MediaCity Magazine Feb|Mar 2016 by Glossy Magazine

publication FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 • ISSUE 15

WIN TICKETS Deacon Blue open-air concert ~ The National Wedding Show

ATELIER ROSE & GRAY GALLERY Modern & contemporary British Art

ROSANA IBARROLA Calligrapher crusader, painter and mum-of-two

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EDITOR’S LETTER

don’t know about you, but I’ve started the new year with renewed vigour. It could have something to do with my recent thyroid operation, which has lifted my spirits, or maybe it’s one of several New Year’s resolutions that are, if the past is anything to go by, due to waiver any day now.

Whatever it is, we all need something to focus on in the new year, whether it’s getting ﬁtter or losing a bit of weight, moving home, ﬁnding a new job, or maybe a new love! Well, it is a leap year; so, to all of the ladies out there tired of waiting for a proposal, here’s your chance. Better jump on it now; that bus won’t be around for another four years! There’s lots to read in this issue and plenty of ideas for Valentine’s gifts. And, don’t forget to enter the competitions to see Deacon Blue’s open-air concert at Aintree

Racecourse, win tickets to the National Wedding Show or get your hands on a copy of the Manchester Cook Book.

We’ve also got lots of networking events planned for this year, so if you would like to get involved email: info@salutions.co.uk Oh! And, if you’re feeling energetic, why not join Team Beechwood in the Great Manchester Run on 22 May? It’s for a great cause and it’ll do you good, too. There are limited places, so book now at fundraising@beechwoodcancercare.co.uk Here’s hoping we all enjoy the new year ahead (and keep our resolutions intact)!

Beverley

e: beverley@salutions.co.uk 1

CONTENTS FOOD & DRINK

55 Table for Two, with Andy Booth at Pier 8 Restaurant at The Lowry 56 Enjoy a little slice of Italy at Piccolino, Didsbury 57 Dining guide – Chaophraya / Burger & Lobster / Busaba 58 The steaks are high for CAU in Didsbury E N T E R TA I N M E N T

publica on FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 • ISSUE 107

FA S H I O N & S H O P P I N G

publica on FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 • ISSUE 80

KNIGHTS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Getting to know you

ROSANA IBARROLA Calligrapher crusader, painter and mum-of-two

ATELIER ROSE & GRAY GALLERY Modern & contemporary British Art

REVIEWED CAU and Piccolino WIN TICKETS Deacon Blue open-air concert ~ The National Wedding Show

publica on FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 • ISSUE 44

MARILYN STOWE Stowe Family Law

ZOE ASPIN Keeping people happy

WIN TICKETS Deacon Blue open-air concert ~ The National Wedding Show

publica on FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 • ISSUE 15

WIN TICKETS Deacon Blue open-air concert ~ The National Wedding Show

ROSANA IBARROLA Calligrapher crusader, painter and mum-of-two

ON THE COVER DIDSBURY MAGAZINE Rosana Ibarrola Image: Rick Milnes HALE&BOWDON MAGAZINE Chris Brooks Atelier Rose & Gray Gallery BONUS SAPOR MAGAZINE Marilyn Stowe Stowe Family Law MEDIACITY MAGAZINE Media City Image: John Barry 2

ATELIER ROSE & GRAY GALLERY Modern & contemporary British Art

20 Is Valentine’s Day a big date night for you? 23 Beautiful Valentine’s Day gifts 24 Valentine’s Day gifts for the man in your life H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

28 Tried & Tested Spas 39 Body Performance Training Understanding your body type

26 Jill Nash experiences her ﬁrst family ski trip in Les Gets 72 What’s On – A wide range of shows to suit all tastes and budgets 74 Reviews - Music, books & ﬁlms 76 David Bowie, in memoriam 77 Gadgets galore with something to suit the tastes of every technophile 80 Motoring news from Oliver Chesher PEOPLE

19 Rosana Ibarrola – Calligrapher crusader, painter and mumof-two HOME & GARDEN 37 Annice Mukherjee and Simon Taggart – Spire Manchester, 43 De-clutter your life Hale Clinic & the NHS 48 Patience is a virtue for Lady Muck 42 Sally Dervan – Assistant CEO 49 Products to spruce up your Age UK Manchester kitchen 53 Zoe Aspin – Vintage Afternoon Teas & Relaxing Reﬂexology 75 Scott Quigg – WBA Super Bantamweight Champion

Established 2002

COMPETITIONS

22 Win tickets to The National Wedding Show at Manchester Central

54 Win tickets to see Deacon Blue at Aintree Racecourse open-air concert 54 Win a copy of The Manchester Cook Book

GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Beverley Uddin-Khandakar GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Salim Uddin-Khandakar GROUP RESOURCE DIRECTOR Joanne Price E: info@salutions.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 2883 SALES Selma Horsefield

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Paul King / Claire King www.twistedgifted.com CONTRIBUTORS Anne Britt, Catherine Reed, Fay Wertheimer, John Waddington, Oliver Chesher, Mark Kureishy, Dr Jill Nash, Helen Lawson, Charlotte Batra and Catherine Saunders

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHY PR Shots, Bigstockphoto.com, Press Loft, Mike Browne, Martin Hambleton and John Lewis. DISTRIBUTION Avanti

HEAD OF DIGITAL Philip Valentino

REGULARS

1 7 14 59 68

Editor’s letter Local news Charlotte’s diary Education news Ask the experts

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.

The Old Bank, 99 Palatine Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 3JQ. Tel: 0161 445 2883 | E: info@salutions.co.uk visit us online www.salutions.co.uk

Competitions Terms & Conditions

No purchase necessary. Employees of Salutions Limited and associated companies, promotional partners, their agents and families are not eligible to enter. Entries will be declared void if found mutilated, illegible, altered, reconstructed, forged or tampered with in any way. In the event of there being more claims than prizes available in any category, then prizes will be awarded to the earliest claimant. (Where applicable, as stated.) All entries are subject to scrutiny. Salutions Limited reserves the right to stop the promotion/ competition at any

time at its own discretion. Winners must accept that their names may be announced on any Salutions related media, including web and print, and may be used for publicity purposes if required. Rules as published, when applicable to specific joint offers, product discounts etc. All prizes unclaimed remain the property of Salutions Limited. Persons under the age of 18 are not eligible to enter. The prize must be taken as offered and is not transferable. No cash or credit alternatives will be given. Editor’s decision is final. By entering a competition

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

Choose Marilyn Stowe and her Cheshire team, part of the UK’s largest specialist Family Law firm Marilyn Stowe is the senior partner at Stowe Family Law leading her handpicked team of talented lawyers at the UK’s largest specialist family law firm. The firm specialises in all areas of family law, including divorce, children issues, finances, cohabitation disputes, grandparent’s rights, pre and post-nuptial Agreements. The firm has a Wills and Probate department which also deals with disputes over estates. Divorce / Finances / Child Arrangement Orders / Cohabitation Disputes / Tracing Hidden Assets / Marital Agreements / Grandparents Rights / Wills / Probate

“Regarded as one of the most formidable and sought-after divorce lawyers in the UK.”

Marilyn Stowe: ‘First Class’ for family law. The Legal 500

The Times

If you need family law advice, early support can be essential. Stowe Family Law can help. For more information contact chantal.wilkinson@stowefamilylaw.co.uk or call 0161 926 1410 Wilmslow Office 92 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5BB 01625 544900

Hale Office The Camellia Building, 38 Oxford Road, Hale, Cheshire WA14 2EB 0161 926 1410

www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk

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LOCAL NEWS Humphrey’s Heroes Launched with Hospital Abseil

Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity (RMCH Charity) has launched their superhero abseil, Humphrey’s Heroes. To mark the occasion, a team of the world’s most famous superheroes including Spiderman, Superman and Batman surprised patients by scaling the hospital building before abseiling down, much to the delight of waiting youngsters. The Charity is encouraging participants to don their superhero capes as they descend the 240-metre building at Manchester’s tallest abseil.

The abseilers from company, Green Access, cheered up many of the children who were just too poorly to leave their rooms, providing smiles across many of the hospital’s wards. Eleven-year-old Joshua said, ‘It was so cool seeing Batman at my window, he’s my favourite. I’ve been in hospital for two weeks and so it was a good surprise seeing the superheroes.’ Superheroes also entertained patients in the hospital’s atrium, with support from Heroic Alliance, a not for proﬁt organisation formed from a group of costume and prop-makers.

The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity’s ﬁrst ever public abseil, Humphrey’s Heroes will take place on 23 & 24 April, and will oﬀer 120 participants the chance to abseil down Liberty Heights in Manchester City Centre to help raise funds for the charity’s Helipad Appeal.

Kindly sponsored by Sodexo and organised by Over the Edge, participants are asked to raise a minimum of £150 per person to raise funds to build a designated, 24-hour access helipad at the hospital’s central Manchester site. One have a go superhero ready to take on the challenge is Chris, from Altrincham: ‘I’ll be conquering my fear of heights by taking on this abseil but I know it’s nothing compared to what some of the children at the hospital go through. Their bravery is amazing and if I can make a small diﬀerence, then I am more than happy to be involved.’ Hannah Thomas, Events Manager for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, added:

‘Every day, each and every one of our patients is a real life superhero, and it was fantastic seeing such big smiles on the children’s faces today. It was a brilliant launch for our upcoming public abseil in April; we encourage anyone who is feeling inspired to don their capes and try something diﬀerent by scaling down Liberty Heights with us, and raising funds for our Helipad Appeal.’

Will you scale the gigantic Liberty Heights on Saturday 23 or Sunday 24 April 2016 to raise money to change the lives of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital’s own little heroes? Don your best superhero costume and dare to dangle at Manchester’s highest abseil.

A limited number of slots are available at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital’s ﬁrst ever abseil taking place at Liberty Heights, so book early and be part of Manchester’s most exciting new challenge event! Registration is £25 and superheroes are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £150 to help to ensure that the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital isn’t just the largest children’s hospital in the UK, but also the very best!

All funds raised from Humphrey’s Heroes will contribute towards the charity’s appeal to build a 24-hour access helipad on location at the hospital.

For more information about Humphrey’s Heroes and to sign up for the abseil visit: www.rmchcharity.org.uk/events/humphreys-heroes-abseil. If you have any questions contact the Events Team on 0161 276 4522 or email charity.events@cmft.nhs.uk 7

LOCAL NEWS

The Botanist coming to Knutsford

Award-winning New World Trading Company has announced that The Botanist concept will open in Knutsford in early spring 2016.

The highly anticipated opening, the eighth Botanist, will create around 50 new jobs. New World’s Trading Company Managing Director, Chris Hill, said ‘We are incredibly excited to bring another Botanist to Cheshire, after astounding success since the brand’s inception in Alderley Edge back in 2012.

Knutsford just felt like the next natural home for The Botanist in Cheshire.’ Alongside its stripped-back, honest food menu and quality drinks oﬀering with seating for up to 50 diners, The Botanist will also host live music, with daily energetic evening gigs and lazy Sunday afternoon sessions for a real home-from-home atmosphere.

Local photographer achieves worldwide recognition

Altrincham based photographer, Martin Hambleton, has recently been recognized at the 10th Annual Black and White Spider Awards based in Beverley Hills, USA. The Black and White Spider Awards are the leading international awards honouring excellence in black and white photography. Martin, one of just 11 photographers from the UK amongst 8,000 entries worldwide, submitted two photographs of a model from a bridal fashion shoot in the Portrait category. Martin said, ‘I’m absolutely delighted to receive this fabulous accolade. The model was amazing and I just worked my magic!’ Basil O’Brien, the awards Creative Director added, ‘The images that Martin submitted were exceptional in the black and white portrait category and we are pleased to present him with the title of Nominee.’

Four Rosettes for Manchester House Manchester city centre restaurant, Manchester House, has been awarded the prestigious four AA rosettes from the AA.

It joins only two other restaurants countrywide that have been recognised on this occasion with four rosettes. The rosette accolade celebrates restaurants that have shown that they are outstanding and have reach well beyond their local area. 8

Chef Aiden Byrne commented, ‘We are so happy to be awarded our four rosettes here at Manchester House. I’m incredibly proud of my team and hopefully this is the start of a very successful year.’

Simon Numphud, the outgoing Head of AA Hotel Services said, ‘The four rosettes restaurants can now classify themselves as among the top restaurants in the country, where cooking demands national recognition.’

LOCAL NEWS

Star-studded line up at The Christie charity’s stylish lunch Hosted by BBC Breakfast presenter, Naga Munchetty at luxurious Manchester House restaurant, the event was attended by ‘Real Housewife of Cheshire’, Leanne Brown, who modelled creations from top designer Zeynep Kartal. Other guests included representatives from Bruntwood, Barclays, AlixPartners and Brooks McDonald.

A star-studded Christie charity lunch treated guests to an afternoon of luxury and fashion while raising vital funds for the specialist cancer centre.

Tennis Star comes home

Professional tennis player, Naomi Broady, returned to Didsbury’s Albert Club, to open their new courts. Naomi ﬁrst learnt to play at the club aged seven and is now ranked 122 in the world. The club, which also hosts snooker, bowls and table tennis has recently beneﬁted from an LTA loan, which enabled them to re-surface their three match courts.

Guests enjoyed a special gin and vodka tasting, an exhibition of diamonds from gemstone trader and bespoke jeweller, Kate McLauchlan, and music from Manchester singers Russell Shaun and Lucy Hope. All proceeds from the event will go towards a research room in The Christie's new Proton Beam Therapy Centre, which is due to open in 2018. Professor Karen Kirkby, Chair in Proton Therapy Physics, explained how The Christie will be one of the first Founded in 1874, the Albert Club’s courts were originally grass and since then have been re-laid as shale, tarmac and now as two-tone artificial grass. Its tennis development programme includes sessions with local schools, Kids Allowed nursery and youngsters with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Naomi said, ‘It’s great to be back where it all started. I have very fond memories of playing at the Albert Club as a junior and the new match courts look amazing.’

cancer centres in the UK to oﬀer high-energy proton beam therapy, ensuring that desperately ill patients receive the very latest and safest form of radiation therapy.

Louise Stimson, the charity’s head of fundraising, said, ’Thanks to all the generous guests, the funds raised will go towards a research room in our new proton beam therapy centre. This room will help us ﬁnd the very latest breakthroughs in care and treatment and will make a huge diﬀerence to the lives of cancer patients.’ The Christie charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust through its fundraising activities, and delivers projects, equipment and improvements that are over and above what the NHS funds.

It has over 30,000 supporters who helped raise £13.3m last year.

Darren Ashton, Lancashire County LTA Executive Member said, ‘The Albert Club is a well run club. They have a thriving membership and are well served by a team of dedicated volunteers. It’s great to see their eﬀorts rewarded with an LTA loan for their courts.’

The Great Kathmandu Tandoori Restaurant

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*(ex Bank Hols not valid with any other offer) just mention Salutions when booking! Function room available for hire.

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LOCAL NEWS

Property experts Jameson and Partners, launch in Altrincham

Based on the Downs, Altrincham’s newest property sales and lettings agency, Jameson and Partners, recently welcomed local businesses and residents to their oﬃcial opening.

Set up by Jennifer Laurie Jameson, Eleanor Finch and Lois Chubb, Jameson claim to be not just another estate agency but intend to redefine the property services market specialising in period restoration, refurbishment and investment. Jameson and partners also offer in-house legal and financial advice services.

Jennifer explains, ‘We are extremely excited to join this vibrant local community. We have decided to develop this organisation, based on a passion for beautiful architecture and the desire to assist investors in making wise choices.

Matching buyers with their dream homes and guiding home owners, vendors and landlords through the property market is hugely satisfying, especially when a sale has been seen through to completion and the new owners are oﬀ to their new home.’

At the launch event, Jameson and Partners were pleased to support local children’s charity CAFT with a raﬄe and goody bags. Jennifer added, ‘We were delighted to work with this local charity, and look forward to working together in the future. We are so excited to open in Altrincham and look forward to welcoming customers.’

Five years on, the Alchemist is still the jewel in the crown for Spinningﬁelds

Mixing unexpected ingredients with unconventional equipment and remarkable craftsmanship has led them to create 813,013 cocktails to date! The Alchemist opened in December 2010 in a somewhat diﬀerent looking Spinningﬁelds than that of today. There were few retail outlets or dining options on the Avenue, but The Alchemist blazed the trail, becoming a destination venue from the outset.

This week sees The Alchemist in Spinningfields celebrate five years in business. The first of Living Ventures’ inventive cocktail bars, with a focus on molecular and scientific concoctions, The Alchemist really pushed the boundaries with their distinguished team of mixologists.

Simon Potts, Managing Director of The Alchemist said, ‘The Alchemist has been a great success from the minute we opened; it was the spark for the

Spinningﬁelds we now know and love, and was instrumental in attracting others to the area.’

