Didsbury Magazine Dec ~ Jan 2019

M AG A Z I N E DECEMBER | JANUARY 2019 • ISSUE 124

Christmas Gift Guide for yuletide inspiration

Pamela Reckert’s dream role at Mottram Hall

Tranquil TMS Non-invasive treatment for depression and anxiety

Benchmark

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It’s all about the visits, awards, launches and lunches…

Beverley Uddin-Khandakar and Paul Burrell at The Ivy launch

Beverley and Ben Shepherd at the Bremont Supersonic launch at The Design Museum, London

HELLO Image Julian Kronfli

SALUTIONS HQ

It’s officially Christmas at Salutions HQ now that our festive issue has found itself lounging on your coffee table.

What can we say? The Salutions Winter Wonderland Ball was another huge success, raising £21,070 for Maggie’s and Beechwood Cancer Care Centre. Thank you to Darren Proctor, Paul Sleem, Michael Moore, Motown Magic, Martin Hambleton, SM Digital, The Midland and everyone who helped out, donated prizes and joined us on the night.

A massive THANK YOU also to our sponsors Nu-Form Fire UK, Turkish Airlines, VST Technology, Laytons LLP and Reproductive Health Group. Check out the ball pics on page 23 and look out for the video online at theglossymagazine.com and salutions.co.uk

Beverley and Darren Proctor preparing to take to the Stage at the Winter Wonderland Ball

Salim Uddin-Khandakar and the lovely Tony Collier at the Salutions Winter Wonderland Ball

As always, there’s plenty to read this month (including a colourful Christmas Gift Guide to provide yuletide inspiration), so, sit down with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine and enjoy!

Oh, and don’t forget, when responding to any adverts you see, don’t forget to mention which one of our fabulous magazines you saw it in.

We wish everyone – our readers, advertisers and those fabulous faces and businesses who appear inside our pages – a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Beverley X

P.S. we’ll return in February 2019 with a brand-new look!

Keep an eye out for us post-makeover!

The NEXT Spring ’19 Preview

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Beverley Uddin-Khandakar e: beverley@salutions.co.uk

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CONTRIBUTORS Catherine Reed Fay Wertheimer Oliver Chesher GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Dr Jill Nash Salim Uddin-Khandakar Catherine Saunders e: salim@salutions.co.uk Ray King Lisa Symonds ADVERTISING Victoria Harris Call the sales team on Emily Fitzgibbons 0161 445 2883 e: info@salutions.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Browne JOURNALIST / OffICE Julian Kronfli MANAGER PR Shots Emily Fitzgibbons Bigstockphoto.com e: emily@salutions.co.uk Press Loft Martin Hambleton ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Paul King / Claire King DISTRIBUTION Avanti www.twistedgifted.co.uk e: creative@twistedgifted.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

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

REGULARS 01 Hello from the Editor 09 News and Views 38 Take a Walk on the Wild Side with Animal Print 48 That’s All White – Bring Light into your Home 49 Grow Your Own Lady Muck Style 50 Winter Wonderland fashionable festive Décor 83 Education News from the Schools 95 / 97 Ask the Experts

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Benchmark

Protecting you, your home and your business 24/7

Dr Luciano Nardo

Christmas Gift Guide for yuletide inspiration

Pamela Reckert’s dream role at Mottram Hall

Tranquil TMS Non-invasive treatment for depression and anxiety

Benchmark

Protecting you, your home and your business 24/7

M AG A Z I N E

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2019 • ISSUE 97

Christine Barker

Reproductive Health Group talks stress and fertility

Pamela Reckert’s dream role at Mottram Hall

Christine Barker Law is where the heart is

M AG A Z I N E DECEMBER | JANUARY 2019 • ISSUE 32

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Thomas Campbell : Bring Hope Humanitarian foundation 44 Paul Hughes : Benchmark 46 Christine Barker : Laytons 60 Jonathan Kinsella : Northern Lawn Tennis Club 68 Laura & Jermaine Beckford : Supernova 75 Pamela Reckert : Mottram Hall Hotel 91 Karen Merrick : The Josh Merrick Memorial fund 101 Yvette Royle : Singer

FOOD & DRINK 76 Brasserie Blanc : Marco’s New York Italian : Manahatta 77 Banyan : The Bridge : Australasia 78 / 79 food & Drink news

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Travel : Gallura : North Sardinia Moddershall Oaks : Staffordshire Lake District Romance : Cumbria What’s On? Outdoors : Mud Season Tech : ‘Tis the Season for food and Drink Gadgets Motoring News : The Best Car of your Life

AND THE REST… 23 29 81 82

Salutions Winter Wonderland Ball Christmas Gift Guide Recipe : Albatross & Arnold : The Range Competition : Win the Manchester Cookbook

LOCAL NEWS in association with

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There was a surprise video message from Violet’s friend opera singer Katherine Jenkins, who gave a personal prize for the auction, and DJ Clint Boon kindly produced a cow canvas that raised £500. The balloon raffle sponsored by Kids Allowed nurseries proved popular and Taurus Securities sponsored the spectacular flowers.

The Violet Ball On 29th September 2018, opera singer Katherine Jenkins surprised guests at the Violet Ball, which raised nearly £14,000 at the Radisson Edwardian in memory of Violet Stephens and in aid of the cardiac surgery fund at Alder Hey Children’s hospital. One lucky guest won two return transatlantic flights courtesy of Icelandair.

Violet Stephen’s died aged only 15 months and the Violet Ball is a wonderful event created by her mother, Sarah, to raise awareness of child loss, support those

Read more about Violet’s legacy at violet-skies.com who’ve experienced it and to fundraise for Alder Hey (where Violet underwent open heart surgery aged only four days old).

Over 200 guests were welcomed by string quartet Highly Strung at a reception sponsored by Radisson and then drummed into dinner by Khula Arts musicians from Zimbabwe. Radio presenter Darren Proctor hosted, Clint Boon treated guests to a DJ set that got everyone onto the dance floor, and band Amped Up entertained guests until the early hours.

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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50,000 meals generated by local social enterprise

Since 2016, social enterprise Foodinate has brought over 50,000 hot, nourishing meals to people in need in deprived communities in Manchester and across the UK. Foodinate only celebrated reaching the 10,000-meal mark in January 2018. Caroline Stevenson, founder of the social enterprise and recent winner of Inspirational Woman of the Year at the Enterprise Vision Awards, says of the remarkable rate of growth: “The problems are becoming impossible to ignore. People can see the hardship in their own towns and cities and want to know what they can do to help.”

After witnessing the rise of poverty in and around Manchester, where she grew up,

Caroline decided to create Foodinate to help alleviate the rise of the problems she could see growing around her. She said: “We live in the seventh richest country in the entire world, and yet so many people are going without. I wanted to create a link between the two sides of the same coin, enabling local businesses and local people to help those in need in their own community. It’s about making a sustainable, scalable impact on a huge issue but in a really simple way.”

Originating in Manchester and going from strength to strength, the organisation is now making an impact in 12 regions across the UK, including London, Birmingham and Leeds. Each time a customer in a partner restaurant buys a meal marked with a Foodinate logo, a hot meal is provided to a person seeking help locally.

Contact caroline@foodinate.co.uk for participating restaurants and further information.

Asian wedding suppliers raise the bar

On Monday 29th October, the country’s Asian wedding suppliers celebrated their achievements at the Asian Wedding Awards 2018. The annual gala dinner was held at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.

The wedding planners, photographers, card designers, caterers, venue dressers, filmmakers, hairstylists, makeup artists and toastmasters were joined by celebrities and

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December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

dignitaries to celebrate and acknowledge their successes. The awards are now in their fifth consecutive year and this year, were hosted by TV presenter and broadcaster Monika Plaha, who was joined by, amongst others, Talat Farooq Awan of the BBC, Harry Potter actress Afshan Azad, The Worshipful Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Javid Iqbal and the Chairman of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Phil Cusack to announce and present the 22 awards. The Asian wedding industry is worth an estimated £1billion across the UK and is a vibrant, colourful growth industry

that keeps going from strength to strength and encompasses a diverse range of sectors – from wedding planners and decorators through to wedding dress designers, venues, hotels, DJs, photographers and everyone in between. From over 300 nominations, the judges selected 22 businesses they felt reflected the ethos of the awards, which is based around customer service, creativity, dedication, innovation, promoting positive values of the industry and going the ‘extra mile’. The winners of the 2018 Asian Wedding Awards can be found at salutions.co.uk

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Didsbury Football Club

Didsbury Football Club celebrates its 80th year of football this season.

From its introduction on a muddy field, where Busby Babes legend Roger Byrne once graced, we will, this season, see our champion ladies team playing in the SSE Women’s FA Cup. The rise of the ladies team has been meteoric, and to think they only formed three seasons ago.

Having won last season’s Greater Manchester Women’s League, they have been promoted to the prestigious North West Regional League.

The team has also started a Coaching and Refereeing Development Programme for players, which will allow them to work closely with linked clubs and junior leagues.

Didsbury Sports Ground

Didsbury Sports Ground at Simons Fields was decreed to the people of Didsbury in the 1950s and is often described as a ‘hidden gem’ in Didsbury.

Facility Manager, Russell Hoyte, said: “My role is to actively support and promote sporting activity here. Our roots lie very much with sport – we’re the home ground for Didsbury Toc H Rugby Club and Didsbury Football Club.” In addition to rugby and football, during the summer months, the facility is used by all of the

Didsbury Cricket Club teams. Didsbury Runners, an associate member of the club, uses the venue as a base for multiple events, and hopefully there will be a Parkrun established soon at Fletcher Moss Park. The venue also plays host to Manchester Camels Softball and Manchester Marvels, who are regular users of the facilities during the summer months. Both the Respect Junior Football League, which is an FA award-winning league, and local football club host events at the facility.

Additionally, it regularly hosts events for both universities, which include Rugby Union (matches and social), cricket, football and even quidditch! Community organisations such as Ford Bank Residents, Didsbury Good Neighbours, Bradley Fold Allotments and Didsbury Business Games regularly host meetings and fundraising events at the facility too. Often, discounted fees or free use of the venue is given to local schools and bonafide fundraising groups. The facility now has a community children’s group on week-day mornings, and the venue is also a key training venue for sports groups, NHS groups and local companies.As you can see, the venue is most certainly not just a football and rugby club at the end of Ford Lane. As a sign of the desire to open it up more to the community, they have now made the social membership free and continue to push for new members. didsburysportsground.co.uk

The Private GP & Night Doctor Dr Bruce Jobling | 24 Hours | 7 Days

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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.

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Christmas Beauty Shoebox Appeal launches to women spending Christmas in refuges in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and beyond.

Founders Rachel O’Hare and Lynette PageCollin have won the support of Travel Counsellors in Trafford Park, whose head office will act as a drop off point for the Beauty Shoebox Appeal from now until 18th December.

The shoeboxes will go to dozens of organisations that help women in crisis in the North West all year round, including Women's Aid Manchester.

A shoebox appeal with a difference, which aims to aid women in crisis, has been launched by a Chorlton Mum. Female-focused women’s organisation Elle for Elle hopes to collect hundreds of donated shoeboxes filled with beauty, cosmetics and fragrance over the next six weeks to deliver

Lynette continues: "We want to recreate that happiness in the refuges we visit, where women are at their very lowest, especially at this very important time of year. We hope the beauty shoeboxes will give them a feeling of self-love again this Christmas.”

New and unused items gratefully received are:

“It’s hoped that the Beauty Shoebox Appeal will give women fleeing domestic abuse the gift of self-care this Christmas,” says Chorlton mum-of-three Lynette.

• • • • • • •

Makeup (all types, all shades) Nail products Hair products (oils, serum, treatments etc.)

Skincare products Fragrance Bath and body products Gift set contents

Fellow mum-of-three Rachel, from Mere, adds: “Our children have been filling shoeboxes for years to send away, and we loved the sentiment that a small box filled with goodies can bring so much happiness."

If you’d like to donate to the Beauty Shoebox Appeal or find out more about how your business can help, please email elleforelleuk@gmail.com or visit @elleforelleuk on Instagram.

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa wins Best Health Club Spa at the Good Spa Guide Awards The Mere Golf Resort & Spa has won the award for Best Health Club Spa at this year’s Good Spa Guide Awards.

In order to obtain this award, a visit is carried out by the Good Spa Guide, the leading authority for spa reviews, to carry out an independent assessment of the Health Club and Spa’s services – including its Health Club Spa facilities, customer and member care, value for money and luxury guest experience in which The Mere received top marks. The Mere was shortlisted for The Reader’s Choice National Award for Best Health Club Spa for its

Health Club Spa Facilities and was awarded its 5 star bubbles for customer service.

The award ceremony was split into two categories; The Regional Awards and The Reader’s Choice National Awards. The Regional Awards were selected by the Good Spa Guide ‘spa spies’ who have reviewed over 200 health club, spas and treatments this year. The Reader’s Choice National Awards were voted for by over 60,000 health club members, visitors and spa goers.

Included in this category was the award for Best Health Club Spa which was awarded to The Mere for receiving the highest number of votes in the category.

The Mere’s Health Club & Spa is located in the Knutsford countryside and offers two fitness studios with over 60 fitness classes a week, state-of-the-art gym, expert personal trainers, a 20m indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool and thermal zone and a range of luxury spa treatments.

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Superscreen coming to Cineworld Didsbury Cineworld, one of the UK’s leading cinema chains has introduced a Superscreen auditorium at Cineworld Didsbury – the first in Greater Manchester. Located in Parrs Wood Entertainment Centre, the cinema features eleven cutting-edge screens, including ScreenX, 4DX and, very soon, Superscreen. Alongside the launch of Superscreen, Cineworld Didsbury is set to complete a full refurbishment in early 2019.

The Superscreen will allow customers to see the latest blockbusters on a breath-taking wall-to-wall and ceiling-high screen. The auditorium will seat 519 people, with laser 4K projection giving a brighter 3D experience and stunning multidimensional Dolby Atmos delivering sound through 38 speakers.

Christmas Woodland at Blakemere Village

The Christmas Woodland outdoor theatrical experience at Blakemere Village looks set to be a magical and unforgettable family adventure, journeying through the woodlands of Cheshire to find Father Christmas with the help of his forest friends and with a chance to see the captivating Snow Princess and her much loved unicorn, Snowflake.

Events will run during weekends from Saturday 8th December, with additional morning slots on Christmas Eve. The experience is pre-booked timeslots only, so there won’t be any long queues, and pricing starts at £19.95 per person plus booking fee.

This enchanting show is suitable for children of all ages with under-threes going free. The event lasts up to three hours and includes a treasured gift from Father Christmas and chance to take photographs with him and decorate gingerbread men whilst enjoying festive treats in Mrs Claus’

Alternatively, you can book a unique Banquet with Father Christmas on Friday 14th December from 4.30-6.30pm or Breakfast with Father Christmas on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th, which includes a meet and greet and exclusive storytime session with the big man in red.

kitchen. Families can also get their skates on and have some fun on the festive skating rink.

For more information go to christmaswoodland.co.uk and a short trailer is available to view at https://www.youtube. com/watch?time_continue=8&v=LOfRV0Lw

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Aiden Byrne confirms he will resurrect Manchester House Chef Aiden Byrne has officially confirmed that he is about to relaunch Manchester House. The acclaimed chef agreed a deal with private investors to take over the restaurant in November, in order to continue the legacy built by late Living Ventures restaurateur Tim Bacon. The relaunch is funded by investors with previous restaurant industry experience. The move comes after a hugely successful 12 months for Aiden at D&D London’s flagship Manchester restaurant, 20 Stories, based at No. 1 Spinningfields.

The acclaimed chef previously left his position at Manchester House to head up the kitchen at D&D London's rooftop restaurant and bar. On his experience with D&D, Aiden said: “20 Stories was an incredible challenge and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved.

“The success of 20 Stories has been unprecedented, raising the bar on the Manchester dining scene, and I can only give heartfelt thanks to D&D for the opportunity and for their support over the last year. “The history that connects me to Manchester House is very personal and I truly couldn’t imagine anyone else at the helm for this reinvention.”

FACEGYM

FACEGYM, the facial workout phenomenon that has taken London and New York by storm, has arrived in Manchester, taking up residence in the Beauty Workshop at Selfridges. The state-of-the-art new studio in Selfridges Trafford is the latest opening for FACEGYM, following Kings Road Chelsea and Selfridges Oxford Street in the UK, and Saks Fifth Avenue New York. FACEGYM is the UK’s only gym studio for the face – trainers perform a range of lifting and sculpting workouts designed to train the 40+ muscles in the face, and results are amplified with high performance skincare products and noninvasive technology. Coining the phrase ‘It’s not a facial, it’s a workout’, the hybrid beauty and fitness brand uses a signature technique, which combines vigorous knuckling movements and high energy whipping strokes to stimulate blood circulations, collagen production and cell renewal to lift, tone and tighten the face. Brand fans include Rita Ora, Margot Robbie, The Hemsley sisters, Lily Allen and Irina Shayk to name just a few.

FACEGYM was founded by Inge Theron, a beauty journalist.

Having tried all manner of treatments for her long-standing, undercover Spa Junkie column in the FT, Inge noticed there 16

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

On the plans for the new Manchester House, Aiden added: “I’m hoping Manchester House will once again confirm itself as a staple on the Manchester dining scene, exactly where it belongs.

I feel like this is the perfect time and place for me to continue my craft. I’m extremely excited by the opportunity.

“Manchester House has always been about pushing the boundaries, delivering a unique fine dining experience and staying true to that endeavor. It belongs to Manchester, an institution in its own right and we want our customers to feel as if they belong here too.

“There will be changes to come but, at the moment, we are keen to get the restaurant open for trading.”

For reservation enquiries, please email: info@aidenbyrne.co.uk Interested diners can keep up to date with the latest news from Manchester House on Facebook or @AidenByrne on Twitter.

was a huge increase in invasive procedures with little regulation in place and decided to create an effective, non-invasive, no-risk face lifting solution and so developed the concept of FACEGYM. Workouts available in Manchester include: Signature, Signature Electrical, Holiday Skin, Yoga Face, Cryo Oxygen, SKIN IV and The Boss, and range from £50-£390.

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Call for Artist’s in Festival’s 1oth Anniversary Year “Our festival theme, this year, is Curiosity,” said DAF Festival Director, Ella Wild.

“We’ll be encouraging people to explore new places and to try out new experiences; to be curious, also, about different cultures, traditions, faiths and the people who make up our community. We’ll be looking for as many events as possible to reflect the festival theme and really make people think again. Community engagement, as always, will be a major focus, as we want everyone to feel part of DAF.”

Artists and performers are invited to get creative at Didsbury Arts Festival (DAF), which will take place from 22nd to 30th June 2019.

Organisers are preparing for a landmark festival in 2019 as DAF celebrates its tenth anniversary. A decade since its inception in 2009, the thriving, community arts festival attracts 14,000 visitors annually.

Alongside local artists, the packed, nine-day programme also features national and international names. Past

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contributors have included Howard Jacobson, Patrick Gale and Carol Ann Duffy.

The artist submissions process for DAF 2019 is now open, with information available and application forms live on the DAF website. The deadline for all artist submissions is Friday 11th January 2019.

Local organisations and businesses are also invited to support the event by providing venues or through sponsorship and donations of goods and services.

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December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Ella, who succeeds Daniel Williamson as Festival Director, added: “I am delighted to have joined the DAF team at such an exciting time in the festival’s history. I look forward to contributing as DAF continues to grow and develop over the next ten years!” didsburyartsfestival.org/daf-submissionform info@didsburyartsfestival.org

Appy Days!

This charitable new Manchester app gives members access to all the best offers, experiences and events in the city – with rewards thrown in for good measure There’s a new app in town and it’s got Manchester at its heart. The I Love MCR® App offers locals and visitors alike the best way to experience our great city.

As well as delivering significant discounts and one-off deals on local restaurants, bars, events and experiences, the app also offers members the chance to donate any savings from featured offers to charity, if they so wish.

The benefits extend beyond the individual. The all-new app prompts responsible and tangible donations to We Love MCR Charity. Give a little, help a lot. And keep the money in Manchester.

App users have two membership options: FREE membership with access to all the best current offers in Greater Manchester, and also the option to upgrade to VIP membership, which gives members access to amazing exclusive offers, events and rewards.

