MediaCity Magazine Dec|Jan 2016

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publication DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 • ISSUE 14

StePHeN WilD Managing Director MediaCityUK

ATLAS BATHROOMS Win a Duravit Cape Cod Bathtub worth £2665

Jill Bottomley HR Dept Celebrating 10 years

PEOPLE | FASHION | SHOPPING | BEAUTY | FOOD | TRAVEL | HEALTH | INTERIORS

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Editor’s lEttEr

‘Tis the season to be jolly... if you delegate!

Image Marks & Spencer

Surely I’m not alone in appointing myself ‘Head of Everything’, am I? Many women organise Christmas with little or no help but admit they refuse to delegate jobs because their other halves wouldn’t carry them out to the required standard. There’s an assumption that only women can do the perfect Christmas, but surely that’s not true? Most of us have a ready-made team of would-be helpers—we just have to allow them to lend a hand. And once we’ve done that, we’ll appreciate the joy of having more time to either perfect the tasks we’re still doing or, dare I say it, relax!

The Winter Wonderland Ball was a huge success. So far, £12,000 has been raised, bringing Beechwood Cancer Care Centre’s ‘Silver Wing Appeal’ closer to its target.

Many thanks to all involved for helping raise this amazing amount for a great cause. You can read all about it (page 15) and view the video on the website salutions.co.uk

So, to all the control freaks out there who are considering handing over the decorations and gift wrap to their jolly little helpers – BEWARE! Your Christmas tree and presents may never look the same again. Well, one step at a time...

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Keep safe and we’ll be back with you in February.

If you didn’t make it to the ball, we’re hosting lots of events next year so if you’d like to find out more, get in touch by emailing info@salutions.co.uk

Beverley e: beverley@salutions.co.uk

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CONTENTS HOME & GARDEN 34 Win a Duravit Cape Cod Bathtub 39 GardenStyle – Dare to go bare 40 Lady Muck – Christmas is at ours this year FOOD & DRINK

Salim Uddin-Khandakar, Beverley Uddin-Khandakar, Angela Gray and Darren Proctor

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FA S H I O N A N D S H O P P I N G 19 Hello Christmas – Our ultimate edit of perfect presents 25 Little Black Dresses for the upcoming party season 26 Cosy up with softer-than-soft gowns and perfectly chic loungewear 29 The festive season isn't complete without that all-important Christmas jumper # $" " "# % " (

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ON THE COVER DIDSBURY MAGAZINE Dr Nafees Zakir Manchester Dental HALE&BOWDON MAGAZINE Dr Nyla Raja Skin Expert Medispa Wilmslow BONUS SAPOR MAGAZINE Image courtesy of John Lewis MEDIACITY MAGAZINE Stephen Wild MD MediaCityUK

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H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

63 Dining Guide – Rosylee, Infamous Diner and Walrus and Tusk 65 Piccolino, Zouk Tea Bar & Grill and Quill 69 Table for two with Olayinka Seriki at Comptoir Libanais, Spinningfields E N T E R TA I N M E N T 36 Jill Nash explores the Magical Maldives 90 What’s On – A wide range of shows to suit all tastes and budgets 93 Reviews - Music, books & films

55 Kailesh Solanki of Kiss Dental talks about Implant Dentistry

94 Gadgets - Make the holiday season more enjoyable with some must-have gadgets

57 Body Performance Training – Goal setting

96 Motors - The new Fiat 124 Spider

Established 2002

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36

PEOPLE

AND TH E REST

43 Kavita Basi – Beating the odds

71 Stephen Wild – Managing Director MediaCityUK

45 Ric Moylan – Elite Physical Coach & Mentor

77 Jill Bottomley – HR Dept celebrates 10 years

66 Penny Bailey – Mill Exchange Bar at Manchester’s Christmas Market

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1 Editor’s letter // 5 Local news // 13 Charlotte’s Diary // 15 The Salutions 2015 Winter Wonderland Ball // 73 Ask the Experts // 79 Education

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CONTRIBUTORS GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN www.twistedgifted.com

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Salim Uddin-Khandakar

CONTRIBUTORS Anne Britt, Catherine Reed, Fay Wertheimer, John Waddington, Oliver Chesher, Mark Kureishy, Dr Jill Nash, Helen Lawson, Charlotte Batra and Catherine Saunders

GROUP RESOURCE DIRECTOR Joanne Price E: info@salutions.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 2883 SALES Selma Horsefield Victoria Noble

HEAD OF DIGITAL Philip Valentino

PHOTOGRAPHY PR Shots, Bigstockphoto.com, Press Loft, Mike Browne, Stephen McGowan, Martin Hambleton, John Lewis and Monir Ali

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.

DISTRIBUTION Avanti

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 3

Your wedding is second nature

It’s about never needing to let your feet touch the ground. Ever.

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It’s about nature. We have it. 270 glorious acres of it.

Your wedding at Mottram Hall. It’s second nature to us.

View your perfect wedding venue for yourself at one of our wedding open evenings. Every month we open our doors to showcase a sample of our beautiful wedding facilities. Join us and speak to one of our dedicated Wedding Coordinators about your big day. Contact Mottram Hall for more details.

01625 828 135 mottramweddings@QHotels.co.uk QHotels.co.uk/MottramHallWeddings 1SXXVEQ ,EPP ;MPQWPS[ 6H 1SXXVEQ 7X %RHVI[ 'LIWLMVI 7/ 58

Terms and conditions apply. Open days and wedding fayre date subject to change at the discretion of the hotel.

Image Mark Waugh

LOCAL NEWS

M A N C H E S T E R , T H E C A P I TA L O F C H R I S T M A S The UK’s Favourite Christmas Market Returns!

The world-famous markets – brought to you by Manchester City Council – feature nearly 350 stalls spanning ten distinctive market sites, transforming the city centre into a festive wonderland that will run until Monday, 21 December. The Albert Square site will close on 22 December.

The transformation of the city centre, in particular Metrolink’s Second City Crossing through Cross Street, will reach partial completion during the opening weeks of the Christmas Market, allowing the Exchange Square, Corn Exchange and Cathedral Gardens sites to expand on last year’s offering.

Exchange Square has returned to full capacity with a brand new, two storey indoor beer house accompanying The Mill – a new bar area, complete with a huge smoking chimney as the centrepiece of the site, celebrating Manchester’s industrial heritage.

Cathedral Gardens, one of the major additions to the Christmas Markets in 2014, has returned as the dedicated family area, offering a traditional fun fair and entertainment, and offering a more child-friendly atmosphere for younger visitors wishing to experience the magic of Manchester’s Christmas Markets.

The success of Market Street – which was also new to the Christmas Markets only last year – has expanded, with even more chalets offering top gift ideas after local retailers reported a boost to footfall and sales figures during the market season.

The Corn Exchange has re-emerged as a market site now that development work to transform the Exchange Building into a major food destination has been completed. Launched in 1999, the Manchester Christmas Markets was the first festive market in the UK, growing from only a single site in St Ann’s Square.

Regularly named one of Europe’s best Christmas Market attractions, nine million people visited last year – with two million visiting the Albert Square site alone - are responsible for generating millions of pounds for the city’s economy. Attracting traders from across the globe, the Christmas Market offers a huge range of foodie produce from traditional favourites, such as Bratwurst, hog roast, crepes or macaroons to the more adventurous delights from across the world, such as paella, flammkuchen or British gourmet pies. Each market site boasts the finest in gift ideas, including jewellery, ceramics, handmade toys, puppets, clocks, glassware, and a perennial market favourite, the limited edition Manchester Christmas Market coffee and glühwein mugs. And, of course, the iconic, tweethappy, six tonne giant Santa has taken his place above Albert Square – so get in touch @MCRsanta and join the festive conversation.

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NEXT at Lowry Outlet Mall Corrie stars Kym Marsh and Hayley Tamaddon were at Lowry Outlet to open its brand new Next Outlet store. Hoards of shoppers gathered for the chance to meet the actresses and be among the first to see the beautiful new store, which offers women’s, men’s and childrenswear, as well as a Lipsy concession and a selection of gifts.

The new store, only the second Next Outlet in Manchester, offers savings of up to 70% off all year round and has joined other fashion outlets including M&S, Gap, AX Paris and Clarks, plus premium brands Molton Brown, Yankee Candle and The Body Shop. The Waterside Shopping and Leisure Complex also boasts restaurants, cafes, a multi-screen Vue Cinema and a newly refurbished Virgin Active Health Club.

Lowry Outlet is open for late night Christmas shopping Thursday 12 November – Wednesday 23 December until 8pm weeknights and 9am – 7pm Saturdays.

To find out more visit lowryoutlet.co.uk

PIER EIGHT opens at The Lowry

The Lowry has announced the opening of its new restaurant, Pier Eight, forming part of the new £3m extension set to create an extra 370m² of dining and event space. The new restaurant and bar will provide a unique and dynamic destination for both residents of Salford Quays and pre-theatre diners, as well as those looking for a relaxed dining

experience in the city. Pier Eight will seat a total number of 300 covers, serving two modern British menus, including a casual dining bar menu and formal menu within the restaurant. The interior takes influence from northern European design, with a calming colour palette and range of delicate textures and design details. Seating styles vary from contemporary armchairs to intimate booths and longer tables for larger groups, emulating the relaxed and welcoming environment created by the expansion.

Incorporating two shipping containers and providing views over the Manchester Ship Canal, the complete extension includes a terrace area and an event space with a second private terrace, as well as the Pier Eight restaurant and bar with extended kitchen. The kitchen will also feature a chef’s table, seating up to eight guests for a captivating dining experience. The event space has a capacity of 100 and is available for both corporate and private hire.

For more information visit thelowry.com/piereight

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 6

LOCAL NEWS

QUILL LAUNCH TV favourites, sporting stars and Cheshire housewives celebrate the launch of £1.7m fine dining restaurant

Following weeks of suspense, Manchester’s newest fine dining restaurant and bar was revealed for the first time at a glamorous celebrity packed party.

The cast of Coronation Street, including Kym Marsh, Hayley Tammadon and Shayne Ward joined The Real Housewives of Cheshire’s Dawn Ward, Ampika Pickston and Leanne Brown plus footballers Wilfried Bony and Bacary Sagna.

Guests enjoyed a selection of canapés, including crispy haggis with truffle emulsion, razor clams, mango and curry plus pigeon smoked eel, orange and yuzu. Hundreds of expertly created cocktails were on hand, as were glasses of champagne and wine.

The team behind the King Street restaurant, headed up by entrepreneur Chris Longmate, had kept details of the exciting new venue under wraps until the event. Collective Design, a specialist bar interior design company, is behind the look of the sixty cover first floor dining room, which also boasts a private dining area with seating for up to 21 and a ground floor cocktail bar and terrace.

The restaurant will serve an À La Carte and eight course Tasting Menu and the food has been described as modern British cuisine, with European influences.

Diners will be wowed by Head Chef Curtis Stewart and his team as they work in the open kitchen.

27-year-old Curtis Stewart, who is from Bury, returns to Manchester after having made his name at the two Michelinstarred Whatley Manor in Wiltshire and the then Michelin-starred Coworth Park near Ascot, Berkshire. He was also head chef at Cotswolds hotel, Foxhill Manor, and has worked at a number of other respected 3AA Rosette restaurants.

Curtis’ À La Carte menu is served in chapters, with starters including squid & octopus served with garlic curd, lime and consommé; foie gras with smoked eel, pecan and orange, and chicken oyster with bone marrow, salsify and red grape.

Chapter Two includes dishes such as lobster with mango, coconut and bisque and duck served with turnip, smoked garlic and hen of the woods.

The much-anticipated cocktail list has been inspired by the idea of the quill.

This theme runs through innovative and exquisitely designed cocktails from some of the finest mixologists in Manchester.

The bar at Quill is open Sunday to Thursday from 12pm until 12am and Friday to Saturday from 12pm until 2.30am. The restaurant serves lunch from 12 noon until 2.30pm, afternoon tea between 3pm and 5pm and evening service is from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.

For more information visit www.quillmcr.co.uk or @QuillMCR.

The Great Kathmandu Tandoori Restaurant

Award winning Nepalese & Indian Cuisine Winners of the Hardens Observer Readers Choice for Indian Cuisine in the UK

140-144 Burton Road, West Didsbury M20 1JQ Open 7 days a week. Lunch 12 noon - 2.30pm & 6.00pm - Midnight

www.greatkathmandu.com | T: 0161 445 2145 or 0161 434 6413

20%

OFF

Total food bill Mon-Weds*

*(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

Festive Lodge brings Christmas sparkle to MediaCityUK MediaCityUK is getting into the festive spirit and creating a Christmas lodge at the heart of the city, as well as offering a host of seasonal events - including live music and markets. The Lodge will be a cosy winter wonderland pop-up bar, featuring bierkeller style wooden tables and serving a wide range of hot and cold festive drinks, as well as warming food, including soup, pretzels and hot dogs.

Run by the team behind The Dockyard, it will be open from 11am to 11pm daily and will also be available for private hire, group bookings and Christmas parties.

As you would expect, the bars and restaurants at MediaCityUK will be offering festive food and drinks, with a great fun opportunity to join in the Christmas karaoke night every Friday in December at Love Conquers All. To add to the excitement, The Lowry has a packed calendar of Christmas events, including the Frozen Experience until 20 December.

So keep an eye on www.mediacityuk.co.uk to find out more about all the exciting festive events or follow @mediacityuk

MedEquip4Kids celebrate their 30th year with 'B Kids 4 Kids' Christmas campaign

MedEquip4Kids recently launched their Christmas Campaign “B Kids 4 Kids” and are asking supporters to do something childish and fun to celebrate their work.

Manchester based MedEquip4Kids improves the health of children and babies in the northwest by providing lifesaving paediatric medical equipment, play facilities in hospitals, specialised equipment for disabled children and resources to improve children’s mental health.

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Paul Cocker, MedEquip4Kids Corporate Fundraiser, says, “Hospitals can be distressing places, especially for children and especially at Christmas. To celebrate MedEquip4Kids’ work, raise vital funds and mark the charity’s 30th anniversary, we are asking supporters, old and new, to join us in celebrating childhood and the importance of fun, and ‘be kids for kids’ in the run up to Christmas.”

The MedEquip4Kids Appeals office kicked off the campaign by holding their own fancy dress party as an example of how supporters can get involved. Beverley Williams, MedEquip4Kids Supporter and Senior Play Specialist at Stepping Hill Hospital, says,"MedEquip4Kids has

funded various projects over the years.

Play, and play facilities, are so important to children as it is a way of developing skills for their future. In hospital, children can regress, feel scared and vulnerable.

Therefore, providing play and activities or equipment that are familiar, can empower them and help recovery".

MedEquip4Kids hope that Manchester will join them and ‘Be Kids 4 Kids’ on #GivingTuesday and throughout the festive season. medequip4kids.org.uk/events/1462/ b-kids-4-kids-xmas-campaign.html

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LOCAL NEWS

Hale salon stylist wins big at UK Competition HOB Salons are celebrating an illustrious win as Cheshire’s very own stylist, Shabaz Hussain, secured the most prestigious win at Wella Professionals TrendVision Awards UK & Ireland Final.

Held at the Roundhouse in Camden and hosted by TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, the Wella Professionals TrendVision Award Final showcased some of the UK and Ireland’s most impressive hairdressing talent. HOB’s Shabaz, though, beat off stiff competition to win the Young Talent crown.

It was a double win for HOB Salons as the competition announced the UK winners, with Craig Clark scooping Gold in the Colour category and Shabaz Hussain Franchisee of HOB Salons in Leeds and Hale - winning Gold in the Young Talent category.

This year’s final saw 26 of the UK & Ireland’s most talented young stylists, and 21 of the UK & Ireland’s most talented colourists, battle it out to take home the Gold awards, so this win truly reflects the skills of this Hale stylist.

The judges, which included the Sassoon Academy, Toni & Guy, and Nicky Clarke, had their work cut out for them but, after a rigorous selection process and presentation, they were able to pick their winners.

Speaking of his win, Shabaz said, ‘I feel so honoured to have won this award and am really thrilled to bring this back to my salon and incredible team in Hale.

The journey has been a great platform in my career and I am excited to bring this creativity to the residents of Hale.’

Craig will join Shabaz as they go on to represent the UK, Wella Professionals and, of course, the 26 strong HOB Salons group at the 2015 International TrendVision Awards in Berlin.

Altrincham businesses vote YES to BID

Following a four-week postal ballot, businesses in Altrincham have voted YES to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) in the town centre. This will create a fund of over £1.4 million to be spent on a range of exciting projects designed to improve the town centre, increase footfall and enhance business performance over the next five years.

Businesses voted with a 68% majority and 74% by rateable value. The turnout of 44% was above the national average for a BID ballot.

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Councillor Sean Anstee, Chair of Altrincham Forward and Leader of Trafford Council said, “This is a brilliant result that will help to continue the momentum in Altrincham town centre and build on the work and investment that has gone into the town over the past few years.”

Martin Duff, Chair of the BID Steering Group and owner of Randalls Jewellers said, “I am delighted that so many businesses have supported this initiative.

Businesses will now have the ability and resources to work together to implement the projects and events detailed within the Altrincham BID Business Plan. This will give us a platform to really make a difference to how Altrincham town centre is perceived, make it more attractive to visitors so they keep coming back and to improve the business

environment. The BID Steering Group will now work towards appointing a BID Manager and a new Board to oversee the BID going forward. This will contain an even mix of representatives from various business sectors within the town centre, as well as other key stakeholders to ensure everyone benefits.”

The new BID company will be formally launched on 1st April 2016, at which point activities will commence. Projects include marketing campaigns, safety and security initiatives, events and negotiating joint procurement deals designed to save businesses money.

For more information and to view the 5-year BID business plan visit www.altrinchambid.co.uk or call the BID Team on 0161 912 1599.

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LOCAL NEWS

sense of anticipation and excitement of a home game at the Etihad Stadium.

Most match day’s you will find us all in Legends, chatting to fans, trading stories and experiences. It’s a superb space for fans wanting to experience and celebrate City’s proud history, but, more importantly, watch as future Club legends are born, like Sergio Aguero and many others.”

MANCHESTER CITY reveal a new look Legends Suite To coincide with Manchester City Football Club’s recent stadium expansion, the Club has renovated its popular Legends Suite at the Etihad Stadium.

Legends, a place where past and present legends live on, gives fans the opportunity to enjoy the match day atmosphere in exceptional surroundings. Icons, including Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell, Ian Brightwell and Tommy Booth, will have their careers immortalised in Legends as a tribute to all those who have helped lead the Club to where it is today.