Living Ventures is one of the fastest growing privately owned UK companies in the Sunday Times Fast-Track survey (ranked 20th in 2014). Ongoing plans for expansion into other UK cities has attracted an injection of private equity funding through Palatine Private Equity, alongside associated banking facilities from Santander, putting in place the necessary funding to signiﬁcantly expand the business over the next few years.

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LOCAL NEWS

Altrincham BID Manager An exciting opportunity exists for an energetic and self-motivated individual with sound commercial experience to join a newly established BID, which will promote and improve the oﬀer of Altrincham town centre, working closely with the businesses, Traﬀord Council and other key stakeholders.

Altrincham BID includes companies across a range of sectors, sizes and locations. The BID will generate £1.4 million over 5 years to fund projects within 3 key themes identiﬁed in the BID Business Plan.

You will need to address the immediate needs of the town centre in order to raise its proﬁle and increase footfall, dwell time and spend, as well as supporting the wider business community to reduce costs and improve the town centre economy.

Altrincham has undergone major improvement over the past ﬁve years with signiﬁcant investment in the public realm, reduced vacancy rates and increased interest from both independent businesses and national chains. The BID Manager will have the You will be the main point of contact ability to build on the current momentum for businesses, landlords and partners and continue to drive the town forward. in the town centre.

Further details about the BID can be found at www.altrinchambid.co.uk.

To apply please email CV and Covering Letter to: info@altrinchambid.co.uk

CEO’s helping to ﬁght Manchester’s homelessness problem

On 16th May, executives from across the North West are joining together at Lancashire County Cricket Club to help ﬁght poverty and homelessness in Manchester.

They will give up a night of comfort to sleep out on the pitch and in the stands

at Emirates Old Trafford to help raise funds for projects in Manchester, and also to raise awareness of a growing problem in the city. CEO Sleepout Manchester is being organised by the LCCC Foundation in partnership with national charity CEO Sleepout UK, and will build on the huge success of CEO Sleepout UK’s recent London event at The Oval, when £170,000 was raised for charities which fight the effects and causes of homelessness.

The event will start at 8pm and ﬁnishes the following morning at Emirates Old Traﬀord, the home of Lancashire County

Cricket Club. CEO Sleepout UK is a new charity that has already worked with partners to hold events at prestigious venues like Wembley Stadium, Cardiff Castle and St James' Park, Newcastle. Around 500 executives have taken part in the sleepouts, and together have raised nearly £700,000 to fight homelessness and poverty in the UK. Would you like to help fight homelessness and poverty in the city? Please email Dianne Gould at info@ceosleepoutuk.com to find out more information and to book your place. www.ceosleepoutuk.com www.lcccfoundation.co.uk

Authentic home-style Middle Eastern cuisine.

Family friendly | Great vegetarian menu | Ample free parking Bring your wine (No corkage charge) | Free delivery

Pasha 513 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 4BA. T: 0161 445 1196 www.pasha-restaurant.com 11

LOCAL NEWS

Village Square Bramhall launches new website Village Square Bramhall, owned and managed by HIMOR, has launched a brand new customer website.

The Village Square was purchased by HIMOR in 2011, and improvement works, including a redesign of the central square, upgraded lighting, refreshed canopies, a The site has improved functionality over new colour scheme and remodelling of desktop, tablet and mobile, enhanced entrances soon followed. It’s now a business listings and a fresh look and feel. welcoming and vibrant environment Designed by Bramhall-based DZINR, for both shoppers and businesses, and bramhallvillagesquare.co.uk aims to Village Square Bramhall continues to go engage the local audience in South from strength to strength. Manchester and further aﬁeld, driving footfall and awareness of the wide range Paul Wrigglesworth, Senior Associate of businesses at the shopping centre. Director at HIMOR said, ’The Village

Square is at the heart of Bramhall and we are delighted to continue to invest in its ongoing development. The website reﬂects the quality and variety of the businesses which call the Village Square home, and we are conﬁdent that the new site will contribute to the centre’s ongoing success in the coming years.’

Manchester gets a Thai New Year scene and will oﬀer visitors the ultimate Thai experience.

Award winning Thai restaurant Busaba, has opened its doors in the heart of Manchester in Exchange Square. The brand new 170-cover restaurant and bar is set to heat up the Manchester dining

Designed by Russell Sage Studio, the restaurant has undergone a major development and refurbishment in its beautiful iconic venue - just seconds from the newly regenerated Corn Exchange - and will provide the city with a unique and cultural oﬀering.

Set over three ﬂoors, the restaurant is a destination where old jostles with the new and a heady mix of tradition meets contemporary. The ground ﬂoor hosts

the restaurant, bar and impressive open kitchen, and a feature-focal staircase leads up to the ﬁrst ﬂoor, boasting further restaurant space. There’s also an impressive outside alfresco terrace, ensuring that Busaba will be the perfect venue for any occasion! Busaba’s Executive Chef, Jude Krit Sangsida, says ‘As Thai Buddhist culture says, “living with happiness, we share happiness and we share sadness”, same as eating - we share the food for happiness because the food we eat is for living, so we will live with happy.’

BICKHAM HOUSE - PROVIDING QUALITY CARE IN LATER LIFE

www.bickhamhouse.co.uk | Green Walk, Bowdon, Altrincham WA14 2SN | Tel: 0161 928 2514

LOCAL NEWS

M aske ll + Assoc iate s T he O ptometr ists claim top prize in Altrincham festive window competition

2015 was a year to remember in Altrincham town centre, with the introduction of smart new paving in key areas of town, regional and national awards for the popular redeveloped market and a new transport interchange and hospital in full operation.

A jam-packed programme of Christmas activities provided a ﬁtting end to a successful year, with events including a lantern parade, celebrity Christmas lights switch-on, Christmas markets, family craft activities and Christmas concerts all drawing crowds. Visitors were also asked to vote for Altrincham’s most festive shop window from a shortlist of independent businesses across the town.

After a very close public vote, and some diﬃcult decisions for the panel of judges, Maskell + Associates The Optometrists, on Regent Road, came out on top with their perfectly crafted winter white sleigh display. Kenji from Maskell + Associates said, ’We were absolutely delighted to win the Altrincham Forward festive shop window competition. We put a lot of thought into how to make our display as professional and eye-catching as possible, and it’s fantastic for all the team that our eﬀorts have been rewarded. It was fun to be part of the competition and see all the votes and comments online, and it was a great way to highlight the thriving community of independent businesses we have here in Altrincham.’

Maskell + Associates The Optometrists is a family run independent opticians located in the heart of Altrincham town centre. It has focused on excellence in eye care in Altrincham for over 33 years. Maskell + Associates specialises in the latest technology and the very best in clinical care, whilst also providing the most up-to-date choice in spectacle frames.

Find us at 16 Regent Road, Altrincham WA14 1RP 0161 941 6517 www.maskelloptometrists.com 13

DIARY Charlotte’s

The whole house is falling apart. I don’t know when it started but now when I look at it, inside and out, there’s a list of repairs as long as your arm for each room; all requiring urgent attention! It is odd how you can learn to live with outstanding repairs and how easily ‘manana’ can be so readily adopted. I think this is particularly true when you have to sort out the wheat from the chaﬀ on the urgent ‘things to do’ list.

I mean, when the dog food has actually run out and you’re scrabbling at the bottom of the large dog food bag for a few dried up morsels or, worse still, providing a whole bowl full of dog treat biscuits in lieu of actual food, then the urgent thing on the ‘to do’ list is to actually go out and buy some dog food. It isn’t ‘get on the phone to plumber to ﬁx the shower leak so the hole in the hallway ceiling can be repaired, thus ensuring the house doesn’t continue to look like a squat.’ Is it...?

If I’m honest though, there are probably other things at play here. For some reason, that can’t be explained by rational or logic, Neil is perfectly incapable of speaking to any repair person that comes to the door.

His innate ‘ﬁght or ﬂight’ kicks in as soon as anyone appears in a set of overalls and with the stub of a pencil lodged behind their ear. If he could run he would, but if he gets caught, well, it’s a terrible sight - a real ‘rabbit in the headlights’ moment. Seemingly, putting on his glasses and carrying a copy of Brecht under his arm is all he can think of doing. And if they speak to him, it’s even worse. Eyes glaze over, brain turns to mush, speech becomes monosyllabic and if anything is uttered, it is, ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’

Obviously, I do my best to ensure he doesn’t have to endure this pain, but there are times when arrangements fail and, when I eventually do arrive home, it’s all too late. Deals have been done, work has started and neither party has a clue what’s going on.

And so, sorting out house stuﬀ is really my job and mine alone. Neil happily makes tea while I spend hours ﬁnding people to sort out various jobs. They may turn up; they may not. They may know what they’re doing; they may not. They may suck their teeth a lot, exclaim and shake their heads; well, they always do that. But eventually we might, by springtime, have a house that doesn’t resemble a squat.

©Ian Davenport ‘Colourcade Buzz'

The Bridgewater Hall International Concert Series 15|16

The Bridgewater Hall Coming Soon

La Serenissima The Four Seasons

An Evening with Aggers & Tuffers

Adrian Chandler violin/director Peter Whelan bassoon Friday 19 February 7.30pm

Tuesday 23 February 7.30pm

Oslo Philharmonic Vasily Petrenko conductor Simon Trpcˇeski piano Monday 7 March 7.30pm Mahler Symphony No.5 Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2

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

Box Office: 0161 907 9000 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk 15

ENRICHING THE P(ARTS) OTHER GALLERIES CAN’T REACH with Atelier Rose & Gray Gallery

Alison Kelly and Chris Brooks believe in the power of art. So much so, they opened their own gallery to prove it, and have provided the North West with a fabulously inspiring space that our region, for too long, has been without.

The Whitworth and City Art Galleries are important and vital public galleries, but Manchester has not previously been home to a gallery that could truly rival any one of numerous London galleries. Now, with Atelier Rose & Gray on our own doorstep, we don’t have to board a southbound train to see and buy contemporary and modern art from the country’s leading artists. And, if the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ is ever to be more than just an abstract concept, then surely art must have a significant role in this most creative of cities? Atelier Rose & Gray certainly think so. Artist and teacher, Alison, fittingly provided engineer Chris with a life changing epiphany when she bought him a silkscreen by Stephen Chambers, while holidaying in St Ives. They had always shared a love of art and, inspired by the muse, decided, there and then, to invest their lives in it. Naming their gallery after their daughters’ middle names, they opened, first in their hometown of Ramsbottom, and then three years later in Hale.

The gallery has brought signiﬁcant exhibitions of modern and contemporary British art to the north, including Royal Academicians (RA), Turner Prize nominees and winners, which previously would only have been available to view in the capital or in public galleries. Their focus on bringing these artists to the north is part of their desire, indeed, it‘s really their credo, to make art as accessible as possible. They want people who might not have previously considered art as being anything to do with their lives to come and see. And seeing always has an eﬀect on the viewer.

There’s no sense of exclusion at Atelier Rose & Gray and certainly no frosty knowing haughtiness when enquiries are made about an artist or their work. We, all of us, know what we like when we see it but often, we don’t always ‘see it fully’ and, therefore, can’t understand it and consequently, don’t ‘get it’. Sometimes there is nothing to get; we like it for reasons unknown. Chris and Alison understand all of this, and are brilliant at explaining the ‘how and the why’ of the art and the artists they exhibit. If your experience of modern art galleries has been of the kind that made you never want to set foot in one again, then Atelier Rose & Gray is the antidote to that. Without patronising, they will enlighten, and a visit to their beautiful, light and airy space transforms the day.

Chris and Alison still have that Stephen Chambers silkscreen hanging on their wall at home, which they look at every day and ﬁnd that it still moves them, and it’s that personal connection with a piece, or an artist, that they’re engendering with the gallery. Most of us, when we buy art, buy it because we like it, and, sometimes, we’ll buy a piece just because it’ll match our decor. But, a visit to their gallery will inspire and open up a whole host of reasons to buy art, not the least of which would be for investment purposes.

Buying art as an investment might be an unattainable aspiration for most of us, but, with the right guidance and aﬀordability, Atelier Rose & Gray believe that we can all access this world of beauty. And art can be, when chosen wisely and with the right objective advice, a sound investment. But it’s only an investment when, and if, we decide to sell it; until that time arrives, it is useful beauty that enriches the onlooker. We can never be poorer for having a beautiful piece of original art hanging on our wall.

What art is, and why it does what it does to us, are questions with seemingly myriad answers, despite centuries of asking. Atelier Rose & Gray don’t claim to have the answers but they certainly have the art to provoke further questioning; visit them and see for yourself how the power of art can intrigue and inspire. Transformation is guaranteed!

Atelier Rose & Gray are currently exhibiting Stephen Chambers’ (that man again!) eight panel installation, ‘The Gangs of New York’, before it heads oﬀ to the Venice Biennale. Catch it while you can!

Contemporary Fine Art Gallery | Beech House, 1 Cambridge Road, Hale, Cheshire WA15 9SY 0161 928 4021. atelierrosegray.co.uk

Images: Mike Browne

Atelier Rose & Gray have access to pieces that are not available anywhere else, which makes them extremely valuable assets, but Chris and Alison see them as unique, beautiful, and vibrant works of art above all else. Appreciation of art is very much subjective, which makes the valuation of art a nebulous process, but one factor that is widely acknowledged to be consistently true is that the scarcity or uniqueness of a piece increases its value to a collector. Chris and Alison exhibit many unique pieces, but their real value lies in their unique appeal to the viewer.

ROSANA IBARROLA

Images: Charlotte Wellings

Calligrapher crusader, painter and mum-of-two

nspired by the female form, ﬁgurative and graphic artist Rosana Ibarrola paints on white backgrounds in inks.

These media link her naturally with calligraphy, the art of decorative handwriting and lettering she’d studied throughout her Argentinian high school years. But it was while helping adults and MGS Juniors improve their lettering in 2013 that Rosana’s dormant passion for calligraphy was rekindled. Here in the UK, calligraphy is restricted to wedding and function invitations, oﬃcial documents and maps. Penmanship has been neglected, if not rendered obsolete by word processing computers. So, Rosana and fellow ex-pat Argentinian, Alejandra Gonaldi, set up Love Calligraphy to regenerate interest in the art of beautifying the hand-written word. Warm and engaging, Rosana adds, ‘Years ago everyone wrote beautifully and took their time to do so.

We’ve not lost the ability, but the habit. I want to rescue calligraphy as an art and teaching is the best way to do that. We’re all creators. We have dexterous hands and minds, which must be matched by content and form. Something meticulously presented has impact, oﬀering pleasure for both writer and recipient. Interestingly, the charity letters I’d prepared for a friend, brought replies from every person contacted.’

Mastering any one of the several Love Calligraphy styles simply requires paper and pen, patience, enthusiasm and ten minutes’ daily practice. Your own style will emerge, and the process is long lasting and inexpensive. Historically, though, calligraphy was the remit of religion, royalty and the rich. In fact, medieval calligraphers highlighted sentences in gold-leafed capitals, to make reading by candlelight easier. In recent years, Rosana’s talent has contributed to period dramas on the

telly. She created props and coached actors in authentic on-screen handwriting for BBC2’s Banished in 2014, and ITV’s Dark Angel and The Limehouse Golem in 2015, which will be broadcast later this year.

Calligraphy crusader, painter and mum-of-two, Didsbury resident Rosana is a woman of contrasts. It’s family first, so running joint daytime calligraphy courses fits the bill. Meanwhile, her painting continues, veering between fine art and design, colour and subtlety, vibrancy and sensitivity and canvas and ceramics.

If you fancy changing your handwriting, or giving calligraphy a whirl or just want to learn more about this ancient and beautiful art form, please go to www.LoveCalligraphy.co.uk or call Rosana on 07903564616. Love Calligraphy are currently running courses the Old Parsonage in Didsbury and in Altrincham and Sale.

1968: Born Posadas Argentina. 1986: Illustration, Painting, Accounting qualiﬁcations. 1992-95: The University of Buenos Aires, BA Hons Graphic Design. 1995-97: Ad agency graphics, part-time lecturer in typography. 1996: Meets fellow traveller, surgeon Paul Fulford, in Colombia. 1997: Moves to Didsbury. 1998: Weds Paul in Edinburgh. 1998: Manchester College, BTec Diploma in Art. 2000-ongoing: Exhibitions worldwide, and charitable collaborations with Genesis, The Christie and Diabetes UK. 2013: Teaches art and calligraphy to adults and Manchester Grammar School (MGS) juniors. 2014-ongoing: Tutoring television actors in the art of calligraphy. 2015: Teaching Diploma. 2015: Forms Love Calligraphy, with Alejandra Gonaldi. By Fay Wertheimer

WOMEN'S FASHION

IS VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY A BIG DATE-NIGHT FOR YOU? Or maybe you're just planning a casual date-night at home?

