Hale&Bowdon Magazine Jun ~ July 2018

JUNE | JULY 2018 • ISSUE 94

M AG A Z I N E

Viv Anderson and Andrew Cole…

In conversation with Life after football

Amanda McAlister

Family law specialist

Normandy

The perfect mini-break

Welcome to our World.

Visit the-warren.co.uk to see our video and download a brochure or call 0800 470 0147 to ask about holiday home ownership and discover the luxury lifestyle at The Warren, Abersoch.

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HELLO

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It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since the Manchester Arena bombing, as it’s still very much in our heart and minds. I joined thousands of others as the city stood in solidarity and love at the Manchester Together sing-along in Albert Square, which was truly emotional.

It was heartening to see the people on the frontline that terrible night – the NHS, the police and the fire service – receive a very special mention and huge cheers.

Manchester, I salute you!

The sun has got its hat on, so let’s hope it doesn’t fall off any time soon. This weather puts us all in a better mood and makes us so much more productive.

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It’s the ideal time to work on the garden, so if you need any inspiration, check out page 38. If you (or your child) are off to a festival this summer, check out our essential buys on page 28. Or if you fancy a mini-break, read all about Jill Nash’s road trip around Normandy on page 42.

Well, it’s now only a month until I step out of my comfort zone, into my sequins, and quickstep around The Mere for the Brainwave Summer Strictly event. Wish me luck, and if anyone would like to read more about it, buy tickets or sponsor me, visit https://www.brainwave.org.uk/fundraisers/beverley-brainwave-strictly-summer

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Beverley

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

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

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DISTRIBUTION Avanti

www.twistedgifted.co.uk e: creative@twistedgifted.co.uk

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

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

Competition Terms & Conditions

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No purchase necessary. Employees of Salutions Limited and associated companies, promotional partners, their agents and families are not eligible to enter. Entries will be declared void if found mutilated, illegible, altered, reconstructed, forged or tampered with in any way. In the event of there being more claims than prizes available in any category, then prizes will be awarded to the earliest claimant. (Where applicable, as stated.) All entries are subject to scrutiny. Salutions Limited reserves the right to stop the promotion/competition at any time at its own discretion. Winners must accept that their names may be announced on any Salutions related media, including web and print, and may be used for publicity purposes if required. Rules as published, when applicable to specific joint offers, product discounts etc. All prizes unclaimed remain the property of Salutions Limited. Persons under the age of 18 are not eligible to enter. The prize must be taken as offered and is not transferable. No cash or credit alternatives will be given. Editor’s decision is final. By entering a competition you agree to receive e-letters and mailshots from Salutions Limited. We do not sell our database to third parties and are compliant with the Data Protection Act 1998. Should you wish NOT to receive such information, please state NO OFFERS. By entering the competition you agree to the above terms and conditions.

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5

REGULARS 01 Hello from the editor 09 News and views 30 Fashion : A Darker Denim 32 Fashion : Shady Lady 38 Interiors : Garden Greatness 40 Grow your own Lady Muck Style 54 The Lust List 60 / 68 Ask the experts 71 Education news from the schools

PEOPLE 20 22 25 27 M AG A Z I N E

JUNE | JULY 2018 • ISSUE 121

M AG A Z I N E

JUNE | JULY 2018 • ISSUE 58

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Garden Greatness

Viv Anderson : playonpro Amanda McAlister : McAlister Family Law Gaynor Morgan-Hoole : Beechwood Patron Dr Robina Shah : Manchester’s High Sheriff & Deputy Lieutenant Dawn Holding : Hospitality Action

Prep your garden for alfresco dining

Festival fun

Essential buys for festival season

Amanda McAlister

FOOD & DRINK

Family law specialist Gusto Didsbury

Gaynor Morgan

relaunch party

Normandy

joins Beechwood Cancer Care

Normandy

The perfect mini-break

JUNE | JULY 2018 • ISSUE 94

The perfect mini-break

M AG A Z I N E JUNE | JULY 2018 • ISSUE 29

Banyan Bar & Kitchen : 20 Stories : Podium Restaurant Asha’s : Rabbit in the Moon : Café Rouge Food review : Grafene : Manchester The Eclectic Hotel Collection

M AG A Z I N E

Normandy

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

The perfect mini-break

Viv Anderson and Andrew Cole…

In conversation with Life after football

48 49 50 52

In conversation with

Viv Anderson and Andrew Cole…

Amanda McAlister

Family law specialist

Normandy

The perfect mini-break

Life after football

Gaynor Morgan joins Beechwood Cancer Care

42 77 78 80

A tour through Normandy Tech : Go your Drone way What’s on?

Motoring news

ON THE COVER DIDSBURY MAGAZINE BONUS SAPOR MAGAZINE Bridgman Garden Furniture Amanda McAlister bridgman.co.uk HALE&BOWDON MAGAZINE Viv Anderson and Andrew Cole 6

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

MEDIACITY MAGAZINE Gaynor Morgan-Hoole

AND THE REST 28 34 47 59

Festival fun : Essential buys for festival season Father’s Day Gift Guide Gusto : New-look Didsbury relaunch party The Midland, one year on

LOCAL NEWS in association with

S L AT E R A N D G O R D O N B U S I N E S S L E G A L S E R V I C E S

Gino D’Acampo serves up a smile at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital

The UK’s favourite Italian chef Gino D’Acampo met with patients at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital when he presented a cheque for £10,000 to the hospital charity.

Gino, alongside business partner and founder of Individual Restaurants, Steven Walker, vowed to support the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital following the tragic events at the Manchester Arena last year. True to his word, the TV favourite made the hospital the nominated charity of his recently launched My Pizza & Prosecco Bar, located inside Next at Manchester Arndale.

The donation of £10,000 follows the creation of a special Humphrey Granny Smith Martini cocktail and mocktail, from which £1 of every sale has been donated to the charity. The big-hearted chef and father-of-three also pledged £1 from every sale of his restaurant’s Margherita pizza.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of all at the hospital was Gill Heaton, Group Deputy Chief Executive of Manchester University

NHS Foundation Trust, and Head of Nursing at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Michelle Milner.

The presentation was followed by a walk around Ward 77, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital’s speciality surgical ward, specialising in renal, urology, cleft lip and palate, general surgery and ophthalmology, where the cheeky Italian chef met with patients and their families.

Amongst those Gino got to chat to was eight-year-old Max Jones from Whaley Bridge, High Peak. Born seven weeks premature and with an exomphalos, a defect of the abdominal wall that caused a part of his bowel and intestines to protrude outside of his body, the inspirational youngster has undergone 14 operations in his young life. He is now preparing to take on his first ever run and competing in the Simplyhealth Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run in aid of the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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S L AT E R A N D G O R D O N B U S I N E S S L E G A L S E R V I C E S

Poppy Walk & Season of Remembrance In the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday, St James church is hosting a WW1 art installation called There But Not There. Life-sized, individually named acrylic silhouettes will be placed in the pews of St James, one for each of the 56 soldiers who are commemorated on the memorial plaques in the church. These moving soldier silhouettes create spectral echoes of a community sacrifice and a window into why we remember.

Friends of Didsbury Park and a huge team of volunteers have taken to the scrubland path between School Lane and the park to create Didsbury’s Poppy Path. A field of poppies painted by Russ Meehan (aka #qubek) either side of the bridge opens up the site where teams of volunteers have created beds to plant some three million

poppy seeds from Flanders Fields, which will represent the millions of people killed in the First World War. Poppies are intrinsically linked to remembrance and signal the start of a season of remembrance for Didsbury and the centenary of the Armistice on 11th November 1918.

Head along now to enjoy the Poppy Path in progress and mark There But Not There in your calendars.

For more information, or if you are interested in making a donation towards the purchase of a soldier silhouette for the WW1 art installation at St James, please contact Claire Mauchline on 0161 446 4150

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June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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The Bridgewater Hall International Concert Series 17|18

The Bridgewater Hall Summer 2018

The Sixteen’s Choral Pilgrimage Sacred and Profane

Jonathan Scott Organ Greatest Hits

Harry Christophers conductor

Monday 2 July 1.10pm

Thursday 7 June 7.30pm A programme of Britten and Cornysh.

Wayne Marshall Friday 22 June 7.30pm

A popular programme including Bach’s Toccata & Fugue in D minor, Albinoni’s Adagio and Widor’s brilliant Toccata.

A programme of British organ music including Parry and Howells.

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

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June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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

S L AT E R A N D G O R D O N B U S I N E S S L E G A L S E R V I C E S

Surprise your wedding guests with a St Ann’s lottery favour

Weddings are happy occasions, creating long-lasting memories as two people are joined together and share one of the most important days of their lives with loved ones. But, with wedding season fast approaching, a local charity is appealing to brides and grooms to consider making a long-lasting gift on their big day, which will help them create special memories for local people too.

St Ann’s Hospice, which cares for people from across Greater Manchester with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, has launched a new range of wedding and party favours, each containing a special ticket that offers each guest the chance to win up to £2,000 in the charity’s fundraising lottery.

Trudi Ogden, Lottery Manager at the hospice, explains:

“The St Ann’s Local Lottery has been running for more than two decades and we’re really excited that our newly designed favours offer a unique way for brides and grooms or party hosts to treat their guests. Most importantly, the money paid for the favours makes a real difference to the lives of the local patients the hospice cares for.

“The favours cost just £1.50 each and come in a range of classic designs.

Each has a unique lottery number included, which is then entered into one of our weekly St Ann’s Local Lottery draws.

“Each week, winners of the lottery receive prizes worth £2,500, and our main jackpot each Friday is £2,000.

So, by purchasing tickets in the form of our wedding or party favours, not

only do local patients and their families definitely win, you never know, one of your guests might win too!”

The hospice also has its own specialist wedding shop on the High Street in Cheadle, complete with a range of new, pre-loved and vintage wedding and bridesmaid dresses as well as hats, shoes and other accessories. *For more information on the hospice’s wedding and party favours, or other ways to play the hospice lottery, please visit sah.org.uk/lottery, email the team on lottery@sah.org.uk or call 0161 498 3642. *For more information on the hospice’s Cheadle wedding shop, please visit sah.org.uk, email cheadle@sah.org.uk or call 0161 428 5949.

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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S L AT E R A N D G O R D O N B U S I N E S S L E G A L S E R V I C E S

Set yourself a new goal with Race for Life Half Marathon in Cheshire women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, half marathon and hiking events, which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding crucial research.

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is that more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Women in Cheshire are being urged to limber up and take on the first ever Race for Life Half Marathon at Cholmondeley Castle on Sunday 22nd July.

Women who sign up will also receive a season pass, which provides free access to unlimited Race for Life 5k and 10k events to help with their training.

The Race for Life Half Marathon is 13.1 miles (21k) and is the perfect challenge for women who have previously taken part in a Race for Life 10k event and want to push themselves one step further.

Polly O’Gorman, Cancer Research UK’s Cheshire Event Manager, said: “We can’t wait to bring Race for Life Half Marathon to Cheshire for the very first time. All Race for Life events are non-competitive. It’s not about being fit, fast or first to the finish.

Forget blood, sweat and tears – it’s love, laughter and commitment to the cause that motivates like-minded ladies around the course.”

Participants can take part however they want to – whether they decide to run, jog or walk. At all half marathon events, there are regular re-fuelling stations, each providing food, drink and expert advice to help motivate and re-energise runners as they make their way around the course.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring

Polly continued: “Every day, 110 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West.

That’s why we’re urging women in Cheshire to sign up right now at raceforlife.org.”

Race for Life events in Cheshire 5k events in Cheshire Wednesday 20th June at Delamere Forest Sunday 24th June at Tatton Park Sunday 22nd July at Cholmondeley Castle 10k events in Cheshire Wednesday 20th June at Delamere Forest Sunday 24th June at Tatton Park Sunday 22nd July at Cholmondeley Castle Pretty Muddy Events in Cheshire Saturday 23rd June at Tatton Park Saturday 21st July at Cholmondeley Castle Saturday 15th September at Reaseheath College

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June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

S L AT E R A N D G O R D O N B U S I N E S S L E G A L S E R V I C E S

Artists sought to create new works for ‘curious’ arts festival!

Artists from all backgrounds are being invited to submit commission proposals for Didsbury Arts Festival, 22nd to 30th June 2019. DAF returns next year, with a new director at the helm, to take over the south Manchester suburb with a nine-day programme of special events and experiences, all responding to the theme of ‘curiosity’.

Organisers will be commissioning up to three new pieces of work, which will premiere at the 2019 festival. Selected artists will be offered funding up to £3,000 to cover fees and materials. Ella Wild, who succeeds Daniel Williamson in the role of DAF Director, said: “DAF 2019: A Curious Festival will encourage audiences to try

something new, to immerse themselves in one-off experiences, be part of unique events, learn about cultures, traditions and religions, and about the people in their community.

“We are looking for new work that can be installed, or performed, as part of the festival programme, with the opportunity to develop the work in the future if appropriate.”

Applications are welcome from individual artists or groups working across all genres and disciplines. Ella added: “We are particularly interested in socially engaged work, which in some way connects the artist and artwork to the local community in Didsbury.”

DAF 2017 attracted 14,000 visitors to 100 events and exhibitions held at a variety of venues throughout Didsbury.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Monday 9th July 2018.

For more information, visit: didsburyartsfestival.org/news All enquiries to: info@didsburyartsfestival.org

LPC LIVING - Final few homes remain at The Oaks, Gatley

Homes at LPC Living’s popular The Oaks development in Gatley have almost sold out in record time, with just two homes

remaining as we went to press. Due to be completed in August this year, the two remaining homes comprise of a three-bedroom townhouse and a four-bedroom, semi-detached house with integral garage.

