Glossy Magazine Feb|Mar 2023

Love is in the air

Hello,Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, yet the weather is anything but romantic, but don’t let that dampen your spirits. The special moments shared with loved ones are what truly matter. And as we move forward to Mother’s Day, it’s a reminder to show appreciation for the love, care and wonderful things our mums do for us. Take a look at our respective gift guides on pages 17 and 27.

As winter draws to a close, the clocks change and the days start to get longer and warmer, our thoughts turn to summer holidays. The anticipation of booking that trip, whether it’s a city break, an outdoor adventure or something further afield, it’s exciting and tied to the one New Year’s resolution (to travel more) I’ll never break!

This issue, you can read about my Christmas trip to the capital (page 32), staying at the beautiful Dao by Dorsett in Shepherd’s Bush – ideal for those of you planning a shopping/exploring trip to London with friends or family. And if you’re in need of some holiday inspiration, check out Glossy’s must-visit destinations on page 34.

Inside the pages, you’ll find food inspo as well, with Angela Boggiano and Craig Robertson bringing some instant colour and freshness courtesy of a delicious Italian potato, green bean and tuna salad, while Harley Young not only lists the most incredible, atmospheric venues and activities to enjoy in Manchester and Cheshire, she reviews some delicious local eateries too.

It’s no secret that we are living in difficult times and prices continue to rise, however, despite the challenges, it’s important to keep a positive outlook, make simple changes and support our local businesses whenever we can.

Enjoy reading your magazine, have a happy Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, and don’t forget to enter the competition on page 51 to win two tickets to see Olly Murs at the AO Arena in May.

Candlelight: Hans Zimmer's Best Works, Ancoats… p12

GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Beverley Uddin-Khandakar beverley@glossymagazine.co.uk

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR

Salim Uddin-Khandakar salim@glossymagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING

Call the sales team on 0161 388 2353 info@glossymagazine.co.uk

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN

Paul King / Claire King www.twistedgifted.co.uk creative@twistedgifted.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

Catherine Reed

Fay Wertheimer

Oliver Chesher

Catherine Saunders

Lisa McMahon

Daisy Hogg

Angela Boggiano

Janet Reeder

Harley Young

PHOTOGRAPHY PR Shots

Bigstockphoto.com istockphoto.com Press Loft

Craig Robertson

This Magazine is published six times a year by UK17 Consultancy 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. UK17 Consultancy Limited. 5 The Stables, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 5PG 0161 388 2353 | www.uk17consultancy.co.uk. Full terms and conditions can be found on the Glossy Magazine website – glossymagazine.co.uk

We’ll get to the heart of the matter

Our team of cardiologists at Spire Manchester Hospital are experts in their 昀eld. Through tests and scans like cholesterol level checks and cardiac catheterisation, they’ll get to the root of the problem. From there, our consultants can suggest treatment options that give you the best possible prognosis and rapid access to care.

Tests and scans carried out in Manchester:

–Blood pressure test

–Blood tests for heart disease risk (cardiac testing)

–Cardiac scans (heart CT and MRI)

–Cardiac electrophysiology

–Cholesterol level test

–Contrast echocardiogram

–Electrocardiogram (ECG)

–Stress electrocardiogram

Whether you are self-pay or insured, we can take care of your health care needs.*

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KP Aesthetics Speaks on : Cosmetic Surgery!

If you haven’t already heard of KP Aesthetics, they are a bespoke medical aesthetics clinic in Hale, founded by Khatra Paterson who won the Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner of the Year 2022 at the Safety in Beauty Awards in December 2022.

Currently taking the industry by storm with their cosmetic treatments including injectables, facials, advanced skin treatments, feminine wellness, and body contouring, KP Aesthetics will soon be offering surgical treatments for their patients to continue their treatment journeys that go beyond their current menu.

Khatra has joined forces with leading cosmetic surgeon, Mr. Giorgio Netri, to bring their patients a private surgical suite; KPN Surgical.

Building work started for KP Surgical in December to create the brand new, state of the art operating theatre, with relaxing and comfortable recovery rooms and a private entrance; all to the high clinical standards you would find within any private hospital.

Mr Netri is one of the most active and popular plastic surgeons in the North West of England where he lives.

He has been working full-time in the UK for over 10 years operating on thousands of patients and gaining an enormous amount of experience in cosmetic surgery, with particular interest for breast surgery and body contouring procedures.

Giorgio Netri during a consultation for Breast Surgery. Image credit: Mr Giorgio Netri.

Khatra Paterson, Giorgio Netri and Seema Malhotra. Image credit Kirsty Bate Photography

Mr Giorigio Netri

KPN Surgical Suite

So, what is a surgical suite I hear you ask? We spoke to Mr. Giorgio Netri who is the Medical Director of KPN Surgical. He stated that “in the UK we are a little behind with cosmetic surgery and we rely on hospitals”. He went on to explain, " Cosmetic surgeons in the UK are looking to move to a system that America already has. The surgeons have their own suites, which means it is more private and direct when dealing with the patient. Safety is an integral part of the surgical journey. As a patient you want that to be up there being one of the most important things to take into consideration when choosing to have cosmetic surgery."

Mr Netri made it very clear that the new KP Surgical Suite would be just as safe as a hospital with the same standards and practices they have, if not better! This is all regulated by the CQC, Care Quality Commission, who are independent regulators in England. Their purpose and role is to ensure health and social care services provide people with safe effective compassionate high quality care.

The idea is that, together, KP Aesthetics & KPN Surgical will offer the “full package”. Mr Netri said, “results of surgical operations can be improved by looking after scaring with non-surgical, resulting in the two units offering treatments that compliment each other.” So, it does makes sense to have everything under one roof.

One of the most appealing points is that a patients journey will be dealt with in house, from the same team of specialised surgeons and nurses all the way from the very first consultation to the procedure to the after care, follow up and reviews.

The additional added benefit of this is the ongoing care provided by KP Aesthetics, using non surgical cosmetic treatments, such as skin resurfacing, scar reduction, LED light therapy, fat freezing, cellulite reduction, skin tightening and overall improvements to skin tone & texture.

Understanding what is going on with your body is incredibly important. Ultimately understanding brings choice about the options available, whether this is treatment, or simply changes you want to make within your day to day life.

Treatments Available

A full range of day case cosmetic procedures will be offered by a team of specialised plastic surgeons, carefully selected and led by Mr Netri.

Mr Netri will specialise in breast surgery and liposuction initially, with a specialist consultant for each of the other areas listed below

Full range of cosmetic surgery day case include;

Breast Surgery

Eye Surgery

Face & Neck Lift

Ears

Liposuction

Body Reshaping

Scan the QR code to visit KPN Surgical website and discover an exclusive offer for Glossy Magazine readers

stock image.

Khatra Paterson and Giorgio Netri at the start of the building works at KPN Surgical. Located within KP Aesthetics, WA15 9NN. Image Credit: KP Aesthetics

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As winter fades, so does the allure of clothing for darker days. It’s as if everything suddenly feels a little bit dowdy, so what you need is a wardrobe refresh.

We are loving all the orange and peachy hues that are around at the moment; they’re perfectly designed to lift the spirits and fantastic for giving an old skirt or trouser a new lease of life.

A new dress is definitely something you should invest in, as it will take you effortlessly from desk to dinner and still be useful when spring is in full bloom. Oh, and of course, you need a knockout little number for Valentine’s Day, don’t you? Any excuse!

Another way to breathe new life into your wardrobe is with some new footwear; whether they are box-fresh trainers or a pair of funky platforms – or both. We all need to be stepping into the new season with a new pair of shoes.

Red satin wrap dress, £39, riverisland.com

V by Very twist front collar midi dress, £35, very.co.uk

Navy trousers, £16, primark.com

Dune London Elysium green trainer, £85, dunelondon.com

Barbour Zale jacket, £139, barbour.com/uk

20 Stories, Deansgate

Looking for incredible food with a view that will blow their socks off? 20 Stories is the perfect place to enjoy a fabulous meal or cocktail or two whilst marvelling at Manchester’s distinctive skyline.

This Valentine’s Day, for just £70 per person, you can enjoy a delectable four-course meal, which includes canapés and expertly crafted dishes, such as artichoke and truffle soup and treacle-cured beef fillet with fondant potatoes. Add in a tipple or two from their extensive cocktail menu and let the evening carry you away. What are you waiting for? Book early to avoid disappointment!

For? Perfect for date night \ When? Valentine’s Day \ Price?

With Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day fast approaching, you’re probably looking for somewhere to take your loved one for a treat and show them how much you appreciate them.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most incredible, atmospheric venues and activities available to visit and enjoy in Manchester and Cheshire throughout February and March. Whether you’re looking for romantic dining with a soothing ambience, or an activity as wonderful and unique as they are, we’ve got you covered!

Price Key

- Affordable and fun - Great as a treat - Expensive but worth it!

Candlelight: Hans Zimmer's Best Works, Ancoats

There are few things more magical than listening to live music by candlelight. You and your loved one can experience an evening full of atmospheric entertainment as you listen to a string quartet perform Hans Zimmer’s best works at Hallé St Peter’s in Ancoats. Hear incredible soundtracks from films like Gladiator and Interstellar like you’ve never heard them before.

Let the music transport you to somewhere special as you relax in the tranquil glow of candlelight with this multi-sensory experience.

For? Music lovers \ When? 2nd & 24th February \ Price?

Afternoon tea at The Ivy, Spinningfields

What’s better than a bunch of flowers? Maybe an entire backdrop full of botanicals? The Ivy in Spinningfields is the perfect spot for delicious food and cocktails in a highly Instagrammable setting.

As a special treat this Mother’s Day, The Ivy will be serving up a special afternoon tea from a bespoke menu, which includes a limited-edition Floral Mother’s Day Macaron.

Surprise mum to a special afternoon treat this Mother’s Day Weekend!

For? Sweet treat lovers \ When? Mother’s Day weekend \ Price?

Manchester Film Festival

If your loved one is a movie buff, they’ll absolutely adore a day or two at the Manchester Film Festival watching a whole host of indie flicks.

For over a full week, you can expect to see incredible, high-rated films from all around the world as the Odeon at Great Northern plays host to the most anticipated movie festival the city has to offer. Get the popcorn at the ready, you won’t want to miss this!

For? Film fanatics \ When? 10th-19th March \ Price?

Cook together at Food Sorcery, Didsbury & Deansgate

If food is their ‘love language’...

If your sweetie has a sweet tooth, then what better way to spend some time together than baking something delicious. Join the Valentine’s Day class at Food Sorcery in Didsbury, enjoy canapés and drinks on arrival and learn how to make rum-cured salmon and red velvet cake amongst other tasty dishes from their talented chef.

This is a perfect alternative to a meal out – celebrate together as a couple, friends or family. The best part? There’s no washing up!

For? Foodies \ When? Valentine’s Day (or various dates throughout the year!) \ Price?

Take a stroll in Tatton Park, Knutsford

Let a leisurely stroll around one of the UKs most complete historic estates fill the air with love...