VIP membership is just £5 a month, which users will save on their first use of the app. To guarantee this return on investment, each agreed offer and reward is a minimum value of £5.

Manchester’s emergency services police, fire and medical workers – will be upgraded to VIP membership for free. It’s a little ‘thank you’ from I Love MCR® for the exceptional work and sacrifice they make on a daily basis.

When developing the app, I Love MCR® CEO Chris Greenhalgh wanted to build a platform which removes any stigma that might be associated with deals and vouchers and instead celebrates the opportunities they can offer.

“Deals shouldn’t tarnish a brand,” says Chris. “They’re there to add value and incentivise new customers whilst also bringing business into venues during quieter periods.”

With the amount of new venues opening every week in one of the world’s most exciting cities, it’s easy for a site to get forgotten about.

Using technology such as ‘Location Services’, the app incentivises people to use offers and experiences nearest to them. The facility also encourages people to shop local and confines the redemption of an offer within a 20-metre radius of the venue.

Users can also add to favourites and come back later.

“It’s free,” says Chris. “Mancunians (and adopted Mancunians) will love it and, what’s more, I’m positive it will encourage donations to our sister charity.”

The I Love MCR® App. The beating heart of the city.

Join the mobile movement.

The all-new I Love MCR® App is available on both iOS and Android.

For more information about the app and to download it visit ilovemanchesterapp.com December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Photography by Martin Hambleton

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Oh, what a night!

We raised ÂŁ21,070

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December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Photography by Martin Hambleton

THANK YOU!

to Darren Proctor, Paul Sleem, Michael Moore, Motown Magic and everyone who helped out, donated prizes and joined us on the night.

Photography by Martin Hambleton

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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THANK YOU! A massive

to our sponsors

technology enterprises

26

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Photography by Martin Hambleton

Look out for the video on TheGlossyMagazine.com and salutions.co.uk

For information about next year’s Winter Wonderland Ball

Call 0161 445 2883

Photography by Martin Hambleton

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Image amara.com

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas‌

Gift Guide

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Beyond Powder, Illamasqua’s emblematic baked highlighting powder, now comes in two – limited-edition skin finishes – Adding a subtle, healthy glow to skin thanks to its silky powder texture. £34 Available at illamasqua.com and in stores.

Sand and Sky Porefining Kit £44.95 Oliver Bonas

Eyeko Christmas Cracker (worth £19) £15 eyeko.co.uk

Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile bar soaps are great for people on-the-go and can be used to cleanse the face, hair and body. Block Soaps £4.99 for 140g.

Dr. Bronner’s Whole Kernel Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is the first coconut oil on the UK market to use the whole kernel of the coconut, making it virtually waste-free in its production. £8.99 for 440ml.

Pure-Castile Liquid Soap Best-selling Pure-Castile Liquid Soap sells every 2.2 seconds on average. Contains no synthetic foaming agents, thickeners, preservatives, fragrances, dyes or whiteners. £7.69 for 237ml.

Sisley Eau du Soir Tiger Walk Limited Edition Eau de Parfum 100ml £184.

Noel Candle, 200g, £42 from Crabtree & Evelyn at www.crabtree-evelyn.com /uk/en

The Elemental palette from Illamasqua has 12 universal powder eyeshadows that work for both day and night, with 12 intense colours to suit any skin tone. Also includes limited edition packaging. £38 Available at Illamasqua.com and in stores.

IT Cosmetics Your Luxurious Must-Haves Brush Set £120 Selfridges

GROW GORGEOUS Intense Thickening Hair and Scalp Mask Revive locks, thicken strands and softly nourish the hair and scalp. £25 growgorgeous.co.uk

DKNY Stories EDP 50ml £59.50 boots.com

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Create instant hair envy with Percy & Reed’s Wonder Balm that will ease and speed up the styling process.

And the Perfect Blow Dry Makeover Spray The perfect boost for all hair types and lengths.

Wonder Balm £18 The Perfect Blow Dry Makeover Spray £12 Available at percyandreed.com M&S and John Lewis

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Join Hands Gift Cracker, £20 from Crabtree & Evelyn at www.crabtree-evelyn.com/uk/en

AILIXIR Ailixir's Joint Support formula pairs collagen with Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which are also known for their ability to treat the pain and loss of function associated with osteoarthritis. www.ailixir.com £69 | 500ml (33 day supply) Bountifully Bouncy Discovery Set Keep your va-va-voom with this collection of larger than life haircare essentials. Stowaway sizes of Percy & Reed’s bestselling hero products. £16 percyandreed.com

THE BEAUTY LUST LIST

Erborian Christmas Crackers Whether you are buying a gift for someone, treating yourself or adding a pop of colour to your table, Erborian Crackers have the perfect products to get skin primed and prepped for the most magical time of the year. £18 each erborian.co.uk Leighton Denny Expert Nails Launch Brand New AW18 Collection Modern Bohemia £12 each.

Available at M&S and John Lewis.

Limited Edition Time For Real Luxury Allows you to create calm in the chaos in just 3 simple steps. £35 and includes; Real Luxury Bath & Shower Oil 10ml, Nourish, Breathe & Calm Hand Balm 50ml & Real Luxury Scented Candle 75g. neomorganics.com

This year surprise your guests by decorating your festive table with L’OCCITANE Crackers. Each cracker contains two generously sized products from the soothing Lavender or floral Cherry Blossom collections £10 each loccitane.com

Fenty Beauty Starlight Hyper-Glitz Lipstick £16 Harvey Nichols

Whether you want to add a little wispy texture or bring volume to your lash line, we’ve got you covered with Eylure reusable lashes. £5.95 Available in Boots, Superdrug and online at eylure.com

SEKSY Elegance Embellished with Swarovski® crystals to add more sparkle to the already lavishly designed bottle. £35,available from seksybeauty.com, allbeauty.com, Beauty Base, The Perfume Shop and Next

Ragdale Hall Spa Time to Sleep Restful Sleep Bath Infusion £12.50 M&S December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Glitter Wide-Leg Trouser £10 Primark

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Teal Sequin Cami £16 Next

Silver Belted Glitter Jumpsuit £50 Roman

By Emily Fitzgibbons

Tianna Sequinned Lace Midi Skirt £715 Alice + Olivia Available at Harvey Nichols

All-Over Tinsel Dress £65 Oliver Bonas

Sequin Kimono Jacket £35 M&Co

Sequin Sweat Top £125 Kirei Available at kjole, Didsbury kjole.co.uk

Petite Ombre Sequin Dress £89 Miss Selfridge

Sequin Halter Neck Dress £49 Oasis

Pink ombre sequin dress £58 Next

Tori Mixed Sequin Jumpsuit £80.00 Little Mistress

Time to

Burgundy Sequin Long Sleeve Dress £46 Glamorous

Sparkle!

Sequin Kimono Dress £68 Lipsy

Gold Sequin High Neck Dress £85 Abbey Clancy at Lipsy

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Ginettone by Gin Mare embodies the classic taste and texture associated with a traditional Italian panettone, complete with a contemporary twist.

500g £22. Sold exclusively through Harvey Nichols, with a limited stock of just 500.

Eat, shop and drink with the nation’s favourite Italian, Carluccio’s on Bridge Street. With a range of beautifully packaged Christmas products available in store and online, and two Italian festive menus, Carluccio’s has both your Christmas entertaining and present shopping well and truly covered. il Pentolone – pasta and Sauce Gift Box £30 carluccios.com

Malfy Originale Gin £28 malfygin.com

FOOD & DRINK

Personalised Letterbox Wine & Chocolates straight to your door... £34.95 Prezzybox.com

Guylian Praline Sea Shells Available from all major supermarkets.

250g box £5. For a more indulgent treat 375g box £7.50. https://www.guylian.com/shop/

Mazzetti Balsamic Vinegar of Modena The Mazzetti Etichetta Oro, Aged (Gold label) 250ml £9.90 The Mazzetti Etichetta Bianca (White label) 250ml £5.90 Available as Sainsbury’s 34

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

RED Chocolate Pleasure, without the guilt!

17 calories a piece – same as one slice of apple.

Christmas collection – RED Delight Milk Chocolates with a Praline Filling – 42 calories each little diamond shaped chocolate. £4.99 WH Smith Trafford Centre.

The G & Tea Set is a fun, stylish and uber-unique way to mix and serve a cocktail for two. The teapot comes with a filter basket keeping fruity lumps and pips out of the tea cups. If gin isn’t your cup of tea, then it can be used with real tea, so little fingers up and drink in class. £30 from Root7.com

Mulled Wine £15 Harvey Nichols

Champagne Breakfast Rouse yourself awake with a breakfast tasty enough to rival Christmas lunch. The hamper includes the following own-label products: Champagne Brut NV, Breakfast Tea, Coffee Medium Ground, ‘Cherry on Top’ Biscuits, Raspberry Preserve, Spanish Lavender Honey and Pink Grapefruit Marmalade. £85 Harvey Nichols

Collagin - Gin For Your Skin?!

Deliciously smooth and impeccably fragrant, Collagin is the original gin with added collagen. As seen on Dragon’s Den. £34.95 prezzybox.com

Beer and Food Matching Book £9.99 FATFACE NEW! Super Energizer Anti-Fatigue Skincare System A cleanse, moisturiser and de-puffing eye gel to wake up and hydrate tired looking skin. £22.50 labseries.co.uk

Gucci Beyond Black Leather Derby Shoes £630 Harvey Nichols

FOR HIM

Crystal Head Vodka John Alexander Art Series No. 1 £120 Harvey Nichols

A luxury collection of contemporary shaving products designed for everyone from the seasoned shaver to the complete beginner.

The Deluxe Kit £34.99 from bluebeards-revenge.co.uk Gucci Black Fine-Wool Knit Beanie £180 Harvey Nichols

Fur slippers £29 M&Co

CLINIQUE Daily Intense Hydration Charcoal Face Wash 50ml Cream Shave 60ml Maximum Hydrator Water Gel Concentrate 48ml £36 clinique.co.uk

Personalised Ombre Drinks Bottle with your initials £19.99 Gettingpersonal.co.uk

Trussardi Uomo Eau De Toilette Gift Set 100ml £77 Harvey Nichols

British Airways is proud to partner with luxury British watchmakers Bremont on the launch of a new limited-edition timepiece, that features metal from one of the most famous and iconic planes in history – Concorde.

The Bremont Supersonic starts at £9,495. www.bremont.com December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Engraved Wooden Cheeseboard Set £17.50 Personalised Gift Shop

Fruits and Floral Wreath £40 John Lewis

Stag Wine Cooler / Punch Bowl – large £289.95 Annabel James www.annabeljames.co.uk

Christmas Sequin Animal Skin Stockings £55 Jan Constantine www.janconstantine.com

FESTIVE HOME

Geo Glass Clear Gift Set Hand blown carafe with Acacia wood stopper and two tumbler glasses, great for infusing water, wine or a fruity cocktails. £32 from Root7

Crabtree & Evelyn Noel Candle Fill your home with the festive scents of the season and savour the cosy ambience.

Available in 67g £16 / 200g £42 Stag Head £40 The French Bedroom Co.

The Huxley - The Golfing Day Cushion The Huxley cushion is bold, fun and quirky. Woven and printed in England, this contemporary cushion is 100% cotton satin. £75 englana.com

Fight Me 5 Light Antler Chandelier £1095 The French Bedroom Co.

The Root 7 G & Tea set is a fun, stylish and uber-unique way to mix and serve a cocktail for two. With a spectacularly chic design it’s ideal for master mixologists and fashionista’s.

Root7.com 36

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Gin Balloon Glasses – 2 Pack Highly sophisticated large Gin Balloon Glasses that draw you back into the 1920s. Gin at the ready it’s time to enjoy your favorite concoctions. £20 from Root 7

B by Ted Baker £25

Moccis® are a hybrid of a sock and slipper in one, making them the perfect indoor footwear. They feature a soft leather sole that prevents you from slipping and falling down and are super soft and cosy, yet indestructible. Moccis are available for babies, children and adults. Prices from £25 www.moccis.co.uk

Bugsy Wool Hat A traditional styled 100% wool hat available in either grey or navy but with a contemporary twist. Finished with a golden bangle and branded with the stylish AB logo badge.

One size: With an internal drawstring cord this hat can be easily adjusted. £65 Annabel Brocks

British Bloom Gardening Gloves £14.95 Annabel James www.annabeljames.co.uk

Bailey Scarf Woven and printed in England and handstitched by Englana, this scarf features stories inspired by the English countryside.

FOR HER

RADLEY LONDON Dog’s Trust Collection Dogs Trust – Medium Crossbody Zip Top Bag in Dove Grey £69 radley.co.uk

£100 englana.com

Mulberry Harlow Glittered Satchel £1,195 Available in Black or Gold Exclusive to Selfridges

Pyjama Top £24 B by Ted Baker Pyjama Bottoms £26 B by Ted Baker GHD Gold Styler – Glacial Blue £139 Harvey Nichols

British City Slim Umbrella – Grey & Burgundy Heating & Plumbing London www.heating-and-plumbing.com

Adore Two-Tone Swarovski Interlocking Ring Necklace Product code: 1075179 £59 Available online only ernestjones.co.uk

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Faux Fur Chain Bag £89 Louison d'Or | Available at louisondor.com

Leopard Frill-Trimmed Wrap Dress £60 Libby Loves Available at Fuzzy Goose, Cheadle Hulme fuzzygooseboutique.com

Snakeskin Strappy Sandal £22 V by Very

Into the Animal print is everywhere this season, so take a walk on the wild side with these roar-some prints

By Emily Fitzgibbons

Pointy Leopard Boots £130 Selected Femme | Available at kjole, Didsbury kjole.co.uk

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Multi Zebra Print O-Ring Slinky Dress £42 Warehouse | Available at Next December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Leopard Print Tie-Neck Blouse £36 Laura Ashley

kjole’s guide on how to survive Christmas outfit stress Work party - It's hard to strike the right balance for a work party – you want to look good but not too sexy…

With lace sleeves and neck this is both cool and elegant. This jumpsuit is also mega flattering as it only joins at the front and the back covers the bum Gizela jumpsuit by mbyM £119.95

Fringed dress with long sleeves in a very soft luxe fabric. Wear with ankle boots or high pumps. Accessories optional!

Nixa tassle dress by Part 2 £149

This look is too cool for school and very glam too. Wear the trousers with a blazer if this look is too much for you.

Sequin top by Kirei £125 Nestor Pants by Part Two £89

Zebra is the new leopard, we love it!

Stand out from the crowd with this uber cool dress.

Siwra dress by Geztuz £150

Christmas Eve / Christmas Day – we want to look nice, but let's be honest, we need to be able to eat.

Here’s our pick of gorgeous outfits that are forgiving even if you have more than a little gorge…

This gem of a dress epitomises Christmas for us. The colour is a deep emerald green and the top bags over and is very forgiving though its hard to tell from the pic! You have to try this one.

Bibi emerald knit dress by mbyM £119

A lace dress with a cool edge that stops it from feeling too try hard. It is feminine without being too fitted. Wear with ankle boots. Accessories optional!

Lace dress by Coster Copenhagen £129

A relaxed jumper dress in a lovely shade of caramel that suits most skin tones.

We’ve tried it and can confirm that no big knickers are required and the shape can hide a big meal!

Ena Caramel dress by Selected Femme £70

Bear with us on this one – this skirt is super fabulous and can be worn with a chunky jumper and trainers for a day time look or with a fine knit and heels for a more dressed up look. The elasticated waist makes it an easy wear.

Winifred skirt by mbyM £89

Day time walks, family visits, etc. – we need comfort after all that running around and socialising!

But that doesn’t have to mean compromising on style

Indira relaxed fit jeans £89 Melis Floral blouse £89 Nena trainers £109

Keiza Boiler suit £109 Nena Pixel trainers £109

We offer personal styling and you can also come in to store and create a wish list for your loved ones to buy from over Christmas.

Love kjole x

Leonida jumper £89 Shadi jeans with frayed hem £69 Nena trainers £109

Kimberly luxe joggers £79 Nangelica jumper £79 Nena trainers £109 Leather jacket £190

kjole, 6 Albert Hill Street (opposite the post office), Didsbury M20 6RF www.kjole.co.uk | www.instagram.com/kjole_boutique_ www.facebook.com/kjoleboutique

Si Belle

®

FUNKY, FEMININE & VERSATILE

COLLECTIONS INCLUDE: Temperley London Roland Mouret Elie Tahari Tory Burch Milly Blumarine Blugirl Twinset Melissa Odabash Edward Achour Paris Max et Moi Marc Cain D.Exterior Sportmax Nicole Miller Paul Smith Chiara Boni Hale Bob AND MORE

Si Belle 50A High Street, TARPORLEY, Cheshire CW6 0AG 01829 733 251 info@sibelle.co.uk

®

Si Belle

®

Visit www.sibelle.co.uk and sign up for blogs, news, and offers.

Like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/si.belle.tarporley to receive updates and titbits.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am-17:30pm Evenings and Sundays by appointment.

Please see our Facebook page or website for our Christmas and New Year opening hours.

Vest slip dress (with hidden bra shelf and adjustable straps) £85

Knickers £15

Multi-tasking

Vest (with hidden bra shelf and adjustable straps) £45 Knickers £15

performance wear Are you looking for luxurious, hard-working and flexible clothing that can take you anywhere?

Esteem – No Pause has the answer

PJ / Palazzo Pants are available in 4 colours £70

Originally designed as menopause clothing, we now have a dedicated customer base spanning all ages that appreciates our luxurious, Italian fabric, British design and manufacture, technical high-performance fabric, which alleviates the discomfort of excessive perspiration whatever the cause, be it hormones, medication, illness, humidity or exercise*.

The majority of the clothing can be worn as lingerie, daywear, nightwear, loungewear and exercise wear. It rolls up neatly into your luggage, washes well (even in the shower if need be) and dries swiftly.

Strangest place worn? I wore a vest and PJ/palazzo pants during a meditation in a Florida swamp one August – an incredibly steamy location and I was the driest person there!

Love Jane x Founder of Esteem – No Pause Clothing available in white, nude, fuchsia and black Sizes XS to XL *We also stock male t-shirts

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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In conversation with Thomas Campbell Bringing hope to families stuck in war and poverty

M

oss Side-born Thomas Campbell is polite, positive and, most of all, passionate about the charity he’s come to chat about.

The Bring Hope Humanitarian Foundation (BHHF) is a self-funded charity that helps save lives, alleviates suffering and gives vulnerable groups, such as refugees, hope for the future. BHHF has provided humanitarian aid since 2015.

By Emily Fitzgibbons

“I first got involved with the charity after moving back to the UK from overseas,” says Thomas. “I was mining in Dubai and Rwanda, but the market turned with the failing economy. I’d already heard about BHHF from my friend Johan from Vienna.”

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Thomas, who now resides in Wilmslow, had already been buying goods and sending them to charities in Africa off his own back, when he was approached by Johan and Dr Mariwan Baker, founder of BHHF, to get involved.

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

“I spoke to Dr Baker on the Wednesday and by Monday, we were on our way.”

But the trip almost never happened.

“Our flights were cancelled, as we’d just started bombing Mosul. Obviously, that made me a bit unsure, but Dr. Baker told me it was my decision what to do.”

Thomas eventually got flights from Hamburg to Istanbul, and then to Iraq – much to his daughter’s dismay:

It was during this initial trip that he thought of what would later become the Bring Hope Football Initiative, fronted by himself and ex-Everton footballer Kevin Campbell.

“I saw kids playing football in the wasteland, wearing tatty football shirts, and I knew that’s what I could do to help. In my opinion, most wars stem from religion. Football doesn’t discriminate against that. If we can show these kids how to play together and give each other a chance, it will only bode well for the future. We’ve already built one pitch and have kit out there to build another. It’s so simple.”

“I had called my daughter initially and she said, ‘Dad, thank God you’re not going’, so she wasn’t pleased when I told her the trip was back on. She was concerned,” recalls Thomas.

Recently, BHHF took 30 people on a mission to Iraq, including Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Waring. Thomas said it was the most emotional trip he’s been on:

Remembering his first trip to Iraq, he says, “It was early October time. I expected to see tanks and soldiers but there was nothing like that.”