Legends is now a panoramic, modern, 450-seater restaurant with breath-taking views across the pitch. Guests can expect to be treated to first class football from the comfort of an executive padded seat and enjoy traditional match day fare served at the Chef’s buffet dining table.

Created to premier league specifications, Legend’s aesthetic is light and airy, friendly and informal in a style which will A match day programme, car parking and appeal to families, groups and corporate a cash bar are also included to ensure guests. The light wooden flooring, City fans have a fuss-free match day modern round white tables and light experience. Fans visiting Legends will be blue leather restaurant seating mirror able to experience the thrill of watching City’s modern, welcoming style. The new legends in the making play on the open plan restaurant has 132 tables and pitch, alongside the chance to meet a real a canteen style kitchen area, which will City legend whilst enjoying the facilities. appeal to guests seeking an enhanced, yet informal, match day experience.

To celebrate the opening, City are offering, for those that book a table, a vintage Manchester City have also developed City shirt, signed by a Legend of choice a new sales showroom designed to including Peter Barnes, Colin Bell, Tony showcase the full range of their Book, Tommy Booth, Ian Brightwell, Joe hospitality offering, including the Corrigan, Richard Edghill, Gary Owen renovated Legends suite. and Mike Summerbee.

To make enquiries about Legends or Commenting on the new Legends to make an appointment to visit the restaurant, City legend, Mike Summerbee, showroom, please contact the Manchester said, “I’ve always loved mixing with fans City Football Club Hospitality team on match days. It’s the same for all the on 0161 444 1894 (from the UK) ex-players. You simply can’t beat the or email: hospitality@mcfc.co.uk

Local children’s SINGING GROUP Little Belters - the singing group for 5-11 year olds which launched in Didsbury in September – is proving a smash-hit with local children. Such is their success that they will be performing at Manchester Cathedral on 10 December, supporting the charity Henshaws. “Henshaws saw us on You Tube and loved our quirky style. They invited us to sing straight away!” says Claire O’Brien, a classically trained singer who runs Little Belters with her opera-singing sister, Tina.

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Tina adds, “We’re contacted regularly by parents who say their children never stop singing. Whatever it is that’s given them the singing bug - pop or indie, classical or folk - we’re here to nurture their voices, have fun and sing the songs THEY love.”

Little Belters rehearse Mondays, 5.15-6.15pm at Emmanuel Church.

Anyone can book a free taster session, no audition necessary.

Contact Tina on 07740 464507 email hello@littlebelters.co.uk or visit www.littlebelters.co.uk

Charlotte’s Diary Our wall calendar has caused a stir this week. Easily done and this will come as no surprise to those with more than one person in the household. The calendar is the way we all keep track.

It is our tagging device, our spreadsheet and it is even, dare I say it, our memory prompt. It has been for many years a vital part of our family life. ‘If it is not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist’ was a favourite mantra from mummy Batra.

Until this week, when I asked number one child to please start using the calendar so that we can keep track of his whereabouts given his everincreasing social life, particularly over the festive season. He agreed rather grumpily but then spotted that not only have columns at the top of the family diary disappeared but that the only member to actually have their name diligently entered at the top of each month was, in fact, the dog.

This revelation prompted a bit of a rant from number one son. As he stared incredulously at the calendar, he also wondered (loudly): A: What can a dog being doing in its life to warrant it being recorded every day of each month?

B: What dog needs a ‘wash and pamper morning’? (This week’s entry in the calendar) C: What about the whereabouts of everyone else?

Now, in my defence as chief-putterin-of-information, I have recently grown slightly less welded to the calendar.

I blame this on the introduction of the smart phone, which has slowly but surely taken over my life. However, I recognize that I am also a visual learner (ahem!) and, as such, also need to see things in front of me as well as be able to access information at the touch of button. So, the wall calendar has remained. As I get older, I can imagine the need for a heap of post-it notes as well, but that’s another story!

However, the calendar is not just a record of where everyone is; it is also our very own lost property office for tickets, medical appointments and Sainsbury’s vouchers. Indeed, nowadays if it is not on or in the calendar it doesn’t exist.

So, we need the calendar but these days the dog and I need it more than the rest of the family does. How else can I remember trips to vets, play dates (yes, he does have a few), trips to the farm when we are away and, obviously, the very important ‘wash and pamper’, which was all in aid of charity? I have also just realised that it would be a handy way of recording when I administer the tiny amount of extra virgin organic raw coconut oil to his food to help improve his coat.

What do you mean ‘pampered dog’?

Oops!

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Winter Ball 2015

kar with y Uddin-Khanda Salim & Beverle rren Proctor Da & ay Gr la ge An

In association with

Supporting

A total of 250 guests enjoyed the annual Salutions Winter Wonderland Ball at the Midland Hotel, where local mum and Beechwood ambassador Kirsty Cooke gave an inspirational speech on her terminal cancer. More than £10,000 was raised, moving Beechwood Cancer Care Centre’s Silver Wing Appeal closer to its target.

The evening was hosted by KEY 103 presenter Darren Proctor, with entertainment from the band InHale, who include among their number a senior consultant from The Christie.

There was also a magician, photo booth, sweet shop, glam bar, DJ and much, much more, including prizes with flights to New York and hotel stays. Salim and Beverley Uddin-Khandakar, the owners and publishers of Salutions, were delighted with the amount of money raised. Salim said, “We raised an unbelievable amount for Beechwood, with the total at £12,000 so far, and it was a fantastic evening, too. Just looking around the room, I could see how much everyone was enjoying themselves.

In association with

“This is the largest amount of money we have raised at the ball and we are delighted, as it is a charity and an illness that is close to our hearts.

“Beechwood is an amazing place and hearing Kirsty’s talk really made everyone stop and think – she is an absolutely inspirational woman.”

The charity is now in the final stretch of the year-long Silver Wing Appeal and the amount raised at the Salutions event has helped them get closer to the finish line. Angela Gray, fundraising manager for Beechwood in Stockport, said, “We are thrilled that our friends at Salutions chose Beechwood to support with their fantastic Winter Wonderland Ball. Beverley and Salim are corporate ambassadors for our charity and this event has given £10,000 to the Silver Wing appeal, along with further money to support our future events. This fantastic amount will help with all those extras that will make the new building shine. On behalf of all their friends at Beechwood I would like to say a huge thank you.”

Mike & Lynne Lomax, Kirsty & Scott Cooke

This year marks Beechwood’s 25th anniversary of care in the community and their Silver Wing Appeal has been set up in partnership with the Stockport Express.

The appeal aims to raise £100,000 to enhance patient experience, and that of their loved ones, as well as extending community facilities and a charity shop.

A huge thanks to all involved, especially The Christie Clinic and United Airlines who sponsored the event.

For tickets to next years event email info@salutions.co.uk or call 0161 445 2883

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Tom Carey & Sean Anstee

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Mark & Elizabeth Niven

Andrew Waring & Nowshia Malik

Catherine & Nigel Reed

Steve & Tina Mack, Steve & Selma Horsefield, Vicki McLean, Katie Moore, Steve Lawrence, Darren Hall, Katy Shirley

Marc & Jennie Duschenes with friends

Ian Grogan, Samantha Fenwick, Leanne Eastwood & Safi Uddin

Kais Uddin, Mauela Escobar, Abdul & Jennifer Uddin with Nadir Choudhury

Martin & Pamela Doran, David & Alison Atherton with Mandy Nelson & Diane White

Mike & Lynne Lomax, Kirsty & Scott Cooke & Nicola Hague & Michelle Rabbett

Prof & Mrs Chris Booth with Paulette & Elliot Browne

Martin & Caroline Dixon with Sophie Dixon & Antony Waring

Lucy Yates, Luke Stones, Ashlea Philbin, Taylor Chantry, Natalie Philbin & Ben Ault

Images Monir Ali. moniraliphotography.com Tony Q’aja & Suzanne Francis

Christine Woodall

Tony & Barbara Hallwood

Paul & Claire King

Victoria Noble, Jo Price & Denise Boyce

Steve & Jill Bottomley

Kailesh & Michelle Solanki

Tazeen Usmani & Bilal Bhatti

Catherine Hebb & Laura Pettener

Tara Donelon & Charlotte Soloman

Darren Gyte & Emma Murray

Rob Callaghan & Kat Marcinski

For tickets to next years event email info@salutions.co.uk or call 0161 445 2883

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18

HELLO, CHRISTMAS! Shop our ultimate edit of perfect presents‌

Christmas gifts and decorations from House of Bath

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| GIFT GUIDE |

HAVE A BEAUTY-FUL CHRISTMAS!

Decadence is key, thought is paramount and our Christmas beauty gift guide, essential

bareMinerals Love at First Kiss A 10-piece Marvelous Moxie® Lipstick collection for smitten, satin lips £39

LUSH 12 Days of Christmas gift set An eye-catching gift, shaped as the ultimate story telling book. With 12 beautiful products inside. £49.95 lush.co.uk

T h a t ’s o Pure White On-The-Go Light White Instant brightening spray £27.96 Amazon

bodyblender by beautyblender The perfect application tool for body cosmetics, bronzers, self-tanners and more £22 www.beautyblender.co.uk

Jo Malone London Advent Calendar £200 Harvey Nichols

Crème de la Mer Concentrate Collection £400 Harvey Nichols

GUCCI Bamboo Eau de Parfum 50ml £68 Debenhams

The Rose Script Collection Inspired by Dan Gold Rose Script Cosmetic Clutch £19 Rose Skull Cosmetics Purse £12.50 Rose Slouch Travel Bag £26 kmibrands.com

Neom Intensive Skin Treatment Candle £36 John Lewis

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| GIFT GUIDE |

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SPOIL HER Lust-worthy presents to keep your loved one full of Christmas cheer until the New Year

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6 1. Eternelle Earrings £805. 77 Diamonds London. 2. Helen Moore faux fur scarf £125 Exclusive at House of Fraser.

3. Eternelle Ring £610. 77 Diamonds London. 4. Biba Green Croc Travel Set, now £39.20 House of Fraser.

5. Godiva Chocolate Hamper Various prices Godivachocolates.co.uk. 6. Aight Designer Snap On Watch in navy £49.95 cuckooland.com. 7. Jonathan Aston 'Racy' tights £13.34 legslove.ie. 8. Bambi Grey Bejewelled Bow Detail Court Shoe £79 dunelondon.com. 9. Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose Champagne in birdcage £70 John Lewis.

10. Michael Kors Large Grey Tote Bag £285 House of Fraser.

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| GIFT GUIDE |

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GIFTS WE LOVE, for those you love

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1. Set of two Christmas Champagne Glasses £15 Kath Kidston. 2. The Elf on the shelf. A Christmas Tradition box includes one of Santa’s scout elves and a beautifully illustrated hardbound storybook £24.95 John Lewis. 3. At Home with Ashley Thomas Present Sack £32 Debenhams. 4. Christmas Bauble Design Handmade Personalised Cushion £27.50 giftwrappedandgorgeous.com. 5. Jo Sampson for Waterford Crystal Elysian Vodka Chiller and eight glasses £1,000 John Lewis. 6. Not Another Bill 12 month subscription. A surprise present in the post every month for one year £250 John Lewis.

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| GIFT GUIDE |

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MAN ABOUT TOWN For the man who has everything and for those who don’t, we’ve got it covered this festive season

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1. Celestron AstroMaster 130BQ-MD telescope £139.99 John Lewis. 2. WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine with S4 Performance Monitor £949 John Lewis. 3. Creed Aventus eau de parfum £215 John Lewis. 4. Table top food warmer Christmas gifts at Debenhams. 5. Kenneth Cole blue graduated Silk Tie £40 House of Fraser. 6. Sipsmith Sloe Gin £24 John Lewis. 7. Autograph Roveco Holdall £159 M&S. 8. Zepp Golf Swing Analyser £129.99 American Golf.

9. Universal Expert by Sebastian Conran multi dock £45 designboom.com 23

Santa's Belt Coir Doormat 40x60cm Red £4.99. Santa Robe £14.99.

Let it Snow Hanging Plaque £2.99 - Dunelm

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Black sparkle jumpsuit, a great alternative to the LBD. £48 Wallis

WOMEN’S FASHION

Little Black Dresses

Stella dress £169 Monsoon

Per Una Speziale dress £129 M&S

Autograph Black dress £65 M&S

Onyx dress £179 Monsoon

Let's face it; we'll all be resorting to those little black dresses at some point during the upcoming Christmas party season, so we may as well make it a beautiful one.

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WOMEN’S FASHION

Rosie for Autograph Robe £49.50 M&S

Rosie for Autograph Short Dressing Gown £149 M&S

Cosy-up!

From a selection of loungewear at Dorothy Perkins

Christmas is a time for cosy wraps, softer-than-soft gowns and perfectly chic loungewear - this is how you do it in style...

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Animal Print Robe £40 Boux Avenue

Floozie by Frost French PJ’s £28 Debenhams

©Damien Hirst ‘Ethylamine’

Atelier Rose & Gray | Contemporary Fine Art Gallery & Art Consultancy Royal Academicians | Turner Prize Winners Beech House | 1 Cambridge Road | Hale | Cheshire | WA15 9SY | Tel: 0161 928 4021 | E: chris@atelierrosegray.co.uk

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There is more t than one Gian in Manchester

Parrs Wood…

Giants in entertainment

Cinema • Casino • Bowling • Fitness • Bars • Hotel • Restaurants

www.parrswoodmanchester.co.uk

MEN’S FASHION

JOLLY JUMPERS The festive season isn't complete without that all-important Christmas jumper.

Let us lend you a little festive inspiration…

Martingale Crew neck jumper £89.95 Barbour

Santa Fairisle Christmas jumper £20 BHS

Brave Soul Vernon Christmas Jumper £19.99 Get the label at Debenhams

Colourful Christmas jumper £20 John Lewis

Father Christmas jumper £20 John Lewis

Light-up jumper £37 M&Co

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PEARSOn FERRiER (Not so) New Kids on the Block

The injection of new blood into south Manchester’s ever buoyant property market is always cause for celebration, as the newcomer’s arrival heralds the promise of further success and prosperity for all. With very few equals outside of London and the south east, a perception persists that properties in these leafy suburbs practically sell themselves.

However, the massed ranks of estate agents on the neighbourhoods’ high streets would suggest otherwise, as they line up against each other in healthy competition.

Susan Kaur is Pearson Ferrier’s brand ambassador for Didsbury and is responsible for delivering the full range of Pearson Ferrier’s property services to Didsbury and the surrounding area.

From sales and lettings, to property maintenance for landlords, Susan’s bringing a fresh and highly motivated dynamic with the company’s brand of trust through transparency. She has a long and successful history in property and is especially focused on the very particular demands of the lettings aspect of the business. Susan firmly believes that a one-to-one relationship with Now Pearson Ferrier, the well established clients and customers is essential, and and successful north Manchester property promises clients that they will always experts, are bringing their customer have the same person guiding them focused principles to Didsbury’s healthy throughout the whole process; from and vibrant property market. Founded search to offer, through to exchange

by Mitchell Pearson and Julian Ferrier and completion, Pearson Ferrier’s three decades ago, their experienced representative will remain with the hands have overseen the company’s customer throughout. dynamic and organic transition into one of the UK’s fastest growing estate agencies. TRuST Susan shares the company’s intrinsic EThiCAL belief that honesty and trust should They were no flash-in-the-pan profiteers form the cornerstone of all their seeking to exploit the overheated market customer relations. Buying a house is, of the late 90s, but rather property as is often stated, the most significant steeped professionals who had invested investment that most of us will ever time, money and resources into building make, so it’s imperative that the and developing a sustainable model with relationship between buyer and seller, an enviable reputation. Their ethos as mediated by the agent, is built on positions customers and clients at the honesty and trust. Pearson Ferrier centre of their business and focuses have built their reputation on that their endeavours to provide honest, cornerstone, and its significance to a ethical and efficient service. They have successful outcome for all cannot be successfully ridden out the severest and overstated. longest lasting recession of our lifetime; new to south Manchester they may be, Pearson Ferrier’s newly expanded but certainly not new to the business national network of branches have of helping their customers and clients embraced, as part of a substantial realise their greatest ambitions. infrastructure investment program,

time saving technology that enables a streamlined and smarter way to engage with both buyers and sellers alike. Down time of key team members is too often a frustrating factor when buying or selling a house, but this marriage of established good practice and new, innovative software systems maximises opportunity for customers and clients, and is yet another example of what sets them apart from their competitors. indESTRuCTiBLE The local property market is complex and keenly competitive; for those already established on the property ladder its indestructibility is reassuring, but for those seeking to move here the challenges are considerable, as prices remain high. Pearson Ferrier continue to demonstrate that their methods and outlook makes them best prepared to meet the challenge of satisfying those two divergent and, often, opposing interests.

Whether a buyer or seller, landlord or tenant; Pearson Ferrier will continue with pride to present their promise to the Didsbury market of ‘a property for everyone’. Their unrivalled market exposure for all property types, coupled with bespoke marketing strategies and a professional team of property experts makes the new kid in town the best bet for success.

Call Susan on 0161 445 4445 or go to didsbury@pearsonferrier.co.uk for more information Pearson Ferrier Didsbury | 151 Fog Lane | Didsbury | Manchester | M20 6FJ 30

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Huge range of quality carpets and floor coverings CARPETS | RUGS | RUNNERS | DESIGN YOUR RUG | MEASURING SERVICE | SAMPLE SERVICE

Fluffy Carpets based in Cheshire and London Supply and Install the widest range of Luxury Flooring solutions throughout the United Kingdom.

Apex House Stanley Green Trading Estate, Duke Avenue, Cheadle SK8 6RX

Call us first

01625 250 965 www.fluffycarpets.com

FLuFFy FLOORinG Steven Foster brings a Touch of Class to the floors of the north west

Steven Foster’s journey from Hertfordshire schoolboy to owner of Cheshire based Fluffy Flooring is most definitely not of the common or garden variety. In fact, he’s probably, with all due respect to his carpeting peers, unique within the world of carpeting and flooring solutions. The diversity and array of his experiences has provided him with insight and skills that are always required when your ambition is to provide the very highest levels of customer satisfaction. And Fluffy Flooring definitely has that ambition.

Born in St Bartholomew’s, thus qualifying him for cockney citizenship, Steven was raised in suburban Hertfordshire. Artistically inclined, he turned to painting and very quickly found that his work was sought after, so much so, that he was able to pay for the rent on a one bedroom flat in Chelsea, aged just 16. He knew no one in the capital but he wanted to live there and, so, he left home. His creativity and independent spirit emerged very early in his life and it would see him quickly and successfully rise to any challenge.