Image: Boux Avenue

Even if the most dressed up you'll be on 14 February is putting on jeans, instead of yoga pants, you can still wear beautiful underwear.

WOMEN'S FASHION M&S Collection High Neck Mesh Bra M&S £22.50

Delicate Black Patterned Lace Body River Island £30

Reger by Janet Reger Bra £26 Suspenders £22 Briefs £15 Debenhams

M&S Collection Sheer Shaping High Leg Knickers M&S £15

Pink Heart Print Playsuit New Look £9.99

Black Lace Body Primark £12

Embroidered Bra £22 Briefs £12 Next 21

COMPETITION

his spring sees the return of the UK’s biggest wedding show, where you can experience every element of your dream day unfolding before your very eyes. From discovering your perfect venue and trying on the dress of your dreams, to sampling delectable delights, eyeing up fabulous ﬂoral creations and seeking out your idyllic honeymoon hideaway; The National Wedding Show is the ultimate one-stop shop to discover wedding experts in every ﬁeld.

Endless inspiration and countless shopping opportunities to try, buy, book and hire everything you’ll need for your big day, and all under one roof. Kickstart the day by taking a seat at the renowned Catwalk Show and see the latest trends for the bridal party brought to life on the runway. A showcase of the hottest collections of the season from the nation's ﬁnest designers, boutiques and retailers provides invaluable inspiration for not only the bride, but also mothers and fathers, beautiful bridesmaids,

COMPETITION WEDDING SHOW

dashing best men and ushers and, not forgetting the man of the moment, the groom. The must-see line-up includes designs from the likes of Jenny Packham, David’s Bridal, Qiana Bridal, Alfred Angelo, Allure Bridals, Beyond Burlesque, Nigel Rayment, Debenhams, Moss Bros and Young’s Hire, to name just a few. If you’re looking for something a little more alternative for your big day, head to The Rock n Roll Bride Collection. Brand new for 2016, the Rock n Roll Bride Collection will feature everything from bridal wear and accessories, to ﬂowers, cakes and stationery to make your big day truly unique in every way.

We have teamed up with The National Wedding Show to oﬀer 5 lucky readers, and their ‘plus one’, the chance to win a pair of tickets to this year’s most prestigious wedding event, taking place at Manchester Central 20-21 February. Tickets are limited to one pair per winner. So, what are you waiting for? Send your entry today!

TO ENTER, simply answer the following question: Q Where is The National Wedding Show taking place?

Email your answer to winner@salutions.co.uk with Wedding Show in the subject ﬁeld or send a postcard to The National Wedding Show Competition, Salutions, The Old Bank, 99 Palatine Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 3JQ. Remember to include your name, address and daytime contact number. Entrants must be 18 or over. Full T&Cs are available on the website.

Don’t worry if you are not a lucky winner, you can still book in advance and save up to £5 oﬀ the door price**. To book, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 874 0486. **Advance ticket prices revert to the on-the-door price of £18 (Manchester) at midnight the day before opening.

| VALENTINE’S GIFTS | 1 2 3

GIFTS VALENTINE’S

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate your love for others, so whether you’re spreading the love or giving yourself some well-deserved TLC, this Valentine’s Day should be all about beautiful gifts.

1. Guirlande St Valentin www.sweetpartyday.com/ £9.81. 2. Confetti hearts mug Cath Kidston £6.50. 3. Michael Kors jet-set travel red pouchette House of Fraser £95. 4. Biba deep V red dress House of Fraser £115. 5. Shavata heart shaped tweezers shavata.co.uk £25. 6. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum House of Fraser £50. 7. Bugatti - Vita Electric Juicer – Rosso amara.com £139. 8. Personalised Top Twenty Chart print betsybenn.co.uk £36. 9. I love you more than wine Valentine cushion www.artylicious.co.uk £22.

| VALENTINE’S GIFTS |

GIFTS VALENTINE’S

Run out of time to buy a Valentine's Day gift for the man in your life? Don't panic, we've got some great last minute ideas!

1. Personalised Love Keyring www.GettingPersonal.co.uk £59.99. 2. Unique Bicycle Wheel Wall Clock www.etsy.com £86 3. Engraved Golf Putter www.GettingPersonal.co.uk £79.99. 4. Hugo Boss ‘Boss Bottled’ Eau De Toilette John Lewis £42.50 - £76 . 5. Executive Hip Flask By SWIG www.limelace.co.uk £69. 6. Tommy Hilfiger ‘Heart’ Print Trunk House of Fraser £22. 7. Vivienne Westwood Diamante Heart Cufflinks House of Fraser £70. 8. The Ladybird Book of Dating White Stuff £6.99. 9. Paul Smith Jockey Caps Printed Silk Backpack House of Fraser

Beachside location - ideal for family holidays or romantic walks in the moonlight.

Endless getaways And generations of family fun at The Warren For over 80 years, The Warren has been Abersochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;go toâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; destination for countless families in search of quality time, relaxation, and a truly luxurious getaway.

fter a lifetime of holidays on the stunning Llyn Pennisula, Wilmslow lady, Mali Mackenzie, purchased her beloved luxury beachside lodge. Mali visits whenever she wishes, and is often accompanied by her children, grandchildren and friends.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like the whole thing,â&#x20AC;? Mali said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can sit RXWVLGH ZDWFKLQJ P\ JUDQGFKLOGUHQ SOD\ RQ WKH beach, building sandcastles. They can swim LQGRRUV DQG RXWGRRUV RU SOD\ ZLWK WKHLU IULHQGV who are also at The Warren. This summer has EHHQ DEVROXWHO\ VXSHU Âľ

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just love it here,â&#x20AC;? says Mali Mackenzie, who bought her luxury beachside lodge on the QRUWK :HOVK FRDVW DW +DXOIU\QÂˇV Ă DJVKLS UHVRUW The Warren.

Facilities range from four outdoor tennis courts, badminton or squash in the multi-purpose sports hall, a fully-equipped gym, sauna, spa

Maliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deep affection for the Lynn Peninsula, where The Warren overlooks the wide sandy sweep of Cardigan Bay, goes back to her childhood days when she spent every summer in nearby Morfa Nefyn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love the lifestyle and being able to sit out on WKH SDWLR DQG ORRN RXW RYHU WKH HYHU FKDQJLQJ sea. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful countryside and beautiful scenery â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabulous.â&#x20AC;? Good access to the beach makes launching a boat simple, but there are also two outdoor heated pools for the kids to splash about in, watched over by a bar for the adults, plus an all-season indoor heated pool.

and much more. A drive east brings visitors to the awe-inspiring Snowdonia National Park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To me itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about having this beach in front RI \RX DQG WKH OLIHVW\OH Âľ H[SODLQHG 0DOL 7R Ă&#x20AC; QG RXW PRUH DERXW HQGOHVV JHWDZD\V DW The Warren please call 01758 649352 or visit www.the-warren.co.uk

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LES GETS

A quaint, charming French village with sympathetically retained Savoyard architecture, tempting cuisine and marvellous mountain chalets. Jill Nash experiences her first family ski trip, and discovers there is enough to keep even non-skiers happy.

Sleep Ski Famille is a British owned ski operator focused entirely on delivering the best family skiing experiences, it was started in 1990 by two families who were keen to introduce their young children to the mountains. Their ethos is to prove that skiing with kids can be enjoyable for everyone, with no need to compromise on the quality of your holiday. They lease chalets in Les Gets, Reberty Village and La Plagne and most of the family ski chalets are directly accessible to and from the slopes. The family ski chalets vary in size from properties sleeping eight or nine to those accommodating over twenty, and can all be booked on either a sole or shared occupancy basis. Les Gets is part of the Portes du Soleil, one of the biggest ski areas in the world, comprising 12 interconnected resorts in France and Switzerland and only an hour’s transfer time from Geneva airport, making it accessible and easy for young families.

Chalet Petit Mouﬂon is located a few minutes away from Les Gets town centre, is easily accessible to the nearest ski lift (when there is good snow coverage it is a ski in/ski out chalet) and is a dream

for families with children. The property sleeps nine and has four good-sized bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities and a ‘family room’ set-up with bunk beds and a single bed. The décor is very traditional alpine with touches of Savoyard style, and all rooms have balconies with fantastic views of the nearby woodlands and slopes, not forgetting the fabulous hot tub located on the top ﬂoor roof terrace–essential after a day on the slopes! There is also a large dining room, fully equipped kitchen and a separate lounge area with a real log ﬁre.

Importantly for families with small children (who can get tired after ski school), there is a dedicated playroom area, containing an excellent selection of games, toys, books, arts and crafts, DVDs and sledges for outdoor play. There is even a good range of prams/ pushchairs for walks in the snow, so no need to bring your own.

Ski Famille also oﬀer a variety of childcare options and their staﬀ assist with transfers to the ski school and accompany the children while they are skiing. A chalet nanny can care for

younger non-skiers, and they enjoy activities such as snow painting, picnics, treasure hunts and tea parties. This allows time for parents to enjoy skiing, or exploring the non-skiing activities the area has to oﬀer.

On six days you are greeted by conscientious, english speaking chalet staff, who take your breakfast order, make your beds, and bake fresh afternoon cakes daily. each evening, they cook dinner for the children (normally served around 5pm), which allow young children to stay in their routine, and then prepare a separate meal for the adults around 8pm, (allowing some much needed adult downtime). Aperitifs and canapés are also served beforehand and wines are included with your meal. On the chalet staff ‘day off’, they recommend dining at a local restaurant, and will help facilitate this. Ski Famille staff can also help arrange excursions and in-chalet massages from qualified therapists; all the key ingredients are covered for a family ski trip without compromise.

At the foot of the slopes is the Aprèski bar, conveniently situated in the village centre. This snowline terrace is a great place to unwind to music at the end of the afternoon. On various days of the week, live bands and DJs liven up the dance floor for a relaxed, dynamic end to the day. Le George is a cosy, calm environment. Recently opened, and allegedly named after the future king of england, Le George is a tearoom from 3pm, but then becomes a wine bar offering finger food and a restaurant giving the option of extending pre-dinner drinks with friends.

To book, view current prices and availability call 01252 365 495 or visit www.skifamille.co.uk.

Drink & Dine The Ski Famille chalet staff host all your catering for six days, starting with a hearty breakfast, with luscious fresh croissants and bread, and ending with a sumptuous three-course evening meal. A typical three-course meal begins with canapés served in the lounge by the roaring fire, a soup/salad starter, a fish or meat main course and a delicious pudding. Our favourite was the cheese raclette, which was served with a fantastic range of salads and a crème brulee desert. For lunch, most skiers eat on the slopes or in Les Gets and one evening the chef has a night off. There are plenty of options locally, without the need to venture too far. Le Bacchus is ‘the place to be’: a cool jazzy piste-side bar overlooking the village and next to the sledging area. It has a wine bar with nearly 200 wines, a tapas bar and a tearoom serving luscious cakes. It has a buzzing atmosphere and is a lively spot for that compulsory après ski drink.

explore Les Gets is part of the Portes du Soleil, one of the biggest ski areas in the world, comprising 12 interconnected resorts in France and Switzerland. Despite its size and over 50 years of existence, the Portes du Soleil has retained its strong local identity and community values, enabling it to enjoy parallel cultures past and present. Ski lifts melt into the countryside, mountain chalets oﬀer the ideal location in which to savour the local gastronomy and ski runs follow the natural and varied contours of the land providing a ski area suitable for all levels.

Les Gets is a ’Village Famille Plus Montagne‘, and oﬀers children of all age groups over 500 activities, both on-piste and in the village itself. There’s the snow garden for the little ones, the ’Grand Cry Territory‘ – a themed ski area with Native

TRAVeL

Americans and trappers, the Mauve Milka ski run, boarder cross, luge (sled) runs, an ice skating rink, all in addition to the wide variety of craft and artistic activities on oﬀer in the village.

Children (and adults) can try their hands at a chocolate making workshop. Isabelle invites you to join her in the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of one of her renowned chocolate making workshops in Les Gets. A wonderfully creative family experience, guaranteed to titillate the taste buds and from which everyone returns home with their own delicious creation and a chef’s diploma. every week during the season, the musical museum runs a workshop where children from five years old can learn about mechanical music. It is a wonderful occasion, giving each child the opportunity to learn about music from another era in a fun, instructive and hands-on way. To begin with, children are shown the different systems that make instruments like barrel organs or mechanical pianos work and have the opportunity to try them. They learn about the component parts and their function: what are organ pipes, bellows, reeds or perforated cardboard? Participants then have the opportunity to make an instrument or music-related object to take home at the end of the session. For 15 days at the end of the year, Father Christmas lives in Les Gets. The village bubbles with excitement thanks to Father Christmas and this special magic-filled Christmas event. On the programme are visits to the enchanted forest where he lives with his loyal elves and where you can enjoy story telling. Other family surprises include street theatre, elf workshops, shows, local parties and fireworks on Christmas eve.

For more information on activities in the region visit www.lesgets.com

GettinG there Les Gets is very easy to reach from Geneva airport with only an hour’s transfer, making it very accessible and easy for families, and for those who are tight on time. easyjet oﬀer direct ﬂights from Manchester to Geneva. 27

| TRIeD & TeSTeD |

the Spa at the Midland

For the first time, Manchester has a luxurious spa dedicated to helping you relax, unwind and enjoy top quality treatments. Leave the crowds, queues, hustle and bustle at street level, and head down the spiral staircase to an astonishingly calm space, which is a welcome addition to the city’s most historic hotel. Spa Day packages include either a healthy lunch, or afternoon tea in the Spa Café. It’s recommended you enjoy a Spa day experience between either 9-1pm, or 2-6pm, although you can stay for as long as you like. The package includes a free robe, towel and slippers for use during the day, full use of the thermal suite, poolside areas, relaxation suite and, of course, full use of the private gym. There is a large range of solution-led body treatments and massages, designed to ensure you experience the best physical and emotional therapeutic benefits. You can choose from over ten different types of treatments, from luxurious massages to express manicures. The Spa at The Midland has some heavenly facilities; the hanging pods offer total relaxation before and after your treatment, and are the perfect place to drink your complimentary healthy tea before you return to the hustle and bustle of your day. www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/the-midland-manchester/the-spa-at-the-midland

Wellness rooms at Macdonald hotels

Macdonald Hotels have launched dedicated Wellness Rooms, providing a one-stop shop for the health and wellbeing of guests, at three of their top spa hotels. Macdonald Portal Hotel in Chester, Macdonald Alveston Manor in Stratford-uponAvon and Macdonald Craxton Wood in Cheshire are the first hotels to provide this new comprehensive wellbeing facility. The rooms are a designated space for one-toone wellbeing expert consultations, covering everything from dietary advice and fitness assessments, through to physiotherapy and complementary therapies. It’s the perfect way to kick start a New Year wellbeing programme, combining a focus on health and fitness with the relaxation of spa. They are available for hotel guests, Vital Health Club members and day spa guests seeking expert professional wellbeing advice. To complete the wellness offering, Macdonald Hotel’s Vital Health Clubs are offering free comprehensive health checks as part of their health club membership, which includes blood pressure analysis, resting heart rate, body mass index (BMI), body composition (fat), peak flow lung function, flexibility and aerobic fitness. Members can also have a FITeCH health and fitness assessment. Working with the FITeCH report, the expert Macdonald Vital Health and spa team are always on hand to advise and support on the best ways to achieve specific health goals. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/spa-fitness

Bali health lounge

Bali Health Lounge is an Urban Day Spa, Tea House and Relaxation Lounge, providing massage and beauty treatments at affordable prices. They adopt east Asian philosophy that has existed for thousands of years, to help manage stress. They propose a healthier lifestyle, including regular massage treatments. Today, this philosophy is supported by modern scientific studies, which confirm the numerous physical and emotional benefits that massage can deliver. everyone needs a little ‘me time’. According to the NHS website, stress is not an illness in of itself, but it can cause serious illness if not addressed. There is little you can do to prevent stress, but there are many things you can do to manage stress more effectively, and massage is one of them. The treatments menu covers massage, facials, waxing, nail and body treatments. All therapists undergo a bespoke Bali Health Lounge training programme, and will endeavour to help you fulfil a healthier lifestyle. Bali Health Lounge secures customer loyalty and trust by providing outstanding value for money, facilitated by their unique membership programme. This innovative scheme is designed to make it more convenient and affordable for you to make massage a lifestyle choice. Spa Days, party packages, spa gift vouchers and spa membership gift vouchers are also available. www.balihealthlounge.com 28

M E D I S PA

WILMSLOW

Dr nyla raja is the founder and Medical Director of The Medispa, Wilmslow. She is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic dermatology GP, and has been named as one of the ‘top Botox doctors in the country’.

