Glossy Magazine Apr|May 2022

ISSUE 3 | APRIL | MAY 2022

ISSUE 3 | APRIL/MAY 2022

GLOSSY MAGAZINE

UK17 PUBLICATION

Step into spring

APRIL/MAY2022

Editor’s Picks All my favourite products from this issue

Giddy Goose Sauvignon Blanc £15 page 35

Welcome!

Palm Embroidered Cushion £14 page 22

A lot has happened in the world since we last spoke.

What with unbelievable storms, the increasing cost of living and the terrible war in Ukraine, I hope this magazine will bring you an hour or two of much-needed escapism.

Did you all have a lovely Mother’s Day? Easter is just around the corner now too, which is always a good time to get together with friends and family to create some memorable moments… and eat a little too much chocolate!

If you fancy seeing Didsbury from a different angle this spring, why not hire a bike and cycle your way around the sights? We learn more about Didsbury Bicycle Hire on page 19.

Sunset Hour Perfume £135 page 8

We’ve been here, there and everywhere this issue, from Crewe and Leeds to Manchester and sunny Ras Al Khaimah, so be sure to read our write-ups if you’re looking for travel inspiration, whether it’s close to home or on foreign sands.

Speaking of holidays, do you want to get in shape for summer? Our competition to win a three-month health club membership at Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa is just the one for you. Flick to page 32 to enter. And if you fancy dancing the night away with your favourite people to the sounds of Paloma Faith, Rudimental, Madness or Nile Rodgers & CHIC this summer, head to our competition on page 18.

On a final note, we are hosting a Charity Ball on 19th November at The Edwardian Manchester. We will be supporting Maggie’s Cancer Care and Papyrus, so email salim@glossymagazine.co.uk or call us on 0161 445 2883 to secure your tickets. When they’re gone, they’re gone – you don’t want to miss it!

Monty Sitting Monkey Light £210 page 22

Fuchsia Embellished Satin Mules £715 page 9

We stand with Ukraine Love,

Emily THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM / 1

CONTENTS

APRIL/MAY2022

FASHION & BEAUTY 8

Sunset Trip The hottest hues of the season

HOME & GARDEN 22 Wild at Heart Give your home a walk on the wild side 26 Postcards from Andalucía Never a dull moment for La Extraña Dama Inglesa 27 Cheshire Home Staging Top tips and insider info from Susie Batista

FOOD & DRINK 35 Club Vino Marco Castelanelli reveals his top wines for the barbecue season

Home p.23 36 This month’s recipe Veggie summer delights 38 Bitesized Haute Dolci Manchester Ducie Street Warehouse Manchester

TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT 7

Outdoors Road cycling and a sub-zero dip challenge 19 Didsbury Bicycle Hire Ideal for seeing the local sights or getting fit 28 City Suites II The perfect combo of comfort and luxury 29 Ras Al Khaimah The perfect getaway from everyday life

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33 Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa Where heritage meets contemporary 34 The Queens Hotel, Leeds A four-star staycation in Leeds city centre 52 What’s On

15

PEOPLE

47

10 Kim FIXX Salons Altrincham 16 Up and coming Manchester Influencers

IN EVERY ISSUE… 11

Love, Want, Need…

This month’s hot products 14 We Love…

A snapshot of some of the things we’ve enjoyed this month

40 41

54 56

Tried & Tested We visit Exhale Therapy East Didsbury and Create & Coat at Harvey Nichols Manchester Ask the Experts Suzy Bhaker / Laura Guillon Professor Aali J Sheen / Nicola Smillie Education News from the schools Tech Fitness tech roundup Motoring The Mercedes Benz C300d

COMPETITIONS 18 The Jockey Club Win a set of tickets to live summer events 32 Win a three-month membership at Crewe Hall Health Club

The new C-Class.

Discover a new kind of luxury.

Enjoy dynamic design with next-level comfort and safety.

This is the new C-Class Saloon. Modern luxury has never looked so good thanks to its sleek, sporty exterior and comfortable, spacious interior. And driving has never felt so safe, whatever the road conditions, with Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive.

Prices start from just £38,785.

For more information, or to book a test drive, call your local Mercedes-Benz centre today.

The best or nothing.

Mercedes-Benz of Stockport, Brighton Road, Stockport SK4 2BE. Tel: 0161 276 9606.

Mercedes-Benz of Macclesfield, Brindley Way, Lyme Green Business Park, Macclesfield SK11 0TB. Tel: 01625 423036. www.lshauto.co.uk

ON THE COVER ISSUE 3 | APRIL | MAY 2022

ISSUE 3 | APRIL | MAY 2022

ISSUE 3 | APRIL | MAY 2022

ISSUE 3 | APRIL/MAY 2022

APRIL/MAY2022 ISSUE 3 | APRIL/MAY 2022

GLOSSY MAGAZINE HALE & BOWDON

GLOSSY MAGAZINE DIDSBURY

GLOSSY MAGAZINE

EASTER

RIDE INTO

SPRING with Didsbury

UK17 PUBLICATION

GLOSSY MAGAZINE Image: PR Shots

Have a bloomin’ good

UK17 PUBLICATION

UK17 PUBLICATION

Step into spring

ISSUE 3 | APRIL/MAY 2022

Bicycle hire

GLOSSY MAGAZINE DIDSBURY Image: Manchester Wedding Photography

GLOSSY MAGAZINE HALE&BOWDON Image: Bigstock

Frock Goddess GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Beverley Uddin-Khandakar beverley@glossymagazine.co.uk GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Salim Uddin-Khandakar salim@glossymagazine.co.uk EDITOR Emily Fitzgibbons emily@glossymagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING Floyd Pantry Account Manager floyd@glossymagazine.co.uk Call the sales team on 0161 445 2883 info@glossymagazine.co.uk ART DIRECTION & DESIGN

CONTRIBUTORS Catherine Reed Fay Wertheimer Oliver Chesher Catherine Saunders Lisa McMahon Alice Warburton Daisy Hogg Angela Boggiano Marco Castelanelli Janet Reeder

PHOTOGRAPHY Julian Kronfli Mike Browne PR Shots Bigstockphoto.com istockphoto.com Press Loft Craig Robertson Manchester Wedding Photography Frock Goddess

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

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

theglossymagazine.com @theGlossyMag

@glossymagazine_

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 445 2883 | www.uk17consultancy.co.uk

Competition Terms & Conditions No purchase necessary. Employees of UK17 Consultancy Limited and associated companies, promotional partners, their agents and families are not eligible to enter. Entries will be declared void if found mutilated, illegible, altered, reconstructed, forged or tampered with in any way. In the event of there being more claims than prizes available in any category, then prizes will be awarded to the earliest claimant. (Where applicable, as stated.) All entries are subject to scrutiny. UK17 Consultancy Limited reserves the right to stop the promotion/competition at any time at its own discretion. Winners must accept that their names may be announced on any UK17 Consultancy Limited related media, including online and print, and may be used for publicity purposes if required. Rules as published, when applicable to specif ic joint offers, product discounts etc.

All prizes unclaimed remain the property of UK17 Consultancy Limited. Persons under the age of 18 are not eligible to enter. The prize must be taken as offered and is not transferable. No cash or credit alternatives will be given. Editor’s decision is f inal. By entering a competition you agree to receive e-letters and mailshots f rom UK17 Consultancy Limited. We do not sell our database to third parties and are compliant with the Data Protection Act 1998. Should you wish NOT to receive such information, please state NO OFFERS. By entering the competition you agree to the above terms and conditions.

4 / THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM

the brands I adore at the prices I like with the people I love

FOR ME IT’S THE SPORTSWEAR Find what you love at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.

THIS IS MY HAPPY PLACE. discover yours.

ASICS WOMEN’S

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CASTORE MEN’S

RRP £60 OUTLET £42

NIKE WOMEN’S

YOUR JOURNEY

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YOUR LUNCH Make a day of it, and visit the state-of-the-art play area, or restaurants including Mowgli, Wagamama’s and Carluccio’s.

*AT UP TO 60% LESS ALL YEARROUND cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com Images featured are representative of brands available at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.

YOUR SPORTSWEAR Enjoy staples from brands including Castore, Champion and Under Armour at up to 60% less.

If you have a knee problem,

consult one of the UK’s leading knee specialists Knee problem? Do you have knee pain?

Have you injured your knee?

For quick effective treatment contact the kneedoc... it’s all you need to know Treatments available: • Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery • Ligament reconstruction (anterior cruciate ligament, ACL) • Less invasive customised Knee Replacement Surgery and also Robotic Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery designed specifically to your knee from specialised scans, both potentially allowing shorter hospital stay & rehab with quicker return to activity.

• State of the art non-surgical arthritis treatments including hyaluronic acid injections and groundbreaking n-STRIDE injections.

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

The Knee Doc... it’s all you need to know Contact details: For further information or to book a consultation: Telephone: 0161 445 4988 | Email: info@thekneedoc.co.uk | www.thekneedoc.co.uk @therealkneedoc Consultations available at: BMI Alexandra Hospital Cheadle | Ramsay Oaklands Hospital Salford | Spire Hale Clinic Spire Hospital Manchester, Didsbury | The Wilmslow Hospital, 52 Alderley Road

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

OutdOors

ENTERTAINMENT

HILl REPS At time of writing, the Snake Pass – the iconic winding mountainous road that crosses the Pennines to link our beautiful region with equally stunning South Yorkshire – is closed to all traffic because of landslips. Briefly, however, it was closed to motor traffic only, which set corks flying in the sport of cycling. Every cycling club in the region, including my own – Stockport Clarion CC – scampered out in search of the holy grail: a winding mountain climb and scary fast descent with no cars!

This got me thinking just how rare a privilege that is. Even mass participation road cycling events, called sportives, are very rarely closed-road events in this part of the world because of the disruption that causes. However, we do have the luxury of plenty more serious hills in this part of the world – and if you’re into cycling or even just giving it some thought, it’s hills that really add spice.

While these may not be free of motor traffic, you can certainly time your trips to have these roads almost to yourself: 1. Swiss Hill. A gnarly cobbled road climb up to the Wizard at Alderley Edge. On damp days it’s so steep and slippery it’s almost impossible to ride up without wheelspinning.

DIP DONE

News update: after I took the challenge last issue from watersports brand Red Original to do a sub-zero outdoor dip, I’m proud to say I did it, loved it, and will do it again. The location has to be kept secret because it’s open to swimmers by invitation only, but I can share with you some of the things I learned: 1. The cold really is exhilarating. There was ice on the shore but the water was just above freezing, which woke me up I can

By Oliver Chesher

2. The Cat & Fiddle. Definitely the longest – it can take even a fit rider almost an hour to get up from Macclesfield to the summit – but a lovely gradual climb you can enjoy at your own pace.

3. Pym Chair. Another Cheshire classic in the Goyt Valley – very few cars so you can challenge yourself up its relentless ramps.

4. Winnats Pass. Surely the hardest challenge of them all. Just west of Castleton in the Peak District, it’s a nice ride out to get there from Cheshire, but getting up it is an entirely different matter. Gradients hit 20% and it feels like it goes on forever!

If you want more recommendations with stats, such as mileages, gradients and grid references, I highly recommend the book Cycling Climbs of North-West England by Simon Warren, RRP £8.99 in paperback.

tell you. The feeling of being completely submerged, if only for a moment, is truly euphoric.

2. You can do this at sunrise and still get to your desk for a normal work day. I got from a quick plunge to Central Manchester in time for 09:00, and started work feeling like a hero.

3. Special thanks to Red Original for the essential changing robe, and to Melitta for the super-quiet coffee machine that made my necessary espresso without waking the kids at such an ungodly hour!

THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM / 7

Floral dress £75, available at oliverbonas.com

FASHION

Steph midi dress £265, available at rixo.co.uk

Kin trapeze dress £79, available at johnlewis.co.uk

Jacket £59.99, available at zara.com

And you can smell like the sunset too…

Spritz the Sunset Hour – the new on-trend scent by Aussie fragrance house Goldfield & Banks. It’s the heady scent of tropical peach, pear and mandarin with base notes of vanilla and musk that make it so addictive! £135, available at Selfridges, Exchange Square, Manchester selfridges.com

Gl/amour by Sonder Studio red lace dress £109, available at sonderstudio.co.uk

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Maison Margiela leather Tabi block heel boots £790, available at hervia.com

Be Beau at Matalan co-ord trouser £16, available at matalan.co.uk

Yellow top £55, available at riverisland.com

Day Birger et Mikkelsen Mila orange hammered satin midi dress £230, available at harveynichols.com Aquazzura Yes Darling 95 fuchsia embellished satin mules £715, available at harveynichols.com

Sunset trip Check out the hottest hues of the season Sunset colours are this season’s brightest trend, so don’t be a shrinking violet, it’s time to splash out in dazzling shades of orange, red, pink and yellow. Colour is all about making a statement. Wear a hot-pink dress with red boots, or pair an orange dress with pink accessories. Even if you’re doing entry-level brights, you can make an impact by accenting your favourite LBD with an orange sandal or sexy, red ankle boot.