“I’ve known Stephanie for 22 years and she was keen to get involved. She’s been a star at raising our profile and gaining more awareness for the charity.”

bringhope.info thomas@bringhope.info info@bringhope.info 07555 545011 They visited the Yazidis camp in Iraq, where ISIS slaughtered pregnant and older women and over 400 men. Younger, more ‘useful’ women were captured and sold for business in the sex slave trade.

“I’m not a professional, but I assume females would be more suitable,” says Thomas. “The women may worry about opening up to a man after what they’ve been through.”

It was on this trip that Thomas spoke to Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad’s sister – a conversation he describes as harrowing and heartbreaking:

The BHHF is the biggest organisation in the UK supplying on-theground medical distribution and treatment to families in poverty across the globe. They’ve helped distribute 2.5m treatments and provide over 1.5m medicines to refugees to date. Originally, the BHHF was Sweden and Kurdistan-based only, headed up by COO Peshrawe Baker Hussein, Vice chairman David Lazowski, who works tirelessly to help the most needed around the world, and Dr Baker, whose ability to build a unique team has allowed the charity to expand to Lesotho and Dubai (managed by Nicholas Paillart). The charity is also registered in the UK, which gives it much needed credibility.

“She told me the story of how she was sold as a sex slave five times and gifted once. She escaped but was brought back by the people who found her. Thankfully, she managed to escape again. The problem these women face is that very often, they become pregnant and have children through rape, so their families and communities won’t take them back.

It’s barbaric and speaking to her will never leave my mind. She was still warm and loving after all that.”

The BHHF is launching a UK campaign and are asking professional female therapists with a particular understanding of trauma and experience of dealing with domestic violence or rape to get in touch, with a view to becoming part of a healing programme.

On 10th November 2018, Thomas and friend Fiona hosted a charity ball at The Principal Manchester for BHHF and Cystic Fibrosis Trust, in honour of Fiona’s son, who suffers with the life-limiting, incurable illness.

Thomas concludes: “It’s so important to help people at home as well as abroad.”

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Page 26-49_Dec Jan 19 27/11/2018 17:19 Page 19

Protecting you, your home and business 24/7 When you chat to Paul Hughes, the founder of Benchmark Security Group, you realise how far the more experienced companies in the security industry have come recently

At Benchmark, for instance, they have a mission to ensure that you feel safe and secure in your own home or business. Just because you live in a pleasant area with highworth properties, it shouldn’t make you more of a target, but it is an unfortunate fact, particularly once the nights draw in, that criminals become more active.

It’s at times like this that you should look to the most qualified security specialists in the region.

“Once the clocks go back,” says Paul, “burglaries statistically rise by 25%. Using a series of hi-tech solutions, we are reducing the risk of people across Hale Barns, Altrincham, Bowdon, Knutsford and their surrounds becoming another statistic.

By Lisa Symonds

“People rely on the police, but they are so under-resourced these days, response to break-ins, unless you’re in physical danger, is slow. Benchmark, however, are all about proactivity and the super-fast response.”

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Here’s just a selection of the solutions Benchmark can provide in addition to their continually patrolling rapid response teams.

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

CCTV monitoring Protecting your home or place of work, even if you are away isn’t a problem for Benchmark’s clever hi-tech solutions. For instance, their live CCTV monitoring, where your cameras are linked to their control centre, which is monitored 24 hours a day.

“This state-of-the-art station is permanently manned,” says Paul with enthusiasm, “if so much as a mouse stirs around your property, our cameras pick it up, your dedicated screen flashes red and a siren is sounded inside the station.

We immediately check what’s moving. If it is an intruder, an alarm will go off at your property, the intruders are warned via speakers that they’re on CCTV, that a Benchmark guard will be there in minutes, and the police are on their way.”

The service has proved a huge success; 96% of intruders leave immediately. In fact, Benchmark’s footage is regularly passed on to the local police for use catching criminals.

“People say ‘but I’ve got an alarm’,” adds Paul, “but, unfortunately, by the time that burglar alarm goes off, it’s often too late and you’ve already been burgled.”

If your property hasn’t got cameras, or they need updating, just let Benchmark know and they’ll organise everything.

The active tracker Of course, we all know that leaving your home empty isn’t ideal, but there are times when we’ve no choice. So, if you’re going to be out, Benchmark’s rapid response mobile patrol service is a cost-effective solution.

The gate at your property can be fitted with an active tracker and each time one of Benchmark’s mobile patrols checks all’s well, it scans the tracker and validates the visit.

“This is a really accessible and affordable service,” says Paul. “It can cost as little as £30 a week and the mobile patrol vehicle will pass your home up to six times a day.”

Exclusive to you With their unique SelectaDNA service, Benchmark simply coat your valuables with an invisible liquid that contains a DNA code distinctive to your address.

“When valuables are seized by the police,” explains Paul, “they’re able to recognise them instantly by reading the code via ultraviolet light and it’s surprising how often we are able to return goods to their rightful owner.”

The Benchmark team is also training to use ‘DNA spray’, a formula that’s sprayed onto an intruder. It’s harmless, the intruder can’t see it, but if they’re held by the police, an ultraviolet light will immediately link them to your break-in. This spray has been hugely successful in bringing burglars to book; even better, it can’t be washed off for up to eight weeks.

A warm welcome home When you’re arriving home, it can be unsettling, especially for women, walking up a long, dark driveway and opening the door. Put your mind at ease with Benchmark’s one-night-only ‘welcome home’ monitoring option.

For a worry-free welcome home, they can place your cameras feeds live in the monitoring station for just one evening. Similarly, if someone’s partner is away and they’re uneasy about being home alone, Benchmark can offer packages that cover just a handful of nights.

Free assessment “Everyone needs something different,” says Paul, “so please call us for a free assessment of your home or business. We’ll point out any vulnerabilities and blind spots and run through each of our services.”

Benchmark have achieved ISO 9001 standard and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has awarded them Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) accreditation.

“These accreditations mean you’re in safe hands,” smiles Paul, “and remember, we cover everything from billion-pound businesses to terraces and we’ll always search for solutions that are right for you and your budget.”

For your free risk assessment, please call

Office 0161 786 7009 24hr Control Room 0161 707 2400 or e: assist@benchmarkpa.co.uk w: www.benchmarkpa.co.uk

October/November 2018 | salutions.co.uk

45

Law is where the heart is‌ Layton’s Managing Partner Christine Barker has been practising family law for 40 years and her passion for helping people is stronger than ever.

We met up with her to talk early career ambitions, role models and Manchester bees

46

Sat inside Layton’s Manchester office, Christine Barker is a wonderful Northern blend of straight-talking practicality and down-to-earth approachability.

Last night, she attended a charity ball in aid of Child Bereavement UK and The Red Sea Pedestrians, where the former’s patron Gary Barlow gave an exclusive performance: “It was amazing,” she smiles, “but I really can’t do school nights anymore!”

And how does the Billinge-born lawyer get good results?

“I stick to my guns and believe I’m right, despite what the other side are saying,” she smiles.

Indeed, her ‘school days’ (and many evenings and weekends) are extremely busy, her family law expertise forever in demand in Manchester, London and beyond. The Legal 500 has called her “the best financial relief lawyer” in the city, but the industry wasn’t her original calling:

Christine appears unflappable, so surely she doesn’t suffer from nerves in court?

“Oh, yes!” she answers quickly. “Before I go to court, I always get nervous, even now. I think if you didn’t get nervous, you’re not doing your job properly. You can’t be blasé about it, can you? You can’t just go waltzing in; it’s people’s lives that you’re dealing with. Nerves mean you care.”

“I wanted to read history at university,” says Christine, “and I was looking at being a historian or archaeologist, but my family said, ‘those sorts of jobs are few and far between, and if you don’t secure your dream one, you’ll end up teaching.”

Christine lists confidence, determination and preparation as the keys to success in court, and we wonder if she had a personal mantra she lived by?

“Not really… (laughs) I suppose it’s JUST DO IT! Get on with it!”

She pauses and laughs, “My mum was a teacher, so I didn’t want to do that!”

Working mum Christine grew up in Golborne near Wigan before moving with her parents to Delamere in Cheshire and now lives with her husband Kevin in Altrincham. They have two children – James, aged 29, and Francesca, aged 31. When each of the children arrived, Christine took minimal time off from her job. Was it more difficult for women in law who want a family to progress?

Christine embarked on a law degree at Nottingham University, followed by a training contract in Northwich. She’s never looked back: “Regrets? None whatsoever! It was the best move.”

Images by Martin Hambleton Words by Lisa Symonds

“Getting a good result for a client – and to see them happy – is everything.”

Early inspiration During her training, Christine had worked alongside a family lawyer called Jane Brazier.

Inspired, she decided to follow in Jane’s footsteps.

“I realised I wanted to do what she was doing,” recalls Christine. “She later became a District Judge and I’ve since appeared in front of her many times until her recent retirement! I chose family law because it involves having constant contact with people and helping them. Yes, I’ve done some horrible cases in my time, in particular those relating to child care, but when you know you’re helping solve people’s problems and improve their lives, that makes it all worthwhile.

“I think it’s a lot better now, but yes, I think it is difficult for women to juggle law with being a mum,” Christine replies candidly. “If you take a year off, you get left behind, because there’s always somebody coming up behind you, isn’t there? But that’s life, isn’t it? It’s difficult and it shouldn’t be like that, but it’s the same in any industry.”

Apart from the encouragement given by Jane Brazier, she never really had a role model as such when she first started out.

Christine and Kevin Barker at their home in Altrincham

Maybe that’s why she now takes great effort to nurture others?

“Yes, I think I do take people under my wing, particularly when they first start at Laytons. I know how scary starting at a new firm can be.”

Home sweet home Christine’s life away from law is a content one. Tomorrow, her and Kevin will celebrate 39 years of marriage. How do they like to spend their free time?

“We chill out at home, take the dog for a walk in Tatton or Dunham, or browse around Altrincham Market. We love to eat out, especially locally at Piccolino, Dee Thai in Hale or the Con Club in Altrincham.

We do quite a lot of entertaining too. My husband is a qualified chef, so he does most of the cooking!”

They both relish living in Cheshire: “I can’t see myself living anywhere else.

We’ve got the best of both worlds here in Altrincham – a city environment with the countryside in striking distance.

Everything you need on your doorstep, it’s lovely.”

And what does she love most about the city she works in? “Its vibrancy… and the bees, they’re everywhere, and I just love them.”

To find out more about Laytons LLP Manchester, visit laytons.com, call 0161 214 1600 or email manchester@laytons.com Laytons LLP 22 St. John Street, Manchester M3 4EB December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Stanford Sideboard £1,199 Content by Terence Conran Available at contentbyterenceconran.com

Biblio White Table Lamp £145 Loaf Available at loaf.com

That’s All

WHITE

SOCKERÄRT White Vase £10 IKEA

White Lavender Signature Candle £20 The White Company Available at Selfridges

As dark winter evenings envelop us, bring light into your home through ice-white statement furniture and accessories

PUNCHed Box Shelf £84 Anthology Five Available at anthologyfive.com

By Emily Fitzgibbons

White Globe Table Lamp £84 Hurn & Hurn Available at hurnandhurn.com

Isabella Floor Mirror £250 Gallery Available at Next 48

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Grow your own

STYLE Dear Santa, I do hope you and Mrs Claus are keeping well and that it didn’t cost too much to get the sleigh fixed after your little bump at Muck Manor last Christmas Eve? I would never have left out that giant goblet of my elderflower wine had I realised how strong it was.

A

By Catherine Saunders. Read more at www.ladymuck.style

nyhow, I know it’s a busy time of year for you, but I thought I’d drop you a line this Christmas and tell you what good little girls we green-fingered folk have been in 2018.

We’ve weeded. We’ve watered. We’ve dug.

We’ve mown. We’ve despatched dastardly slugs and loathsome lily beetles. We’ve spent our pennies on our plants with scarcely a thought for ourselves.

In short, dear Santa, we’ve lovingly tended our pots and gardens and all we ask for this Christmas are a few thoughtful treats under the tree; but, please, no more gardening aprons, head gardeners’ baseball caps or yet more books. You see, none of us city-girls-turned-grow-yourowners have lost our sense of style nor our desire for all things pampering, so, to save you time, I’ve put together a list of treats that we would love to find in our stockings on Christmas morning.

Thanks Santa. Have a great Christmas and I think I’ll leave out a small glass of sherry this year, just to be on the safe side.

Love Lady Muck x

Festive treats for green-fingered folk A long, hot soak in the bath after working outside in the freezing cold is one of life’s real pleasures for weary gardeners, so you won’t go far wrong with luxurious bath oils and lotions as Christmas presents.

Jo Malone and Aromatherapy Associates are two of my absolute favourites.

Manicures make a great present for lady gardeners whose hands spend most of the time in the dirt, and luckily, manicure vouchers are available from most local beauty salons. Alternatively, gift sets containing beautiful, rich hand creams are sure to go down well too on Christmas morning, especially if they come from L’Occitane or Neal’s Yard.

Gardeners are out in all weathers and our lips take a real battering, so what better to get those lips looking luscious for New Year’s Eve than Dr Hauschka’s fabulous lip Balm or a lip gloss from Burt’s Bees.

Gardening vouchers might sound a bit boring but can often be a good idea, since we can then choose exactly what we want for 2019. Try your local garden centre or crocus.co.uk Last, but by no means least, always remember that we are quite partial to a glass or two of warming Manchester Gin after a few hours working outside in the cold. Purely for medicinal purposes, obviously.

Whilst we might look like Worzel Gummidge occasionally in our kitchen gardens, underneath it could be a whole different story if you treat us to some lush underwear this festive season. Stick with brilliant brands such as La Perla, Chantelle, Fantasie, Elle Macpherson or Coco de Mer, and you won’t go far wrong.

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Silver Foil Globe Decorations £15.95 Idyll Home Available at idyllhome.co.uk

Indoor Outdoor Lit Star Garland £35 Cox & Cox | Available at coxandcox.co.uk

Winter

Champagne and White Hanging Lit Star £24.50 Laura Ashley

Wonderland Prepare for the impending arrival of Christmas with the addition of fashionable festive decor

Lady Hamilton Bell-Shaped Ornament £125 Available at moser.christmas

By Emily Fitzgibbons

Rocky Ridge Lit Christmas Tree 6ft £525 by Norfolk Leisure Available at Selfridges

Christmas Pudding Pom-Pom Wreath £19.99 Wool Couture Available at woolcouturecompany.com

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December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Botanical Christmas Robin Snow Globe £16.50 Hurn & Hurn Available at hurnandhurn.com

Our exclusive handmade French Oak in Plank, Herringbone or Chevron Parquet.

Save up to £35m2 this December and January with promotional code HMFO35.

Visit our new Greater Manchester showroom at Hammond Trade Centre, Stockport SK4 1PQ. The New & Reclaimed Flooring Company

reclaimedflooringco.com | 020 7250 1108 | sales@reclaimedflooringco.com.

So Sardinia Gallura in North Sardinia, famous worldwide for its white sand beaches and azure waters, offers holidaymakers over 300 days of sun each year, and the rays are guaranteed from May to September Believed to hold the secret to longevity, with the world’s highest concentration of centenarians, Sardinia is one of the only Blue Zones in Europe, meaning it’s the perfect destination for tourists seeking the elixir of life.

STAY If you love luxury, choose from one of the eight 4* and 5* destinations that Delphina Hotels & Resorts offers. Based in Gallura,

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the family-run properties provide unique and unspoilt locations for an authentic Sardinian holiday. What’s more, if you’re committed to the environment, in 2017, Delphina Hotels & Resorts were the first Italian hotel chain to use 100% certified green energy.

Delphina Hotels & Resorts has a full activity programme available across its destinations. From full day excursions on the ancient sailing boat Pulcinella

(Delphina owns seven prestigious boats in total) to golf, hiking, horseback riding, tennis, football and windsurfing lessons, there’s something for all types of holidaymaker.

Delphina specialises in family holidays with a rich variety of services and dedicated offers. Among the most appreciated services are the baby room and free nursery, where mothers can find everything they need for children.

5* CaPO D’ORSO

5* VaLLe DeLL’eRICa

5* MaRIneDDa HOTeL

Found in the prestigious Cala Capra park and overlooking the bay of the same name, this unique hotel is located in a completely unspoilt corner of Sardinia. If it’s a holiday filled with romance you’re after, the hotel is nestled in one of the most intimate locations on the island, set amidst wild olive and juniper trees in a private park and flanked by wonderful coves. The enchanting sandy beaches of Cala Capra and Cala Selvaggia beckon, and the clear, sun-dappled sea is just a stone’s throw away.

Nominated by Trivago as the Best Beachfront Hotel in Sardinia, no finer European hideaway can be found than the Resort Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & SPA. Surrounded by the Corsica and La Maddalena islands, and 12km from Santa Teresa Gallura, the resort couldn’t be situated more superbly.

Valle dell’Erica is also close to an idyllic 1,400m white stretch of sparkling coastline and private bays and is set in 28 hectares of beautifully scented shrubland, making it a truly natural oasis and a popular choice for couples and honeymooners.

Families are warmly welcomed too, and the Mini Club Ericaland is well-equipped, modern and spacious and includes a nursery and secure indoor and outdoor play areas. The perfect spot for little ones – everything is thought of so parents don’t have to.

Located in North-West Sardinia, the beautifully tranquil Marinedda Hotel is the first 5* hotel in Alghero and Santa Teresa Gallura. The area is known as the Costa Rossa due to the naturally pink landscape. In an enviable location, the hotel overlooks stunning sandy bays and azure waters, and will astonish even the most experienced traveller with its pink granite rocks, turquoise coast, and Mediterranean Maquis-perfumed air.

86 fully equipped bedrooms are on offer, including the choice of elegant Junior Suites and a Presidential Suite with sea view.

Each room is styled to be traditionally Sardinian, complete with private veranda.

At the impressive L’Incantu Thalasso Centre & SPA, guests can indulge in seawater pools, specialist massages (some are even performed outside in the Mediterranean gardens) and beauty treatments. Capo d’Orso has an open-air gym, golf course, helipad, inflatable boat rental and a range of sports equipment.

This hotel is charming and elegant and boasts flawlessly fresh food and attentive service – romantic retreat here we come.

The resort is home to 271 bedrooms and suites (split into Hotel La Licciola and Hotel Erica), four swimming pools, the prestigious Thalasso & SPA Centre, seven restaurants and five bars, so it’s safe to say the choice is vast. Guests can also enjoy excursions directly from the resort to La Maddalena and Southern Corsica.

Panoramic views from luxurious rooms, coupled with a warm atmosphere, make this the ideal choice for those seeking plush sanctuary.

195 suites and bedrooms are available for guests to enjoy, decorated by expert local craftsmen and finished with chestnut beams and local stone. The brand-new beach bar, panoramic helicopter transfers and the Elicriso Thalasso Centre & SPA – complete with hammam (steam bath and massage), gym, saunas and treatments – offer guests true indulgence. For something more rustic, the authentic, unspoilt fishing village of Isola Rossa is nearby and is ideal ground for walking enthusiasts.

Marinedda is a relaxing haven for singles, couples and families alike. exPLORe Brush up on your Italian in one of Gallura’s main towns: Olbia, La Maddalena, Arzachena or Tempio Pausania, or visit the glittering Costa Smeralda and rub shoulders with the rich and famous – A-listers Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow are known to frequent!

delphinahotels.co.uk | info@delphina.it Like on Facebook: Delphina Hotels Resorts Sardegna Follow on Twitter: @DelphinaHotels Follow on Instagram: @delphinahotels

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Staffordshire’s five-star country retreat

Moddershall Oaks can be found nestled in the heart of the stunning Staffordshire countryside, just under a 90-minute drive from Manchester and its surrounding areas.

The rolling green hills upon arrival are an instant escape from city life.

In the reception, the feeling of relaxation continues; diffusers and candles are lit, and friendly staff are on hand to offer a welcome drink, give a guided tour, and encourage guests to wander the spa, hotel, deli, restaurant and even the outdoors, fully robed, for maximum comfort and a home-away-from-home feeling.