COOLSCULPTING FAT ReMOVAL

Unique CoolSculpting technology uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate unwanted fat cells without surgery or downtime. Currently taking the beauty industry world by storm, this is one of the most popular body contouring treatments for removing stubborn fat from problem areas. how CoolSculpting Works

CoolSculpting works with cryolipolysis, which cools fat cells almost to the point of freezing. Fat cells freeze at a higher temperature to cells in neighbouring surrounding tissue, allowing CoolSculpting to safely deliver precisely controlled cooling to fat cells underneath the skin. The treatment causes the fat cells to crystallise and undergo natural cell death (apoptosis). Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates the dead cells, leaving you with a more sculpted physique.

CoolSculpting FAQS

• It’s not a weight loss solution but can be used to de-bulk. • Treatment only takes one hour.

• Treats most areas of the body: abdomen, ﬂanks, bra fat pads, inner and outer thighs, chin, knees and arms. • Results will be seen in as little as three weeks with optimum results after three months.

the Medispa by Dr raja. 3 Hawthorne Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1AA To book your free consultation, call 0800 009 6661 or email ask@doctornyla.com | www.doctornyla.com

HeALTH & BeAUTY

DeTOX YOUR HAIR WITH SASSOON SALON

To help keep your motivation and commitment right through 2016, here are our top tips for keeping you on the right track.

As we move into spring, it’s a good time to rethink our approach to health and wellbeing. Like clear skin, ’shiny healthy hair is an indicator of good health‘, says Bruce Maseﬁeld, Sassoon UK Creative Director. For the perfect spring detox, without a green juice in sight, Sassoon Salon has some simple steps to give your tresses a fresh start. Go au naturel

Heated styling tools can be a fast track to dry, damaged and brittle hair. Instead of reaching for the hairdryer, try letting your hair dry naturally at least once a week. If you do need to reach for the styling tools, use a heat protector such as Sassoon Professional Halo Hydrate (£17.40) before blow-drying and apply a serum such as Sassoon Professional Diamond Polish (£19.40) before applying any further heat to protect your hair.

Bringing the moisture back

The cold months can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle and lifeless and it’s vital to ’replenish and retain moisture‘, says Bruce. Get your tresses back on track by applying a weekly deep conditioning treatment such as Sassoon Professional Intense Restore (£17.45) to add elasticity, manageability and shine.

trim down

’If your hair isn’t quite the glossy, shiny mane you wish for, a good home care regime, regular trims and frequent treatments will keep it on track’, recommends Bruce. A salon appointment every six to eight weeks will ensure your hair remains healthy and super shiny. Alternatively, if the colder months really have taken their toll and your ends are screaming out for some TLC, what better time of year to consider a new look? Head into the salon for a complimentary consultation with one of our expert stylists and/or colourists who will advise on the best looks to suit your individual lifestyle and personality.

Sassoon Salon 1 Marsden Street, Manchester M2 1HW phone: 0161 827 7140

have a plan We’ve all been there – you head to the gym with no idea of what you’re going to do when you get there and spend the next 30-60 minutes wandering around aimlessly, achieving nothing. It’s really important to have a workout plan so that your sessions are eﬀective and beneﬁcial. There is no set rule on how you should tailor your plan, just always try and have one!

have a goal It’s going to be a lot more diﬃcult to motivate yourself to get to the gym if you don’t have anything to aim towards. Having a goal will give you a reason to work out and can be anything you want it to be, but be sure to make a note of your starting level and keep a record of progress to keep you motivated.

try a Group exercise class Virgin Active offer some brilliant classes to suit everyone. Classes offer safe and effective workouts that will challenge, encourage and motivate you. They create a fun, social atmosphere that will keep you interested and engaged.

train with a friend Having a pal to train with will help make training more enjoyable. If you’ve made plans with a friend to get to that early morning group exercise class, or run some intervals on the curve, you’re more likely to make the eﬀort to get there. You’ll also probably train harder with a bit of friendly competition!

learn more about the gym It’s natural to feel intimidated by all the fancy kit and innovative equipment in a gym, making it easy to stick to what you know and never try anything new. And, if you stick to the same old routine, your body will adapt to the exercise and you’ll stop seeing results and progress. One way to gain conﬁdence and get some new ideas is to have a complimentary gym induction.

Another option is to hire a Personal Trainer, especially if you find it hard to motivate yourself in the gym and need someone to plan your sessions. A PT will write tailored programmes specific to your needs, advise on correct form and technique, give you new ideas, challenge you, give you a more efficient workout and provide nutritional advice. They will also provide support outside of sessions to keep you on track as you work towards your goals. Make a playlist Music has been proven to enhance your workout, as it will distract you from feelings of fatigue, which means you will be able to push yourself harder during your session. If you choose the right songs, music is also proven to put you in a better mood. It will release lots of good hormones and get you ‘in the zone’, leaving you feeling pumped and ready for your workout.

to ﬁnd out more about Virgin Active or to experience our world class facilities, please call 0161 249 5600 or visit www.virginactive.co.uk

We LOVe

DeRMALOGICA: A CLeAR WINNeR FOR TeeNAGeRS Baby soft skin. Peaches and cream. Smooth, even complexion.

Most of us are lucky enough to be born with perfect skin and maintain it throughout childhood. Sadly, that makes it even harder when, along with all the body changes and raging hormones which come as part of puberty, breakouts occur. In fact, around 80% of teenagers will suﬀer from some form of breakout.

With skin health the priority of CoolBrand Dermalogica, it has used its more than 25 years of experience to create Clear Start, a new skin care range for teens and young adults. Developed to both prevent and treat symptoms of mild to moderate acne, it enables them to form healthy skin habits early. Acne is the highest ‘emotional need’ skincare concern. It can literally, and figuratively, scar a person for the rest of their life. It’s considered embarrassing, sometimes even shameful and teens will do whatever it takes to get rid of it. With an emphasis on skin health, rather than beauty, Clear Start does not contain artificial fragrances or colours, stripping alcohol and other aggressive ingredients which are irritating to the skin but are often found in many products currently available for teenagers. With 59% of teenagers turning to their mother as their first source for facial skin care advice, it is vital that a clear and effective range is available.

the Clear Start range

Breakout Clearing Foam Wash Light lather deep cleans and puriﬁes skin without over-stripping. Orange peel and tea tree oil energise and refresh skin; salicylic acid breaks up clumped dead skin cells and clears trapped oil to help wipe out existing and future breakouts. £13.10

Breakout Clearing All over toner Unique mist-all-over purifying toner which controls excess oils and helps eliminate breakouts on the face and body. Saw palmetto, sesame seed and Moroccan argan kernel extracts combine in a unique botanical blend that normalises oil production and regulates shine. £13.10

Blackhead Clearing pore Control Scrub Contains gentle micro beads which scrub away clogging dead skin cells and deep cleans pores and blackheads, leaving skin clear and smooth. Purifying bentonite and kaolin clays helps soak up excess oily debris. Salicylic acid promotes exfoliation deep within the pores to prevent blockages, whilst refreshing botanicals soothe, cool and reinvigorate skin. £13.10

Breakout Clearing Daytime treatment A daily, lightweight moisturiser and powerful spot treatment-in-one which breaks up bacteria to help wipe out breakouts before they emerge. The advanced formula uses niacinamide to clear persistent congestion and more stubborn breakouts and colloidal silver to speed healing and soothe inﬂamed angry skin. £16.15 oil Clearing Matte Moisturiser SpF15 Ultra-light moisturiser which provides all day shine control with SPF15 broad spectrum protection. This hydrating formula contains botanical oil-absorbers, including African whitewood bark, which control oily areas like the nose and forehead for an all-over matte ﬁnish, whilst the spf helps shield against UV rays which can make breakouts worse and cause dark spots. Contains active ingredients of avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and ocxybenzone alongside 19 gentle botanicals including liquorice, birch and willow, known to soothe and protect skin. £16.15

Breakout Clearing emergency Spot Fix A powerful concentrated gel which clears occasional breakouts fast. Niacinamide and sulphur wipe out spot-causing bacteria deep within the pore to clear individual breakouts quickly. Formulated with seven gentle botanicals, including camellia sinensis, lavender and tea tree, known to promote healing and calm skin irritation. £13.10 Breakout Clearing Cooling Masque A potent masque which helps clear skin whilst cooling, refreshing and soothing. The non-setting gel contains salicylic acid, plant and fruit extracts, including liquorice to soothe away irritation and target breakouts, whilst hydrating and balancing skin. £16.15

Breakout Clearing overnight treatment An invisible treatment which absorbs quickly then works overnight to fight breakouts. Purifies during skin’s restorative sleep phase to ensure less congestion, fewer breakouts and reduced redness. Contains camphor and meadowsweet to keep oil production in check, whilst cross-linked hyaluronic acid replenishes moisture to eliminate flaky irritated skin. Tea tree targets bacterial infection to improve skin clarity. £13.10

All Dermalogica products and treatments take into account an understanding of modern skin stress and active, busy lifestyles. The professionally recommended products do not involve complicated and outdated rituals. What distinguishes Dermalogica from other skin care ranges is the recognition that your skin is as individual as you are. Dermalogica products use highly active ingredients, are not animal tested - and they work. Dermalogica may not be able to cure teenage angst, but it can change your skin forever.

Dermalogica products are only available on the recommendation of a qualiﬁed skin care therapist. dermalogica.co.uk

HeALTH & BeAUTY

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The Dental Implant Centre & Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic

The team at Manchester Dental have been successfully looking after the teeth and smiles of patients for many years now. Their patients come from not just the North West, but nationally and, in a few cases, internationally, too. Their widely experienced and highly professional dental clinicians produce exceptional results, and many other dental practices refer their own patients here to get more complex work carried out. Their warmly reassuring surgery, with huge picture windows and ceiling mounted TV screens, couldn’t be more removed from the cold, clinical and unnerving dental surgeries of our nightmares! And, for a clinic that prides itself on creating something to smile about, it’s great to be welcomed into the surgery by such a friendly, smiling team! Crowns, Veneers & Bridges Teeth that are malpositioned, crooked, worn or broken down can be straightened, or rebuilt, with crowns or veneers. Missing teeth can also be replaced, with bridges as one option.

treAtMentS

Dental implant Centre: replacing missing teeth Dr Nafees Zakir, owner and principle dentist at the practice, has been treating patients with dental implants for over ten years and is a clinical lecturer at the University of edge Hill, Liverpool, where he teaches qualiﬁed dentists the art of placing dental implants. Hugely experienced, with various post-graduate qualiﬁcations, his portfolio of treatments, which can be seen on their website, illustrates just how transformative and life changing his work can be.

Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic: creating beautiful smiles Cosmetic dentistry is a term that encompasses many diﬀerent aspects of dentistry being brought together to transform a smile, which is why it’s also known as a smile makeover!

It includes orthodontic services, teeth whitening, crowns, veneers and bridges. Orthodontic services include invisible braces, fast braces (which can work in a matter of weeks) and the Six Months Smiles braces system.

Before

After

teeth Whitening New technology and teeth whitening techniques can produce results that were previously unattainable. Now, there’s no reason to put up with unsightly staining any longer.

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All of the above treatments, when carried out by Manchester Dental’s experienced and professional team of dental surgeons can produce amazing results and beautiful smiles. This is exactly what the team at Manchester Dental do every day: create beautiful smiles that will return lost conﬁdence and change people’s lives for the better.

Before

After

Manchester Dental offer a full range of services As well as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatments, they also provide general dentistry services for routine care, including check-ups and white fillings. Their Fresh Breath Clinic offers hygienist services, and anti-wrinkle treatments, including Botox, are available as well. Furthermore, their Healthy Feet Clinic provides chiropody services, too. Manchester Dental are offering a Free Consultation to all readers; book yours today and give yourself something to smile about!

Olympic mentor’s poor vision causes near miss.

Leads to “life-changing” eye procedure.

Bernie had also been embarrassed at Or simply the phone ringing and not Bernie Shrosbree, a recent meal out with his wife at a being able to see who is calling. Lens professional sports mentor ŚŝŐŚͲƉƌŽĮůĞ ƌĞƐƚĂƵƌĂŶƚ͕ ǁŚĞƌĞ ŚŝƐ ůĂĐŬ replacement surgery really has been and high performance coach, of glasses meant he could not even read life-changing for me in my career and the menu. He then discovered Optegra’s has taken out so much stress, I had not almost collided with a car lens replacement was available at his realised how much hassle I was enduring ůŽĐĂů KƉƚĞŐƌĂ ĞǇĞ ŚŽƐƉŝƚĂů͕ ĂŶĚ ĂŌĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ ŐůĂƐƐĞƐ ĐŽŶƐƚĂŶƚůǇ ŽŶ ĂŶĚ Žī͘ dŚĞ due to his poor vision. researching it, he decided to have way I live my life, not having to wear The frightening experience the treatment. glasses is incredible.” made him realise his eye sight “The way I live my life, not having to wear glasses is incredible.” had to be corrected. Bernie has trained Olympic rower James Cracknell, TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle, as well as Olympic three day eventer Andrew Nicholson whom he mentored for the 2012 Olympics. He explains: “I was out on my road bike with ŵǇ ƐŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƉƵůůĞĚ ŽƵƚ ŽĨ Ă ũƵŶĐƟŽŶ͕ ƚŽ narrowly miss a car. My son asked ‘didn’t you see it?’ and I simply had not! /ƚ ǁĂƐ ƋƵŝƚĞ Ă ĚĞĮŶŝŶŐ ŵŽŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ / realised something had to be done about my sight.”

He explains that at this stage in his career he needs to be at the top of his game – and part of that is having perfect vision and not having to worry about reading and seeing. Never again did he ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ŐŽ ƚŽ ĚŽ Ă ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ realise he had no glasses and could not read anything!

“Being involved in sport and coaching makes strong demands on my vision, like reading a map on my mountain ďŝŬĞ͕ Žƌ ŶĂǀŝŐĂƟŶŐ ŝŶ Ă ŬĂǇĂŬ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĂŝŶ͘

Bernie described the procedure as very relaxed, quick and he felt very wellbriefed on the recovery process. He was amazed the next morning to be able to read a text from his daughter – the ĮƌƐƚ ƟŵĞ ŚĞ ŚĂĚ ĞǀĞƌ ĚŽŶĞ ƐŽ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ƉƵƫŶŐ ŐůĂƐƐĞƐ ŽŶ ĮƌƐƚ͊

Bernie’s Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at his local Optegra eye hospital says: “We are always keen to meet individual ƉĂƟĞŶƚ͛Ɛ ŶĞĞĚƐ ʹ ƐŽŵĞ ĨŽƌ ĞǆĂŵƉůĞ ǁĂŶƚ vision sharp enough to thread a needle while others want to be able to watch TV without glasses. For Bernie, there was such a vital need to have excellent vision, both to ease the visual demands of his career and also to increase his ĞŶũŽǇŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƐƉŽƌƚƐ ŝŶ ŚŝƐ ůĞŝƐƵƌĞ ƟŵĞ͘ I am so pleased that he is delighted with the outcome.” Optegra’s lens replacement surgery ǁŝƚŚ Ă ŵƵůƟͲĨŽĐĂů ůĞŶƐ ƵƐĞƐ ƉŝŽŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ techniques to improve your eyesight, reduce your dependence on glasses, and remove or prevent cataracts. Achieving the successful outcomes you’d expect from the UK’s most trusted specialist eye hospital group.* Inside Optegra’s dedicated eye hospitals, their recognised lens replacement experts will assess your individual needs and deliver a precision treatment using state-of-the-art technology – helping to improve your vision, so you can live a fuller life, just like Bernie.

If, like Bernie, you would like to lose your glasses, call 0844 326 0011 or visit optegra.com/manchester to ďŽŽŬ ǇŽƵƌ &Z ĐŽŶƐƵůƚĂƟŽŶ͘

Live a fuller life without glasses in 2016. Of all the resolutions you make this year, trusting the experts with your vision may be the most profound.

Call 0844 326 0011 today for your FREE† local consultation, or visit optegra.com/manchester to book online. LASER EYE SURGERY | LENS REPLACEMENT SURGERY | CATARACTS | MEDICAL TREATMENTS *Source: Trustpilot 22nd January 2016. †Free consultation applies to Laser and Lens Replacement only.

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DoCtorS in the houSe

Annice Mukherjee and Simon Taggart on call for their patients and their family Dr Annice Mukherjee, an endocrine specialist and Dr Simon Taggart, a chest physician, are a medical consultant duo living in Hale. They juggle packed work schedules consulting for Spire Manchester, Hale Clinic and the NHS with a busy family life with their two children. Although always on-the-go, this husband and wife partnership stay organised to make it work. how did you both meet? Annice On the vascular surgery ward at Withington Hospital in 1990, when Simon was a newly qualiﬁed doctor and I was a medical student. Simon was a little slow in asking me out as he thought I was already dating one of the other medical students!