Tatton Park is a beautifully serene setting with lavish gardens and the impressive Tudor Old Hall. There’s a neo-classical mansion for marvelling at as well as a deer park in which to do a spot of nature-watching. With plenty of events and exhibitions throughout the year, there’s something for everyone and reason to keep coming back to Tatton Park. From the 11th to the 26th of February, the park will be host to its annual scarecrow festival, which makes for an incredibly entertaining walk. There are even regular wedding fayres, great news if you’re planning a proposal on your stroll!

Enjoy discounted tickets when you pre-book online.

For? Nature & history lovers \ When? Whenever you like! \ Price?

Cheese & wine at Cork of the North, Sale

Whether you and your loved one have always yearned to learn the skills of a sommelier or you simply both fancy an evening of wine and nibbles, this one will certainly be to your taste...

Situated in the heart of Sale, Cork of the North is a quaint and beautiful wine shop and bar serving a fantastic array of wines and sparkling beverages to suit all tastebuds. Each tasting session includes six exceptionally tasty wines (three red, three white) as well as delicious nibbles to accompany each glass.

Let the award-winning wine experts answer any questions you might have about the well-loved beverage as they guide you through a relaxed and entertaining evening. Book your £35pp session early as they tend to sell out quick!

For? A corker of an evening! \ When? 6th February \ Price?

Relax with a massage at Hale Country Club & Spa

Looking for a chance to unwind with your loved one?

Why not book yourselves in for a massage at Hale Country Club & Spa with their new Relax & Romance package? It’s available to book throughout February and uses signature blend bath and body oils to harness the power of aromatherapy and elevate your experience through your senses.

Enjoy a 60-minute lava shell massage with half-day facility access and pink fizz for two in the Champagne Lounge. You can also enjoy delicious Valentine’s treats together as you unwind in the Couple’s Room. Members can enjoy a small saving on their bookings.

For? A romantic, relaxing experience \ When? Throughout February \ Price?

Medik8 C-Tetra, £39, Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C Cream, £59, both available at theskinexperts.co.uk

The Jojoba Company Probiotic Jojoba Milk, £34, thejojobacompany.co.uk

THE BEAUTY EDIT

NEW La Mer Resurfacing Treatment, £110, Selfridges.com & other leading stores

Sisley Ecological Compound Advanced Formula, 60ml £118 & 125ml £202, sisley-paris.co.uk

start at £23.99

COSRX Snail Mucin range at Boots & Sephora, prices

For Her Musc Noir Rose EDP, Narciso Rodriguez, 100ml, £107, theperfumeshop.com

Leighton Denny Get Glazed nail polish, £12.50

Superfood Midnight Facial, £40, Elemis

Carrie make-up bag £22, Oliver Bonas

Easter rabbit wreath, 46cm, £8, Hobbycraft

Hotel

Night In Movie Set, £10.99, gettingpersonal.co.uk

Gorgeous pink crystal hairband, £15, haircrystals.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICKS

Tonnes of new products landed on my desk this month, but these are my favourites

Amàre Vodka, a new independent five-times distilled vodka brand featuring classic premium, passion fruit & strawberry flavours, £35, amarevodka.com

Maize geometric storage basket, £14.50, Matalan

Chocolat. Just For You Valentine’s bundle, £35, John Lewis

Words Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

Valentine’s gift guide

Unique and romantic gift ideas for your loved one, without breaking the bank

Words Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

1. Valentine's Day Red, White & Pink Berry Heart Wreath, lights4fun, £34.99 2. Pack of Five Heart Balloons with Balloon Ribbons, £3.49, The Range 3. Dartington Swarovski Ruby Valentine’s Day Champagne Flutes, £49, Farrar & Tanner 4. Valentine’s Day Gift Box, £1, Poundland 5. Hot Pink Where Love Lives Art Print, £29, Aureous 6. Reasons Why I Love You Valentines Gift Jar, £12.99, Ginger Ray 7. Scented Louboutin Leather and Rose Shoe Heel Wife Valentines Card. Individually handmade velvet everlasting red roses, satin bows, diamantes & sparkle, £45, The Luxe Co. 8. Valentine’s novelty rubber duck, £1, Poundland 9. Be My Valentine Personalised Sweet Jar, Very, £19.99

OutdOors

BACK UNDER CANVAS

When doing the sad task of taking down the Christmas tree, my youngest (aged three) tried to cheer her daddy up with “next it will be camping time.” I’ve never been prouder. It’s not just my kids though – all children love camping. Some of us never grow out of it. Of course, as with any hobby, dads get competitive and obsessive, and every campsite is crawling with those that love to compare their utility trailers, air beam tents and outdoor cooking setups. But those types aren’t going to read this page… they know it all already! So, here’s a back-to-basics guide for those that might want to keep it simple, or perhaps even give family camping a try for the first time.

Where to visit

We’re so spoiled, living in this beautiful region. We can get to North Wales, the Lake District, the Forest of Bowland or the Staffordshire Moorlands by car so quickly, the kids won’t even have time to get bored. Closer still, there’s the whole of the Peak District, which basically starts just the other side of Stockport. A favourite campsite is Dale Farm near Bakewell, which is a perfect rural camping experience with simple, clean facilities and real peace and quiet. www.dale.farm

What you’ll need

Camping affords infinite opportunities for shopping and hoarding toys – but a spring trip with the kids needn’t require a set of titanium cookware or a militaryspec Land Rover. All you really need is shelter, bedding and warm layers. Shelter just means a big enough tent, see if you

can borrow one before you buy so you can decide what features you want. Even the cheapest tents will keep the wind and rain off. For bedding, as long as you have mats or air mattresses to insulate you from the cold ground, you could get away with duvets and blankets from home if you don’t have sleeping bags.

And as long as you have enough clothing options, you’re all set. Everything else you can improvise – even cooking is nonessential if you want to keep it simple and take snacks and picnic food and eat out during the daytime.

Who to go with

Camping is great for all ages. Personally, I didn’t start taking my kids until they could just about walk, but there are adventurers who successfully take babies, albeit with all the extra preparation that

entails. I’d also recommend going in a bigger group, even better if some of the friends and families in your party are experienced campers. That way there’s opportunities to share kit and learn tips and tricks and there’s more entertainment and supervision for the little ones.

When to go

Unlike other types of holiday, camping need not be a big commitment or undertaking. Some of the best trips I’ve had with my children have been spur of the moment; on one occasion, just 24 hours there and back. One sunny weekend last year, some friends decided to drive out to the nearest site, set up, play games in the field, have takeaway pizzas and sunset story time, then pack up and drive home the next day. Stress free and everyone loved it.

By Oliver Chesher

10 Ways To Avoid Paying Inheritance Tax (IHT)

Inheritance tax is a 40% tax applied after a person dies to estates that are worth over £325,000 – or more if a home or the sale pro ceeds of a home are included. In the UK during 2021/22, Brits paid a record £6.05 Bn smashing the previous record of £5.36 Bn paid to the HMRC in 2018/19. The average IHT bill paid in the UK is £213,000, however this figure could be far less if action had been taken during the deceased’s lifetime to pro tect their estates.

Will my estate be liable to IHT when I die?

This question depends on several factors such as the size of your estate, whether you’re married or in a civil partnership, whether you have an interest in a business or agricultural land or intend to leave assets to direct de scendants or not. Everybody is entitled to a tax-free amount of £325,000 (this is called your nil rate band). If you intend to leave your estate to a spouse or civil partner, then IHT will not be payable on the first death. When the surviving partner dies, they can then use the nil rate band of the first to die, meaning a combined nil rate band of £650,000 of tax-free allowance. In the event that this is still not enough to avoid the need to pay IHT, there are additional exemptions such as the Residence nil Rate band which can potentially be used

10 was to avoid paying Inheritance Tax

1. Make a Will

A Will is required when ensuring you estate passes in accordance with your wishes and is

especially important where you have children from previous relationships, business partnerships and disabled children. Without a Will, your estate will be distributed under the intestacy rules which may not be how you would have wanted.

2. Stay below the IHT threshold (Nil Rate Band)

As discussed above, the current threshold (or Nil Rate Band) is 325,000 and this figure will remain the same until at least 2026 according to current Government plans.

3. Give assets away

If you gift assets away and survive for 7 years, then you can avoid paying any IHT on the value of the gift. The amount payable is even reduced annually after 3 years from the date of the gift. Each individual can gift up to £3000 per year (or £5000 per year if its for a child’s wedding).

4 Put assets into a Trust

Putting assets into a trust has the effect of removing the asset from your estate, meaning your estate is no longer liable for IHT. Many people chose to place assets into a trust for their child upon them attaining the age of 18 for example. There are many different types of trusts.

5. Put assets into a Trust but still get any income

If you place assets into an ‘Interest in posses sion’ trust, you can still benefit from any generated income whilst avoiding IHT. You will however be liable for income tax.

6. Take out Life Insurance

It is possible to take out a life insurance policy to cover the cost of any IHT liability. The policy can be placed into a trust to ensure it isn’t taxed beforehand and paid outside of your estate.

7. Make gifts out of excess income

You can make ‘gifts out of income’ free from IHT. For gifts to qualify they must form part of normal expenditure, be made out of income and not reduce your standard of living.

8. Give away assets that are free from Capital Gains Tax

If you have assets that have fallen in value since purchase (such as property and shares) they can be gifted without attracting Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Any recovery in the value of the assets would accrue in the estate of the recipient and any gain would be free from any IHT li ability after 7 years.

9. Give gifts to Charity

Any gifts left to charity are free from IHT Li ability. If you leave 10% of the total assets to charity in your Will, then any IHT rate will be reduced from 40% to 36%.

10. SPEND IT!

I don’t wish to tell people how they should spend their money, but it seems to make little sense to live on a tight budget during old age only for your beneficiaries to be taxed 40%. If you have worked hard during your life to build up your assets, you should enjoy them, it maybe worth considering that once in a lifetime cruise or dream sports car.

Talk to us

If you wish to discuss any of the points raised in this article in further detail, please contact one of our experienced Private Client Lawyers here at Blackstone Solicitors on 0161 929 0121 who would be happy to assist.

Gareth Morgan, head of Private Client at Blackstone Solicitors, discusses inheritance tax and how his team can help you avoid it.

What is IHT?

Luxury living in the heart of Altrincham

With its pubs, arts cinema, cosmopolitan mix of restaurants and huge array of delis, shops and quirky coffee shops, the historic town sits at the heart of the Northwest and provides a cool, relaxed vibe – a location where life revolves around the thriving community and its families. These apartments are perfect for professionals; each is contemporary and luxurious in its design, finished to an extremely high standard and offering spacious, light-filled living.

Apartments at Allingham Place are available on a shared ownership basis — which makes them a perfect opportunity to invest in excellent, affordable living in a fashionable location with fabulous transport links. Dubbed ‘Utopia’ and named one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2021, Altrincham is home to an award-winning high street and bustling market halls filled with independent stalls offering everything from waste-free living to freshly baked bread.