After a spell commuting out to Chingford for his day job at an electrical wholesaler and painting and selling his creative efforts by night, he secured a position, through a friend, at David (Viscount) Linley’s bespoke furniture business. The working class Londoner worked for the Queen’s nephew for three years in a variety of roles, ranging from quality control to retail. Whilst there he made many connections and friends in social circles far removed from his own, but his sincerity and lightly worn humility marks him out as a skilled communicator. He’s also worked very hard wherever he’s been, a constant that continues to this day.

From there he turned to landscape design, to satisfy both his creative talents and his desire to work in the open air. Again, his somewhat unconventional CV found him tending the gardens at Apsley House, on Piccadilly, the Robert Adam designed home of the Duke of Wellington. Oh, and the Duchess of Kent’s gardens at Kensington Palace were also worked by him, too.

After a few years, Steven then joined his father’s carpet business in Chelsea.

Extremely successful in delivering very high quality flooring to the higher end of the market they soon expanded, opening branches in affluent towns across the land.

It was to initially oversee the northernmost branch in Wilmslow that brought Steven here ten years ago, but he’s now firmly anchored here with his young family. He set up Fluffy Flooring not long after and has continued to work hard in delivering the very best service to his customers. His portfolio of clients includes not only interior designers and luxury property developers but residential houses of a more modest

scale and budget. Steven’s ethos, shared by his team of fitters, demands that all his customers, however grand or modest their means, be afforded equal attention and respect. He’s satisfied the flooring requirements of £50 million developments on the banks of the Thames and delivered the same level of service to more recognisable semis on the banks of the no less important Mersey. He personally introduces his fitters to the customer and his attention to detail is exacting; he has fitted carpets to specifications that most of his competitors just cannot achieve.

His access to luxury flooring solutions is unparalleled, even his ‘never knowingly undersold’ near neighbour would struggle to meet the challenge of satisfying his hugely diverse range of customers seeking flooring solutions.

From luxury to more attainable ambitions, Steven Foster’s approach treats them both the same and ensures customer satisfaction for all his clients.

Oh, and the name? ‘Fluffy’ was how he signed his paintings right back at the beginning.

Go to www.fluffycarpets.com to find out more about their unparalleled range of luxury flooring solutions Or call 01625 250 965 Fluffy Flooring Apex House Stanley Green Trading Estate Duke Avenue, Cheadle SK8 6RX

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Win A CAPE COd BAThTuB

BY DURAVIT WORTH £2665 AND DESIGNED

BY PHILIPPE STARCK

We have teamed up with Atlas Bathrooms to give one lucky reader the chance to win this stunning duravit Cape Cod Bathtub with organic curves and amazingly thin bathtub rim.

A particularly luxurious detail is the integrated shelf space within the back slope, which also serves as a comfortable headrest. And all designed by Philippe Starck.

The Cape Cod bathtub fuses material and form, creating innovative unity. Thanks to the new Duravit material, DuraSolid®, the smallest details of Starck’s design were realized: stunningly thin bathtub rims, organic forms and gentle integrated curves. From the monolithic design to the integrated headrest, Cape Cod offers a continuous satin-finished surface that is also pleasant to the touch.

The architectural simplicity of the design is retained in the free standing bathtub as well as the back-to-wall and left or right corner versions.

To enter the competition, simply answer the following question: When was Atlas Bathrooms established?

Atlas Bathrooms is one of the region’s leading showrooms with branches in Warrington, Manchester and Huddersfield.

You will be blown away by the variety of bathroom designs, the quality of the designer brands on display and the outstanding customer service.

Established in 1848, Atlas Bathrooms began as a coppersmith’s serving the building industry. It quietly evolved to become the UK’s second largest hot water cylinder manufacturer. From here the company diversified into the plumbing & heating industry, firstly as a plumber’s merchant and then on to become one of the largest and most prestigious independent bathroom retailers for the past twenty years.

Atlas’s fabulous bathroom showrooms are amongst the largest and best in the country with prices, like for like, that are second to none.

A. 1848 | B. 1948 | C. 2008 Send your entries, along with your name, address and phone number via email to winner@salutions.co.uk with Atlas in the subject field or on a post card to Atlas Bathrooms Competition, Salutions, The Old Bank, 99 Palatine Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 3JQ. Closing date is 10th January 2016.

See website for full terms and conditions.

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For more information visit Atlas Bathrooms newton St, Stretford, Manchester M32 8LS | atlasbathrooms.co.uk | 0161 864 3610 *Prize excludes installation. Includes special waste system on the free standing version – excludes waste on the BTW and corner versions.

All entrants will receive a £100 off voucher when they spend over £1000 at Atlas Bathrooms, valid until 28 Feb

WINtER

SaLE StaRtS

tuesday 29 December Savings up to 60% off RRP

Product featured: NENDO Overhead shower by

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Newton St | Manchester | M32 8LS

199 Warrington Road | Penketh | WA5 2RX

0161 864 3610

01925 720 220

Like us on facebook atlasbathroomsandtiles www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk

TRAVEL

Magical

Maldives

Exotic isolation, natural scattered atolls of pure white sand and tropical hideaway resorts appoint the Maldives as a fairytale travel destination.

Jill Nash explores why this Indian Ocean getaway is the ultimate luxury beach escape.

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TRAVEL

SLEEP The Maldives has over 105 tropical island resorts, each offering their own piece of paradise, white beaches and coral reefs.

The Dusit Thani, located in the far outstretching Baa Atoll, is an escape into another world. It is the Maldives' only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – as well as hosting a select number of luxury resorts that all work to conserve the area, the reserve is inhabited by dolphins, eagle rays, sea turtles, manta rays and whale sharks.

The Dusit Thani’s facilities are magnificent and the focal point is most definitely the impressive infinity pool, built around a banyan tree. Villas at the resort mix spectacular views with sumptuous interiors marrying Thai and traditional Maldivian influences. Tech fans will appreciate the in-room facilities; from complementary wi-fi to 46" plasma screens, Bose surround system, Nespresso® machines and in-villa wine coolers. You can choose to be on the beach, over the water with a private deck, or in a spacious family villa. What’s more, all guests get to soak in a luxury bathtub or enjoy a rejuvenating shower outdoors. All have a private pool as standard (except the Beach Villas), although you can upgrade to a Beach Villa with pool. The Water Villas with pool offer the best of both worlds – just a few metres off the beach but with private pools overwater by the house reef drop-off point. Ocean Villas with pool are at the other end of the island, further out into the ocean.

The resort is also home to an opulent spa; based around an indulgent range of East-meets-West treatments. Highlights include the Devarana’s six iconic treetop treatment pods, set in the heart of a grove of coconut palms, and two ground level treatment rooms. Guests can enjoy signature treatments, such as The Heavenly Nantha Garden Experience, the new Spa Value options or book from a range of wellness programmes such as Couples Hideaway and Daily Sanctuary, available in three, five or seven-day options

ExPLORE The turquoise lagoons and house reef encircling the resort support a dizzying array of marine life, including dolphins, whale sharks and sea turtles. More await in the three nearby underwater caves, dRink & dinE from bannerfish to big-eyed trevallies, If you’re booking Half Board, Full Board and from May to November guests can or All Inclusive— which is rare to find at a spot the manta rays which flock to world class Maldives resort—you’ll enjoy Hanifaru Bay to feast on the planktonthe excellent dine-around concept with rich waters. dinner at any of the three restaurants: the relaxed main restaurant, The Market, Facilities include the Seasplash dive and the signature Thai overwater venue, water sports centre and the internationally Benjarong, or the stylish sand-floored recognised free-diving centre, launched Sea Grill at the water’s edge. in February in association with globally renowned free-diving organisation Apnea Total. The centre uses world-class CRESSI equipment, the rental cost of which is included in the course price.

It offers Free-Diver Basic, Advanced Free-Diver, and Free-Diving Master courses lasting two days, three days and up to five weeks respectively. In addition, the resort has an onsite marine biologist who is on hand to answer questions in the resort’s complimentary ‘Fish ID’ lessons and tell guests about the conservation projects and how they can get involved.

Whilst the resort is located in the far north atoll, the effort is more than worth the experience of complete seclusion. Visit www.dusit.com/dusitthani/maldives

Other activities range from kite surfing and kayaking to jet-skiing, backed by facilities such as floodlit tennis courts, complimentary bicycle hire and a fully equipped fitness studio, complete with personal trainer and yoga instructor.

You simply won’t get bored here.

For more information on the Maldives visit, Maldives Tourist Information, www.visitmaldives.com The Market offers stylish international buffet fare; but if you fancy juicy steaks and delectable seafood, head to the Sea Grill. For gourmet Thai food, served on the water’s edge, experience the Thai restaurant Benjarong. However, one of the most popular dining experiences for romantic guests is al fresco private dining on the beach, courtesy of the Borderless Beach Dining programme, where you can also catch the sunset whilst sipping on cocktails at the overwater Sala Bar.

GETTinG ThERE Emirates offer a convenient service to the Maldives from Manchester via Dubai. Visit www.emirates.com for more information. Then take a 20-minute domestic flight from Malé to Dharavandhoo airport, followed by a 10-minute speedboat ride. A 35-minute seaplane transfer from Malé airport is also available at extra cost.

To book the Dusit Thani Maldives, visit www.dusit.com

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Love Luxury ?

Our 5* Columbia Beach Resort, one of only 2 hotels situated on Pissouri’s 2km Blue Flag Bay, promises to offer you the ultimate in luxury!

Our award-winning all-suite Resort offers you the opportunity to relax in complete opulence; ZLWK D PXOWL DZDUG ZLQQLQJ 6SD 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ FXLVLQH DQG JRXUPHW ÀQH GLQLQJ we guarantee you the warmest of welcomes, breath-taking views and 5* service. Let us indulge you!

Accommodation bookings can be made via our website or with any of your travel agents.

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Pissouri Bay | Cyprus | Tel +357 - 25 833 605 / 6 | www.columbiaresort.com | bookings@columbiaresort.com

GARDENSTYLE DARE TO GO BARE As gardener Christopher Lloyd once barked to a man, moaning about his shady bare patch under trees, “Dark, dry and rooty, eh? One of the best things to do in your situation is nothing. Simply accept that bare ground is no more of a disgrace than a balding head. That saves no end of worry!”

I couldn’t agree more. However, shady gardens present wonderful planting opportunities, too. In fact, I am of the opinion that if you had a garden with no shade, you would quickly decide that you simply must have some.

You see, just think of all the wonderful plants you couldn’t grow – ferns, Solomon’s seal, lilies of the valley, hellebores – the list goes on...

But of course, that doesn’t stop us northerners complaining about our lack of light. We crave endlessly sunny gardens festooned with delphiniums and roses basking in the sun; whereas the reality is more often a soggy, mossy lawn overshadowed by gloomy trees, each one with a preservation order slapped on them. I once chained myself to one such tree under threat of felling, but that’s another story...

So, what can you do to alleviate the gloom? Well, first improve your soil. If you can dig in masses of good compost you will vastly increase the survival rate of anything you then decide to plant

into it. Now you can plant, but only shade lovers, please. It’s a case of ‘right plant, right place’.

Many of the plants often recommended for shade, such as periwinkles, skimmias, and hypericums, will, if planted in sun, flower and leaf up much more freely. However, the truth is, these plants only tolerate shade better than most – but this isn’t to say they actually thrive in it.

If you have a particularly impossible area under a tree where soil improvement is simply not an option (you know the sort of place- so rooty that even a pick axe can’t make a planting hole), why not do as Christopher Lloyd advises and just leave it bare?

Worried about doing such a radical thing? Shame on you. As Lloyd says: “It’s the tree and its trunk that should be looked at and admired in that My top advice is to go for foliage effects situation, not a lot of trumpery and forget flowers. Peter Clare, who nonsense under its feet!” opens his garden for the RHS in Didsbury, has a stunning shady garden. So, that said, will you dare go bare?

Snuggled into his improved soil there are all manner of leaves in shades of cream, white and green – from stripy hostas to ruffled and frilled ferns. He uses lots of variegated leaves, splashed with lime or cream to shine out in the darkness. Gems, such as Heuchera ‘Key Lime’ and Euphorbia ‘Silver Swan’, Anne Britt is a garden designer. For look zingy all year round near a cream gardening classes and designs, contact painted bench, which itself acts as a her at annebritt@btinternet.com bright focal point from the windows.

GardenStyle SponSored by bickham houSe - providinG Quality care in later life

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

Grow your own

style i’m not entirely sure how this has happened but Christmas is at ours this year.

His Lordship reckons it has something to do with my alcohol intake.

A

pparently, over the last few months I have somehow managed to invite 22 relatives to ours for Christmas. Yes, that’s right.

22 relatives. And not just for Christmas Day. Oh no, ‘Come on Christmas Eve, stay as long as you like’ seems to have been my general drunken farewell at various family get-togethers over the last few months.

Now, I would love to tell you that this situation does not worry me one little bit, but my mother taught me to never lie. You see, I don’t exactly have a great track record when it comes to family Christmases. There was the time when I forgot to defrost the turkey...the time I remembered to defrost the turkey but forgot to turn on the oven...and the time I defrosted the turkey, turned on the oven but forgot to take out that pesky plastic bag of giblets. So our families are coming to us with a certain level of trepidation plus, I’m sure, a stash of snacks stuffed in their luggage so they don’t starve.

But this year it will be different. Oh yes.

I have it all planned out. Parsnips, leeks and sprouts growing down on the allotment, tick. Christmas larder filled, tick. Champagne delivered, tick. Tree decorated, tick. Presents bought and wrapped, tick and double tick.

I’ve taken every precaution to avoid the disastrous Christmases of the past but even if something does indeed go awry food wise, come New Year’s Day I will be the hostess with the mostess. You see, I’m quite the expert in hangover cures and this, together with my love of grow your own, means that I’ve always got a great little herb garden on the go.

And herbs are exactly what you need after a brilliantly boozy New Year’s Eve. So, below are my go-to hangovercures which are sure to get you through the festive season. Then all you have to worry about come Christmas morning is opening the bubbly, popping your turkey in the oven and relaxing.

As long as you’ve remembered to order the turkey that is. Sorry, got to dash.

Need to make urgent call to butcher... hangover Cures Fit for a Lord Peppermint eases headaches, indigestion and nausea. Drink a cup of peppermint tea or chew on a few fresh peppermint leaves to calm the stomach and improve stale breath.

Chamomile tea is great for general soothing and relaxation, but as a hangover remedy, it works wonders on headaches and indigestion, especially when sweetened with potassium boosting honey.

By Catherine Saunders. Follow Lady Muck on Twitter @LadyMuckStyle 40

Rosemary is a natural stimulant and is great for relieving feelings of tiredness.

For a hangover related stomach upset, rosemary can be used in the bath or as an inhalation agent, or it can easily be used in food.

Fennel tea is great for easing nausea and indigestion and can help to reduce the other effects of alcohol on the body.

Drink a lukewarm cup of fennel tea and it will relieve digestive ailments.

Feel the benefits Sri Tea offers a selection of fourteen of the finest loose-leaf teas, each produced using only the highest quality, responsibly sourced and traditionally prepared leaves.

Ceylon teas are an excellent source of anti-oxidants and have been linked with the treatment of many conditions including diabetes, obesity and lethargy.

Only loose-leaf teas are used in our products as this allows the leaves to release their full aroma thus maximising their potential health benefits.

The finest loose leaf tea now being served here in the UK Order yours now just click www.sritea.co.uk or call 0191 551 7020

Order

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and get 4th free

YOU CAN SUFFER IN SILENCE...

In-car conversations are almost impossible.

When watching TV you’re deafening everyone else.

Is your life exhausting, and talking to friends and family a real strain?

In social situations you suffer in silence.

...OR REDISCOVER ALL OF LIFE’S PLEASURES BY USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY W E U N D E R S TA N D H O W YO U F E E L The idea of using a hearing aid can be disconcerting.

That’s because most people’s idea of them is so completely out-of-date.They’re smaller and their performance is the best it’s ever been.

TA K E A F R E E H E A R I N G T E S T We all know how easy it is to put things off. But, if you think it’s time for some help then we would welcome the opportunity to test your hearing. %X 2SVXL ;IWX ,IEVMRK [I LEZI LMKLP] UYEPM½IH KVEHYEXI Audiologists able to give you a full assessment. There is no cost and it is entirely up to you whether you would like further help.

R I S K F R E E CALL NOW

30

DAY TRIAL

TO ARRANGE A NO OBLIGATION APPOINTMENT

0161 4911943

Make sure the only thing people notice is the smile on your face.

For more information go to: www.nwhearing.co.uk or email: info@nwhearing.co.uk North West Hearing The Beeches Consulting Centre, The Alexandra Hospital Complex, Mill Lane, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 2PY

B E AT I N G T H E O D D S Kavita Basi and her remarkable journey from near death to new life

IMAGINE THIS. You leave work early because you’ve not been able to shake off the headache that’s been plaguing you all day. A couple of painkillers ease the symptoms enough to enable you to wrap your daughter’s presents for her birthday tomorrow.

Your youngest child helps you arrange his sister’s presents and then you wait for the rest of the family to come home.

The headache’s still there, though, and you have a small but insistent sense that there’s something not quite right but, really, it’s probably just fatigue and tomorrow you’ll be back to your normal energetic self.

After an evening spent watching the telly with your husband and two children, you manage to doze off to sleep as night falls. You don’t know this yet, but this will be the last night of your old life; the next couple of hours will hurl you into a world unknown and undreamt of. If you’re fortunate, you’ll emerge in the morning light with a radically altered new life; for those lacking good fortune or chance there will be no morning.

NOw IMAGINE THAT. Kavita Basi woke up in the middle of that March night with a blinding pain in

the back of her head; she felt as though someone had hit her with a hammer, as she ran around the bedroom screaming for help before collapsing on the floor.

Her husband, Deepak, and her daughter watched in shock and horror as she went into a tonic clonic seizure. It was at this point that Kavita lost all memory of the ensuing hours, days and weeks.

She spent seven weeks in Salford Royal Hospital, of which she can only remember the last three. A brain aneurysm had triggered a subarachnoid haemorrhage; 70% of people usually die within two weeks of such a stroke and the surviving 30% can normally expect to have profound speech and mobility problems. Kavita feels blessed to have gotten off so lightly. A series of operations followed, including the clipping of the aneurysm and the insertion of a shunt to relieve the build up of fluid in the brain. These preventative devices are permanent and lifelong, and will always be a significant part of Kavita’s life from now on.

Unrelentingly grim and depressing this may be, but Kavita herself provides the miraculous antidote to that. Today, Kavita is living, to all outward appearances,

the life she led before. But, of course, that’s not the case, and her resolution to transform a negative into a positive, with the love and support of her family, friends and her professional carers, is extraordinary. She’s determined to not waste this opportunity to start anew.