Bright colours are known to lift the mood and make us feel more optimistic, so the time for them is right now.

Embrace the sunset!

Lilac and orange Lindos dress £89.00, available from neverfullydressed.com

Orange mules with statement heel £49.99, available at zara.com

Mulberry Softie, coral orange £1,650, available from mulberry.com

By Janet Reeder

BEAUTY

SPOTLIGHT ON

Introducing Kim… the newest member of the FIXX team

“I have been in the industry for nine years, “says Kim. “I started my career at the age of 18 at South Trafford College.

After learning all aspects of hairdressing, I chose to specialise in colour and extensions.

“As well as working here in Cheshire, where I qualified, I have also worked in one of the leading salons in Australia (both in Sydney and Cairns), where I gained fantastic experience, learning new skills and trends.

“FIXX is a high-end salon with a very chilled and welcoming atmosphere and I jumped at the chance to work alongside a team of such skilled hairdressers.

FIXX delivers the perfect salon experience for clients and it really has thought of all the finer details that make a really big difference for clients – from drinks options and comfortable backwashes to the availability of both hair and beauty treatments all under one roof. The salon itself looks stunning too; the decor is super-modern and stylish.

“I love keeping up with new trends and for summer 2022, I will be focusing on face-framing, coloured bangs and more lived-in, natural blondes. Soft waves and beach waves have been big for a while now, they’re some of my favourite styles, and they'll be sticking around for summer too.

“I’d love to meet you, so, what are you waiting for – call for an appointment now!”

Call in for a free consultation and see how the salon can give you a new FIXX. 1b Lloyd Street / Altrincham WA14 2DD 0161 928 6366

@fixxsalonsaltrincham | fixxsalons.co.uk

FAVOURITES

50cm Floral Easter Wreath. £39.99. www.lightsforfun.co.uk

LOVE WANT NEED Easter table. All products available at Homesense www.homesense.com

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM / 11

MONAT Damage Repair Perfect for getting hair in tip-top condition following the harsh winter months and ideal for hair damaged by chemicals, styling and the environment, and in need of a nourishing touch.

Damage Repair Bond Support Shampoo, £36 Damage Repair Bond-Building Hair Treatment, £36 Damage Repair Bond Support Masque, £48 Damage Repair Bond-Fortifying Hair Leave-In Crème, £34 monatglobal.com

Eyeko Limitless Eyeshadow Palette in Medium – a nude-toned palette featuring six highly pigmented, long-wearing shades in matte and shimmer finishes. £25, eyeko.co.uk

Tom Ford premiers The Jasmin Rouge Collection, presented in luxe, limited-edition crimson packaging inspired by Jasmin Rouge – the private blend scent as audacious as red, lacquered lips. The collection includes two lip colour shades and an eye colour quad. Eye Colour Quad – Body Heat. £68 | Lip Colour – Scarlet Rouge. £44 | Lip Colour – Impassioned. £44 Available from 25th April 2022 at Selfridges & Co. & tomford.co.uk Illamasqua Infinite Mascara. This creamy, lash-enhancing formula delivers a supremely intense colour for a rich, black finish and ultimate staying power. £20.

With a unique complex of active ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, caffeine, organic pea sprout extract and green tea, the ultra-concentrated Grow Gorgeous Hair Serum Intense works to increase the thickness of each strand by up to 13% in as little as four weeks, improving hair condition and density. £45.

Grow Gorgeous Purifying AHA 5% Booster + Prebiotic eliminates excess product build-up to help remove dead skin cells and refine the appearance of the scalp. 97% of users agreed their scalp improved in just two weeks. £25. www.growgorgeous.co.uk

Sarah Fogg, celebrity permanent make-up artist and cosmetic tattooist.

Her Brows by Sarah brand offers brow maintenance products that are the only products on the market to contain anti-ageing benefits to firm and hydrate the skin as well as formulas that help to regrow the brows. Products available include: Fluff It Up, £39 | Wow Brow, £39 | Airport-Friendly Make-Up Bag, £16 browsbysarah.com

ESPA’s new Tri-Active Regenerating Define & Tighten Body Serum aids in tightening and toning for naturally plumper skin. Its finest miracle naturals and actives help define and tighten skin, banishing imperfections and unsightly textures, and restoring the body with rich, luxurious hydration. £60, espaskincare.com

APEX, the new male fragrance by Roja Parfums Inspired by embracing the Earth and awakening your primal connection to nature’s most powerful creatures, APEX brings forth a strong internal awakening and encouraging spiritual energies, which challenge your limits and allow you to embrace new opportunities. £265 for 100ml, available at Selfridges & Co. & rojaparfums.com

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Multi-coloured candy twist wine glasses and tumblers, hand-blown by Emsie Sharp and available now from Vigour and Skills. www.vigourandskills.com

BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini is a small and easy-to-use baby carrier for newborns and little ones up to the age of one. It is quick and easy to put on and take off and has two front-carrying positions. Made of cotton and available in Anthracite or Landscape print. £95, babybjorn.co.uk

With the Playmobil’s Mobile Duck on Call Operations Centre, the team is always ready for action anywhere in Playmoville. Using the slide, Polly and Freddy quickly get to any operation, even from the upper level. In the prison cell, the bad guys are kept safe and with the integrated net cannon, any crook can be caught. £34.99, playmobil.co.uk

The AMELIORATE Deep Cleansing Hair & Scalp Mask rebalances and nourishes with an intensive treatment to reduce impurities, excess oil, product and pollution build-up. Dry, flaky, sensitive scalps feel rebalanced, calm and refreshed. £25. www.ameliorate.com

ARRAN Sense of Scotland has teamed up with Malmaison, one of the world’s leading award-winning luxury lifestyle hotels, to release an exclusive new scent to customers.

ARRAN Sense of Scotland Malmaison Figleaf Bath and Shower Gel, £16 ARRAN Sense of Scotland Malmaison Figleaf Conditioning Shampoo, £16 Arran.com

Enjoy great tasting, filtered water with ZeroWater’s 20-cup water filter dispenser. The Ready-Pour® technology ensures that you will never run out and there’s no waiting for your water to filter before you can enjoy a refreshing glass of pure-tasting water, whenever you want.

Born out of a desire not to waste perfectly good fruit that didn’t quite make it on to the supermarket shelves, despite being perfectly good, Stephen and James Long decided to turn their hands to becoming wine producers. Award-winning Blue Aurora is the UK’s only blueberry wine, lovingly grown by fruit farmers the Long brothers in a quiet corner of Northamptonshire.

Dusk: medium-dry, medium-bodied, crisp, fresh & deliciously fruity, 75cl, £11.95 Midnight: medium-dry, full-bodied, intense, oaky & beautifully rich, 75 cl, £11.95 Ice: intense, fruity and velvety smooth.

The blueberries are frozen then pressed and fermented to create this beautiful, sweet Ice wine, perfect on its own or served with Champagne or your sparkling wine of choice. 37.5cl, £17.95, THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM blueaurorawine.co.uk

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WE LOVE… A snapshot of some of the things we’ve enjoyed this month DestinationSkin / Health & Beauty / Manchester We visited the skin experts at their St James Square clinic to enjoy the facial everyone’s been talking about – the HydraFacial. If you’re looking for skin that’s instantly brighter, softer, more refined and clearer than ever before (erm, who isn’t?), then this glowing treatment is the one for you. A HydraFacial is a professional, advanced and relaxing facial that improves skin health in six unique steps. The treatment combines massage techniques, beautiful botanical extracts, vortex technology, LED light and specifically formulated ingredients. Get that glow! destinationskin.com / 7 St James Square, Manchester M2 6DN

The Chocolate Factory / Days Out / Manchester Step into a world of sweets with this immersive, chocolatey experience.

The Chocolate Factory has arrived in Manchester after its success in Madrid, Barcelona and London. Plenty of surprises await guests in this mouth-watering, multisensory experience, where sight, smell, and taste all bring this candythemed adventure to life. You’ll walk through Chocolate Town, the Cupcake Room, Cloudland and the Ball Pit (perfect for selfie opportunities), ending your delicious journey inside The Chocolate Factory itself, where you can taste all the tantalising treats you’ve glimpsed during the visit. Think chocolates, lollipops and gummy bears. This is a unique and interactive day out for both kids and adults alike. chocolatefactoryexperience.com / The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AA (Ground Floor on Peel Avenue)

Club Concorde / Nightlife / Altrincham This exclusive event gives attendees the chance to party under the wings of one of the three remaining Concordes in the UK. At Club Concorde, you’ll get up close and personal with one of the world’s most famous planes, all whilst enjoying the first-ever disco house party in a hangar at Manchester Airport. Part one took place back in mid-March and part two will be held on Saturday 9th April, seeing the iconic Crazy P take flight to bring the best slinky disco and deep electronic sounds – music with true heart and soul. Sets by La Discotheque’s Sharples and Surco residents will provide the tunes for the rest of the night. Get ready to get your groove on! feverup.com / Concorde Hangar, Runway Visitor Park, Sunbank Lane, Altrincham WA15 8XQ

Alex’s Bakery / Food & Drink / Manchester Alex’s Bakery, Manchester’s experts in delicious bakes and sweet treats, recently announced the launch of a brand-new all-day brunch menu following their bakery expansion. The lip-smacking new menu features popular brunch favourites and is available from 9am every day. Whether you’re a lover of eggs cooked all ways or have more of a sweet tooth, there’s something to satisfy all appetites. We opted for amazing garlic avo-toast complete with paprika hummus, avocado, rocket and juicy cherry tomatoes in balsamic vinegar. But if you’re in the mood for something sweet, the brioche French toast is topped with mixed berry compote, mascarpone and lots of syrup and cream. Plus, Alex’s famous iced cakes, gooey brownies and jaw-dropping occasion cakes are still very much on offer at the Deansgate bakery. What’s not to love? alexsbakery.co.uk / 225 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN

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The 3D HydrO2Facial is a signature facial that enables the therapist to choose from one or all seven of the available technologies in order to create a completely bespoke treatment package; including radiofrequency skin tightening, ultrasonic treatment, hydro-peel, deep cleanse, exfoliation, oxygenation, hydration and a cryo-facial. Using patented technology to cleanse, extract and hydrate the skin, the 3D HydrO2Facial’s super-serums are made with nourishing ingredients that create an instantly gratifying glow in three steps:

CLEANSE & PEEL – to uncover a new layer of skin with gentle exfoliation and relaxing resurfacing.

EXTRACT & HYDRATE – to remove debris from pores with painless suction and to nourish with intense, skin-quenching moisturisers.

FUSE & PROTECT – the skin’s surface is saturated with antioxidants and peptides to maximise glow.

Unique to the 3D HydrO2Facial is the Vortex Fusion Delivery System to exfoliate, extract and hydrate skin. The spiral design of the tip, used in conjunction with the specifically designed vacuum delivery technology and serums, creates a vortex effect to easily dislodge and remove impurities whilst simultaneously delivering hydrating skin solutions.

This technology delivers instant results, which you can see and feel, and improves your skin health over time. No matter what your area of concern, this treatment addresses all your skincare needs, including advanced signs of acne, ageing, dehydration, breakouts and congestion, pigmentation and uneven skin texture. And you can have a treatment as often as once a week or monthly to achieve long-lasting results.

This is the best facial I’ve ever experienced.

I had the 60-minute treatment and my skin looked and felt amazing. There’s no downtime, but you are advised not to do anything with your skin until the next day, so best to choose a day when you don’t want to use make-up. And don’t forget to make sure the HydrO2-facialist shows you all the ‘gunk’ (debris) that’s been removed from your skin at the end of your treatment – it’s actually quite satisfying!

TRIED&TESTED

The 3D HydrO2Facial experience at Exhale Therapy East

30-minute treatment, £50 / 60-minute treatment, £100 / 90-minute treatment, £150 Exhale Therapy East / 829 Wilmslow Road Didsbury / M20 5WD / 0161 711 0077 enquiries@exhale-therapy.com exhaletherapy

Create & Coat Harvey Nichols, Manchester Create & Coat is the first-ever flagship Mani Pedi Spa by the GelBottle Inc. and awardwinning sister brand Peacci. From the brand loved by A-listers, such as The Kardashians, and professional nail techs around the globe, comes a new realm of salon experience.

With over 15 years industry experience, every element of the spa has been carefully considered, so in true TGB (The GelBottle) style, no detail has been left unpolished. Located in the beauty hub of Harvey Nichols, Manchester, Create & Coat provides an oasis of pampering calm and an abundance of insta-worthy interiors; it is the perfect place to unwind and prioritise your wellness.

Whether it’s a speedy lunchbreak mani, trending nail art, or The GelBottle Inc.’s signature luxury service, the TGB VIP Spa Mani Pedi, you can rest-assured your nails are in good hands. Each treatment has

been expertly curated and is made bespoke to your individual needs. All services are, of course, vegan and crueltyfree using The GelBottle Inc. and awardwinning sister brand Peacci nail and skin products. Add-ons, including nail art and removal, are available with all treatments.