Allingham Place consists of 15 two-bedroom luxury apartments in the centre of Altrincham, which are now available to buy through shared ownership from £109,000 for a 40% share value. Apartment values range from a guide of £305,000 to £307,500, dependant on plot.

Sylvia dining chair in recycled velvet, £119, cultfurniture.com

HomeSense velvet office chair, £99.99,

Bean Bag Bazaar floral cushion, £18.99, beanbagbazaar.co.uk

Pink Love Neon wall light, £39.99, lights4fun.co.uk

Heart print paper heart plates, £4.99, gingerray.co.uk

Baby pink Yasmine side table, £3,678.30, bykoket.com

Coming up roses

Get romantic with shades of pink and red this season

Pink and red aren’t just for Valentine’s Day – although we can’t ignore the most romantic day of the year this issue – they are the perfect way to give your home a glamorous makeover.

The psychology of pink is interesting, as it is reckoned to have a calming effect. In fact, one shade known as ‘drunk-tank pink’ is sometimes used in prisons to calm inmates, so maybe it’s the colour to paint your home if you have friends who ‘over refresh’ when they come over for a drink!

A chair or sofa in a rosy shade is definitely the way to go if you want to add warmth and cheer to the home. Reds and hot pinks will add a sexy glow and paler pinks will make everything look fresh and bright. And, of course, hearts are always a good idea if you want to ramp up the romance. So, don’t just save red and pinky hues for the bedroom. Try blossoming out with blush shades all over the home.

By Janet Reeder

Roxie four-seater sofa in pink velvet, £899, dfs.co.uk

Vitra Heart Cone chair, £3,100, nest.co.uk

Pink candlestick shaped candle, £13.50, talkingtables.com

Luxury living in one of Manchester’s property hotspots

It can be difficult to find a home in a location that offers the perfect balance between city and village living, especially one that’s affordable for first-time buyers. Gecko Homes has created somewhere with the perfect balance, for both you and your bank balance –The Foundry.

Located in the heart of Monton, one of the fastest-growing property hotspots in the North West, this exclusive new de velopment comprises of a collection of new one and two-bedroom apartments, unrivalled in their location and design. The Foundry is located on Lansdowne Road, within walking distance of Monton Village and just a stone’s throw away from a wealth of exceptional amenities.

With its central location and excellent transport links, The Foundry is the perfect place for a range of buyers. This exciting, new four-storey development consists of five different apartment types, due to be ready to move into in April 2023. All of the 36 apartments at The Foundry boast an open-plan layout, which maximises space and natural light. The Foundry is designed with modern living in mind and each apartment is home to a fully fitted Paula

Rosa Manhattan kitchen, LED lighting and a suite of integrated appliances. Bath rooms at The Foundry benefit from Porcelanosa ceramic tiling, an over-bath shower, heated towel rail and LED lighting complete with an illuminated mirror. The Foundry also offers secure cycle storage, parking and a beautifully landscaped exterior.

The Winsor is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, benefitting from the same modern finishes and high specification as its two-bedroom counterparts. The Hale, The Faraday, The Swann and The Sprengel are all two-bedroom apartments with both a bathroom and an en suite. Each of the different designs has a slightly different floorplan, offering a variety of layouts so that your home is as unique as you are!

Shared ownership provides a perfect op portunity for first-time buyers to buy

their own share in one of The Foundry’s amazing apartments, with shares of 40% to 75% available to purchase. So, you can buy a share in one of these stunning new homes with a mortgage and pay a subsidised rent on the remainder, with the option to buy more shares in your home in the future if you wish to.

Gecko Homes, part of Southway Housing Trust, is based in Manchester and prides it self on making the buying process as simple and straightforward as possible.

Gecko aims to provide a home for every need with their new, high-quality and beautifully designed homes. There are options to rent and buy, including shared ownership, ensuring that luxury living is affordable for every buyer and budget!

To register your interest in The Foundry, or find out more about Gecko Homes and other new properties it has available across Manchester, please email sales@geckohomes.co.uk, call 0330 995 1333 or visit geckohomes.co.uk

Why choose Litecraft?

This family business prides itself on fast delivery, an extensive choice of products and value for money, whilst the Litecraft website is dedicated to helping you with your search for the right lighting, whatever you’re looking for.

The in-house design and buying team work non-stop to source top-quality products and designs inspired by the latest interior trends, and the loyal, friendly Litecraft team is happy to be your personal shopper, ensuring you find the perfect lighting for your home.

Our Manchester city centre store has now relocated to our larger store over in Oldham, resulting in a larger selection of home lighting and giving you even more choice. We can be found at Gorse Mill, next to Costco, off J21, M60. However, do not fear, we are hoping this is not a permanent move and we are looking to open another Litecraft store in central Manchester again in the very near future.

Our store has FREE parking and we are open seven days a week.

Customerservice@litecraft.co.uk / 0161 359 4777 / litecraft.co.uk

Litecraft / Gorse Street / Chadderton / Oldham / OL9 9RJ (just off J21, M60)

Orlando Bathroom Flush, £119

Lincoln wall light, £33

Visconte Atrani 4 Light Pendant, £250

Ashley 6 light, £169

Miley, £139

Vasca Pendant, £269

Rattan shade, £50

Arched floor lamp, £94

Rattan table lamp, £57

MOTHER’S DAY

If you want to play it safe, then flowers, chocolates and candles are classic go-to Mother’s Day gifts, but this year, why not go for something different?

Dried flowers in vases, £6.99 each, Dobbies

Fire Gazing diffuser, £32, Balmy

Lavendar yoga eye pillow, £15, Warrior Addict

Phenomenal Women notebook, £10, Talking Tables

Suede personalised jewellery box, £38, Bloom Boutique

Marbella melon slides, £79, Welligogs

Acrylic heart personalised name necklace, £26, Bloom Boutique

Dark ebony pamper bed tray, £650, iWOODESIGN

Bucket bags, £45, The Country Crib Somerset

Italian potato, green bean and tuna salad

It’s time to add some colour and freshness to our evening meals. After months of beige comfort food, we are craving something fresh, crunchy and zingy yet still hearty and super tasty. This salad hits all the notes and is so simple to put together. Make extra as it will sit perfectly in the fridge for lunch the next day.

200g cherry tomatoes, halved

100g radishes, halved

150g can tuna in olive oil, drained

For the dressing:

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Juice 1 large juicy lemon

75ml extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp honey

3 tbsp flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

1. Tip the potatoes into a pan of cold salted water, ensuring they are well covered, and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the beans and cook for five minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into ice-cold water to cool.

2. Cook the potatoes for another five minutes until tender, then drain and leave to cool. When cool enough to handle, halve or quarter them and place in a bowl.

Italian potato, green bean and tuna salad

Serves 4

For the salad:

400g new potatoes

150g green beans

4 large eggs

50g pitted black & green olives

1 small red onion, finely sliced

3. Meanwhile, cook the eggs in a second small saucepan of simmering water for seven minutes to give a soft, jammy yolk. Drain the eggs and run under cold water, then peel the shell and cut in half.

4. Drain the cooked green beans and add to the bowl with the potatoes.

5. Whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing with a good pinch of salt and ground black pepper. Spoon a tablespoon

over the potatoes and beans and toss together well. Arrange the potatoes and beans on a large serving platter with the olives, red onion, tomatoes, radish, eggs and tuna – keeping everything separate. Spoon over some of the dressing and scatter with the parsley. Serve at the table along with some extra dressing and crusty bread and let everyone help themselves.

Food editor, stylist and author Angela Boggiano and her photographer husband, Craig Robertson, owners of At The Kitchen in Cheadle Hulme, share their delicious Italian potato, green bean and tuna salad with us.

Experience a mouth-watering, one-of-akind food experience by none other than Aiden Byrne and his award-winning team this Valentine’s Day. Using only the finest locally sourced ing redients, Aiden has lov ingly designed an exquisite threecourse meal for you and your significant other to enjoy, including a tantalising pressed tomato terrine, beautiful herbcrusted sea bass and a mignardise of chocolate truffles and raspberry macaroons

With the iconic back drop of the stunning Lymm Dam and St. Mary’s Church just

moments away, your Valentine’s Day could be made even more special by enjoying some breath-taking views across the water before or after you dine. Available only on Valentine's Day, the team anticipates high demand for this menu, so please do book your table in advance via the website to avoid disappointment.

Did you know that you can also enjoy a taste of The Church Green at home thanks to The Church Green Deli? Born out of Aiden's home kitchen during the 2020 lockdown, The Church Green Deli offers a

delectable selection of hand-picked favou rites from independent and, where possible, local artisan suppliers.

Enjoy one of Aiden’s famous homemade pies, the ones that started it all and are filled with only the finest locally sourced ingredients, or indulge yourself with a sweet treat or two, including their very own blend of Church Green coffee –avail able on the go or to brew at home.

The Church Green Pub offers the choice of indoor or alfresco dining on The Pavilion, with dishes for every occasion to enjoy. If you visit during the spring and summer, there are wood-fired delights cooked to order from The Shack... your only dilemma will be choice! Well-behaved four-legged friends are very welcome at The Church Green! Whatever the occasion, The Church Green team is there for you – from our team to yours, we hope you enjoy your Church Green experience!

www.thechurchgreen.co.uk/book-a-table

The Con Club Altrincham

Nestled in the heart of Altrincham’s town centre, opposite the iconic ‘Alty’ Markets, sits The Con Club – a sophisticated bar and eatery with a twist. With stripped-back bare walls and a juxtaposing ceiling adorned with disco balls of all sizes, this uniquely inviting venue has plenty to offer.

We began our night with a refreshing glass of Macabeo white wine from their extensive list before sampling some dishes from the raw bar and sushi menu.

The sushi rolls were expertly crafted and beautifully presented. Our personal favourite was the Spider Roll, which in cluded a variety of quality ingredients, including fresh tempura soft-shell crab, creamy avocado, truffle mayo for that extra punch of flavour, and orange tobiko providing added texture and a delicate garnish.

Moving onto the classy selection of mains, we opted for a slow-braised pork belly with sticky spiced pig cheek in a Thai red curry sauce and locally sourced lamb rump with soured beetroots, roasted courgette and red wine sauce. Both dishes were elegantly presented, rich and warming and

melted in our mouths. Although these dishes are very much considered fine dining, they encompass a rustic, homely feel and flavour.

To complete the evening, we decided to finish strong with something sweet from the cocktail menu. A Bakewell Sour; a per fectly blended twist on the classic Amaretto cocktail, garnished with edible flowers, maraschino cherries and a dried orange wheel, and a Con Club Clover; a well-balanced bramble-style tipple with a vibrant berry tang and a smooth, sweet aftertaste.

If you’re looking for high-quality food with a swinging atmosphere, be sure to visit The Con Club for brunch, lunch, dinner or a boogie under their disco balls from 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure to check out the rooftop tipi for those Insta grammable sunset drinks!

Looking for expertly crafted sushi in a cosy, contemporary setting? Then take a trip to Unagi on Wilmslow’s high street and be blown away by flavourful dishes that transport you to Asia with every mouthful.

