”

Contact Anita on 07825 705368, at anitaryansinger@gmail.com or visit her website, anitaryan.co.uk June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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WHAt’S ON There are some exciting new musicals and shows in town this summer, such as The Book of Mormon and Admissions starring Alex Kingston, plus some very exciting special events, including MIF19, Manchester Day and there is even a Festival just for dogs!

You certainly won’t be short of something to do whatever the weather throws at us!

a soaring cinematic score.

By Catherine Reed

Drama

Dance

Hobson’s Choice Royal Exchange Until 6 July

Matthew Bourne’s Romeo & Juliet The Lowry 11-15 June This wonderful new production is a passionate and contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic love story. Directed and choreographed

by Matthew Bourne, Romeo & Juliet is bursting with youth and vitality and features new orchestrations of Prokofiev’s score played live by the new Adventures orchestra.

Circus This Time The Lowry 13- 15 June The award-winning circus theatre company ockham’s Razor returns to The Lowry with a magical production featuring a series of aerial frames on which four daring and gifted performers lift, push and cradle each other through a world of windows, thresholds and ledges.

Cirque du Soleil – TORUK: The First Flight Manchester Arena 20-23 June inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar, ToRUK: The First Flight makes its UK debut at Manchester Arena. This stunning production transports you to the world of Pandora in a visually stunning live setting through a fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft – all accompanied by 90

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Halka – Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger The Lowry Sat 6 July 14 young acrobats and musicians create an energetic spectacle, which hums with the sights and sounds of Morocco.

Tanika Gupta’s sparkling new version of this classic 1916 comedy is set amid the 1980s Ugandan-Asian rag trade. if tailor Hari Hobson isn’t bossing his daughters about in his northern Quarter workshop, he’s putting the world to rights in his local pub.

Cutting through generational divides, it shows that in family life, some stories never get old – and some things never change.

The Importance of Being Earnest Bolton Octagon 6-15 June oscar Wilde’s sensational comedy will be performed in the grand Victorian setting of Bolton’s Albert Halls whilst the octagon’s refurbishment takes place. This wonderfully witty production stars David Cardy, Vicky Entwistle and Dean Fagan and many other well-known faces from stage and screen.

Admissions The Lowry 17-22 June Alex Kingston, star of ER and Doctor Who, and Sarah Hadland of Miranda fame, star in this award-winning and bitingly funny comedy by Joshua Harmon, fresh from the West End and new York. Admissions is a provocative, engaging and fast-moving play with highly topical and relevant themes, which keep you glued to your seat throughout the performance.

Be More Martyn The Lowry 20-22 June #BeMoreMartyn trended on Twitter in the hours after the announcement of Martyn Hett’s death at the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 – but what does it mean? Hope Theatre Company asked eight of Martyn’s closest friends and created a unique piece of verbatim theatre using their own words to give a remarkable insight into an extraordinary young man who transformed each and every one of them.

Early Doors The Lowry 24 July – 3 August Early Doors, written by Craig Cash and Phil Mealey, returns to The Lowry following its sell-out shows last year.

This is one more chance to enjoy a night at The Grapes Pub as it reopens its doors for some fun and laughs with your favourite characters.

Family We’re Going On A Bear Hunt The Lowry 3 August – 1 September This is the show of the summer for families with young children – it’s a fun and enjoyable way of joining the bear-hunting adventurers in their quest to find a bear! The play is a terrific celebration of the much loved book and a perfect summer treat.

WHAt’S ON Festivals and Special Events Horizons Festival HOME 15-21 June The festival features exhibitions, films, theatre shows, workshops, panel discussions, DJ sets and a club night, as well as free events every night in the bar. To launch the festival HoME is transformed into a Sanctuary Souk global marketplace full of free workshops and participatory arts events on the first Saturday.