No matter what treatment is chosen.

perfection with our choice of vegan Peacci classic polish. There are 150 highly pigmented colours available, so be prepared to be spoilt for choice. All this whilst enjoying a glass of prosecco. What’s not to like?

I took my mum along for a bit of late Mother’s Day pampering and we both chose the TGB Peacci VIP Spa Gel Mani for ultimate relaxation and results. This package included a file and shape, extensive cuticle work and nourishment, the signature soak and hydrating hand massage, and a scrub with 100% natural exfoliation for brighter, softer skin. Our hands were then enveloped in a rejuvenating, anti-ageing, and deeply hydrating hand-mask, then painted to

For more information or to book, go to createandcoat.com

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM / 15

SAMANTHA CLAGUE-HOUGHTON

INFLUENCERS

DOMAIN ESDALE

REMI AKANDE

OLIVIA GOLDMAN

INFLUENCERS

Up-and-coming Manchester Influencers REMI AKANDE

DOMAIN ESDALE

29 MANCHESTER @remiakande remiakade.com

MANCHESTER @domain_esdale

Remi is a content creator with a drive for success, never taking his foot off the pedal. Expressing himself through the highest quality photography, videography and written word, Remi has established himself as a professional and respected name.

Alongside completing his law degree, Remi set up a successful fashion, event and PR agency, MCR Fashion Industry. His personal brand grew exponentially from this, helping him to launch his own influential platforms and make an impact across social media.

An outlet to share his personal style, opinion and personality, ‘The Style Lawyer’ was born, with his blog transitioning into content across Instagram and more. Highly regarded as a writer for fashion magazines across the world, Remi is a regular on the international fashion week scene; invited to attend London, Paris, Milan and NYC events for his much-valued opinion on trends. With a love for fashion, fitness, travel, men's grooming, lifestyle, food and drink, and more, Remi covers all bases. He’s also an ambassador for many big brands, such as BBC, Sky TV, Dior, Coca-Cola, Hugo Boss and Starbucks.

SAMANTHA CLAGUE-HOUGHTON 35 NORTH MANCHESTER @3ofheartsmummy_triplets 24 hours after finding out she was pregnant with triplets, Samantha was told there had been a serious change and that she would likely miscarry her then seven-week-old babies. Thankfully (and incredibly), at 30 weeks, she delivered three beautiful children – who she saw for around five seconds before they were rushed to the neonatal unit, all needing help on their start to life. This was just the beginning of the ups and downs of Samantha’s journey into motherhood. To this day, having to spend seven weeks in hospital still affects Samantha deeply. It’s taken her a long time to work through her separation anxieties and fears.

The mum of three started her Instagram page anonymously, as she felt completely lost throughout her pregnancy, but once her babies were home safe, she started to open up on her page, wanting to help other mums who were going through similar experiences.

Samantha openly shares her life raising triplets, the rollercoaster reality of motherhood and juggling life in general as well as her other great passion... fashion!

Domain Esdale is a UK-based fashion and lifestyle content creator known for his signature style of the modern-day gentleman.

Domain created his social media channels to express and share his own personal love for fashion, travel and lifestyle. As a firm believer that style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag and taking his inspiration f rom both the catwalk and high street, Domain’s philosophy is that style is about more than just the clothes you wear. He has worked with major international brands, including H&M, Next, River Island, Jimmy Choo, Klarna and Samsung, helping them produce high-quality content to communicate their brand values to his highly engaged audience.

OLIVIA GOLDMAN 20 MANCHESTER & LEEDS @eat.with.liv. @eat.with.liv Liv is f rom Manchester and is studying psychology at the University of Leeds. She’s passionate about all things food; from the relationship between nutrition and the body and mind to cooking and eating. She loves travelling, embracing other cultures and trying new things. The prevalence of food allergies and different diets, along with her own experiences of IBS and multiple intolerances, motivated her to show others that, despite being somewhat restricted, you can still eat well and make delicious, exciting meals. Liv decided to create a food account on Instagram during lockdown, sharing everything she ate. Then, during her first year of university, she created a TikTok account with the same name to motivate other students to cook rather than rely on takeaways or ready meals. It’s here that Liv shares all her recipes and top tips.

Want to become an ambassador for your favourite brand?

Here are our top three tips on how to achieve that goal: 1. Show brands you’re already a fan. Give brands you love regular voluntary shoutouts on socials to make them aware of your appreciation. It’s all about building an existing relationship with the brand and becoming an opinion leader.

2. Know your most engaging content. Most people don’t realise that it’s all about engagement levels and understanding your follower demographics rather than your follower count. Analyse your social media activity, assess which of your content receives the best engagement and post more like it.

3. Network with your audience. Once you have established your profile and personal brand, it’s so important to network with brands you love and accounts that share a similar brand identity.

Comment, follow, like, share and save!

By Emily Fitzgibbons

THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM / 17

COMPETITION

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We’ve teamed up with The Jockey Club Live to gift four lucky winners a set of tickets to some of the best live music events happening this summer. Each winner will receive four tickets, so you can be sure to dance the night away with all your favourite people!

Rudimental Haydock Park 5 August 2022

Nile Rodgers & Chic at Aintree 10 June 2022

Paloma Faith Haydock Park 1 July 2022

Madness Haydock Park 16 July 2022 To enter please email winner@glossymagazine.co.uk with your name, address, daytime contact number, and preferred event OR send a postcard with the exact, same details to: Glossy Magazine, 5 The Stables, Parrswood Entertainment Centre, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, M20 5PG Good luck!

To buy tickets or browse other events visit thejockeyclub.co.uk 18 / THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM

ADVERTORIAL

Didsbury Bicycle Hire Didsbury Bicycle Hire provides a service to help you get back in the saddle and create memories that last a lifetime

With a range of different packages available, including the Wedding Package and Romance Package, bicycles can be used to celebrate your special day on a bicycle made for two. There are also packages for engagements, marriage proposals and anniversaries, each including a Champagne afternoon tea picnic provided by awardwinning French Patisserie Bisous Bisous. In addition, there is the option to include a photoshoot with Manchester Wedding Photography during the first half hour of your day; a chance to capture your special moment in a unique way.

There are over 30 Pashley bicycles available to hire (including tandems and Amsterdam sit-up style bicycles), all fully serviced, cleaned, and valeted ahead of your booking.

Didsbury Bicycle Hire operates across the North West and – included as part of the service – is delivery to and collection from a host of locations, including the South Manchester Parklands, Tatton Park in Cheshire, Grosvenor Park in Chester and Sefton Park in South Liverpool.

didsburybicyclehire.co.uk / contact_us@didsburybicyclehire.co.uk Image: Manchester Wedding Photography

THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM / 19

What Everybody Ought To Know About Writing A Will And Drafting A Lasting Power Of Attorney Gareth Morgan, head of Private Client at Blackstone Solicitors, discusses the many facets of his role and how his team can help you. Gareth, a Former English Teacher in South Korea, began his journey in law 12 years ago. Following a short spell working in the Employment Law field, Gareth has predominantly practiced as a Private Client Solicitor. In summer 2021, he joined the renowned Legal 500 firm Blackstone Solicitors, based in the village of Hale, Cheshire, as the Head of Private Client.We asked Gareth to answer some of the more frequently asked questions faced by a Private Client Solicitor and give us an insight into his area of law.

What does a private client solicitor do?

A Private Client Solicitor Deals with the discussion and drafting of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Trusts and helps to administer the estate of a person that has passed away. Private Client Law is becoming an increasingly prevalent area of law, as individuals seek to preserve, grow and pass on their assets, whilst minimising tax liabilities.

Estate planning is vital for any individual who wishes to get the most from their estate and protect it from issues such as Tax and care home fees in order to ensure their loved ones and their respective inheritance is safeguarded as much as possible.

Issues dealt with by Private Client solicitors are becoming more and more contentious. Many of these contentious issues could be avoided by seeking a solicitor’s advice and with careful drafting of legal documents to minimise or eradicate these potential issues.

Why is a Will important?

It is important for you to make a Will, whether or not you consider you have many possessions or much money. 61% of people in the UK still do not have a valid Will. That equates to approximately 30 million people.This is amazing when you consider the issues which can be avoided for your loved ones by this oftensimple document. The problem is that many people often don’t see a Will as something that

is necessary. Unfortunately, these people leave things too late, and this can cause serious problems for their family and loved ones following their deaths.

These are some common issues which I find many clients are unaware of :● When a person dies without a Will, certain rules known as ‘the rules of intestacy’ apply which dictate how much money, property and possessions should be allocated.This may not be how you had intended your estate to be divided or to whom it is distributed. ● Unmarried partners and unregistered civil partners cannot inherit from each other without a valid Will (There is no such thing as a Common Law husband or Wife!) ● Wills can be used to arrange who will care for your minor children should both parents die. ● Also, a Will is revoked by marriage or civil partnership.

It is particularly advised to use a solicitor to draft your Will where you share property with somebody other than a spouse or civil partner; where you wish to make provision for a dependant who cannot care for themselves; where there is a high probability of somebody contesting your Will; you own property overseas or there is a business involved.

Can my Will be contested following my death?

I often encounter clients who have either forgotten to complete a Will or their Will is contested by friends, family or others who believe they are entitled to some or all of the deceased party’s estate.

Even the rich and famous have sometimes had their Wills disputed Below is a list of 4 of the most famous Will disputes to have occurred in the past few decades. ● Martin Luther King Jr It is well documented that Martin Luther King Jr’s children have not always seen eye to eye.

The executor of Mr King’s Will was Dexter King, one of his sons, and the Will was challenged by two more of his children who accused Dexter of wrongfully appropriating from their father’s estate. Dexter refused to show the two challengers financial records and other documents that divulged in-depth detail of the estate’s operations. The family again fell out over a dispute surrounding Martin Luther King Jr’s travelling Bible and his Nobel Peace Prize medal. The argument here was between two of his sons and his daughter who claimed to have been left the two assets. A court ruled that this wasn’t the case and a settlement was agreed, details of which have remained confidential.

Construction | Agricultural | Commercial & Residential Property Litigation | Corporate Legal Services | Private Client With offices in: Hale | Mayfair

● Jimi Hendrix The Guitar Legend is a perfect example of why you need to make a Will specifying what you want to happen to your estate in the event of your death. When Jimi Hendrix died in 1970 he left behind an estate valued at approximately $80 million. Unfortunately, he hadn’t made a Will and this pitted his half-brother against his adopted sister for control of his assets and his estate. Initially, a lawyer had control over Hendrix’s estate until 1995, when his father gained the rights to his son’s music and a large part of his estate. When his father passed away, Jimi’s father left most of the estate to his daughter and Jimi’s adopted sister Janie.

Jimi’s half-brother was not written into Jimi’s father’s Will, and as a result, Jimi’s half-brother contested the Will, suggesting that Janie had manipulated her father into excluding him from the Will. In the end, The Superior Court in America upheld Jimi’s father’s Will and his half-brother remained excluded. ● Nina Wang Nina Wang was Asia’s richest woman with a reported fortune of £7.1 billion. After her death, her partner Peter Chan made a claim that he should inherit her estate along with all of its financial assets. Unfortunately for Mr Chan, his claim was refuted and her full estate went to charity after she died of cancer in 2007. In another twist, Mr Chan was later sentenced to 12 years in prison after it was discovered he had tried to forge Nina Wang’s Will. ● James Brown James Brown is the second musical icon on this list. He left behind an estate worth $100 million after he died in 2006. His Will stated that his estate was to be separated into two trusts, one for the education of his grandchildren, and the second for the disadvantaged youths of South Carolina and Georgia. Brown clearly stated in his Will that he hadn’t mistakenly left anyone out of the Will. Despite this, his wife and children contested the Will in 2009 and were awarded $50 million.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document which allows you to appoint somebody (The Attorney) to deal with matters on your behalf. There are two types of LPA, a Financial Decisions LPA which deals with your finances and property decisions, such as selling your house or managing your bank accounts and other investments.There is also an LPA for

Health and Care Decisions, which deals with making medical decisions and liaising with local authorities and social services, care homes when issues arise and ultimately, it enables the Attorney to make life sustaining decisions. You must have sufficient mental capacity to be able to instruct a solicitor to draft a power of attorney.

Where a person lacks capacity, the options become more technical, expensive and limited and must be referred to the Court of Protection.

This situation can be avoided for your family and loved ones by ensuring you have an LPA in place.

The tragic case of Kate Garraway The heart-breaking impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been publicly apparent for journalist and TV presenter, Kate Garraway, whose husband Derek was diagnosed with covid-19 in March 2020 and still needs round-the-clock medical care at the time of writing.

During an already stressful time, Kate has had to juggle the needs of her family with managing their finances. This was made more difficult as Derek was often the named person on the bills, investments, bank, and insurance policies.