The simplistic-yet-effective decor sets the mood and doesn’t distract from the flavour or presentation of the main event: the sushi. Upon entering, you’ll notice the u-shaped bar and seating area before gazing upon a ceiling that is beautifully adorned with paper parasols.

We sat down with a glass of Portobello Road Gin and Fever-Tree tonic before browsing the tantalising menu, starting with a portion of bang bang karaage chicken; a mouth-watering snack-sized dish of chicken thigh covered in a sweet and spicy glaze and sprinkled with spring onion and sesame seeds.

We continued our flavour journey with crispy duck uramaki; beautifully presented sushi rolls on a boat-shaped dish – packed with flavour and that perfect crispy crunch followed by a fiery kick to give the taste buds a tickle.

With so much to choose from, we were spoilt for choice and opted for a portion of prawn nigiri, tuna sashimi and salmon hosomaki for the true sushi experience. These dishes were served together on a slate platter and were presented so beau tifully, it was a shame to eat them. Each dish was made from incredibly fresh,

high-quality fish and left us satisfied without the dreaded overly ‘full’ feeling.

The wonderful sushi chef also treated us to a portion of their current special dish, beef nigiri; juicy, melt-in-the-mouth beef on a bed of fluffy rice topped with a chilli for extra bite.

To complete our experience, we tried two cocktails from the new Japanese cocktail menu – a clear Negroni, which is as smooth as silk and has bags of floral fla vour, and an Asian twist on the bramble cocktail, full of punchy lemon and subtle lychee flavour.

If you’re interested in authentic sushi dishes made with love and presentation to die for, get down to Unagi – they have sites in Wilmslow, Altrincham, West Didsbury, Cheetham Hill and MediaCityUK. Be sure to check out their rotating specials menu for something a little different!

Showing guests “their way”

Dao by Dorsett West London

Dao by Dorsett’s West London apartments are tailored to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers and offer guests a unique and luxurious stay

“Dao translates into English as ‘the way’ and emphasises how Dao by Dorsett aparthotels will empower our guests with the choice and flexibility needed so they can truly travel the way they want to. The value of connections in life is more priceless than ever. By offering a longer-stay option with thoughtful services and amenities, our guests will be able to maximise their time reconnecting with loved ones and sharing memorable moments with the local community as they start to travel and explore the world again!”

President and Executive Director of Dorsett Hospitality International – Winnie Chiu

Located adjacent to Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush Hotel, Dao comprises of 74 high-quality serviced apartments overlooking Shepherds Bush Green, just five-minute’s walk from Westfield London and the vibrant White City area.

This was our first apartment stay in London, so we didn’t know what to expect. To say we were surprised is an understatement. We stayed in a two-bedroom duplex apartment, which is ideal for families or friends travelling together. It was set on two floors and included two double rooms with king-sized beds, ensuite shower and bath, luxe furnishings, Greener Lifestyle toiletries, fluffy white towels and ultra-soft. microfibre bathrobes. On the lower floor,

there is a sleek dining space and kitchenette furnished with de signer hob, oven, fridge and dishwasher, complimented with a range of kitchen utensils.

The apartments are modern and spaciously designed with well thought out fittings and furnishings, including chic sofas and the latest in-home audio entertainment.

Dao by Dorsett shares the lobby with Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush Hotel and the glamorous, relaxing atrium area which hosts Jin Bar – perfect for a delicious breakfast buffet, meeting friends for an evening drink and snack, or a business meeting. Alternatively, Authentic Chinese Restaurant, Shikumen, located close to the main reception, serves lunch and dinner, Monday to Sunday from 12.30 until 23.00.

Whether you want to relax or keep up your exercise regime, you can enquire at the front desk about special discounts on an in-room relaxing massage from the Spa, Gymbox or Fitness First day passes or a class pass to Dao by Dorsett’s partner yoga studio, Yoga West.

Facilities available include a communal, complimentary guest laundry room, which includes self-service washers and dryers, a Paws Galore Pet Sitter service for your furry friends while you’re spending or exploring, and a 24-hour front desk with welcoming staff, who are happy to assist anytime.

Dao by Dorsett is an amazing place to stay. The apartments are beautiful, the rooms are spacious with comfy beds, and if you don’t want to go out and eat, the kitchenette is equipped so that you can cook. However, west London has a wealth of excellent restaurants, including Michelin, informal, bistros and bars. You can also find some of London’s oldest pubs and hidden gems known for their good food and fine ale.

Dao by Dorsett is a mere five-minute’s walk to Westfield, so it’s ideally situated for shopping, but if you fancy exploring west Lon don, there are attraction parks, scenic destinations and the 107-year-old Shepherd’s Bush Market, located right next door to the hotel.

We visited with our daughters to do some shopping just before Christmas. We had been two years prior and if you’ve been to Westfield, you’ll know why we wanted to return. We’ve since decided it’s something we NEED to do every year! Everything you need is under one roof and if you can’t do your Christmas shopping here, you can’t do it anywhere. Westfield also has a special wing, called The Village, devoted to 30+ luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada, plus the usual mall staples, restaurants and a cinema. And if you are shopping for little ones, there are so many gorgeous shops, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

So, what’s not to like. See you in December 2023!

Words Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

Alpine adventures in Andermatt

With some of the best hiking and biking trails in the world, the Swiss Alps make for a spectacular summer holiday. Natural beauty is everywhere, with colourful wildflower meadows, picturesque peaks and some of the highest quality air in the world all within easy reach from The Chedi Andermatt.

Sitting 1,447 metres, admire the dramatic beauty of the sunny Swiss Alps from the comfort of the Asian-meets-Alpine resort, The Chedi Andermatt. To wind down after a day of hiking in the scenic surroundings, visit The Chedi Andematt's spa, a world of calm – and perfect for swimmers, given the 35-metre indoor pool. At the spa, choose from a variety of Asian-inspired treatments, all curated to achieve a balance of energy, body and mind.

Whilst the Alps are often known for their distinct cheese-heavy cuisine, at The Chedi Andermatt, the top choice is The Japanese, a Michelin-starred restaurant that brings the highest level of authentic Japanese cuisine to Andermatt. Dinner pairs perfectly with a taste of sake – and The Chedi Andermatt has the most extensive sake menu in all of Switzerland.

Canal cruising and romance in Venice

Venice is known for its romantic, artistic and quirky personality, all of which makes it one of the most ideal destinations for a romantic getaway this year. Take a gondola ride for a slow drift along the Grand Canal and weave through the narrow waterways of the city, taking in the sights and sounds before reaching St Mark’s Square for sunset.

For those looking to explore Venice’s artistic history, Palazzina Grassi is the place to stay. Located in the San Marco district, this is a sultry hotel, designed entirely by Philippe Starck and sat just behind a 16th-century facade by the Grand Canal. The hotel is full of unexpected delights, including a champagne bar and contemporary suites with terraces. Then, at midnight, the masks come off as world-class DJs take over at Palazzina’s glamorous The Club – an exclusive concept-space accessible by invitation only to VIP guests.

For slow travellers – Brussels

Just two hours from London by train, Brussels makes for the perfect weekender trip if you’re trying to travel in the ‘slow lane’ and avoid airports this year.

In the heart of the city lies Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte Hotel, seamlessly blending art, culture, heritage and creativity. The hotel, located moments from the giant Tintin mural on Rue de L’Etuve, is the perfect hub for those visiting Brussels looking to get lost in its world-class contemporary art, historic and cultural sights.

Treat yourself to some delicious Belgian waffles at Maison Dandoy, see the infamous 17th-century Manneken Pis in the city centre – a statue that has been repeatedly stolen and damaged throughout its history – and after a day of exploring, relax in the signature Tintin Suite that features artworks, books and prints hand-picked by the Hergé Foundation – including a drawing signed by Steven Spielberg when he stayed at Hotel Amigo during the Tintin film launch.

For a dose of sport in the sunshine – Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Sardinia is often overlooked for its neighbouring island, Sicily, but this year, the northeast corner of the island, Costa Smeralda, will be buzzing with new restaurants, pop-up fashion boutiques and as always, a roster of exciting sporting events.

Already considered a ‘foodie’ destination, Costa Smeralda is home to countless global restaurants, such as Novikov and Nikki Beach Club, and in 2022, international contemporary Japanese restaurant Zuma also landed in Porto Cervo. Zuma returns for another season this summer, bringing its signature izakaya dining experience to Costa Smeralda.

With endless dining opportunities abound, you may wish to work off your lunch with a few rounds at the Pevero Golf Club under the Sardinian sun or dabble in some light-hearted rallies of tennis and padel at Club Cervo, all set against the verdant backdrop of North-east Sardinia.

For riviera elegance – the French Riviera

The Côte d'Azur is known for glitz and glamour, and the iconic Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, embodies this spirit, tucked away in the pines of the Saint-JeanCap-Ferrat peninsula.

The hotel is now more family-friendly than ever, with a new five-bedroom villa opening in 2023. Ideal for big groups and trips with grandparents and grandchildren, Villa Beauchamp has its own 16-metre pool and entertainment centre, with a home cinema, sauna, hammam and fitness centre.

Jump on a golf buggy up to the hotel for Michelin-star dining with sweeping views over the sparkling coastline before heading out into Nice.

For a 60s-style escape – Positano

Italy is, and always will be, a top pick for a summer holiday, but no other era was quite as glamorous as the 60s and 70s. If you’re seeking a hit of nostalgia this year, rather than a sleek new hotel, head for Villa Treville, a cliffside estate that spans 12 floors and overlooks Positano.

More family home than hotel, Villa Treville is a celebration of 60s and 70s Amalfi life. Formerly the private home of Italian film and opera director Franco Zeffirelli, the villas that make up Treville retain all of their historic charm, filled with oddities and eccentric items, which tell a theatrical and colourful story of Positano’s history.

Directly overlooking the azure waters of Amalfi and the cliffside town of Positano, this charming, dramatic cliffside property has such a warm, homely feel, with old-world glamour to be found in every corner in secret tunnels, private plunge pools and terraced hideaways with steps that lead down to a private seaside sundeck and jetty.

For culture vultures – Porto’s Cultural District

Porto gets its namesake from the liquor that we so often associate with Christmas, but there is much more to discover, with museums and restaurants aplenty.

Nowhere embodies this more than Porto’s Cultural District, where you can get your fill of culture thanks to the district’s 12 restaurants and cafés and seven museums, all dedicated to Portuguese and local culture. Start with a visit to Planet Cork and learn why cork was used in rockets going to space before sitting down and enjoying a rich ‘Francesinha’, a local delicacy in Porto. Pop into the Wine School to top up your wine knowledge (and your glass) before heading to the Pink Palace and take picture-perfect snaps in a pink Cadillac whilst sipping on five different types of rosé.

For a wellness reset – Hoi An, Vietnam

For a well-deserved break and escape from modern life, head east to Vietnam – known for its ancient and holistic approach to wellness.

Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai) is home to an award-winning spa, with tailored programmes to tired travellers, ensuring that people return to work refreshed and rejuvenated. Don’t miss out on the new ‘Five Elements Bodywork’, designed to balance the body and improve circulation as well as mental and physical wellbeing.

Crystal singing bowls as well as stretching and palm effleurage are followed by healing from within with fresh food from the resort’s garden, which tastes as good as it looks.

If there’s one New Year's resolution we never hope to break, it’s the one to travel more. Here’s a selection of Glossy Magazine’s must-visit destinations

Please, sir, I want some more…

Last weekend was our friend’s 50th, so we headed to Granada to celebrate. One of Andalucía’s most beautiful of cities, Gra nada is also famous for its great tapas and as I do like my food, I was in. We did the usual tourist stuff. The Alhambra. Generalife Gardens. Sunset from Mirador de San Nicolas. Plus, hours happily wan dering the narrow streets, but come Saturday night, it was time for the foodie highlight, the degustation menu at an up-and-coming restaurant. We’d all enjoyed tasting menus in the past, so, we arrived, excited, and eager for our seven-course feast.

First up, we were presented with an array of artisan bread, accompanied by local olive oil and ceremoniously presented by Waitress One, as if it were a bottle of 1945 Château Mouton Rothschild. But when our friend, the Marquis of Monda, asked for butter, she recoiled in horror and, nose wrinkled in disgust, simply replied “No”. A tad taken aback, we poured the forlorn Marquis a large glass of wine, laughed it off and awaited our second course.

Waiter Two then explained course two in detail for seven minutes, before Waitress One and Three placed large platters in front of each of us. We stared down, con fused. Where was the food? Leaning in, we found it. One centimetre of a leek. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love me a leek. But maybe more than one centimetre. But here comes Waiter Four. Yay. But no, he was simply delivering a thimble of or ange jus. And the Marquis’ vegetarian option: Foam. Green foam. One centimetre long, 5 millimetres wide. An homage to asparagus, according to Waiter Four, but tasting of peas.

OK, we thought, they’re just toying with us. This second course is a highly amusing, amuse-bouche. Course three will be fab. But no, back came Waiter Two, droning on

again before Waiter Five and Waitress One grandly presented eight large bowls. Excellent. Grub’s up. But alas, no, what do I spy but bowls of runny, raw eggs. So, taking the lead from Waitress One, I recoiled in horror and, nose wrinkled in disgust, pushed it away and simply replied, “No”.

By course four, we realised the only way to get through this pretentious farce was alcohol. And unlike the food, lots of it. The waiters, forced to serve diners with palates of Neanderthals, agreed. An uneasy truce formed. We all made it through courses three, four, five and six. But the pièce de résistance was course seven. Dessert. A now ravenous Marquis picked up his spoon and dived in. Over ran the Head Waitress, furious. “Nooooooo… it is not ready. Stop eating. Nowwwwww.” A shocked Marquis dutifully obeyed. Too scared not too. And we looked on as Waitress Six, head bowed in priest like so lemnity, blessed each plate with one teeny, tiny mint leaf.

Well, the now inebriated and, frankly, starving table exploded into hysterical laughter. I tried not to pee my pants. His Lordship tried not to spray the cava contents everywhere. The Marchioness tried to cry silently, head laid on the table, whilst a forlorn Marquis dreamt of butter. But tears of laughter were replaced by tears of despair 30 minutes later, when the waiting staff got the last laugh, grandly presenting us with the bill. 175 euros a head. I kid you not. Which hurt even more when, shortly after, we found ourselves at KFC.

Right, must dash. The Marquis is coming for lunch and I really do need to check our butter store…

By Catherine Saunders /

The woof guide to INNSiDE by

Meliá, Manchester

It can be a bit woof for dogs in cities, especially when our humans want to go away but don’t want to leave us. Have you seen their faces? They look so sad. You can tell that they are worried about what we’ll get up to. In my case, I sleep and look a bit miserable so that I get extra treats to ‘cheer me up’, but they probably think I feel abandoned, and I have to say, I sometimes do. So, waggy tails all around because more and more hotels are allowing dogs to share in the delights of everything from soft beds to the buzz of the bar.

Statistics show that the past year has seen a 75% rise in pet stays at hotels. Travellers are now seeking out destinations that cater just as well for their four-legged friends as they do humans.

And the INNSiDE hotel is one of these. It is next to the Manchester arts complex HOME, just off Whitworth Street, and it’s part of the huge Spanish Meliá hotel chain. It feels modern and young, which is very me! So, I couldn’t stop smiling at the lovely man who checked me and the humans in even before we bounced into the elevator and out into a lovely long corridor.

Wow! We had a bedroom on the seventh floor, which meant I could look out all over the city, although personally, I like it when I can stare menacingly out of the window and see a postman or someone who looks like they might be coming to the house, and then I can do barks until they go away again, but the humans loved being so high up.

I went down to the bar with them while they drank something white that made them talk louder and louder. Then, because it was a quiet night and I was on my best behaviour, they were allowed to take me into a restaurant called First Street Bar and Kitchen, which a celebrity chef called Gino D’Acampo has opened at INNSiDE by Meliá.

Strangely, Mr D’Acampo wasn’t there, but others were cooking up his own take on Italian classics and they don’t get more classic than arancini, which were little rounds of sticky mushroom risotto rice with some oozy cheese in the middle, and a plate of calamari, courgette, red pepper, garlic mayonnaise and lemon. Next, the humans ate a yummy plate of pumpkin and ricotta tortellini, sage butter and toasted pine nuts and a fillet steak with

peppercorn sauce and chips. Finally, there were desserts of crèma Catalana and tira misu. I did get to taste a morsel of steak, which was reluctantly given to me, and it was delicious, perfectly cooked. And everything was done so nicely. The restau rant is modern and has space for a dog to stretch her legs and the staff are very friendly.

There was more food in the morning. An excellent breakfast, which we ate in the bar. I can highly recommend the sausages and Manchego cheese, and the buttery, creamy scrambled eggs are to die for!

COLLABORATION ALERT!

INNSiDE Manchester has teamed up with the cool Ancoats’ Sticks & Stocks store to create two must-have travel hampers, the ‘Night Away Dog Hamper’ and ‘Weekend Break Dog Hamper’, available to buy at INNSiDE Manchester’s unique kiosk. Sticks & Socks has also created a bespoke birthday box for pampered pooches cele brating their special day at INNSiDE Manchester – plus, for any other extra special occasions, specially curated Sticks & Socks hampers are available for pre-order.

The Private GP & Night Doctor Service

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

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

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

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

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4

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

Registration fee from £18 per month plus consultation fees

You can remain with your NHS GP • Additional surgery in Hale

If this service is of interest to you or your family, please contact us to register.

family

Bruce Jobling

Your journey to WELLNESS starts here…

You are NOT alone

In the past week, one in six people in Eng land will have experienced mental health problems, such as anxiety and de pression. 61% of adults suffering with poor mental health do not access treat ment. Not knowing exactly what’s wrong, feeling fearful or ashamed, or simply being unaware of the help that’s available – there are so many reasons why lots of us ‘keep quiet and carry on’.

The Cheshire Wellness Centre, opened in 2021 by Bob Baker – who we introduced last issue – and set against a tranquil and leafy backdrop, is all about negating these statistics, filling gaps in treatment and finding therapies and activities that are as individual as the person needing them.

It all starts with a cup of coffee... … or a phone call or even an email. Whichever way you reach out (and, yes, it might feel scary), Bob – who will easily relate due to his own personal life experiences – will be there to greet you and informally discuss how the centre can help. Anxiety, depression, anger, addiction, self-esteem, grief, phobias – every individual’s reason for connecting with the centre is different and so is the journey Bob will help you plan.

“We all have different needs at different times,” explains Bob, “so, there’s no onesize-fits-all approach. Initially, it might not even involve therapy. Some people start with reiki or a sound bath or just pop in for a cuppa when they don’t want to be alone in the house.”

The journey to wellness is not a race and you complete it at your own pace.

A safe, stress-free haven

Cheshire Wellness Centre prides itself on being a safe and peaceful haven away from our sometimes too-busy lives. Stressfree parking adds to the calm. You’ll find the non-medical buildings are fresh and modern, the atmosphere warm and inclusive. The therapies and treatments available reflect the centre’s holistic ethos – a journey toward overall wellbeing, both mental and physical.

As well as the more traditional therapies, like counselling and psychotherapy, the centre also offers mindfulness, nutritional advice, life coaching, clinical hypnotherapy, reiki and the Wim Hof Method® (coldwater therapy). Additionally, there’s a whole host of physical activities you can try, including wellness walks and yoga

classes. Everything being in one big, beautiful place is a great aid to recovery, especially when you’re craving consistency and fa miliarity.

Therapy you can trust

If therapy is recommended, Bob will pair you with a therapist who not only matches your needs but your personality too. The centre boasts a team of over 20 handpicked professional therapists, working with both adults and children.

“Finding the right therapist is as important as finding the right therapy,” says Bob. “When people say therapy hasn’t worked for them, it’s often because they weren’t with the right person. A huge part of what makes therapy a success is the connection between therapist and client. We want you to be able to trust your therapist entirely.”

To further support clients, group therapy sessions and an addiction drop-in clinic will be introduced to the centre very soon.

Embrace the journey

“It’s OK not to be OK,” smiles Bob, “so, please reach out. I’ve seen people broken, and I mean broken, and over time, they transform. No-one can promise a journey completion date. The journey – like mine –is never really over, but the problems and the time you spend focussed on them becomes smaller and smaller. You start living again.”

By Lisa Symonds

Whether you're struggling with your mental health, battling an addiction or just no longer feel ‘OK’ day to day, the Cheshire Wellness Centre is a safe and judgement-free first step towards positive wellbeing and a hope-filled future.

Winter sports INJURY GUIDE

During the 2022/2023 snow season, more than a million Britons will leave the UK and head to the slopes to take part in snowboarding and skiing.

Although these sports are exhilarating and provide excellent exercise, they can be dangerous and accidents do occur, even when you take all the necessary precautions.

More than 1,000 UK residents get injured every day during the snow season, with sprains, fractures and breaks extremely common, and the OrthTeam regularly provides medical advice to many of these patients overseas and expedite treatment once they are back home.

If you or a family member does get injured and are told that you/they need treatment for the injury, it can be a very daunting situation and it’s important that you make an informed decision as to whether you have treatment abroad or delay it until you arrive back in the UK.

Our experts have put together a quick guide below to help you determine which injuries require immediate treatment and what can potentially wait.

Dislocations

This is when a joint comes apart and is ex tremely painful. The most common ski dislocation is in the shoulder. This injury requires immediate reduction of the dislocation at an urgent care facility abroad, however, further treatment thereafter can often wait.

Fractures

Open fractures are where the bone com municates with the skin through a wound. These require urgent attention abroad. Closed fractures, however, can often wait. Sometimes, if the bone is very severely displaced and out of position, it can be improved by 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 com mon ligament injuries that occur on the slopes are to the knee and the thumb; with ‘skier’s thumb’ one of the most common snow sports ligament injuries.