She’s returned to her work as vice president of global fashion importers Li & Fung, albeit part time and minus the hectic pace and pressure of before. Her home decor business, Jardin, which lay dormant during her illness, is also being resurrected as she returns to normality.

Perfectly embodying the power of positivity, Kavita wants to show other stroke and brain injury survivors that a new life and a new start are absolutely possible. She’s produced a video blog and has involved her children’s schools in fundraising and awareness campaigns, as well as addressing conferences on brain and spine injuries.

Kavita Basi is proof that our human spirit is perhaps our greatest asset when the unimaginable happens, as it did to her; the idea that we too can discover, as she did, just what we’re capable of achieving provides great inspiration and hope for us all.

For more information on Kavita’s inspirational story go to her three video blogs at https://youtu.be/qM7qgw79k_o The Brain and Spinal Injury Centre (BASIC) can be reached at www.basiccharity.org.uk The Brain and Spine foundation are at www.brainandspine.org.uk

Words Mark Kureishy

Image Mike Browne

43

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RiC MOyLAn Transforming success on the outside into health and happiness on the inside

As New Year resolutions mass in battalions, preparing to combat the stressful demands of the coming year, it’s timely to be reminded that modern life is complex and challenging. Precious few of these commitments will make it through the next year, as we slip back into familiar patterns and comforting habits. Traditionally, one of the first fallers by the wayside is the commitment to make ourselves fit, healthy and well again, as fatigue and frustration creep up on the unwary and take their toll.

Ric Moylan, though, is well prepared to help overcome these challenges to resolve and aspiration. His internationally acknowledged status as an elite physical coach and mentor is reason enough to entrust your future physical wellbeing to him, but it’s his commitment and belief in his clients as individuals that impresses most. As he himself states, ‘I can only help you if you help yourself’, and if that description fits you, then Ric Moylan won’t allow you to fail.

Successful business people seem most vulnerable to the modern ailment of ‘cash-rich, time-poor’, and it is this impoverished group in particular that Ric is best placed to help. Success in business is too often gained at the cost to health and physical and mental wellbeing, but Ric believes he can correct that negative imbalance.

As an elite physical coach, Ric demands that his clients work as hard on their physical development as he does; he takes his work seriously and entrusts

current WBA super bantamweight champion, with their fitness and strength training. In fact, Quigg, who faces Carl Frampton on Feb 27th at the Manchester Arena for the world unifying belt has acknowledged Ric’s contribution to his success as ‘essential and invaluable’. clients to act likewise. His rigorous application of scientific based theory underpins all of his practical work in the gym and, equally, in the mind.

His expertise in nutrition and other scientifically researched areas, including the offer of DNA testing to specifically identify challenges to his clients’ success, are all optimised to produce maximum gain. In the sporting elite, it’s marginal gains that separate the great from the merely good, and Ric Moylan, more than most, is best qualified to deliver that difference.

Ric Moylan is ‘the trainer’s trainer’; his innovative adoption, and application, of contemporary scientific theory, married to optimized nutritional guidance and, of course, effective and stimulating exercise programmes, have brought him sustained and continuous success at the highest levels.

He believes that mastering the mind is the greatest challenge to adversity, and utilizes ancient philosophers, such as Sun Tzu, to help his clients achieve their targets. He can, as a client of his recently requested, make you look ‘shredded’ but, more importantly, Ric’s ethos In the last fifteen years he has gone on to sustains life changing habits which work as Ricky Hatton’s fitness coach and greatly enrich his clients’ lives... Oh, and is currently helping top five British tennis you’ll learn an awful lot about yourself player Liam Broady, and Scott Quigg, the in the process, too!

Go to ricmoylan.co.uk for more on how to transform and sustain a new and healthier you.

Words Mark Kureishy

45

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Robotic Prostatectomy Service at The Christie Clinic Until the turn of this century, men being treated for prostate cancer in the UK had limited surgery choices which often involved large incisions and a variety of post-operative side effects. However, over the last 10 to 15 years, there have been significant developments in medical surgical technology which has had an impact on prostate cancer treatment and Prostatectomy (surgery to remove the prostate gland). The da Vinci robotic surgery system is a state-of-the-art computerised platform that has revolutionised prostate cancer surgery and facilitated Radical Prostatectomy, providing superior results when compared to non-robotic traditional procedures. hOW ThE dA VinCi SySTEMS WORkS Using this new computerised technology, the surgeon has a threedimensional view of the patient’s prostate, and remotely controls tiny instruments passed down the robotic arms. The full 360-degree rotation of the tips of the instrument delivers significant advantages over traditional laparoscopy; each time the surgeon

moves one of the robotic controls, a computer sends an electronic signal to one of the instruments, which then moves in sync with the movements of the surgeon's hands. Working together, the surgeon and robot can perform complete surgical procedures without the need for large incisions.

Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon removes the instruments from the patient's body and closes the incisions.

BEnEFiTS OF ROBOTiC PROSTATE SuRGERy

Mr Vijay Ramani is a Consultant Urological Surgeon at The Christie Clinic and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. He is a member of the North West Robotic Group and led the team which carried out the first procedure in the North West at The Christie Hospital in 2008. Since then, Mr Ramani and his colleagues have performed more than 700 Robotic Prostatectomies. The Christie Clinic is currently the only private provider in the North West to offer a fully comprehensive Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery Service.

The Robotic Prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical treatment and the precision of the system allows the surgeon to make highly accurate movements during prostate cancer surgery. This means that malignant tissue can be removed from a patient with excellent efficiency. This increased accuracy allows the surgeon to avoid damaging tissue around the prostate which improves the patient’s results: reducing incontinence rates and helping to preserve sexual function, and contributes to an overall shorter recovery period.

The Christie Clinic is available to patients with private medical insurance and for those who wish to self-pay. For more information or to book an appointment with Mr Ramani please call 0161 918 7296.

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RADIOTHERAPY TEAM AT THE CHRISTIE CLINIC WIN PRESTIGIOUS INDEPENDENT HEALTHCARE SECTOR AWARD

The Christie Clinic’s Radiotherapy Team has been recognised for its dedication to ‘Personalisation’ in the Social Care category at the 2015 LaingBuisson independent healthcare sector awards.

The hospital’s patient-centred initiative ‘Adding Value to the Radiotherapy Experience’ was selected for a top honour at the LaingBuisson sponsored event which was celebrating 10 years’ of excellence in private healthcare.

The winning submission focused on the Radiotherapy Team’s innovative new ways of working which has paved the way for a more positive and sustainable care culture for patients requiring radiotherapy at the hospital.

Since the start of the initiative, more than 200 patients have had the opportunity to benefit from the enhanced radiotherapy pathway which includes being assigned a dedicated radiographer two weeks prior to the pre-treatment assessment, receiving a bespoke patient information pack tailored to the individual and family/carer needs, and pre-treatment visits to the unit are encouraged and facilitated.

The first time a patient visits the Radiotherapy Unit at The Christie Clinic a Pre-Treatment Assessment, designed

by the team is completed. This explores the patient’s wider needs, including social, psychological, physical and spiritual support. Health and wellbeing is also promoted through initiatives such as smoking cessation, guided by NICE recommendations. If required, referrals are then made, in partnership with the patient.

Alison Sanneh, Radiotherapy Lead at The Christie Clinic commented on the win: “We are honoured to receive such a prestigious award and I’m delighted that the Radiotherapy Team has been recognised by LaingBuisson for the excellent level of care we provide to our patients.

The Radiotherapy Service at The Christie Clinic consists of five senior radiographers who deliver radiation treatments to a wide range of patients with different types of cancer.

Alison continued: “The Christie Clinic’s enhanced radiotherapy pathway has refocused the role of the radiographer to ‘see the person in the patient’, rather than ‘a cancer diagnosis and technical treatment site’. This approach has challenged the standard model of care, and we believe that it can be adopted by allied health professionals in areas of healthcare within and beyond cancer.”

The Christie Clinic, which operates as a HCA Healthcare NHS Venture in partnership with The Christie Foundation Trust, is the UK’s largest provider of private cancer care with a network of facilities across the UK and The Christie is an internationally renowned centre of excellence for cancer treatment.

The Radiotherapy Team beat-off stiff competition to triumph in their category as the volume of nominations this year was phenomenal according to LaingBuisson, who pulled upon the expertise of a panel of judges drawn from such organisations as the Royal College of Nursing, The National Autistic Society, the Private Healthcare Information Network, Imperial College and NICE.

These two providers have come together to create a cancer unit for private patients, bringing the security and safety of the NHS infrastructure together with the investment and technological advancements of HCA.

The Christie Clinic is available to all whether you have private medical insurance or not. If you are not covered by private medical insurance, treatment is available with a fixed price agreed in advance.

For more information on The Christie Clinic or to book an appointment please call 0161 918 7296.

51

Laser eye surgery from the UK’s most trusted eye health care group.

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Live a fuller life

Opera star sings praise of her “magic eyes.”

Paula Sides from Hebden Bridge is a successful and recognised soprano with the English Touring Opera, and has always struggled with long-distance vision. Her days of relying on contacts ended with an accident, and led to her choosing laser eye surgery from Optegra Eye Health Care, which she says has resulted in “magic eyes”.

Having worn glasses or contacts for 20 years, Paula relies on excellent vision for her work, to see the conductor and to read her fellow singers’ facial expressions. However work in London and travelling on the Victoria Line led ƚŽ ŚĞƌ ŐĞƫŶŐ ŵĞƚĂů ĚƵƐƚ ĐĂƵŐŚƚ ƵŶĚĞƌ her contact lens, which resulted in A&E ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ͕ Ă ƐĐƌĂƚĐŚĞĚ ĐŽƌŶĞĂ͕ ĂŶĚ Ă week in darkness.

Paula explains: ͞ ŌĞƌ Ă ǁŚŽůĞ ǁĞĞŬ ŝŶ ĚŝƐĐŽŵĨŽƌƚ͕ ĂŶĚ ŝŶ ĨĂĐƚ ŝŶ ĚĂƌŬŶĞƐƐ͕ /

knew that contacts were no longer an ŽƉƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ŵĞ͘ / ũƵƐƚ ĐŽƵůĚ ŶŽƚ ƌĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞŵ͘ / ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵ ŽƉĞƌĂ Ăƚ ůĞĂƐƚ ƚŚƌĞĞ ƟŵĞƐ Ă ǁĞĞŬ ĂŶĚ ŶĞǀĞƌ ŬŶĞǁ ŝĨ ƚŚĞLJ ǁĞƌĞ ŐŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ůĞƚ ŵĞ ĚŽǁŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ having this accident on the tube really ƚƌŝŐŐĞƌĞĚ ŵĞ ƚŽ ůŽŽŬ ŝŶƚŽ ĂůƚĞƌŶĂƟǀĞƐ͘ ͟,Ğƌ ĐůĞĂƌ ŽƉƟŽŶ ǁĂƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌ ůĂƐĞƌ ĞLJĞ ƐƵƌŐĞƌLJ͘ WĂƵůĂ ƐĂŝĚ͗ ͞/ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ůŽƚ ŽĨ ĚŽĐƚŽƌƐ ŝŶ ŵLJ ĨĂŵŝůLJ͕ ƐŽ ǁŚĞŶ / ĂƐŬĞĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŝŶ ƚŚŝŶŐ ǁĂƐ ƚŽ ŐĞƚ the best. They said, don’t seek out a deal but go for the best possible. These are ŵLJ ĞLJĞƐ ĂŌĞƌ Ăůů ĂŶĚ / ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ƌŝƐŬ ĂŶLJƚŚŝŶŐ͊ ŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶƚ ĂŌĞƌĐĂƌĞ͘ / ĨŽƵŶĚ Ăůů ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƐŽ ŵƵĐŚ ŵŽƌĞ͕ ǁŝƚŚ KƉƚĞŐƌĂ͘͟ ŌĞƌ ŵƵĐŚ ƌĞƐĞĂƌĐŚ ŽĨ ůŽĐĂů ŽƉƟŽŶƐ͕ WĂƵůĂ ŵĂĚĞ ƚŚĞ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶ ƚŽ ŚĂǀĞ > ^/< ůĂƐĞƌ ƐƵƌŐĞƌLJ Ăƚ KƉƚĞŐƌĂ͘

͞ / ǁĂƐ ŽǀĞƌǁŚĞůŵĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂī͕ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĐĞƉƟŽŶ ƚŽ ŶƵƌƐĞƐ ƚŽ ŵLJ consultant, they were all wonderful! dŚĞLJ ŐĂǀĞ ŵĞ ƐƵĐŚ ĐŽŶĮĚĞŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ / ĨĞůƚ ƐŽ ƌĞůĂdžĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƚŽƚĂůůLJ professional hands. They explained ĞǀĞƌLJƚŚŝŶŐ ƐŽ ĐůĞĂƌůLJ͕ ƐŚŽǁĞĚ ŵĞ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ǁĂƐ ŵŽƌĞ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ƚŚĂŶ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƉůĂĐĞƐ / ŚĂĚ ǀŝƐŝƚĞĚ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂŶƐǁĞƌĞĚ Ăůů ŵLJ ƋƵĞƐƟŽŶƐ͘ ͞dŚĞ ĚĂLJ ĂŌĞƌ ŵLJ ƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞ͕ / ĐŽƵůĚ ƐĞĞ ƐŽ ǁĞůů͕ ŝƚ ǁĂƐ ƌĞĂůůLJ ƐŽ ĐŽŽů͊ / ĐŽƵůĚ ƌĞĂĚ Ăƚ ůŽŶŐ ĚŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĮƌƐƚ ƟŵĞ ŝŶ ƚǁŽ ĚĞĐĂĚĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ ĞǀĞŶ ďĞƩĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ ϮϬͬϮϬ ǀŝƐŝŽŶ͘ /Ŷ ĨĂĐƚ ŵLJ ŚƵƐďĂŶĚ͕ ǁŚŽ ŚĂƐ ŶŽ ƉƌŽďůĞŵƐ ǁŝƚŚ ŚŝƐ ǀŝƐŝŽŶ͕ ĐĂŶ͛ƚ ƐĞĞ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ŵĞ͕ ĂŶĚ ŽŌĞŶ ĂƐŬƐ ŵĞ ƚŽ ƌĞĂĚ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ƚŽ Śŝŵ ǁŝƚŚ ŵLJ ͚ŵĂŐŝĐ ĞLJĞƐ͛͊͟ Paula’s surgeon explains the procedure she had: ͞ ŌĞƌ Ă ƚŚŽƌŽƵŐŚ ĞdžĂŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ͕ ǁĞ ĂĚǀŝƐĞĚ WĂƵůĂ ƚŽ ŚĂǀĞ > ^/< ůĂƐĞƌ ĞLJĞ ƐƵƌŐĞƌLJ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƵƐĞƐ ůĂƚĞƐƚ ĐŽŵƉƵƚĞƌ ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ ŝŶ Ă ĨĂƐƚ͕ ƉĂŝŶůĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞůLJ ďůĂĚĞͲĨƌĞĞ procedure. A laser is used to reshape the cornea, the front of the eye, to change its ĨŽĐƵƐŝŶŐ ƉŽǁĞƌ ƚŽ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ ƐŝŐŚƚ͘ /ƚ ĐĂŶ correct both long and short sighted vision to result in clearer, sharper vision – and, ĂƐ WĂƵůĂ ŝƐ ĞŶũŽLJŝŶŐ ʹ ŶŽ ŵŽƌĞ ŚĂƐƐůĞ ĨƌŽŵ glasses or contacts.”

If, like Paula, you would like to lose your glasses, call 0844 326 0011 or visit ŽƉƚĞŐƌĂ͘ĐŽŵ ƚŽ Ŭ Ă ĨƌĞĞ ĐŽŶƐƵůƚĂƟŽŶ͘

BEVERLEY BEVERL EY UDDIN-KHANDAKAR UDDIN KHA UDDIN-KHA ANDAKAR TALK TALKS KS TO KAILESH K AILES SH SO SOLANKI LANKI OF O KISSDENTAL KISSDENTAL A Kailesh Solanki Kailesh Solanki (GDC: (G GDC: 81952) is is tthe he p principal rincipal dentist dentist and and owner owner of Kissdental, Kissdental, Manchester.

Manchester. He has has placed placed more more than than n 5000 dental dental implants implants and and has has changed c ged the chan the lives lives of countless countless patients patients in in search search of of a pe perfect rfect sm smile, ile, eeven ven th those ose w who ho w were ere p previously revioussly ttoo oo n nervous ervous tto o even even enter enter a dental deental practice. practice.

Kailesh Solanki

Throughout g your career, y y you’ve p placed more tha than an 5000 dental implants. What W inspired your interest in implant dentistry?

Moving g on to zy zygomatic ygomatic implants, y yg p , differ from regular implants? how do these d

Very early on in my dentistry d career I realised I had a real passion and flare for surgical dentistry and therefore honed my skills in this field. This has meant that over the years I have reduced the other treatments that dent dentists tists perform and concentrated on what I believe I am good at,, which is surgical dentistry - from difficult ifficult extractions to dental implants.

Let’s start by talki talking ng about All-on-4 implants. What W does the procedure inv involve, volve, and how is it possible to carry it out in a single day day? y?

When we perform m the 3D scan and find out there is not ot enough bone to place dental im implants plants in the upper jaw, our options to regain fixed teeth for the patie patient nt is limited. One option would be to o bone graft and then place the dental implants and then once all this has been successful we can then go on to make the final fixed teeth. teeeth. This can take up to 2 years to complete.

The zygomatic app approach proach is a less risky procedure wheree we do not have to graft the bone and can place the dental implants into o the cheek bone and fix the teeth in n the same day. There are no long healing aling periods as with dentures and it allows fixed teeth in the same day.

The All All-on-4 on 4 procedu procedure ure is carried out when the patient ha has as failing teeth in either jaw an and d requires a full clearance due to dec decay cay or gum disease, or wears den dentures ntures that they are unhappy with. Th The he traditional option wass full dentures, but as patients now w want more and want fixed teeth,, the All-on-4 treatment is an ideal procedure prrocedure for many patients wheree they can regain fixed teeth in one day d and not have to wear a dentu denture. re.

What kind of pr preparation reparation work takes place before efore the zygomatic implant lant procedure?

How do All-on-4 im implants mplants compare to a semi permanent perrmanent fixed denture?

Usually we place 2 zygomatic implants per side. So there are 4 implants per patie patient. ent.

The All-on-4 treatmen treatment nt is a fixed bridge on a minimum of 4 dental implants. The bridge iiss screwed in and can not be removed removed. d. It is cleaned as the norma normall teeth are and functions well.