Without a lasting power of attorney (LPA) it has been extremely complicated for Kate to sort out financial matters and, in fact, it is impossible to access investments in someone’s sole name without it.

If an LPA for property and finances is not in place, it is possible to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a deputy.

However, this is a much more expensive and lengthy process. It also requires the vulnerable person to have lost their ability to make decisions for themselves.

An LPA can be considered to be similar to an insurance policy. Whilst we all hope an LPA will never be required, should the worst happen, your loved ones will have the necessary authority to deal with your finances and make decisions about the care you should receive.

Why instruct a Solicitor to deal with Probate matters?

Probate is the area of law which I find is most challenging to many clients.They are often still grieving for the loss of a loved one and have not appreciated the volume of work that is often necessary to deal with following a death.

This can feel incredibly daunting during an already difficult time. An experienced Private Client Solicitor can take away that pressure and assist with obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, liaise with various asset holders such as banks and other financial institutes and complete the relevant forms to deal with any tax implications and ensure any wishes in a Will or intestacy are carried out correctly. The Private Client Solicitor will also speak with other departments within the firm to ensure that issues such as property transfers are carried out and ensuring the process is administered as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

Blackstone Solicitors has been successfully advising its clients for over 10 years. The firm is expanding and is very experienced in a number of areas of law.

In Derek’s case, this test for mental capacity was borderline because he is still being assessed to understand the effect covid-19 has had on his cognitive health.

Without a health and welfare LPA, Kate did not have a legal right to access Derek’s medical notes due to data protection. Only in exceptional circumstances will a deputyship for health and welfare be granted by the Court.

For legal advice contact us on: 0161 929 0121 E: info@blackstonesolicitorsltd.co.uk | BlackstoneSolicitorsLtd.co.uk

HOME

Table lamp £35 Jungle Luxe navy wallpaper £12 Anya sideboard £499 available at dunelm.co.uk

Palm embroidered cushion £14 available at marksandspencer.com

Monty Sitting Monkey indoor/outdoor light £210 available at dowsingandreynolds.com

Wild at heart It’s easy to make a statement in the home this season - just take the jungle as your inspo

Chesterfield Grand Split sofa £3,599 available at sofology.com

Want to give your home a walk on the wild side? It’s time to invest in on-trend tropicals.

There’s so much to love about this, from statement wallpapers to gorgeous soft furnishings.

Paper a wall with a jungle mural, add an animal print sofa and ‘tiger’ rug and voila!

Your tropical- themed revamp is complete.And even if you don’t feel like going full-on safari, adding accessories such as animal print cushions and quirky lamps can celebrate the trend as well as add a fun element to almost any interior. Either way it’ll be a roaring success!

22 / THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM

By Janet Reeder

HOME

Caspian jungle bedding £125 available at avalandesign.co.uk

Mind the Gap Parrots of Brasil wallpaper £195 a roll available at mindtheg.uk

Tiger rug by Homesense £24.99 available at tkmaxx.com

Brass lion padlock, £34.95 available at heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

Litecraft… designing and decorating homes through lighting for over 70 years

Finding the right lights for your home can be a very exciting process. The fittings that you choose will have a huge impact on the entire feel of your household, so it’s important to spend time browsing the different options until you discover the perfect lights.

With a huge range of luxury lighting, such as table lamps, chandeliers, pendants, wall lights and more, you’ll be sure to find fantastic fittings that are suited to your tastes and needs. Sourcing traditional designs, together with new ideas and inspirations, Litecraft bring you the very best in lighting design. The in-house design and buying team, work non-stop to source top-quality products and designs inspired by the latest interior trends and its loyal, f riendly team is happy to be your personal shopper, to ensure you f ind some sensational lighting.

Why choose Litecraft?

This family business prides itself on fast delivery, an extensive choice of products, and value for money, with six lighting stores throughout the UK and the Litecraft and BHS websites dedicated to helping you with your search for the right lighting, whatever you’re looking for. Both online and in store, Litecraft and BHS offer a huge selection of home and office lighting, plus a great range of outdoor lights and security lights to brighten the exterior of your home. You’ll find lighting to suit every style.

Litecraft’s award-winning online team, in partnership with BHS, won Feefo’s Platinum Trust Service Award for delivering consistently excellent customer service?

Close to home Litecraft’s head office can be found just outside the city of Manchester. Everything begins at Litecraft HQ from the buying and the designing straight through to distribution. Even its dedicated customer support team is based there! Find your nearest store at Gorse Mill in Oldham, just off J21, M60, or the Manchester City Centre store on Great Ducie Street, opposite the Manchester Arena.

All stores have FREE parking and are open seven days a week

Customerservice@litecraft.co.uk / 0161 359 4777 THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM / 25

HOME

POSTCARD

from Andalucía

Jealous husbands. Marijuana farms.

Linguistic mix-ups. Spanish hunks.

Never a dull moment here Remember I hired those buff, ripped young Spanish guys, Juan and Javier, to help me out on my land? Well, last month, when his good cougar lady wife was over in Ronda learning about winemaking, my jealous old hubby only went and fired them. Unfortunately, his discovery of their hidden marijuana farm gave him the perfect excuse. And who did he replace them with? Paco. A thousand years old and bearing a striking, wizened resemblance to Yoda. Whoopie doo.

Sadly, Paco and I didn’t get off to the best of starts. I mean, I was only trying to be polite and as we were working in 26-degree

heat, I simply asked him if he was ok and whether he was really hot too. But I made the rookie mistake of using caliente instead of calor and instead enquired of my little Spanish Yoda whether he was feeling sexy. Oops.

And things didn’t improve much the next day, when Paco brought his eight-year-old grandson up. I asked young Antonio how old he was, which, in Spanish, is literally how many years do you have but got a tad confused between años and anos (the former meaning years, the latter, well, I’m sure you can guess), much to the amusement of Antonio but not his grandfather. Double oops.

So, I have decided that whilst we are working, I will smile more, speak less and concentrate on learning everything I can f rom Spanish Yoda. A fifth-generation Andalucía farmer, he knows heaps and, thankfully, has the patience of a saint, which comes in handy dealing with La Extrana Dama Inglesa (‘The Strange English Lady’), who invariably rocks up late, hung-over, struggling to string a non-offensive Spanish sentence together.

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He’s already taught me how to plant delicate crops like lettuces, spinach and basil under the shade of olive trees to protect them from the harsh Spanish sun and shown me how to dig moat-like holes around my crops so the water seeps deep down to their roots. But best of all, five weeks on, having seen how passionate I am about living in Andalucía, he seems to have adopted Lord Muck and I into his big, boisterous family. He now regularly invites us back to his family finca on the outskirts of Gaucín, where his wife, Maria, also a thousand years old, greets me with a cold flannel before she brings out f reshly baked pan de barra, homemade mermelada created with fruit from their orchards, and jugs of their lethal tinto de verano – all laid out on a tray Paco carved as a boy, on a delicate lace cloth hand sown by Maria’s mother.

We sit on their veranda, looking down the beautiful valley towards the shimmering, azure blue sea and I feel the most relaxed I have in years. Plus, when we left yesterday afternoon, I received an unexpected bonus. Apparently, their 28-year-old grandson, Miguel, will be helping Paco out this month. And, as I desperately tried not to drool over the photo Maria proudly showed me, I learnt that this Spanish hunk was just back from a three-month professional rugby training camp in Toulon. Oh my.

Right, must dash, need to get his Lordship booked on a golf trip quick-smart, swot up on Spanish rugby and find my Spanx again…

Postcards from Andalucía, Lady Muck Style

By Catherine Saunders / Read more at www.ladymuck.style 26 / THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM

HOME

Cheshire Property Staging Hello all, It feels so wonderful that Spring is in the air, it’s not only apparent in nature and the weather but with the interior side of things too.

Beautiful pastel colours are appearing more, and garden furniture, cushions and greenery seem to be the flavour, I think we’re all ready for the new season and here at Cheshire Property Staging we are embracing the boost in energy that surrounds us!

Susie

house would sell easily, if she invested an amount to enhance and then stage, she’d not only get her investment back but make a healthy profit too, enabling her mother to live very comfortably moving forward. Values have come in 15% over what she would have got without making the enhancments. Such a great result!

Current projects We are currently well underway with a fabulous whole family home interior design project in Macclesfield. As with every project, the most challenging aspect is managing all of the different trades involved. Luckily, I know all of my trades so well and trust them wholeheartedly to get the job done to an excellent standard. This week beautiful Italian tiles are being laid and the next big task will be a bespoke media wall section, which we designed and showcased on a CGI. It’s going to be phenomenal.

New online design service As our social media following has grown, as have the requests for us to complete projects further afield. You receive online consultations with us, full to-scale room layouts, mood boards, joinery designs and a full breakdown on the colours, wall coverings, flooring as well as links to every piece of furniture and styling item.

Reaching more people and helping them create a home they love is a concept that really resonates with our business.

If you’d like to learn more, head over to the online services section of our website, cheshirepropertystaging.co.uk

Home staging - we’ve just completed a light renovation for a lady looking to sell after her mother had to leave the house to go into a care home. Her daughter knows how hot the market is and very wisely thought that, even though the

Follow us on Instagram to keep up to date with our projects and to access all the behind-the-scenes action and lots of valuable information and advice! @cheshirepropertystaging

Faux greenery… where’s best to buy!

As enjoyable as looking after houseplants can be, the ease of owning artificial plants can be the more appealing option.

Big centre piece displays can be achieved with faux flowers and foliage, which will last for many years to come.

We use faux greenery and flowers a lot and finding the right ones has taken a lot of searching, but I’ve done the hard work and I’m here to help!

Luxury OKA, Abigail Ahern, Rose and Grey.

The options here are vast and incredibly lifelike and beautiful. They are in the higher price bracket but worth it for the variety and quality.

Great standard Homesense, IKEA, John Lewis, Oliver Bonas, Rockett St George. I buy all my faux hydrangeas from Homesense and the quality and price for around £2.99 per stem can’t be beaten.

Real plants B&Q. In my opinion, the quality and freshness is unbeatable. The large Kentish palm (£48) is my go-to, always!

TRAVEL

A ‘suite’ stay at CitySuites II The second addition to the CitySuites aparthotel collection, CitySuites II, opened in the city centre earlier this year and offers guests the perfect combination of comfort and luxury; the lavish touches of a hotel combined with the space, privacy and relaxation of your own home.

Each of the 142 luxurious apartments, from studios up to threebedroom apartments, has been mindfully designed and contains a fully fitted kitchen with oven, hob and fridge freezer for all your culinary needs. There are also beautiful, bespoke-built bathrooms in every apartment (for bath lovers, like us, the tubs are deep and comfy), complete with wonderful The White Company products to help you prep for the day or night ahead.

Embankment Kitchen is the perfect mix of glamour and cosiness, the ideal place for a romantic meal or intimate dinner with friends.

To start, we enjoyed crisp yet gooey halloumi fries served with harissa and pomegranate yogurt, and flavoursome curried cauliflower hummus with homemade flatbread, topped with sumac red onions. We can recommend the king prawn linguini and the buttermilk chicken burger for main course options.

There’s a Sky Premium package to be enjoyed as well as ultrafast broadband, Nespresso coffee maker, dishwasher, washing machine and ghd air® hair dryer.

Guests can take advantage of CitySuites II 24-hour gym, so a workout never has to be missed, or they can take a refreshing dip in its tranquil 18-metre pool. For the ultimate in relaxation, head to the spa pool and steam room.

Occupying a prime location in Embankment West, a premium city-centre neighbourhood in the heart of Manchester’s central business district, the CitySuites II is adjacent to the original CitySuites and the Embankment Kitchen restaurant.

All apartments are perfectly designed to suit both business and leisure stays – anything from a one-night stay up to a year-long booking!

CitySuites II, 1 New Kings Head Yard, Manchester M3 7GF 28 / THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM

TRAVEL

Ras Al Khaimah Ras Al Khaimah boasts 7,000 years of fascinating history and culture. A short drive from Dubai International, Ras Al Khaimah positions itself as the perfect getaway from everyday life

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TRAVEL

The first thing you’ll notice is the magnificent landscapes, stunning coastlines and rich, terracotta desert planes – little wonder the Emirate has firmly established itself as one of the most authentic destinations in the Middle East. With year-long sunshine and 64 kilometres of white sandy beaches and situated just 45 minutes from the busy metropolis of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah offers an entirely unique experience from its neighbouring Emirates ADVENTURE Jais Flight, the eponymously named longest zipline adventure in the world, is located atop the cloud-piercing Jebel Jais mountain peak in Ras Al Khaimah, the northern-most Emirate in the United Arab Emirates. If you are a thrill-seeker, you will enjoy the adrenalinefuelled experience that takes you at knee-trembling speeds of between 120 kmph and 150 kmph for almost three hair-raising minutes across deep ravines and canyons and through jagged peaks that lie 1,680 metres above sea level.