Gated from the main road and overlooking a landscaped green, all homes come with a high specification as standard. For example, all flooring is included; there is engineered oak to the entire ground floor in both homes and luxury carpet to bedrooms too. The luxury kitchens include a full array of integrated SMEG appliances and upgraded worktops.

The Oaks has proven one of the fastest-

selling house developments in the region since its launch in February 2018. Located in the heart of Gately, it is proving popular with local residents, purchasers from neighbouring areas in South Manchester, such as Didsbury, and also those upgrading from a city centre apartment.

The development also provides easy access from nearby Gatley train station to both Manchester city centre and Manchester Airport. For more information on the final homes available, please call LPC Living on 0161 872 2622 during office hours, email info@lpcliving.co.uk or visit the developments website: theoaksgatley.co.uk

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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S L AT E R A N D G O R D O N B U S I N E S S L E G A L S E R V I C E S

Manchester’s FREE Italian Festival – Festa Italiana – is shaping up to be a belissimo bonanza

CATHEDRAL GARDENS 11am – 11pm DAILY 13 – 15 JULY Festa Italiana Manchester is the country’s most exciting and vibrant festival of Italian food, drink and culture. It is a FREE, weekend-long celebration of all things Italian.

Fabulous urban greenspace Cathedral Gardens will be transformed into ‘Little Italy’ for the weekend, creating a city centre oasis of ‘la dolce vita’.

Inspired by Manchester’s Italian heritage, as well as the traditional festivals over in Italy, the Festa is all about the community coming together to socialise and enjoy beautiful food, delectable drinks and live music.

FOOD The on-site Italian Producers Market will feature authentic and artisan food and drink from Manchester as well as producers from across Italy.

BOOZE There’ll be plenty of Italian booze, with bars hosted by all the best Italian brands.

Aperol will be turning a whole area orange with hammocks, Vespa seating and fussball tables. Italy’s newest cocktail export – the famous Aperol Spritz – will be served up in abundance and there’ll be Aperol Spritz masterclasses happening in the Cookery Theatre.

Meanwhile, Limoncello di Capri is the only real, certified and authentic limoncello in the world and it’s coming to Manchester for the first time via Festa.

There’ll be a fabulous Limoncello Bar, where Mancunians can say ‘hello’ to their new favourite summer drinking experience – the Capri Spritz. This is limoncello mixed with premium tonic, topped with Prosecco and garnished with fresh mint and strawberries.

Beer lovers will be in continental beer heaven, with three beer brands all hosting bars and serving up some of their most exciting birras especially for Festa Italiana.

An Italian Craft Beer Bar will be hosted by Poretti and they’ll be serving up their new craft beers, Poretti 4, 5 and 6, and pairing with specially created tapas-style food matches.

There will also be authentic Northern Italian brews from Menabrea and Peroni –

each hosting their own bars.

And, of course, there’ll be Prosecco – lashings of it. There too will be a fabulous collection of Italian gins, rums and vermouths.

BAMBINIS The event promises plenty of fun for the whole family, with a collaboration between the Festa and Play Factore set to bring a kids’ mini festival to the square.

BANDS The entire Festa will play to the soundtrack of magnificent Italian musicians (some of whom will be visiting Manchester especially for the Festa) as well as local DJs and musicians.

The Festival Piazza will be free to attend, whilst other events and activities taking place at venues across the city are ticketed.

Full information and updates can be found on the festival website festaitalianauk.com Twitter: @festaitalianauk Facebook / Instagram: @festaitalianamcr

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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Beechwood Ladies’ Lunch

350 glamorous guests joined Beechwood Cancer Care Centre at Hilton Manchester Deansgate to celebrate 10 years of their Ladies’ Lunch, and raised £40,000 in the process

The lunch was hosted by Mike Toolan and Trevor Jordan from Key 103 and sponsored by Didsbury Magazine and Brown Shipley, whilst Beechwood ambassadors and event management company Eventures transformed the room using a stunning ‘Through the Looking Glass’ theme. The packed room was brought to tears when 14-year-old Darcy Stewart talked about when her daddy died. Darcy and her sister Konnie, 13, have received support from the charity since their father, Erroll, passed away from pancreatic cancer.

A fashion show from The Real Housewives of Cheshire’s Seema Malhotra’s Forever Unique range and Fizz Fashion from Wilmslow included a tear-jerking scene when Olivia, a member of staff from Fizz who has Down syndrome, was escorted onto the catwalk by two male models and led the models in singing A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. The finale had everyone on their feet as four Beechwood service users strutted their stuff.

Angela Gray, Beechwood Fundraising Manager, said: “It was totally amazing, you can’t help to feel humbled when people are so willing to give back to Beechwood after receiving support. We can’t thank those who supported the lunch in any way enough. I feel so proud to have had the privilege of running this event.”

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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By Ken Lawrence, Head of Media, playonpro / Photography Julian Kronfli

In conversation with Viv Anderson…

Life after football

20

S

everal hostelries in Hale recently became a fulcrum of fun for Vincent Kompany and some of the Manchester City captain’s jubilant team mates on the night they won this season’s Premier League title.

Their Old Trafford rivals had lost to West Bromwich Albion and the success that had been foretold for months was theirs, albeit thanks to Manchester United’s surprising defeat. And so Kompany and company headed out to celebrate.

The moment got Viv Anderson thinking, at first not in a good way. He spent four years as a Manchester United player under Sir Alex Ferguson – indeed, he was the legendary Scot’s first signing. While he arrived from Arsenal and won the old European Cup two years in a row with his hometown club Nottingham Forest, his affinity with the red half of Manchester is strong and he lives close to where the

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

City boys were quaffing ale and bawling out Wonderwall with supporters.

So, he was a tad miffed that, in the end, United had effectively gift-wrapped that title to the enemy from across town and now they were partying on his patch.

Yet, the next day, as he sat in the Bowdon offices of playonpro, his reflections were somewhat more positive than the night before. As chief executive of a company created to help sports men and women transition into retirement, and thanks to a career that also saw him play for Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough as well as gaining 30 England caps, he has seen plenty of highs, but also a whole lot of lows amongst many of his contemporaries.

Once more, he realised the importance of the playonpro ethos. For it is all very well flying high as a kite when you have won. But what happens when you come back down

again? And who catches you when you fall?

Anderson says: “We catch them at playonpro. For every star who has won a title or become a champion, there are plenty who spent years at the top, earned amazing amounts of money and were household names but who, once they hung up their boots, found themselves in trouble.

“Players earning substantial salaries whilst playing find it hard to adjust when they stop and the guaranteed income dries up.

“You’ve got houses and cars and holidays – you want to live the lifestyle. If somebody gives a footballer £100, most of them will spend £101. We’ve all fallen into that trap.

And when you get to 35 or 36, unless you’re a David Beckham or a Steven Gerrard, your agent is onto the next new young prospect. Thank you very much for the last 20 years. Goodbye.”

“Your professional contracts end and you’re sat there thinking: ‘Who else is there to look after me?’ There’s no one. It’s only you.”

Now there is playonpro. The organisation not only deals with footballers but men and women from across the sporting spectrum, including cricket, boxing, horseracing, golf, badminton and rugby.

An exclusive app, available only to playonpro ambassadors, offers purchasing and business opportunities. The combined social media reach of the playonpro ‘squad’ is expected to reach over 250 million followers by the end of 2018 – a remarkable indication of its global potential and power as it works to develop the business plan that will benefit both company and members.

Anderson adds: “We are a business, but we also offer so much to so many sports people, and not just the opportunity to create a new future for themselves. We are about camaraderie, we offer sports people a place to go. Our mantra is #strongertogether. We mean it.”

Andrew Cole commented: ‘It’s great to be be involved with Viv and the fabulous team at Playonpro. Creating an app where players can get back in touch with long lost colleagues, providing work opportunities and organising charity events for the players to get involved in.’ Andrew was proud to support the inaugural Paul Walsh/Playon charity golf day raising £14k for Kidneys for Life.

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

21

Amanda McAlister – Family law’s leading lady When you’re going through life-changing divorce or family law proceedings, it should be made law to have someone like Amanda McAlister by your side

Sat inside McAlister Family Law’s brand-new Alderley Edge offices on West Street, she’s a bundle of glamour, compassion, honesty and quiet ambition, and a few days away from appearing on a This Morning phone-in about divorce.

Both on TV and radio, Amanda’s a woman in demand, and rightly so. Hailing from a working-class background (“I was the first in my family to go to university”), she’s put in some serious graft to get to where she is now.

The journey’s not been easy, but the perspective and empathy it’s awarded her is priceless to the clients who flock to her Manchester and Cheshire offices – everyone from soap stars and footballers to builders and plumbers.

By Lisa McMahon / Photography Julian Kronfli

Taking a risk Last November, after working as National Head of Family Law at Slater and Gordon, a typically ‘risk adverse’ Amanda took the plunge and struck out alone on Manchester’s Liverpool Road. What happened next, she really didn’t expect: “Initially, it was just meant to be myself, my secretary and my assistant – a small practice,” says Amanda. “But then former high-calibre colleagues began contacting me and saying, ‘I’d love to join you’, so it ballooned into something a lot bigger!”

Amanda puts this unexpected twist and the firm’s booming new client base down to a break away from large corporate law firms in favour of smaller, more niche boutique practices. McAlister delivers a local and highly personalised service, but without losing any of the big international firm expertise.

Amanda’s next move On the back of the Manchester office’s success, McAlister Family Law has just moved into Alderley Edge. Lawyers Charlotte Percy and Jake Lawrence Brown are already on board, with two more recruits joining them in July and September.

“I chose Alderley Edge predominantly because there’s a great atmosphere and it’s

very much the nucleus of the Golden Triangle. My children go to school there too.

London clients love it. They often ask to meet here rather than Manchester and stay over to make a night of it.”

Moving clients forward Clients’ minds, when going through a divorce or children’s dispute, are often “full of fog” says Amanda, and its McAlister’s job to clear it.

It all starts with a ‘Moving Forward Plan’, which covers ever step in structured, clear detail. If clients need additional expert support, McAlister has negotiated discount rates with everyone from life coaches to accountants.

There’s a range of funding options on offer too (fixed fee, pay-as-you-go), so clients know where they stand and another weight is lifted away.

Finally, there’s McAlister’s specialist expertise and a list of certifications typically affiliated with big corporates in the capital.

The firm boasts not only a divorce and finance team, but also a specialist children and international division, which has Family Law Advanced Accreditation and Children Law Accreditation. The firm has recently been awarded Lexcel accreditation, which is the Law Society’s quality mark for legal practice management standards.

Connecting with clients Gaining outstanding legal results aside, Amanda sees her job as helping clients through dark and difficult times – something she is all too familiar with: “I lost my brother to cancer, I lost my father to cancer, and I’ve been through a divorce.

For me, the best lawyers are those who can actually connect with where the client is.

When someone is on their knees, if you haven’t been there yourself, you can’t connect.”

As a step-mum (and one who gets on well with her partner’s ex), she too can break down clients’ fears regarding their children’s introduction to a new partner.

And is it difficult to leave the job at the office?

“No. Ultimately, my view is that everything has a positive ending in life and everything happens for a reason. I always tell clients ‘things will get better’ and, a few years down the line, they contact me and say ‘remember what you used to say? Well, I’ve just met someone new!’”

In fact, later this year, Amanda’s attending the weddings of two former clients.

Inspired by family Amanda originally wanted to be an actress, but her father insisted she gain a degree before treading the boards. She has three children (Euan, aged 8, Verity, aged 5, and step-daughter Mia, aged 16). The conference rooms in the new Alderley offices are named after them.

As well as her children, who inspires and drives her?

“My late brother,” Amanda replies. “He was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was 24, yet he was always positive and just got on with it. Whenever I have a down day, I think of him and how inspirational he was right up until the end. He’s always around me and I always want to make him proud.

“My grandma inspires me too – she’s 99 years old and was a Land Girl during the war. People say to me ‘you’re always very glamorous, you’ve always got your heels and red lipstick on’, and it all comes from her – she’s incredible.”

Be happy Away from the office, Amanda loves reading about the First World War, creating family trees and listening to music: “I get home, kick off my heels, and say, ‘Alexa, play Get Happy by Ella Fitzgerald’.

And I sing along at the top of my voice.”

It’s downtime that the increasingly busy and hard-working Amanda more than deserves.

Get in touch +44 (0)161 507 7145 | hello@mcalisterfamilylaw.co.uk Manchester: 3rd floor, Castlefield House, Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4SB Alderley Edge: 4 West Street, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 7EG June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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By Fay Wertheimer / Photography Mike Browne

Last year, vivacious Gaynor Morgan became Beechwood Cancer Care’s sixth patron to join the ‘family’ A natural networker, she successfully involves everyone she meets in the cause and, as Fundraising Manager Angela Gray explains, ticks all the boxes: “We look for someone who’s shown support for Beechwood, spreads the word about our work and raises our profile… and that’s Gaynor to a T.” A bit about Gaynor Daughter of charity-minded MUFC legend Willie Morgan, 46-yearold Gaynor grew up with paparazzi at the gate and Rod Stewart, Howard Keel, Johnny Mathis and Tom Jones as regular house guests.

She recognised her privilege, but admits having to ‘share’ her beloved dad with everyone else wasn’t always ideal.