Can you explain your specialisms? Annice I specialise in anything and everything to do with hormones. This ranges from thyroid, to menopause and bone health to weight management. I run a dedicated fatigue service because fatigue is so common with hormone issues. Simon I am a chest specialist and physician. I manage many common lung problems such as coughs, breathlessness, chest infections and many others! I also treat medical complications after surgical procedures and work closely with surgeons to improve patient care during and after their operations.

typically, who are your patients? Simon They come from every background from all over the North West. Some even travel from other countries to see me. Often they come to see me on the recommendation of other patients. Many are referred by their specialists and GPs, whom I have come to know well over 15 years of private practice. Annice I see patients of all ages and from all walks of life. Many of my patients come to me through word of mouth recommendations, which is the ultimate compliment!

Where do you consult? Simon My main weekly clinic is at Spire Manchester Hospital where I can arrange on-the-spot scans and other tests if needed. I am also able to see patients at the Hale Clinic which is very convenient for many people. Next year, I will move my practice to the new Spire Manchester hospital currently being built in West Didsbury, which will be fantastic for our patients as it will be a modern state of the art hospital with all the facilities our patients deserve. Annice My weekly clinic is at Hale and my monthly is at Spire Manchester Hospital. I can’t wait for the new hospital to open!

how do you balance busy work schedules with family life? Simon I rely completely on Annice to manage our home life, even though she has her own hectic work life! She runs the house, organises our children AJ and Anna’s busy schedules and sorts out all our holidays! She is amazing. I am in charge of the gardening, DIY and general maintenance, which I really enjoy. We always make a point to have Sunday lunch and supper together as a family. That’s the best part of my week! Annice We try to work as a team. Simon is great with the kids. But Simon is very busy, so when I travel with work I always ask my mum or in-laws to help with the children, because we never know when Simon will be called to an emergency! What’s the best thing about being married to someone working in the same ﬁeld? Simon I think we have a unique understanding of one another’s stresses, strains and priorities, and that puts us in a good position to support each other. We share many friends and similar interests in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Annice Yes we always have lots to talk about!

Spire Manchester hospital 0161 232 2303 – www.spiremanchester.com

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’i want to look like Michelle keegan.’ You may have a partner that loves to buy the latest copy of OK! or Heat Magazine, to look at celebrities such as Michelle Keegan on holiday in her bikini. You might be that person who buys it to look at what new styles she might be wearing this week. You might then sit back and complain that you don't look like said person. . Y

I'm sorry to break it to you, but the truth is that you might not ever be able to look like her. But you sure as hell can look the best you can look. It's easy to sit back and say ’she's naturally skinny, or ‘I bet she doesn't eat anything but lettuce‘. You might be right, and there’s nothing wrong in looking at someone for inspiration, or 'thinspiration', but bear this in mind. You might be five feet tall and dream of being five feet and five inches, but your expectations and reality are two very different things. What you really need to understand is that there are three different body shapes. Your body type influences how you respond to diet and training. Understanding your body type: ectomorph, endomorph, or mesomorph can help you to strategically plan your strength training and diet regime. Here are three body types explained.

ectomorph •

• • • • • • •

Small delicate frame and bone structure Classic ’hardgainer’ Flat chest Small shoulders Thin Lean muscle mass Finds it hard to gain weight Fast metabolism

Mesomorph

• • • • • • •

Athletic Generally hard body Well deﬁned muscles Rectangular shaped body Strong Gains muscle easily Gains fat more easily than ectomorphs

endomorphs don't have to be fat. Female endomorphs who are in great shape, like Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson and Beyonce, all have typical endomorph bodies. Sure, ectomorphic women tend to look great with their clothes on and can wear almost any style of clothing (most models are ectomorphic), while endomorphs are more restricted in their look (endomorphs do best in ﬁtted clothes, which is the reason why Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Scarlett Johansson and Kim Kardashian wear the clothes they do, or design their own). The ectomorph's body lacks curves, while the endomorph's body is all about them. It's the reason why pin-up models tend to be endomorphic and are very rarely ectomorphic.

endomorph

• • • • • • • •

Soft and round body Gains muscle and fat very easily Is generally short Stocky build Round physique Finds it hard to lose fat Slow metabolism Muscles not so well deﬁned

In comparison, a mesomorph would be Halle Berry or Rebecca Adlington - someone who is extremely athletic in nature and responds brilliantly well to exercise routines. Male versions would be Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger, who only have to stand next to the weights to gain size!

Don't compare yourself to Cameron Diaz if you're Holly Willoughby - you'll be constantly disappointed.

So, to put it simply - ﬁnd out what your body type is, work within its limits and aim to be the best that you can be!

To contact Ben, email bodyperformancetraining@hotmail.co.uk. For more information and lifestyle ideas head to www.facebook.com/bodyperformancetraining @benpostma on Twitter or @bodyperformancetraining on Instagram. 39

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SALLY DeRVAN

Photographer: Mike Browne

Assistant CeO AGe UK MANCHeSTeR

Dynamic Sally Dervan’s been hooked on caring for older people since her schoolgirl work experience at Withington Hospital’s Burton House. Disappointed that the nursing profession was attracting less vocation-led colleagues, she quit in 1995 to set up Age Concern’s over-50s Home Care Services in South Manchester.

20 years on, Assistant CeO Sally’s dual roles in administration and hands-on practice keep her finger on the pulse. She operates from AGe UK’s office and three day-centres, overseeing 150 staff and 150 volunteers. every week they provide 2,000 hours’ local homecare plus centre-based social and advisory activities for up to 105 people a day. The charity’s extensive outreach includes supervising medication and meals at home, housecleaning and transport to the charity’s drop-in arts, knitting and discussion groups, specialist benefits and pre-retirement advice services and its ever-popular ‘Silver Klick’ internet tuition.

AGe UK Manchester also oﬀers 24-hour residential care at Holmeﬁeld in West Didsbury.

Committed, positive and enthusiastic Sally explains: ‘Ours is a relationship for life. No one should have no one, and no one should be lonely. After all, we’re not here for a long time but for a good time. Whatever we put in, we get back tenfold. Your quality of life is in that moment. If someone’s visited us and doesn’t return, but they left with a smile, it’s a job well done.’ Sally regards nurturing personal ambitions, however humble, and socialising as fundamental for selfconﬁdence. Family referrals often entail individuals needing time to adjust to coping with groups after long periods of isolation. She adds: ’everyone, especially retired gents, must feel useful. When we refurbished the kitchen in our Wythenshawe centre, the new sink was ﬁtted by one of our own octogenarians!’

Working with older people’s not all doom and gloom. On a week’s holiday in Llandudno, one chappie sat stuck, wedged in the bath. His room-mate’s valiant attempt to free him failed when the bathroom door handle came oﬀ in his hand — guess who sorted it? Sally grins. ‘That week was hard work. Forget early nights. The hotel bar stayed open till the last guest went to bed. Many stayed up till 3am and still wanted pushing down the prom at 6am in their wheelchairs.’

For Sally Dervan, caring for older and frailer folk is no less uplifting and lifeenhancing as when, at age 16, she was spellbound by their life stories. If younger people are inspired to work with their elders, our society will be enriched. Sally Dervan knows and leads from the front.

AGe uk MAnCheSter www.ageuk.org.uk/manchester Canada House, 3 Chepstow Street, Manchester, M1 5FW. 0161 833 3944

1964 Born West Didsbury. 1980-95 Withington Hospital: volunteer, auxiliary, student and qualiﬁed SeN nurse. 1995 Age Concern, now Age UK Manchester. 1996 Diploma Applied Social Sciences. 1997 Ongoing: student placements’ teacher. 2004 Registered Managers Award. 2008 Annual guest lecturer Manchester & Salford Universities Social Work Degree. 2014 Assistant CeO AGe UK Manchester at Wythenshawe, Gorton and Openshaw centres. By Fay Wertheimer

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STYLE

patience is a virtue. Sadly, not one this little lady has been blessed with. If things don’t happen quickly around here I do have a tendency to stamp my feet, invariably followed by much hilarity as his Lordship videos my tetchy tantrums for Facebook.

ake post-Christmas dieting, for example. I always start out with such high hopes. Only to be bitterly disappointed when I stand on those evil scales on Day 5 and realise I am not a stone lighter, even after all those damned Nutriblasts. Cue bad mood, comfort cake eating and Spanx purchasing.

Next up: expensive anti-ageing wonder creams and serums. You know, the ones that promise to get rid of ‘laughter lines’? Well, if the face looking back at me in the mirror in three days time doesn’t look like an Instagrammed version of Alexa Chung, into the bin it goes. And, don’t get me started on fake tanning. Yes, we all know you’re supposed to exfoliate and moisturise 24 hours beforehand to do a good job. But whenever a black tie event comes around, what do I do? Slap on the fake tan two hours beforehand and then spend the entire evening trying to cover up the emerging orange streaks with my wrap. Classy. So when it comes to all things green ﬁngered you won’t be surprised to hear that I can be a bit hasty during late winter: seeds sown too early, ickle seedlings planted out before the frosts have passed, plants killed by overfeeding

as I attempt to hurry them along. You see, at heart, I am an Impatient Grow Your Owner. And I’m sure I am not alone. But growing doesn’t have to be all about waiting patiently. even during February/March, if you pick the right crops and have a sunny windowsill you could be enjoying super speedy veg in 7-14 days. Result.

Microgreens are the answer. Simply put, microgreens are the tender, flavour packed seedlings of young herbs, vegetables and salad leaves that are picked when their first true leaves appear. Crops most commonly grown as microgreens are: Thai basil, fennel, coriander, fenugreek, rocket, purple basil, sorrel, curly cress, mustard, radish, kale, red beet, spinach, oriental leaves, lettuce, watercress and Swiss chard. So, if you fancy having a go with me, here’s how. First up, grab some of those shallow, rectangular plastic seed trays with holes in the bottom; fill with room temperature peat-free compost to a depth of approx. 4cms; level the surface and then water lightly. Next, sprinkle seeds thickly on the compost but try to ensure they don’t touch each other. Then, lightly cover the seeds with compost to about the same

By Catherine Saunders. Follow Lady Muck on Twitter @ladyMuckStyle

depth as your seeds. To help germination, cover the tray with a clear plastic bag and secure with an elastic band. Then pop your tray(s) on a bright, sunny windowsill, keep the compost moist, but not soggy, and watch your seeds grow. Once leaves appear, grab your scissors and get snipping. Not only are microgreens vitamin and mineral rich, they really are delicious added to salads and sandwiches.

right, must dash. Black tie dinner tonight and I have to start camouﬂaging all those damned orange fake tan streaks.

| InTerIorS KITCHenS |

JML Deluxe Dish Drying Mat This incredibly useful dish-drying mat instantly extends your sink draining area and catches water and suds from your plate rack. The foam construction can absorb nearly a litre of liquid and, thanks to the honeycomb mesh, glasses dry clearer and quicker. £7.99 JMLdirect.com

Spring-cleaning time is right around the corner. Here are some of the best products to spruce up your kitchen this season Zingo Twist & Go Give your water a tasty zing by infusing it with fresh citrus such as lemons, limes, and clementines. Zingo makes drinking water easy, fun and healthy. Simply unscrew the bottom cup of the Zingo, ﬂip the body onto the top cap, and press a citrus half into the reamer. Screw back on the bottom lid, add water through the cap-opening, shake and enjoy! £11.99 at John Lewis and available in green or pink Joseph Joseph Totem 60S Intelligent Waste System Taking up the same space in your kitchen as an ordinary bin, the multi-tasking Totem has separate, removable compartments that hold both kitchen waste and recycling. The top part has a 36 litre compartment for general waste and a handy 4 litre food waste caddy, and the drawer in the bottom glides out to reveal a further divided section, ideal for plastic or glass recycling. £249 John Lewis

Zip HydroTap With the Zip HydroTap design range, you have the choice of enjoying water any way you like it; boiling hot, chilled or sparkling. In another beautiful style, the HydroTap Cube delivers the water you have always wanted, with the design you have always desired. As the centrepiece of your kitchen, the HydroTap Cube is both a source of inspiration and a source of wellness. Available to buy at truKitchen Wilmslow. truKitchen.co.uk 49

30 TH BIRTHDAY PARTY 20th April 4-8pm

Complemented by a Neff Cookery Demonstration

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www.kkcentre.co.uk.

See the beautiful new Barcelona Bath by Victoria & Albert at our Cheshire Showroom now... Also available with matching sit on basins.

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Zoë ASpIn

Last September, hard-grafter Zoë Aspin set up her Vintage Afternoon Teas and relaxing reflexology businesses. She’d spent 16 of her 30 years in the travel industry with STA Travel, covering every professional aspect from sales and call centres to personnel, university campus work and branch management. She knew taking the plunge into self-employment would require emotional and financial stability, so she bridged the gap by working part-time at local group travel company, Greatdays. She added, ‘My paternal grandparents were Blackburn master-bakers, so food and hospitality come naturally to me. I bake the day before, and on the day of every event. The house is full of mismatched crockery, which people seem to love. I’ve organised over 25 private and corporate events since taking over and even set up in a tepee in a field! But above all, helping to make and enhance memories is such an immense privilege.’

Zoë attributes her move to needing the change, having reached the big ‘50’ and... serendipity. Having lived in Manchester since the age of two, she returned to the city in 2003 after spells away in Durham, London, Leicester, Derby, Brighton and her birthplace, nottingham. Single again after 13 years’ marriage, she settled in Didsbury, still working for – yes, you’ve guessed it — STA Travel. Then, ﬁve years ago, her ‘little’ sister and mutual pals introduced her to Chris, her Altrincham-based partner. She moved in, rented out her Didsbury home, and, in october 2015, sold it within a week. An avowed foodie, with a penchant for cakes and halloumi, Zoë so enjoyed last summer helping out at Vintage Afternoon Teas caterers, that she bought the company!

She still chuckles about an early blip Chris resolved by hot-footing to her rescue at Dunham Village Hall. Prepping her egg-mayo sarnies ‘in- situ’ was proving tricky. Zoë had left all the bread at home, and her ground coﬀee, too. Chris saved the day on that occasion!

And reflexology? In 2012, a freebie session at a girls’ pampering evening had her hooked. Still enthralled by that first experience, fatalist Zoë says, ’It was meant to be. Within 15 minutes, the practitioner had me, and my concerns, sussed just by working my feet. Amazingly, the next day was Trafford College’s open Day So I went along and enrolled on their one-year reflexology course.’

in months. She called Zoë, in tears of happiness, to conﬁrm her ﬁrst night’s relief in ages; both therapist and client were overwhelmed.

Caring Zoë concludes, ‘Travel, reflexology and catering are people orientated businesses. Delivering fantastic customer service and keeping people happy is what I’m about - and what I love doing!’ Contact Zoë Aspin for more information at: www.vintageafternoonteas.co.uk email: zoe@vintageafternoonteas.co.uk Tel: 0161 327 2738 And also at: www.relaxingreflexology.com email: zoe@relaxingreflexology.com Tel: 0161 327 2736

operating a mobile service around South Manchester, Zoë treats people relaxed at home and unstressed by today’s traﬃc problems. Amidst the consistent reports of improved migraines and sleep patterns, the most moving and dramatic was the reaction of a woman haunted by her husband’s unexpected death. She had not slept

Thanks to Marie at DiDi's Boutique, Altrincham. By Fay Wertheimer | Images: Mike Browne

CoMPeTITIonS

Win Tickets to see DeACon BLUe at AInTree rACeCoUrSe oPen AIr ConCerT – 13 MAY 2016

An evening At The races and Aintree racecourse are proud to reveal that Deacon Blue are the ﬁrst act to be playing a brand new series of live concerts at the course this summer. Featuring a full headlining show, the band will be taking centre stage on Friday 13 May 2016.

Deacon Blue are one of Scotland’s most successful musical exports, having sold over six million albums worldwide. expect to hear many of their timeless hits, including ’real Gone Kid‘, ’Fergus Sings the Blues‘ and ’Dignity‘ when they rock the racecourse. An evening At The races oﬀers an experience unlike any other this summer. Alongside a show-stopping headlining performance, the action kicks oﬀ earlier in the day with a six race card - giving fans the

chance to enjoy the thrilling drama and spectacle of equine athletes racing for glory. Whether you fancy a ﬂutter or a dance with friends and family, the event is certain to be an ‘odds on’ favourite for all.