The Warrior Group is the exclusive operator of Jais Flight. The professionally trained team is committed to affording you the most exciting flying experience whilst providing the highest standards of excellence and safety. Torroverde strives to protect the environment and harmonise with nature; they are leaders in ethical tourism and ask you to follow their lead. Each participant will be fitted correctly with the right oversuit and superhero-style horizontal harness, which allows you to fly 2.83 km aerodynamically at high speeds. The fastest flight section takes you to a nine-tonne, glass-bottomed, Insta-worthy platform, which resembles a hovering bird of prey suspended 80 metres above the ground. From here, your final flight will be the much shorter and relatively sedate onekilometre zipline, which finally takes you to terra firma at the foot of the mountains.

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AUTHENTICITY This secret haven has been designed for the discerning customer desiring a traditional magical experience of the Arabian Desert fused with indulgence and luxury. The Bedouin Oasis is an authentic reproduction of Bedouin life just as it used to be. With a surreal, simple ambiance, it’s a place for everybody to enjoy a multitude of activities during their stay.

SOPHISTICATION The Suwaidi Pearls Farm was established in 2005 by prominent Emirati Abdulla Al Suwaidi and is the first farm of its kind in the Gulf region. The farm cultivates the Pinctada radiata, otherwise known as the Gulf pearl oyster, using locally sourced mollusks, which live in the natural creek in Al Rams.

Abdulla Al Suwaidi’s family has been intrinsically linked to the jewel of the ocean for over 7,000 years and his late grandfather, Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al-Suwaidi, was the last pearl diver of the UAE. The first of its kind in the UAE, Al Suwaidi Pearl Farm produces more than 100,000 pearls each year. Visitors to the farm learn how pearls are cultivated and are given the opportunity to open an oyster. If the oyster contains a pearl, then the visitor gets to keep it!

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

TRAVEL

Gulf to the west and Suraya Islands and the Jebel Jais mountain peak to the north. The multi-award-winning resort is set in 1.5 kilometres of golden sands and boasts 471 guest rooms and villas, numerous eateries, outdoor swimming pools, sports and water sports centres and a spa. The excellent location is a short drive away from the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, bustling souks, fish, vegetable and fruit markets and a traditional shipwright. The beach resort is the ideal destination for exploring the Jebel Jais mountain peak, the time-honoured village of Al Rams and the glorious Suraya Islands as well as discovering the historic Suwaidi Pearl Farm.

ACCOMMODATION Ras Al Khaimah welcomes you with a wide range of hotels and resorts, which cater for all tastes and budgets. From the authentic Bedouin experience of sleeping under canvas in the heart of the desert to contemporary five-star luxury – accommodation in the emirate is second to none.

Enjoy traditional Emirati hospitality in a stylish boutique hotel; experience royal treatment in a world-class resort; or unwind in an oasis of calm at a pampering retreat. Whatever accommodation you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Ras Al Khaimah. Whether you’re a couple, family, adventurer or easy-going soul, an authentic Arabian awaits you.

The first Waldorf Astoria hotel in the UAE, the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, opened its doors to international travellers in 2013 and has gained a reputation as one of the UAE’s leading hotels since then. As part of the prestigious brand Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, the hotel is part of an exclusive collection of properties known for offering true Waldorf service. Set in an extraordinary location – cradled by the crimson Al-Hajar Mountains, vast expanses of desert, the vibrant grassy plains of the Al Hamra championship golf course and the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea – adventure is literally on the doorstep.

The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah offers unparalleled facilities for guests, including: seven stylish dining and entertainment venues; sophisticated conference and event spaces; and award-winning spa experiences. The rooms and suites are palatial; inspired by the grand palaces of Arabia and complete with sea or golf course views. There’s also 350 metres of private beach; two temperaturecontrolled pools (including an adults-only pool); indoor and outdoor Pearl Kids Club; babysitting services; water sports activities; and a Waldorf Astoria Spa with floatation bed, VIP couples' treatment room, and signature herbal sauna.

THE SPA is an oasis of calm with nine treatment rooms, two hammam Moroccan baths, a Jacuzzi®, sauna and a steam room. There are also pampering body treatments, rejuvenating facials and blissful massages using Esse products.

HILTON FITNESS takes a personalised approach to help you feel at your best during your stay. Stay fit and active with yoga and aerobics classes, have a leisurely swim in one of the seven swimming pools and enjoy a great range of water sports.

TEENS AND CHILDREN FACILITIES Kids’ club – The Tree House and *Teens club – The Hide. Children can enjoy water slides, an outdoor playground and indoor playrooms with supervised games, while teens will enjoy video game stations, an interactive karaoke box and even a manicure bar. *An access fee of AED 15 applicable.

If you fancy something a little less fancy than Dubai, set amongst magnificent landscapes and white sandy beaches (not to mention year-long sunshine), then give Ras Al Khaimah a try.

There’s plenty to do if you want to explore – whether you’re looking for adventure on the highest zip-wire in the world, a boat trip to Suwaidi Pearl Farm, a ride to the museum, sleeping under the stars or simply grabbing some rest and relaxation, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

And if you do want to take a trip to Dubai, it’s only 45 minutes away.

So, what’s not to like?

Ideal for leisure getaways with world-class service, stylish signature restaurants and palatial accommodation.

HILTON RAS AL KHAIMAH BEACH RESORT proudly resides in its own secluded cove and boasts spectacular views of the Arabian

For further information visitrasalkhaimah.com

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COMPETITION

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WIN WIN WIN WIN u

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Win a three-month membership at Crewe Hall’s new state-of-the-art health club We’ve teamed up with Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa to give one lucky reader the chance to win a three-month health club membership.

An impressive 17th century mansion, set across eight acres of stunning grounds, Crewe Hall is one of the most unique health clubs in Cheshire. Nestled in the peaceful countryside, the hotel and spa has recently received a gym and health club upgrade as part of a multi-millionpound investment across eighteen of the health clubs within The QHotels Collection.

Whether you’re looking to revive your fitness regime or start completely from scratch, the incredible newly refurbished Crewe

Hall Health Club has everything you need to smash those 2022 f itness goals. This exclusive three-month membership prize will give you access to the exercise studio, a selection of cardio gym classes and two outdoor tennis courts, plus a luxurious heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

The newly upgraded health club boasts a state-of-the-art gym, complete with top-of-the-range Life Fitness equipment, all fully connected to offer an immersive workout experience with the latest technology. This includes Discover SE3HD interactive cardio machines, SPARC trainers, PowerMill Climbers, award-

winning IC7 indoor cycle bikes, along with various strength and cable machines and lifting areas. In addition, the health club has created a fun, exciting and energetic workout environment with the introduction of the Life Fitness SYNRGY station.

As well as offering a unique health club environment, Crewe Hall Health Club has a team of fitness experts on hand, eager to help you achieve your personal health, fitness, and wellness goals. As a member, you will receive exceptional support, a personalised, results-focused programme, plus all the motivation from being around like-minded people.

To be in with a chance of winning this incredible prize, email winner@glossymagazine.co.uk with your name, address and daytime contact number OR send a postcard with the exact, same details to: Glossy Magazine, 5 The Stables, Parrswood Entertainment Centre, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, M20 5PG Good luck!

Terms and Conditions: ▪ One prize winner to receive a three-month membership to the Crewe Hall Health Club ▪ Three-month membership allows access to: exercise studio, cardio gym, classes (subject to availability), two outdoor tennis courts, heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room ▪ The membership is not transferable to friends and colleagues ▪ Prize stay must be arranged through The QHotels Collection team ▪ Prize must be redeemed by 31st December 2022 ▪ Membership expires three months after the set-up date ▪ Prize is non-transferrable ▪ No prize or cash alternative ▪ Travel or spending money is not included.

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TRAVEL

Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa where heritage meets contemporary in spectacular style

Nestled in the peaceful Cheshire countryside, Crewe Hall is set across eight acres of stunning grounds. We visited the impressive 17th-century, Grade I-listed Jacobean mansion, which is now part of The QHotels Collection. Step back in time and spend the night in period-style bedrooms with opulent interiors (think fabulous four-poster beds, ornate ceilings and plush furnishings) or if you prefer a more contemporary stay, opt for one of the hotel’s stylish bedrooms in the new, modern wing The food & drink Feeling peckish? By day, you can enjoy an elegant afternoon tea in Crewe Hall’s sophisticated, oak-panelled lounge looking out over tranquil gardens. As evening falls, head to the atmospheric Brasserie Bar and Lounge, where the menu, just like the surroundings, has a contemporary twist on classic favourites and, in keeping with the overall wow factor of Crewe Hall, it also features a striking rotating bar!

Light bites include a selection of soups, sandwiches and salads, but if you’re looking for something more filling, try something

from the restaurant’s ‘Pie Shop’. Here, you can choose from: steak and ale; lamb, pea and mint; chicken and leek; or butternut squash, mixed bean and cheese – all served with creamy mash or thick-cut chips and buttered peas. We finished with classic crumble tart and sticky toffee pudding – yummy.

The Spa Crewe Hall may be a historic gem, but they certainly haven’t skimped on 21st-century comforts. Plunge into the heated indoor pool or luxury Jacuzzi, sauna or steam room before heading off for a feel-good

treatment in the rejuvenating spa. We particularly loved the Couture Touch treatment, which allows you to combine any 25-minute or 50-minute Elemis facial with a 25-minute or 50-minute Freestyle Deep Tissue Back Massage – the perfect relaxation combo!

There’s a newly upgraded Health Club too, which boasts a state-of-the-art gym, complete with top of the range Life Fitness equipment, all fully connected with the latest technology to offer an immersive workout experience, plus an exercise studio and two outdoor tennis courts.

To book your pampering treatment, call 01270 253 333 or email spa@crewehallcheshire.co.uk | Crewe Hall, Weston Road, Haslington, Crewe CW1 6UZ | crewehallcheshire.co.uk

By Emily Fitzgibbons

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TRAVEL

The Queens Hotel, Leeds Steeped in rich history

Staycations are still booming, so we took a drive down the M62 for a weekend break at the newly renovated The Queens Hotel, Leeds After undergoing a whopping £16-million transformation last year, the modernised hotel is simply stunning and ensures to pay homage to its rich and iconic history. Situated in the heart of Leeds, next to the train station and in the centre of all the action (if you’ve been, you’ll absolutely know the building we mean), the hotel boasts 232 rooms complete with contemporary decor, topnotch technology, and Elemis shower products. The ground floor has been totally transformed into a host of communal areas, with a ‘social hub’ at the centre. This social space gives visitors flexible options to mingle, work, drink or dine.

The Queens is also home to Grand Pacif ic, where visitors can expect only the best cocktail and dining experience in the sumptuous 100-cover restaurant. Our server Sally was definitely the hostess with the mostess, offering us delicious Thai red curry roast salmon, creamy pan-roasted chicken supreme and a moreish yet light yuzu Crème brûlée. Divine!

Just under an hour’s drive away and for less than £25 a train ticket, this is a fabulous place for work or play if you’re looking to get out of Manchester but not travel too far away.

thequeensleeds.co.uk | @queenshotelleeds 34 / THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM

By Emily Fitzgibbons

Club Vino’s Barbecue-season wine Cheshire bassed sommelier and founder of Club Vino, Marco Castelanelli, gives us his top wine recommendations for the start of barbecue season.

Marco Castelanelli – Italian sommelier, ex-wine merchant and owner of Cheshire-based luxury wine tasting company Club Vino – has over 20 years of experience in the trade and a penchant for bringing each glass to life. Marco is passionate about the story behind each bottle and sharing these stories with his clients. Club Vino really is a brand incited by storytelling. So, read on to hear Marco's hand-picked selection of seven crisp, fresh wines to enjoy alongside the glorious spring sunshine.

A joyful white – Giddy Goose Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Wairarapa, New Zealand. Price: £15 A classic New Zealand, refreshing and aromatic. Giddy Goose shows a powerful nose of gooseberry, fresh limes, elderflower and passionfruit. The juicy gooseberry palate is full and elegant with refreshing minerality and grassy notes that linger on the finish. Try with seafood, sushi, salads or Thai dishes. This is everything you want from a New Zealand Sauvignon!

The floral sip – Picpoul de Pinet 2020, Domaine de Lauriers, Languedoc, France. Price: £18

Organic and aromatic –Pinot Gris 2017, Marc Bernhard, Alsace, France. Price: £22

A crisp, ref reshing white wine made exclusively f rom the ancient Picpoul grape variety. The name Picpoul means ‘lip stinger’ on account of its zingy acidity. This is complemented by citrus, green fruit and white blossom characteristics. Perfectly pairs with oysters, salty seafood and seafood platters.

The Alsace region gives birth to some of the most aromatic and fruity Pinot Gris in the world. This Pinot Gris has a lively, fruity nose; mixing notes of lemon, white flowers, pineapple and yellow peach. The palate is dry and remarkably fruity, combining the saltiness and sap of a ripe wine with the freshness of a thirsty one. You will not be disappointed if you pair this with a sharp, spicy dish.