Gaynor is lots of fun and her CV runs from pro-tennis player and coach, model, girl band member and celebrity column writer to founding director of events company Entertainment Today and long-time property developer. Influenced by Willie, whose Howard Keel NSPCC Golf Classic at The Mere in 2000 raised around three million pounds, Gaynor has always put her showbiz contacts to good use for needy causes, both here and in Portugal. That’s where she, hubby Tim Morgan-Hoole, 11-year-old daughter Jess and 25-year-old son Alex lived from 2006 to 2012. After all, if Sir Cliff Richard lived twenty minutes away, wouldn’t you enlist his help for the local orphanage? Wouldn’t you have your pal Denise Welch auction one of the star’s shirts after his gig? OK, enough namedropping, but it’s all true.

Why Gaynor chose Beechwood When Gaynor’s mum, Pat, died from ovarian cancer in 2004, she fell apart and her then 12-year-old son Alex was devastated.

“We lived at the bottom of my parents’ garden,” explains Gaynor.

“Alex, who saw his darling grandmother every day, was very close to her. Had I known then of Beechwood and its family counselling, Alex could have really benefitted. I am so impressed by this organisation. It’s small, effective, hands-on and never greedy. Events are affordable and lively. As a patron, I’m doing what comes naturally – putting people together and networking. If it raises money to help others – why would I not do it?”

Once he’d retired from football, Gaynor’s dad nurtured his friendships with famous MUFC fans on the golf course, taking the game so seriously, he turned down meeting Michael Jackson for fear of being late to tee off! Gaynor, with that same interest in communication and in Beechwood, never loses an opportunity to publicise it within her own celebrity circle.

Gaynor’s hopes “That my children inherit Dad’s and my own social conscience,” says Gaynor. “When Jess made and sold smoothies at school for Beechwood, I was thrilled. Beechwood is on Stockport’s Bridgehall Estate. It doesn’t need to be big or pretentious to do its great work and, honestly, it never turns anyone away in need of its expertise.”

Visit beechwoodcancercare.co.uk | 0161 476 0384 enquiries@beechwoodcancercare.co.uk June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

25

+++++ Manchester Evening News

THE ENTERTAINMENT PHENOMENON RETURNS THIS JUNE

13 - 30 June tthelowry.com helowry.com | 0 0843 843 2 208 08 6 6000 000

Meet Greater Manchester's High Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant – Dr Robina Shah

S

Multi-tasker par excellence and international expert on learning-disabled South Asian children, the quietly spoken Dr Robina Shah delivers fully, both in word and in deed.

he was appointed High Sheriff on 14th March. In an age-old ceremony, her name was listed and selected when ‘pricked’ with a bodkin by the Queen. On 12th April at Manchester University’s Whitworth Hall, Robina was installed, wearing robes and headgear of her own design, including mandatory ostrich plumes and cut-steel buttons.

Spinning plates For Robina, merely one activity, merely one job will not suffice.

In addition to her university post, her women’s soccer interests, her Doubleday Centre directorship, her family commitments and honorary one-year role supporting the Sovereign, the judiciary, the police, prison, emergency and voluntary sector services, innovative Robina has set up Team High Sheriff. Its ‘ambassadors’ are hand-picked to promote the voice and communal involvement of young Mancunians. She explains:

By Fay Wertheimer

“This isn’t about rhetoric. This is about transforming peoples’ lives well after my term of office has ended. You see, our team members are highly motivated to continue the work.”

Personal values Diminutive, determined and delightful, the UK’s first female High Sheriff of Pakistani-origin states: “My life is values based. I’m grounded. I never forget my heritage.

I appreciate all my opportunities to meet people in diverse circumstances. So, I learn every day and, being conceptual, spot gaps which need bridging.”

She always did so. As an 80s’ undergraduate horrified by the social isolation of young Asian wheelchair users, Robina was prompted to act. This was to be her initial sally into psycho-socio medicine.

Since then, her unique combination of academia, pragmatism and humanity has effected changes in communication between patients, doctors, parents and vulnerable folk of all backgrounds.

In line with her parents’ ethics, she adds: “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and kindness.”

To this end, her Doubleday Centre encourages close collaboration between medical professionals and patients.

High Sheriff Mindful of her privilege as custodian of this historic public service role, Robina vows: “I promise to serve the people of Greater Manchester with dignity, humility and sincerity throughout my year of office.”

The Shah family’s unstinting support for Robina, Stepping Hill Hospital’s youngest-ever chair and Manchester’s youngest-ever female High Sheriff has allowed this trailblazer to flourish.

Ultimately though, it’s her unflinching personal moral compass that confirms Manchester is in the care of a woman of substance, however slight her physical appearance. Mind you, it’s still hard to believe that this powerhouse, as a child, “wouldn’t say boo to a goose”!

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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Nellie Festival Flower Fedora £24 Oliver Bonas

Exotic Sequin Bumbag £25 Accessorize

Festival fun

Festival season has officially kicked off and we have it covered (yes, including those portaloo seats). Here are some essential products to help you have the best time ever…

Embellished Disc Statement Earrings £12 Accessorize Pink Tassel Bracelet £10 A Gift from the Gods

Multi Coloured Mermaid Festival Face Glitter £5.99 New Look 28

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

William Morris Ecoffee Cup £11.95 - available at the William Morris Gallery - www.wmgallery.org.uk/shop

Hands-Free Drink Holder £5 | Toilet Seat Covers £1 Inflatable Cool Box £10 | Drink Bags £1 Lanterns £2 | Shoe Covers £5 | Megaphone £10

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

All available from uk.flyingtiger.com

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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Compton Denim Dress £210 Ganni Available at coggles.com

Denim Jacket £32 Next

A Darker Denim

Summer sees us whip out our ever-fashionable denim skirts, shorts and dresses, but this year, forget light shades – it’s the darker the better!

Denim Dress £409 Marc Cain Available at marc-cain.com

Floral Embroidery Slim Jeans £35.99 Mango

By Emily Fitzgibbons

Star Embroidered Mini Skirt £38 Oasis

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June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

Skinny Stretch-Denim Dungarees £155 Body Optix By Lee Jeans Available at Selfridges

Structured Frill Mini Skirt £28.80 Oasis Available at John Lewis

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Rose Pink Nude Chelsea Rim Pilot Sunglasses £105 Michael Kors | Available at Next

Poppy Heart-Shaped Sunglasses £262 Chloé | Available at Harvey Nichols

Yellow Havana Sunglasses £237 Giorgio Armani Available at House of Fraser

Shady Lady

Summer sunshine is upon us, so shield your eyes with these chic shades

Metal Frame Cat-Eye Sunglasses £149 McQ Alexander McQueen Available at coggles.com

All Black Pearl Sunglasses £160 Freda Banana Available at Black White Denim | blackwhitedenim.com

Havana Cat-Eye Frame Sunglasses £592 BVLGARI | Available at Selfridges

By Emily Fitzgibbons 32

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

Olivia May

Olivia May is synonymous with style and individuality and it is the passion of owner Ann Whorrall This passion is plain to see; from the fabulous styling to the excellent service. Layers, texture, colours, fabrics, design – all creating a new way of dressing to suit modern life.

They offer clothing, accessories, footwear and jewellery from niche designers who make a real statement. So, if you appreciate quality and want to express your own look and style, Olivia May is perfect and age is just a number!

Ann is a truly inspirational woman who had a vision to bring exceptional contemporary clothing to an audience which appreciates quality and great design, and are confident in their own skin. Following a career in education as a teacher and school inspector, Ann, who has always loved fashion and creativity, took a different path and set up Olivia May five years ago.

Due to their customers’ enthusiasm for the personal, friendly service combined with the creativity of the stunning designers, this has been a real success story.

There is a showroom in Ashton Hayes, near Kelsall, a shop in the heart of Oxford, and you can shop online at oliviamay.org – expect to have fun, the team are uber helpful and experts in styling.

The styling approach has always been to focus on the individual, so their extensive range of brands are handpicked by Ann and her team to create a completely unique style of dressing.

At Olivia May, you are encouraged to explore your own look and work with the team to create a style with a difference. You can also book an individual appointment at a time to suit you.

Such is the enthusiasm and the creativity of the team behind Olivia May, that they produce stunning get-the-look videos and an online magazine – both offering inspiration on how to wear each season’s clothing and providing a myriad of ideas for occasion wear, whether everyday or super special.

All of which makes choosing your outfits so easy, knowing you are getting it right and perhaps trying a new look which suits you perfectly.

Just some of the fabulous brands from Olivia May: •

Rundholz – the experimentation with shape, structure and fabric means that season on season, you can expect to be wowed by their creativity and insight

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Ewa i Walla – A Swedish romantic designer, much of the range in pure cotton

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Privatsachen – many silk pieces, a loose-feeling, layered collection

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Les Filles d’Ailleurs – Parisian chic, great tailoring and shaping

•

iXOs – 100% made in Italy, stunning design, unique and sophisticated

Cheshire showroom: The Barns, Lane End Farm, Kelsall Rd, Ashton Hayes, CH3 8BH | Tel: 01829 751600 | oliviamay.org June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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Larsson & Jennings CM Black PVD-Plated Watch £245 Available at Selfridges

Weekend Bag £246 Fossil | Available at McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Dote on your dad this Father’s Day, Sunday 17th June, with some fabulous gifts that are sure to put a smile on his face

Emporio Armani Eagle Cufflinks £90 Available at Next

Man Food £80 Harvey Nichols

Small Window Box in Amalfi Black £35 Bay and Box London | bayandbox.com

Charity Dates Tins £10 The Date Project | thedateproject.org

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June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

Monaco Living & Dining Table Garden Set £1,599 Next

Set of 6 Cactus Candles £10 Laura Ashley

Classic Clarendon Cushion £64.95 Tori Murphy Available at Harvey Nichols

Garden Greatness

Garden parties, alfresco dining, boozy barbecues – all part of summer fun.

Make your garden great in prep for all that entertaining

By Emily Fitzgibbons

Pastels Dinner Plate Set of 4 £28 Royal Doulton Available at House of Fraser

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June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

Garden Party Hamper £150 Harvey Nichols

20 Multi-Coloured Party Festoon Lights £14.99 Available at lights4fun.co.uk

3-Arm Bubble LED Table Light £59.99 Very

Garden Solar Pineapple Jar Lights £8 Waitrose

Portable Outdoor Grill £110 Una Grill | Available at Selfridges

Winchester 6-Seat Bar Set £1,125 Next

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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Grow your own

STYLE It’s 2am and instead of being tucked up in bed, luxuriating under my Egyptian cotton sheets, I find myself hiding in the rhododendrons, armed with my trusty water pistol and waiting to catch my fiendish garden foe in the act

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

he four-legged creatures that are driving me crazy? Squirrels who dig up all my beautiful agapanthus bulbs… mice who eat the veggie crops in my kitchen garden… and cats that seem to be using my garden as their personal lavatory. So now it’s WAR. Lady Muck v the Four-legged Fraternity. Battleground Muck Manor.

But since I got into gardening and growing my own, cats have started to lose some of their previous appeal. For us gardeners popping out to do a bit of weeding, putting your hand in one of their perfectly formed faecal piles is revolting. Add in the bulbs dug up by squirrels and peas ruined by mice, and you can understand why war has been declared.

I haven’t always felt like this. I used to think mice were cute and have chuckled at squirrels’ antics my entire life. As for cats, I used to absolutely love them. My first pet was a cat. A gorgeous ginger tom I named David after my one true popstar love, Mr Cassidy. We were inseparable. The cat and I that is. Mr C and I were inseparable too but only in my dreams. He slept on my bed every night. Again, the cat and I. He purred along with me as we watched Top of the Pops together, hoping for a glimpse of my idol. We were BFFs for nine happy years, until he left me for that big old cat bed in the sky.

So, if you’re having problems with fourlegged creatures too, here are some gentle deterrents – which should save you from lurking in the rhododendrons at 2am:

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

•

•

Cats hate the smell of mothballs and oranges, so try placing mothballs or dried-out teabags soaked in diluted orange oil (nealsyardremedies.com) around their favoured toilet spot.

Since they also hate being soaked, sprinklers that are motion activated can work wonders.

Some folk swear by sonic cat scarers, whilst other gardeners fill their gardens with lavender plants –

apparently cats really don’t like the strong scent.

•

Likewise, mice hate the smell of mint, so sink a few pots of it around your plants. Mint can be invasive, so don’t plant directly into the soil of your veggie patch. Alternatively, use diluted peppermint oil as a spray.

•

Squirrels only dig down a few inches, so either plant your bulbs deeper or, for shallowly planted bulbs, try laying chicken wire over them for protection.

Usually, after the first year of planting, squirrels leave bulbs alone and search out newer, tastier ones.

•

Now for my favourite cat deterrent: Silent Roar cat repellent from greenfingers.co.uk. The pellets are based on the territorial chain in the cat kingdom, so when your mischievous moggy smells the scent of the king of the jungle, he/she thinks twice before coming into your garden. Result.

A tour through Normandy

Medieval castles, gourmet food and historical sights render Normandy the perfect destination for a mini-break or a stopover point to explore the rest of France.

Jill Nash takes a road trip around the region with her family Explore The Normandy region is a perfect stopover if you are road-tripping from the UK en-route to Paris, the Alps or anywhere else in France.

It also makes an exciting adventure as a stand-alone destination for those who enjoy historical sightseeing, foodie markets or gourmet dining in the countryside.