Dogfest Tatton Park 15 & 16 June A great day out for all the family and their dog(s). There are plenty of activities – all doggy friendly – to keep everyone occupied for the day, including special walks, have-a-go activities, dog shows and a Hound Hangout. Tickets available at dogfest.co.uk.

Manchester Day Manchester City Centre Sun 23 June Manchester Day is quite simply a brilliant day out. There are dozens of events happening throughout the day and across the city and the everwonderful parade is a huge colourful, happy procession celebrating everything that is great about Manchester. Do yourself a favour – get happy and be in Manchester on 23rd June!

Greater Manchester Fringe Festival Various venues 1-31 July This is the 8th Greater Manchester Fringe Festival – the multi-venue, open-access arts festival providing support for and showing all art forms and encouraging first-time participation in arts production and performances across Greater Manchester. For tickets and info, visit greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk.

MIF19 Various sites and venues around the city 4-21 July Manchester international Festival returns with a programme of events, exhibitions and happenings taking place in theatres, churches and unexpected places. Some of the world’s leading artists have produced work especially for the festival, including David Lynch, Yoko ono, Janelle Monáe, Laurie Anderson and idris Elba. For the full programme, visit mif.co.uk and don’t forget to check in at the Festival Hub in Albert Square, which is always a great place to eat, drink or just hang out during the festival.

Sounds of the City Castlefield Bowl 6-13 July An amazing line-up of artists including Haçienda Classical, Kylie, Elbow and The Kooks, each headlining on dates in July. Some dates already sold out!

Bluedot Jodrell Bank 18-21 July Bluedot is a fabulous festival of discovery at Jodrell Bank, where guests are invited to camp out under the stars and to explore a stellar programme of music, science, arts, technology, culture, food and film.

The line-up includes Hot Chip, new order and Kraftwerk.

Peterloo: Manchester’s Fight for Freedom John Rylands Library Until 29 September A free exhibition that enables you to uncover the personal stories behind the protest that shocked Britain.

Explore original handwritten records and documents, get up close to historic newspapers and be inspired by the journalists who tirelessly sought to report truth, expose corruption and seek justice.

Musicals Some Guys Have All The Luck: The Rod Stewart Story Opera House Thu 11 July 50 years on from the release of Rod's first album, Some Guys Have All The Luck is back with a brand-new show.

Paul Metcalfe is Rod, exuding all the energy, charisma and voice of the man himself, in this live concert celebration.

The Book of Mormon Palace Theatre 6 June – 10 August This outrageous musical comedy from the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Bobby Lopez, co-writer of Avenue Q and Frozen, follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries.

The show has received amazing reviews wherever it has played and won numerous awards. it is not a show for the faint-hearted, but it is ridiculously funny, and the music is very catchy indeed.

Amélie The Musical Opera House 6-10 August Amélie The Musical is a new musical based on the much-loved five-time oscar®-nominated film and stars Audrey Brisson as Amelie and Danny Mac as nino.

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The Bridgewater Hall International Concert Series 18|19 The Planets: An HD Odyssey Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Nick Davies conductor | Images of the cosmos provided by NASA

The Art of Spontaneous Invention Wayne Marshall organ Monday 17 June 7.30pm

Wednesday 5 June 7.30pm A programme reflecting Marshall’s fascination with improvisation.

A programme of classical works associated with space, including Holst’s The Planets accompanied by NASA’s images of the cosmos

The Sixteen’s Choral Pilgrimage 2019

Chineke! Orchestra

Voices of Angels Harry Christophers conductor

Wayne Marshall conductor | Stewart Goodyear piano

Monday 8 July 7.30pm

Sunday 16 June 4.00pm Coleridge-Taylor Ballade in A minor Stewart Goodyear Callaloo – Caribbean Suite for piano and orchestra Dvořák Symphony No.7 in D minor

Box Office: 0161 907 9000 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

In a creative mix of old and new, The Sixteen match florid motets from the Eton Choirbook with more recent works by John Tavener, Eric Whitacre, Gabriel Jackson and James MacMillan.