How do you de determine etermine how much bone is available ava ailable in a patient’s jaw be before efore implant surgery?

The semi permanent dentures d or implant retained denture dentures es differ, as firstly these are remov removable vable and need to be taken out daily for adequate cleaning. The denturee clips onto the implants for security b but can still have a degree of mov movement. vement. The denture, especially in thee top jaw, can cover some or all of the palate.

Who is the ideal ca candidate andidate for All-on-4 treatment? nt?

Patients with failing tteeth eeth due to gum disease or decay and and patients that currently wear d dentures entures are suitable candidates for tthe he All-on-4 style treatment. The o other key factors we consider are: if the t patient is medically fit and w well ell and also if the patient is a smoker smoker,r, which can have long term issue issuess with implant success. The last key factor is jaw bone. We perform a 3D 3 scan to check that every patient has h enough jaw bone to be able tto accept the dental implants. implants

We generally use 3D scans and digital models of thee jaws to plan the treatment to ensure a positive outcome.

Typically, how w many zygomatic implants are a needed per patient?

The gold standard now is to use a 3D scanner, which we have at our Flixton clinic.

In the case of bo both oth All-on-4 and zygomatic implant mplant treatments, how w natural do the results look and nd feel?

The gold standard is always your own teeth and everything after losing these is a compromise. ompromise. However, from my experience perience the aesthetics of the teeth are always beautiful and the patient atient always comments that the he feel of the teeth over a denture iss worlds apart.

The more importa important ant question to always ask is: if you had to have the procedure again tto get the end result, would you? And nd I have yet to have a patient sayy no.

Many patients m might feel nervous before implant imp plant procedures. Is sedation available during All-on-4 All-o All on-4 o on 4 and zygomatic implant lant treatment?

We offer intraveno intravenous ous sedation to all our patients to make sure they stay calm during the treatment.

Angela's before Angela's before and a after's after's as ffeatured eatured on on the e BBC's' BBC's' The The Truth T ruth About About your your Teeth' Teeth'.

2N New ew St Street, reet, Alt Altrincham, rincham, C Cheshire, heshire, W WA14 A14 2Q 2QS QS 0161 928 1628 | k isssdental.co.uk kissdental.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

SHINE BRIGHT WITH SASSOON THIS CHRISTMAS

Enriching our members’ lives through activeness... that’s what Virgin Active is all about. We’ve created a health club that’s different from all the rest.

Whether you’re prepping for your Christmas party and in need of the perfect blow dry or simply looking to tame your tresses this winter, make sure you’re always looking polished and camera ready with a little Sassoon inspiration. Special occasion hair is all about “polish, effortless control and healthy shine; contemporary glamour at its best”, says Bruce.

HOW TO ACHIEVE ULTIMATE GLAMOUR: Spray your hair with Professional Motion Hold (£13.70), then wrap small sections of hair around a styling wand, pinning each curl to your head with a grip. Once you’ve curled every section, unclip and shake out. Enhance your side sweep with a low side parting and comb it all the way over for a glamorous finish. The trick is to keep hair flatter at the top of the head.

And because we all want to sparkle during the festive season; take a look at these cold-weather beauty must-haves.

PARTY SEASON PREP | Sassoon Professional Intense Restore £18 The winter months play havoc with your hair, leaving it dry, brittle and lifeless. It is vital to “replenish and retain moisture”, says Bruce, who recommends a weekly deep conditioning treatment at home.

This super moisturising treatment penetrates deep into the hair’s cortex and injects a rush of moisture, whilst smoothing the cuticle.

LITTLE LUxURIES | Sassoon Professional Diamond Polish £19.90 A light serum which promises to tame, nourish and de-frizz, it is perfect for fly-away tresses. Simply add a small amount evenly to wet hair before you blow dry or smooth over dry hair just before your event for magical shine.

LUxE ESSENTIAL | Sassoon Professional Edit Body £18.50 A lightweight, rich styling mousse for all hair types that gives body and lift to your look. Flat, lifeless hair is a thing of the past; this mousse enhances hair fullness while maintaining an airy texture.

Creates body and lift, without stiffness.

Sassoon Salon 1 Marsden Street, Manchester M2 1HW Phone: 0161 827 7140 56

We like being active and we want to help our members to do the same. But guess what? We know keeping active isn’t easy... we all get stuck. We all repeat the same old thing and we all drop off, forget or just take a duvet day.

But we believe the secret to keeping active is to keep exploring; if you’re always discovering, you’ll never stay still. We are committed to being at the forefront of innovation in our industry, not just to create an incredible member experience, but to really push the boundaries of how we work-out.

We will help you to move like you haven’t moved for years. You’ll move in fun new circles and you’ll move to a different beat. Every few months, we’ll find new classes, new kit, new things to learn, new ways to have fun and, most of all, we’ll find new ways to keep you moving.

Whether it’s the toughness of The Grid, the wildness of Zuu or the vibrancy of Clubbercise, you’ll find plenty of classes to keep you active. We don’t forget about our little members either – with fun activities, studio classes and swim lessons, we’ll keep them entertained too!

Our challenge to you... discover something you’ve never done before and get moving today.

So step inside, and you’ll experience a health club that’s actively different from all the rest. You’ll be encouraged, inspired, and made to feel right at home.

Pop in to see us, visit our website www.virginactive.co.uk or call 0161 249 5600

Body Performance Training

Body Performance Training

Y

We all have dreams and fitness goals at some point in our lives; to drop a dress size, tighten up the tummy or run a 10k. Some of us had goals for 2015 but few of us actually achieved them because things come up and the frustration becomes overwhelming and, so, we give up. Then there is also the fear of failure, the fear of getting your hopes up, only for those hopes to be dashed.

The truth is, you're going to be disappointed at times but that can be turned into a driver or you can let it destroy you. In my experience, one of the best things to do is to evaluate where you are now, as sometimes it's not the goal that we reach that is important but what we learn along the way. See any targets that were not hit in 2015 as learning curves. Thomas Edison said "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time". Ask yourself, what can I do in 2016 to improve on the areas of my life that I didn't hit in 2015? And if 2015 was a great year, then ask yourself how can you improve on it still?

Those who write their goals down accomplish significantly more than those who do not write their goals.

Make them: •

Specific — your goals must identify exactly what you want to achieve in as much detail as you can.

•

Measurable — how can you manage what you can’t measure?

Try to quantify the result. You want to know, absolutely, whether or not you’ve reached your goal.

•

Action — every goal should start with an action. Today I will...

This week I will...

If there is anything that will shift your • life into the direction of your goal - it is to take massive action. Try something else, change it, try it, and give it a go.

Progress equals happiness. So often I see people who don't begin the journey because they aren't quite sure what to do or how to do it right, or even how to do it perfectly. If you want to change • your body - get yourself moving. Don't wait for the perfect diet, special shake or magic pill, or perfect trainer; just get out there and start moving. Put on your trainers and move.

Goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about your ideal, and for motivating yourself to turn your vision of your future self into reality.

Realistic — a good goal should scare you. It should push you, but you have to be sensible. Don't stay within your comfort zone. Go beyond it. Remember, people don't progress when staying in a place they feel comfortable.

Time — every goal needs an end date. When do you plan to meet this goal? It could be in 6 weeks, or 6 months or by the end of the year.

A goal without an end date is just a dream.

The idea of goal-setting for 2016 is not just helpful, it is vital for progression towards actually attaining your goals for this coming year. My clients, and other people who make consistent progress towards meaningful goals, are happier and more satisfied with their results than those who don’t.

Once you've finished reading this, why not open up your diary or laptop and set a meeting with yourself to work on an action plan towards this year’s goal?

Too many people say ‘I’ll make a start tomorrow’. Don't be one of those people. Why not do something to take you one step closer towards your goal?

START TODAY! 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.

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M E D I S PA

WILMSLOW

Dr Nyla Raja is the founder and the Medical Director of the Medispa, Wilmslow.

She is a highly respected and much sought after Cosmetic Dermatology GP. She has been named as one of the "Top botox doctors in the country".

Having performed over fifteen thousand treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration and respect of TV personalities, celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry.

‘Dr Raja is the best skin doctor,’ tweeted Abbey Clancy; while Helen Flanagan posted: ‘Really pleased with my results!

Thank you Dr Raja.’

TREATMENTS

The state of the art Medispa, Wilmslow offers 12 consulting rooms to accommodate the exceptional demand for the very latest technologies Dr Raja offers, for skin rejuvenation and body contouring. The foundation of her success rests upon the detailed assessment process which is undertaken with each client. Dr Raja says: ‘Every one of my clients has an innate beauty. I help to realise this natural beauty by combining the principles of science with art, to reconstitute what nature intended.

Skin health and appearance

Skin tightening

Revolumising and relaxing facial wrinkles Wrinkles with the appearance of less hydrated and less volumised skin are one of the first signs of aging.

Dr Raja has perfected the application of botox combined with dermal fillers into an art form to give the perfect smooth relaxed face with the appearance of a facial freshening treatment. Dr Raja believes that as a gatekeeper to the aging process it is necessary to combat aging with a multi-modular approach with a methodical planned approach using the latest technologies rather then just botox and fillers alone. She therefore offers a plethora of highly advanced technologies to ensure that all treatment modalities are being applied to her patients to achieve the perfect skin rejuvenation.

Fat Reduction Coolsculpting by Zeltiq is an FDA cleared procedure which uses cryolipolysis technology to freeze the fatty deposits, which your body flushes naturally. it is a very effective treatment with incredible results which are long lasting.

58

Before

After

Before

After

This is increasingly becoming a real concern for clients, Skin can be safely and non-invasively tightened using the latest ultrasound technology called Ultherapy.

Ultherapy targets the dermis of the skin, producing heat energy to stimulate collagen resulting in a very natural looking much firmed and lifted appearance to the skin, which lasts several years, literally pushing back the years.

The appearance of the skin can be improved using a number of treatment modalities and Dr Raja adopts not only the industry gold standard, but also the latest innovative treatments for the delivery of exceptionally flawless skin.

Fractional laser resurfacing treatments are used to smooth, lift and tighten skin.

Harmony clear lift is the worlds first non ablative 1064nm laser, known as “The Hollywood Laser Facelift.” It is a 30 minutes treatment that lifts and firms the face and neck with instantly visible results with no downtime.

Before

After

M E D I S PA

WILMSLOW

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

59

DENTAL IMPLANTS & SMILE MAKEOVERS Looking after the teeth and smiles of patients for many years Manchester Dental is where all your dental & facial aesthetic issues can be resolved. From dental implants to cosmetic dentistry for smile makeovers to orthodontic treatments with clear fast braces and general dentistry for a fresher breath and hygienic services, they cover it all. They can also provide Botox anti-wrinkle treatments and chiropody services through their Healthy Feet Clinic.

What makes Manchester Dental so special is that all of their staff have extensive post-graduate qualifications and experience, enabling them to provide treatments and attain results that are not available elsewhere.

Dr Nafees Zakir, owner and principle dentist at Manchester Dental has been treating patients with dental implants for over ten years and he is also a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Edge Hill, Liverpool, where he teaches qualified dentists the art of placing dental implants.

He has numerous post-graduate qualifications and the portfolio of treatments on their website testifies to his great experience and results. Many dental practices in and around Greater Manchester refer their patients to Manchester Dental to have treatments carried out there. The photos (below) show a lady that was treated at Manchester Dental. Over many years, her teeth began to move, which resulted in her losing all confidence in smiling and even talking. It also affected her chewing, which meant that she lost enjoyment in eating. As you can see from her ‘before’ photo, her teeth were in desperate need of attention. She had visited many dental clinics and was told that nothing could be done, other than having all of her teeth taken out and replacing them with dentures or false teeth. After discussing numerous options with her, she opted for some dental implants and a smile makeover. As can be seen from her ‘after’ photo, the transformation was amazing. Her teeth are now straight and sparkling white, and she can eat anything without having to worry about it. Most importantly, her old confidence has returned!

Dr Nafees Zakir told us that when she first came to Manchester Dental she didn’t smile and would always talk with her hand in front of her face, hiding her teeth. Since having the treatment she’s been transformed into a smiling, chatty person with an enormous amount of confidence. Dental implants can be placed to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth and even all your teeth.

They can be permanently fixed in and, therefore, not removable. Another option is to place some permanent dental implants and then have some removable dentures made that lock into them because no matter how well traditional dentures are made, dentures ‘locked’ onto implants will always fit firmer, making this a great and cost effective option, too.

Manchester Dental are offering a Free Consultation to all readers, book yours today and give yourself something to smile about!

AFTER

BEFORE

Just a few minutes from the Trafford Centre

WalrusMCR www.walrusmanchester.com

tuskbar TuskBarManchester www.tuskmanchester.com

78-88 HIGH STREET, MANCHESTER, M4 1ES TEL.0161 828 87 00

ROSYLEE

INFAMOUS DINER

WALRUS AND TUSK

/ŶĨĂŵŽƵƐ ŝŶĞƌ ŝƐ Ă ƐƚƵŶŶŝŶŐ ƐĞƫ ŶŐ ĨŽƌ ĐŽĐŬƚĂŝůƐ͕ ĨŽŽĚ ĂŶĚ ĨƵŶ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ϭϵϱϬƐ ƐƚLJůĞ ĚĠĐŽƌ͕ ƌĂƐƉďĞƌƌLJ ƉŝŶŬ ƚŚƐ͕ Ă ƌĞƚƌŽ ũƵŬĞďŽdž ĂŶĚ > ŶĞŽŶ ůŝŐŚƚƐ͘

Open seven days a week, Rosylee Žī ĞƌƐ ĚŝŶĞƌƐ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƌLJ ďĞƐƚ ŽĨ ůŽĐĂůůLJ ƐŽƵƌĐĞĚ͕ ƌŝƟ ƐŚ ĐƵŝƐŝŶĞ͘ dŚĞ ŵĞŶƵ ŝƐ ĚĞƐŝŐŶĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĂǁĂƌĚ ǁŝŶŶŝŶŐ͕ ĞdžĞĐƵƟ ǀĞ ĐŚĞĨ͕ ĂŶĚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ďƌĞĂŬĨĂƐƚ͕ ůƵŶĐŚ ĂŶĚ ĚŝŶŶĞƌ ĚŝƐŚĞƐ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ^ƵŶĚĂLJ ZŽĂƐƚƐ ĂŶĚ Ō ĞƌŶŽŽŶ dĞĂ͘ ƵƌŐĞƌƐ͕ ƐŬĞǁĞƌƐ͕ ĚƵĐŬ ĂŶĚ Ěŝī ĞƌĞŶƚ ĐƵƚƐ ŽĨ ůĂŵď͕ ďĞĞĨ ĂŶĚ ĐŚŝĐŬĞŶ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƵƚŚͲǁĂƚĞƌŝŶŐ͕ ƐƚĂƌƌŝŶŐ ĂƩ ƌĂĐƟ ŽŶƐ͕ Ăůů ĐŽŽŬĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ /E< ĐŚĂƌĐŽĂů ŽǀĞŶ ʹ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ŽŶůLJ ƚŚƌĞĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŝƚLJ͘ dŚĞ ŵĞĂƚ ŝƐ ĐŽŽŬĞĚ Ăƚ ƚĞŵƉĞƌĂƚƵƌĞƐ ŽĨ ƵƉ ƚŽ ϰϬϬ ĚĞŐƌĞĞƐ ĐĞůƐŝƵƐ͕ ŬĞĞƉŝŶŐ ŝƚ ƐƵĐĐƵůĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƚĂŝŶŝŶŐ Ăůů ŝƚƐ ƚĂƐƚĞ ĂŶĚ Ň ĂǀŽƵƌ͘

/Ŷ ƚƌƵĞ ĚŝŶĞƌ ƐƉŝƌŝƚ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĐŚŽŽƐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ĂŶ ĂƵƚŚĞŶƟ Đ ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶ ďƌĞĂŬĨĂƐƚ ŵĞŶƵ ƚŚĂƚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ƉĂŶĐĂŬĞ ƐƚĂĐŬƐ ĂŶĚ ǁĂŋ ĞƐ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ĨƌĞĞ ƌĞĮ ůůƐ ŽŶ Į ůƚĞƌ ĐŽī ĞĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ Ăůů ĚĂLJ͘ ^ĞƌǀŝŶŐ ƵƉ ŚŽŵĞŵĂĚĞ ĞĂƚƐ ƚŚĞ h^ ǁĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ͛Ɛ Ă ŚƵŐĞ ƐĞůĞĐƟ ŽŶ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ĚŝŶĞƌ ĐůĂƐƐŝĐƐ ŽĨ ŚĂƐŚ ĂŶĚ ĞŐŐƐ͕ ŵĞĂƚďĂůů ƐƵď͕ ĂŶĚ ĐŚŝĐŬĞŶ ǁĂŋ ĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƐĂƵƐĂŐĞ ŐƌĂǀLJ ĂůŽŶŐƐŝĚĞ ďƵƌŐĞƌƐ͕ ŚŽƚ ĚŽŐƐ͕ ǁŝŶŐƐ ĂŶĚ ƌŝďƐ͘ ĞƐƐĞƌƚƐ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ĚŝƐĂƉƉŽŝŶƚ ǁŝƚŚ ĂƉƉůĞ ƉŝĞ͕ ƐƵŶĚĂĞƐ ĂŶĚ DŝƐƐŝƐƐŝƉƉŝ DƵĚ ƉŝĞ Ăůů ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ĂŶ ĂƉƉĞĂƌĂŶĐĞ͘ EŽƚ ũƵƐƚ /ŶĨĂŵŽƵƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƚĂƐƚLJ ĨŽŽĚ͕ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĚƌŝŶŬƐ ŵĞŶƵ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶ ŽƵƌďŽŶ ĐŽĐŬƚĂŝů ĐůĂƐƐŝĐƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ^ĂůƚĞĚ ĂƌĂŵĞů KůĚ &ĂƐŚŝŽŶĞĚ ĂůŽŶŐƐŝĚĞ ŽƵƌ ĨĂǀŽƵƌŝƚĞ͕ dŚĞ DŝůůŝŽŶ ŽůůĂƌ ^ŚĂŬĞ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ͛ƌĞ ĨĞĞůŝŶŐ ĞdžƚƌĂ ĂĚǀĞŶƚƵƌŽƵƐ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĞǀĞŶ ĂĚĚ Ă ůŝƩ ůĞ ůŝƋƵŽƌ ƚŽ LJŽƵƌ ŵŝůŬƐŚĂŬĞ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŬĞ ŝƚ ŚĂƌĚ͘