Part of the experience starts with the English Channel crossing. Book a spacious bunk cabin (which sleeps four) so you can get some rest, be entertained by the funky magician or watch a latest blockbuster film in the cosy cinema. Taking your car with you on the ferry gives you greater flexibility to explore on the other side and it also means you don’t have the additional stress of luggage allowances. Brittany Ferries (brittany-ferries.co.uk) offer regular services from several ports, with the most convenient being the five-hour crossing from Portsmouth to Caen – a city which is only a 45-minute drive from Bayeaux.

Starting your Normandy journey in Bayeaux gives you a great introduction to the region.

Home of the famous UNESCO-listed Bayeux Tapestry, a ginormous account of the 11th century Norman Conquest embroidered

on linen – without a doubt, one of the most fascinating historical artefacts. According to the legend, the tapestry was made by Reine Mathilde, wife of William the Conqueror, and is known to have been designed and woven in England. It is displayed in a museum in the town centre, which provides visitors with an interactive audio guide – captivating for both young and old alike. The historical town of Bayeaux is easily explored on foot and the town boasts an impressive cathedral and botanical gardens. For those wishing to stay a couple of days, there’s certainly enough to keep everyone amused. bayeux.fr/en Continue your Normandy tour and head onto Falaise, which is a one-hour drive from Bayeaux, and take a guided tour around William the Conqueror’s castle.

This tremendously imposing medieval building still dominates the town and acts as a reminder that this was the birthplace of the fearsome king himself. Born in Falaise in 1027, William Duke of Normandy accomplished his very first feat of arms within this castle when he was 15. His victory was the first act to seal his power over Normandy and his epic adventure was to guide his path to England, where he was crowned king. Falaise Castle has

been magnificently restored in recent years and its fantastic tablet tour makes the most of modern technology to recreate the castle’s illustrious past. A morning is long enough to spend in Falaise, before heading to explore the wonderful countryside or the tropical rainforests in Val-de-Reuil.

A 30-minute drive from Falaise is Biotropica, the remarkable 6000m2 greenhouse. Nature lovers will enjoy meeting all the resident animals, which include sloths, meerkats, hornbills, armadillos and, wait for it, tarantulas! You can also take a scenic walk around the lake and surrounding parkland.

You’ll need a couple of hours here to fully enjoy the surroundings. biotropica.fr Once you’ve finished exploring the region, a drive to the Château-Gaillard in Les Andelys (30 minutes away) is highly recommended.

It is here that you can amble around the historic ruins of Richard the Lionheart’s castle, Château Gaillard. Over 800 years old, the castle looks over Les Andelys and one of the most beautiful meanders of the River Seine. Built to defend the Seine and Rouen against the ambitions of King Philip Augustus of France, the Château-Gaillard is regarded as a perfect example of the military architecture of the time. lesandelys-tourisme.fr

Sleep Situated in the old town of Bayeaux is the chic boutique Hôtel Reine Mathilde. Spend a night or two here to explore the local area.

The museums and cathedral are only a few minutes’ walk away, so simply park your car and sightsee on foot.

The food and service are impeccable and the best room is the studio annex, complete with exposed stone walls and kitchenettes, and situated on the lush Aure river. Room rates start from £90 per night. For more information, visit hotel-bayeux-reinemathilde.fr Les Moulin de Connelles is an extraordinary family-owned 19th century Anglo-Norman manor house, located less than an hour’s drive from Falaise. There are 12 stunning rooms and suites with panoramic views

(jacuzzi baths in six of the suites) and a stunning gourmet restaurant in an intimate setting. It’s perfect for families and couples, as there are plenty of outside spaces to explore (including a three-hectare park), two swimming pools, bicycles and two boats, which guests can use to sail around the Seine.

The house is directly on the Seine, which is perfect for water–edge relaxation, yet it’s still conveniently close to many of the regions fascinating towns. Room rates start from £150 per night. moulin-de-connelles.fr Drink & Dine The entire Normandy region is a feast of gourmet delights, so foodies will be spoilt on every corner. The notable places to eat in Bayeaux are the quaint, traditional spots such as La Rapière, serving Norman cuisine in a rustic setting, or Au Ptit Bistrot, a cosy spot

opposite the cathedral and serving great wines from across the region. If you fancy a sweet treat, grab a crêpe at Le Domesday, which is en route to the Hôtel Reine Mathilde.

Also, worth a mention is the gourmet restaurant at the hotel Les Moulin de Connelles, it’s a feast for the palate. If you choose not to stay here, the restaurant is worth a visit in its own right. The service is warm, inviting and faultless. Start with canapés and an aperitif by the fireplace before moving into the stunning dining room for either the chef ’s taster menu (featuring local and seasonal produce) or an à la carte menu, which includes vegetarian options. Each course is served with a recommended wine, and you can finish the affair with a glass of aged Calvados before retiring for the evening.

For more information on the region visit: The Normandy Tourist Board normandy-tourism.org / Twitter @NormandyPRUK Brittany Ferries brittany-ferries.co.uk

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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The darker side of eating out

Dawn Holding enjoys the North West’s growing trend in gourmet fine dining as much as any food fan, but life behind the scenes, in busy kitchens at the region’s Michelin-starred or high street restaurants, hotels, gastro pubs and catering businesses, is not always as glamorous as the celebrity chef-driven TV shows might suggest

T

he stress of the North West’s fastestgrowing leisure pursuit can take a heavy toll on chefs and their frontof-house colleagues in today’s high-pressure hospitality businesses, which is why Dawn has become increasingly involved in the industry’s benevolent charity Hospitality Action, for which she is now the regional fundraising coordinator.

Last year, the charity distributed nearly £750,000 in funding to more than 2,000 hospitality professionals, each needing grants to cope with a wide range of personal problems – from drug and alcohol addiction, life-changing illnesses and domestic violence through to the traumatic aftermath of bereavement and redundancy.

Sadly, this is the darker side of a world

many perceive as glittering and so desperately want to become a part of.

The financial support and counselling that this downside demands is what now drives Dawn’s career.

The south Manchester-born specialist in food and drink marketing has become a well-known figure on the city’s hospitality circuit. Her career in the industry began more than 30 years ago, when she was appointed sales and marketing manager in the North East and Midlands for the Virgin-owned group of four-star country house hotels.

Later, as a marketing consultant for restaurateurs like Paul Heathcote and Raymond Blanc, she built up a marketleading expertise in that sector.

Clients spanned public and private sectors; from independent stand-alone bars and restaurants to high-profile food and drink businesses. Dawn broadened a range of services to incorporate corporate branding, interior decorating and menu planning, not to mention public relations, social media, advertising, marketing, major launches, events and promotions.

She became the go-to person when it came to increasing footfall, improving performance and enhancing profitability.

Her love of fine food and equally fine wine is just as well known – which is why she took up running and joined Sale Harriers to keep trim and create some calorie space for the next plateful. She runs at least 20 miles a week, attends yoga and Metafit classes, and has completed four marathons, around 15 half-marathons and countless 10ks in the UK and abroad.

Dawn is often busy organising fundraising events in aid of Hospitality Action. Supported by some of the region’s leading chefs and backed by the likes of Aiden Byrne and Nigel Haworth, these prestigious affairs have now become legendary in the North West.

Her latest is the Northern Polo Day at Little Budworth on Sunday 24th June, where a drink and canapé reception on the lawns of the Cheshire Polo Club will whet appetites for a three-course lunch by awardwinning chefs Andrew Nutter (Nutters Restaurant), Simon Shaw (El Gato Negro – the only Manchester restaurant to receive a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand last year) and Sean Sutton (Head Chef at the Alderley Edge Hotel).

After a fast-paced polo match, the day will finish with a ‘to-die-for’ afternoon cream tea in the marquee.

But it won’t quite end there for Dawn Holding… she’ll be out again the following morning, pounding her running shoes to burn off all those calories.

For more information about the Northern Polo Day, for sponsorship or to buy tickets, contact dawn@dawnholding.co.uk or call her on 07766 753310

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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ménagerie

Restaurant & Bar

One New Bailey, Stanley Street, Manchester, M3 5JL

Instagram @menageriemcr

Across the bridge from Leftbank apartments łĆĢĢĆĢúƈäěàʼn reservations@menagerierestaurant.co.uk

Twitter @menageriemcr Facebook www.facebook.com/menagerierestaurant www.menagerierestaurant.co.uk

Tel: 0161 832 3818

The David J Band

Gusto Didsbury

Your new-look Didsbury has arrived...

Gusto Didsbury opened in the heart of the village in 2006 and has enjoyed enduring popularity within the wider community ever since.

This year, further investment has been made in the restaurant, which has enabled a complete refurbishment, and the venue hosted a huge relaunch celebration to kickstart the long Easter weekend in style.

Guests, including Noddy Holder, actor John Thomson, Jeremy Pritchard of the band Everything Everything and BBC Breakfast sports presenter Kat Downes, partied the night away and live music came courtesy of the David J band.

Sue Crimes, Managing Director of Gusto Restaurants Ltd, said: “The Gusto team in Didsbury has been incredibly lucky to enjoy consistent local patronage, and for this we’re hugely appreciative.

Many of our staff live locally, so community engagement and strong relationships with our regulars are very important to us. We hope Gusto will continue to be a focal point for fine food and friendly get-togethers, offering a warm welcome – whether it be for coffee, a bite to eat, a cocktail on the way home or a leisurely weekend brunch.” gustorestaurants.uk.com/restaurant/didsbury/

Joe Hull, Sue Crimes, Tony Griffin – directors of Gusto

Noddy Holder

Cold feet actor John Thomson and his daughters June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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

BANYAN BAR & KITCHEN

20 STORIES

PODIUM RESTAURANT

Manchester

Manchester

Manchester

Located inside The Corn Exchange in Manchester’s bustling Exchange Square, Banyan Bar & Kitchen is truly a treat for diners.

Without a doubt, 20 Stories gives visitors one of the best panoramic views of Manchester’s city skyline. On a clear and bright Thursday evening, we were seated at one of the tables looking out into the sky. Truly a treat for the eyes.

Situated in one of the world’s most prestigious and iconic hotel chains, Hilton Manchester Deansgate, the Podium Restaurant invited us to try their new à la carte menu, and it did not disappoint.

We started our Bank Holiday off in style, ordering two refreshing Apple and Melon Spritz cocktails, a delicious twist on the classic Aperol Spritz. We arrived around 5pm, just in time for the two for £10 cocktail offer – result!

If you’re a gin lover you’re in for a treat. Banyan is a gin lover’s paradise, believing the perfect gin is served long over ice, enhancing each gins particular aromas, and individual combination of herbs, spices and fruits.

Deep Fried Brie Wedges and Tempura King Prawns and Pak Choi were ordered for starters – crispy and gooey all at the same time. Then, from the grill, we followed with two medium Rib-eye Steaks with peppercorn sauce, served with onion rings and house fries – and, boy, were they cooked to absolute perfection. The side of seasonal greens we chose to accompany our mains were equally tasty. To finish, we chose Salted Caramel Chocolate Torte and Mixed Berry Cheesecake – yummy.

Friendly and experienced staff were on hand to offer a recommendation for every course, making the meal as easy as possible. We highly recommend you attend.

Banyan Bar & Kitchen Unit 4, The Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, Manchester M4 3TR

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The menu consists of a variation of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. Our waiter, Rafael, was knowledgeable and upon his recommendation, we ordered the Steak Tartare and smooth Chicken Liver Parfait to start, followed by a 16oz Chateaubriand (cooked medium rare – the only way of course) and buttery mash and spinach for sides. A gooey melt-in-the-middle Chocolate Fondant with rocky road ice-cream was to finish. Andrea, the informative sommelier, kept our glasses full with Ca' di Ponti Catarratto from Sicily.

After-dinner (or before, depending on how stressful your week has been) drinks can be enjoyed on the open-air terrace, which boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows, cosy blankets and warm heaters – a delightful way to deal with the Great British weather!

From the views and the cocktails to Aiden Byrne’s Michelin-star presence as Executive Chef, it’s safe to say 20 Stories has many alluring selling points to be enjoyed by all.

20 Stories Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester M3 3EB Tel: 0161 204 3333 20stories.co.uk

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

We started with an amazing plate of juicy Seared Scallops and a bowl of fresh Spring Pea Soup, complete with croutons and an edible flower – the perfect starter for vegetarians or diners saving themselves for their main course…

Talking of mains, after being told the menu was centred around fish, it was only right to choose the Chalk Stream Farm Trout – delicate, pink, light and served with lobster risotto and pea mousseline. The English Rib-eye Steak, cooked just how we asked for it (medium-rare) and served with peppercorn sauce, greenery and fries, was equally as tasty.

After a refreshing berry palette cleanser, we indulged in a rich Chocolate Torte and a sweet and soft Cinder Toffee Parfait.

The only thing that makes leaving this cosy restaurant bearable, is the fact that the Hilton’s Cloud 23 bar is just a ‘lift’ away for post-dinner drinks with a view.

Podium Restaurant 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ 0161 870 1600 hilton.co.uk/manchesterdeansgate

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

ASHA’S

RABBIT IN THE MOON

CAFÉ ROUGE

Manchester

Manchester

intu Trafford Centre

Having walked past Asha’s multiple times and having no idea it was there, we cannot believe we’ve been missing out on this gastronomical treat.

The brainchild of GG Hospitality and Creative Director Michael O’Hare, Rabbit In The Moon relaunched in March 2018 after creating a more exciting, bolder menu. We were lucky enough to attend the relaunch and we had high hopes for the Urbis-based restaurant.

As summer fast approaches, gone are the days of hearty stews and meaty mains; we look for something lighter, healthier, and Café Rouge’s Seasonal Summer Set Menu offers just that.

The mini menu still manages to include tasty vegetarian and vegan options, and can be made gluten-free upon request of the diner.