A light-hearted red – La Caplana Barbera d'Asti DOCG, Guido Natalino, Piedmont, Italy. Price: £18

A supple apéritif – Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2019, Simonsig, South Africa. Price: £20

Barbera is an unusual grape variety. It is an early-maturing variety and its juice has a dark ruby colour with high acidity, wonderful berry-like aromas and flavours with gentle tannins. The fruit and crisp acidity of this Barbera wine go remarkably well with a wide range of dishes, pairing particularly well with strong meats, such as duck, goose and game.

If you fancy trying something a little different f rom your typical sparkling wines, such as prosecco or Champagne, then this is probably your perfect port of call. This sparkling wine from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa will deliver delicious floral aromas with a lovely yeastiness. The Chardonnay grape adds a touch of citrus freshness and there are flavours of buttered toast and fresh bread with touches of roasted almonds in there too. A delicious apéritif.

A quirky red – Demuerte Classic 2018, Winery On, Yecla, Spain. Price: £22 If the weather is nice this spring and you fancy a barbecue on a sunny Sunday, then this is the perfect bottle to tantalize your tastebuds and impress your friends.

Crafted by Winery On, located in Yecla, Spain, Demuerte Classic offers aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and black pepper combined with hints of smoky coffee and flavours of cherry, blackberry, lavender and tobacco. This wine provides a wonderful lingering f inish and is certainly a delicious wine. Enjoy.

A sweet treat – La Morandina Moscato d’Asti 2020, Piedmont, Italy. Price: £12 A delicious, sweet and white wine; pale yellow in colour, the intensity of which varies according to the year. It is intensely fruity, aromatic and lingering and the sweetness is in balance with the low alcohol (5%) and the acidity level is just enough to give the liquid a pleasant f reshness. A traditional dessert wine par excellence!

club-vino.co.uk If you are looking for the perfect selection of wines to accompany a spring barbecue, visit club-vino.co.uk/shop @club_vino_uk @club_vino_uk

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FOOD

Veggie summer delights Food editor, stylist and author Angela Boggiano and her photographer husband, Craig Robertson, owners of At The Kitchen in Cheadle Hulme, share their delightful veggie dishes with us

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FOOD

Creamy asparagus, pecorino & chive tart As the weather improves, why not get outdoors and serve up this delicious seasonal asparagus tart – perfect with the tomato, fennel and pine nut salad, crusty bread and some crisp salad leaves. The pastry is easy to make for this tart, but if you are not feeling up to making your own, then shop-bought shortcrust would work just as well. This is such a versatile recipe and now that you have the formula, you can adapt the recipe depending on your taste and equipment. You can replace the asparagus with some baby leeks or whole spring onions and add flavour-packed Gruyère cheese (instead of the pecorino) and a dollop of wholegrain mustard. Bake in a 23cm, loose-bottomed tart tin (any shape).

Serves 6 For the pastry: 150g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 150g wholemeal flour 1 pinch of cayenne pepper 150g butter, cut into cubes 1 large egg, beaten For the filling: 500g small new potatoes 350g asparagus spears, ends trimmed 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 3 tbsp crème fraîche 100g pecorino cheese, grated 25g bunch of chives, finely chopped Sea salt Preparing the pastry: 1. Place the plain and wholemeal flours in a bowl with the cayenne

pepper and add the butter and a pinch of salt. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of cold water to the beaten egg and add this to the mixture. Using a rounded blade knife, mix the egg into the mixture until its starts to form a firm dough.

3. Bring together with your hands to form a ball, adding a little more cold water if needed. Knead briefly, then wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

4. Grease a 23cm round or square shallow tart tin.

Remove the pastry from the

fridge and bring to room temperature. Dust the work surface with plain flour and roll out the pastry to about 2mm thickness, ensuring it's a little wider in width than the tin.

5. Transfer the pastry to your tin and gently press the pastry into the tin, allowing a little overhang. Trim off any excess pastry with a knife. Use a fork to prick a few holes in the tart base and return to the fridge whilst you prepare the filling.

6. Preheat the oven to 180°C/ fan 160°C/gas 4. Place a baking tray in the centre of the oven to heat up (this helps to cook the base of the tart avoiding a soggy pastry bottom).

Preparing the filling: 1. Place the potatoes in a medium pan, cover with water and bring to the boil and simmer for 10-12 minutes until very tender. Drain and leave to cool.

2. In a large jug, beat the eggs with the crème fraîche, pecorino and chives. Season well.

3. Cut the potatoes into thick slices and lay out on the base of the pastry and then pour over the egg mixture. Lay the asparagus spears on top, pressing gently into the egg mixture, and then bake for 25 minutes until the filling is set and golden. Serve warm or cold.

Tomato, fennel & pine nut salad For this stunning tomato salad, look out for a variety of tomatoes and mix them all up, including cherry, vine-ripened, green, yellow and red heritage tomatoes. It really is a delicious and tasty salad and perfect with the creamy tart.

Serves 6 For the salad: 1 fennel bulb 400g ripe tomatoes (see note above) 4 tbsp toasted pine nuts 3 tbsp chopped dill 3 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley For the dressing: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 shallots, halved and finely chopped Sea salt and ground black pepper

1. Halve the fennel bulb and, using either a mandolin or a sharp knife, slice into wafer thin shavings. Keep the fennel fronds as they have loads of flavour and look great on the salad.

2. Mix together the dressing ingredients and set aside.

3. Slice the tomatoes and arrange on a large serving platter. Scatter over the fennel shavings, the pine nuts and the herbs.

4. When ready to serve, spoon over the dressing and serve with an extra grinding of black pepper.

To find the recipes simply scan the QR code and enjoy!

At the Kitchen / 5 Warren Road / Cheadle Hulme / Cheadle SK8 5AA 0161 282 2050 Photos: Craig Robertson

THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM / 37

BITESIZED BRUNCH

Haute Dolci Manchester Taste HHHH | Value HHHHH | Service HHHH | Atmosphere HHH | Variety HHHHH

Fancy something sweet for brunch? Sweet over savoury is becoming an increasingly popular brunch choice. So, head off on a luxury dessert spree at Haute Dolci at The Trafford Centre. The French Toast Collection offers toppings such as beautiful berry, sticky toffee banana, super sweet chocolate sinner and strawberry velvet, and for nut

fans there’s Nutterly Delicious American waffles; fluffy waffles with warm Nutella and hazelnut gelato, or High on Hazelnuts cookie dough. The Choux Bun Collection is a must for French patisserie lovers. The collection features the vanilla and chocolate Belgian Pâte à Choux and the pecan-flavoured Toffee Renoir and ‘Perfect Presentation’ - whipped cream encased in choux pastry, generously smothered with Belgian white chocolate sauce and topped with white chocolate curls, complete with tangy fresh raspberries. If you’re a Lotus lover, Haute Dolci’s indulgent Lotus Biscoff Collection won’t disappoint. The range includes Lotus cheesecake and Lots of Dough – Lotus-infused white chocolate cookie dough with a scoop of vanilla gelato and a sprinkle of Biscoff biscuit crumbs – all topped with warm Lotus sauce.

The Manchester site is one of the first Haute Dolci restaurants to offer the exclusive selection of new desserts before they roll out nationally later this year.

hautedolci.co.uk / The Great Hall / The Trafford Centre M17 8AA

Ducie Street Warehouse Manchester Taste HHHH | Value HHHH | Service HHHH | Atmosphere HHHHH | Variety HHHHH crisp dry-cured bacon, Burford Brown egg, melted American cheese and potato cake); halloumi and potato cake stack; steak ‘n’ eggs; and a special rainbow bagel.

There is also a variety of eggs Benedict dishes and on-toast options available too, which range from mushrooms, avocado, feta and chilli through to Burford Brown poached eggs with crushed avocado and sumac.

The warehouse chic surroundings of Ducie Street make it the perfect place to spend a weekend bottomless brunching and Head Chef Andrew Green’s newly launched brunch menu doesn’t disappoint. The savoury menu includes: tofu scramble on sourdough; shakshuka (a signature tower stack, complete with grandad’s sausages,

cookie pieces, poached plums, whipped cream, cherries and wafers. Saturdays are disco-brunch time at Ducie Street Warehouse and on the last Saturday of the month, the warehouse presents an elevated disco experience with a themed party paying homage to disco culture around the world. What are you waiting for?

If you have a sweet tooth, why not try signature gochujang fried chicken waffles with maple sauce, peanuts and sesame (we can vouch personally for this one) or opt for one of the following: a thick pancake stack with maple syrup, blueberries, crushed pecans and lemon zest; brioche French toast; or special Knickerbocker Glory with Northern Bloc ice cream, gooey

duciestreet.com / Ducie Street / Manchester M1 2TP

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“SIMPLY THE BEST IN THE NORTH WEST” Legal 500 AWARD-WINNING, SPECIALIST FAMILY LAWYERS IN: Divorce | Matrimonial Finance | Children Law | Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements | Co-habitation Law | Financial Support for Children | Surrogacy and Adoption | Mediation

0161 804 7000 | info@hallbrown.co.uk www.hallbrown.co.uk

THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM / 39

EXPERTS

Ask the Expert Laura Guillon Laura is a Senior Associate Solicitor at Manchester’s award-winning boutique family law firm, Hall Brown. She has a wealth of experience in dealing with issues prior to and during marriage through the implementation of pre and postnuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements. She also deals with numerous appeals and challenges to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) and has significant experience working with high-profile individuals, priding herself on her discretion and professionalism, no matter who the client.

How can I protect myself and my assets before I decide to get married?

With a prenuptial agreement. This is an agreement made between you and your partner before you get married, which details how much money your partner will get if you were to eventually get divorced. Prenups have become increasingly popular in the UK given that it allows two adults to minimise future conflict, as well as costs, by making a proactive agreement at a time when they can still communicate openly and

honestly with each other. They can therefore be a very useful tool to protect wealth and provide both parties with a degree of certainty for the future.

They can also help avoid lengthy and distressing litigation when a relationship breaks down. You should seek legal advice from us at Hall Brown about a prenuptial agreement as soon as you think you may want to get married, because the timing is a critical factor in ensuring it offers the most amount of protection possible.

What about if I am already married and want to ensure I am protected?

In this scenario, you will need a postnuptial agreement. This is the close relative of the prenup. The same principles apply here and the same benefits flow from them. The only real difference is that they are entered into after (as opposed to before) the marriage or civil partnership.

Suzy Bhaker Head of the Private Client department at Pabla + Pabla Solicitors based in West Didsbury, talks about the importance of making a Lasting Power of Attorney.

I’m in my 40’s. I don’t need a Lasting Power of Attorney yet, do I? Yes, you do! A common misconception is that a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is something you should consider in your later years in life when you are over the age of 70.

However, an LPA should be made by an adult who has assets - especially homeowners, or if you have specific wishes about your health. Although dementia commonly effects people over the age of 65, it can affect people in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Unfortunately, nobody

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knows what’s around the corner and if you lost mental capacity, an LPA would allow your attorneys to act on your behalf.

Your attorney can be one person or multiple people, who you trust to deal with your finances and medical decisions should you become too unwell to make these decisions yourself.

What can I do if I don’t have an LPA in place and my mental health begins to deteriorate? Can I still make an LPA? It depends. A mental capacity assessment would need to be undertaken to establish whether you had sufficient mental capacity

to make a Lasting Power of Attorney. If you were found to lack the requisite level of mental capacity to make an LPA, a Court Order would need to be obtained from the Court of protection to allow a person to manage your affairs on your behalf. Therefore, it’s important to make an LPA without delay.

EXPERTS

Ask the Expert Professor Aali J Sheen OrthTeam's Hernia Surgeon and President of British Hernia Society orthteamcentre.co.uk

How do I choose my hernia surgeon?

If your surgeon is a recognised general surgeon, then he/she will have undergone all the training necessary to perform a groin hernia repair. Some will have received further training, specifically in hernia surgery. Importantly, they ideally will have reported their outcome measures and these will be available to view (and should cover aspects such as training, accreditation, specialisation, volume of their practice and an audit of their results) in peer-reviewed publications.

How safe is mesh in hernia repair?

Mesh repair is very safe and has been

brought into the public eye recently because of its use in the repair of patients suffering from vaginal prolapse. Mesh is used as a ‘scaffold’ to reinforce a weakness in the abdominal wall, without which, the risk of recurrence is much higher. Rarely, mesh may need to be removed, just like any foreign implantable material, due to infection and/or other complication, but is not always necessary e.g., for small groin hernia repairs in younger patients (aged 18-30) as the natural tissues are stronger. For any such planned ‘suture’ repair, you must ensure that your surgeon has the relevant expertise in carrying out non-mesh repairs.

How long will I wait on the NHS for my hernia repair?

The waiting list for hernia repair has increased exponentially over the past two years due to Covid, and the government predictions are that it will take at least three to five years to clear the backlog.

Patients are advised that if the hernia is increasing in size, causing undue pain and/or not reducible, especially when they lie flat (becomes incarcerated), then they should try and seek more urgent care to hopefully have the hernia repaired much sooner.