Three lucky readers have the chance to win a pair of tickets to this event by simply answering the following question: Deacon Blue come from: A. Scotland. B. Ireland. C. Wales

THe MAnCHeSTer CooK BooK

The eagerly anticipated Manchester Cook Book, which was released last november, sold out in just two weeks. More books are being reprinted to keep up with the high demand. This 224 page full colour book features guest recipes from a few well-known faces, such as local boy and Masterchef 2015 winner Simon Wood, as well as those other two popular TV chefs and stars of restaurant Wars, Simon rogan and Aiden Byrne. Food lovers are spoilt for choice by the numerous award-winning, fine-dining restaurants and traditional country pubs that Manchester has to offer. This book highlights the finest, as well as food from local producers and suppliers in areas including Didsbury, Chorlton, Bury, oldham, Levenshulme, Salford and Stockport. Among the venues featured are The French, which was awarded four AA rosettes and named ‘Best restaurant (outside of London)’ at the Food & Travel reader Awards, and ‘restaurant of the Year’ at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards. You will also find contributions from Infamous Diner, Iberica, Croma Pizza, 63 Degrees, Trove and many, many more – readers will be sure to spot one or two of their own favourite eateries, as well as a few new haunts. With a carefully selected collection of diverse recipes achievable by all home cooks, from Albert’s seafood curry to Victorian Chop House Company’s famous corned beef hash, Infamous Diner’s buttermilk pancakes with blueberries, Harvey nichols Second Floor Brasserie’s Garden of eden cocktail and Hilton Podium’s truffle pasta and wild mushroom open lasagne - there’s something to whet everybody’s appetite.

To get your hands on a copy of The Manchester Cook Book, simply tell us who won Masterchef 2015.

The Manchester Cook Book retails at just £14.95 and is available in all of the businesses featured in the book, as well as select local gift shops, bookshops, including Waterstones, and online at www.amazon.co.uk.

To EnTER: email your answer to winner@salutions.co.uk with the name of the competition in the subject ﬁeld, or send a postcard with your answer to: Salutions, The old Bank, 99 Palatine road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 3JQ. remember to include your name, address and daytime contact number. entrants must be 18 or over. Full T&Cs are available on the website.

TA B L E f o R T W o

…with Andy Booth at Pier 8 restaurant at The Lowry

The role of lawyers in the history of popular music, and their subsequent importance to the artists they represent is often overlooked, but there have been plenty of high profile cases that have illustrated that relationship. Andy Booth has sat on both sides of that particular table; firstly, as a successful professional musician and now in his current role as a partner at law firm, SAS Daniels LLP, where he specialises in music and media law. The Lowry’s brand, spanking new Pier 8 restaurant was the impressive venue for our lunch, and it really is a beautifully light and airy space. Claire, our server, got us rolling with two fabulous starters: black pudding for Andy, which he believed to be the best he’d ever had, and I went for the crab.

Born in Whalley range but raised in Culcheth, Andy had a bucolic upbringing out in the country. He went to Bolton School, where he harboured ambitions to be a music journalist, as music was, and remains to this day, a real passion for him. With that ambition in mind, he turned down the chance to go to Cambridge, as it lacked a live music scene, and instead chose to read History at Leeds University. A decision that would prove to be both serendipitous and fortunate for Andy. As the main courses arrived, pork fillet for me and a saffron risotto with roast squash and cauliflower for Andy, both equally as delicious as our starters, Andy took me back to his student years. He wrote music reviews for the student paper and produced a fanzine, but it was an assignment to interview a band, The Cassandra Complex, that would prove to be the pivotal point in

his life. They hit it oﬀ and the band asked him to join them, having already seen him play previously with the legendary (in Leeds!) Surﬁn’ Dave.

He completed his ﬁnals and started his new career in a new town. The band went on to make several records, some of which were played by John Peel, and toured extensively in a short, concentrated three year burst. The usual dynamics of constantly living in each other’s pockets led to the break-up of the band and a parting of the ways. Andy decided that staying in the music business was not really what he wanted to do. He’d already done the rock lifestyle to a certain extent and wasn’t prepared to risk wasting any more time waiting for the big break that might never come. As we moved on to dessert, Manchester tart and lemon posset, Andy related how he decided to become a lawyer, with the speciﬁc aim of working with, and for, clients from the music industry. London, as ever, attracted all the talent and, consequently, there was a real lack of expert and knowledgeable legal

advice provision for Manchester’s vibrant and burgeoning music scene.

Cue Andy Booth, and now, twenty years later, he’s one of the leading music lawyers in the country, let alone Manchester. His list of clients includes household names and artists just starting out on their musical endeavours, but they all beneﬁt from the advice of someone who’s already experienced the highs and the lows of this most precarious of professions. I imagine he must have many déjà vu moments as he sits down with the latest ‘next big thing’ and prepares them for the road ahead.

Andy Booth is a partner at SAS Daniels LLP Phone: 0161 475 7646 Mobile: 07715 052 177 sasdaniels.co.uk

our thanks to Pier 8 restaurant for their gracious hospitality. For reservations phone 0161 876 2121 or visit piereightrestaurant.co.uk

The Cassandra Complex have reformed and are playing live dates this year! Go to cassandracomplex.co.uk for full details. By Mark Kureishy

FooD reVIeW

enjoy a little slice of Italy at Piccolino this season

The weather in Manchester may be far from Mediterranean, but thanks to a few exciting new additions at Piccolino in Didsbury, the popular Lapwing Lane restaurant is providing guests with an authentic taste of Italian life this winter.

With a new aperitivo oﬀering, stylish all-weather terrace and regular resident DJs, whether you are just popping in for cocktails by the bar or planning to visit for a three course meal, Piccolino have you covered from noon until night. For a truly authentic Italian experience, why not enjoy lunch or dinner on the restaurant’s new all-weather terrace? Boasting the ﬁrst retractable roof in Didsbury and featuring suspended heated lamps, romantic candle lights and cosy pashminas, the glamorous new space allows you to dine like it’s summertime all year round, come rain, shine or even snow. Adding to the Mediterranean feel, the restaurant has also welcomed a new resident DJ, who will be taking to the decks every Friday from 5pm to 12am and Saturday from 12pm to 12am.

Guests popping in for a few after work drinks are in luck. Passionate about all things Italian, Piccolino have adopted the popular tradition of aperitivo Italiano. Just pull up a seat at the bar

By Helen Lawson

between 5pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday, and a tasty selection of complimentary nibbles will accompany your aperitif of choice.

When it comes to the menu, provenance is paramount. Piccolino are committed to serving fresh, seasonal produce, reﬂecting pure Italian ﬂavours and, having formed close links with artisan suppliers all over Italy, this promise is made possible. Beef is a serious business at Piccolino. Cattle are individually selected from farms across the British Isles, hung for 7 to 10 days and dry aged on the bone for a minimum of 35 days in a bespoke Himalayan pink salt brick dry ageing room, before being hand cut at their own butchery in Cheshire.

It is not just their beef that is meticulously selected; Piccolino go to great lengths to source the very best quality ingredients for every single dish. The restaurant serves some of the ﬁnest day boat ﬁsh from around the British Isles, all responsibly caught from

sustainable sources. Having forged strong partnerships with small independent family run suppliers, like Chapmans of rye on the south coast of england, Piccolino are able to source the very best ﬁsh direct from their boats.

To provide the perfect ﬁnishing touch to your meal, the restaurant make all of their ice cream, sorbets, cakes and desserts in house, at their very own bakery, run by Antoine Quentin.

Plus, with a great value quick lunch menu available daily, 12pm to 5pm, a tasty autumn/winter menu to get your taste buds around, and not forgetting an impressive Sunday roast menu, there is no better time to visit Piccolino in Didsbury!

piccolino Didsbury 6 Lapwing Lane, Manchester M20 2WS Tel: 0161 434 7524 www.individualrestaurants.com

DINING GUIDE CHAOPHRAYA Manchester

BURGER & LOBSTER Manchester

BUSABA Manchester

Decisions, decisions. Burger or lobster? Well, we already have too many decisions to make in life so let’s keep it simple. These guys had a whole heap of knowledge about beef from setting up the Goodman steakhouses, which are predominantly down south...and the lobster part? Well, who wouldn’t want to dine on some of the best lobster around for just £20? And as for the whole ’no-menu‘ thing, well it works. That’s right, no menu; it’s either burger or lobster for your £20.

Is it a decent burger? These burgers are prepared from three cuts of corn-fed steak from the rolling hills of nebraska. They contain marbling, which adds all the ﬂavour, so nothing is added, absolutely zilch. They really are the tastiest and juiciest burgers around.

Situated in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant shopping scene, just minutes from King Street, Chaophraya Manchester is a truly special place to dine. With our renowned open kitchen and sunken seated private dining table, guests get the true taste of Thailand, complete with ﬁrst class service and a bustling atmosphere.

And the lobster? Flown in from the Atlantic ocean alive and well (and we’ve actually been to the tanks at Heathrow to vouch for this). They are then kept fresh in each restaurant, via huge purpose built tanks. These nova Scotian lobsters are the best. Try them in one of their freshly baked brioche rolls or with fries and salad - amazing!

The menu features classic dishes from diﬀerent regions of Thailand, and all of the dishes are created by our Thai chefs using only the ﬁnest and freshest ingredients.

The new ﬂagship restaurant, designed by russell Sage Studio, has undergone a major refurbishment and will provide, from the dishes to the décor, the people of Manchester with a unique cultural oﬀering.

With a variety of private dining areas available, including sunken seating, secluded dining areas for up to 25 diners and exclusive restaurant hire for 220 guests, we can oﬀer something to suit every special occasion. Chaophraya is the perfect venue, with fantastic quality food and excellent service.

Whether it’s a birthday celebration, entertaining business clients or a shopper’s break, we look forward to welcoming you in to enjoy our tasty Thai dishes in our stunning restaurant.

Chaophraya 19 Chapel Walks | Manchester | M2 1Hn Tel: 0161 832 8342 www.chaophraya.co.uk

The dining scene in Manchester continues to get better and better. Latest on the radar of avid foodies is award winning Thai restaurant, Busaba, which opened its doors last month. The brand new 170-cover restaurant and bar, situated in the heart of exchange Square, is set to raise the temperature by oﬀering visitors the ultimate Thai experience.

Burger & Lobster Ship Canal House | 98 King St | Manchester M2 4WU

Tel: 0161 832 0222 www.burgerandlobster.com

The menu boasts a fine balance of quality value and traditional dishes inspired by modern Bangkok, including Busaba's best-selling Thai Calamari, its famous pad Thai and iconic Thai curries. These are all made with Busaba's secret recipe curry pastes, developed in association with Michelin star chef David Thompson. over in the bar, a range of flavoursome Thai teas, Thai inspired juices, signature cocktails, local and far-away beers and much more, will be on offer. Busaba Printworks | Manchester | M4 2BS

Tel: 0161 669 4708 www.busaba.com

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

FooD reVIeW

The steaks are high for CAU in Didsbury

When you think of the country that produces the best steak and red wine, arguably, that country is Argentina. Good news for Didsbury steak and wine lovers that Argentinian inspired CAU has opened its doors here.

CAU has an unusual interior. one that makes you search the walls from top to bottom for their crazy little features and even touch them as you walk by. Presumably designed to recreate the inside of a cow shed, albeit a lovely bright and clean one, this tells you how seriously they take their concept. And the concept is basically very simple: it’s deliciously cooked meat. And for those of us who are not afraid of sending a steak back when it isn’t cooked right, this is a good sign.

It’s bright and the layout has altered hugely from the last incarnation of this venue. We sit in an area tucked away from the main restaurant and the low-level lighting gives it a cosy and intimate feel. The waitress is jolly and enthusiastic and grinned broadly when we suggested starting with cocktails. It seems they’re very proud of their cocktails and rightly so, as two skilfully made and beautifully presented perfect Manhattans came to our table. For starters, we plumped for Argentinian street food. It made me ponder how odd it is that calling something ‘street food’ instantly makes it more desirable.

By Helen Lawson

My plus one went for a good old sirloin steak and hardly spoke as she ate her way through it.

We shared ground beef empanadas and belly pork tempura. Both of which were rich, tasty and delicious, and made me want more but I had to save room for my mammoth steak that was to come.

The array of steaks almost made me dizzy with choice, so I asked the waitress and she recommended the lomito steak. I went for the smaller weight of the two available but it still bowled me over with its sheer size. Usually served with blue cheese sauce, which I’m not a fan of, another recommendation meant I tried the traditional Argentinian style topping with fresh herbs, chilli garlic and lots, maybe too much, olive oil.

Too full for pudding, we both opted for a Vanilla espresso Martini that was, once again, perfectly mixed and presented. All in all CAU is a great addition to Didsbury’s dining scene. If you fancy a good steak, give it a try and if you’re a fan of a seriously well-made cocktail as well, try one while you’re waiting. If you see me in there, mine’s a Manhattan, please. Perfect!

CAU Didsbury 700 Wilmslow road, Manchester M20 2Dn Tel: 0161 448 1883 www.caurestaurants.com

EDUCATION NEWS overseas charity mission

family holidays are usually a time for rest and relaxation, but Stockport Grammar, sixth former Seun odusanya used her trip to nigeria to lend a helping hand to two worthy causes. While in nigeria, Seun spent several days volunteering at the Living Fountain orphanage in Lagos, where more than half the children are HIV positive. She bought food and basic supplies for staﬀ, as well as donating £200. She also taught the teachers new nursery rhymes to sing with the children.

Seun goes to nigeria every couple of years to visit family but decided that she wanted to do something worthwhile this year. In the week leading up to her visit, Seun recruited friends and family for baking duties and held a cake sale at her church. She raised £419 – more than double her original target.

’The staﬀ at both centres were so grateful for the time I spent there and the donations that I made. Knowing that I have made a diﬀerence to these two organisations, and changed lives for the better is an amazing feeling’

During the second week of her holiday, Seun volunteered at the Cerebral Palsy Centre, which was set up by nonye nweke in her own home when her daughter was diagnosed with the condition. Seun learned more about the work carried out at the centre and donated £200. She said, ’every time I go to nigeria, I see the poverty and I always promise that I will do something to help. This year, I decided it was time for action.

Alderley edge girls become explorers

Alderley Edge School for Girls recently welcomed British explorer, Mark Wood, to talk about his expedition to complete the ‘most dangerous journey on Earth’. Mark, along with Paul Vicary and Mark Langridge, will attempt to trek from russia to the north Pole. The scale of the challenge is considerable; crossing hundreds of miles of unstable sea-ice; surviving in sub-zero temperatures and man-hauling up to 140kg across this dynamic and uncertain terrain. The expedition team all have connections with the armed forces and, through this challenge, support the charity, Hire a Hero, which helps service leavers make the transition into civilian life.

To make Mark feel welcome, the school held an ‘explorer day’, with the pupils and staﬀ dressing up as explorers, or anything linked to the north Pole, which included everything from Jacques Cousteau to polar bears and even elsa from Frozen!

To kick-start the fundraising, Mark also spoke to parents and members of the local community about this unique opportunity, and how anyone can take part.

During the expedition in February, the pupils will communicate with the team through Skype during their epic journey and experience what it is like to travel with modern-day explorers. In return for the unique opportunity to be a part of this historic journey, the school is aiming to raise £15,000 to cover the cost of one of the sledges.

eDUCATIon neWS

“

CHS is important to me as an institution I got a lot from and which I want to give something back to; I value meeting up with fellow Old Waconians.

Nick Maltby

Class of 1981 Old Waconian and General Counsel and Company Secretary at Genomics England

Formerly a commercial and projects partner at Bircham Dyson Bell, Maltby arrived at the Department of Health as Legal Consultant in February 2013, charged with setting up Genomics England. He is helping to guide the company through the minefield of sequencing 100,000 peoples’ entire genomes by the end of 2017.

“

CHS is engaging, stimulating and fun preparation for life. The School laid the foundations for many lifelong interests including academic research, politics, sport and music.

“

cheadlehulmeschool.co.uk

eDUCATIon neWS

Intensive GCSe & A Level revision Workshops 4th – 8th April 2016

• • • •

GCSe subjects - maths, english, biology, physics, chemistry AS and A2 level subjects - maths, biology, physics, chemistry Daily intensive revision sessions & mock exams Taught by experienced subject specialists

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys

Call 07527 377502 for more information www.choicehometutoring.co.uk

one-to-one tuition • easter & summer entrance exam & maths/literacy workshops

Begin early and take lots of breaks for the best exam results! ’What's the point in revising now? It's only February and my exams are in June. I'll have forgotten everything by then...!’

That was the claim I used to make as a pupil sitting on one side of the desk, and one I frequently heard as a teacher while standing on the other side, trying to instil the importance of beginning the revision process well in advance of exams. It's well accepted that teachers have a huge amount of syllabus to cover over the academic year, as well as trying to do it in an engaging, inspiring 'Grade 1 lesson’ way. That challenge to find an inspiring way of delivering a difficult or mundane topic to young people often means that crucial exam revision techniques can fall by the wayside. However, effective revision makes a huge difference to exam success.