When we walked in, we were struck by how beautiful this restaurant is. Very luxurious, beautiful furnishings and ambient lighting.

Based on the look of the place, the food had a lot to do to live up to.

We weren’t disappointed. Our Lamb Chop starters, accompanied by crispy poppadums, were delicious. The condiments accompanying the poppadums were different to any we had tried before – think apple and blueberry, chilli pineapple, and mint and coriander – amazing!

For our main courses, we selected a Lamb Rogan Josh and a Chicken Codi Curry. Both were incredible – light and refreshing, not what you expect a curry to be. We paired our food with an awesome Sauvignon Blanc.

Asha’s is a hidden gem, it has private dining, a cocktail list to die for, and food that will leave you wanting more.

If you want drama, theatre and a menu to impress even the most critical of food writers, then this is the place to go. Chef has created an eclectic seven-course tasting menu to excite and engage a new audience of food lovers.

This exclusive menu is every foodie’s dream.

It is imaginative, full of quirky flavours and aesthetically exciting. There are so many of the dishes to shout about, but the star of the show for us was Fillet of Beef with black bean sauce, fried rice and salt and pepper prawn. The plate itself looked INCREDIBLE! The beef was cooked pink and sealed with a soy sauce glaze.

It was so tender, it melted in your mouth.

Michael O'Hare is an actual genius.

If you can get a table then, please, go now.

You won’t regret it, we promise.

A must-visit for all curry lovers!

Asha’s 47 Peter Street, Manchester M2 3NG

Rabbit In The Moon Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, City Centre, Manchester M4 3BG

0161 832 5309 mcr.reservations@ashasrestaurant.co.uk

info@therabbitinthemoon.com

We started with two servings of Chicken and Apricot Terrine, served with piccalilli and chargrilled sourdough – made extra flavoursome with hints of tarragon, pancetta and capers. Fish and seafood mains were to follow. We devoured Fishcakes, made up of cod, smoked haddock, shallots and Dijon mustard, and served with tartare sauce, frites and a HUGE pot of fresh Shetland Moules Marinière (again with frites). Provençale – a tomato and basil-based sauce – is also on the menu as an alternative to the creamy Marinière accompaniment. Café Rouge have been recognised by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for their ocean-friendly seafood – all their mussels, hake and cod are fully traceable back to sustainable, MSC-certified fisheries.

A surprisingly delicate French Chocolate Torte and a spongey Summer Fruit Pudding, both served with vanilla crème fraîche, fuelled us perfectly for the evening of shopping ahead.

The menu is available every day from 12noon until closing and is £11.95 for two courses.

Desserts can be added for an extra £3.50.

Café Rouge intu Trafford Centre, The Orient, 137 Trafford Blvd, Stretford, Manchester M17 8EQ June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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F

Head Chef Ben Mounsey takes Grafene to another level

While Manchester's latest foodie fanfare was being played loudly for the opening of 20 Stories restaurant, with Aiden Byrne at the helm high above Spinningfields, Paul and Kathryn Roden, owners of Grafene, were pulling off an almighty culinary coup

or the restaurant and bar tucked away down the side of the former banking HQ at 55 King Street – in the space once occupied by Raymond Blanc's Le Petit Blanc – has signed up one of the best young chefs in the region in Ben Mounsey. I may be sticking my neck out here, but Grafene, which styles itself as ‘a celebration of the future in a unique restaurant and bar’, may well be garnering many coveted accolades in the none too distant future.

Grafene – its name inspired by the wonder material graphene produced at the University of Manchester – strikes a vaguely industrial pose, especially in the bar area with its tiles, functional furnishing and exposed pipework and ducting overhead.

The dining areas are only slightly softer in tone – the back of our black leather upholstered booth looked like a galvanised steel bucket – but the polished granite tables and the pendant lighting reflect a businesslike mood, and boy did Mounsey do the business.

I must confess that, until now, I'd (wrongly) regarded Grafene as a cocktail bar first, restaurant second, and since having a slice of red grapefruit in my gin and tonic is just about as adventurous as my taste for cocktails gets, the venue was somewhat off my radar.

Remarkable value

Best in the region

By Ray King

I repeat, until now. Mounsey may be only 28 but his CV includes two restaurants in the Wirral that are very much on my radar: The Lawns at Thornton Hough and what I've long regarded as the best in the region, Marc Wilkinson's Michelin-starred Fraiche in the chichi Birkenhead suburb of Oxton, where (if you're lucky) you may only have to wait six months or so to get a table. The last time I reviewed the place – in 2014 – the wait was four months and only through a cancellation.

And when my wife and I went to dinner at Grafene within weeks of Mounsey's arrival, it was the influence of Fraiche and our memories of the experience that dominated a superbly devised and executed menu.

Given the quality of the ingredients and the talent on display, the menu offer of three courses with bread ‘and surprises’ for £45 per head represents remarkable value. Bread gets a mention because Grafene bread and butter comprises two just-baked mini loaves: one rye bread flavoured with treacle and paired with corn butter, the other flavoured with Henderson's Relish and served with butter and tomato salt.

Then came the first surprise (Fraiche added unbilled courses too): a cube of hot Smoked Salmon – complete with crisped skin – on a squid ink bagel with scrambled egg foam.

Exquisite.

My starter proper brought a succulent nugget of Pork Cheek with carrot veloute, curry, golden raisins fermented in grape juice, and a ‘graphene’ charcoal cracker.

Mrs K had Fresh Crab served with its brown meat devilled in an intense bisque with barley, slivers of piquant radish and nasturtium petals. Both were bursting with daring but symphonic flavour sensations.

Playful on the palate We both chose fish dishes as main courses.

I selected the Stone Bass and Smoked Eel, which was sweet and moist under its crisped skin and partnered with the sweetest onions, pearls of apple, creamy mashed potato and a curl of salsify. My wife opted for the Monkfish, which was torched (inducing a lovely smoky nuance) and served with a stunning ensemble of kale, baby turnip, linseed and urchin butter. Epic dishes that were at once challenging and playful on the palate.

Desserts were no less sensational. Following another ‘surprise’ – smoked Fresh Coconut with coconut sorbet and fruit punch – I chose Eccles Cake (or rather a tantalising deconstruction of the said prosaic local pastry), made poetic with fat currants in yoghurt, butter and tea syrup and partnered with savoury Lancashire Bomb ice cream.

Mrs K had ‘Sally Cinnamon’ – named after the Stone Roses' song – in a bid to learn how you ‘nimixtilise’ a melon. We were none the wiser after she'd finished the masterful confection of popcorn, melon and granola, but she'd thoroughly enjoyed a rare treat regardless.

The outstanding cooking is also manifest in Mounsey's unique British tapas menu, available all week at lunchtime and between 5pm-6.30pm, and featuring a dozen or so small plates, including the likes of Salt Cod with saffron and leeks, Curried Mussels, Manchester Rarebit and a small version of that superb crab starter.

All this alongside a raft of inventive additions to the well-established cocktail list puts Grafene amongst the finest that the city has to offer.

Grafene : 55 King Street : Manchester city centre : M2 4LQ Tel. 0161 696 9700 : info@grafene.co.uk June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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It’s All About The Eclectic Way…..

King Street Townhouse South Terrace

By Emily Fitzgibbons

Gill Maitland has been Group Sales Manager for The Eclectic Hotel Collection for three and a half years. Whilst having involvement with all four venues (King Street Townhouse, Great John Street Hotel, Eleven Didsbury Park and Didsbury House), King Street Townhouse is where most of her focus lies.

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The Cellars at King Street Townhouse were completed in August 2017 and the private dining space boasts a five-course tasting menu, paired with wines from The Cellars, plus champagne on arrival. Up to 14 guests can be seated along a large oak table, surrounded by wine selected by their in-house sommelier. The cost is £100 per head, based on a minimum of 10 people.

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

“We wanted to create something special and unique,” says Gill. “It really is a gorgeous space.”

If you’re looking to get hitched, they have that covered too – all their function rooms have a wedding license.

King Street Townhouse is also home to its very own 20-seater private Screening Room, complete with latest technology and projectors and velvet furnishings.

The room can be hired from £350 (+VAT) and, for the ultimate cinematic experience, there’s a range of packages available featuring details such as champagne, chocolate and popcorn.

“The South Terrace is our most popular wedding space,” says Gill. “As the name suggests, it’s south-facing, which is amazing particularly in the summer but it is weatherproof so popular all year round.

It’s large, seating up to 100 guests, plus it has stunning views across the rooftops of Manchester. More and more people are wanting informal receptions, such as barbeques, and this is the ideal space for that.”

“People use the room for so many diverse things, from VIP date nights to birthday parties,” explains Gill. “People even come in to watch their wedding videos. I don’t believe, to the best of my knowledge, that there’s anywhere else in Manchester like it – exciting!”

For guests staying overnight, there are 40 bedrooms to choose from; ranging from suites to ‘small but perfectly formed’ snug rooms. Use of the 7th floor Relaxation Room is also on offer to anyone with an overnight booking.

If you live locally, or just happen to be passing by, the King Street Townhouse also encourages people to pop in to enjoy their afternoon tea selection, Tavern menu or cocktail menu along with many more options.

The smaller locations, and the Collection’s first venues, Didsbury House and Eleven Didsbury Park, are located just outside of Manchester in Didsbury. They are the perfect locations for couples who want their wedding to have more of a rural feel. Eleven Didsbury Park’s walled garden is a picture-perfect spot and the 20 bedrooms can be exclusively hired for guests. Didsbury House is slightly larger with 27 rooms.

Gill concludes: “All our venues give a home away from home feel and they’re very personal; from the interior design to the menu selections. I think that’s why they’re so popular.”

Great John Street Hotel Rooftop By Day

at King Street Townhouse. Ruth says: “We’re really revamping and upping our game.”

There will also be extra seating to accommodate more guests for bigger, better events and parties.

The Terrace is sure to see events, corporate and leisure alike become even bigger business for The Eclectic Hotel Collection.

Two other notable successes at the hotel are afternoon tea and weddings.

Ruth Pollitt holds the position of Business Development Manager for The Eclectic Hotel Collection. She was offered the position in May 2017, but has been with the company for nine loyal years.

Much like Gill, Ruth looks after all Eclectic’s locations, but she says that the Great John Street Hotel holds a special place in her heart…

“We’ve been working on refurbishing the Terrace at the Great John Street Hotel and I have got to say, it looks fabulous,” Ruth smiles. “Phase one is complete and we’re working on having phase two complete by the end of May.” Phase one, as it turns out, is the interior, which has been renovated with ‘chic and stylish’ decor in the main area and in the meeting rooms, complete with matching new flooring and furnishings.

Phase two is the exterior terrace, which is due to gain an outdoor, inbuilt barbeque and bar, much similar to the ones featured

“A few years ago, we used to have one, maybe two, afternoon tea bookings a week,” reveals Ruth. “Now, we’re fully booked most weekends. It’s crazy. We usually serve afternoon tea in our Oyster Bar, we usually serve afternoon tea in our Oyster Bar but occasionally we can serve it up on the Rooftop Terrace if not privately booked.”

The Oyster Bar is another of the main event spaces, accommodating up to 140 people. There’s also the Headmaster’s Office, Library Lounge and Boys & Girls Classrooms available as alternative, smaller venue options.

The Great John Street Hotel is the perfect space, arguably the most popular of the four venues, with its romantic vibe and luxury suites, which are home to Italian style hand carved beds and a double bath feature – a real selling point – a real selling point, Ruth tells us, and we’re not surprised.

Ruth says: “We’re busy with weddings all year round. People think there’s a lull in weddings after the summer but not for us.

Our wedding team even have a special winter wedding package that’s very popular.”

Great John Street Hotel, along with The Eclectic Hotel Collection’s other venues, offer a wide range of corporate and leisure packages. The Eclectic Day Delegate package is hugely popular for meetings and includes both healthy and indulgent morning and afternoon snacks along with lunch menu options, which are consistent across all of the venues.

Great John Street Hotel Great John St, Manchester M3 4FD 0161 831 3211

King Street Townhouse 10 Booth St, Manchester M2 4AW 0161 667 0707

“The Oyster Bar hosts our shared Christmas parties, which are extremely popular, with our package offering an arrival drink, a fabulous Festive menu and jazz and DJ entertainment until late.

People will need to think about reserving the space now if they’re interested – we get fully booked!”

Eleven Didsbury Park 11 Didsbury Park, Manchester M20 5LH 0161 448 7711

Now let’s talk about weddings…

www.eclectichotels.com

Didsbury House Didsbury Park, Didsbury Village, Manchester M20 5LJ 0161 448 2200

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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THE LUST LIST…

Jo Malone Bridal Lace Bottle Collection Peony & Blush Suede Daisy Leaf Lace Bottle £96 jomalone.co.uk 54

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

With summer fast approaching, we’ve found the perfect products to help you achieve a beautiful healthy glow!