By Emily Fitzgibbons

The Spa Towel in hand and swimsuited up, guests are offered unlimited access to the spa facilities, including before and after treatments, and even after you’ve checked out at 11am, you can still visit until 5.30pm. The new outdoor spa area includes a heated 25sqm vitality pool and kelo sauna, both overlooking the idyllic hillside – perfect on a sunny day. The indoor spa area includes a swimming pool, steam room, hydrotherapy pool, heated tile loungers, experience shower and reflexology footbaths. There’s also a gym and comfy relaxation lounge – ideal for napping or settling down with a good book.

The Elemis Targeted Toning Tightener treatment (priced at £50 for one area, £80 for two areas or £120 for three) is said to tighten, tone and reduce the look of cellulite after just one go, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted (we won’t mention the paper pants). The powerful massage is, at times,

uncomfortable and the detoxifying clay mask is positively freezing, but the results are undeniable. We left with thighs and stomachs that felt trimmer and lighter, and got complimented on it too! For something more relaxing, opt for the Indian Head Massage (£40 for 20 minutes), which is proven to help with headaches, sleep problems, sinus congestion and stress, or if you don’t have sensitive skin (the machine proved to be quite rough), try the Elemis BIOTEC Skin Solutions Facial, which improves dullness and oiliness for an all-round healthier complexion (£40 for 25 mins or £75 for 55 mins).

The Restaurant The award-winning restaurant boasts a beautiful lakeside view and, come night-time, it is illuminated by twinkly fairy lights. Inside, authentic wooden beams and candle-lit tables give the room a cosy chalet vibe, perfect for the intimate space.

We started with light and fresh Green Pea Velouté and creamy Chicken Liver Parfait with crunchy date and almond biscotti, followed by juicy Chicken Supreme with pea, parsley and parmesan risotto and braised fennel, and Sirloin Steak accompanied by mushroom-stuffed beef tomato, parmesan crumble, paprika

chips, red wine sauce and roasted broccoli florets. Both mains were utterly delicious, but so filling we couldn’t manage a dessert!

We were back in the restaurant the morning after with a clear view over the glorious lake and fuelled up on smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and a vegetarian breakfast.

The Stay We stayed in one of the modern luxury suites (available with twin or double beds), complete with en suite bathroom (plus complimentary toiletries), TV and decked outdoor seating area. There’s also exclusive use of a shared hot tub, which we took full advantage of – heaven!

Whether it’s being active by taking a picturesque woodland walk, playing a spot of tennis on the court at the edge of tranquil woodlands, enjoying a ride through the village of Moddershall using the complimentary cycling equipment, or you simply want to unwind and recharge in the spa, Moddershall is truly a hidden gem. There’s no phone signal, so ideal for people who want to completely disconnect (but don’t worry if not, the Wi-Fi is second to none!).

Melt your stresses away at Moddershall Oaks.

Country Spa Retreat, Moddershall, Stone ST15 8TG 01782 399000 | enquires@moddershalloaks.com 56

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Lake District Romance

The Cumbrian Lake District has much to boast about – striking scenery, cosy country pubs and peaceful retreats for couples looking for a romantic escape. Jill Nash takes a trip to Keswick to explore the top spots in the UK’s most popular national park.

SLeeP Every year, 15 million people pitch up to explore the region’s picture postcard hilltops and quaint villages, and it’s not hard to see why. Only two-hours’ drive from Manchester, you’ll find yourself in scenic heaven and sublime nature, where you can easily retreat from the rushes of working life, and outside the busy summer holidays, you can easily find an excellent choice of cosy boutique hotels, romantic inns or a luxury spa hotel for a spontaneous weekend away.

Leathes Head Hotel is a peaceful retreat in the heart of unspoilt Borrowdale Valley, just four miles from Keswick. It recently won Cumbria Tourism Award’s Small Hotel of the Year, and rightfully so. An Edwardian country house, decoratively faced with Cumbrian slate frontage, set in 2.5 acres of lush grounds (perfect for a pre-dinner drink) and surrounded meandering rivers and views of the fells. There’s a very homely welcoming feel without fuss and frills, and a crackling fireplace and grand entrance hall (with no formal reception) makes you feel like it’s your own private residence.

The hotel has recently been elegantly redesigned. 11 sumptuous rooms, all contemporary in design, boast soft carpets, newly fitted smart bathrooms and, best of all, large sash windows with the stunning views. Notably, the rooms have decent coffee and tea-making facilities and homemade biscuits.

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The two AA Rosette restaurant is a smart country dining affair; start with some canapés in the main lounge before browsing the four-course menu – a collection of locally sourced produce with a modern twist. The plates aren’t portion piled, so you won’t be left feeling overly full.

Children aren’t allowed at the hotel, so the experience of staying here is very much a grown-up experience. The hotel does offer romantic break packages and weddings too, and room rates start from £160 per night, including dinner and breakfast, leatheshead.co.uk DRInk & DIne The Lake District is fast gaining a reputation as a food lover’s must-visit destination, with many locally produced items hitting the national and global stage, such as Cumberland Sausage, Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding, Kendal Mint Cake and the incredible variety of locally brewed ales.

You can easily spend an entire weekend eating around the many award-winning pubs and Michelin-starred restaurants and experiencing the very best in local Cumbrian produce.

For a completely out of the way experience, try dining at Cottage In The Wood, located ten minutes from Keswick. It’s a modernised coaching inn situated in England’s only mountain forest and, thanks to its conservatory dining, it feels like its

embedded in the mountains, ferns and streams. The meticulous attention to detail will amaze you; from the precisely decorated dining plates to the genuine welcoming service (and a constantly topped-up wine glass). The owners Kath and Liam Berney have lovingly steered Cottage In The Wood to success, giving up their careers in education to pursue the dream in hospitality, and it shows. The three AA Rosette-winning cooking puts this place on a par with other Lakeland foodie haunts like Hipping Hall and Gilpin Hotel but with less formality.

British dishes are carefully considered, offering combinations to intrigue the taste buds – crab with ice-cream! – and have a real sense of place, such as Cumbrian Herdwick Hogget with foraged mushrooms.

Three courses cost £45 or a six-course tasting menu will set you back £65, either way, this place is not to be missed, thecottageinthewood.co.uk Once night-time falls, head back to Leathes Head hotel to enjoy the impressive selection of wines, gins and whiskies. The Graphite Bar has been designed and crafted by local artisans, using Cumbrian oak for the cabinets and Kirkstone slate for the fivemetres bar top, the latter etched with the contour lines of the surrounding lakes and fells. You can sit and be served into the early hours, then retire to your room, leatheshead.co.uk/graphite-bar

exPLORe The Lake District is one of the most beautiful corners of England and is famous for having seduced the talents of romantic poet William Wordsworth and children’s author Beatrix Potter. The 885-square-mile national park is strewn with great lakes and offers plenty of outdoor adventures, culture and heritage.

There are lovely walks in the area directly from the Leathes Head Hotel and around Derwentwater, also known as ‘Queen of the Lakes’, thanks to the way it's cradled by the surrounding fells). The gentle 10-mile lakeshore circular path takes you from Keswick's foreshore to secluded headlands off the beaten path, with plenty of cafes and pubs to stop at for refreshments, and boat and bus links to save any weary legs. More info can be found at nationaltrust.org.uk/borrowdale-andderwent-water/features/derwent-waterin-borrowdale

Nearby Keswick is a delightful market town with many independent shops, cafes and restaurants – also described as one of the county’s most ‘dog-friendly’ towns. You can rent a rowing boat, take a 40-minute cruise around the lake or check out the very popular Theatre by the Lake, which has an impressive programme of plays, music and comedy nights, theatrebythelake.com Explore Whinlatter Forest, England's only true mountain forest, by starting at the visitor centre. The Bassenthwaite ospreys can be seen live from their nest on the giant screen in the exhibition or in their natural environment from the Dodd Wood open air viewpoint (April to August).

For an adrenaline rush, head to England’s last working slate mine, Honister, to try the Via Ferrata climb or the Infinity Bridge.

For a for a less adventurous pursuit, take the new multimedia mine tour, which brings

the mine’s history brilliantly to life, honister.com Afternoon tea lovers will enjoy the Lingholm Estate Kitchen and Walled Garden.

The walled garden sits on the same spot as the old Lingholm kitchen gardens, which Beatrix Potter credited as her original inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Within the garden is a gallery dedicated to the work of Potter created in the Derwentwater area, much of it completed whilst she stayed at Lingholm.

Entry to the garden and the gallery is free and the cafe is open from 9am until 5pm daily, or dusk in winter, visit thelingholmestate.co.uk/the-estate/kitchenwalled-garden

For more information on the region, visit golakes.co.uk

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One of the North’s youngest tennis directors – Jonny Kinsella

years old and super cool, the Tennis Director of Didsbury’s Northern Lawn Tennis Club, Jonny Kinsella, has two priorities – tennis and the success of his 137-year-old ‘alma mater’. This talented Worsley lad joined the Northern at eleven, left at eighteen for an aspirational Arizona State University Athletics Scholarship and remained US-based till 2009. Ranked 860th worldwide, Jonny played professionally from 2007 to 2009 before returning for a Loughborough University masters degree.

A deskbound job in law reassured Jonny his calling was definitely in tennis! At the 1,300-member Northern since September, Jonny manages six full and part-timers, who coach under-18 juniors and adults on three indoor and eighteen outdoor courts.

We caught up with Jonny…

By Fay Wertheimer Images by Mike Browne

What are your plans?

January marks a fresh, energising start for us. We were always a performance and social club with a strong tradition.

The Northern was instrumental in my own journey, helping me travel the world and appreciate different cultures and friendships. Here, I learned to interact with older, adult players, who in turn assisted my growth. It wasn’t just about popping in for an hour’s lesson.

It was about making connections and helping people out. The young and the old mixed socially. We benefitted from our relationships and considered we were part of Didsbury. I want to restore that sense of community, that cohesive whole I experienced – to recapture that involvement and move it forward.

What is The Northern’s significance?

The Fuzion 100 Manchester Trophy is our 100K pre-Wimbledon event, attracting girls who the next week play at Wimbledon itself. Naomi Broady, who’s in the world’s top 200, trains here. I believe The Northern’s big enough to accommodate most of Manchester’s tennis activities and should love us to do so.

What are your views on talent?

You’re so laidback!

If you see me on court, pitting my wits against my opponent with no-one else to rely on, believe me, I’m ruthless.

The adrenalin of winning is wonderful.

Losing really hurts. But after 15 minutes of desolation, you recover and find a new determination to improve. When that sense of loss goes, you might as well stop playing. I had to learn control. I‘d throw rackets. My family and teachers scolded me. Eventually, I acquired the self-discipline I apply all the time. Yes, tennis offers far more than mere sport – it’s an education.

With dynamic Jonny Kinsella, one of the Lawn Tennis Association’s youngest tennis directors in charge, The Northern Lawn Tennis Club is going places – watch this space!

Tennis is about resilience and commitment.

Coaching’s not talent-spotting but developing ability, adapting technique to each pupil and stimulating interest in the game. The players, not the coaches, decide the goals. To me, a good player simply wants to play the sport. The backbone of the tennis world isn’t the professional but the amateur, the participant who keeps the game going.

Tel: 0161 445 3093 | Email: membership@thenorthern.co.uk thenorthern.co.uk | Palatine Road, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 3YA 60

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

A Warm Welcome Awaits You at Sunrise At Sunrise, we are devoted to building care that best suits residents’ needs, and we always go that extra mile to give you the tools needed to make the best choice for you or your loved one. Offering residential and dementia care we’ve got something for everyone.

The support that we provide to future residents and the quality of life on offer for those already living in our Community, sets us apart from the rest.

Call 0161 509 6122 to book your tour

Sunrise of Hale Barns 295 Hale Road, Hale Barns, Altrincham WA15 8SN SunriseHaleBarns.co.uk

18 October 2018

With our beautiful home-like interior and picturesque landscaped gardens, delivering exceptional care is our number one priority.

All our food is cooked by award-winning chefs using fresh, tasty and nutritious ingredients to create residents’ favourite meals.

Encouraging independence and nurturing spirit is at the forefront of everything we do, and there is something for everyone.

HALE BARNS

TRANQUIL TMS If you have ever encountered depression or anxiety, you will know regaining your emotional strength can take some time. You should also know that you’re not alone, because one person in five in the UK experiences one or both conditions. Above all, you can rest assured that in the care of proficient, sympathetic professionals, you have every chance of recovery

“

It’s like someone brushing the brain gently

By Fay Wertheimer Images by Martin Hambleton

Traditional treatments may entail medication, talking therapies or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. However, last February, up here in the North West, a new light appeared at the end of the tunnel.

Senior consultant psychiatrist Dr Nikhila Deshpande opened the Tranquil TMS clinic in Cheadle, introducing a tried, tested, non-invasive and time-saving therapy she first heard about ten years ago and kept in mind.

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Presently available in only four NHS trusts, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation – or rTMS – was developed in 1985 in Sheffield by Professor Anthony Barker and uses a magnet to target and stimulate specific areas of your brain. There’s no anaesthetic and few known side-effects. Proven successful for the treatment of depression, anxiety and indeed other conditions too, rTMS will not disrupt your routine but enable you, within weeks, to resume your normal way of life. In fact, you can drive yourself to and from the clinic.

Founder-director Dr Deshpande says, “I care deeply for my patients. I believe in this treatment because I have seen its results and its positive impact upon patients, carers and families.

Hearing someone state, ‘This is the first time my mind is clear’ was unforgettable. You see, rTMS is another arm to treat someone already on medication, someone unresponsive to other therapies

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Patients’ comments

”

or someone averse to anti-depressants and their side-effects. It may also prevent a patient descending into severe depression.

But, I must add, if you have schizophrenia, psychosis or epilepsy, rTMS is not for you.”

So, what actually happens? Firstly, you can refer yourself to Tranquil TMS or be referred via your GP for an in-depth, two and half hour consultation with Dr Deshpande or her co-director, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Babu Nayar.

Dr Nayar explains,“To evaluate if our treatment is right for you, we need to know your psychiatric history, diagnoses, medications and any therapies and healthcare professionals previously involved. If we’re sure rTMS is appropriate, we take you through the process and procedure, decide how often you need to attend, and have you meet the team. Then, you decide.”

It’s important you are comfortable. Tranquil TMS’s psychiatric nurses settle you into a recliner and place an H-shaped magnetic coil, firmly secured onto a disposable swimming-style cap, on your head. The coil relays magnetic pulses to your brain, targeting under-performing areas related to depression, anxiety or both.

The aim is to stimulate your brain cells, so their functioning improves.

“

It’s as if someone is pouring milk on the acid Patients’ comments

The Tranquil TMS course comprises four to six weeks of five weekday sessions, each lasting up to 45 minutes. Obviously, recovery is entirely individual but the hallmark of rTMS is its immediacy.

Dr Nayar recalls, “For one lady, our treatment succeeded so quickly, she was back at work long before completing our course. In fact, squeezing in her remaining sessions was quite a struggle!”

When treating depression, the magnet lies to the left of your head, for anxiety it’s to the right. For both conditions, the magnet covers both areas. Meanwhile, you can simply chat, chill, listen to music or doze off as the magnet-coil pulsates, tapping gently onto your head. Should you experience any abreaction, treatment is immediately stopped.

Lesser known here but used in the USA since 2008 and now in Europe, Scandinavia and Asia, rTMS gained FDA authorisation in 2008, NICE approval in 2015 and in 2017 was endorsed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Treatment is covered by some health insurance companies.

Compassionate and dedicated to their profession, Drs Deshpande and Nayar topped up their 40 years’ joint experience in over-18s’ mental health with specialist rTMS training. Clinical TMS Society member Nikhila concludes, “In medical science, there are no 100% guarantees.

But, I’d love to see greater use of rTMS for depression and anxiety, as it would benefit patients, carers, employers and families.

Emotionally, financially, communally and time-wise, it’s an all-round cost-cutter and, above all else, will help you recoup your mental health.”

”

rTMS is effective for: l Bipolar disorder l Depression l Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) l Post-natal depression l Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) l Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) l Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

rTMS may also relieve: l Depression in fibromyalgia l Depression in cancer l Depression in chronic pain

Tranquil TMS, 5300 Lakeside, Cheadle Royal Business Park, Cheadle, Stockport SK8 3GP Consultation rooms at Kenmore Medical Centre, 60-62 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, SK9 1PA Call: 0800 246 1412 | Email: info@tranquiltms.co.uk December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Spire Manchester Hospital is the first facility in the North West of England to introduce advanced technology that will transform the way hip and knee replacement surgery is carried out.

The Mako robot offers the best of both worlds – the control of a highly skilled and experienced consultant coupled with robot technology, which enables the consultant to achieve the optimum degree of accuracy.

Specialist Consultants • Professor Max Fehily • Professor Sanjiv Jari • Mr Jeremy Jarratt • Mr Winston Kim • Mr Andrew Lavender • Mr Alun Wall

1 2

3

Compared to traditional surgery, Mako robot-assisted surgery has been proven to: • Significantly reduce pain after surgery1

• Allow a faster recovery in early knee movement2 • Perform joint replacement surgery with 2–3 times the accuracy3

For more information, please call or visit

0161 447 6700

spiremanchester.com

Accuracy of UKA Implant Positioning and Early Clinical Outcomes in a RCT Comparing Robotic Assisted and Manual Surgery. Blyth MJ; Jones B; MacLean A; Anthony I; Rowe P; 13th Annual CAOS Meeting, June 12-15, 2013, Orlando, FL, USA Kayani, Konan, Tahmessabi, Pietrzak, Haddad. Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:930–7. Robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with improved early functional recovery and reduced time to hospital discharge compared with conventional jig-based total knee arthroplasty Bell SW, Anthony I, Jones B, MacLean A, Rowe P, Blyth M. Improved Accuracy of Component Positioning with Robotic-Assisted Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2016 Apr 20;98(8):627-35

Spire Manchester Hospital, 170 Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2AF

StReSS aND feRtiLity

Professor Luciano Nardo Clinical Director at Reproductive Health Group explains the link between them both Low mood, stress and anxiety can have a counterproductive effect on fertility treatment. Studies show that stress, anxiety and depression have significant effects on energy, mood, interests and self-esteem – all of which may contribute to decreased reproductive efficiency.

If you have been trying to conceive for a while, you will be aware of the effect a negative pregnancy result can have on your mood, and vice versa.

Maintaining a healthy state of mind will benefit your overall wellbeing, improve your reproductive health and increase the chances of fertility treatment producing a positive outcome.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle Knowing what you can do to help yourself is a big part of keeping a healthy state of mind. Although there are no sure-fire preventative tips to guarantee you don’t suffer from depression, anxiety or stress during your fertility journey, the same best practice advice applies in fertility as it would in any other context.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during your fertility treatment is incredibly important for sustaining and improving your state of mind. Prioritise a good sleep pattern, make sure that you’re getting at least minor physical exercise (preferably outdoors) and try to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. acknowledge your feelings and emotions Feelings of inadequacy, blame, disappointment, shame and a host of other emotions are not unheard of when a couple or individual fails to conceive.

Making room to acknowledge these feelings, individually or within your couple, makes you and your partner aware of your own and each other’s emotional state. This will allow you to come to terms with your emotions, support each other and move forwards.

Supporting each other also avoids the possibility of distance between you both, which can lead to feelings of isolation.

Knowing what to expect when you are trying to conceive is also incredibly important for helping you manage your expectations and protect your state of mind. Taking time out to mentally prepare yourself before and during your fertility journey will give your body a break and the treatment a chance to perform at its best.

Be aware of the potential challenges Knowing that female fertility begins declining in the early 30’s and drops markedly after the age of 40 means you will be more aware of the various complications, outcomes and options available if your attempts at trying to conceive are unsuccessful.

Understanding that the success rate of fertility treatments can be low for women over 40 and recognising that results can vary from person to person will help prepare you mentally for any potential complications or setbacks. Recognising this from the outset will help you maintain a healthy state of mind during IVF, IUI or any of the other fertility treatments available.

Find out more by visiting reproductivehealthgroup.co.uk, calling 01925 202 180 or emailing us at info@reproductivehealthgroup.co.uk

RHG Reproductive Health Group

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Private GP Service Rapid access to an expert opinion at a time convenient to you

Oering a range of appointments for both adults and children at Spire Manchester Hospital, Didsbury and at their clinic in Hale.