Mrs Nicola Smillie Mrs Nicola Smillie is headmistress at Alderley Edge School for Girls (AESG). She believes that a girl’s happiness and strength of character is critical to her achieving academically, and that educating the 'whole child' for future success is of utmost importance.

Are academic results alone enough?

There is no doubt that academic results are important, however, at AESG, we recognise the importance of placing the same value on academic results as we do in developing your daughter’s character through the involvement she will have in our extensive enrichment programme, underpinned by our exceptional pastoral care. Confidence, happiness and success are the products of achieving well beyond the classroom, whether that be in sport, the arts or music. The opportunities for your daughter to achieve in all these

areas here at our school are extensive and actively encouraged.

Is a holistic approach to education more beneficial in the 21st century?

The future job market is more competitive than ever and academic results alone are no longer enough to stand out from the crowd. A pupil might have straight As at A-level, but without the ability to overcome setbacks and a whole host of transferable skills, they may find they are lacking in some of the qualities employers are looking for.

Our balanced and holistic approach to education encourages pupils to take part in our varied scholarship schemes, sporting competitions, volunteering, clubs (including music, drama, coding and public speaking), Duke of Edinburgh, and many more. It is through this positive, whole-child approach that your daughter will continue to flourish well beyond her years at AESG and become a well-rounded, resilient and ambitious young woman, excited to see where life takes her next.

THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM / 41

Ask the

OrthTeam

Here our leading musculoskeletal (MSK) experts answer your questions Mr Chye Yew Ng

Miss Ladan Hajipour

Mr Mike Karski

The OrthTeam are a group of highly skilled consultants based at the multi-million-pound OrthTeam Centre in Didsbury, Manchester. The facility offers patients world-class expertise combined with state-of-the-art diagnostics I need to have a hand operation and I’m interested in 'wide-awake surgery'. What are the benefits of this procedure?

Wide-awake hand surgery (WAHS) is now an established technique that has been proven to be safe and effective. It uses local anaesthetic mixed with adrenaline to make it possible to perform hand surgery without the use of tourniquet.

The benefits of WAHS: • No sedation (hence no nausea) • No fasting required • Quick recovery (you may go home the same day) • In certain conditions, it allows assessment of active finger movement during the procedure, which will translate into a better functional outcome.

However, not every patient or condition is suitable for this technique. A specialist surgeon, like myself, will be able to assess your condition and advise if WAHS is an option for you.

Mr Chye Yew Ng, OrthTeam Consultant Hand and Peripheral Nerve Surgeon.

My wrist has started to hurt at the end of the day, especially if I've been on my phone for long periods. What could be the issue?

Prolonged periods holding a phone or a tablet can put significant strain on the wrist joint, tendons and the nerves.

Tendinitis of the wrist and fingers can be quite debilitating and require treatment with hand therapy, steroid injections and sometimes surgery. The median nerve, which runs through the wrist, and ulnar nerve, which runs on the inner aspect of the elbow, can also be affected, leading to worsening or the start of carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome, respectively.

Common symptoms include numbness of the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger in carpal tunnel syndrome, and numbness of the little and half of the ring finger in cubital tunnel syndrome.

Miss Ladan Hajipour, OrthTeam Consultant Hand and Wrist Surgeon.

My ankle is painful after a football tackle, should I have an MRI scan?

You may have sustained an injury to various structures in the ankle that can cause the pain you describe, including: • Ligaments that provide stability to the joint • Tendons that help move the ankle joint • Cartilage • Bone (fracture).

I would recommend that you are assessed by a foot and ankle surgeon for a consultation and clinical examination. Depending on the findings, you will probably need further investigations, which could include an X-ray or an MRI scan to check the ankle for bone and soft tissue injuries. Your treatment options can then be planned accordingly.

Mr Mike Karski, OrthTeam Consultant Foot and Ankle Surgeon.

OrthTeamCentre Orthopaedics Spine Neuro Sports Med •

•

Working with

•

Spire Manchester Hospital

If you have an MSK problem that you would like advice on, simply email info@glossymagazine.co.uk with your questions.

To book a consultation with an expert or for more information, please visit orthteamcentre.co.uk or call 0161 447 6888 | @OrthT OrthTeamCentre @orthteamcentre company/orthteam

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OrthTeamCentre

ADVERTORIAL

Orthopaedics Spine Neuro Sports Med •

•

Working with

•

Spire Manchester Hospital

Radiofrequency denervation treatment for pain relief This non-surgical therapy has been used with increasing success for decades to treat pain. It involves placing a specialised needle close to the nerve/s that supply a painful joint or painful area of the body.

Targeted radio waves are released in a controlled manner, which then alter the structure and function of the nerve and reduce pain signals. This can bring about relief from pain. These treatments are approved by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence).

Common areas to be treated: • • • • •

Facet joints of the spine Sacroiliac joints Shoulder Knee Some conditions that involve trapped nerves close to the skin.

The techniques used are relatively straightforward and are undertaken under local anaesthetic. The risks are very low and whilst some temporary discomfort can occur, the majority of patients report significant reductions in pain afterwards. The benefit can last for many months and, if successful, can be repeated.

As well as leading expertise, the OrthTeam Centre also benefits from having the latest radiofrequency equipment, which delivers the most effective therapy currently available.

OrthTeam pain specialists Dr Nick Fraser and Dr Jonathan Rajan, who lead the OrthTeam Centre’s Pain Management Service, have acquired many years’ experience performing treatments and can quickly advise if this therapy would be suitable for a patient.

To determine this, they would initially block the nerve/s with local anaesthetic to evaluate the potential feasibility of a subsequent radiofrequency denervation treatment.

To book a consultation with a pain specialist or for more information, please visit orthteamcentre.co.uk or call 0161 447 6888 | @OrthT OrthTeamCentre @orthteamcentre company/orthteam

THEGLOSSYMAGAZINE.COM / 43

­ lease­see­ P website­for­ offers

“Peace of mind for you and your family at all times”

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

We believe our registered patients want a professional service with peace of mind at all times – from 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.

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

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

Mr Karyee Chow, Consultant Urological Surgeon

Mr Graham Young, Consultant Urological Surgeon

Nationally acclaimed Urology Clinics Manchester answers some common questions about kidney stones How common are kidney stones?

It is estimated that around one in 10 adults in the UK will suffer from kidney stones at some point in their life. Men are affected more than women. They are quite rare in children. The incidence has been increasing recently, probably due to changes in our diets.

blood in the urine. Sometimes, there may be a temperature if there is also an infection present.

What are kidney stones made of?

The majority (80%) of kidney stones are calcium based (calcium oxalate being the most common). The other types include uric acid, infection stones and cystine as well as some other rarer stone types.

What are the treatment options for kidney stones?

Not all kidney stones need treatment.

Small stones in the kidney, which are not causing any symptoms, may be left alone and monitored. Small stones in the tube draining the kidney (ureter) may also pass by themselves, sometimes with the aid of medication. However, this process should be monitored by a specialist.

Why do people get kidney stones?

The most common reason is poor hydration, which results in concentrated urine. A diet that is high in salt and meat and having a family history of kidney stones can also increase the risk. Certain metabolic abnormalities can cause an imbalance in the constituents of the urine, which, in some cases, favours kidney stone formation.

Urinary tract infections with the bacteria proteus are also associated with kidney stones and certain medications can increase their likelihood too.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom is pain, which can be very severe if the stone is stuck in the tube that drains the kidney (the ureter). It is generally felt in the back (loins) and can move to the front of the abdomen, groins and testicle (in men).

There may be accompanying urinary symptoms, such as pain on urination, frequency, urgency, and the passage of

How is a kidney stone diagnosed?

Kidney stones can show up on an X-ray and ultrasound, but the most accurate test is a CT scan.

There is a choice of treatments for stones that need treating. The most common being outpatient-based shockwave therapy (extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy aka ESWL), day-case telescopic surgery through the water pipes (ureteroscopy and laser stone fragmentation) and keyhole surgery (percutaneous nephrolithotomy aka PCNL). The choice is guided by the size and position of the stone, amongst other factors. It is rare that open surgery is needed, so recovery from the common kidney stone treatments is generally quick.

I have had a kidney stone in the past, how do I prevent another one forming?

If you have had a stone in the past, you are more likely than the average person to form another stone in the future. The most important thing you can do is to keep well

hydrated and make sure your urine is not concentrated. Often, patients are advised to drink two litres or more of water per day, but the amount one should drink will also depend on factors such as how active you are and how hot the weather is. A good rule of thumb is to drink enough to ensure that your urine is always pale in colour.

Other dietary measures that have been linked to reducing the risk of kidney stones include reducing or moderating salt and meat intake. It is important to recognise that a lot of processed foods, takeaways and ready meals are high in salt content.

There is also some evidence that the consumption of fresh lemon juice reduces the risk of kidney stones. In summary – keep well hydrated and have a balanced and healthy diet with less salt and meat.

Some less common types of kidney stones and certain metabolic abnormalities may need more specific advice and medications, which should be directed by a specialist.

Find out more at urologyclinics.co.uk Contact Urology Clinics Manchester

Call 0161 327 1269 or email info@urologyclinics.co.uk

Northwest Independent Secondary School of the Decade The Sunday Times While Withington is a top performing school based on academic results, those who know us understand that what really makes us special cannot be tested or measured.

As a school with no scholarships or academic prizes, our pupils are free to develop and explore their academic potential and broader interests in a productive, collaborative and happy environment.

Let us show you how our Junior School can offer your daughter the start she needs to fulfil her potential, achieve her aspirations and shine.

For an individual tour of our Junior School, call 0161 249 3371 or email admissions@wgs.org

wgs.org

SUPPORTING LOCAL EDUCATION Family and Property Law Specialists

Education News Wellbeing is at the heart of Withington Girls’ School Withington Girls’ School (WGS) was full of excitement for the return of the popular two-week festival of wellbeing and personal development: Feel Fab Feb. Coinciding with Children’s Mental Health Week, Feel Fab Feb was introduced a few years ago as a way of focusing attention on wellbeing at a time of the year when energy can flag and motivation may be hard to hang on to.

The challenge this year was to make the festival meet the needs of pupils who have been through all the challenges and changes of recent times. In addition to some of the aspects of health and wellbeing that have featured previously, such as fun exercise (the ‘daily mile’ and a charity rounders match) and relaxation activities (arts and crafts and sessions with a visiting therapy dog), the focus this year was very much on wider personal development and recognising the more spiritual and connective aspects of wellbeing.

WGS hosted its very first Culture Day to celebrate the vibrant diversity of the school community. Through dress, dance, food, art, music, design, science and more, and with specially themed lessons, pupil-led discussions and activities, all at WGS learnt about our own, each other’s and wider world cultures on a tremendously positive day, which will live long in the memories of pupils and staff alike.

ISA North U11 Basketball Tournament “Congratulations to our Year 6 basketball team, who had an incredible time at Ellesmere Port Sports Village recently.

They have been training hard for this ISA North U11 Basketball Tournament since September and have felt confident from the start. The first match was tough, up against The Firs, but we managed to push through to win 6-4. The next couple of games demonstrated all the wonderful game play we had developed and the score line reflected this: 6-0 against Bridgewater and 16-0 against Cransley!

Strong opposition from The Clevelands tested our defence, however, we held strong and won 6-2. The semi-finals placed us against Brabyns Prep, but we were on top form and a 16-2 victory sent

us straight into the f inal. It was The Clevelands again, and they were ready for us. We managed to get the lead early, but they kept coming back at us. More solid defence held them back and we secured countless rebounds, allowing us to hold on to our lead and come away f rom the tournament as champions with a 6-4 win.

Congratulations to this team who have worked extremely hard to understand the game in such a short period of time. Their sportsmanship and teamwork impressed me the most, with their fantastic attitude throughout.”

Mrs Massam – Head of Girls' Games, Lady Barn House School

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STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL An independent school for children ages 3-18 years Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested), academic and music scholarships FOUNDED IN 1487

Nursery and Reception Open Morning Saturday 7th May Book online Come and spend a day in the Senior School - Year 5 Taster Days 26th May, 27th May and 14th June Book online Senior and Junior School day tours available Extensive school bus routes including Didsbury, Hale and Bowdon

SGS Inspires Tel: 0161 456 9000

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SUPPORTING LOCAL EDUCATION

Family and Property Law Specialists

Alderley Edge School for Girls pupil wins place on prestigious Oxford University course Summer in Year 10 has been awarded a place on the prestigious ‘Uncover Engineering’ course at Oxford University.

Alderley Edge School for Girls has long established its success in encouraging girls into STEM careers and provides many opportunities for girls to excel in STEM, including competitions, such as LEGO League Mindstorms, Robotics Club and Further Maths.

Hundreds of pupils from throughout the UK applied to the Oxford course, each submitting 600 words on why they should be awarded a place. In Summer’s application,

she explained: “It has always been my dream to work within Formula One because of my fascination with car mechanics and my dream of travelling the world as an engineer.”