Sisley Suncare Super Soin Solaire Facial Sun Care SPF 50+ Cream - very high protection £121 Super Soin Solaire Silky Body Oil Sun Care Spf 15 Medium protection £91.50 Available from Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser and John Lewis Trafford

NEW Hempz Yuzu & Starfruit Sunless Colour Range Touch of Summer Daily Moisturising Gradual Self-Tanning Crème Fair or Medium £24.99 Instant Sunless Bronzing Mousse Light Bronze or Medium Bronze £26.99 hempzbeauty.com

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Contour Velvet Blusher £22 from www.joancollinsbeauty.com M&S and Urban Retreat

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty I Am Woman EDP 50ml £50.00 /12ml £15 Available at M&S and www.joancollinsbeauty.com

Time Bomb Mass Appeal Thickening Supplement £18.50 timebombco.com

Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Balm 75 ml £18 Available from percyandreed.com, M&S and John Lewis

Sisley Hydra Global Serum £179 Available from Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser and John Lewis Trafford

Neom Organics Real Luxury Body Oil | Daily Superskin Body Oil Energy Burst Body Oil | Perfect Nights Sleep Body Oil 100ml £35 each neomorganics.com Leighton Denny Expert Nails Well Heeled Foot Masque with Pedicure Socks £15.00 www.leightondennyexpertnails.com and John Lewis

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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Private GP Service

Rapid access to an expert opinion at a time convenient to you.

There are a range of appointments available for both adults and children at Spire Manchester Hospital, Didsbury and at their clinic in Hale.

Book an appointment by calling 0161 447 6700 or go online at spiregp.spirehealthcare.com

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

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

It’s hard to imagine a more impressive and peaceful retreat. Located on its own private beach, The Warren is a resort where you can enjoy endless holidays, endless luxury and endless fun in the comfort of your own home-from-home.

The Warren’s magnificent proximity to some of the UK’s most impressive mountains (the views of Snowdonia are captivating) provides the perfect escape. Nearby Abersoch, a beautiful seaside village, is the perfect destination for tasty local cuisine and a bit of retail therapy. The resort’s first-class facilities – including the relaxed Beach Café and exclusive owners’ bar and restaurant, three heated swimming pools, fully-equipped gym, brand-new climbing wall, junior gym and skate park, and The Hub hangout for teenagers – mean that both you and your family can indulge in memorable quality time. There’s something for every generation at The Warren, so you can be confident that everyone will be happy, occupied, relaxed and entertained at all times.

A stunning new addition to the superb facilities on offer is the Warren Spa, which offers the ultimate in relaxation and pampering in a brand-new purpose-built centre. Experience an abundance of exquisite, immersive treatments, including massages, facials, manicures and bespoke packages to suit all your needs – all delivered with the assistance of internationally renowned beauty brand Elemis.

Exclusive to the Warren Spa is the thermal spa experience, which will take you on an exhilarating journey that stimulates circulation, exfoliates the skin and eliminates toxins from your body. Begin in the hydrotherapy pool, which uses heat to relieve tired muscles, and move onto the Caribbean storm shower, salt steam room with salt crystal, Thelasso steam room, red-hot lava sauna, ice feature room, herbal samarium and Himalayan salt sauna – all providing unique sensations and guaranteed to completely transport your mind to a place far, far away.

The Warren Spa is not exclusive to those who own a Warren holiday home – anyone can book and make the most of the pampering and rejuvenating treatments available. For more information or to book a treatment, please visit thewarrenspa.co.uk or call the team on 01758 714170.

The Warren Beach Resort & Spa, Abersoch, LL53 7AA thewarrenspa@haulfryn.co.uk 01758 714170 Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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IF YOU DON’T LOOK GOOD | WE DON’T LOOK GOOD SASSOON-SALON.COM

The Midland, one year on…

Last year, we were invited to The Spa at The Midland to try out their signature Serene Sleep offering, which certainly put the treat in treatment. This year though, they upped the ante We were asked to return to try the Revive and Refocus treatment, along with use of the facilities, plus both lunch and dinner in Mr Cooper’s restaurant.

We arrived at 1pm outside the sophisticated hotel and found our way to the restaurant, located on the ground floor, for lunch.

By Emily Fitzgibbons

The drinks menu was handed to us and we chose some gin from an extensive list (it was Friday after all) and were able to pick an accompanying tonic and garnish.

We shared some Sourdough Bread with whipped butter and the Pulled Pork and Apple Croquettes for starters, followed by a fresh and tasty Fillet of Seabream with new potato, and a Stuffed Chicken Leg for mains.

We held off on the desserts until dinner, not wanting to look bloated in our swimsuits!

Taking the elevator down a floor, we found ourselves a world away from the hustle and bustle of the hotel and into the spa, with its comfy seating, mood lighting and tinkling tunes. We enjoyed the warm pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna before our treatment in rooms filled with the aroma of essential oils.

During our consultation, we were given a sensory test to select which ESPA oils would be most beneficial, and then we began. The relaxing Revive and Refocus treatment consists of a back cleanse, exfoliation and deep massage, followed by a purifying back mask. There’s also a tension relieving massage to the legs and feet to help revitalise, which left us feeling totally rejuvenated.

We were then led to the relaxation room, where we read magazines in the infamous hanging ‘pods’ and took much-needed naps on the spongey single beds. Encouraged to stay hydrated, we made our way over to the drinks table. This year, on top of the cucumber and pineapple water from last time, there were several new additions – lemon and lime-infused water and, my personal favourite, watermelon and blueberry.

There were also more blends of herbal teas to try, with either relaxing, detoxing or beautifying benefits.

At 7pm, after a drink in the bar, we found ourselves back in Mr Cooper’s for dinner.

I don’t think we had truly appreciated the decadent dining room earlier in the day.

Now we found it lit by candlelight and gold chandeliers, which illuminated the leafy green statement tree above the tables.

We started with another gin (which led to two or three more) and were told by the friendly staff, who seemed to be experts on food and drink pairings, to try Hendrick’s Orbium, as they are the only place in Manchester to serve it, with a Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic. It came beautifully served over ice, cucumber and strawberries.

Cauliflower and Cumin Fritters with lime yogurt and Spiced Calamari with squid ink mayonnaise were selected for starters.

Followed by a duo of meaty mains: 28-dayaged Sirloin Steak with peppercorn sauce, buttered mash (potentially the smoothest we’ve had) and creamy kale with roasted chestnuts, plus a plate of Pink Lamb Rump with jus and minted courgettes.

We completed the meal with a delicious Dark Chocolate Délice with amaretti, and Mr Cooper’s Caramel Tart – the only thing that’s never been taken off the menu.

Found in the magnificent Midland hotel, these are two hidden gems we will return to.

The Spa at The Midland, The Midland Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester M60 2DS Phone: 0161 932 4086 | Appointments: qhotels.co.uk June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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JANE CATON

Jane is Cardiac Lead Nurse at Spire Manchester Hospital, which offers a rapid access comprehensive cardiology service.

DR STUART WILKINSON

Dr Stuart Wilkinson is a Respiratory Paediatric Consultant at Spire Manchester Hospital, which provides a full range of paediatric services – from initial consultation and diagnosis through to treatment and surgery.

MR HASSAN DASHTI

Mr Hassan Dashti is a Consultant Spinal Surgeon at Spire Manchester Hospital.

ASK THE EXPERTS What is angina?

Each year in the UK, 20,000 new cases of angina are diagnosed. It is more common in people over the age of 50 and more prevalent in men. It is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, resulting in chest discomfort, pressure or tightness, and occurs on exertion or in response to emotional anxiety or stress.

Angina symptoms are usually a sign that a patient may have a build-up of fatty deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries, this is called atheroma.

Does my child have asthma?

If your child has asthma, their airways are inflamed and more sensitive than usual. When the airways are irritated, the body reacts in three ways: the muscles around the airways tighten, making them narrower; the lining of the airways become inflamed and swollen, again making them narrower; and the airways may start to produce more mucus than normal. This will cause your child to wheeze (a whistling sound when breathing), become breathless, experience tightening of the chest (which may feel like a band is pulled around it) and coughing. An asthma attack is when the symptoms get temporarily worse.

Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease, but in some cases, it can be a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack. Symptoms are usually relieved by rest and relaxation. The discomfort can also spread down the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. Sufferers can also experience angina when walking on a very cold day or after a heavy meal.

Triggers Common asthma triggers can include allergies (e.g. to house dust mites, animal fur or pollen), smoke, pollution, cold air, exercise and infections like colds or flu.

How is angina diagnosed and treated?

Usually a patient will be referred by their GP to a specialist cardiac service for either a stress ECG (walking on a treadmill) or a stress echocardiogram (special scan of the heart). In some cases a consultant will ask for a CT coronary angiogram to be given, which looks for the presence of coronary artery disease. Further treatment may be required such as angioplasty (stents) to 'unblock' the artery.

Diagnosis and treatment There isn’t a single test to see if your child has asthma and the causes vary from child to child. If you do suspect that your child has the condition, you should speak to your GP, who can refer you to a specialist respiratory paediatric consultant if required. Currently there is no cure, but there are simple treatments, such as inhalers, that can help to keep the symptoms under control so that it doesn't have a big impact on your child's life.

Compressed nerves and sciatica Nerves extend from your brain and spinal cord, sending messages throughout your body. If you have a compressed nerve, your body may send you warning signals like pain – it's important not to ignore this and visit your GP. Sciatica is the lay term used to describe the pain caused by compression of the nerves, which can impact the lower back, buttocks, legs and feet. It can also cause pins and needles, muscle weakness and/or wasting and loss of sensation.

Causes of compressed nerves Nerve compression often occurs when the nerve is pressed between tissues, such as ligament, disc and bone. The compression in the spine can be temporary, as is the case in slipped disc, or more long term, from conditions that cause narrowing of the spine.

Treatment The symptoms associated with nerve compression can sometimes be managed with non-surgical treatments, which include stretching of muscles and ligaments, better posture, and hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms. If these methods fail to improve your symptoms, you should visit your GP. A referral can then be made, if necessary, to a consultant spinal surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

The advice given by our experts is in no way intended to replace professional advice and is only a guideline in response to individual reader comments. Unfortunately, due to a high volume of queries, our experts are unable to engage in any direct correspondence.

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Andrew Eadsforth Spire Manchester’s new Hospital Director is looking to create a healthy future Aged only 29, Andrew Eadsforth became Spire Healthcare’s youngest ever Hospital Director. It’s an incredible achievement and one most people would never tire of bragging about. But not this friendly, self-effacing Geordie, who currently leads at Spire Manchester Hospital. Instead, he talks of the colleagues who mentored and took a chance on him, and how proud he is of his hospital…

North East beginnings Andrew was born in Hartlepool and raised in a mining village in County Durham.

He began his healthcare career in 2000, taking on a customer service role at BUPA insurance. Eight years later, he went on secondment as an Operations Manager at Spire Cheshire. It was this experience which, when BUPA was sold and became Spire, led to the new CEO offering Andrew directorship: “He obviously saw something in me and took a chance on me,” smiles Andrew, “although I thought it was a few years too soon! I went on to fulfil the same role at several hospitals across the country before coming to Spire Manchester Hospital last December.”

Award-winning hospital Spire Manchester is a £70m private hospital built on compassion and led by expert specialists. It offers next-generation diagnostic imaging and treatments and, following on from its award-winning start, is continuing to go from strength to strength.

“My role is ensuring that the hospital is run safely,” explains Andrew, “that we deliver effective healthcare and that our patients have a great experience. I also make sure there’s a decent financial return made for our investors. How do I achieve this? Lots of energy, experience, and by growing strong teams who make good decisions for themselves… I can’t imagine what else I’d rather do.”

Career inspiration His outstanding healthcare achievements aside (he previously led the first ever hospital in Yorkshire to receive an outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission), it was an inspirational project he managed in his early 20s – which helped give disadvantaged young people the chance to go to a top-class university – that he cites as a huge career highlight.

When asked about who inspired his career, Andrew smiles and recalls a BUPA colleague who managed to make tough decisions but still be liked and hugely respected: “He also once snatched a Tweety Pie tie pin off me and chucked it in the bin,” laughs Andrew, “and told me not to come into his office unless I took myself seriously. I never wore cartoon cufflinks again!”

Racing into the future Away from the office, Andrew enjoys relaxing at home in front of a good box-set with his partner. He’s also signed up for the Salford Triathlon, which he’ll complete alongside the hospital’s nursing team.

And where did he see himself in 10 years’ time?

“I rarely plan anything to do with my life,” he replies. “I hope I’m healthy and reflecting on a successful few years at Spire Manchester Hospital."

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Where can I talk about the menopause?

Esteem – No Pause, the Stockport-based business that produces innovative and effective clothing as a solution to night sweats, is once again breaking the taboo surrounding the menopause, this time through launching an awareness raising campaign called #DontPauseTheTalk.

The campaign is all about encouraging individuals to talk about how the menopause has and is affecting their lives.

This can be from the perspective of a menopausal woman, their partner, family, friends or employer.

#DontPauseTheTalk There are currently 34 recognised symptoms of the menopause and no two women will have exactly the same experience, other than the fact that they will each have to live through it. So, whether you are suffering from brain fog, chronic fatigue, night sweats, hair loss or any other of the often stressful symptoms, the #DontPauseTheTalk campaign wants to create a society where these issues are understood, talked about and considered by women (menopausal or not), partners, family, friends and employers – making women feel confident and secure about sharing their personal menopause experience.

The menopause is going to happen, we just need to be prepared for it.

To join in the #DontPauseTheTalk campaign and watch a series of videos, where a panel of real women share their experiences of how the menopause has impacted their lives, visit esteemmanchester.com/dontpausethetalk The Esteem – No Pause Facebook page facebook.com/EsteemNoPause is the place for all things menopause.

For further information on the clothing range, email hello@esteemmanchester.com or visit esteemmanchester.com For your 15% discount, use code: Talk15 at the checkout

For beautiful legs this summer

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MVC Patient Event *If you are not able to attend the next patient event, please do give us a call and we will reserve your place at our autumn event.