Revision is quite a skill. Here are a few pointers to consider when revising:

• Take breaks from revision: Studies have shown that breaks are essential for information to process. • It's never too early to start: These breaks must be stimulus-free, even 10 minutes a day can begin to however, which means no gadgets, help information sink in. It will reduce gaming or anything requiring brainpower; your brain needs time to last minute stress and make for a more harmonious household. allow the information to be absorbed. If you actively use your brain during a • Take your file of notes from school/ break, it will be confused by which college and focus on one topic: data to take in. Listening to instrumental read through those notes and digest music is an effective way to take a the information. read again, if break from revision. necessary, ensuring that you thoroughly understand what it is you • As a parent or carer, support your child: encourage, reward and are reading. on a separate piece of sympathise accordingly. paper, bullet point the information succinctly, without any waffle. These Choice Home Tutoring are running a points can be learnt by rote for the exams. Do this early and it will flag up GCSe, AS and A2 level revision week for Maths, english, Biology, Physics and any areas that you are still unsure Chemistry between 4th–8th August 2016, about. at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys.

Call 07527 377502 or email info@choicehometutoring.co.uk for further details.

eDUCATIon neWS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combinationâ&#x20AC;? Nelson Mandela

Find out more by calling 0161 224 1077 Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL 62

wgs.org

Means -tested bursaries now available from Year 5 upwards

eDUCATIon neWS

St Bede’s Students Dazzle Audiences with Amazing Production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Luke o’Hara led the 40-strong cast as Joseph, with James Ward-Mallinson as Pharaoh, in a dazzling performance of the Lloyd-Webber and rice musical.

Talented students at St Bede’s College wowed audiences over a three night run with an outstanding production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The lavish production was directed by St Bede’s Headmaster, richard robson, along with Drama subject Leader, nicki Alderson and Music subject Leader, Andrew Davies.

Primary school pupils and invited guests enjoyed the ﬁnal dress rehearsals before the cast

performed to parents, family, governors, friends and guests. ’Students and staﬀ have worked extremely hard to ensure the production ran so smoothly. We’ve had some wonderful praise from the audience about how professional the show has been’, said Mr robson.

’I’m extremely proud of all our cast, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, to make our production of Joseph an outstanding success and a true reﬂection of the quality of the college‘, he added.

Art-Tastic Success for Manchester High School for Girls

Talented artists from Manchester High, ebubechi okpalugo and Hannah Hughes from the Senior Sixth form, have scooped some of the top prizes at a schools’ art competition, ArtTastic. open to children, teenagers and students across Greater Manchester, the ArtTastic competition was held by Jerrold Holdings, parent company of the Blemain Group. 17-year-old ebubechi, from Sale, won first prize in the College category and received a cheque for £500 and a trophy. 18-year-old Hannah, from Macclesfield, came third in the same category and also received a cash prize and a trophy. Manchester High’s Art Department was presented with a cheque for £250 as the winning school in the College category. ebubechi said ’I was happy that I won, as I never really win anything! I feel accomplished and confident that maybe I am not such a bad artist after all! I study A Level Art and I have a real passion for it. I do a lot of painting in school.’ Their art has been on display for four weeks at Stockport Art Gallery, before moving to the company’s head office at Cheadle royal Business Park. 63

eDUCATIon neWS

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Enquire about our Assisted Place Scheme at The Ryleys.

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Alderley Girls have the Edge

AESG a the top chieved across rankings th the ISI e board in Ins Februa pection ry 2015

Junior School Open Day Saturday 12 March 2016, 10.00am–12.30pm At AESG, we believe in giving girls aged 2–18 the best possible opportunities to achieve success, in a secure, focussed and stable environment. – Visit our Nursery, Pre-School, Infant and Junior Departments – Seamless transition through to the Senior School – Dedicated private school bus service from a variety of locations Visit www.aesg.co.uk or call 01625 583028 for more information.

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Knowing which lawyer you want to work with can be a diﬃcult decision. Word of mouth, recommendation, cost or location could all be factors that inﬂuence your decision.

David Beech & Simon McCrum

Alternatively, it could depend on what services you want; real estate, personal, tax, corporate – do you choose a specialist or general legal ﬁrm?

GeTTInG To KnoW YoU Hale-based professional services firm, Knights, one of the largest law firms in the country, believe that choosing the right legal advice is about finding someone you can talk to, and who understands you and your business.

’An eﬀective legal team is one that works as a bolt-on to your existing team. You can’t expect your management team to deliver the best possible work for you if you don’t have that level of trust and understanding in place, so why should the relationship with your lawyer be any diﬀerent?’

Some of the partners at Knights’ Hale office explain how they build relationships with clients that last for years, and advise Knights, established in 1759, have that opening up a dialogue of trust from been in the industry long enough to the very beginning will enable you to understand what makes businesses tick. get the best out of your lawyer. Located across seven offices in Cheshire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire, Derbyshire, ’Building a successful business is hard oxfordshire and Colchester, the team work. It takes years of dedication, some of 20 in Hale has access to an impressive risk taking and a reliable and trustworthy network of more than 300 experts team. It’s important to have the right across the UK. people around you to make sure that the business can grow and adapt - but what David added, ’Because we get under the often gets overlooked is that choosing skin of our clients and understand the the right law firm to work with is no wider needs of their business, we build different,’ explains David Beech, Ceo long-term relationships and a level of for Knights. trust that sees us working with national clients for years.

’I have been asked on a number of occasions, ‘Why don’t you have an oﬃce in Manchester or London?’ Being located in a major city doesn’t always ensure access to the best services, as Knights are successfully proving. Being based across seven regional oﬃces means that we are responsive to clients, wherever they are based.’

Knights’ real estate team is the largest in the firm, with around 100 dedicated professionals working across its network of offices. Corporate, tax, trusts and estates, and private client work are the other main service lines offered by the long-standing firm.

Knights’ not only spans across the UK, but crosses national borders, too. Paul Basger, partner, has recently acted on behalf of a Dubai-based investor and Swedish optician business. He also acts as a ‘trusted advisor’ at board level for some of his clients.

Simon McCrum, office leader at Knights in Hale, said, ’We have a fantastic team at Hale who offer legal support across all aspects of business and personal legal needs. In Hale, real estate remains one of the busiest areas but, more often than not, we find ourselves helping clients with more than they had initially approached us for – thanks to the open relationships we actively encourage with our clients.

’It might sound strange, but you would be surprised how many business owners, MD’s and Ceo’s trust us with their personal legal work, too, whether it’s

wills, conveyancing or family law, quite simply because they trust us to deliver successfully.’

David adds, ’The way people are doing business is changing, and clients are getting much savvier now, too. They know what they want, and they want someone who understands their business, the issues they are facing and a trusted expert to oﬀer the guidance and advice they need. And, ultimately, they want more for less – we understand that.

Quentin Duckworth

Matthew robinson

Andrew rimmer Supported by partners Andrew rimmer and Matthew robinson, who provide commercial property, education, construction and engineering expertise, the Hale team is fast becoming one of the leading real estate teams in the north West, as investment into the area increases.

Knights is now a UK top-70 law firm, employing more than 300 staff across seven offices.

Visit www.knights1759.co.uk

’Because we’re located across a number of regions, our clients beneﬁt from experts from all over the UK, while also enjoying a local presence.

’At Knights, we don’t just work for our clients; we work with our clients. Traditionally, legal ﬁrms have been seen as unapproachable and stuﬀy, but we’re far from that.’ 67

AskTheExperts Dr Greg nassar Clinical Services Manager at north West Hearing and Head of Audiology Services at the Traﬀord Division of the Central Manchester Foundation Trust.

nastassia Burton, Managing Partner at Stowe Family Law, Wilmslow. nastassia advises clients on all aspects of family law.

I have the TV volume up too high and I’m worried about my hearing; what should I do? Arrange a free hearing test with an independent audiologist. They’ll investigate and thoroughly check for wax. After performing a diagnostic hearing test, they’ll recommend the most appropriate hearing aids for you and, should medical attention be required, advise you to see your GP.

What is the best invisible hearing aid available? Phonak’s Lyric is the only truly invisible hearing aid. It’s an extended wear, ﬁt-and-forget hearing aid. Positioned well out of sight deep in the ear canal, it’s worn 24 hours a day, for around 12 weeks before replacement with a new hearing aid. Lyric oﬀers the most natural sound of the highest quality.

What do I clean my ears with? The ear is a self-cleaning organ so leave it alone! earwax can be picked out or, very rarely, syringed but micro suction (a small vacuum) is the safest and most eﬃcient method. Don’t stick cotton buds, car keys, matches, pen lids or anything else in there!

I separated from my wife six months ago and she will only allow me to see the children on an ad hoc basis. What steps can I take to change this? If you are unable to reach agreement directly with your wife, you will need to see a solicitor. Your solicitor can then send a letter to your wife, setting out your proposals. If it cannot be resolved via correspondence, a referral for mediation will be made. If mediation is unsuitable or unsuccessful, you can make an application to the court and the court will then consider what is

in the best interests of the children.

the matrimonial home last week but how long do I have to wait before I can divorce? You need to be married for at least one year before you can apply for a divorce. If you wish to formalise your separation, you can apply for a decree of judicial separation, which has no requirement for you to have been married for any length of time. This is a court order, which formalises your separation. However, it does not end your marriage, meaning you cannot remarry until you have ﬁnally completed your divorce.

Audiologist of the Year 2014/15, Greg is particularly interested in noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus.

Do I have to wait for my cataract to be ripe to have it removed? Absolutely not! As soon as your cataract is diagnosed it can be removed – though nHS waiting lists can cause delay. At optegra, it can be removed as soon as it’s diagnosed, rather than waiting until the point when it really is aﬀecting your vision by clouding Mr Say Aun Quah, images, blurring or causing glare. consultant eye surgeon

at optegra eye Hospital Manchester.

our marriage is over and I want to end it. Where do we go from here? If you want to take formal steps to end your marriage, one party needs to petition for divorce. If you wish to proceed immediately, the available options are to petition on your spouse’s adultery, or on his or her unreasonable behaviour. I have been married for two months and now realise that it was a mistake. I moved out of

Will I have to wear my glasses after a cataract operation? normally yes, but we oﬀer a procedure called cataract refractive surgery. rather than a standard lens replacing your cloudy cataract lens, an advanced lens selected speciﬁcally for you by your surgeon could eliminate or reduce the need for glasses. All carried out in one procedure, it’s a chance to be free of glasses altogether.

I’ve heard of lens replacement what is that? Lens replacement is ideal for people over 50 who wear glasses or contacts for short or long distance, or have astigmatism. To reduce or stop dependence on glasses, the lens of the eye is replaced by a tailor-made, multifocal lens. This artiﬁcial lens also prevents you getting a cataract in the future.

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. 68

MORTGAGES...

The property market is booming and more and more people will need help in ﬁnding the right mortgage for them.

often we pay too much for a new mortgage or simply don’t realise it is possible to switch an existing mortgage to save money. There are thousands of different mortgages available and finding which one is the right one for you is often a difficult and confusing process. As well as the vast amount of different products available, the criteria that different lenders use is extremely varied, which often leads to confusion. This can result in customers settling for a product that can unwittingly leave them paying thousands of pounds more over the mortgage term!

Mortgages have become much more complex over the last 18 months and the ability to speak to a mortgage adviser has never been more important.

Last year, the body overseeing mortgage business in the UK brought in a host of changes with the Mortgage Market review, making the process even more diﬃcult to take out a mortgage without advice.

Kellands can help We have a wealth of experience in mortgages and ﬁnancial services, so are able to discuss your needs with you in great detail – whether you’re looking to buy a new home, remortgage your existing property or buy an investment property.

Kellands are completely independent We are able to search the market which will help to ensure that you get the best deal to meet your circumstances. Along with over 25 years experience Kellands are able to use a wealth of various methods to ensure we ﬁnd the best rates for you, putting you with the best lender for your needs. We will also help you to determine what documentation you will need to provide. This will vary based on a number of factors; including whether you are employed, self-employed or regarding any credit issues you may have had in the past.

We believe that in oﬀering a complete all-round service, delivered in a friendly, professional manner and ensuring we explain everything in a jargon-free way, we are able to take the stress out of obtaining ﬁnance for your new home or simply getting a better deal on your existing mortgage.

This article is correct at time of print, and does not constitute advice. Kellands (Hale) Ltd is Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It is your responsibility to ensure you keep up with the monthly payments on your mortgage, otherwise your home may be at risk.

obtaining the very best financial advice, from a Chartered financial planning firm such as Kellands, can help you fully understand your current financial position, and help you to make the best choices for your future. Kellands Chartered Financial Planners provides a full advisory service for private and corporate clients on Pensions, Tax Planning, and Investments and Mortgages. If you would like to discuss any of these or have any other queries, please call the team on 0161 9298838.

Kellands (Hale) Limited. 24 Victoria road, Hale, Altrincham WA15 9AD

0161 929 8838 hale@kelland.co.uk www.kelland-hale.co.uk

161 Ashley road | Hale | WA15 9SD

Foresight take a Quantum leap

Image: Martin Hambleton

’our aim has never been to be the biggest, but it certainly is to be the best. Most of our clients are so busy and they don’t have the time to look after their own ﬁnancial planning, so they outsource it to us. The acid test is most of our clients have been with us for many years. You can’t get higher praise than that.

Simon Booth is Managing Director of Foresight, the wealth strategists based on Ashley road in Hale. ’It’s probably fair to say that we have been one of Hale’s best kept secrets ‘, says Simon. However, all that is about to change with the introduction of The Quantum Programme, Foresight’s unique ﬁnancial planning approach. Foresight was established in 1998 to deal with the more complex ﬁnancial planning requirements of successful business owners, professionals and high net worth individuals.

Simon ﬁrst came to Manchester to study for his degree. He subsequently worked in the City of London for various merchant banks and institutions before coming back to the north West to pursue a career in ﬁnancial planning.

Simon lives in Hale and has three children, ranging in age from 7 to 23-years old. outside work, his hobbies ’Foresight re-branded as Wealth include pottery and performing Strategists in 2015 to reflect that we stand-up comedy. He is often at are more than financial advisers; we Stamford Park, where he is Chair of are effectively a financial concierge the Friends of Stamford Park. ’I think service. We felt that the time was right it is important to be active in the to expand and have taken on some very community and share your success.’ talented individuals to deal with the This prompted Foresight to supply the growth we have experienced – we have seed which is then sold at the Little identified a gap in the market for the Deli on Stamford Park road to feed the top quality advice that we offer.’ ducks – the proceeds are then used to improve park facilities. Fundamental to Foresight’s expansion is The Quantum Programme, an approach Foresight also supports Speed of Sight. based on cutting edge financial planning Set up in 2012 by Mike newman, the techniques. ’It is completely unique charity provides driving experiences for and gives clients a clear and significant people with disabilities. Mike, despite advantage – they can see and feel the being blind, recently set a new world difference.’ speed record for driving a racing truck. ’What’s not to like about a blind man The firm was ‘Highly Commended’ at driving a truck at 120 mph? Mike is the Talk of Manchester 2015 Awards, truly inspirational.’ and in January 2016 achieved It looks like 2016 is going to be an Corporate Chartered Status; only exciting year for foresight – truly a awarded to a select group of financial Quantum leap. planning practices. ’This is confirmation that our philosophy is correct and that we are on the right track.’

Go to www.foresight-ifp.co.uk to ﬁnd out more about Foresight and ﬁnancial planning. or call 0161 926 9350

SPRING SUMMER 2016 A Royal Exchange Theatre and National Theatre co-production

HUSBANDS & SONS By DH Lawrence, Adapted by Ben Power With Anne-Marie Duff 19 February – 19 March A Royal Exchange Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company co-production in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre

KING LEAR By William Shakespeare With Don Warrington 1 April – 7 May A Royal Exchange Theatre World Premiere

THE NIGHT W WATCH WA ATCH By Sarah Waters Adapted by Hattie Naylor 19 May – 18 June A Royal Exchange Theatre World Premiere

THE MIGHTY YW WALZER ALZER By Howard Jacobson Adapted by Simon Bent 30 June – 30 July A Royal Exchange Theatre and Sherman Cymru co-production World Premiere

BIRD By Katherine Chandler 8 – 25 June BRUNTWOOD PLAYWRITING BRUNTW OOD PRIZE FOR PLA AYWRITING YWRI YWRITING 2013 WINNER

SEE MORE S SAVE AVE MORE WITH A SEA SON TICKET! SEASON BOOKING NOW NOW OPEN BOOKING

Box Office 0161 833 9833 royalexchange.co.uk ROYAL YAL EXCHANGE THEATRE, ATRE, ST S ANN’SS SQUARE, S MANCHESTER M2 7DH 71

WHAT’S ON

The weather might be a little colder but there are lots of reasons to keep warm in the city’s theatres over the next few months. Smash hit musical, Mary Poppins, plays Manchester and the fabulously funny, Shrek The Musical comes to Salford. Favourites, Joseph and Chicago, make a welcome return to the city and we get a chance to see brand new productions, Husbands and Sons at the royal exchange and endgame at HoMe.

fAMILy

Shrek The Musical

The Lowry. 2 – 20 february Based on the award-winning ﬁlm, Shrek The Musical is a brilliant show for all the family. It is wonderfully funny, bringing all the DreamWorks characters hilariously to life, live on stage. Shrek is an all-singing, all-dancing aﬀair with never a dull moment. It’s the perfect treat for half term. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

The Lowry. 17 – 21 february Director Sally Cookson brings Michael rosen’s award winning book vividly to life. This is a fabulous show for children aged 3+ with lots of catchy songs and interactive fun. Goodnight Mister Tom

opera House. 23 – 27 february now a modern classic, Michelle Magorian’s wonderful tale is brought gloriously to life in this magical stage adaptation by David Wood. We follow young William Beech and his heart-warming friendship with an elderly recluse when he is evacuated to the english countryside in the build up to the Second World War. The Witches

The Lowry. 21 – 26 March roald Dahl’s scariest book is brought to life in this fun ﬁlled production featuring a cast of actor-musicians, original music and mind-boggling illusions. 72

Impossible

palace Theatre. 22 – 26 March Fusing death-defying stunts, technological wizardry, grand stage illusions and close-up magic, Impossible reinvents the biggest illusions in history in an amazing magic show. Prepare to be mesmerised and thoroughly entertained by this stunningly epic show. peppa pig’s Surprise

The Lowry. 30 & 31 March Peppa, George and all their friends are back in a brand new stage show with life-sized puppets and new songs.