Spinal and head injuries

Severe spinal and head injuries often require specialist assessment abroad. Always wear 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.

Checklist

• Winter sports insurance

• Helmet

• First aid kit

• OrthTeam Centre number 0161 447 6888

Why wait for treatment?

If you ever need treatment for a musculoskeletal (MSK) problem, it's good to know that you don't have to wait! At the OrthTeam Centre, we can help you get back to the life you love, quicker –you don’t even have to have private health insurance, as you can pay for your own treatment

We offer fast access consultations with our experts, who have trained to develop the highest level of specialisation in their chosen area, which includes all aspects of orthopaedics, neurosurgery, peripheral nerve, neurology, pain management, rheumatology and sport and exercise medicine.

OrthTeam Centre patient Jean Ellis, 72, decided to self-fund for surgery with Consultant Spinal Neurosurgeon Mr John Leach due to being in so much pain that she became a prisoner in her own home. Jean explains: “A spinal disc had protruded and was pressing on my sciatic nerve, causing severe back and leg pain. It became too much to bear; I couldn’t go out of the house and was unable to drive.

“I wanted to start living my life again and didn’t want to wait months on end for treatment. I decided to go private and was lucky enough to be able to afford to pay for my procedure. I was quickly

seen by Mr Leach and even had surgery a week earlier than origi nally planned as I was in agony.

“I’m delighted to say that my procedure was a success and I’m now back doing the things I love, like going for long walks. My advice to anyone who is suffering in pain is that if you can self-fund for treatment, do it – you won’t look back!”

Checking the balls

I can feel a lump in my testicle, should I be worried?

Most lumps or swellings in the scrotum are not actually within the testicle. They either arise from structures close to the testicle or are just on the surface of the testicle. These are mostly benign and not cancerous.

What could it be?

There are a variety of non-cancerous conditions that can cause a swelling.

These include:

• Hydrocele: a collection of fluid in the sac around the testicle. This is often pain free but can grow and cause symptoms.

• Varicocele: a cluster of enlarged veins in the scrotum, which can feel like ‘a bag of worms’. It can be associated with a dull ache.

• Epididymal cyst: fluid-filled swelling found in a structure called the epididymis, just next to the body of the testicle. The size can vary from a few mm to a few cm.

• Hernia: a swelling that comes from the groin. When it is large, it can go into the scrotum. It may come and go.

• Epididymitis: infection within the epididymis can cause a painful swelling. It can spread to the testicle and scrotum called epididymo-orchitis.

• Testicular torsion: a sudden onset painful swelling caused by a twisted testicle. This will need immediate emergency surgery, otherwise the testicle may die due to the blood supply being cut off.

A lump may also, however, be a sign of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is a rare but very treatable cancer typically found in younger men but not always. It commonly presents with a hard lump or increased firmness in the testicle. Pain is not typically a symptom, but it may be present in about

one out of four men. You should always seek urgent advice from a medical profes sional, as you do not want to miss anything more serious.

What will the doctor do?

The doctor will ask you some questions about the lump, such as how long it has been there, whether there has been a change in size and whether there is any pain or tenderness. They will ask you about your general health and any relevant information, such as a history of an unde scended testicle, infections, surgery or trauma to the area. The doctor will want to examine the lump and testicle to deter mine what it is. Further tests may be required, such as urine and blood tests on the day, and an ultrasound may be ar ranged, usually for another day.

Will I need surgery?

Not everyone needs surgery, in fact, most do not. Small, benign lumps that are not causing any symptoms do not require sur gery. If there is a strong suspicion of cancer, then surgery to remove the testicle and cancer is the usual treatment. For benign lesions, the reasons for surgery in clude symptoms such as pain, a large size causing inconvenience or for cosmetic reasons. Surgery or treatment may also be advised for large varicoceles when there is also infertility as there is an association between a significant varicocele and poor semen quality, which could improve with treatment.

How do I carry out testicular selfexamination?

This is best done after a bath or shower, when you are relaxed. It should be done in the standing position. Always compare one side to the other. You should try and feel the weight of the testicle. You should feel all around the entire surface of the testicle with both hands. You should note the smoothness and consistency of the testicle. Attached to the back and extending from the top to the bottom of the testicle is a structure called the epididymis. It consists of tubes that may be slightly

ir regular in nature, but they are usually soft. Benign cysts are common in the epi didymis, but sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between a lump arising from the epididymis and one arising from the testicle, so we would advise that this be determined by a professional.

By carrying out regular examinations, you will get to know your own body, so when there is a change, it will be more noticeable and you will know when to seek medical attention appropriately.

Mr Karyee Chow, Consultant Urological Surgeon

Mr Aziz Gulamhusein, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon

Ask the Expert

Charlotte Knight

Charlotte Knight is a Chartered Financial Planner at Kellands Chartered Financial Planners, providing holistic advice on all areas of financial planning, including investment, retirement, tax and estate planning, and protection needs. Both personal and corporate. Charlotte’s career in financial services began in 2014 and she now advises clients nationwide.

What should I be focusing on towards the end of the tax year?

With the end of the tax year approaching (5th April 2023), it is an ideal time to look at what tax allowances are available.

There are a number of allowances that need to be utilised within a tax year as they do not cumulatively roll up, including the ISA allowance, pension annual allowance, capital gains tax (CGT) allowance and personal savings allowance.

Each allowance has its own rules to adhere to that should be taken into account.

How can I utilise my ISA allowance?

The ISA allowance is currently £20,000 for 2022/23, which can be invested into a cash ISA, a stocks and shares ISA, an innovative finance ISA or a Lifetime ISA (if you are over 18 but under 40). It is possible to invest in a mixture of these, as long as the overall amount invested does not exceed £20,000. Only one type of each ISA can be opened in a tax year, therefore, you cannot open two separate cash ISAs.

What about pensions?

The annual allowance is the amount you can contribute to a pension within a tax year – currently the lesser of £40,000 or

Jacob Didcock

Jacob Didcock is the Fitness & Wellbeing Manager of Nuffield Health Didsbury. Jacob has over 15 years’ experience as a fitness professional. He has developed a specialist interest in working with individuals needing support with injury rehabilitation, pain management and sports performance and has been able to achieve credible results to a diverse range of clients.

What are the benefits of hiring a personal trainer?

Personal trainers work closely with individuals to establish their health and fitness goals. Hiring a fitness professional means they will create a bespoke exercise programme for you based on your personal goals, and while under their supervision, you will learn how to perform exercises properly to reduce risk of injury. Using a personal trainer will help assess and celebrate your progress towards achieving your goals while providing accountability and additional nutritional, behavioural, and lifestyle management advice.

How does exercise support mental wellbeing?

By being active and performing physical activity, our bodies release a handful of chemicals throughout our body and brain. Some of these chemicals, including dopamine and endorphins, are the body’s natural feel-good hormones and are helpful in reducing stress and sensations of pain. Exercise also regulates mood and alleviates depressive symptoms. Research now suggests that exercise can serve as an effective complement to antidepressants, and even walking for an hour a day can help to reduce the risk of major depression.

your annual pensionable earnings. This includes personal, employer and thirdparty contributions, plus any tax relief received. Pensions allow funds to grow in a tax-free environment, eventually funding your retirement. Although, care needs to be taken to not exceed the lifetime allowance (the maximum you can hold in pensions), which is currently £1,073,100. Seek professional advice before acting on any of the above.

How much physical activity should I be aiming to do?

You should aim for 150 minutes a week and you can add to this by attending a regular exercise class or take part in an activity that promotes any form physical movement. Being physically active doesn’t have to include having a gym membership or running marathons, however, it’s important to create a routine that is consistent and to find an activity that you enjoy and which includes moderate and vigorous aerobic activity as well as some muscle strengthening activities.

Ask the Expert

Jane Courtney

Jane is Head of Commercial Property at Blackstone Solicitors, having recently joined the company. Jane has over sixteen years’ experience in dealing with all aspects of commercial property, ranging from acquisitions, disposals, leases (acting for both landlord and tenant), management, development and funding.

What does a tenant need to do to sublet all or part of business premises?

A tenant should check their lease to ascertain if it prohibits or restricts the subletting of all or part of the premises. Where subletting is permitted, the landlord’s consent is usually required and consent may be granted subject to certain conditions. A tenant should appoint a solicitor to liaise with the landlord regarding the subletting.

What does a tenant do when their lease is coming to an end?

In most circumstances, a tenant is entitled to renew their lease.

If the tenant proposes to renew their lease, they should approach the landlord to agree the new terms. A formal notice can also be served to protect the tenant’s position. Usually, a landlord must renew a business lease on the same terms as the existing lease, but subject to any new agreed terms and statutory modifications.

What should a tenant consider when negotiating terms for a new commercial lease?

Gail Spray

Gail Spray is the Head of Service at Adoption Counts and has over 25 years’ experience in local authority settings within safeguarding, early help and prevention, and adoption. Adoption Counts is the regional adoption agency covering the adoption services of five local authorities: Cheshire East Council, Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council and Trafford Council.

Who can adopt?

Adopters come from all walks of life. You may decide to adopt for many different reasons. You may have experienced infertility or you may be considering adoption because of your deep commitment to children or the planet, or you may be an experienced parent looking to grow your family through adoption. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help. We encourage enquiries from a diverse section of the community, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, disability, race or faith.

How do I start the adoption process? Starting your journey is easy. Firstly, visit our website, www.adoptioncounts.org.uk, and fill in an enquiry form. A member of our team will then send you our free information pack for you to read and book you onto one of our virtual information events. We’ll then organise a more in-depth conversation so we can get to know you, find out more about your personal circumstances and answer any questions you may have.

A tenant should think about:

• Where fit-out works are needed, consider obtaining a rent-free period

• Where flexibility is required, is a break option needed?

• The annual rent and whether VAT is payable

• Any rent review and whether it is upwards only

• Is a service charge payable?

• Limiting the repairing obligation by reference to a schedule of condition

• The ability to assign or sublet the premise

Who are the children awaiting adoption?

We are currently looking for adopters for children of all ages. We are particularly reaching out for people who will consider those children who wait the longest to be adopted: children aged three years and above, sibling groups, children from different ethnic backgrounds (particularly from Black African and Black Caribbean communities) and children with complex needs.

Ask the Expert

Mrs Helen F Jeys

Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) Head Mistress, Helen Jeys, read theology with ancient languages at Durham and attained her PGCE from Cambridge University. As well as teaching at various other schools, she was previously head at Alderley Edge School for Girls and deputy head at MHSG.

How do the best schools prepare students for adult life?

The best schools focus on teaching the ‘whole’ child; not just satisfying academic demands. Holistic education should help the individual child become the best they can be and achieve their true potential. We must aim for each child to leave our schools able to tackle everything life can throw at them. Teaching and learning are the focus of what we do at MHSG, but, as Aristotle said: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

What are the benefits of single-sex education?