Book an appointment by calling 0161 447 6700 or go online at spiregp.spirehealthcare.com Spire Manchester Hospital 170 Barlow Moor Road Didsbury Manchester M20 2AF

Spire Manchester Clinic Hale 159 Ashley Road Hale Cheshire WA15 9SF

Ski Injuries Dilemma Your active participation in a welldeserved ski holiday has come to a dramatic end thanks to an injury.

You are transported off the mountain by a trained paramedic and taken to an urgent care facility*.

Your injuries are assessed, and you are given the worst possible news – you will need intervention for your injury.

At this time, you will feel very vulnerable and somewhat out of control but need to take stock of the situation and make an informed decision as to whether you have treatment abroad or delay it until you arrive back in the UK. We hope to give you a few pointers should this scenario arise and provide you with the OrthTeam on-call telephone number if you need advice before making decisions about what to do next.

Dislocations This is when a joint comes apart and is extremely painful. The most common ski dislocation is in the shoulder. This requires immediate reduction of the dislocation at the urgent care facility abroad, however, any definitive treatment thereafter can often wait.

Fractures

Spinal and head injuries

Open fractures are where the bone communicates with the skin through a wound. These require urgent attention abroad.

Severe spinal and head injuries often require specialist assessment abroad. We do recommend wearing a helmet, and in children, consider a spinal support. These may prevent head and spinal injuries from colliding into a solid object, such as a tree, and can also offer protection from being hit by another out-of-control skier.

Closed fractures, however, can often wait. Sometimes, if the bone is very severely displaced and out of position, it can be improved by a manipulation under local anaesthetic abroad and placed in a plaster back slab to maintain a reasonable position. Definitive treatment can then be planned back in the UK.

Ligament injuries Almost all ligament injuries can wait until you arrive back in the UK but we recommend you are assessed urgently by a specialist on your return. The most common ligament injuries that occur on the slopes are to the knee and the thumb; indeed, ‘Skier’s thumb’ is one of the most common ligament injuries we see in the winter months.

Checklist

Passport 4 Ski insurance 4 Helmet 4 Paracetamol 4 OrthTeam on-c all number stored in your phone

07732 247 24 7

*We would recommend taking out additional insurance to allow immediate and safe transportation off the mountain by trained personnel.

OrthTeam Centre at Spire Manchester Hospital

0161 447 6888 www.orthteam.com www.spiremanchester.com

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Life after football

But it wasn’t just Jermaine’s needing to take a daily power nap that inspired Supernova.

“We’re looking to life after football,” admits Laura. “There’s been increasing awareness of mental health issues in retired footballers – one in three develops clinical depression and 60% of marriages break up. These statistics are unbelievable, and we’ve seen it first hand with friends.”

“After football,” adds Jermaine, “it’s like, ‘what do I do next?’”

“There isn’t enough support for these guys,” adds Laura, “everyone thinks – you’ve got (or had) your dream job and you have all this money, you should be happy.”

Laura and Jermaine Beckford –

a SUPeRNOVa COUPLe Yin and yang – that’s how Jermaine and Laura Beckford affectionately describe themselves. Jermaine is exceedingly laidback, Laura is incredibly driven. On paper, the fact they’ve recently launched their own business together – Supernova – shouldn’t work, but it does, and wonderfully so.

Getting them in the same room together has proven difficult. Jermaine’s forever busy playing for Bury FC and Laura owns Ology Kids Casting, a specialist children’s casting and modelling agency. They’re funny, enthusiastic and ready to reveal the inspiration behind their company…

By Lisa Symonds

an ethical business adventure

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Supernova offers a restorative range of all-natural vegan protein powders packed with adaptogens and vitamins. Looks-wise, they are a million miles removed from the bulky, guys-only buys you see in health food stores. The brand is luxurious, stylish and (yes, we’ve sampled them) delicious.

Sustainability is important to the couple; they’ve even replaced the traditional plastic scoop with one that’s hand carved from coconut wood palm.

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

It was, they explain, Jermaine’s intolerance of the protein powders provided by his club that sparked the business idea.

“The difference was immediate.”

“He was struggling,” recalls Laura, “stomach problems, lack of energy, mood swings… I said, ‘this is ridiculous – you’re at your peak physical fitness and you eat well, you shouldn’t be feeling like this’.”

They researched the club’s supplements and were shocked to find them crammed with synthetic ingredients. That’s when they started experimenting with recipes in their own kitchen.

“The difference, when I switched, was more or less immediate,” says Jermaine. “My energy levels went through the roof.” His teammates started to notice the change and asked what he was taking. “I brought in a few samples, let the guys taste them, and they really liked them.”

Now everyone from professional athletes and DJs to London Fashion Week models and Laura’s mum are fans. The couple have just had to upgrade their manufacturer to cope with growing demand.

Team Beckford

The couple first met in Leeds whilst out with their respective friends. “He was off talking to some of the girls,” remembers Laura, “so I went over, grabbed his hand and said, ‘you look bored, I’ll get you a drink’. I think he was taken aback that a girl had offered to buy him a drink!”

Back then, they vowed never ever to work together. It’s that yin and yang thing again.

So, how’s Jermaine fairing in the business world?

“He’s my apprentice at the moment,” smiles Laura, whose been in business for thirteen years, “but he’s learning!”

Finding a balance

They have a son Ren (age five) and daughter Nola (age six). The family eat a largely free-from diet and adore the great outdoors.

The couple admit juggling work and family life can be difficult, but they look forward to a time when they’ll reap the rewards and find a balance.

“Our whole brand is about bringing balance to life,” says Laura. “Balance in life is imperative.”

Indeed. Yin and yang – contradictory but inseparable. The perfect balance.

Visit supernovaliving.com

Watch out for the Supernova 30-day Challenge in January – complimentary exercise regimes and freebies to help give you the best start to the New Year.

If you have a Knee problem, consult one of the UK’s leading Knee Specialists

Professor Jari now offers the latest technology “Robotic” Knee Replacement Surgery for improved outcomes using the MAKO Robot having previously performed the first case in the North West of England The Knee Doc Consultant:

• US and UK trained Consultant Knee and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon who has worked with NBA and NLF teams

• Professor Faculty of Engineering, Science and Sports, University of Bolton • Honorary Senior Lecturer at University of Manchester

• International and national speaker on knee problems and sports injuries

• Treats professional and elite sportspeople from many different sports • Large arthritis practice including performing Bespoke & Personalised Knee Replacements • Guest Expert Appearances on Radio and Television.

Knee problem?

For quick effective treatment contact the kneedoc... it’s all you need to know.

Treatments available:

• Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery

• Ligament reconstruction (anterior cruciate ligament, ACL)

• Less invasive customised Knee Replacement Surgery designed specifically to your knee from specials scans and allowing a shorter hospital stay. Robotic Knee Replacement surgery now available • State of the art Arthritis treatments. Groundbreaking n-STRIDE injection available.

The Knee Doc... it’s all you need to know Consultations available at: • • • • •

BMI Alexandra Hospital Cheadle Ramsay Oaklands Hospital Salford Spire Hale Clinic Spire Hospital Manchester, Didsbury The Manchester Institute of Health and Performance • The Wilmslow Hospital, 52 Alderley Road

Contact details:

For further information or to book a consultation:

• Telephone: 0161 445 4988 • Web: www.thekneedoc.co.uk • Email: claire@thekneedoc.co.uk @therealkneedoc

Professor Sanjiv Jari, Consultant Knee, Lower Limb & Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon

Set in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, but still only 30 minutes from Manchester, Mottram Hall really is the perfect resort for your golf break.

Course Highlights • 18-Hole Championship Golf Course • Par 72 & 7006 yards • Hosted PGA European Seniors Tour • Open all year round and welcomes golfers of all abilities • Golf buggies available (subject to availability) Residential Golf Breaks • 1 in 12 golfers go free • From £89 Society Golf • 1 in 16 golfers go free • From £35pp inc. Coffee & Bacon Rolls • Fantastic dinner in our Claret Jug for an additional £10.00 pp.

Golf Memberships • Membership categories to cater for all requirements • Traditional 5 & 7 day Membership • Mottram Hall ‘Country Club’ Membership from as little as £20 a week • ‘QFairway’ flexible membership • Corporate options available • Reciprocal golf at all QHotels Golf Resorts • Complimentary Junior Membership Pay and Play • Starting from just £30 per person • £30 golf buggy hire

Mottram Hall, Wilmslow Road, Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire SK10 4QT 01625 828 135

IF YOU DON’T LOOK GOOD | WE DON’T LOOK GOOD

1 MARSDEN STREET, MANCHESTER M2 1HW FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL: 0161 827 7140

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December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM

JULIE

BEN

SUZI

LAUREN

Receptionist Our friendly, welcoming receptionist, who can always put a name to the face, and is an important and integral part of FIXX.

Creative Director & Part-Owner Ben has worked for Hob Salons and has 14 years’ experience in the hair business.

Ben is a professional with a real passion and attention to detail for styling and up dos. Originally from London, where some of his work was published in leading magazines.

Head Technician & Part-Owner Our master colour expert is highly skilled in giving you the best in colour knowledge and advice. With over 18 years in the industry, Suzi started her career at Saks before moving on to Hob Salons. She loves creating the ‘perfect’ balayage and was a Wella TrendVision – Colour Vision finalist in 2017.

Creative Director & Part-Owner Lauren is a specialist in precision cutting, styling and extensions. She started her career at Sassoon, where she had the privilege of working at London Fashion Week, then went on to work for Hob salons, where she qualified as an assessor. Lauren was a Wella TrendVision – Creative Vision finalist in 2017.

CHARLOTTE

DANIELLE

ANNIE

EMMA

Creative Director Charlotte started her career at Sassoon in Manchester and has spent the last 13 years developing an attention to detail and skill in precision cutting. She is a self-confessed perfectionist and has the unique ability to create styles easily replicated at home.

Senior Stylist & Technician Danielle has worked in the Hale and Altrincham areas for eight years, both for The Red Angel Hair Company and Hob Salons. She enjoys working in a creative environment and loves to blow-dry, specialising in all styling and occasion hair.

Senior Technician Annie has been in the industry for 10 years.

She started her career working for Nicky Clarke, where she worked alongside some of the UK’s leading colour experts, she then went on to work for Hob Salons.

Head of Beauty Emma is a Nail Technician working with CND and Orly products. She is fully qualified in waxing, make-up and spray tans. In 2019, Emma will be offering different types of massage, including Indian head massage and hot stone massage.

Merry Christmas from the FIXX Salons team 25% off your first visit to FIXX Salons

0161 9286366 ALICE

GEMINI FACE AESTHETICS

DR PREETI

Make-up artist Available on Fridays and Saturdays. Alice is a professionally trained and experienced make-up artist and can create the perfect look for every occasion. When she’s not tending to clients and brides, she regularly works on commercial and fashion shoots, TV and film.

Gemini specialise in microblading, fillers, Botox and microdermabrasion and have spent many years in the dental and beauty industry and have a passion for the world of cosmetics and injectables.

Dr Preeti has over 20 years’ experience. She is a qualified consultant rheumatologist and expert in aesthetics, offering Botox, dermal fillers, scar and stretch mark improvement, collagen induction therapy, chemical peels, anti-sweat and migraine treatments, weight loss treatments and much more.

fixxsalons.co.uk Instagram & Facebook @fixxsalonsaltrincham

Red carpet hair colour Meet Catherine Boden, creator of the Hollywood ColourBlend™, to discover the inspiration behind her head-turning technique and how you too can get the stunning natural look

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So, you’re the Hollywood ColourBlend™ woman.

How did you begin to develop the perfect ColourBlend™?

My technique was developed by my passion for recreating children’s hair colour; you know, that natural fade from dark to light. Gabby, my niece, has been my muse. I’ve spent a lot of time studying her hair colour since she was as young as three years old.

When Gabby was little, I noticed the way her hair colour would change in different lights and how the tones changed from season to season with a seamless blend. I studied the way her hair looked from root to tip and then recreated that look on my own hair, then on close friends and family. After spending two years of trial and error, I mastered the perfect ColourBlend™. Six years on, and I have perfected the look on all hair types. We specialise in Asian and Caucasian hair.

shades of colours are seamlessly blended, creating the perfect shade to complement the client’s skin tone and eye colour.

How does the ColourBlend™ process differ from traditional highlighting and colouring?

The ColourBlend™ process is a lot of work and can take, on average, five to six hours. We use foils, but not in the traditional way.

Placement of foils is key to creating the perfect ColourBlend™'. We tease and backcomb the hair to soften the line between your natural colour and the bleach. It’s a mess when you take the foils out; the hardest can be combing it out. Then the magic happens, up to 15

Why do you think people are willing to travel so far to have their hair done by you?

I've invented a unique colour blending technique, which lasts up to three times longer than other leading colouring techniques.

Each ColourBlend™ is tailored to the client and therefore no two colour blends are the same. We offer a bespoke, one-to-one service that no other leading salons can offer. We’re able to do this by taking the time to understand what the client wants and by creating the hair they’ve always dreamed of.

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Describe to our readers the most challenging transformation you have ever done.

The most challenging transformation I’ve done to date was a client who flew in from Kuwait, she wanted me to take her very dark, almost black, hair to light brown. She had previously had henna applied to her hair and at the time, I had no idea how challenging it would be to remove it. After a colour test, I stripped her hair using foils; however, due to the build-up of henna, her hair turned green. I eventually managed to correct the green with a red tone and was then able to ColourBlend™ her hair to the perfect shade of brown.

Who can have a ColourBlend™?

The ColourBlend™ technique is suitable for most people of all ages and ethnicities.

The only stipulation is that a client’s hair must be free from bleach for a minimum of six months prior to having a ColourBlend™. We are predominantly a ladies-only salon; however, we have had a male client or two over the years, including Manchester United’s midfielder Marouane Fellaini. and how long does the ColourBlend™ last?

If you don’t have greys, the ColourBlend™ will last between three to six months, but on virgin hair, it can last up to 12 months.

What do you recommend women do to find their perfect colour?

Come and see us. Creating the perfect colour is what we do. We would always encourage clients to bring images of the look they are aiming to achieve, however, if you’re unsure of what will suit you, leave it to us.

We know you have amassed a huge following of clients, each of whom praise your work. Who is your most famous client to date?

My most famous and publicised client was Tulisa, when she was a judge on The X Factor. I took her from a dark brown colour to a blonde overnight. I also work with a lot of soap stars, models and footballers’ wives. The latest well-known clients being the likes of Seema Malhotra and Stacey Forsey from The Real Housewives of Cheshire, Faryal Makhdoom, Conna Walker (House of CB’s Founder and CEO), actress and humanitarian Armeena Khan and well-known fashion blogger Naomi Genes.

We love the luxurious feel of your salon.

What inspired the design and choice of interior accessories?

Thank you. I was really inspired by José Eber's salon in Dubai. We combined gold, black and creams – all my favourite colours to make the salon feel timelessly

elegant and luxurious. We sourced our furniture and accessories from all over Europe, with our most expensive buy being the chairs, which we sourced from Italy.

Finally, and most importantly, how can our readers book an appointment?

Is there a waiting list?

You can visit our website www.catherineboden.co.uk and complete the online enquiry form, send an email to info@catherineboden.co.uk, or simply call the salon on 0161 973 7815. I am booked up two to three months in advance; however, we do have a cancellation list and two amazing advanced senior ColourBlend™ artists with a much shorter wait time of six to eight weeks. every Catherine Boden stylist in the salon is 100% accredited in the technique and qualified to the highest standard.

15% off* a Full Works ColourBlend™ *This discount is for a Full Works ColourBlend™ only and is strictly for new clients.

Please show this voucher at your appointment.

Free flowing lunch | Private dining | Christmas day lunch

www.eclectichotels.com

PameLa’S DReam ROLe

Pamela Reckert is Director of Sales at Mottram Hall Hotel – a stunning, luxurious Georgian gem nestled in the Cheshire countryside Beneath her melodic Glaswegian accent and wonderfully warm person-centric approach lies a heart filled with endless ambition, fierce determination and an unrivalled passion for hospitality.

We met with her to talk about everything from overseas adventures and charity car washes to landing her dream role at Mottram… an early start Glasgow-born Pamela was only 16 when she began working in operations for Hilton in her home city and went onto work with the brand in several locations across the world, including, most enviably, the Seychelles.

Words by Lisa Symonds Images by Martin Hambleton

“It was the most incredible experience,” says Pamela of her Indian Ocean adventure.

“What’s more, I met my husband, Adam, there – he was working as Front Office Manager at my hotel.”

a dream role Four months ago, Pamela won her current role at Mottram, powered by pure serendipity, as she explains: “I’d always loved this hotel. I knew the previous Director of Sales, Emma, and I always thought, “if she was ever to go…’

When she decided to leave, I thought, this is my opportunity!”

What, in her opinion, makes Mottram so special?

“Where do I start?” she beams. “It’s stunning! Firstly, there’s the setting and then the facilities, including an amazing alfresco spa – it’s the only one in UK and is about to get even better thanks to a recent takeover by the world-famous Champneys. And, of course, the amazing team – friendly and always willing to go the extra mile.”

After two years on the islands, the couple both secured roles in Abu Dhabi and got engaged there. In 2010, they put their passports into retirement and moved to Manchester. A new start in more ways than one for Pamela.

Pamela also admires Mottram’s commitment to giving something back to the community.

When we meet, she’s about to do a car wash in aid of Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Back to basics

a family that works

On returning to the UK, Pamela decided to change direction and took a junior role as a Sales Researcher for Marriott. This monumentally brave move paid off – within three years, she was Director of Sales at the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel.

Pamela and Adam have two children – Oliver, four, and Charlotte, aged one.

Juggling work and family life isn’t always easy, but by sharing the responsibilities between them, the couple make it work.

“I was very lucky,” she says selfdeprecatingly. “I did as much as I could and took on extra responsibilities. I had to prove myself and get noticed.”

Working hard (Cambridge-born Adam is about to move from the Radisson in Liverpool to become General Manager at Hilton Manchester Deansgate) enables the family to enjoy holidays and days out.

But is there ever any alone time?

“Yes, we try to have a date night once a month and go away for weekends,” replies Pamela. “Either my parents or Adam’s come to look after the children and spoil them.”

Pamela goes onto say they all adore living in Didsbury: “I love the village feel and all the quirky bars and restaurants – and so many of them are very family-orientated. Little Oliver loves a good restaurant! It’s very rare that we go into city centre because we’ve got so many fantastic places within walking distance.”

And on that note, we say goodbye, and hello to exciting new changes at Mottram, which Pamela’s balance of friendliness and belly-fire will undoubtedly help make a huge success.

Mottram Hall, Wilmslow Road, Mottram SK10 4QT 01625 828135 | Reservations@mottramhall.com December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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

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BRASSERIE BLANC

MARCO'S NEW YORK ITALIAN

MANAHATTA

Hale Barns

MediaCityUK

Manchester

Acclaimed chef Raymond Blanc has opened the doors to Brasserie Blanc’s newest destination restaurant and terrace within the newly refurbished Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel.

Located in Manchester’s vibrant media hub MediaCityUK, is Marco Pierre White’s New York Italian restaurant. We were, surprised to discover that the restaurant of a worldrenowned chef was located within a Holiday Inn. However, as we were seated in comfy chairs by the window and greeted with a chilled glass of Prosecco, we were transported to a different place entirely. Carla, our knowledgeable hostess, talked us through the relatively new menu and told us of how Marco, who gets his Italian influence from his mother’s side, has put his own twist on the food, combining his love of American and Italian cuisine. To start, we went simple with a Garlic Pizza Bread, topped with fresh tomato, basil and rosemary, and Calamari Fritto Misto with delicious tomato salsa mayo.

Manahatta Deansgate, which launched in October, is loud, proud and lavish. Manahatta offers a taste of the Big Apple, with expertly blended cocktails developed by The Savoy Bar London team,and a menu of moreish, delicious eats.

On a busy Friday night, people gathered for after-work drinks whilst we were seated in the dining area to try some hearty American food.

We started with two glasses of the signature Manahatta Spritz, on recommendation of the manager – a refreshing grapefruit and lemon twist on the classic Aperol Spritz cocktail. Juicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with sesame, soy and honey dressing, and Chilli and Garlic Prawns on rustic, toasted sourdough were to start, both packed full of flavour. Then came the mammoth mains: Sizzling Chicken Fajitas complete with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, peppers, onions and warm tortilla wraps, and Mac and Cheese topped with super stringy cheese, breadcrumbs and smoked bacon bits (optional for veggies) – a real cheese lover’s treat.