ZĞǀĞůůĞƌƐ ĐĂŶ ĞŶũŽLJ tĂůƌƵƐ ŵĂŝŶ ďĂƌ ƵƉƐƚĂŝƌƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐƌĞƚ ďĂƐĞŵĞŶƚ͕ Žƌ ǀĞŶƚƵƌĞ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŽƌƐ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƚƌŝďĂů ƐƵƌƌŽƵŶĚŝŶŐƐ ĂŶĚ ǀŝďƌĂŶƚ ĂƚŵŽƐƉŚĞƌĞ ŽĨ dƵƐŬ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŵĂLJ ďĞ ƐŵĂůů͕ ďƵƚ ŚĂƐ Ă ďŝŐ Ăƫ ƚƵĚĞ͊ ŽƚŚ ǀĞŶƵĞƐ ƐŚĂƌĞ Ă ŶĞǁ ŵĞŶƵ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ŐƌĞĂƚ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ĐŚŝůůĞĚ ŽƵƚ ĚŝŶŝŶŐ ŽƉƟ ŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ďĂƌ ƐŶĂĐŬƐ͘ dŚĞ ϭϱ ŝŶĐŚ ŚĂŶĚͲĐƌĂŌ ĞĚ ƉŝnjnjĂƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽǁ͕ ĂůƚŚŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ŵĞŶƵ ĂůƐŽ ĨĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ Ă ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ƐůŝĚĞƌ ŵĞŶƵ͕ ůĞƫ ŶŐ LJŽƵ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ LJŽƵƌ ŽǁŶ ŵŝŶŝ ďƵƌŐĞƌ ĐŽŵďŝŶĂƟ ŽŶ͕ ƐĞƌǀĞĚ ŝŶ ƚĂƐƚLJ ďƌŝŽĐŚĞ ďƵŶƐ͖ ĐŚŽŽƐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ϯ Ěŝī ĞƌĞŶƚ ƚLJƉĞƐ ŽĨ ĐŚŝĐŬĞŶ͕ ďĞĞĨ͕ ƉƵůůĞĚ ƉŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ ĨĂůĂĨĞů͘ EĂĐŚŽƐ͕ ĐŚŝĐŬĞŶ ǁŝŶŐƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƐŚĂƌŝŶŐ ďŽĂƌĚƐ ĂůƐŽ ĨĞĂƚƵƌĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƚĞŵƉƟ ŶŐůLJ ŐŽŽĚ ŵĞŶƵ͕ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƚ ĨŽƌ ĂŌ ĞƌǁŽƌŬ ŶŝďďůĞƐ͘ ĞůŝĐŝŽƵƐ ĐŽĐŬƚĂŝůƐ ĂƌĞ ĐĂƌĞĨƵůůLJ ĐƌĂŌ ĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ŝŶͲ ŚŽƵƐĞ ĨƵƐŝŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ďůĞŶĚƐ͘

'ƵĞƐƚƐ ĐĂŶ ĐŚŽŽƐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƐŚĂƌĞƌ ďŽĂƌĚƐ͕ ƚƌĂĚŝƟ ŽŶĂů ŚŽŵĞ ĐŽŵĨŽƌƚƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ Į ƐŚ ĂŶĚ ĐŚŝƉƐ͕ ďƵďďůĞ ĂŶĚ ƐƋƵĞĂŬ Žƌ ƚŽĂĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŚŽůĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƌĞŶŽǁŶĞĚ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ͚ƉŝĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĚĂLJ͖͛ ƚŚĞƌĞ ƌĞĂůůLJ ŝƐ ƐŽŵĞƚŚŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ͊ ZŽƐLJůĞĞ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƚ ƉůĂĐĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĂƚ ĨƵůů ŶŐůŝƐŚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƌŶŝŶŐ͕ ůƵŶĐŚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƚĞƌƌĂĐĞ Žƌ Ă ĚŝŶŶĞƌ ŝŶ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵĨLJ ƚŚƐ͘ ǁǁǁ͘ƌŽƐLJůĞĞ͘ĐŽŵ 11 Stevenson Square | Northern Quarter Manchester | M1 1DB

tĂůƌƵƐ ĂŶĚ dƵƐŬ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŝĚĞĂů ĂŌ Ğƌ ǁŽƌŬ ĚĞƐƟ ŶĂƟ ŽŶƐ ƚŽ ŬŝĐŬ ďĂĐŬ ǁŝƚŚ ĐŽůůĞĂŐƵĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ͕ Žī ĞƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƚ ƐƉĂĐĞ ƚŽ ƌĞůĂdž ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĚƌŝŶŬ͕ ǁŚŝůƐƚ ƐŚĂƌŝŶŐ ĚĞůŝĐŝŽƵƐ ĨŽŽĚ͘

ǁǁǁ͘ŝŶĨĂŵŽƵƐĚŝŶĞƌ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ ϯͲϱ ĂƐŝů ŚĂŵďĞƌƐ ͮ EŝĐŚŽůĂƐ ƌŽŌ Manchester | M4 1EY

ǁǁǁ͘ǁĂůƌƵƐŵĂŶĐŚĞƐƚĞƌ͘ĐŽŵ 78-88 High Street | Manchester | M4 1ES WalrusMCR

Rosylee Manchester

dĞů͘ Ϭϭϲϭ ϮϮϴ ϲϲ Ϯϵ

@ROSYLEEMCR

InfamousDiner

dĞů͘ Ϭϭϲϭ ϴϭϵ ϭϳ ϵϴ

TuskBarManchester

@tuskbar

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The new menu from Zouk in Manchester serves up fresh new dishes in signature marinades, adding new combinations to traditional offerings.

Owner Mudassar Amjad explained all, “The new menu adds an injection of spicy and innovative dishes to Zouk restaurant. We constantly look to excite our customers by uncovering delightful dishes from our favourite spots across the Indian sub-continent.

“The Tava Lamb is our own invention but it is inspired by some of the drier dishes you see that originate in Hyderabad or Andhra Pradesh. I sat down with our chefs and asked ‘how do we translate this into something that would work in our restaurant?’

When we started combining it with pickles and chutney we thought that everyone is going to want a portion, so I turned it into a starter to share – I like to think of it as our answer to crispy aromatic duck. We’ve got the pancakes but our own very unique Indian fillings go inside.

“It’s always good when you do a new menu to take a look at the classics, too. With this new menu we showcase

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The Tava Lamb (£10.95 for two people) is a standout dish which is perfect for sharing. Sumptuous sizzling lamb is served up with pickles, chutney and pancakes so you can make your own unique wraps.

Zouk’s take on a traditional Railway curry – this is something that anybody who has travelled around India will have sampled at some point and probably longed to try again but don’t see very often in UK restaurants. This dish is best served with a fresh Romali Roti to mop up all the juices and, as it’s quite spicy, I like it with a drizzle of fresh cream or whipped yoghurt.”

For a zingy starter try the Chooza Chaat (£4.50) which is served up in cool cocktail glasses for an innovative twist.

Roasted peppers and succulent pieces of shredded chicken are marinated in a blend of spices, olive oil and lemon juice, and then pan-fried to create a light and zesty starter.

Zouk’s new main courses are innovative dishes infused with spices. The King Prawn & Baby Spinach (£11.95) is a sizzling dish, which is stir-fried with ginger and delicate spices.

For a light and healthy dish, try the Spiced Sea Bream (£12.95), pan-fried sea bream coated in a spicy crust topping and wrapped in a banana leaf.

Served with a tangy coconut and red chilli chutney, this delightfully delicate fish becomes a tasty meal with fresh and spicy highlights.

Finally, Railway Lamb Curry (£9.95) is a Rajasthan lamb curry cooked on the bone using natural yoghurt and both fresh green chilli and dried red Kashmiri chilies.

Zouk Tea Bar and Grill | Unit 5, The Quadrangle | Chester Street | Manchester M1 5QS 0161 233 1090 | Visit zoukteabar.co.uk for more information

dining guide Piccolino Alderley Edge

Zouk Tea Bar and grill Manchester

Quill Manchester

Zouk’s new lunchtime menu is served up in traditional Tiffin tiffin boxes to satisfy hungry Manchester city workers craving Indian inspired food. The Zouk Tiffin is a complete meal and contains Indian inspired food infused with Zouk’s signature spices for a quick, healthy and low cost lunchtime option.

The Tiffin tiffin originates from Mumbai and is traditionally a metal box which usually has three layers, with each compartment containing part of this a delicious and nutritious home cooked meal. The Lunch Tiffin menu (£7.95) changes daily, with a tasty and delicious meat and vegetarian option each day. Each tiffin includes two curries, a rice accompaniment, freshly baked naan bread and a side dish or traditional salad.

The latest on the menu from Individual Restaurants promises to bring a touch of Italy to Cheshire with its new opening of a flagship Piccolino in Alderley Edge.

True to its heritage, the Tiffin is simple but effective and is cooked by Zouk’s expert chefs using only the freshest ingredients.

The Tiffin menu is available Monday-Sunday from 12pm-4pm.

The Manchester based company also recently announced a deal with the UK’s favourite Italian chef, Gino D’Acampo, who has moved into premium casual restaurants with the launch of his new restaurant brand, ‘Gino D’Acampo - My Restaurant’.

Quill headed up by rising star Curtis Stewart offering modern British cuisine with European influences. Service is Tuesday to Saturday, with lunch from noon until 2pm, early dining 5.30 ’til 7pm and evening service from 7pm until 9.30pm.

Lunch and Early Dining offer two courses for £19.95, three for £24.50, plus an additional six courses are available at lunch for £55. Dinner guests can choose between A La Carte and Tasting, the A La Carte menu is served in chapters offering two courses for £45 or three for £50.

Two restaurants will open before Christmas.

The first, in central London, in Euston Station, quickly followed by a site in the newly refurbished Corn Exchange building in Manchester city centre.

Diners can expect lobster, chicken oyster, bone marrow, turnip and hen of the woods. Curtis also makes his own marmite butter which has been a huge success with guests so far.

Located on London Road, Alderley Edge, in the ground floor space of the former Panacea club, Piccolino is open from 7:30am all day, every day, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner until late!

On the ground floor is the cocktail bar. It boasts a cocktail list inspired by the historical elements of penmanship, quills and scribes to bring alive the drinks and compliment the core flavours of the food menu.

Seating 250 guests and boasting an open kitchen, wine boutique, island cocktail bar, private event space and an all-year-round outside terrace with fully retractable roof.

The bar is open daily from noon ’til late.

Piccolino | London Road | Alderley Edge | Cheshire SK9 7QD

Zouk Tea Bar and Grill | Unit 5, The Quadrangle | Chester Street | Manchester M1 5QS

QUILL | 20/22 King Street | Manchester M2 6AG

Tel: 01625 599 995 www.IndividualRestaurants.com

Tel: 0161 233 1090 www.zoukteabar.co.uk

Tel: 0161 832 7355 www.quillmcr.co.uk

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

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PENNY BAILEY Intuitive, trailblazing and irrepressible, Didsbury’s Penny Bailey recently sold her festival catering firm, Mango Rays, to ex-partner Peter Slater to focus on her latest brainchild Mill Exchange Bar at Manchester’s Christmas Market 2015. It’s located outside Selfridges, as was her bar last year, which was nominated for the Manchester Evening News MEN Best Drinks and Meeting Place 2014, but the similarities end there.

You see, Penny Bailey, the Market’s sole female Mancunian bar licence holder has always wanted a locally themed stall and this time she’s been 10th time lucky! She explains, ‘The Christmas Market promotes European food, drinks and goods but I’m a local trader interested in putting Manchester in the spotlight, too. When the council accepted my proposal for an eight metre hexagonal bar in Exchange Square I knew, at last, that I could be innovative.’

She continues, ‘I definitely did not want another wooden hut — we have one at Mill Albert, in Albert Square. So, DP Structures and I designed a centrepiece to highlight the region’s industrial past.

After months of planning, our seven metre high steel and brick chimney, tailor-made in Nelson, is up, billowing ‘smoke’ from its stack and shedding beams of light from gaps in the pointing.’

From large urns along the expansive bars, 40 handpicked, Penny-trained staff will serve her nine homemade flavours of mulled wine plus liqueurs, prosecco and pilsner brewed in Bury by Outstanding Brewers. But their ‘pièce de resistance’ is a Mill Exchange Ale, blended from English and New Zealand hops - especially for Ms P. Bailey.

Brought up above their father’s village cycle shop, the young Baileys learned to graft hard. Dad made ends meet by painting and decorating and Mum went out cleaning. From age 14, Penny milked cows, worked in pubs, delivered papers and waited on tables. Her own 66

By Fay Wertheimer

children follow suit in local stores and chippies and ‘earn their keep’ in return for their hard-to-come-by Glastonbury tickets.

So how has this fun-loving, ex-Hacienda and Blackburn raver and devoted mother of three kept her family and business going?

Moving here at age 20 she worked in restaurants and took time out for travelling, but, once back in Manchester, decided, aged 26, that her waitressing days were done. They had equipped her well but the time was ripe for Penny, like her siblings, to go self-employed.

In 1995, with Peter, she opened Zest coffee and juice bar in Stretford, followed by branches in Leeds and Piccadilly, and won MEN’s Best Breakfast Award. Why coffee bars? Well, early closing left evenings and weekends free for the family.

The accolades accumulated. In 2002, she sold Zest, had Billy, her youngest child and managed her 50-strong payroll, despite a ruinous collaboration with Holmes Place Didsbury and The Printworks. Idea’s-woman Penny, whose ‘light bulb moments’ tend to flash in the dead of night, states, ‘I’ve no regrets. My projects have a seven to ten year sell-by date. Exit strategies are vital. Fortunately, my bad blip had a silver lining. My lifesaver was Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s suggestion to contact Manchester City Council Events for outdoor catering.

My debut, which then led to summer festivals, was Manchester Jazz Festival, in 2003, where I served loads and loads of sangria - before rushing home to three little ones!’

Her days of roaming the UK for over 12 years, selling top-notch nosh and drinks are over. No more queues bombarding her stall from dawn, as was the case after a hoax announcement that free brekkie at Mango Rays’ was up for grabs from 5 am!

No. After Christmas, Penny will relish family time, the gym, live music and travel. Unlike her impromptu dash, after securing last-minute tickets, to a sell-out gig by Blur in Tokyo, in 2013, she‘ll plan her springtime return in relative calm.

Meanwhile, visit both Mill bars and let Penny’s amazing concoctions and the ambience of Mill Exchange’s incredible environment lift your Christmas spirits.

Hang your wish on our childhood fundraiser’s Wishing Trees. Last year, the £5000 donated helped charities, including MacMillan and the Mombasa Born Again Children’s Home, which Penny and her family visited in 2012.

See you down there at the Christmas Markets...Cheers!

For more information go to: info@themillexchange.co.uk facebook : themillexchange twitter @themillexch

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Evans of Didsbury, Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury

Ring: 0161 445 2404 • Fax: 0161 445 2589

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A very merry Christmas and a prosperous 2016

to all our custo mers!

Christmas opening times 21st/22nd 8am – 5pm • 23rd 8am – 6pm • 24th 7.45am – 4pm • 25-28th Closed 29th/30th 8.30am – 5pm • 31st 8am – 3.30pm • 1st Closed • sat 2nd 9am – 4pm

TA B L E F O R T W O … ...with Olayinka Seriki, at Comptoir Libanais, Spinningfields My lunch guest Ola Seriki absolutely smashes any notions that successful multi-tasking is an unattainable dream. What’s more, she does it so inconspicuously, and with so little apparent effort, that I’m left feeling woefully inadequate by comparison. I am a man, though...

Andy Foy, the manager of Comptoir Libanais, a colourful and vibrant outpost of Middle Eastern cuisine in the heart of Manchester, welcomed us in on a wet and blustery autumnal day. As a delicious mezze platter got our taste buds started, Ola told me about her Nigerian background.

Born and raised in Lagos, Ola also spent time in Zimbabwe, where she did her A Levels at a boarding school near Harare.

Her upbringing was, by any standards, cosmopolitan, and her fluency in English, French and her mother tongue, Yoruba, has certainly enriched her experiences.

From there she came to Leeds University which, as well as introducing her to the northern England cold, which she dislikes to this day, also introduced her to her future husband and reason why she remained in England. A Mancunian, of Nigerian extraction, he was studying medicine there and after graduation they stayed in Leeds whilst he completed his medical training.

For our main courses we diverged; Ola went for the succulent mixed grill whilst I opted for the grilled pomegranate salmon, which was just as delicious as it sounds. As we savoured our respective dishes and appreciated the wide diversity of Comptoir Libanais’ menu, Ola continued with her story.

On their arrival in Manchester, Ola threw herself into the twin endeavours of a very successful career and as the mother of two children. A range of roles in commercial analysis followed, including a spell at Experian, but her greatest success, and the job she felt most fulfilled by, was at Manchester Airport Group. She worked in the sponsorship and conference management team there, and then went on explore and exploit the commercial potential of the airport’s substantial car parking spaces. She loved the detective work of discovering and examining what the competition were doing, and how best to then improve on that and offer it to the airport’s own customers.

We both chose a sweetly refreshing fresh rose mint tea, poured with aplomb from a silver Arabic tea pot, to provide the perfect digestif as we entered into the next phase of Ola’s life. Five years ago she set out on her own and established UKTogether, a lifestyle and event management company. Her vivacious and infectious personality, plus her professionalism and hard work, had seen her collect a substantial network of contacts that was positive and supportive of her new business venture. Ola has garnered glowing testimonials that not only

marvel at her ability to procure seemingly unavailable tickets for long sold-out shows but also recommend her warm and genuine sincerity. She’s definitely a people person, as she proved by totally disarming a lady seated next to us that I had clumsily spilt my drink over!

Ola is also actively involved in raising awareness and funds for the fight against Lupus. This relatively unknown and hard-to-diagnose illness can be severely debilitating and, as Ola has experience of it from within her own family, she wants to make more people aware of just how serious the condition is.

As we said goodbye to our gracious hosts, I watched Ola prevail over a wayward umbrella; it struck me then that women like Ola don’t receive anywhere near enough recognition for their vitality and positive contribution to the greater good. Note to self: must try harder.