MHSG is unashamedly single sex. Many argue girls learn better this way – they can be taught by teachers who know how to help them flourish and achieve their goals. Girls are more likely to take maths and chemistry at A-level at all-girls’ schools. But Charlotte Avery, St Mary’s School, Cambridge’s Head Mistress, made a crucial point: “Schools are great schools because of their ethos and teaching quality – these override the single-sex/ co-educational debate.”

How can schools encourage students to develop resilience?

A pro-active approach to mental health and embedding character education in the curriculum are crucial. We encourage extracurricular activities that emphasise resilience and perseverance. If a pupil loses a match but is determined to improve and help her team win in future, this resilience helps in maths too. Every student must be helped to develop self-esteem, have confidence and know they can deal with change and failure. Students must be enabled to succeed academically but also emotionally and personally.

Summer Festival

The programmes will utilise Stonyhurst’s impressive facilities within spectacular sur roundings, including a 25-metre swim ming pool, gym, 22 sports pitches and two indoor Grand Slam tennis courts, lo cated inside the all-year-round tennis dome. All of this helps provide young sportspeople with enhanced opportunities to maximise their potential and train to the best of their ability.

Each camp will be directed by former and current professional players and coaches; a low coach-to-pupil ratio enabling children to be all that they can be. Stonyhurst’s Netball Masterclass will once again be led by Tracey Neville MBE, former England player and coach, who boasts numerous honours. Due to the overwhelming success of the netball camp over the past three years, Stonyhurst is expecting another sell-out year.

This summer, Stonyhurst will be hosting its inaugural residential and daytime

of Sport programmes for eight to 18-year-olds, allowing children from all over the globe to take part in specialised tennis, netball and rugby camps.

Education News

Withington Girls’ School has been named Independent Secondary School of the Year in the North West in the prestigious Sunday Times schools guide, Parent Power.

It is the fourth consecutive year Withington has been recognised as the top inde pendent school in the North West in The Sunday Times’ annual combined A-level and GCSE rankings as well as hav ing been previously named North West Independent Secondary School of the Decade (2021) and Independent Secondary School of the Year (2009).

Paying tribute to the school community, Withington Headmistress, Mrs Sarah

Haslam, said: “This award is a credit to our pupils, who embrace their love of learning without barriers in the supportive, empowering atmosphere here, supported by our wonderful, dedicated staff. It’s about sparking interest and curiosity, enabling our young people to build confidence and find their passions. This is evident in all areas of school life – our pupils care deeply about their world and want to make their own positive con tribution to it.”

Year 5 pupils from The Manchester Grammar School performed Oliver Jr!

This is the Broadway Junior version of Lionel Bart's classic musical based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. For many pupils, this was the first opportunity to perform in front of a live audience of par ents, members of staff and fellow pupils due to the widespread effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The story is set in Victorian England and the streets are brought to life as Oliver, an orphan in a workhouse, becomes the ap prentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance and friendship amongst a gang of pickpockets led by Fagin. Oliver is then captured for a theft that he did not commit and the kind Mr Brownlow takes him in. Following this,

Fagin fears for the safety of his hideout and gang and so he tasks the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, therefore threatening Oliver’s chances of finally discovering what true family life is like. The production was jam-packed full of cheerful and joyous songs, including

Con sider Yourself, Food, Glorious Food, and Oom-Pah-Pah, and showcased the wonderful talents of a large ensemble cast.

Well done to everyone who was involved in these performances and who brought the entire story to life so vivaciously!

A Stockport Grammar dance show full of Nutcracker delights

Ninety girls and boys took to the stage to perform in the autumn 2022 dance show, American Allstars. Across three performances, the cast delighted the school community with its talent and enthusiasm. With pupils ranging from First Year to Upper Sixth, and all levels of ability, from beginners to experienced dancers, the show was a joyous expression of music and dance.

The first half of the show was a fast-paced mix of group, duet and solo dances in styles that included jazz, contemporary, urban,

lyrical, modern and tap. The second act of the dance show showcased the Nutcracker Sweeties, a stand-alone dance production set to the jazz arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral Nutcracker Ballet Suite by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Congratulations to Stockport Grammar dance teacher Mrs Downing, who created and staged the dance show, and the many staff members and pupils who assisted with all aspects of the production, including stage management, costumes, lighting, sound, front of house and backstage, artwork and programme

The Grange School takes action on environmental issues

The Grange School community is committed to sustainability and is always developing new approaches to ensure that the school is continually working towards becoming carbon neutral. The school’s pupils are wellinformed on environmental issues around sustainability and two student-led groups work hard to ensure that this remains a priority.

EcoAction represents the Senior School stu dents and it’s been very busy this term. After completing an environmental review, the group was inspired to take action and focus on biodiversity within the school grounds. Members conducted litter picks around the school site and got to work making birdfeeders out of seeds, sultanas and raisins to hang from trees during the cold winter months. They also planted 60 saplings of native trees, provided by the Woodland Trust, as this is one of the best ways of taking action to tackle the climate

crisis. Native trees lock up carbon, reduce pollution and flooding and support people, wildlife and farming in adapting to the cli mate crisis. Geography teacher at The Grange School Sian Parry said, “If the UK is to reach its carbon neutral target by 2050, the Climate Change Committee has rec ommended an increase in woodland cover from 13% to 19%. The EcoAction group has done an amazing job and is looking for ward to caring for and seeing its trees grow in the years to come.”

The Junior School’s ‘Planet Protectors’ are Year 5 and 6 volunteers who are committed to raising awareness of environmental issues and reducing plastic waste, specifically by recycling plastic packaging. They designed and sold their own school water bottles made from sugar cane to encourage reuse and they continue to look at how the community can work together to reduce its overall waste. The volunteers’ commitment

production. And, of course, a huge well done to the cast itself.

Upper Sixth pupil Fiona Telfer runs the Lyrical Dance Club alongside her studies. She said: “I really like running the club be cause I get to choreograph dances and see my visions come to life on stage. I have loved taking part in the dance shows during my time at Stockport Grammar and the autumn show was my last at the school. I’m proud of us all for making it the best show possible.”

to sustainability and the environment means that the Junior School has been awarded a Green Flag with distinction from the Eco-Schools initiative. The Eco-School’s Green Flag is an international accreditation that rewards and celebrates the ecological achievements of young people. Receiving a Green Flag with distinction means that the school has now received the highest level of the award.

‘Outstanding’ MHSG Sixth Form offers 24 subjects and extensive alumni network as application deadline approaches

Manchester High School for Girls’ (MHSG) Sixth Form enables students to enter a new phase of independence and is ideal preparation for university and adulthood. We have been educating young women since 1874 and have an established reputation for academic excellence that places us amongst the leading independent girls’ schools in the country.

In 2022, 95.2% of A-level grades achieved by our students were A* to B, maintaining our reputation for students achieving outstanding A-level outcomes across a broad range of 24 A-level subjects, including computer science.

Our structured ‘Futures’ programme, in cluding dedicated higher education guidance, is delivered through our Careers Department and a team of skilled higher education advisors. Our extensive global network of alumnae provides invaluable support to our students through initiatives such as our student and alumna mentoring scheme and our careers talks as well as

ad vice for work placements. This package of dedicated, individual support enables our students to gain places on highly competitive courses at prestigious universities both in the UK and overseas.

The Sixth Form structure at MHSG is de signed to accommodate student choice, offering most combinations of subjects across the arts, sciences, classics and languages. Our Academic Enrichment Programme includes opportunities to com plete courses such as the Extended Project Qualification – highly sought after by universities.

believe a happy student is far more likely to fulfil their potential. Our wide-ranging well being programme includes topics to nurture positive physical and mental health, self-esteem, presentation skills for working life, citizenship, leadership, selfreflection and life skills.

All of our students are expected to participate in extracurricular activities. Our programme offers an exceptional and varied range of opportunities, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Doctors, Dentists and Vets Club, PhilSoc, Model United Nations, Young Enterprise and Mock Trial. Students are also encouraged to mentor and support younger students

MHSG’s Sixth Form is characterised by am bitious, motivated students, who are ready for independent study and have full access to facilities across the school. Stu dents benefit from expert teaching in small groups as well as our state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre, which provides a mod ern base for study and relaxation.

Wellbeing is integral to life at MHSG. We

through various programmes, such as Science Clubs, Literacy Leadership and our extensive Primary School Outreach activity.

We are committed to providing all of our students with a wealth of opportunities to ensure that every student can develop both academically and personally and build the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

WIN u

Win tickets to see Olly Murs

Olly returns with his new album Marry Me, out now on EMI Records

After recently signing to EMI Records, chart-topping star Olly Murs has just released Marry Me, his first new studio album in over four years and the seventh of his illustrious career.

Die Of A Broken Heart arrived as the first single and from the opening notes, you can hear why. It’s an instant earworm, a one-listen-and-you’re-hooked popreggae outlier. Since then, his new music has taken on a life of its own, with huge radio support, various TV appearances and even completing a 24-hour Treadmill Challenge with Scott Mills for Children in Need.

For this record, Olly jumped in, committing to writing and recording the album solely with David Stewart and Jessica Agombar, who between them, have had roaring success writing for BTS, securing a Billboard number

one and a number one in over 100 countries. One album, three writers and no features.

The singer, songwriter and solid-gold pop star has been front and centre as host of ITV’s Starstruck, then he returned to the big swivelly chair on The Voice. Now, the musician, who had four number one singles and four number one albums in a near-back-toback run after bursting onto the scene with his double-platinum, self-titled debut in 2010, is well and truly back.

Olly’s previous six albums and subsequent sell-out tours have all been enormously successful. The stats speak for themselves: six multi-platinum albums; four #1 UK albums, four #1 UK singles, six million Spotify monthly listeners, 800 million YouTube views and 1.8 million tour tickets sold.

Olly is sure to have people dancing – if not proposing – in the aisles when he gets back on tour next year. For his last tour, in 2019, he sold 180,000 tickets for UK arenas. He’s determined to go bigger, better, louder this time and will return with eleven huge arena shows across the UK in April and May, including a special night at London’s O2 Arena on April 29th. Olly will be joined by very special guests Scouting For Girls.

This is the Essex machine at his happiest, too. How do we know? The clue is in the album title: Marry Me. The answer?

Hint: She said yes… Anything else to declare – other, of course, than ‘I do’?...

“I'm buzzing! I've got my music. I know where I am now."

To be in with a chance of winning two tickets, simply answer the following question: What is Olly’s new album called?

A. Marry Me B. Chase me C. Kiss Me

“Another helping of that buoyant pop he does so well" – The I "A pop masterclass" – Daily Star "Smash hits" – The Sun

u

Photography: Edward Cooke

Olly Murs will be performing at AO Arena Manchester on Friday 5th May 2023.

WHAT’S ON

Forget about February dark nights and cold mornings by throwing yourself into some of the amazing theatre and music events on offer this February and March. There is a kaleidoscope of colour on stage with shows like The Lion King, dance productions from Dada Masilo and Opera North’s brilliant staging of Tosca.