The impressive space is dominated by a huge glass and wrought iron atrium roof, which floods the venue with natural light. Shelves bursting with greenery surround the light and airy space and hanging foliage alongside delicate, floaty Moooi Heracleum lights overhead create a living roof space that transports diners to a Kew Gardens greenhouse. The menu features delicious home-cooked French food with a contemporary international flavour – all inspired by Raymond’s travels. À la carte breakfast choices are available from 6.30am and include classic eggs Benedict, Florentine or Royale, fresh orange juice, coffees and – if you’re looking to start the day in style – Champagne or Buck’s Fizz. Lunch and dinner offer light contemporary options, such as: Fresh Vegetable Summer Rolls stuffed with avocado, carrots, mint, cucumber, coriander pesto and a soy dipping sauce; Mediterranean Fish Soup or Moules Marinière. More traditional, hearty dishes include the BB Cheese Soufflé, Escargots with garlic herb butter, Classic Boeuf Bourguignon or Steak Frites. Delectable desserts feature an indulgent Chocolate Mousse Cup or Zesty Lemon Tart. Whether you’re popping in for a coffee, dining on the terrace or simply fancy savouring some true savoir-faire.

Brasserie Blanc offers a deliciously stylish welcome and is a must-try destination.

For mains, we chose two medium-rare 10oz Ribeye Steaks, of the finest quality and served with roasted vine tomatoes and French fries. To accompany them, we ordered sides of the gooey and fantastically cheesy Baked Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Steamed Spinach with chilli and garlic, which had pleasantly fiery kick, and a portion of Zucchini Fritti from the starter section, the latter were some of the best courgette fries we’ve ever tasted – extra-large, with just enough batter.For dessert, we enjoyed Banoffee Pie with a heavenly rich, hot toffee sauce side and milk ice-cream, and the Classic 1930’s New York Knickerbocker Glory; raspberry and vanilla ice-creams and sorbets, thick vanilla cream and a zesty raspberry sauce – simply divine!

Brasserie Blanc Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel, Hale Road, Manchester MA15 8XW

Marco's New York Italian MediaCityUK Holiday Inn Salford M50 2EQ

Manahatta 188 Deansgate Manchester M3 3NE

0161 870 2633 brasserieblanc.com/restaurants/hale-barns

0161 813 1040 mpwrestaurants.co.uk

0161 5374879 arcinspirations.com/manahatta-deansgate

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

We ordered a second cocktail – the gin-based Cucumber Cooler with pineapple, Prosecco and passion fruit syrup. For dessert, we had to try the popular crisp and golden Bubble Waffles. We chose Berry Heaven – strawberry ice-cream, cream, fresh strawberries, meringue and white chocolate, plus the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownie – yummy Reese's Peanut Butter Cups spring to mind! Manahatta certainly offered the Downtown NYC vibes we were after, and the popular Deansgate location means the venue can only succeed.

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

BANYAN

THE BRIDGE

AUSTRALASIA

Spinningfields

Prestbury

Manchester

We reviewed Banyan at The Corn Exchange back in the summer and liked it so much, we couldn’t refuse when we were invited back to their new Spinningfields site.

The Bridge, found in the pretty Cheshire village of Prestbury, has been recently renovated by new owners Flat Cap Hotels and, boy, does it look good. We visited the Grade II-listed building on a Sunday evening and found it cosy and inviting, complete with wooden beams, floral furniture and botanical wall decor.

The waffle with dark chocolate sauce, honeycomb ice-cream and fresh berries was an obvious dessert choice, and the ‘Feast’ ice-cream lolly was a work of art – beautifully presented Chocolate crémeux and hazelnut dacquoise flavoured with mandarin and iced coffee… delicious! Our verdict? A lovely location in a quaint village with great food.

Found in Manchester’s exclusive Spinningfields district, this subterranean restaurant serves modern Australian food with Indonesian and Japanese influences. After descending the stairs into the contemporary dining space, which boasts soft lighting and private wooden booths, we were handed an iPad to choose drinks as we sat – an ideal and innovative way to see what you’re drinking before you choose, and with pretty cocktails aplenty, there’s no wonder they want to show them off! We ordered a fishy first course; a selection of small plates to share as starters, consisting of fresh Salmon Sashimi, crispy Prawn Tempura and Scallops with sour plum sauce. For mains, we were torn between the sharing Duck Breast, or a Premium Steak.

After seeing a few steaks ordered, we decided they must be good, so chose two Fillet Steaks with sides of creamy Sweet Potato and Rosemary Mash, Spinach with Yuzu Hollandaise (delicious), Seasoned Rough-Cut Chips, and Tenderstem Broccoli with peanuts and chilli. We’d heard lots about Australasia’s famous Chocolate Dome with salted caramel and blackberries and their Caramelised White Chocolate with passionfruit ice-cream. We weren’t disappointed by either; both came with a hot pouring sauce, melting the chocolate away – very theatrical… just how we like it! The recently renovated bar upstairs, Sunset by Australasia, has millennial pink hues, fur blankets and comfy cushions. Very flattering, warm and definitely Instagramable – the perfect place to enjoy a Rose and Lychee Martini to end the night!

Banyan Vantage Point, Ground Floor Hardman Street, Manchester M3 3PL

The Bridge The Village, Prestbury, Macclesfield SK10 4DQ

Australasia The Avenue, Spinningfields Manchester M3 3AP

0161 537 6720 Follow on Twitter: @BanyanSpinMCR

01625 829326 thebridgecheshire.com

australasia.uk.com 0161 831 0288

The decor tops its Corn Exchange counterpart by far, with dimmed lighting, marble bar and jewel-toned furniture giving it not only a cosy restaurant vibe but a bar lounge atmosphere too. We were seated in a booth with its very own white blossom tree and ordered cocktails whilst we browsed the menu, which has a handy ‘Banyan Recommends’ section – perfect for those who can’t decide! We were disappointed our favourite starter from before, the Tempura King Prawns and Pak Choi, was no longer on the menu, but the Panko Crumbed King Prawns we chose were certainly on par. The Crispy Duck Spring Rolls were equally as delightful.

Since it was a wintery Wednesday, one of the mains had to contain mash and gravy, so we went for the meaty and rich Steak and Ale Pie. The Scottish Salmon and Smoked Haddock Fishcakes with buttery chive sauce (made fresh on site) also hit the spot. For desserts, we opted for the gorgeously rich Sticky Toffee Pudding with pouring cream, and (from the Banyan Recommends section) Bramley Apple and Bramble Crumble – a tasty classic.

Staff were friendly and attentive, especially our waiter Tom, who brightened our mid-week meal… the coffee patron shots he brought us to finish weren’t too shabby either!

Juicy, sticky Honey and Maple-glazed Chipolatas were ordered from the Titbits section of the menu as we waited – the perfect amount to nibble on whilst deciding. We started with the warming Soup of the Day (autumnal butternut squash with pumpkin seeds) served with a bread roll and lemon butter, and the Kiln Salmon Blini topped with crème fraîche and chives – a larger version of the party classic. As it was a Sunday, it would’ve been rude for one of us not to order a roast, so along came the Roast Beef, cooked to perfection may I add, with all the trimmings; butter roast potatoes, wilted greens and huge Yorkshire pudding. We also chose a bowl of Pea and Mint Risotto topped with dried tomatoes and grilled goats cheese.

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The Ivy Spinningfields

The Ivy Spinningfields will open in Manchester this winter, offering Mancunians a totally new dining experience set across four fabulous floors in the city’s financial district. The restaurant will feature a ground-floor brasserie, first-floor private dining room, an opulent Asian bar and restaurant on the second floor and a sumptuous Roof Garden featuring fire pits and lush foliage on the top floor. The Ivy Spinningfields will occupy an impressive, timber-framed space within a new development The Pavilion, surrounded by greenery yet located in the heart of the city.

Situated on the ground floor will be a traditional Ivy brasserie, open all day, seven days a week, serving modern British classics to suit all occasions.

All-encompassing menus will feature a variety of dishes, including Truffled Orzo Pasta, Lobster Linguine and Slow-cooked Lamb Shoulder. Once open, the restaurant will host an exciting mix of yet-to-beannounced guest DJs, events and entertainment on each of its four floors.

Reservations can be made for all floors, whilst walk-ins will be welcomed for those wishing to experience either the Ivy brasserie, The Ivy Asian or Roof Garden.

Leonardo Hotels acquire the prestigious Midland Hotel, Manchester Leonardo Hotels is proud to announce the acquisition of the iconic Midland Hotel, Manchester. The Grade II-listed building has encompassed stylish design, fine dining and renowned customer service since it was opened by Midland Railway in 1903, making the property an iconic and important part of the city’s history.

The Midland has hosted kings and queens,

presidents, prime ministers and countless celebrities. It is where Charles Rolls was introduced to Henry Royce, leading to the formation of the luxury car business in 1904. Those to have stayed and dined in the hotel include Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and Sir Winston Churchill, however, The Beatles were famously refused entry to one of its restaurants for being ‘inappropriately dressed’.

Bluu Bar to become Foundry Project Housed in the incredible historic Old Smithfield Market, the venue is undergoing a £500k transformation. The design is inspired by Manchester’s industrious past and will reveal a stripped-back interior, making use of exposed beams and polished concrete, but made welcoming and warm with varied textures and colours throughout.

The venue’s ‘zones’ will run smoothly from laidback hanging out at the front of the venue and a more intimate vibe in the restaurant area, where guests can book a table for lunch or dinner, to the basement bar hideaway built for late nights and killer parties.

The bar at the Foundry Project is to be 78

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

transformed into something very special, with the installation of the UK’s first Estrella beer tank providing an impressive centrepiece. Foundry Project’s cocktail list is an inventive, eccentric collection inspired by travels across the globe, burgers are the house speciality with a magnificent menu of buns to please all palates and pizzas are slow proved and fired quickly to get the perfect combo of crunch and chewiness. Signature Foundry Project pizza inventions include Spiced Lamb and Aubergine and Peri Peri King Prawn, and there are some excellent classic options too (think Mozzarella and Tomato and Peperoni and Nduja). For light lunch options, guests can swap half a pizza for a house salad with citrus dressing.

Evuna to open in Altrincham

Evuna, the North West’s leading Spanish restaurant, tapas bar and fine wine merchant, this year celebrating 15 years since the launch of its first restaurant, has started work on a fourth site in the centre of Altrincham.

Evuna’s new site is located at the old Yorkshire Bank site, 84-86 Stamford New Road.

It was formerly Eat Kaizen. The team is aiming to be open in February 2019. The new opening will create around 20 new jobs and the company is currently on the lookout for applicants from the local area.

In a similar style to Evuna in Knutsford, the Altrincham venue will boast a 24cover tapas bar and a dining room with around 55 covers, suitable for both small and large groups.

Founded by Jane and Frances Dowler, the Evuna Restaurant Group’s guiding principles are to pay homage to all things Spanish and to remain fiercely loyal to the country’s rich and diverse food and wine offerings.

Stars come out to support opening of Peter Street Kitchen Professor Green, Ella Eyre, Beverley Knight, Corrie’s Kym Marsh Victoria Ekanoye, Faye Brookes and Lucy Fallon, Emmerdale’s Anthony Quinlan, Love Island’s Danielle Sellers, Hollyoaks’ Haiesha Mistry and Krupa Pattani, George Lineker and Betsy-Blue English were just some of those who attended the launch of Peter Street Kitchen in Manchester.

Guests were able to sample some of the

venue’s signature Japanese and Mexican small plates together with sake-based cocktails from PSK’s stunning Rikyū Bar. The new restaurant spearheads the food and beverage offering at the revitalised Radisson Blu Edwardian, Manchester, one of only two five-star hotels in the centre of the city. peterstreetkitchen.co.uk

Spinningfields is in for a real treat as new luxe Banyan Bar and Kitchen opens With an enviable location – the high-end destination of Spinningfields – Banyan Bar and Kitchen asserts itself as the hottest new opening on Manchester’s bar and restaurant scene.

agencies peppered around the district.

The upper level will feature the Empress Bar, taking its name from Empress 1908 Victoria gin and lit in beautiful indigo neon. This inspiration for the Empress Bar makes for a dynamic and original centre piece.

With a real focus on creating a sumptuous, stylish and chic setting, which will take guests from business brunches and late lunches to after-work drinks and cocktails in the early hours of the morning, it’s very clear that Banyan is preparing to open a venue which will more than just cater to its surroundings but cement itself as part of Manchester’s drinking, dining and dancing life.

The kitchen will have two menus to take diners through the day. The main menu will boast a host of great dishes – from lighter bites, such as the Yoga Bowl and the Bang Bang Chicken Salad, to favourites from the grill like the Banyan Burger and the Rib-eye Steak and main meals, such as Steak and Ale Pie.

A mezzanine level will be able to play host to private parties, helping to service the major law firms, accountancies and brand

Banyan Spinningfields will also have a real focus on evening entertainment and will come to life in the nighttime with the best

DJs and live acts (Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights) delivering an upbeat mix of funk, soul and modern feel-good classics.

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The Manchester Cookbook: Second Helpings

Albatross & Arnold Albatross & Arnold is a stylish retreat nestled away on the first floor of The Range, allowing you to overlook the hustle and bustle of Spinningfields in pure luxury. Fine food sits alongside a stellar wine list with twenty by-the-glass options, delicious cocktails and a range of exclusive whiskies and cognacs. This recipe, taken from The Manchester Cookbook: Second Helpings, will help you create a culinary delight in the comfort of your own home.

Crispy Jacket Potato Skin, Roast Cauliflower and Pickles

Who said getting your five-a-day is boring? Albatross & Arnold's Head Chef, Michelin-trained Jonathan Green, created his Cauliflower Jacket Potato for MasterChef: The Professionals. It was reviewed by the judges as being “a fabulous dish… filled with delight”.

Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes Serves: 6 For the roast cauliflower purée: 1 Ascrofts cauliflower 2 shallots, chopped 1 bulb garlic, chopped 500ml whole milk 250ml double cream 250g salted butter Olive oil Sea salt and white pepper For the jacket potato skin: 3 Red Rooster potatoes For the pickled Romanesco: 1 Romanesco cauliflower, chopped 250ml rice wine vinegar 250ml water 250ml yellow rock sugar

For the pickled silverskin onions: 3 baby silverskin onions 250ml rice wine vinegar 250ml water 250ml yellow rock sugar

For the jacket potato skin: Preheat the oven to 180°c. Oil and salt the potatoes and bake in the preheated oven until soft. Hollow out and then re-bake the skins.

For the gherkin gel: 1kg tub gherkins 10g agar agar

For the pickled Romanesco: Bring rice wine vinegar, water and sugar to the boil, then chill and add the Romanesco cauliflower.

For the chive emulsion: 1 bag chives 100ml rapeseed oil 3 egg yolks, whisked For the garnish: Micro bull’s blood and micro chives For the roast cauliflower purée: Trim the cauliflower and reserve the root and trimmings. Fry the shallots and garlic in olive oil. Add the cauliflower and cook down. Add the milk, cream and butter, then blitz and pass through a sieve.

For the cauliflower crumble: Chop the cauliflower trim and shallow-fry in butter. Drain and set aside.

For the cauliflower root fondant: Ball the cauliflower root using a melon baller and fry in butter.

For the pickled silverskin onions: Bring rice wine vinegar, water and sugar to the boil, then add the silverskin onions and chill. Slice the chilled onions in half and then char.

For the gherkin gel: Sieve the liquid from the gherkins and bring it to the boil. Add the agar agar and then allow to set. Blitz once set.

For the chive emulsion: Blanch the chives and then blitz in the oil.

Add to the whisked egg yolks.

To serve Serve the jacket skins with the purée inside, followed by the crumble, then the fondants, then the pickles. Add dots of emulsion and gel, then garnish with micro cress.

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The Manchester Cookbook: Second Helpings

Following the success of the first cook book celebrating food and drink in the capital of the North, Meze Publishing have returned to uncover yet more fantastic independents across the city with The Manchester Cook Book: Second Helpings.

Featuring culinary contributors from Ancoats to Chorlton and First Street to Stockport, The Manchester Cookbook: Second Helpings is full to bursting with over 55 recipes and stories that take you behind the scenes of their success and passion for food and drink.

The variety of the restaurants, producers, delis, cafes, bars and much more that are featured showcases the cultural melting pot and fervent support for independent businesses that make Manchester’s food and drink scene so vibrant.

The book revisits some of the places that featured in the first edition, and has been expanded to include the most exciting ventures on the scene.

The Manchester Cook Book: Second Helpings retails at just £14.95 and will be available to purchase from all of the contributors included in the book. You can also get your hands on a copy from smaller independent shops and online from Amazon.

For the chance to win a copy of The Manchester Cookbook: Second Helpings, simply send your name, address and daytime contact number to Manchester Cookbook Competition. Salutions, The Stables, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, M20 5PG or email winner@salutions.co.uk stating Manchester Cookbook Competition in the subject field.

Don’t forget to include your name, address and daytime contact number.

STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL An independent school for girls and boys from 3-18 years 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 ࠮ Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested), academic and music scholarships ࠮ Wide-ranging school bus routes including Sale & Hale

Senior and Junior School day tours available 11+ Entrance Exam Wednesday 9th January 2019

Inspiring your child Tel: 0161 456 9000 82

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

SUPPORTING LOCAL EDUCATION

“Family and Property Law Specialists”

EDUCATION NEWS Former Ellesmere College pupil competes in high speed SpaceX travel race

A former Ellesmere College pupil from Shropshire has been to America to compete in a high-speed travel race. Thomas Shallcross was part of a team at SpaceX’s third pod competition in California as a member of the final testing team.

intention of studying an engineering-related subject at university,” he said.

The 19-year-old, who is now studying at University of Edinburgh for a degree in mechanical engineering, also featured on BBC TV to unveil the university team’s pod, which came sixth out of thousands of entries.

Having always been a logical thinker with an interest in mechanical processes, engineering was an obvious choice for Thomas: “Ellesmere helped me to cement my choice of engineering discipline I wanted to pursue, through STEM competitions, visits to physics conferences and numerous other activities.

He said his grounding in Shropshire and the teaching at Ellesmere played a huge part in helping him get this far and continue to give him high hopes for the future:

“The teaching staff at Ellesmere were always keen to further my knowledge and understanding of any subject, be it curriculum based or not.”

“I chose to study maths, further maths and physics at Ellesmere College with the

Thomas has followed the work of Elon Musk for a long time and said his ambitious

vision of the future is one that ‘thoroughly excites’ him. He went to the University of Edinburgh having been impressed by the student Hyperloop society, HYPED. He has since designed and manufactured the suspension system and passive levitation housing for the society’s second pod prototype; Poddy II’.

“Starting with very little engineering experience, I was able to apply the knowledge I accumulated over my two years at Ellesmere to a very real and cutting-edge project,” added Thomas.

His team plan to return to the competition in California next year to perform against universities worldwide and they have extremely high hopes for the future.

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“A friendly, caring environment in which each girl can feel confident and flourish”

2019 ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS For Year 7 entry: Friday 11th January 2019

For Years 3-6 entry: Saturday 19th January 2019

To arrange a tour call 0161 249 3371 Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL

To arrange a tour of the School please call 0161 249 3371

wgs.org

Means -tested bursaries available from Year 5 upwards

SUPPORTING LOCAL EDUCATION

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Humanitarian addresses students at MUNCH Saba Almubaslat, CEO of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, addressed over 25 schools at Cheadle Hulme School’s Model United Nations conference (MUNCH). Students travelled from all over England to take part in the event.

One school even travelled from Madrid, debating in their second or third language. Cheadle Hulme School’s MUN co-ordinator, Mrs Judith Shand, said the event was a resounding success and added: “I am immensely proud of the huge number of students who gave up their weekend to help to run the conference. The praise for the school from all those visiting was lovely to hear, and we had several observers for the weekend who were amazed by the level of debate and the work of the CHS students.”