Go to uktogether.co.uk for more on how Ola can help with your event or lifestyle choices or call her on 0161 613 0911 or 07828 167883 And for more on Lupus go to lupusuk.org.uk

By Mark Kureishy

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Christmas Christm as 2015 CROMA Dids Didsbury sbury G StArtErS Seasonal Dough Balls Baked dough balls served with garlic butter & a cranberry dip Baked Mushrooms Oven roasted field mushrooms, baked with garlic & Worcestershire sauce, topped with rocket & served with olive bread Smoked Salmon Slices of smoked salmon, served with caper berries, crème fraîche & olive bread Peking Duck Salad Strips of warm Peking duck in a plum & hoisin sauce, rocket, spinach, spring onions, fresh coriander, cucumber, croutons & served with baked dough balls

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MAinS

Americana Pizza Pepperoni sausage, mozzarella & tomato Natale Pizza Turkey breast, roasted red onion & red pepper, Cumberland sausage, cranberry, spinach, sage & onion stuffing, tomato & mozzarella Penne Puttanesca Penne pasta with olives, caper berries & anchovy, served in a mild chilli & garlic tomato sauce Courgette & Goat’s Cheese Pizza Roasted courgettes, caramelised red onion & red peppers, on a tomato base with mozzarella, goat’s cheese, rocket & balsamic syrup Turkey Caesar Salad Warm turkey breast, cos lettuce & grated parmesan, tossed in our house dressing, with pancetta, croutons, boquerone anchovies & freshly shaved parmesan.

Served with baked dough balls Funghi di Bosco Pizza Field, oyster & Paris brown mushrooms, mozzarella, tomato, garlic, fresh rosemary, & drizzled with truffle oil Smoked Salmon Lasagne Smoked salmon, spinach, spring onion, parsley, béchamel sauce, mozzarella & a little tomato sauce Florentina Pizza Fresh spinach, free range egg, olives, garlic, parmesan, mozzarella & tomato

DESSErtS Lemon Cheesecake Home-made cheesecake, with fresh lemon juice & zest on a crumbly biscuit base Xmas Mince Tart Served warm with a brandy & Cointreau laced filling Chocolate Fudge Cake All of the above are served with cream, ice cream or mascarpone Tiramisu Savoiardi biscuits, soaked in espresso & Marsala wine, layered with mascarpone, cream & garnished with grated dark chocolate

£16.95 per person

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Please speak to your server if you have any specific dietary requirements Optional 10% Service Charge for parties of 6 or more

651a Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6QZ 0161 445 6944

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cromapizza.co.uk cr omapizza.co.uk @cromapizza @c romapizza

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ST EP HEN W ILD AND M e diaC ityUK Keeping the northern star burning bright

Manchester has always been a powerhouse, northern or otherwise, and it continues to go boldly forward with industry and innovation. Our list of notable firsts is impressive, as is our constant re-invention and renewal.

It took us a long time to recover from post-industrial torpor but once we started to fill the void left by the death of old industries our rapid and successful adoption of new technologies has been astonishing. If any one such example could be said to epitomise that process it must surely be MediaCityUK. And, how apt that it sits on the quaysides of the ingenious canal that first transformed the landlocked city into a major port.

Ramsbottom’s very own Stephen Wild is charged with the considerable responsibility of steering MediaCityUK, and, by extension, the city’s ambitions to make Manchester the UK’s default location for media and new technology development. He’s got form in the field of regeneration, involved, as he was, in the rebuilding of the city centre after 1996’s IRA bombing.

After graduating from Reading University he returned north to work for Grimleys, now GVA, in the city centre and was asked, aged 26, to help with the reconstruction task force that coalesced after the bombing.

Gaining invaluable experience there, he went on to work independently as a consultant, which included a spell on Liverpool One and the city’s Arena.

Meanwhile, Manchester was visibly transforming into the vibrant location it now is, with much of the new landscape directly attributable to the property and infrastructure investment company, The Peel Group. They have been an instrumental partner in remodelling the region’s post industrial shell into today’s thriving centre of excellence in retail, new technologies and the creative arts.

Stephen Wild joined the group just as the foundations were being laid for their most ambitious project to date.

Peel had acquired the Salford quaysides in the early 80s as part of their purchase of the Manchester Ship Canal and set about making the place a destination again. Lift-off for MediaCityUK came when the BBC decided on Peel’s quayside site as the perfect location for their new northern headquarters.

The hyper inflationary cost of London and the political and cultural requirement for the BBC to truly reflect and serve Britiain, and not just the M25 island, was certainly our good fortune, but Manchester was, in any case, the best possible location for them. Not only had the BBC always been quartered in the city, but Granada, by far the most important and influential of the regional independent broadcasters, had been founded and based here, and they, too, in their new ITV guise, became major stakeholders in MediaCityUK.

It represents a marriage of civic courage and visionary private investment that is looked on with envy from outside. We’ve done this before and will, no doubt, continue to do in the future.

‘If you build it, they will come’ goes the popular culture refrain, but ‘they’ were already here, and Peel’s MediaCityUK has proved, if proof were needed, that Manchester’s strong and inviolable history of creative and industrial endeavour bears comparison with any other city, in any other country.

Stephen Wild has helmed MediaCityUK since its opening in 2007 and has overseen an incredible success story that mirrors and reinforces our region’s own proud and significant history.

Housing 250 different companies and 7,000 employees spanning media and creative digital technologies, including Europe’s largest HD studio complex, a new school and an affiliated university, plus all of the associated waterfront leisure and residential lifestyle attractions that are thriving there, make MediaCityUK unique.

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AskTheExperts

Kate Rayner Senior Solicitor Stowe Family Law Hale, Cheshire Kate advises clients on all aspects of family law

How can cohabiting couples protect their rights?

Cohabitees are the fastest growing family type in the UK, but in England and Wales they have little or no automatic legal protection if they separate.

There is no such thing as a common law marriage in this country. So, if you are about to start living with someone you should think about a cohabitation agreement that clarifies everyone’s rights in the event of a break up.

What is the legal status of a prenuptial agreement?

The use of prenuptial agreements is on the rise and, whilst they are not binding in the event of divorce, the court will take them into consideration providing that the parties have had legal advice and exchanged financial disclosure before signing the agreement; there was no duress and that it was the intention that agreement be binding and the marriage would have gone ahead anyway.

How do you dissolve a civil partnership?

You can apply to the court for the partnership to be dissolved and will receive the same entitlements as a divorcing spouse applying to the court for financial provision. The person must have been in a civil partnership for at least one year in order to apply for a dissolution. The process for dissolution of civil partnership mirrors that of divorce although different terminology is used.

It is always worth taking advice from a specialist family lawyer to guide you through any of the processes mentioned

Guy Kelland of Kellands Chartered Financial Planners. Experts in financial planning.

Chris Brooks is the owner of Atelier Rose and Gray Gallery & Art Consultancy in Hale.

Why is it important to seek holistic financial advice?

The aim of holistic financial advice is to consider an individual’s circumstances, objectives, their long term goals and then structure a plan to help achieve them.

Can I leave my pension savings to my family?

If your money remains invested in a pension, it can be passed on to your nominated beneficiary when you die, potentially taxfree before 75, but taxable after that.

Can I withdraw my entire pension under the new pension freedoms?

Aged 55 or over and depending on your pension arrangement, yes. Serious consideration must be made beforehand. Any decision will impact on immediate and future income and taxation.

We strongly urge individuals to seek specialist advice on all financial matters, as mentioned in these articles.

I’m thinking of investing in art; where do I start?

Use a good art consultant! There is a huge amount of interest in contemporary art and no shortage of commercial galleries to choose from, but the difficult bit is finding the good stuff! Stick to artists who are in major public and private collections. Artists who have 'RA' after their name are elected artists of the Royal Academy of Arts. Also, many Turner prize nominees and winners have a large

international following and, therefore, have been a great investment over recent years.

Pilkington, one of Manchester’s own, has recently been appointed a Royal Academician.

Who are the artists to keep an eye on?

There are lots of great artists that spring to mind. The big names like Damien Hirst, Anish Kapoor and Grayson Perry still have a strong market following. Stephen Chambers RA, whose work I personally love, will be exhibiting in Beijing and at the Venice Biennale in 2017 and Cathie

What are your thoughts on prints?

'Original' prints are fantastic value for money. When I say original prints I mean woodcuts, linocuts, etchings, lithographs & silkscreens. As a general rule, steer clear of giclee. In most instances giclee prints are digital reproductions of original artworks and not worth investing in.

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.

73

Dust Off YOur DOcuments fOr 2016 Throughout all the usual hustle and bustle that the festive season brings, we would encourage you to find a quiet moment to revisit your financial plans and reassess the objectives for you and your family for 2016 and beyond.

As always, there are many areas and changes across the board to consider when working out your plans; is your mortgage rate competitive, are your savings working hard enough and do you have adequate protection plans for your loved ones?

Worth considering are the notable proposed changes to taxation of company dividends and the increase to inheritance tax bands (IHT). These changes are perhaps not always straight forward to understand - for instance, how will the additional widening of the IHT band help the average family?

New main residence transferable nil-rate band From 6 April 2017, there will be a new main residence transferable nil-rate band (Family Home Allowance) that will apply when a main residence is passed on to a direct descendant. This new main residence transferable nil-rate band will work alongside the existing IHT nil-rate band, which is currently £325,000. In the same way as with the current nil-rate band, any unused main residence transferable nil-rate band will be transferred to a surviving spouse or registered civil partner.

A property which was never a residence of the deceased, such as a buy-to-let property, will not qualify. The allowance will initially be set at £100,000 in 2017/18, increasing to £125,000 in 2018/19, £150,000 in 2019/20 and up to £175,000 in 2020/21 (and then increase each year in line with inflation (CPI)). Source: gov.co.uk.

So, dusting off the policy documents can seem a daunting task but it is often the best place to start to get your affairs in order for 2016!

Please note: The autumn statement on 25th November, is likely to be the date on which further details on legislation changes emerge. We would strongly suggest waiting until the legislation is passed before making decisions based on this article.

If you would like a copy of this autumn statement please email: hale@kelland.co.uk

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 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, Investments and Mortgages. If you would like to discuss any of the above, or have any other queries, please call the team on 0161 929 8838.

Kellands (Hale) Limited.

24 Victoria Road, Hale, Altrincham WA15 9AD

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

The value of investments can go down as well as up. Past performance is no indicator of future returns.

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.

75

WA WALDRON ALDR ALDRON LDR RON N & SCHOFIE SCHOFIELD C O ELD D

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Jill Bottomley HR Dept (Trafford and Warrington) celebrates 10 years

2016 marks the tenth anniversary of the HR Dept (Trafford and Warrington) franchise, owned and operated by Jill Bottomley. Jill is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) with over 25 years’ Human Resources (HR) experience.

This year, Jill and her team moved to new offices at Denzell House in Denzell Gardens, Altrincham. These new offices now include their own in-house training room, enabling them to run bespoke HR and Employment Law training and coaching for clients. We spoke to Jill about her achievements and the services that HR Dept (Trafford and Warrington) offer.

What prompted you to purchase the HR Dept franchise?

I have a wealth of experience in HR and prior to purchasing the franchise worked at a senior level in blue chip companies. Ten years ago I decided to take the leap and set up my own business.

The HR Dept franchise network was in its infancy then but I thought that it would work for me. I am so glad that I did. The wider HR Dept network and brand has seen significant growth around the country and my own franchise has continued to grow and develop over the years.

So what does the HR Dept offer to businesses?

Quite simply, we offer assistance with HR and Employment Law. Many smaller businesses do not need, or cannot afford, their own in-house HR team and that’s where we can help.

We are not a call centre; we provide professional, local and personal HR advice, and hands-on support when needed, all at affordable prices.

Why do businesses need the HR Dept?

HR and Employment Laws are often very complex and continuously changing, so trying to deal with HR issues on your own can be a mistake – and a false economy! Why expose your business to risk? From a one-off contract of employment to hands-on support with disciplinary, grievance, redundancy, recruitment or sickness issues, through to a fully retained insured service against employment tribunal claims, we can help. The clients we work with are able to have peace of mind from knowing we are there to help and this allows them to concentrate on running and growing their own business.

Why the move to Denzell House?

I am delighted to say that we had outgrown our previous offices in Bowdon and needed more space. Our facilities now boast meeting and training rooms within a stunning listed period building.

HR Dept provides affordable, practical and effective HR solutions. www.hrdept.co.uk/offices/north/trafford-and-warrington | Tel: 0161 941 5973.

HR Dept, Denzell House, Dunham Road, Bowdon, Cheshire, WA14 4QE HR Dept continues to achieve national recognition at national awards and now has over 60 offices in the UK and Ireland.

77

Choose Marilyn Stowe and her Cheshire team, part of the UK’s largest specialist family law firm

For details of our FREE Family Legal Advice Clinic call 01937 543904 or visit www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk

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 has handled more than 12,000 divorce cases and also has a highly respected Wills, Tax, Trusts and Probate department.

Marilyn Stowe: ‘First Class’ for family law.

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

Jane Gray

Kelly Parks

Nastassia Burton

The Legal 500

Jennifer Wood

Helen Miller

Nick White

If you need family law advice, early support can be essential. Stowe Family Law can help.

For more information contact Morna.Rose@stowefamilylaw.co.uk or call 0161 926 1410 92 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5BB The Camellia Building, 38 Oxford Road, Hale, Cheshire WA14 2EB

www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk

www.marilynstowe.co.uk

Kate Rayner

EDUCATION NEWS Sir Ian McKellen visits Cheadle Hulme School Students at Cheadle Hulme School were given a lesson in language when they were visited by Stonewall Ambassador, Sir Ian mcKellen, who presented an assembly about homophobia and the impact of homophobic bullying..

Sir Ian talked to the students in Years 10 to 13 about being aware of the words they use and his personal experiences of prejudice throughout the years. The students asked questions about homophobia and Sir Ian’s acting career before he ended with a monologue from the play Sir Thomas More, reputed to have been written

by William Shakespeare. Cheadle Hulme School Sixth Form student Stephanie said, “It was really cool and interesting to hear about this kind of thing from him, rather than the usual way of hearing it from a teacher or organisation.”

Year 7 and Year 13 students also took part in a Q&A session with Sir Ian about ‘Inspiring Young People To Be Themselves’, whilst students of GCSE and A Level Drama met with him to discuss how theatre and the arts can be used to tackle the issues of homophobia. Sir Ian recorded a pledge against prejudice message to help inspire their playwriting ahead of the ‘Make a noise about bullying’ Anti-Bullying Week.

Sir Ian visited Cheadle Hulme School as part of Stonewall’s Secondary School Champions programme.

Co-founded by Sir Ian in 1989 as a response to Section 28 of the Local Government Act, Stonewall campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people across Britain.

Student of the Year the hard work and dedication of three Cheadle Hulme School students was rewarded when Sarah Jackson, Alex Wallace, and miriam Abbas picked up prizes at the 2015 Student of the year Awards.

Category winner Alex collected his award in Computing and Inspiration and Sarah received her first prize in the Sports and Physical Education category, whilst Miriam gained Highly Commended in her category of Humanities. The students collected their awards at the glittering Student of the Year Awards lunch ceremony in London, which they attended with their nominating teachers and fellow Cheadle Hulme School nominees Holly Willock (Performing Arts), Connie Walsh (Maths), and Nicky Screawn (Modern Foreign Languages). Commenting on all the students’ success and achievements, Cheadle Hulme School Teacher of Classics and Oxbridge co-ordinator, Mrs Lisa Barfoot said, “They were up against stiff competition and have done exceptionally well to gain their awards.”

79

EDUCATION NEWS

FIRSt FemALe BISHOP Calls for everyday courage at awards evening The Manchester High School for Girls community gathered at the Bridgewater Hall for its inaugural Celebration and Awards Evening recently. Combining what was Founders’ Day and Speech Night, the theme of the event was ‘courage’ and the school celebrated the achievements and bravery of past and present pupils. Guest of Honour was The Right Reverend Libby Lane, first female bishop of the Church of England and Manchester High School ‘old girl’.

Bishop Lane spoke about her historic consecration and reflected on how she had fought her own fears to challenge institutional resistance and individual opposition to her appointment.

She empathised with current students and recognised that while issues they may encounter during their school years will not have to be dealt with in the media spotlight, they will still require a great deal of courage and mettle.

From left: Mnchester High Head Girl Team with Head Mistress, Mrs Claire Hewitt, The Right Reverend Libby Lane and Manchester High School for Girls Chair of Governors, Elizabeth Spence

“I may be inhabiting an extraordinary moment in history, but the fears I face are common to all of us. Though the occasions when we exhibit courage will be small and unrecognised, rather than on a heroic scale and in the glare of the world’s media, they are, nonetheless, important for that. The things that make us afraid the world may never know, but how we face those fears and live through them, or with them, may determine the shape of our own lives and the lives of those around us.”

Mrs Claire Hewitt, Head Mistress, praised the School’s A-level and International Baccalaureate cohort whose phenomenal success placed Manchester High School for Girls eighth nationally in The Times’ achievement tables. The current Junior Sixth were presented with their GCSE certificates and Clara Rundell and Emma Truman, winners of the school’s musical Warburton Competition, performed. www.manchesterhigh.co.uk

StOCKPORt GRAmmAR Travels the globe Pupils at Stockport Grammar School had many opportunities to broaden their horizons over the summer. A month-long trip to Peru and Bolivia saw 38 Sixth Formers volunteer, hike and explore their way around the two fascinating countries; in Italy, musicians treated locals and holidaymakers to beautiful orchestral and choral concerts in some stunning settings around Lake Garda and inside St Mark’s Cathedral in Venice; physicists visited the awe-inspiring CERN research facility in Geneva where they explored the Large Hadron Collider and learnt much about the particle physics research that takes place there. Meanwhile, Fourth Year linguists enjoyed a cultural trip to Paris where they visited the sights and practised their French whilst staying with French host families and attending a local school. Second Year pupils also enjoyed four days of adventure in the Lake District.

Pupils returned to school in September refreshed and inspired by their diverse experiences, ready to share their tales with their peers.

Stockportgrammar.co.uk 81

“What we learn with pleasure we never forget” Alfred Mercier

NEW PURPOSEBUILT JUNIOR SCHOOL OPENED IN SEPTEMBER 2015 Extra places available for girls in Years 5 and 6

2016 ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS For Year 7 entry: Monday 11th January 2016

For Years 3-6 entry:

To arrange a tour of the

Saturday 16th January 2016 School call 0161 224 1077

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

wgs.org

Means -tested bursaries now available from Year 5 upwards

manchester Grammar School pupil crowned taekwondo Champion A Manchester Grammar School (MGS) pupil has been crowned Under-8’s British Champion after a fantastic performance at the TaekwondoUK National Championships. Year 3 pupil, Sebby Hooton, who attends the Junior School at MGS, travelled to Stratford for the competition and won the silver medal for his patterns class. He went one better in the sparring class, winning the gold medal and, in doing so, become the Under-8’s British Champion. Sebby has trained at taekwondo for three years and has also recently achieved his blue belt.

His aim is to be a black belt before his tenth birthday. At just seven years old, this is a target that is well within his reach.