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tech By oliver Chesher

ESCAPE THE GYM

At time of writing, the sun is finally out. So, it’s a perfect time to round up some of the latest sports and fitness tech to get you out of the gym and into the sunshine

RIBBLE ROAD BIKES

SALOMON CONTAGRIP

it’s amazing how much technology goes into the sole of a running shoe. Salomon’s Contagrip defines what’s possible with a truly all-terrain runner. The rubber it’s made from contains over 20 ingredients for the perfect balance of shock absorption, wear resistance and traction; then the computer-designed lugs are positioned in different zones of the foot to offer self-cleaning, traction, adherence, stability and braking wherever they are needed most. To top it off, the French-designed shoes are also extremely stylish to look at and are winning favour with fashionistas as well as hardcore athletes.

Around £120, salomon.com

As its name suggests, this company is our neighbour from over the hills in Lancashire. it’s long been understood that Ribble is a brand for ‘real’ cyclists; its winter training bikes are particularly popular with hardened northern club riders. its racing bikes are also winning plaudits all over the place; this carbon fibre R872 is considered one of the best on the market at that all-important £1.000 price point – where you’ll find some serious entry-level superbikes. Light, fast, comfortable and surprisingly tough, this is also amazing value for money when compared to bigger brands. Around £1,000, ribblecycles.co.uk

GARMIN FENIX 5

PLAYR SMART COACH

Everybody has a smart watch or activity tracker nowadays, but this is the best of the lot. Configurable for every conceivable sport, from running and hiking to more obscure ones like nordic skiing, the Garmin Fenix 5 can do everything from heart rate monitoring to satellite navigation.

There’s even a Garmin app store, where you can add functions and personalise the full colour display.

From £449, garmin.com

As used by pro footballers all over the world, this is the only FiFA-approved GPS tracker. Whether you wear it for matches, training or just a kickabout, it will give you a wealth of performance stats, including your heat map, pace and heart rate. it also gives you personalised sport science advice from Premier League coaches, such as skills development areas and nutrition recommendations for your body type. £199, playrsmartcoach.com

June July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Matt Thomson From Mere to ecstasy!

A brief discussion while working as a barman at Mere Golf and Country club in 2007 between Matt Thomson and Jon Crossley, Managing Director of rolls-royce Motor Cars Manchester resulted in a dramatic career change, which has culminated in Matt being accredited as one of the youngest rollsroyce Motor Cars ‘Master technicians’.

Jon had just finished a round of golf at his club and Matt was serving him and his friends with a deserved drink at the 19th hole. Matt, a keen motor enthusiast and would-be mechanic knew who Jon was and his role in the motor industry, so he cheekily asked him for a job as a technician. Jon, on discussing Matt's background, suggested he apply for the Rolls-Royce & Bentley Apprenticeship Scheme and gave him details. Matt immediately applied and to his delight, passed the assessment.

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He commenced working for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester in September 2007 and now, nearly 12 years later, he has reached the pinnacle of his profession, bestowed with the title of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Master Technician. He now knows everything one needs to know about the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ and is a first point of call for help from fellow technicians when an issue occurs where they need help and guidance. Matt is based at the unique Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester Ownership Services Facility, based on Mobberley Road, Knutsford.

Matt, in point of fact, is the youngest Master Technician within the Sytner Group, part of Penske Automotive, the UK-based company that owns Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester and which has a fine heritage throughout the UK motor industry dealing with all prestige marques.

To achieve the status of Master Technician,

one has to train for over five years with a combination of practical and online training courses alongside day-to-day training at Knutsford. The practical courses take place at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Headquarters at Goodwood, West Sussex in their state-of-the-art factory.

Matt’s hard work and determination was overseen by fellow Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester Master Technician, Tony Ellis, whom Matt describes as his mentor from day one and a vital support throughout the lengthy process.