CHS swimmers head for London finals

Cheadle Hulme School’s U13 girls and U15 boys swimming teams have qualified for the ISA's National Swimming Finals at the London Aquatics Centre. For the second consecutive year, Ashley Donaldson, Matthew Watson, Max Cooper and Jacob Atkinson will swim in the inter-boys freestyle and medley races. Competing in the junior girls’ freestyle category, Olivia Leslie, Maddie Bowcott-Mcgrath, Beth Robinson and Sofia Hankey made it to the finals, after taking first place in the freestyle relay heat at Everton Park Sports Centre.

Former Cheadle Hulme School cricketer is youngest Indian to make a century on Test debut

18-year-old cricketer Prithvi Shaw, who attended Cheadle Hulme School (CHS) in 2012, has become the youngest Indian to make a century on his Test debut against the West Indies in Rajkot. The

Indian batting sensation from Mumbai scored the first hundred of his Test career in his first innings – off just 99 balls. Prithvi attended CHS as part of the Cricket Beyond Boundaries cultural exchange programme and during that time, stayed with a hosting family and fully integrated into life at the school. Head of Modern Languages, Mr John Wilson, who helped co-ordinate Prithvi’s timetable, said: “We’re all very proud to see what Prithvi’s achieved so early in his cricketing career, and it’s nice to think CHS has played some part in his success. I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about him in future.”

Withington Girls’ School – Dreams and Discovery

Dreams and Discovery was the theme for Withington Girls’ School’s 128th anniversary celebration in an uplifting Founders’ Day event held at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall. The school community enjoyed an evening filled with inspirational speeches, readings delivered by pupils from across the year groups and outstanding performances by Withington’s talented musicians.

In keeping with tradition, every Upper Sixth student was presented with a book of her own choice by the guest speaker, eminent neuroscientist and Withington alumna (2001), Dr Kirstie Whitaker. Withington Chair of Governors Mr Malcolm Pike, Headmistress Mrs Sarah Haslam, Dr Whitaker and Head Girl Florence Bradshaw each reaffirmed the merit of the rich learning experiences and state-of-the-art facilities available at Withington, which, they each agreed, instilled in its pupils a sense of self-belief,

empowering them to 'dare to dream' and ‘think big’.

Highlighting this year’s stellar attainment in A-Level and GCSE examinations, results that enable girls to pursue their dreams, Mrs Haslam added: “All this at a school where there are no scholarships and no academic prizes, where the emphasis lies instead on collaboration, empowerment and the love of learning as its own reward.”

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Co-ed 7-18 Day and Boarding

Ellesmere College “We were impressed by the pupils; ambitious, enthusiastic and focused. Ellesmere opens a lot of doors” - TATLER 2017 | Excellent GCSE, A-Level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate Results | Superb Pastoral Care | Award-Winning Arts Provision and Co-Curricular Education | Extensive Bus Routes | Excellent Sporting Traditions with 7 World Class Sports Academies | Generous Scholarships | Innovative Careers Partnership Programme | Flexible Day and Boarding Options To find out more and to register please contact our admissions team on:

01691 626 510 • www.ellesmere.com Ellesmere College, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 9AB

@ellesmerecoll

/EllesmereColl

ellesmere_college

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Time Travellers explore Ancient York

Year 4 pupils at Stockport Grammar School experienced life as a prehistoric settler and a Roman on their residential trip to Murton Park in York.

The pupils donned tunics and cloaks to spend the day on a purposebuilt prehistoric settlement, where they experienced first-hand the life of a small community at the dawn of history. Working in the village to make clay pots and grinding wheat, or out in the fields to till the soil, the pupils learned new skills and all about the hard work and dangers that were part of everyday life. The group then sat down for tea in the evening sun after working up an appetite playing outside the Racecourse accommodation. The night culminated with a host of Roman-themed activities, which included handling artefacts and making a model ballista or catapult. On the second day, the pupils got to wear full Roman armour to practise being guards. They also made a Roman soldier’s dice game and wrote in Latin. Their soldier training set them up well when a Celt came to try and raid their fort, with the children perfectly performing the testudo to send him packing!

Broussa Day Nursery celebrate Remembrance Day

To mark 100 years since the end of World War I, children and staff at Broussa Day Nursery and Nursery School in Hale welcomed grandparents and local community groups to join them for a Remembrance Afternoon. The nursery was beautifully decorated with Union Jack bunting, vintage posters and photos of the soldiers who bravely fought during the war. Vera Lynn music set the nostalgic scene as guests entered the hallway, with wartime-themed areas in each of the rooms. The nursery was joined by some of the children’s grandparents and members of the ‘Young at Heart’ group from St. Peter’s Church in Hale as well as former Broussa Day Nursery owner Jillian Stopford. During the morning, the children enjoyed the themed role-play areas as well as making a range of poppy crafts, including paper poppies and thank you cards for the special guests. As part of the afternoon’s event, the pre-school children laid a wreath and their decorated ‘peace pebbles’ in the garden before reciting a poem. Everyone who attended then took

part in a minute’s silence to remember those who have fought for our country. Nursery Teacher Mrs Pandor said a few words before inviting guests inside for some afternoon tea. After exploring all of the displays, posters and photographs, thank you cards decorated with finger-paint poppies were handed out to each of the guests.

Broussa Day Nursery and Nursery School is part of Elmscot Group

Bridgewater family pulls together for MND Association On Friday 2nd November, teachers and pupils at Bridgewater School donned pyjamas and wellies before setting off on a sponsored fun run to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The charity focuses on care, research and campaigning for the rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. According to statistics, up to 5,000 adults in the UK are fighting MND at any one time and, tragically, there is no cure.

The illness has particular significance for Bridgewater, as a family within the school are sadly enduring the heartbreak that this disease brings. Headmistress, Mrs Nairn, said: “We are such a close-knit school and community, that we simply had to show our support, and our extended Bridgewater family has been, once again, incredibly generous with their donations.”

The event raised an incredible £2,341.10.

For more information please visit bridgewater-school.co.uk December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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SUPPORTING LOCAL EDUCATION

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Alderley Edge School for Girls named Apple Distinguished School and have documented results of academic accomplishment.

Headmistress Helen Jeys commented: “Being awarded Apple Distinguished School status highlights our success as an innovative and inspiring learning environment. Our vision is to create independent, digitally literate learners through teaching experiences that are relevant, personalised, inspiring and memorable, and, as a school, we are working hard to establish ourselves as an internationally recognised centre of technological teaching excellence.”

Alderley Edge School for Girls (AESG) is delighted to announce that it has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School for 2018–2021. This is a key milestone for the school’s Technology Enhanced Learning Strategy, which began in 2014. Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of innovation, leadership and educational excellence that use Apple products to inspire creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. They showcase innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching and the school environment,

Jamie Chadwick, Director of Technology Enhanced Learning, added: “The principles that govern Apple’s selection criteria fit neatly with our own vision of innovation, creativity and collaboration.

Becoming an Apple Distinguished School gives us a unique opportunity to join a group of world-class institutions that share our passion for technology-enhanced learning and forms the bedrock of the next phase of our technology strategy. We look forward to being able to join, learn and contribute to this worldwide network of cutting-edge educational establishments.”

Ex-England cricketer to lead girls’ cricket at at Shropshire school

An ex-England player will join the successful girls cricket development programme at Ellesmere College for the summer term.

The Lydia Greenway’s Cricket for Girls initiative will be based at Ellesmere College to develop and grow girls cricket from March onwards. It will be led by Lydia Greenway herself, who appeared for England in seven Tests and 32 ODIs during her 13-year career. The middle-order batter scored 4,108 runs in international cricket and is regarded as one of the best fielders in the game, taking 121 catches. She continues to play for Southern Vipers and her home county of Kent. Gareth Owen, Director of the Cricket Academy at Ellesmere College,

said that confirming the college has been accepted as a hub for the Cricket for Girls initiative was brilliant news – just after they were named in the Top 100 schools for cricket for 2019 by a leading cricket magazine. He said: “Being recognised as a hub for cricket – and specifically girls cricket – is a tremendous honour and recognises the hard work of coaches and pupils to develop the sport in the school as well as providing a pathway into the professional game.” As well as coaching Ellesmere College cricket players, Lydia will also help other female cricket players across the North West of England during her time there. She will be at Ellesmere College

during The Lower School Open morning on 16th March. The Cricket for Girls initiative, which Lydia launched in 2017, is aimed at coaching females of all abilities and ages.

King's Hockey Girls aiming for national finals

The King’s School U14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned North West Schools’ Champions and are now aiming for the national finals.

Having already won the Cheshire county winners title, the King’s team were unbeaten in the North West Schools’ finals held at

Timperley Hockey Club. The hotshots beat Merchant Taylors’ School from Liverpool 3-0, Friars from Cumbria 3-0 and drew with AKS from Lytham 1-1 before lifting the title with a 1- 0 win over Altrincham Grammar School.

Captained by resolute defender Georgia Aspray, goal scoring duties fall primarily on skillful striker Molly Bridgewater, with playmaker and Manchester Performance Centre star Lara Tabachnik controlling affairs from midfield. King’s PE Teacher and Hockey Coach Sarah Hopkin said: “This is the best passing side I have seen play at U14 level.

Their strength lies in the friendships they

have forged off the field. It is a very talented all-round squad and we could easily have taken 20 players, but we could only take 16 girls and rotated the team throughout the four games.”

It is the second year running King’s has won the North West title and they go to the Northern finals in Leeds hoping to make the national finals for the first time. Miss Hopkin added: “They are a fabulous squad to coach and it is a pleasure to see their success so far – let’s hope they can continue their winning streak.”

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“Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”

11+ Entrance Exam Monday 7 January 2019 Our fantastic School offers outstanding provision and education for girls aged 2–18.

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

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December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

Thank you Didsbury Karen and Andrew Merrick’s 19-year-old son Josh died in his sleep on January 8th, 2013. Five years on, his family still feels an overwhelming warmth and steadfast support from the Didsbury community

By Fay Wertheimer

K

aren says: “We’re constantly blown away by local generosity. Youngsters who never knew Josh have run half-marathons in his name. In all, we’ve raised over £72,000 for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). It’s tragic. Heart defects go undetected till it’s too late and each week, at least twelve youngsters suffer cardiac arrest. CRY supports families like us, and provides heart screenings for 14 to 32-year-olds.

These cost £50 but are £100 on the NHS. If Josh had had an ECG, he might still be alive. In Italy, compulsory screening for young sportsmen and women reduced cardiac arrests by 89%. Wouldn’t that be wonderful over here too?”

Eldest of four siblings, the popular, super-fit Burnage Rugby Club player Josh ditched plans for university and was accepted for the Royal Navy on January 3rd, 2013. The ex-Barlow High School and Loreto pupil had mapped out his future. It was not to be.

In Glasgow working with his contractor father, Josh had supper and retired to bed.

At some fateful moment his heart stopped beating.

Unlike many devastated families, the Merricks have become closer than ever.

After two unthinkable years, Karen resumed her teaching assistant post at St Catherine’s R.C. Primary School, Didsbury. Andrew buried himself in work.

Now 23, law graduate son Keir will soon enter the profession, daughter Madi, 21, works in catering and youngest son Caine, 20, studies politics and economics at Newcastle University.

screenings. There’s a Doppler scanner on hand for any abnormalities discovered and GP referrals can then follow. Good news.

The Merricks were checked for hereditary heart defects and remain in the clear.

The Waterside hotel kindly hosted Karen’s 300-strong 2014 Pink Pig & Prosecco Ball, 2015 Fairy Tale of New York Ball and the 2017 Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. 2018’s Gin for Josh Garden Party was a homespun affair.

The next Josh Merrick fundraiser is presently under wraps and, as usual, down to the remarkable Karen Merrick, who, with her family and friends, adds a fervent, “Thank you, Didsbury”. c-r-y.org.uk/josh-merrick

The Merricks derive inner strength from many sources. Karen adds, “My faith helps me. I can appreciate how precious what we have now is – and also how precious what we had before was. And Josh? He’s around and we talk about him every day.”

The Josh Merrick Memorial Fund has supplied over 1,000 North West CRY December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Help make it even more prosperous by booking a FREE Exploratory Discussion Meeting at our offices in the centre of Hale, and find out why Foresight’s Quantum Programme™ gives our clients The Edge™.

Foresight Wealth Strategists. Richmond House, Heath Road, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2XP

0161 926 9350 | hello@foresight-ifp.co.uk | www.foresight-ifp.co.uk

PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS – just how binding are they?

Katie McCann is a Partner in the Manchester team at Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth. She is passionate about pre and postnups, advising the regions families on how to approach these sorts of agreements. Here, she discusses the common question – are pre or postnups worth the paper they are written on?

In a world of misinformation and ‘fake news’, it’s understandable that people don’t know much about the realities of prenups. Not so very long ago, they were considered unromantic and reserved for Hollywood A-listers.

This is no longer the case. If done right, prenups can be incredibly useful and can avoid the acrimony and uncertainty that come from the end of a marriage.

If a couple divorces without a prenup (or a postnup, which is an agreement reached after the date of the marriage), the court has a very broad discretion to make financial orders. It can, for example, transfer properties from one person to the other, order the sale of a business or home and/or split pensions between the couple. It can also order lifelong maintenance payments to be made from one person to the other. In coming to what it considers to be the right outcome, the court takes into account all the resources available. This can include inheritances and whether these came in before the marriage, during it, or after separation. What the court believes to be the right outcome, might not be not what either party would have chosen.

A pre or postnup allows a couple to exercise autonomy and to set the boundaries. As long as each party comes out with enough to meet their needs, they can agree to protect things like family businesses or inheritances. A couple can also agree a clean break i.e. that the financial ties between them come to an end. t’s now eight years since the case of Radmacher was heard by the Supreme Court. This was the case that changed the landscape in relation to prenuptial agreements and, yet, I’m still often asked “is a prenup worth the paper it’s written on?”

I

For a prenup to carry weight, both people have to enter into it freely; they each have to take their own legal advice and the agreement has to fall within the parameters of overall fairness.

It can’t therefore stipulate that one person gets everything and the other receives nothing.

As with many aspects of family law, there are misconceptions and myths. For example, the myth of the ‘common-law spouse’. Living together for a certain period does not automatically give people the same rights as a married couple. Also, the ‘quickie divorce’ – there’s no such thing as that either, whatever the media may tell us.

The court will not uphold a prenup that is so clearly unfair that it leaves one party in financial dire straits. A judge might instead alter the prenup to ensure there is a fair outcome, but this award might still be less generous than if there had been no prenup at all. The court is generally prepared to respect the fact that the parties have chosen to have their own agreement and it tries not to trespass on this any more than is strictly necessary.

And I answer, “Yes, a prenup can often carry a lot of weight, but it depends what it says and how it was entered into…”

If you need legal advice, contact Katie on 0370 1500 100, extension 2883 or katie.mccann@irwinmitchell.com December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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National Award Winning Advice – On Your Doorstep

Kellands Chartered Financial Planners provide a full advisory service for private & corporate clients on

Tax Planning. Investments. Pensions. Mortgages.

INVEST WITH CONFIDENCE Tel: 0161 929 8838 Fax: 0161 929 9921 Kellands (Hale) Limited, 24 Victoria Road, Hale, Altrincham, WA15 9AD. Email: hale@kelland.co.uk | www.kelland-hale.co.uk The value of investments can go down as well as up. Past performance is no indicator of future returns. It is your responsibility to ensure you keep up with the monthly payments on your mortgage, otherwise your home may be at risk. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

ASK THE EXPERTS MR ROHIT KUMAR

DR VISHAL MADAN

JAMES BROCKLEBANK

Mr Rohit Kumar is a Consultant ENT Surgeon at Spire Manchester Hospital specialising in all aspects of ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions in adults and children.

Dr Vishal Madan is a Consultant Dermatologist, Laser and Dermatological Surgeon and Founder of Everything Skin Clinic located in Cheadle Village

James Brocklebank is a Senior Mortgage Specialist at Kellands (Hale) Ltd Chartered Financial Planners.

I constantly have a blocked nose, should I see a doctor?

If your nose has been blocked for more than a month, you should consider consulting a healthcare specialist.

Frequent causes include allergies, infection, polyps or nasal injury. Specific allergies can be identified with skin tests and blood tests if it is not clear from your history. Sinusitis and nasal polyps often require a quick telescope assessment to be identified. Injuries to the nose may distort the nasal passages and require surgery to restore the natural airflow.

What is mole mapping?

During mole mapping, an individual’s moles are catalogued or ‘mapped’ using dermoscopy. Dermoscopy provides the most comprehensive assessment of moles for cancerous changes. The high-quality, close-up and magnified images are then used to monitor any changes to aid early detection of skin cancer.

Why should I use an independent mortgage advisor?

The mortgage market is a complex industry, one that takes years to fully understand. Currently there are over 300 mortgage lenders with over 15,000 products available to UK customers. It is important to seek knowledge from a specialist independent mortgage company that will be able to fully research the whole of market and produce the most cost-effective solutions for you.

Why do people have their tonsils removed?

Tonsillectomy is usually performed for recurring tonsillitis, tonsil stones, breathing problems or suspected cancer. If any of these apply, you should seek advice from an ENT specialist. For some people, surgery may not be recommended and your condition may require a period of monitoring.

Should I worry about swollen glands? Could they be hiding something?

Lumps in the neck are usually swollen glands fighting infections and should disappear within a few weeks.

Most lumps are nothing to worry about, but a persistent lump may be a warning sign of cancer and should be checked by your GP or ENT specialist.

What is the Everything Skin Clinic’s approach to skin cancer detection?

At Everything Skin, we have a two-step approach to skin cancer diagnosis: Step 1 – All patients are seen and examined by a consultant dermatologist. All moles and their dermatoscopic features are analysed by the consultant.

Step 2 – Mole mapping is undertaken and the results reviewed by the consultant during the appointment, providing a speedy diagnosis, treatment (if required) and, in many cases, peace of mind.

Do you offer a mole removal service?

The Everything Skin Clinic is CQC registered for skin cancer surgery. Most suspicious moles can be removed on the same day by the consultant skin surgeon. Early diagnosis and treatment are paramount to achieving a good outcome in skin cancers. We aim to achieve both at the Everything Skin Clinic. everythingskin.co.uk

Should I choose a variable rate mortgage or opt for a fixed rate? This is by far the most common question asked of me. Whilst we don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future, mortgages rates have decreased significantly over the past few years. The average fixed rate was 2.83% in June 2015 and it is now 2.03%.

Whilst there is not one right solution for everybody, now is clearly time to review your options.

As a senior citizen, will my age hinder me getting a mortgage? The simple answer is no. Later life lending is going through a form of revolution and it is far more straightforward for people to use their property wealth to assist with all manner of things. However, people assume the answer is just an equity release scheme.

Equity release maybe a suitable option, but there are far more cost-effective solutions available through more traditional mortgages, with rates up to half those of traditional equity release rates.

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.

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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ASK THE EXPERTS EDWARD SMETHURST

AMANDA BEN HMIDA

PROFESSOR LUCIANO NARDO

Edward Smethurst has over 25 years’ experience as a solicitor and has acted for a number of high-profile clients and causes.

Edward has worked in both private practice and in commerce and industry.

Amanda Ben Hmida is the General Manager at Sunrise of Hale Barns. The Care Quality Commission rated 'Good' Community provides high-quality dementia care, respite care and assisted living in the local area.

Professor Luciano Nardo is Founder and Clinical Director at Reproductive Health Group, Daresbury Park, Cheshire as well as a Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist practising both in Manchester and London.

What is your top tip for when someone sues you (or threatens to)?

It is vital that you stay commercially focused. Don’t react emotionally. Identify your commercial objectives and make decisions that aim to achieve them. My role is to help businesses identify and achieve those objectives and provide tactically astute guidance through the technical minefield that comes with disputes.

How do I know I have found the right home for my loved one?

Exploring care home options for your parent or a loved one is an important time, and we know how vital it is that the chosen home is a perfect fit. It should feel like a ‘home from home’, with care plans, activities and dining experiences tailored to meet individual needs, enabling them to live fulfilling and engaged lives.

Can mediation be effective for resolving property disputes?

Yes. Mediation should be considered at all stages of any dispute in an effort to avoid the time, cost and stress of litigation. In property disputes, often involving neighbours, mediation can lead to innovative solutions outside the legal strictures of what a court may decide and potentially even help to rebuild relationships.