Family

Dinosaur World Live

The Lowry / Thu 16 – Sat 18 February

Grab your compass and join the intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!

A special meet-and-greet after the show offers all brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.

The Little Prince

The Lowry / Mon 20 February

Based on the world-famous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Luca Silvestrini’s The Little Prince is winner of the Fantastic for Families’ Best Family Event Award 2020 and was nominated for Best Modern Choreography at the National Dance Awards 2021. The Little Prince is brought to life using Protein Dance’s critically acclaimed mix of dance, humour and spoken word.

The Smartest Giant

The Lowry / Tue 21 – Sat 26 Feb

Another of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s gorgeous books is brought to life on stage in a musical, puppet-filled adventure about friendship and helping those in need. George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So, when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look. Now he’s the smartest giant in town. . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!

Sing-a-Long Encanto

Manchester Opera House / Sun 5 March

Enjoy a full sing-a-long experience whilst watching the fabulous film Encanto

Dress up, sing up and enjoy your props bag whilst you learn some new dance moves.

Drama

Spring & Port Wine

Bolton Octagon

Fri 3 February – Sat 4 March

Starring Mina Anwar and Les Dennis, Bill Naughton’s classic play returns to the Octagon. This funny and touching drama follows the Crompton family as they struggle to cope with the ups and downs of life in 1960s working-class Bolton.

Steel Magnolias

The Lowry / Tue 21 – Sat 25 Feb

This funny and heartwarming stage play is based on the uplifting and inspiring film starring Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts and follows the trials and tribulations of six fierce and sassy women as they set the world to rights in their bustling, small-town beauty salon. The fabulous cast includes Laura Main, Harriet Thorpe, Lucy Speed and Diana Vickers as they set up shop in this raucous classic, comedy masterpiece

When Darkness Falls

The Lowry / Mon 27 Feb – Sat 4 Mar

When Darkness Falls is a brand-new spine-chilling ghost story that delivers a twisted, terrifying and thrilling tale inspired by true events. This powerful new production draws us into dark pasts, reveals disturbing truths and explores the power of stories.

Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons

Manchester Opera House

Tue 21 – Sat 25 March

Starring Aidan Turner (Poldark, The Lieutenant of Inishmore) and Jenna Coleman (The Serpent, All My Sons), this bold and brilliant play from Manchesterborn Sam Steiner is a tender and funny rom-com about what we say, how we say it, and what happens when we can’t say anything anymore.

Dance

Birmingham Royal Ballet – Swan Lake

The Lowry / Thu 2 – Sat 4 March

The greatest of all romantic ballets returns in ‘one of the world’s finest productions’ (The Observer). BRB revives Peter Wright and Galina Samsova’s glorious journey into Swan Lake with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia performing Tchaikovsky’s superb music live alongside BRB’s spectacular dancers.

Rambert Dance in Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby

The Lowry / Tue 14 – Sat 16 March

Do not miss this truly brilliant dance production written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and choreographed by Benoit Swan Pouffer. Following its London premier and sell-out performances in Birmingham, this immersive and exciting show has united long-time fans of the TV show and new audiences in their enthusiasm for the ‘vigorous and vibrant performances from the entire cast’ (The Times). There is an energy and

vitality that permeates from the stage engaging the whole audience, leaving you quite breathless and in awe of the spectacle you have just witnessed.

Dada Masilo – The Sacrifice

The Lowry / Tue 21 – Wed 22 March

South Africa’s award-winning choreographer Dada Masilo wowed critics and audiences with her stunning re-imagining of Giselle in 2019. Masilo and her company of incredible dancers return to The Lowry with the UK premiere of The Sacrifice – an incredible production featuring musicians live on stage, who interact with the dancers in the most amazing way to ensure this is one of the most memorable and beautiful dance shows that you will see this year .

Opera Opera North

The Lowry / Tue 7 – Sat 11 Mar

The amazing Opera North return to The Lowry with three new productions. The headline show is undoubtedly Puccini’s Tosca with its high-octane score and stunning sets, but don’t miss the sumptuous production of Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos or the beautiful Cunning Little Vixen

Music

The Matt Goss Experience

Bridgewater Hall / Fri 10 March

Join legendary Bros front man, Matt Goss, as he celebrates his biggest hits, performs new original music and gives a personal tribute to one of the greatest

songwriters ever, Cole Porter. This is an evening of unashamed swing, glitz and swagger by one of the UK’s best showmen who, having headlined Las Vegas for 11 years, is the consummate entertainer and is supported here by some of the best big band musicians in the country and the amazing Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

Death Cab For Cutie

O2 Apollo / Sat 25 March

Death Cab For Cutie are back with tenth studio album Asphalt Meadows, the follow up to 2018’s Thank You for Today, reaffirming their lasting artistic legacy.

The Sunday Boys

The Lowry / Sun 2 April

The Sunday Boys present an evening of songs and stories of HIV past, present and future, including well-known songs from stage and screen – an exploration of HIV’s influence on society, culture and music from 1981 to the present day and beyond.

Musicals

The Lion King

Palace Theatre / Until 11 March

This is a truly beautiful musical featuring over 200 amazing puppets, fabulous songs and sets all combining to make this a unique and memorable theatre experience.

My Fair Lady

Palace Theatre / 22 March – 1 April

This glorious production of Lerner & Loewe’s world-famous musical features

the much-loved classic songs I Could Have Danced All Night, Get Me to the Church on Time, Wouldn’t It Be Loverly and On the Street Where You Live Michael D. Xavier stars as Henry Higgins, Charlotte Kennedy as Eliza Doolittle and EastEnders’ Adam Woodyatt plays the role of Alfred P. Doolittle with soprano Lesley Garrett playing Mrs Pearce.

Audience With

An Evening with Priscilla Presley

Manchester Opera House / Sun 2 April

Priscilla is the former wife of Elvis Presley and star of many classic film and TV series, including Naked Gun and Dallas. In intimate conversation with Radio and TV presenter Edith Bowman, she will be sharing personal stories from her illustrious career, life and marriage to the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’. Audiences will be treated to never-before-seen home footage of Priscilla and Elvis Presley.

Words: Catherine Reed

WATCH THIS

Just as sci-fi writer Arthur C. Clarke predicted way back in the 70s, we’ve become a generation that wears our tech on our wrists. There’s not much a watch can’t do nowadays and the market for wearables, activity trackers and smartwatches keeps growing. We’ve narrowed down the latest crop to three of the best…

Best for… adventures

SUUNTO 9 PEAK PRO

From the extreme north (Finland) comes this stunning multisport watch, which is tough enough for the wildest outdoor adventurers. Built into the lightweight case there’s a fast, easy-to-use interface, not to mention best-in-class battery technology: 10 hours of training from just 10 minutes of charging. Of course, it has GPS navigation, altitude, optical heart rate and all the functions you rely on when off-grid, plus it’s tested to the highest military standard of toughness. And outdoor types will love its environmental credentials: it’s fully carbon compensated thanks to 100% renewable energy use in manufacture. When you get home from the wilderness, you can also use it daily to track steps, sleep, calories and stress, and you won’t want to take it off because the rugged look is bang on-trend. From £429, suunto.com

Best for… kids

XPLORA XGO3

This Android smartwatch is the ideal first smart device for children aged five to 12. They’ll love the bright colours, camera and waterproof robustness, while parents will love the safeguarding and security. With the included 4G SIM card, it can pair with the Xplora app on your mobile, allowing kids to send and receive calls, messages and pictures to pre-saved numbers only, eliminating unsolicited communications. The software locks out social media, ensuring a safe introduction into the digital world, and can be further locked down with an SOS-only School Mode. The XGO3 also encourages kids to stay active with a step counter and the award-winning Goplay platform, which boasts games and the opportunity to earn rewards. £99.99, myxplora.co.uk

Best for… fitness

POLAR IGNITE 3

Polar is a big name in fitness and sports wearables and this new Ignite 3 takes that to a new level with a truly comprehensive suite of fitness, health and wellness functions. Its wafer thin, featherlight body hides powerful technology that adapts to the wearer’s natural circadian rhythms (internal body clock) to maximise not just exercise but also sleep and even stress management. Stand-out features are: SleepWise, a new tool that visualises the impact of sleep; in-training voice guidance via the Polar Flow mobile app, which gives daily on-demand workout suggestions and performance metrics; and Serene, a guided breathing exercise that helps relax the body and mind and manage stress. If you really want to go deeper into your data, you can even break down which energy sources (carbohydrate, fats or proteins) you’ve used in your workout. All this is packaged beautifully behind a curved, high-resolution touchscreen, with a choice of colours and straps to make it a real lifestyle accessory. £289, polar.com

By Oliver Chesher

TONALE SHIFT

I wasn’t even born when Bob Dylan went electric – but I do know that when the world’s best loved acoustic musician dared to plug in an amplifier in 1965, people went mad. Fans even shouted ‘Judas’ at concerts. I’ve often wondered if there’d be a similar reaction when Alfa Romeo went electric.

We’re about to find out. Certainly, Alfa owes a lot of its loyal following to its extraordinary acoustics – I myself owned one of its recent Quadrifoglio models largely on the strength of the basso rumble from its finely tuned exhausts. But I also think, like most sentient beings, that (1) we need to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, and (2) Alfas happen to be among the best-looking vehicles ever designed.

So, I reckon this new Tonale plug-in hybrid Q4 deserves to do well. Bob Dylan stood the test of time and with design like this, so should Alfa.

It’s the most efficient Alfa Romeo ever, with CO2 emissions of 29g/km and over 49 miles of battery life in full-electric mode and more than 372 miles of total range in non-urban use.

The model with which the brand made its entrance into the world of electrification combines maximum efficiency and sportiness. Its 280hp hybrid powertrain gets it from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.2

seconds and onto a top speed of 84 mph in full-electric mode and 128 mph in hybrid mode, with the e-AWD system providing in stantaneous deployment of 100 per cent of available torque from the electric motor on the rear axle.

The advanced 4x4 hybrid system guarantees maximum stability both off-road and on. It does not physically connect the two propulsion systems, but rather coordinates them, making the Tonale Plug-In even lighter and unmatched in its handling.

There are clever features from the cutting edge of EV technology: E-Save allows drivers to recharge or maintain the battery level when the internal combustion engine is on; and the regenerative braking system allows drivers to recover energy during the phases of deceleration and braking, storing it in the battery pack, and by activating E-Coasting, energy recovery takes place even when slowing down without a foot on the brake pedal.

So, what about us dinosaurs that still care how a car sounds? I’ve not heard the Tonale yet, but I have to respect the cheeky name: an Italian word that’s literally used to describe the tone of musical notes. I’m happy to accept that a tuneful exhaust is a relic of the past, but I’m guessing that the sound system – which integrates with Amazon Alexa for instant access to all your playlists – gives your ears more than enough to enjoy.

Fact file / Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Veloce

Range: 372 miles (total cycle) / Acceleration: 0-62 in 6.2 seconds / Peak power: 280 hp

Seating capacity: 5 / Price: from £48,495

By Oliver Chesher