Matt lives in Holmes Chapel with his wife and eight month old daughter.

Commenting on his achievement Matt said, "It's been a fantastic journey. Ever since joining as an apprentice back in 2007, I have aspired to be Master Technician.

It's incredibly rewarding to have finally achieved my goal. I'm ecstatic!"

It's official: Manchester is best, according to rolls-royce

It was in May 1904 that Charles Rolls first met with Sir Henry Royce at Manchester's Midland Hotel to establish and set up one of the world's finest companies, known throughout the world for engineering excellence.

Exactly 115 years later, to the month, Manchester has once again proved to be a centre of excellence for one of the world's favourite motoring marques.

After investing millions of pounds in relocating to a state-of-theart dealership in Wilmslow, Cheshire just eighteen months ago – Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester has been awarded the accolade of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Dealer of the Year for 2018. The prestigious award – covering the UK, Western and Southern Europe (including Russia) – was presented at the brand's 2019 Global Dealer Conference held in Shanghai.

The award is presented to dealers on a worldwide basis covering a number of measurements, including sales, ownership services, customer satisfaction, parts, people and training. All in all, Manchester beat a total of 18 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dealerships across Europe to claim their award following a fantastic first year of trading at its new innovative facility.

Commenting on the award, Jon Crossley, Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester, said: "This is the third time in eight years that we have won this amazing award, previously in 2010 and 2011, and I am absolutely delighted! I want to thank all of my team for working so hard to establish our new facility in our first year of trading. We have proved that Manchester continues to be such an important location for the Rolls-Royce marque and we remain proud of the fact that for every four cars sold in the UK, one of them is from our dealership in Manchester."

For more information or to visit the dealership: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 3FB 01625 416 250 June/July 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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By Oliver Chesher

RARE BREEDS

i got all excited a few months ago about the new Bentley GT Continental, asking the question: is Bentley a luxury brand or a racing brand first and foremost? What’s so amazing about the Continental is that it does both luxury and performance without compromise.

That made me think about fast luxury saloon cars – but not the ones you might expect.

The king of this realm is arguably the Mercedes Benz S-Class, and has been for generations.

But you’d expect Mercedes to be good at big saloons, that’s their day job.

What i’m more interested in for this issue is what happens when out-and-out sports car manufacturers move into that saloon territory.

Cars like this are never going to be big sellers (especially now that everyone’s buying SUVs instead), which is all the more reason why i want one.

The two four-door four-seaters i’m talking about are the Aston Martin Rapide and the Porsche Panamera. They’re generally pitted against one another; similar in price, size, performance and rarity value. Both have had

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their critics too – another reason why i find them all the more beguiling.

the Aston and the Porsche come from worldfamous supercar manufacturers and each has more than its share of the family attributes.

The Aston has been given a hard time by some For example, the Rapide S can transport four press because of its impracticality. There’s people and their luggage to over 200mph! not much space in the rear and there’s no And the Panamera, in Turbo guise, won’t be far concession whatsoever been made to economy. off that top speed, but is even quicker off the Running costs are about as high as you could line with 0-60 in under four seconds. incredible possibly imagine. But who cares about any of when you see the size of the thing. that? This is a money-no-object car and a thing of beauty. if you want practicality and Pretty much every car journalist that has written economy, you’re in the wrong dealership. about either car has been expected to give a verdict: which one would you take home? i As for the Panamera, the first generation drew think the answer is that the Porsche could truly criticism because, unlike the Rapide, it wasn’t be your one and only car. You can fit more a looker. But that’s well and truly fixed now. stuff in it and live with it every day. The Aston The newer shape, particularly the Turismo has that extra level of extravagance, plus the body style, is quite simply stunning. aforementioned lower practicality, meaning it’s more suited to being a second car. But when But none of that will matter to buyers as much you’re choosing cars in dreamland, that’s not as the main draw: the racing car DnA. Both going to be a problem…

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