What questions should I ask staff when considering a home?

When considering a home, it is important to put yourself in your loved one’s shoes. Think about their day-to-day lives and how a home can support them, be it care requirements, food preferences or continuing hobbies they love. Don’t be afraid to ask ‘too many questions’, you want to be assured your loved one will thrive in their new home.

How does egg freezing work?

The process involves freezing mature eggs by a fine laboratory technique called ‘vitrification’. The harvesting of eggs is a relatively short and simple ultrasoundguided procedure performed under sedation. In order to maximise the number of eggs produced, hormone treatment is given for 10 to 12 days and ultrasound scans are carried out to assess the response and to determine the best time to retrieve the eggs.

Can we dismiss someone for persistent poor timekeeping?

Yes, but you must still apply a fair procedure, which might include warnings, a timescale for improvement, and considering medical evidence if there is any risk of an underlying medical cause. If the reason for poor timekeeping is a disability, you may be required to make 'reasonable adjustments' or you may be exposed to a disability discrimination claim.

What are the different levels of care available within a home?

The levels of care available within a home can vary and it’s essential that these meet the care requirements of your loved one. At Sunrise of Hale Barns, we cater for a range of care needs, including providing personalised dementia care and assisted living as well as respite care for those needing a break from an everyday routine.

How successful is egg freezing?

The success of egg freezing is age dependant, with the best pregnancy results in women younger than 35.

In general, the number of available eggs suitable for freezing and then fertilisation in vitro declines with advancing chronological age. In the right hands and in the right population of women, egg-freezing technology should give success rates as good as using fresh eggs.

What are the costs for egg freezing?

Prior to embarking on egg freezing, a woman needs to undergo some ovarian reserve tests, the results of which form the basis for deciding if fertility preservation is a feasible and cost-effective approach. At Reproductive Health Group, the cost of the preliminary investigations is around £375, whereas the cost of the egg freezing process is around £3,200.

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.

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON It’s Christmas – time to enjoy some nightlife or take in some family entertainment. There is plenty of opportunity to take your festive celebrations into the city’s venues and theatres, where we are spoiled for choice with some amazing Christmas shows and world-class productions. Here are some Christmas treats for December and, if you have any money left over, some New Year shows to help bring in 2019 and get rid of any January blues.

lively live music and playful puppetry make this a winner for children aged 3-11 years and their families.

Black Beauty Z-arts – 8, 9, 14 & 15 December Blending storytelling, puppetry and music, Black Beauty is an uplifting and hilarious retelling of the classic story full of friendship, courage, hope and heroes.

Cinderella Opera House – 8-30 December

By Catherine Reed

Christmas crackers Stick Man The Lowry – 1 December – 6 January Scamp Theatre’s award-winning adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man returns to The Lowry. How will he manage to avoid the dog who wants to play fetch with him, the nest-building swan and a fire! With live music, funky moves and a flurry of snow!

Cinderella Oldham Coliseum – Playing until 12 January The Coliseum always produces a very traditional, interactive, fun-for-all-thefamily panto and this one ticks all the boxes for the perfect panto recipe this Christmas. It is certainly one of the first shows to kick-start the festivities – it opens its doors from 10 November… oh yes it does!

SIX The Lowry – 4-16 December From Tudor queens to pop princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing 500 years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.

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Wicked The Musical Palace Theatre – 4 December – 5 January Wicked returns to the city following previous sell-out performances both here at the Palace and at The Lowry.

Returning to the theatre where it all began in 2013, Wicked moves in for just five weeks, marking the end of the show’s amazing, record-breaking tour.

This fabulous musical tells the untold story of the witches of Oz through a wonderful soundtrack and, of course, the famously fabulous Defying Gravity showstopper!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Octagon Theatre at Macron Stadium 4-31 December If you are more in search of the original Oz story, then follow the yellow brick road to the Macron Stadium, which Octagon Theatre will make their home this Christmas and retell the magical story of the Wizard of Oz. Original music is performed live and it is an ideal treat for ages 5+.

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas Waterside Arts – 4-31 December Children of all ages will delight in Briggs’ grumpy but loveable Father Christmas as he gets ready for his busiest day of the year – Christmas Eve. Watch as prepares his Christmas deliveries, feeds the reindeer and takes flight into the snowy night. Lots of

This year’s Opera House panto stars Gareth Gates as Prince Charming and Coronation Street favourites Connor McIntyre (aka super-villain ‘Pat Phelan’) and comedian/actor Les Dennis (aka ‘Michael Rodwell’, one of Phelan’s victims) ‘as the Ugly Sisters. Produced

by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, the show features comedy, special effects and lots of audience interaction.

Doctor Dolittle The Musical The Lowry – 11 December – 5 January You’ve never seen anything like it!

This is a show that really does have something for everyone. There’s lots of great songs, amazing puppetry (including a 3-metre-high pushmipullyu), starring roles for Mark Williams (Harry Potter and Doctor Who) and Corrie’s Brian Capron and Vicky Entwistle, plus stunning scenery and costumes – it’s a great choice for all the family this Christmas.

WHAT’S ON The Forest of Forgotten Discos!

Hope Mill Theatre – 11-23 December

The Producers Royal Exchange – Until 26 January

Join Contact Theatre and Jackie Hagan for a new and exciting show for children aged 5+. A delightful, inclusive show telling the story of the forest where everyone has forgotten about dancing, bright lights and disco.

This show opened late in November, so started as a Christmas treat but now makes the perfect Christmas gift or January blues pick-me-up. The Producers is always hilarious and always entertaining!

Släpstick HOME – 13-22 December

Saturday Night Fever Palace Theatre – 22-26 January

Winner of the 2017 Edinburgh Spirit of the Fringe award, Släpstick is an ode to the timeless comedy of Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, Spike Jones and Laurel and Hardy – with a modern twist. Live music, physical comedy, five world-class performers and eccentricity by the bucket load combine to produce a show in true slapstick tradition.

Marking 40 years since its UK cinema release, Saturday Night Fever is spectacularly reimagined in a big new music and dance extravaganza. Whilst paying homage to the 1977 John Travolta classic, this stage version promises more drama, more music and hot, new choreography.

White HOME – 13-22 December Presented by Catherine Wheels, White is a playful, highly visual show for very young children and makes for the perfect first-time theatre experience.

A Christmas Carol The Stoller Hall – 15 December Timothy West is Scrooge in this dark atmospheric version of Charles Dickens’ seasonal classic adapted by Composer Neil Brand and performed by outstanding regional performers from Chester Philharmonic Orchestra, Manchester Chamber Choir and Manchester School of Theatre.

An Evening of Eric and Ern at Christmas The Lowry – 18 December – 6 January An evening of nostalgia, fun and fabulous memories of times when the whole family would huddle around the telly to watch the Morecambe & Wise Christmas Specials. This show is filled with some of their most-loved routines, songs and sketches and, of course, a musical guest.

Beating the January blues The Rocky Horror Show Opera House – 9-26 January This legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical stars Coronation Street’s Beverley Callard (Liz McDonald) as the Narrator and Strictly’s Joanne Clifton as Karen.

The Band The Lowry – 16-26 January The Band is the perfect show for anyone who grew up with a boyband whose songs became the soundtrack to their life. Featuring the music of Take That, we first meet the girls in 1993, when the band mean everything to them, and we join up with them again 25 years later, when they try once more to fulfil their dream of meeting their heroes.

Trial by Laughter The Lowry – 29 January – 2 February Ian Hislop and Nick Newman have once again taken inspiration from real-life events for their new play.

This is the story of William Hone – bookseller, publisher, satirist and the forgotten hero of free speech, who, in 1817, stood trial for impious blasphemy and seditious libel when his only real crime was being funny.

Jersey Boys Palace Theatre – 29 January – 16 February The smash hit musical returns with such memorable hits as Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Walk Like a Man and Beggin’.

Breakfast with Santa at Selfridges Trafford Join Santa as he hosts a decadent festive breakfast and receive a gift bag full of surprises. Enjoy delicious food and drink with your family while listening to his fascinating stories about his reindeers and elves. Tickets £30 from Eventbrite. When: 9am and 10:30am on 8th, 9th, 15th & 16th December.

School of Rock at Selfridges Trafford Now here’s a class that’s not boring.

The Selfridges Rock School is hosted by musical directors who will teach each pupil what it takes to be a veritable rock god. From perfecting your performance to creating the ultimate stage outfit – it’s time to amp up, plug in and let the fun begin!

Tickets £15 from Eventbrite.

When: 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm on 22nd December (duration of each class is 30 minutes).

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To Be Here Someday Celebrating 30 Years of Deacon Blue

Deacon Blue are delighted to announce their 2018 Tour, To Be Here Someday, a celebration of 30 years of Deacon Blue The last five years have been something of a renaissance for the band and a prolific surge of creativity has spawned three new albums in quick succession, including 2016’s studio album Believers, their highest charting album in 23 years. To Be Here Someday is a tour that celebrates the band’s entire career and will see them play some of their biggest ever shows.

The nationwide tour of the UK and Ireland includes a return to London’s iconic Hammersmith Apollo (for the first time in 10 years) as well as three arena shows in Liverpool, Aberdeen and, for an electrifying finale to the tour, The SSE Hydro in the band’s hometown of Glasgow.

The tour’s title, To Be Here Someday, is a line from their iconic single Dignity and encapsulates the band’s hopes and their passion and joy in being able to share with their fans the biggest songs from throughout their career. As has become a feature of their live shows, they will present a set list that will change night by night but will always be full of classic Deacon Blue.

Kenny Wax on his latest hit show SIX

Kenny Wax is one of the UK’s leading commercial producers. He is the driving force behind shows such as The Play That Goes Wrong and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery. His latest production SIX is at The Lowry from 4 -16 December We caught up with Kenny, who hails from Bowdon, to ask about the show that has the six wives of Henry VIII taking to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.

“Exactly a year ago, I received a ‘tip-off ’ from a composer whose work I admire enormously,” says Kenny. “He wanted me to go to Cambridge to see a student production of a new musical called SIX, a retelling of The Six Wives of Henry VIII done as a contemporary pop concert.

I took my 16-year-old daughter and we both loved it. The challenge was to give the

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show the right support and enhancement to compete alongside better-known titles but without losing its charm. SIX has also had offers from theatres all over the world.

We are currently negotiating film rights, we have been offered music publishing by several of the big labels, and we are getting 40,000 downloads per day. We sold out at the Edinburgh Festival and then at the Arts Theatre in London. Sales at the Lowry are tremendous too – I predict a complete sell-out there prior to our return to the West End in January.”

Get your tickets while you can! https://thelowry.com/whats-on/six/

Charity MIND-ed Yvette Royle

Like her Tiller Girl gran, bubbly Yvette Royle is a natural performer. Self-taught soul singer, Northern Ballet School trained dancer and present-day telly actor, she switched from dance to song in 1988.

Daughter Charlie was three months old.

Prestigious work beckoned but family came first.

Since 1990, Yvette, in full-length Hollywood-inspired sequins and glitz, has entranced corporate clients and organised fundraisers for Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) and Brainwave. Always by her side is Dave, her husband of 26 years, her soundman and her ‘rock’. In fact, last year, the lovebirds celebrated their silver wedding by renewing their vows and hosting the dream wedding they certainly couldn’t afford the first time round!

By Fay Wertheimer

MIND Ball On 2nd November, at Mere Golf Resort & Spa, this Hale mum-of-three ‘upped her ante’. She masterminded her own highly successful, full-scale ball for MIND, performed there and plans a repeat next year.

Why MIND? People promote causes with personal resonance. Yvette’s alcoholic father died at 58. Graced by her mother’s careful guidance but blighted by her father’s

drinking, only child Yvette recalls, “I was a latchkey kid. My Mum, Iris, arrived from the office at 6pm. Dad left for business every morning. We knew he’d just sit on a barstool from 11am to 11pm. We hadn’t a clue how he’d roll in each night. I never factored in he’d lost a brother to murder.

I just saw him as selfish. We didn’t understand alcoholism is a mental illness.”

Witness to mood swings, violence and failed suicide bids, extroverted Yvette developed an insight into mental health issues. Yet, it took her 18 months after having her second daughter to realise her recent sense of isolation, her uncharacteristic introversion and her inability to cope were actually delayed post-natal depression. Unlike her father, she sought help and recovered.

She adds, “One in four people experiences mental health problems. Fundraisers are vital for highlighting these issues. Greater awareness could potentially reduce suicide rates.”

Multi-talented Come Dine with Me’ 2017 winner Yvette fell into acting. She’d prepared herself for an advert casting at the BBC, discovered it was actually a sitcom audition, stayed for the ‘helluvit’ and improvised. She was hired for Puppy Love with Joanna Scanlan.

Her voice and showmanship have taken her all over, including to Tuscany, Kuala Lumpur and Morocco. She’s appeared alongside Russell Watson and Jason Manford. Her single Run is now available digitally and at major outlets. In the New Year, she stars in a Saturday night BBC TV series. It’s all go.

Proud of her achievements, yet no diva, Yvette states, “Every performance must be my best. When the nerves stop, I’ll give up.

In fact, after 28 years, I still think I’m ‘winging’ it.”

Always impromptu Working at Manchester Airport, Yvette, 19, courteously helped passengers from one plane to another – after leading them to the wrong aircraft! Her bosses were equally unimpressed when she valiantly cheered up holidaymakers stranded for two hours at the gate. You see, she sang to them over the airport’s Tannoy system.

This knack for acting ‘off the cuff ’’ has furthered Yvette’s career. Flying high, yet grounded in family values, gifted, self-made yet ‘so clumsy, I’ve even fallen off my flip-flops!’, Yvette Royle remains a constant delight.

OUTDOORS

By Oliver Chesher

MY NAME IS MUD

In this part of the world, our ‘mud season’ is long. Some northern climates go straight from lush greenery to crisp snow and back again, but we Brits get milder winters, which means a lot of mud.

That’s the best reason to get outside though. No bitey insects, no heatstroke or hypothermia – it’s just right. All you need is a few ideas and the right kit.

SATURDAY SUPERSTORE SCAVENGER HUNT

Kids tend to instinctively crave the outdoors, which is a great thing if you’re looking for cheap or free ways to keep them entertained and tire them out. Fresh air and a good run around are obvious benefits, but for added educational value and something all ages can enjoy, there’s nothing better than a scavenger hunt.

Having recently spent all too few days enjoying collecting conkers with my toddler before they disappeared, I realised the simple joy of heading out to the nearest woods or open space and hunting for things – no matter what the season. For older kids, you can set more challenging targets, such as holly leaves, some moss, pine cones, pebbles, different coloured bark, and so on, and make it more interesting by giving different items a points value.

HIT THE PEDALS

Everyone loves riding a bike. I refuse to believe anyone who claims otherwise – they either haven’t tried it or they’ve forgotten. It’s the closest feeling to flying and it’s an easy, natural way to build surprisingly high levels of fitness. The North West is arguably a world centre for cycling; our national federation – British Cycling –is based up the road at Sportcity, home of gold medallists, world champions and Tour winners.

Within a few minutes of our towns and cities, we have mountain bike trail centres, indoor and outdoor tracks, BMX, parks, cycleways, and some of the best shops and professional advice available for beginners or fledgling champions.

Start with britishcycling.org.uk and see where two wheels take you.

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Like many outdoor dads, I’m an overgrown child that seeks the newest, shiniest and most exotic toys. This usually means I slink around the most expensive shops when my wife’s not looking – but there’s one big exception that all outdoor dads agree on: Decathlon. The quality and prices in that shop are unbelievable. They manage this because most of the equipment and clothing they sell – for every sport you can think of – are their own brands, hence they can maintain quality control and cut out the middleman.

I visit often and never leave empty-handed.

Right now, I’m loving this portable solar shower, which I’ll use in warmer weather for camping trips, but for now, it’s perfect for hosing mud off my dog in remote car parks. £34.99, decathlon.co.uk

tech ‘TIS THE SEASON

We are right in the middle of eating and drinking season. So, here’s some food-related gadget ideas to make every meal, snack and drink even more enjoyable – at home or out and about.

WORLD’S BEST COOLER BAG

THE ULTIMATE BOTTLE

Until recently, a container was a container.

Drink from it, throw it away. Thankfully, most of us now know that plastic bottles and paper coffee cups are a serious problem – and we’re taking steps to halt the waste.

This is surely the best, most high-tech solution of all time. In one single marinegrade stainless steel bottle, Red Original (maker of the world’s best cooler bag above) has found a way to keep drinks hot for a full 12 hours or cold for an incredible 24. It’s big enough for three cups of coffee or an entire bottle of wine, and so solidly built, I reckon it will outlast us all.

First of all, the picnic basket is dead.

Fresh from the world of adventure sports (manufacturer Red Original is famous for its watersports gear), this ultra-tough cooler bag takes the concept to the next level – and is the best I’ve ever seen. Technology includes thermal-lock insulation, fully air and watertight construction, and militarygrade daisy chain webbing for strapping it securely.

It’s designed to keep your food intact out on the ocean, so you can be certain

You can even swap the canteen cap for a sports cap (included) so you can show off at the gym. £25, redoriginal.com

that your picnic will stay the perfect temperature, your party food will arrive in perfect nick, and your festive beers will stay ice cold all night. £160, redoriginal.com

THE TINIEST BOTTLE OPENER EVER

How can something so tiny get people so excited? The Pico titanium bottle opener is so small and simple that it makes all other keyring bottle openers look like Stone Age tools. No bigger or heavier than a paperclip, it’s amazingly effective and quite a talking point. £12, pangea-designs.com

By Oliver Chesher

NUTRITIONIST IN YOUR POCKET

Diet tracker apps are increasingly popular, and here’s a clever one that I love for many reasons.

MyFitnessPal has a barcode scanner and a massive database of foods, so it knows what’s in everything you eat. It can integrate with your exercise programme to better calculate calorie burn, learns your habits over time, and you can log in other people, such as your personal trainer, so managing your diet becomes fun and interesting instead of a chore.

Free, myfitnesspal.com

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By Oliver Chesher

THE BEST CAR OF YOUR LIFE? I’ve always said that no car in the world can ever beat that first one you loved. The one you may have had when you first left home and which represented the sudden rush of freedom and access to the outside world.

In my case, the car I took to university in the 90s will always hold a special place in my heart. A 1991 Ford Escort Estate, bottom of the range, with the 1.3 pushrod engine and absolutely zero optional extras. The cheapest and safest way to transport me and all my worldly goods up and down the motorway each term. I knew then how privileged I was to have it, and cherished it.

That got me thinking: what’s today’s equivalent? What might today’s parents one day pass down to tomorrow’s teenagers? The answer is easy to find – the Escort’s direct descendant, the Focus, has evolved tremendously over nearly three decades since mine was built.

I had great fun using the online configurator to build my own, going for the cheapest options at every turn. This is what I ended up with.

The Focus ‘Style’ estate, with 6-speed manual gearbox, 1.0l engine and dark grey cloth interior comes in Race Red (other colours cost extra!), with alloy wheels, air conditioning and steering wheelcontrolled DAB radio infotainment system all as standard. It also has some seriously impressive safety features, including Pre-Collision Assist, lane-keeping aid and cyclist detection.

The base price is just over £19,000 – which is of course a lot more than I’d have paid for mine, but then there are features on this car that only millionaires would have dreamt of when the Escort was around.

I’d be prepared to bet that there will be a whole future generation that will get just as emotional about this simple Ford as I do about mine.

BLUE COLLAR HYPERCAR

It’s human nature (at least mine) to have a nose around the website while looking for bargains, to have a look and see what they’ve got at the other end of the scale. The Ford GT is a masterpiece of brand modesty: the website displays its everyday range up to just over £40,000, barely even mentioning that it’s also possible to spend almost half a million on probably the best handling race-bred hypercar of all time. The GT’s history goes back to a time when, goaded by Ferrari, mass-market manufacturer Ford decided to build its own car to compete at Le Mans, which it duly dominated throughout the 1960s. True to form, the newest GT crushed all comers at Le Mans last year and is quietly outclassing them on the road too. Without the bling or shoutiness of any of the luxury brands, the GT’s balance, composure, stability and feel are acknowledged by those in the know to be the best in the business.

104

December/January 2019 | salutions.co.uk

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