DRAMA

Husbands and Sons

Royal Exchange Theatre 19 february – 19 March Interweaving three of DH Lawrence’s greatest dramas, Husbands and Sons introduces us to the now vanished world in which he grew up. A community built on manual labour, working class pride and ﬁerce tenderness. Marianne elliott, director of War Horse and Curious Incident of the Dog in the night-Time, returns to the exchange with a cast that includes Anne-Marie Duﬀ and Joe Armstrong for this major co-production with the national Theatre. Endgame

HoME. 25 february – 12 March Languishing between life and death, the

chair-bound tyrant Hamm (David neilson, best known as Coronation Street’s roy Cropper) and his dutiful, but resentful, companion Clov (Chris Gascoyne, Coronation Street’s Peter Barlow) pass their days in a ﬁlthy, bare room, caught in a loop of futile routines. A classic of modern theatre, Beckett’s absurd and macabre play makes a grim joke of life, and ﬁnds laughter in the darkness. I Am Thomas

The Lowry. 1 – 5 March I Am Thomas is a brilliantly conceived collaboration written by Told by an Idiot, with music by Iain Johnstone and lyrics by award-winning poet, Simon Armitage. It is a riotous and unsettling drama, telling the account of the last person in Britain to be executed for blasphemy. expect lots of black humour and plenty of theatrical invention. The Herbal Bed – The Secret Life of Shakespeare’s Daughter

The Lowry. 30 March – 2 April Peter Whelan’s moving and funny play provides a beautiful evocation of life in Shakespearian england. The Herbal Bed focuses upon the conﬂict between public and private morality and is based on real events that occurred in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1613. Bad Jews

The Lowry. 5-9 April Joshua Harman’s play premiered in the UK in 2014 to a stream of great reviews before transferring to the West end. A beloved grandfather has died and a

FLoWn

Mary Poppins

Goodnight Mister Tom

Chicago The Musical

treasured family heirloom with religious signiﬁcance is up for grabs. A Manhattan apartment is the setting for a viciously hilarious brawl over family, faith and legacy on the night after the funeral.

DAnCE

Romeo and Juliet

The Lowry. 2 – 5 March Set to Prokoﬁev’s sparing score, romeo and Juliet recounts the familiar and well-loved tale of two young lovers at the mercy of their powerful and feuding families. Birmingham royal Ballet present this audience favourite in a beautiful and exhilarating production. fLoWn

The Lowry. 12 – 14 february FLoWn is a big, beautiful and bonkers show where everything is... ﬂown, even the band! Mixing comedy and chaos with physicality and live music, and set to an original soundtrack, the show presents a motley crew of acrobats, aerialists, musicians and stuntmen all trying to get a show up and running.

MUSICALS

Mary poppins

palace Theatre. Until 5 March This stage production has a book by Julian Fellowes, a timeless score with unforgettable songs such as Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, fabulous choreography and incredible eﬀects. It tells the magical story of the

world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane. It is a wonderful show for all the family. Let It Be

opera House. 29 february – 5 March This is a spectacular concert ﬁlled with over 40 Beatles hits. relive their rise from humble beginnings to the height of Beatlemania through songs such as Hey Jude, She Loves You and Let It Be. footloose

palace Theatre. 14 – 19 March Based on the 1980s movie, Footloose tells the story of city boy, ren who, has to move to a small town where dancing is banned. Starring Maureen nolan as Vi Moore, this fast paced show is obviously packed with lots of amazing dance routines and dozens of 80’s hits such as Let’s Hear It For The Boy, Holding out For A Hero and of course Footloose. Chicago The Musical

opera House. 21 March – 2 April Chicago’s sassy score includes All That Jazz and razzle Dazzle, and stars X Factor winner, and real-life prison warden, Sam Bailey, as Mama Morton alongside John Partridge and Hayley Tamaddon. Chicago is slick, sharp and deﬁnitely one to see. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

palace Theatre. 29 – 30 March Joseph is back, this time with X Factor winner Joe Mcelderry wearing the

coveted coat. This brilliant musical is a well-loved favourite, ﬁlled with great songs such as Any Dream Will Do and Close every Door. American Idiot

palace Theatre. 5 – 9 April Green Day’s American Idiot is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world. It features the music of Green Day, with lyrics by lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong.

fESTIvALS AnD EvEnTS

Manchester Irish festival

various venues. 4 – 18 March This year’s festival marks Ireland’s 2016 centenary celebrations, with 100 events across the city, including, of course, the wonderful St Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday 13 March. For more information, go to manchesteririshfestival.co.uk

The northern Wedding Show Manchester Central 20 - 21 February

This spring sees the return of the UK’s biggest wedding show, where you can experience every element of your dream wedding unfolding before your eyes.

By Catherine Reed

Reviews IIIII FILMS

By John Waddington

Spotlight

Director: Thomas McCarthy

The extraordinary true story of how investigative journalists uncovered an abuse scandal and cover-up. Director Thomas McCarthy’s richly detailed and emotionally involving drama boasts outstanding performances from its superb cast, who paint a compelling portrait of investigative journalism at its ﬁnest.

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi Director: Michael Bay

A good ol’ gun totin’ American cowboys and Indians reboot from Hollywood heavyweight Michael Bay. The action, based on real life events, takes place in Libya, 2012, where six US Special Forces agents take it upon themselves to seek vengeance for an attack on the US ambassador in Benghazi. High octane stuﬀ.

Zootropolis

Director: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush

MUSIC

A rookie rabbit cop partners with a wily fox in this clever and funny new Disney animation. In the mammal city of Zootopia, police oﬃcer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) is keen to overcome anti-rabbit prejudice even if that means forming an alliance with crafty fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) to solve a case. Fun.

David Bowie – Blackstar

A true individual, and pop music pioneer, David Bowie had an immeasurable inﬂuence on countless artists who succeeded him. He released over 50 albums in his career, and managed to keep pushing boundaries, while remaining accessible with every one. His ﬁnal album shows that he was a vital and progressive voice until the end.

BOOKS

•

Kazuo Ishiguro - The Buried Giant Sometimes savage, often intensely moving, Kazuo Ishiguro’s ﬁrst novel in a decade is about lost memories, love, revenge and war. Not an easy read by any stretch of the imagination, this is an often confounding and confusing book, with a narrative full of dead ends and unresolved enigmas, but patience will be rewarded in the end for those who do go the distance.

Sunjeev Sahota - The Year of the Runaways Flitting between India and England, and between childhood and the present day, Sunjeev Sahota’s enthralling novel is a story of dignity in the face of adversity and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. The Year of the Runaways tells of the bold dreams and daily struggles of an unlikely family thrown together by circumstance, touching on some very pertinent contemporary themes.

Emrah Serbes - The King of Taksim Square From bestselling author Emrah Serbes comes a hilarious, poignant story of a teen’s struggle to ﬁnd his place in the world and launch his sister’s star amid Turkey’s real-life ﬁght for freedom. Set against the backdrop of political unrest in the form of a people’s uprising in Turkey, the protagonist’s search for YouTube fame by way of Michael Jackson impersonations takes on an extra satirical dimension.

Paul Carrack – Soul Shadows

Various Artists Analog Africa No.19

Probably best known as the co-frontman of Mike and the Mechanics, but also serving time with Squeeze and Roxy Music amongst others, Paul Carrack is something of an elder statesman of the British old school pop scene. A perennial favourite on Radio 2, and you can see why. Soul Shadows serves up another slice of very solid blue-eyed soul.

The brand new release by the Analog Africa Label...Senegal 70. Four years in the making, in partnership with Teranga Beat, the current leading label for Senegalese music, Analog Africa oﬀer an insight into the musical adventures that were taking place in Senegal’s major cities during the 60s and 70s. A must for any fans of authentic soul, funk and African music.

SCOTT QuIGG

he boxing ring is a lonely place and, once you’ve ducked under those taut ropes and stepped on to the canvas, you’re well and truly on your own. The baying crowd ﬁlls your head with noise and white light ﬂoods your vision as you focus on your opponent. Only after the bell has tolled will you be allowed to leave, and then only through one of two exits; one marked Triumph and the other Despair.

It takes a brave person to duck under that rope

Lord of the Ring

Scott Quigg is such a person and, contrary to what we think we know about boxers, he, too, is well aware of the dangers of the ring. And he’s not without fear, either, it’s simply that he has suﬃcient determination and courage to overcome any doubts about stepping into the arena.

Born and raised in Bury, Scott was always possessed with a singular determination to succeed. School was always a troubling environment for him and his behaviour, though never errantly bad, led to him getting into scrapes that were, more often than not, initiated by others. He hated bullies and just couldn’t stop himself from intervening whenever he encountered them. His loving and supportive family instilled in him a deep and long lasting respect for fairness and doing right by others. Their grafting to support the family was also passed onto Scott, whose work ethic and ﬁtness training has marked him out as one of the ﬁttest boxers in the world. His parents used sport as a channel for his restless energy. He was a good footballer and had several trials at leading clubs, but his height and build precluded him from a professional career. He was also very successful at Thai kickboxing, but it was when he entered a boxing ring at the age of 15 that his true calling became apparent.

It was at this time that he asked if he could leave school to concentrate on his boxing skills. Permission was granted and, supported by his family, he left and attended college part-time. He also had a part-time job, sweeping

up at the factory where his dad worked, which made him even more determined to pursue his goals.

His ascent from amateur to professional boxing was swift and he was very quickly marked out as exceptional. Titles have been collected and now he stands as the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Bantamweight Champion. Miraculously, his unwavering belief in himself as a winner is nicely counterbalanced by genuine humility and respect for his opponents. On February 27, Scott faces his biggest challenge to date. He’ll be ﬁghting for the unifying title against Northern Ireland’s Carl Frampton, current International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Bantamweight Champion. Frampton is a popular and extremely tough boxer with many similarities to Scott. Both undefeated, they would, in all probability, have much in common had they met in diﬀerent circumstances, but friendship now is impossible.

Respect and recognition of the other’s achievements are all that either of them can aﬀord as they prepare to enter the ring. Scott Quigg’s singular vision and determination to ‘not lose’ is set in stone, and will require something extraordinary from Frampton if it’s to be broken. Scott Quigg, though, has no intention of leaving the ring through the door of despair.

The unifying title bout between Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on February 27 has already sold out but it will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Oﬃce.

DAVID ROBERT JONES, 1947—2016

Pop stars are not like you and me. In fact, the further away from us they are, the more we love them. Sometimes, they are just like us, but those stars soon fade, leaving little trace of their existence behind. Sometimes, too, time takes its toll, and creative muses wither and die before fading into the shadows. And we, of course, grow and change, too, and what once was loved in our youth no longer appeals in our maturity, and the previously adored are quietly abandoned as their relevance recedes. These are the normal rules for most pop stars. But not for David Bowie. But then, David Bowie was no mere pop star. As seminal moments in the history of popular culture go, Bowie’s performance of Starman on Top of the Pops in July, 1972, ranks as one of the most seismic and profound. Within those three and a half minutes, a transformation occurred that clearly delineated British cultural mores into a ‘before and after’. Just as Elvis and the Beatles had transformed earlier landscapes, Bowie, too, was also rearranging our minds to accommodate what could, and should be. Overnight, he had flicked the switch from monochrome to Technicolor. It may seem overblown, in today’s world of immediate and inexhaustible gratification, to load such significance onto the performance of a pop song, but Bowie’s influence and legacy across a whole range of media suggest that it‘s not.

He was a conduit to a seemingly endless world of new stimuli and possibilities: he told us about the Velvet Underground, Iggy, Kraftwerk and, less obviously, Luther Vandross; he led us to William Burroughs and Warhol, and the films of Buñuel and Nic Roeg; he wore make-up and dresses, and made us think again about gender and sexuality. He made it alright to be different; in fact, he made an absolute virtue out of difference. Where before, otherness and deviation from accepted norms brought shame and a reluctance to ‘come out’ of the shadows, he, in his 20th century coat of many colours, stepped out into the light and brought the reality of many people’s hidden lives into our living rooms. He was, in the truest sense of the word, an enlightener. And where he went, many others followed. The list of famous and celebrated people who’ve paid him tribute and cited his influence on them is long. And they all said the same thing: if it hadn’t been for David Bowie, they wouldn’t be where, or what, they are today. For whatever reason, perhaps for many reasons, Bowie was able to touch people in a rare and profound way. Of course, he was beautiful and charismatic, and intelligent, too. Then there was his otherworldly appearance, forever dramatically enhanced by his permanently dilated left eye, which merely added to his mystery.

But, if you were touched by him, and, of course, not everyone was, then you’ll need no further explanation why he mattered so. He was Major Tom and Ziggy; and the man who fell to earth and the cracked actor; a lad insane and the thin white duke; and many others, too, and we, in our denial of his mortality, expected him to go on forever, endlessly renewing himself and reimagining new worlds and possibilities for us all. If great artists live on through their work, then David Bowie will always be with us. His unique work remains, and will continue to enthral, inspire and move others to follow.

Look out your window and see his light...he might even land tonight. By Mark Kureishy

We’ve got gadgets galore in this issue, with something to suit the tastes of every modern day technophile.

Gadgets

t New Nintendo 3DS

s Brother MFC-J6925DW

A relatively low cost printer aimed at the small office/prolific home user market, the MFC-J6925DW manages to look pretty impressive in a crowded marketplace. Even though it doesn’t deliver the best quality prints or the fastest speeds, the multifunction printer offers a nice balance between cost, quality and speed. Best of all, Brother’s INKvestment technology makes cartridge replacements affordable. £230 amazon.co.uk

Nintendo’s update on the popular DS series may not look like much of a change, but there have been some serious improvements deep inside the circuit boards. A couple of shoulder buttons have been introduced, as well as a muchanticipated second analogue stick controller, giving a serious functionality boost. However, unscrewing the faceplate just to change the SD card seems plain crazy. £130 amazon.co.uk s TAG Heuer Connected Watch

t Canon PowerShot G9 X

By John Waddington

s Google Pixel C

Google always tend to enter the fray with pretty solid products in their class and with tempting price tags to match. This time they’re entering Apple waters with a very slick new tablet to rival the iPad Air 2. The price is in keeping with this remit, starting at £399. So, is it worth it? Quite possibly - the build quality is fantastic, the ultra bright 2560 x 1800 display is stunning and an Nvidia Tegra X1 processor, plus 3GB of RAM, make it a real contender. £399 store.google.com

Compact cameras are getting smaller and smaller, while managing to retain large image sensors and, therefore, high quality shots. The G9 X boasts a 1inch sensor, which is larger than many compact cameras, but equalled by rivals such as Sony’s RX100 series. However, the body of the G9 X is signiﬁcantly smaller than any of these rivals, so if pocketability is important to you, it’s worth a look. £399.99 amazon.co.uk

As the smartwatch market starts to get more and more crowded, this £1,100 curve-ball comes from well known high-end watch manufacturer TAG Heuer. What we have is basically a standard smartwatch, running the Android Wear OS in a really fancy case, with a really nice strap. If you want modern day functionality but still want to look the biz - dive in. £1100 tagheuer.com

s Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet

Today’s kids are the ﬁrst generation to have grown up with handheld devices being so ubiquitous. But why do they have to keep stealing your iPad to watch CBeebies? This nifty Kids edition of Amazon’s Fire tablet should keep them busy. A 7 inch IPS display, 8GB storage and quad-core processor mean that it’s no mere toy either. £99.99 amazon.co.uk 77