For further information about the clinic and treatments available, visit www.manchesterveinclinic.com, call 0161 929 5679 or email info@manchesterveinclinic.com The Manchester Vein Clinic, Mansion House, 3 Bridgewater Embankment (Manchester Road), Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4RW.

June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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Keep safe in the sun – all you need to know about sunburn

With summer just around the corner, many of us will be preparing to jet off to sunnier climes. Even if you’re planning a staycation, it's vital that you don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun, since sunburn isn't just a nuisance, it's a health hazard and its effects can stay with you long after your holiday ends.

Children and teenagers are also more likely to burn, as younger skin is more easily damaged than older skin.

Taking medicines can also increase your risk of sunburn; these include anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and antibiotics.

Prevention Protection from the sun should start at birth and continue throughout your life.

It is estimated that 60 to 80% of total lifetime sun exposure occurs in the first 18 years of life.

Dr Anya Leaver, GP

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged by too much UV radiation. Getting sunburn, just once every two years, can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer. Skin cancer is currently the fifth most common cancer in Britain and the second most common cancer in young adults aged between 15 and 34.

Who is most at risk?

If you’ve got fair skin and light-coloured hair, your skin contains less melanin and you’re at a higher risk of sunburn.

You should use suncare products each and every time you go outside. For optimal sun safety, you should wear a hat and protective clothing, in addition to using sunscreen throughout the entire sun exposure period, try to stay in the shade when the sun is at its strongest (between 12 noon and 3pm).

Sunscreen guidelines: • Use sunscreen with SPF 30+ • Use cream that protects against both UVA and UVB light • Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before exposure

•

Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after sweating or swimming

First aid for sunburn If you suffer any of the following symptoms with sunburn, you should seek medical assistance immediately: extreme pain, blistering, headache, confusion, nausea or vomiting, fainting or dizziness.

Here are steps to take if you do get a sunburn: • Take a cool bath or use cool compresses on the sunburnt area • Take a painkiller for discomfort, but make sure you follow the directions on the packet • Apply a topical moisturiser, aloe gel, hydrocortisone cream or a topical pain reliever to sunburnt skin. Avoid commercial products that contain benadryl or benzocaine, because of the possibility of skin irritation or allergy • If blisters are present, do not break them open, as infection can occur • Keep out of the sun until the burn is healed.

Dr Anya Leaver is a Private GP at Spire Manchester Hospital. A range of appointments are available at the main hospital in Didsbury and at their clinic in Hale.

For more information about the service or to book an appointment, please call 0161 447 6700 or visit spiremanchester.com.

Testimonial “I had the pleasure of an appointment with Dr Anya Leaver recently and she was probably the most thorough, reassuring, detailed and confident doctor I have ever come across. Dr Leaver took the time to get to know me, my medical history, and family history before making sound suggestions and a plan of care going forward. I will be highly recommending my friends and family to visit Dr Leaver, should they need a medical appointment in the future, and recommending Spire Manchester Hospital.” Mark Wilson

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BRENDAN WIGNALL

Headmaster of Ellesmere College for 22 years and nominated for Headmaster of the Year 2017 by Tatler, Brendan is passionate about innovation within education to create future leaders and global citizens.

MR GURDEEP JANDU

Dr Jandu is a Clinical Vascular Scientist with experience in vascular ultrasound. He has worked in several NHS and private hospitals around the North West and is the manager of The Manchester Vein Clinic.

NICOLA WILBURN-SHAW

Nicola Wilburn-Shaw is Associate Partner at Laytons LLP and specialises in family law.

ASK THE EXPERTS What makes a successful school?

I believe the point of education at Ellesmere is achieving the very best possible individual results – and we do not particularly care what those are. Let me add context here – you can care about statistics or pupils, but you cannot care about both. At Ellesmere, we nurture the individual to do the very best they can and by taking the focus off the results, by default, that individual becomes the best they can be.

Why are extracurricular activities so important?

We prefer the term co-curricular, as we believe that they are not ‘extra’ but an integral part of the growth of the individual – a holistic view of education. Be it our world-class provision for sports, arts, music or academic endeavours – all combine to create confident, successful young adults of the future.

Why should parents take league tables with a ‘pinch of salt’?

At Ellesmere, we are definitely not a one-size-fits-all school and are resolute in our approach to being non-academically selective. We believe that developing the whole pupil is much more than just passing examinations; a philosophy which is paramount to the continued success and nurturing of our students at all ages and capabilities.

My varicose veins are becoming more noticeable, but I don’t have the time for treatment or recovery.

Is there a quick way to be treated?

Yes! There’s a new procedure called ClariVein®, which is simpler than other minimally-invasive peripheral vascular treatments. Because of the way it works, there are none of the several needle-stick injections of pain-numbing anaesthesia medication administered around the treated area. This shortens the time the procedure takes, reduces discomfort and also eliminates bruising.

If it’s quicker because there’s no anaesthesia, does it hurt more?

Actually, many vein treatments produce little more than discomfort anyway, and studies have shown even less pain (up to 74%) with ClariVein®.

It sounds great – how does it work?

There is a thin tube that the doctor inserts into the vein through a pin-sized entrance point. ClariVein® is several times smaller than other devices, allowing the entrance point to be smaller. This is why there is even less pain and a faster return to work and normal activities.

My ex is disposing of money and property overseas, we are in divorce proceedings. What can I do?

Consider applying to the court for a freezing order.

These can be applied to bank accounts and chattels, both here and overseas. You must be able to demonstrate there is a real risk any judgment made in your favour will go unrealised if the freezing order is not made.

I am in proceedings relating to my children with my ex.

I have secret recordings that prove he is lying. Can I rely on this?

Be careful. In a recent case, the court decided that the act of covert recording said more about the person making it than the ‘evidence’ it established, despite it proving that a mother had been entirely dishonest throughout. Stick to establishing the facts properly and correctly.

I’ve split from my partner. We never married and have two children. He says we have to leave, as the house is in his sole name. What should I do?

The fact that you have two children puts you in potentially good stead to remain. You may well be entitled to do so until the youngest reaches age of majority (and/or ceases education). If you can establish you have contributed towards the mortgage and/or improvements, you may also hold a beneficial interest.

The advice given by our experts is in no way intended to replace professional advice and is only a guideline in response to individual reader comments. Unfortunately, due to a high volume of queries, our experts are unable to engage in any direct correspondence.

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EDUCATION NEWS CHS makes pledge for change with interactive Holocaust memorial

1,000 paper cranes and 1,000 paper butterflies created a unique art installation at Cheadle Hulme School (CHS) as part of a moving tribute to those who lost their lives during the Holocaust.

The interactive installation, entitled ‘Metamorphosis’, attracted nearly 100 visitors and formed part of a wider tribute, which included an uplifting performance by The Menorah Synagogue Choir, insightful presentations by CHS’s Sixth Form history and politics students, an Anne Frank exhibition, atmospheric sound installations and testimonials from Holocaust survivors Ruth and Werner Lachs. Commemorating the Holocaust and remembering child victims who lost their lives, Metamorphosis’s hanging origami cranes and butterflies had been individually folded by staff and students.

In many cultures, cranes represent our soul and resurrection, whilst butterflies signify hope, change, endurance and life. Written inside each was a student’s pledge for change, and messages of

remembrance were penned on the attached luggage tags.

Mirroring the Sadako Sasaki Japanese legend, which promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by the gods, the aim of the exhibition was to fold enough for a singular communal school wish – that no such atrocity will ever happen again and mankind will learn to tolerate and celebrate the diversity of the human race.

Visitors were invited to fold and add their own pledges for change to the installation and were able to hear students who visited Auschwitz as part of The Holocaust Educational Trust programme speak of their experience.

Taking visitors on a journey back in time, the school’s corridors were plunged into darkness and the sounds that might have been heard on the way to a concentration camp (dogs barking, trains, the voices of prisoners and prison guards) were played.

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STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL An independent school for girls and boys from 3-18 years Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested) FOUNDED IN 1487

Senior School, Junior School and Pre-Reception Open Morning Saturday 22nd September 2018, 10am - 12pm Sixth Form Open Evening Tuesday 16th October 2018, 7pm Senior School Open Morning Saturday 17th November 2018, 10am - 12pm Entrance Exam Wednesday 9th January 2019 Senior and Junior School day tours available Extensive school bus routes including Sale & Hale

Inspiring your child Tel: 0161 456 9000

www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

Royal seal of approval for Stockport Grammar School’s real tennis stars A quintet of pupils relished the opportunity to learn a new skill and showcase their talents in front of a member of the Royal Family, HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex. Beatrice Moore, Merryn Summersgill, Tristan Liddle, Alex Pollard and Yusra Nawaz attended coaching sessions at the Manchester Tennis and Racquet Club in Salford.

The sessions were organised by Old Stopfordian (former pupil) Tom Hegarty, a member of the club and father of a current pupil. The group were invited to compete in a mini tournament against teams from Manchester Grammar School, Manchester High School for Girls, Bolton School and Haslingden High School.

Amongst the spectators on the day was keen real tennis player Prince Edward, who is attempting to visit every real tennis club in the country during 2018.

He watched part of the tournament before enjoying tea and cake with the pupils and their parents. It was a fantastic experience for the pupils and demonstrates the strong link between Stockport Grammar and its alumni.

Several of the pupils continue to visit the club and play real tennis following on from their taster sessions.

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Year 5 Taster Day Monday 25 June for entry into Year 7, September 2019 Experience a day as a Senior School pupil!

Girls will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of lessons and activities to give them a flavour of life at Alderley Edge School for Girls.

For further information please contact us: admissions@aesg.co.uk Tel: 01625 583028 www.aesg.co.uk

AESG’s Young Enterprise success

Five Lower Sixth students at Alderley Edge School for Girls (AESG) attended the University of Chester for the Young Enterprise Dragons’ Den event. They presented to a variety of individuals associated with Young Enterprise in advance of the county showcase in April. As part of the experience, the team (consisting

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of Mia Bains, Taylor O'Neill, Tierney Gilson, Anna Smith and Isabella Vickers) conceived their very own brand ‘Cooking with Culture’ and designed and created a cookery book for children, which takes the reader on a journey around the world.

The judges were more than impressed, pronouncing AESG the winning team!

The feedback received was glowing – the students had a great product, their presentation was polished, and all members of the team got involved in answering the questions put to them by the ‘dragons’. The judges also commented on Cooking with Culture’s creative and positive marketing strategy using social media.

Commonwealth Games success focuses sights on the Olympics for Ellesmere College students There’s a well-known saying, “you can’t have your cake and eat it” and in most educational establishments, when it comes to academic versus sporting success, it is, unfortunately, true.

Ellesmere College Gold Award for School Games Mark

However, in light of their recent success at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, a group of Ellesmere College students have proved – given the right environment and support – they can achieve academic excellence and sporting success.

Ellesmere College is proud to be one of only nine schools worldwide to have been awarded the prestigious Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) title by the World Academy of Sport (WAoS), in recognition of the tailored pathways it provides to support elite athletes through each of their seven award-winning Sports Scholarship Academy Programmes – swimming, rugby, football, shooting, tennis, cricket and golf.

The structure of the academic day and training has been designed and adapted to support the pupils both in and out of the classroom. Deputy Head Vicky Pritt-Roberts commented: “We pride ourselves on valuing the individual, which is something lots

of schools claim to do. But to really demonstrate that, you need to be willing to adapt and be flexible to enable the individual to pursue their goals and have a good education. Helping athletes achieve both is an example of our mission in practice.”

Cassie Wild, Right: Freya Anderson Ellesmere Titans

Commonwealth gains Two current Ellesmere College students Freya Anderson (17) and Cassie Wild (17)

are both members of the world-renowned Ellesmere College Titans, who train at the Ellesmere College pool with Head Coach and former World and European medalist Alan Bircher. Freya succeeded in winning two bronze medals for England at the Commonwealth Games, one in the women’s 4 x 100m, the other in the 4 x 200m freestyle relay races. Cassie, representing Scotland, achieved 5th place in the final of the women’s 50m backstroke and 4 x 100m medley relay.

Alan said of the Titans training programme: “Our swimmers have the most advanced training methods, video analysis, sports science, goal setting and lifestyle management available to them on a daily basis. The Titans and the college aim is to give the swimmers every possibility to achieve at the highest level, both in the pool and in their academic studies.”

Two former Ellesmere College students also achieved life goals by competing in the Commonwealth Games in hockey and shooting – which Ellesmere also offers as part of the modern pentathlon.

Caro Hulme, 19, was selected to play hockey for Wales, having come up through the college and achieved success at club, regional and then national level alongside her sister Lottie. Despite her international playing and training schedule, Caro achieved an A* grade in BTEC Sports and an A in A-level business studies, and went on to study business marketing with a hockey scholarship at Nottingham Trent University.

Shooting has also produced its fair share of Commonwealth success stories for the college. Former Ellesmerian Sian Corish shot for Wales in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions and the women’s 10m air rifle categories.

So, can academic and sporting success go hand in hand? Of course they can, and Ellesmere College has the track record to prove it.

To find out more and to register, please call 01691 626 510 or visit ellesmere.com Ellesmere College, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 9AB @ellesmerecoll EllesmereColl ellesmere_college June/July 2018 | salutions.co.uk

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Superb science successes for Sasha

A Withington Girls’ School Sixth Former is celebrating two impressive successes in two of the country’s most prestigious science challenges. Sasha Geim – who holds a conditional offer to read natural sciences at Cambridge’s Pembroke College – has been placed amongst the top 15 students in her age group in this year’s British Physics Olympiad and is also one

of the top 30 winners in the national Chemistry Olympiad. She will now go on to participate in the prize-winners’ science camps, which are being held at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

In the first round of the Chemistry Challenge, Sasha emerged in the top 0.5% of students from a field of nearly 6,600 students, leading to an invitation to

join a residential course at the University of Cambridge. The course will include theoretical and practical tests, and the four highest ranked students will represent the UK in the 50th Chemistry Olympiad in Bratislava and Prague, Slovakia and Czech Republic in July.