Summer will be attending the course this April. She will be programming robots and attending classes at the Department of Engineering Science at the university as well as staying in the halls of residence at St Hugh’s College. We would like to congratulate Summer and wish her the best of luck on the course!

King’s told it is ‘excellent’

by ISI inspectors The Independent Schools Inspectorate has told the King's School to carry on doing its excellent work. Across all areas of school life, King’s was deemed to be excelling in meeting today's pupils' needs. The inspection report rated the school as ‘excellent’, the highest possible grade, in all areas and rated extremely high levels of pupil and parent satisfaction.

It highlighted the pupils' strong academic progress, broad-based personal development and sensitive moral compass among the many strengths of a King's education. From the Early Years Foundation stage to the Sixth Form, King's was reported to be a supportive, respectful and outward-looking community offering a wealth of opportunities. King's was found to be a happy place where all were welcomed. "Pupils have an excellent understanding of cultural diversity and awareness of individual differences. They treat one another with kindness and consideration within a community that is calm, convivial and inclusive."

The inspectors' single recommendation was to "ensure pupils develop a deeper spiritual understanding and appreciation of the non-material aspects of life.”

Poetic expression of human rights at Stockport Grammar Budding poets from Stockport Grammar School (SGS) had their work published as part of a landmark initiative to help celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The f irst Greater Manchester Poetic Declaration of Human Rights was created by students from across the area in a bid to highlight the importance of the original document, which was created in 1948.

Of the 30 poems that appeared in the book, five of those were written by SGS English and drama pupils George Hammond, Jess Wiggetts, Alex Powrie, Mia Forvargue

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and Emma Griffiths, which was the most from any contributor.

Head of Drama, Mr Matt King-Sayce and English teacher Mrs Rebecca Walsh supported the pupils in the project.

Mrs Walsh said: “It was a pleasure to work with pupils from first, second and third years as they explored and discussed their ideas about human rights. The pupils worked hard to create thought-provoking, imaginative poems inspired by the human right that mattered the most to them.”

ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON Spring is here and as more people venture outdoors and into theatres and concert halls, our venues are staging some brilliant, heart-warming and uplifting productions. Step outside, buy a ticket and see some amazing musicals, fabulous family shows and outstanding world-class drama right on your doorstep

Musicals Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Palace Theatre: 31 March – 4 June Disney first debuted Beauty and the Beast on Broadway 26 years ago. This magical musical returns to the stage with members of the original creative team reuniting on this new production, which features all of the spellbinding music and lyrics of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Don’t miss this beautiful ‘tale as old as time’.

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World The Lowry: 5-9 April This empowering new stage show will be celebrated by anyone who is prepared to move and be moved and features characters and songs that pack a real popstar punch!

The world premiere of a brand-new kickasspirational pop musical bursts into life on stage as the Fantastically Great Women step forward to tell their stories.

Join our inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the not-yet-open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum.

From explorers, artists and scientists to secret agents, hear the stories of some of history’s strongest mothers, sisters and daughters; all independent icons who really did change the world.

The Addams Family Opera House: 19-23 April Everyone's favourite kooky family are back on stage in this spectacular musical comedy from the writers of multi-awardwinning hit musical Jersey Boys. Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton as Morticia, it also features a live orchestra and a terrific original score.

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Passion Hope Mill Theatre: 5 May – 5 June Olivier Award winner and musical theatre icon Ruthie Henshall stars in a reimagining of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s multi-award-winning Passion, a ravishing and exciting look at the lengths people will go to for desire. Directed by Michael Strassen, this dynamic revival re-energises a tale of love, sex and obsession.

Singin’ in the Rain Opera House: 9-14 May Song and dance legend Adam Cooper stars as Don Lockwood in this critically acclaimed production featuring highenergy choreography and sumptuous set design, which includes over 14,000 litres of water on stage every night! This glorious production retains all the charm, romance and wit of one of the world’s best-loved films and includes songs such as Good Morning, Make ‘Em Laugh, Moses Supposes and, of course, the legendary Singin’ in the Rain.

The Cher Show Opera House: 17-21 May The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame, flying in the face of convention at every turn. This fabulous new production features no less than three West End stars – Millie O’Connell, Danielle Steers and Debbie Kurup – and is a dazzling glitter-fest sparkling with Cher’s signature wit and style. Hits include If I Could Turn Back Time, Strong Enough, Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves and I Got You Babe.

Family The Jungle Book Oldham Coliseum: 7-24 April Packed with memorable characters, original songs, humour and brilliant storytelling, this modern musical reworking

of Rudyard Kipling’s famous story is the perfect Easter treat.

The Smeds and the Smoos The Lowry: 12-16 April Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So, when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3+.

Oh No, George!

The Lowry: Sun 17 April | 1.30pm & 3.30pm Oh No, George! is the delightfully playful tale of a dog who wants to be good but just can’t resist temptation. Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Chris Haughton, this brand-new show uses acrobatics, slapstick comedy, Sign Supported English and live music to bring George’s joyful escapades to life. Age 3+.

Drama Habibti Driver Bolton Octagon: 21 April – 7 May Based on co-writer Shamia Chalabi’s real-life experiences, this heart-warming new play will make you laugh and cry as it explores the clashes, compromises and comedy that come with living in a mixed culture family in today’s Britain.

Electric Rosary Royal Exchange: 23 April – 14 May Bruntwood Prize Judges’ Award winner Tim Foley’s new play is sharp, timely and gloriously funny and brings nuns and robots together on the Royal Exchange stage for the first time. Electric Rosary asks what faith really means in the age of artificial intelligence and what it is to be human in tomorrow’s world.

Wuthering Heights The Lowry: 3-7 May Rescued from the Liverpool docks as a child, Heathcliff is adopted by the Earnshaws and taken to live at Wuthering Heights. He finds a kindred spirit in Catherine Earnshaw and a fierce love ignites. When forced apart, a brutal chain of events is unleashed. Shot through with music, dance, passion and hope, Emma Rice transforms Emily Brontë’s masterpiece into a powerful and uniquely theatrical experience.

Lucy McCormick leads the company of performers and musicians in this intoxicating revenge tragedy for our time.

Age 12+.

One Man, Two Guvnors Bolton Octagon: 26 May – 25 June This is without doubt the funniest play I have ever had the joy of seeing on stage.

It is fast, hilarious and joyous. You don’t need to know anything about the plot – just know that it will make you laugh out loud, a lot! Buy a ticket – you won’t regret it.

Red Velvet Royal Exchange: 27 May – 25 June Red Velvet is a sharp and thoughtprovoking play based on the true story of groundbreaking African American actor Ira Aldridge who, in 1833, became the first black actor in a leading role on the London stage. In this powerful play, Lolita Chakrabarti explores the far-reaching social repercussions of Aldridge’s infamous performance, a seminal moment in theatrical and social history.

Directed by Roy Alexander Weise, this new in-the-round production gives an added intensity to this powerful play.

By Catherine Reed

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice The Lowry: 6-11 June Jim Cartwright’s timeless and iconic tale explores the highs and the lows of smalltown dreams, family rivalry and finding your voice in a noisy world. Starring TV favorite Shobna Gulati, British soap royalty Ian Kelsey and ‘the girl of a thousand voices’ and two-time Drama Desk Award nominee Christina Bianco as Little Voice. This life-affirming show has humour, heart and countless powerhouse ballads – all performed live on stage – and features music from Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Billie Holiday and many more.

Comedy & Spoken Word Luke Wright The Edge: 21 April | 7.30pm This is an all-new show from the winner of the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Performance 2021 – deliciously funny poems set against a backdrop of pandemic politics, ageing parents and the endless culture war.

Craig Revel Horwood The Lowry: Sun 8 May | 7.30pm The star of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing is taking to the road with his debut solo tour! Join Craig as he talks about his life from Australia to the West End to Strictly, revealing a wealth of backstage gossip with his trademark wit and candour and giving a very special performance of some of the music which has been the soundtrack to his career.

broadcaster and journalist in his first UK tour; bringing fans face to face with their hero (albeit with heavy security in between…)

Dance Between Tiny Cities Contact: 10-12 May Choreographed by internationally renowned Sydney hip-hop dance artist Nick Power and featuring dancers Erak Mith from Phnom Penh and Aaron Lim from Darwin, Between Tiny Cities uses the rituals, movement styles and language of their shared hip-hop culture to reveal the dramatically different worlds that surround them and uncover the choreographic links that unite them.

Northern Ballet – Casanova The Lowry; 18-21 May Consumed by his desires, Casanova lived every minute in a whirlwind of scandal and decadence. But behind the mask, there was more to the man. Casanova takes you inside the heart and mind of one of the most notorious figures in history, exposing a story so sensational, you won’t believe it’s real.

With a cinematic score played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia and opulent sets and costumes, Kenneth Tindall’s Casanova will flood your senses and take your breath away.

Alan Partridge AO Arena: 13 & 14 May Steve Coogan stars as the esteemed

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ENTERTAINMENT

FITNESS TECH ROUNDUP JAXJOX Kettlebell Connect When everyone was indoor or garden training during lockdowns, the humble kettlebell went mainstream. But you need various different sizes for a proper workout – and that takes up a lot of space. This clever JAXJOX system allows you to buy just one kettlebell that can add or remove weight from 5.5kg to 19kg at the touch of a button, plus tech to track your workout performance. £250, argos.co.uk

Crossfly performance underwear Apparently, the average man buys just 3.4 pairs of underpants a year, spending just £1200 in a lifetime as opposed to women who spend approximately £20,000 over the same period.

The average sportsman, however… Well, I can only speak for myself: personally, I think proper technical underwear is an absolute must, whatever your sport. There’s a lot of science in these Crossfly Pro 7” boxers: breathable, engineered compression, fast-drying panels and the all-important Cocoon technology to avoid chafing where you really don’t want it. £24.99, crossfly.com

NURVV Run smart insoles This award-winning sports wearable measures your running from the point of impact. The kit consists of smart running insoles with lightweight trackers that fit any running shoe to provide insight, guidance and coaching to help you run smarter, train healthier and improve faster. You can pair NURVV with your Bluetooth Heart Rate monitor, Garmin or Apple Watch and Strava to integrate it seamlessly into your training programme. £249.99, nurvv.com

VAHA interactive mirror Working out in the mirror isn’t a vanity thing. It’s imperative to pay close attention to your form and movement in order to maximise gains and minimise injuries.

This new gadget from VAHA is an interactive home mirror that delivers fully personalised, immersive sessions for body, mind and nutritional health. Built-in sensors track your movement and guide your exercise sessions with AI feedback. It even has entertainment and social apps built in, to make your workout more fun and interactive.

From £1,195, vaha.com

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By Oliver Chesher

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MOTORING

COMPACT AND CLEVER The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s champion in the hotly-competitive “compact executive” segment. Head-to-head against the likes of the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 and 4 Series, it represents a class of grown-up premium car that sells in big numbers and forges deep brand loyalty.

The latest generation has now arrived at Mercedes-Benz Stockport, and it is unsurprisingly the most high-tech, safest and most comfortable C-Class yet. With the familiar design cues that blend sportiness and luxury in a dynamic package, it is instantly recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz and worthy of standing alongside its larger and more expensive siblings in the core E-Class and S-Class ranges.

The latest family of C-Class saloon and estate cars starts from just under £40,000 (saloon), with a choice of four engines available from launch: C 200; C 300 (Saloon only); C 220d and C 300d. All these engines are more efficient than their predecessors thanks to the new 48v Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) mild hybrid system. The mild hybrid system features an energy recovery function and the ability to ‘glide’ with the engine switched off to boost efficiency, while supplying an additional 20 hp and 200 Nm to the car’s overall output.

It's clever inside too – with the stunning new big-screen MBUX media system that’s super intuitive to operate by voice or touch.

The C-Class has always been one of the most important models for Mercedes-Benz, since it introduced the first generation back in the ‘90s, because of the competitive price-point it occupies. For many Mercedes-Benz drivers, it’s the first experience they might have with the brand, so it’s imperative that the experience be unforgettable.

The level of luxury and refinement in the 2022 range is surely a new high-point. The range-topping 300d models with the Premium Plus spec level are still remarkably good value for money, at under £54,000 for even the fully-equipped estate. That includes 19-inch AMG five-double-spoke alloy wheels, panoramic sliding sunroof, head-up display and Thermotronic four-zone automatic climate control.

But even the entry-level Sport model line includes standard gadgetry including LED high performance headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, parking package with reversing camera, heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging.

There are sure to be AMG-badged high-performance variants to follow, when perhaps we’ll see the return of the thunderous V8 to the new C-Class – but until then the current top of the range is very much about luxury and comfort rather than all-out thrust.

Fact file / Mercedes-Benz C300d / Peak power output: 285hp Torque: 750Nm / Range: 53.3 to 55.4 mpg / Price: £52,125 Launch date: on sale now

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By Oliver Chesher

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