Hot on the heels of her chemistry achievement, Sasha was delighted to hear that her success in the British Physics Olympiad – which attracted 1,600 entrants – has earned her a place at the British Physics Olympiad Training Camp at Oxford.

The camp is designed to develop students’ skills for the International Physics Olympiad and five students will be selected to represent Britain at the event in Portugal this July.

Last year, Sasha won the Roentgenium Award in the Chemistry Challenge, an award given to only the top 0.8% of candidates. She then went onto a residential course at Cambridge, followed by an award ceremony at Goldsmith’s Hall in London, where she gave a presentation to the other 54 award winners.

New Headmaster at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys

Graeme Wright has been appointed the new Headmaster at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (AGSB) and will take up his new post this September.

Graeme is currently Senior Deputy Headmaster at Victoria College, a selective all-boys state school in Jersey. He studied history at The University of Liverpool and completed his Post Graduate Certificate in Education qualification at The University of Manchester. Prior to joining AGSB, he taught at Liverpool College, King’s School in Macclesfield and Trent College in Nottingham. Preceding his career in teaching, Graeme served as a Royal Marine for seven years.

Graeme commented: “I am honoured to be appointed Headmaster of one of the most prestigious boys’ grammar schools in England. Key priorities for me will be to maintain and enhance the school’s high academic standards, to preserve the outstanding extra-curricular programme and to ensure high-quality pastoral care that will enable all pupils to reach their full potential.”

Graeme will replace Tim Gartside, who has been Headmaster at the school for 15 years. Tim will leave to become Executive Head of The Hamblin Educational Trust, which provides strategic direction and support for both North Cestrian School in Altrincham and AGSB.

Pupils quiz ballerina Darcey Bussell for author project A world-famous ballerina, who’s turned her hand to writing, visited a Shropshire school as part of a project on authors. Students at Ellesmere College were tasked with interviewing someone who had written a book, and Year 8 pupils Zoë Mabaquaio Lennox and Abi Manford chose Dame Darcey Bussell.

Darcey, who danced with The Royal Ballet for more than two decades and has appeared as a judge on top BBC show Strictly Come Dancing since 2012, paid a special visit to Ellesmere in north Shropshire for the interview. Visit ellesmere.com for more information about Ellesmere College, an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged seven to 18, founded in 1884.

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tech

GO YOUR DRONE WAY This issue, we’re having another look at flying objects. In the short time since we last played with drones, the technology has progressed rapidly – today a drone could be anything from a cheap pocket money toy for the kids to fly round the house, all the way up to a fully automated commercial flying robot for agriculture, fire-fighting, defence, film-making and even pizza delivery.

Let’s have a look at some of the drones that you and I could buy today.

GoPro Karma, from £579.99 (camera not included) In the past, I’ve made no secret of my love for GoPro, the absolute king of action cameras.

Sadly, however, the company this year stopped making drones, unable to compete with more specialist drone manufacturers at the ‘serious’ end of the market. But GoPro’s loss could be your gain, because this means there are some bargains still to be had – before they run out.

By Oliver Chesher

The Karma, still widely available while stocks last, is compatible with GoPro’s tried and tested cameras, such as the HERO5 and HERO6 used by professionals. The detachable gimbal stabiliser can also be used on its own as a handheld grip, while the lightweight folding drone allows for up to 20 minutes of flight time on a single charge, and the colour display controller lets you stream whatever the drone sees while in flight.

Syma Nano Drone, from £12.99 Believe it or not, this little plaything is under 8cm long, yet it’s fully remote controlled with 6-axis gyro and 360° loop features. It works on 2.4 GHz frequency, which means if you and your kids are really skilful, you can control up to 10 drones at a time without crossinterference. Imagine racing a swarm of tiny indoor drones that aren’t even big enough to knock over a vase?

DJI Phantom 4 Advanced, from £1,359 DJI is the reason GoPro’s drone division went out of business. Now the undisputed world leader in drones, it makes a comprehensive range from the fun and user-friendly Spark, all the way up to industrial ‘aircraft’ that you might see used on a multi-million-dollar Hollywood production.

We took a look at the Phantom 4 Advanced, near the top of the consumer range. With a control range of 7km and a top speed of 74km/h, it is used for anything from ultra-high-definition landscape filming to fast action shots.

Its FlightAutonomy system means it can detect and manoeuvre around obstacles, hover completely still, navigate with GPS and return to base all by itself – making it extremely simple and safe to use.

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WHAT’S ON The summer months sees a wide range of events – some outdoors for those balmy, warm evenings and some inside for the cooler, damper and possibly more frequent days! War Horse is back for its third visit at The Lowry, and Bolton Octagon take their musical Summer Holiday out on the road (literally).

Don’t miss Manchester Day on 17th June to celebrate everything great about our city and local festivals, such as Didsbury and the Heatons.

rabble-rousing, uplifting songs from the time of the strike.

The Play That Goes Wrong 25-30 June Opera House The brilliant Mischief Theatre production returns to the city and once again it is absolutely packed with achingly funny humour and beautifully choreographed madcap scenes. This is the show to see if you are looking for laugh-out-loud comedy from start to finish.

By Catherine Reed

DRAMA

War Horse 13-30 June The Lowry The good news is that War Horse makes a welcome return to The Lowry this June; the bad news is that it’s only around for two weeks, so you need to move quickly if you want a ticket to see this amazing production. War Horse is a thrilling theatrical experience with life-size puppets and a story that is heart-warming and exciting.

Minding Frankie 19-23 June The Lowry Maeve Binchy’s last novel comes to the stage, adapted by Shay Linehan, in a charming and imaginative production for Binchy fans old and new.

Queens of the Coal Age 28 June – 28 July Royal Exchange Theatre A powerful play full of northern wit from Associate Artist Maxine Peake telling the true story of four women taking a stand in the face of a changing world. Set in 1993, with Parkside Colliery about to close, the women take a tour of the mine and refuse to come up; instead, they settle down into the depths of the pit as those ‘up top’ realise these four ladies are not for turning.

The Fishermen 19-28 July HOME Based on the Man Booker Prizeshortlisted novel by one of Africa’s major new voices, this powerful parable of brotherhood, vengeance and fate is adapted by award-winning playwright Gbolahan Obisesan.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS Bread & Roses 22 June – 7 July Oldham Coliseum An exciting new play packed full of songs and laughter telling the gripping real-life story of the huge mill workers strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1912. The play features a mix of real and imagined characters with 78

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The Heatons Festival 9 & 10 June Heaton Moor Two days of festival activities, including food stalls, kids’ activities and an acoustic stage, and completed by a traditional village fête on Sunday.

Parklife 2018 9 & 10 June Heaton Park This year’s Parklife features The xx, Liam Gallagher, Skepta, Lorde and Bonobo. Tickets are now on sale, including ones for the new VIP Colonnade, which features an exclusive backstage garden with secret stages and special bars.

Didsbury Festival 16 June Didsbury Park Didsbury’s annual party and parade is back with a whole day of family fun and activities. The parade kicks things off at 11am, starting at St Catherine’s and working its way through the village to Didsbury Park. The park is filled with stalls, performances, rides and displays, and is a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Manchester Day 17 June Manchester City Centre A wonderful day that fills the city with fabulous performances, delicious street food and includes a jawdropping parade that stretches from one end of the city to the other. It is a true celebration of everything that is great about Manchester and is perfect for families, residents and tourists.

Manchester Eats 7 & 8 July Heaton Park Heaton Park is transformed into an outdoor artisan festival, complete with amazing international cuisine and celebrity chef demonstrations, not to mention a vibrant Kid’s Village, acoustic performances, workshops, craft beers and creative cocktails.

Under-14s go free – check manchestereats.co.uk for tickets and times.

WHAT’S ON bluedot 19-22 July Jodrell Park

decker bus with actors for a sing along, witnessing some scenes on the way, and then disembarking at the Octagon to watch the rest of the show.

Headliners this year are The Flaming Lips, Future Islands and The Chemical Brothers, supported by dozens of acts and an array of scientific events and space exploration.

Dusty 24-28 July The Lowry

DANCE

Jane Eyre 6-9 June The Lowry Northern Ballet’s beautiful production of Jane Eyre retells the classic story of love, jealousy and dark secrets through the power of dance, choreographed

by Cathy Marston and accompanied by live music from Northern Sinfonia.

CIRCUS

The Exploded Circus 16 & 17 June The Lowry Featuring an all-female cast at the moment when an exploded circus has been frozen in time – this breathtaking show includes acrobatics, aerial stunts, juggling and a circus ring… all suspended in mid-air!

MUSICALS

This a fiercely funny and emotionally charged musical starring Katherine Kingsley, who gives an amazing performance as Dusty. Written by Jonathan Harvey and featuring a talented cast that includes Rufus Hound, the show celebrates the music of Dusty’s life whilst charting her life and career.

Legally Blonde 25-30 July Palace Theatre The smash hit Broadway and West End musical returns to the city and stars Rita Simons (Eastenders), Lucie Jones and Bill Ward. Legally Blonde is feelgood, all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy – ideal summer evening entertainment.

Mamma Mia 3-14 July Palace Theatre Another sunny hit for the summer – Mamma Mia is the perfect party show set on a Greek island and following the story of Sophie and her search to find the father she never knew. With an Abba soundtrack and a brilliant mix of humour and romance, this is a great musical for all ages.

Summer Holiday 31 May – 23 June Bolton Travel Interchange & Bolton Octagon

The Last Ship 3 - 7 July The Lowry

Bolton Octagon is closing its doors for redevelopment and producing some shows outside of the building. The first of these is an ambitious and imaginative staging of the musical Summer Holiday, which will see audiences meeting at Bolton Interchange for a short scene, embarking on a double-

After receiving widespread critical acclaim and five star reviews at it’s official opening in Newcastle, The Last Ship arrives at The Lowry with a brilliant ensmble cast led by Richard Fleeshman, Charlie Hardwick, Joe McGann and Frances McNamee.

This personal musical of love, life

and hope is inspired by Sting’s own childhood experiences, and shows the collective defiance of a community facing the demise of the shipbuilding industry alongside a poignant and moving romantic tale of childhood sweethearts and the adults they grew up to become.

FAMILY

Awful Auntie 20-24 June Opera House David Walliams never fails to entertain with his stories of humour, loss and friendship, and Awful Auntie is a great example of his amazing storytelling skills. Brought to life on stage, expect lots of fun and frights, a very small ghost, a superb heroine and one truly awful aunty. Age 5+

Milkshake! Live 15 July The Lowry All the favourites from Milkshake! together on stage for lots of fun, music and laughs.

What the Ladybird Heard 1-26 August The Lowry A summer of ladybird farmyard fun awaits small children and their families as the award-winning picture book

by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks arrives on stage in Salford for the whole of August. Direct from the West End, and including live music, puppetry and lots of audience participation, this is the perfect summer treat.

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FOUR DOOR EYES ONLY MERCEDES-BENZ can rightly claim to be one of the biggest innovators in the car industry. Much of the technology we take for granted today will have first seen the light of day in a version of the range-topping S-Class, such as turbo-diesel engines, airbags, crumple zones and anti-lock braking.

The German carmaker can even claim to have invented an entire new class of vehicle: the four-door coupé. Without Mercedes’ CLS – launched in 2005 – there wouldn’t be an Audi A7, Volkswagen Arteon or BMW 4 and 6 Series Gran Coupés.

By Oliver Chesher

The original CLS caused quite a stir. Its love-it-or-hate-it bananashaped body looked unlike anything else on the market, mixing a sleek coupé shape with the practicality of four doors. It seemed to offer the best of both worlds – the sporty looks and handling of a big grand touring coupé and the luxurious cabin of a premium saloon.

Now in its third incarnation for 2018, the CLS is considered one of the best cars Mercedes has ever built. Sitting just below the S-Class in the range, it’s astonishing value for money (starting at just over £50k) considering its uncompromising balance of performance and luxury.

The pick of the range is probably the 400d. With the most powerful diesel engine Mercedes has ever put in a production car, mated to

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a 9-speed auto gearbox and all-wheel drive, it will do 0-60 in an incredible 5.0 seconds while still capable of returning up to 50 miles per gallon.

BMW, meanwhile, in the true spirit of the three-way German car wars, has continued to watch Mercedes and Audi very closely. The Bavarians clearly studied the CLS and the A7 obsessively when they came up with the 6 Series Gran Coupé. It offers buyers all the same benefits of a big four-door coupé, but in the unmistakable shape that BMW fans love. Critics tend to consider the Gran Coupé the most aesthetically attractive of all the German offerings – the famous kidney grille and hockey-stick rear window lines suit the swooping body shape beautifully, and the frameless doors and low seating position make it feel like a real sports car when compared to the excellent 5 Series Saloon on which it is based.

Given that the four-door coupé is a relatively new and niche sub-segment of the car market, some carmakers have taken advantage of the opportunity to be a little more adventurous with design. Personally, I prefer the idea of a design that is wilfully unconventional, such as the Porsche Panamera, the Audi A7 or the CLS above, but one man’s daring is another man’s ugly. The Gran Coupé is the one that is most likely to be unanimously appreciated.

Julian Kronfli Photography - www.juliankronfli.com

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