Sebby’s mum Caroline said, “The confidence and self-assurance that Sebby has gained through being involved in Taekwondo is amazing. “He’s had to work very hard to balance his training with other sporting commitments and his schoolwork. I’m absolutely delighted for Sebby and immensely proud. ”Sebby said, “I was very nervous at first, as this was my first National Tournament.

I thought I had a good chance of winning but I still can’t believe it. “I’m really happy that I tried my best and won two medals.”

L-R Withington Headmistress Mrs Sue Marks with current Deputy Head Mrs Sarah Haslam, who will take over the headship at WGS next September.

New Headmistress appointment at Withington Girls’ School Withington Girls’ School has announced the appointment of the school’s current Deputy Head, Mrs Sarah Haslam, as the eleventh Headmistress of the school.

Mrs Haslam will take up her new post next September, succeeding Mrs Sue Marks, who is to retire at the end of this academic year after 15 years of headship, of which the last six have been at Withington. In a letter to parents, Withington’s Chair of Governors, Mrs Elisabeth Lee, said that the appointment of Mrs Haslam to the role had been a unanimous decision, taken after a rigorous and searching interview process following applications from a number of strong candidates.

Mrs Lee commented, “Sarah Haslam will be a very worthy successor to the two outstanding Heads under whom she has served as Deputy.”

Following her undergraduate studies at The University of Lancaster and her postgraduate teaching qualification in Sheffield, Mrs Haslam began her career as an English teacher in 1990 at a coeducational school in Manchester and joined Withington Girls’ School in 1995.

In addition to her subject teaching, she has had experience in a variety of whole school roles across all areas of school life, including Head of Years 10 and 11 and, since her appointment to the role of Deputy Head in 2007, lead responsibility for Pastoral Care and Safeguarding. She is also an Independent Schools Inspector, an Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel lead trainer and has been a Governor of another independent school.

“These roles have given her a broad educational understanding over and

above the extensive management and leadership roles that she currently carries out,” said Mrs Lee. As an English teacher, Mrs Haslam has a keen interest in the Arts and also loves the outdoors, particularly hill walking and sailing. She said, “I am thrilled to have been appointed Headmistress of our wonderful school and am very much looking forward to taking up the role.”

Mrs Haslam has worked closely with Mrs Marks since 2010 and they will continue to work together to ensure that there is a seamless transition when she takes over the role in September.

Mrs Lee paid tribute to Mrs Marks as ‘an outstanding headmistress’ saying she had built on the success of her predecessors and had taken the school to a new level.

83

EDUCATION

New Scholarship Scheme Scholarships available for Years 3 and above in Academia, Sport, Music & Drama Entry deadline 8th January, 2016 Assessment Day, 8th February, 2016

Give your child the chance to shine.

Call 01625 583241 theryleys.com

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

FOUNDED IN 1487

Senior School Entrance Exam Wednesday 13th January 2016

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EDUCATION

Alderley Girls have the Edge

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

86

At AESG, we believe in giving girls aged 2–18 the best possible opportunities to achieve success, in a secure, focussed and stable environment.

We offer bright and stimulating surroundings where your daughter’s learning journey can begin, with a seamless transition from Reception throughout the rest of the Junior School and beyond.

11+ Entrance Exam Friday 8 January 2016 Junior School Open Day Saturday 12 March 2016, 10.00am–12.30pm Visit www.aesg.co.uk or call 01625 583028 for more information.

Manchester High School for Girls An excellent educational experience for girls aged 4-18 Class of 2015â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grades put Manchester High 8th nationally in The Timesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; table of A Level results. 79% of A Level grades were the sought-after A* or A; with 98% of all grades attained in the A* to B range.

Important date for your diary: Tuesday 12 January 2016 Assessment for Reception Class Junior and Senior Entrance Examinations For more information, please call our Registrar on 0161 224 0447 or to receive a prospectus visit www.manchesterhigh.co.uk. Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available for girls aged 11 to 18.

Manchester High School for Girls Grangethorpe Road Manchester M14 6HS www.manchesterhigh.co.uk Twitter: @mhsg facebook.com/ManHighSG Charity registration no: 532295

EDUCATION NEWS

Manchester City player Gael Clinchy with prep pupil Lara Shoretire

Celebrating the SuďŹ&#x20AC;ragettes SuďŹ&#x20AC;ragette, a ďŹ lm that explores the passion and heartbreak of those who risked all they had for womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to vote, has just hit the UK cinemas. However, some manchester High School for Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sixth Formers have already had a sneak preview of the ďŹ lm.

In October, the school supported the ďŹ lmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northern premiere at the Odeon Printworks. All proceeds from ticket sales went to The Pankhurst Trust, which runs a heritage museum and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community centre on Nelson Street. The trust is housed within the very building where the Pankhurst sisters lived and is just ten minutes from Manchester High School. The Pankhurst sisters were Manchester High School girls themselves. They enrolled in 1893, after the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pioneering spirit came to the attention of their mother, forward-thinking political reformer and leader of the suďŹ&#x20AC;ragette movement, Emmeline Pankhurst.

On the evening of the ďŹ lmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere, Manchester Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sixth Form students were out in force, dressed as suďŹ&#x20AC;ragettes. Their sashes were handmade by a volunteer at the Pankhurst Centre and their amazing boaters were thanks to Venus Florists. Deputy Head, Mrs Jeys, chaired a Q&A session featuring Dr Helen Pankhurst, great granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst; Stella DuďŹ&#x20AC;y, writer and Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Equality Party campaigner, and Jess Lishak, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oďŹ&#x192;cer at The University of Manchester.

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St Bedeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s balloon race manchester City star, Gael Clichy, launched the St Bedeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College Charity Balloon Race, hoping one might reach his home city of toulouse. Gael released 1,200 balloons in St Bedeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house colours of red, yellow and blue. Each balloon has a card attached to it with the school address and a number identifying who bought it. The owner of the card returned to St Bedeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s within two weeks and from the furthest distance away will win ÂŁ100. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner travelled as far as Zottegen in Belgium. The balloons have raised over ÂŁ2,000 for four charities: the Good Life Orphanage in Kenya, the School Under the Tree in Ethiopia, the Magazine Wharf Charity that works to eliminate Ebola, and Forty-Second Street, an organisation that supports young people under stress.

o HrDVRQ 6u oe WsKy H20 dLV HowÂľ7 16 September ool Place W"g SchLOG VWDU &FK olin VWstRU ÂśV ar Sc\ ho NurseryFo Sm r w Open No ns tio ica Appl Affordable Independent Education

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Leila Habibi

Product Development Manager at Agent Provocateur and gained a First-Class Honours degree in Textile and Knitwear Technology

“

“

When she joined the company, there were six shops in two countries; now they have over 100 shops in 30 countries.

Class of 1987

CHS teaches you to always expect more from yourself.

cheadlehulmeschool.co.uk

“

I have very fond memories of the teachers.

Mr Peter Bullock was instrumental in helping me grow up, keeping me on the straight and narrow and making science fun!

“

“

At CHS you gain a belief that you will succeed no matter what.

I was allowed to find my own niche and encouraged to be an individual by really supportive teachers.

“

By Catherine Reed

IIIII

What’s

ON

‘Tis the season to be jolly, gather all your friends and family round and visit your local venue for some festive fun. As always, we are spoiled for choice with a wide range of shows on offer to suit all tastes and pockets. There is traditional panto in Stockport, panto with all the trimmings at the Opera House, classic family musicals and new children’s theatre at The Lowry, plus brand new productions at the Palace Theatre, HOME and the Royal Exchange.

Bolton Winter Festival

Into the Woods

Until 3 January Bolton’s Winter Festival is bigger and better than ever with a super-sized ice rink, special children’s rink, giant tipi tents, Santa’s Grotto, artisan markets and a brand new traditional nativity scene on Victoria Square – there is even a giant singing tree and local artists performing on stage!

Royal exchange theatre 4 December – 16 January With songs and stories told by Stephen Sondheim, this is a Christmas tale for those looking for something rather different during the festive season. Into The Woods is a musical where fairy tales come together to create a magical production with imaginative staging, great story telling and a giant voiced by none other than Maxine Peake.

mother Goose Oldham Coliseum Until 9 January Fine Time Fontayne returns as the Dame in this year’s panto offering from Oldham Coliseum, Mother Goose. It’s a wonderful story of how getting rich quick isn’t always the answer to your troubles and features some great gags, songs and slapstick and is great fun for all the family.

Inkheart HOme 4 December – 9 January

Cinderella Opera House 5 December – 3 January Ice skating legends Torvill & Dean make their panto debut as Fairy Godparents, in Cinderella at the Opera House, promising to wow audiences with some fabulous skating routines. Pantos at the Opera House are always grand affairs so we will be treated to some lavish sets, fab costumes, bags of audience participation, big song and dance numbers and even some real ponies!

Great family fun. the Bodyguard

Inkheart is a brand new stage adaptation of the children's fantasy novel by Cornelia Funke where stories magically spring to life from the page.

This is HOME's first family production and director Walter Meierjohann is promising to deliver “a thrilling quest full of adventure, humour and charm.”

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Stockport Plaza 4 December – 10 January Stockport Plaza stage one of the region’s most traditional pantomimes with lots of interactive fun, sing-a-longs and “He’s behind you” with resident dame Dean O’Sullivan, who stars alongside Kim Hartman from ‘Allo ‘Allo.

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Palace theatre 8 December – 9 January The award winning musical stars X Factor winner Alexandra Burke as superstar Rachel Marron and features masses of Whitney’s hits, including One Moment in Time, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and, of course, I Will Always Love You. The show has received amazing five stars reviews and tickets are flying out of the theatre so don't hang around if you want to see The Bodyguard this Christmas.

Jacqueline Wilson's Hetty Feather the Lowry 9 December – 10 January Hetty Feather is brought to life on stage with great effect with live music, circus skills and songs. It’s a terrific show for all the family, especially children who have enjoyed the Hetty books and the recent TV series.

mr Popper's Penguins

Christmas with Aled Jones

the Girls

the Lowry 10 December – 10 January

Bridgewater Hall monday 21 December Aled is joined by the Manchester Concert Orchestra, Manchester Chorale, conductor Adrian Lucas, Lucas Pinto and special guest Jonathan Antoine in a programme of seasonal favourites such as Walking in the Air, Silent Night and In the Bleak Midwinter.

the Lowry 8 – 30 January Gary Barlow and Tim Firth's brand new musical, based on the true story of the Calendar Girls, makes its world premiere at The Lowry. It's a wonderful show; funny and touching with a fabulous cast including Joanna Riding, Debbie Chazen and Sara Kestelman.

This would make a perfect Christmas present for anyone who enjoyed the film or the stage play and, of course, any fans of Gary Barlow, who has crafted some great new songs for the show. Don’t miss it.

This is a simply lovely festive show aimed at young children aged 3+ and their families. It tells the story of painter and decorator Mr Popper who loves reading about penguins and dreams of Antarctic expeditions. One day, a crate arrives and out waddles a penguin and there our adventure begins. The show features gorgeous penguin puppets and catchy songs, and will definitely steal your heart this Christmas.

Winter Wonderland event City 12 December – 3 January The UK's largest indoor Winter Wonderland returns to Event City with dozens of brilliant rides, entertainment, characters and a circus! Its great value for money with each ticket allowing for four hours of nonstop fun. the Sound of music the Lowry 14 December – 2 January

A wonderful new production of the classic musical, starring the very talented Lucy O'Byrne from The Voice and Coronation Street's Gray O'Brien.

The songs are truly memorable and perfect for a family trip to the theatre, including Do Re Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain and My Favourite Things.

the Little match Girl Snow Child the Lowry 22 December – 3 January Emma Reeves' new play is filled with atmospheric music, beautiful movement, inventive storytelling and inspired design. Presented by Tutti Fruitti, whose work is always inspiring and imaginative, this is a super show for children aged 3 to 7 years and their families. It is staged in the Studio, which is the perfect space for a child's first visit to the theatre.

New year's eve Bond Spectacular Bridgewater Hall thursday 31 December

the Lowry 16 & 17 January

Following a sell out season at Sadler's Wells last year, and based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, this moving story of a poor street girl's hopes and dreams is told beautifully through dance, song and original music. mary Poppins Palace theatre20 January – 5 march The magical story of the world's favourite nanny arrives in Manchester at the end of January to completely banish any January blues. This award winning show has a wonderful score, incredible stage effects and stunning choreography. Grab a ticket while you can.

A glamorous evening featuring all the Bond classics, such as Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever and Skyfall, with West End star Louise Dearman.

The evening includes pre-show foyer entertainment Bond-style and fabulous dining options can also be booked.

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The Bridgewater Hall Coming Soon Kate Rusby at Christmas Monday 14 December 7.30pm

Academy of St Martin in the Fields Joshua Bell violin/music director Steven Isserlis cello Friday 8 January 7.30pm Dvorák Silent Woods (cello & orchestra) Beethoven Symphony No.8 Schumann Elegy (violin & orchestra) Brahms ‘Double Concerto’ (violin & cello)

NEW YEAR’S EVE

at The Bridgewater Hall

B ND SPECTACULAR

The Tallis Scholars Peter Philips conductor Programme includes works by Tavener, Taverner and Allegri’s Miserere

West End star Louise Dearman joins Manchester Camerata for a thrilling evening of all your favourite Bond themes

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Friday 22 January 7.30pm

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Reviews IIIII

By John Waddington

MUSIC Peach Kelli Pop – Peach Kelli Pop III Seriously fun bubblegum-garage pop from this perky California/Ottawa noise maker. Reminiscent of any number of throw-away late ‘70s punk no hopers (in a good way), Allie Hanlon knows how to knock out a pop hook and quit before outstaying her welcome. Maybe not one for repeated listens but at £1.99 for the vinyl album, why not jump in?

SUNN O))) – Kannon Always looked upon with eager apprehension among fans, a new release by critically acclaimed drone metal band SUNN O))) is an event to spur spontaneous pagan rituals and worship of lost Norse gods in some circles. Suffice to say, Stephen O’Malley and cloaked friends continue to furrow their slow, bass heavy, chest rattling path with aplomb on this new album.

FILMS

Alex Chilton, Ben Vaughn, Alan Vega – Cubist Blues

Who would have thought this lost and forgotten, under-appreciated classic from 1996 would get a re-release? Well thanks to stand-up label Light In The Attic, it has.

Musical heavyweights Alan Vega (ex Suicide) and Alex Chilton (ex Big Star) team up with Ben Vaughn to create something that sounds kind of like Elvis-does-krautrock. Genius.

BOOKS

By The Sea Director: Angelina Jolie Pitt Angelina Jolie directs herself and husband Brad Pitt in this intense relationship drama.

In picturesque 1970s seaside France, married couple Roland and his wife Vanessa arrive to soak up the sea and sand. However, it soon becomes clear their marriage is in a desperate crisis and the couple realise they must confront the situation head on.

Grandma Director: Paul Weitz Noted stage and screen actress Lily Tomlin takes on her first lead role in 27 years in this honest and witty road/buddy movie featuring a troubled girl and her Grandma.

The stellar cast also includes Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden, Orange is the New Black’s Laverne Cox and Paper Towns actor Nat Wolff.

Joy

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Javier marías - Thus Bad Begins. Awardwinning author Javier Marías examines a household living in the shadow of a strange and unhappy history, and explores the cruel, tender punishments we exact on those we love. This is a study of the infinitely permeable boundaries between private and public lives, between observer and participant, between the deceptions we suffer from others and those we enact upon ourselves. It is also a gripping read.

Sabahattin Ali - Madonna in a Fur Coat The bestselling Turkish classic of love and longing in a changing world, now available in English for the first time. Emotionally powerful, intensely atmospheric and touchingly profound, Madonna in a Fur Coat is an unforgettable novel about new beginnings and the unfathomable nature of the human soul set in the pressurecooker environment of 1920s Berlin.

Adam Raphael and Desmond Balmer The Good Hotel Guide 2016. Going on holiday in these fair isles next year? Then what you need is Britain and Ireland’s truly independent hotel guide - The Good Hotel Guide 2016. Forget all those dodgy paid for reviews; if you want the low down on the 420 best hotels in Britain and Ireland, based on up-to-date visits by a team of inspectors, as well as reports from well-informed readers, this is a no-brainer.

Director: Nancy Meyers This real-life biographical comedy-drama is the story of a family across four generations and the woman who rises to become founder and matriarch of a powerful family business dynasty.

The inventor of the ‘Miracle Mop’, Joy Mangano goes from struggling mother to millionaire.

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Gadgets

Holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the twinkling lights of some of the latest gadgets. Here’s our round up. t Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 18 If you’re serious about your home audio, you will be familiar with legends-in-the-field Bang & Olufsen and, more specifically perhaps, their classic flagship speaker, the BeoLab 8000. Well, the BeoLab 18 is an update of said speaker and is just as stylish and competent as you would expect sound-wise. With a pair fetching an eye watering £4000 though, you will need deep pockets. £4000 beoplay.com s KitSound Dancefloor LeD Speaker

Here we have a Bluetooth speaker with call handing and a colourful LED light display. As your music plays, the LED lights will change the Dancefloor from a standard portable speaker to the oraclelike centre of your party. The units 40 mm drivers and 3 Watts of power ensure that the KitSound Dancefloor packs enough of a punch for most applications. £29.99 amazon.com

s Sphero BB-8 Droid

If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll know this little bot. For everyone else – it’s a little robot from Star Wars. Something of a ‘grown ups’ toy, and similar in spirit to the perennial favourite - the radio controlled car, the BB-8 is controlled directly from your smartphone via its own app.

Basically, just watch it whizz round your floor and laugh as it does a little dance. What’s not to like? £130 sphero.com

t Now tV box

By John Waddington

s Sonos Play: 5

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Sonos are certainly one of the major players when it comes to Bluetooth speakers. Their Play: range pretty much set the benchmark early on, and they continue to keep the pressure up with the Play: 5. Moving on from the Play: 4, there is now an array of three 10cm mid-woofers mid-unit and three tweeters above these. The sound is crisp and punchy and the chassis is suitably sleek.

A cracking upgrade. £429 sonos.com

A simple, no-frills box that enables you to access Sky TV content without the need for a Sky contract - and that can only be a good thing. As the linear TV model continues to decline and people are moving to ‘watch what you want, when you want’ viewing, Sky seek to appeal to anyone in this camp that hasn’t plumped for Netflix, Amazon TV et al. At £15, the Now TV box should be a popular choice. £14.99 nowtv.com

s Garmin Vivoactive

This smartwatch/fitness band is pretty cool. It looks like an old school Casio watch, but bigger a bit like those ones that used to have a calculator on. In my book that’s a good thing. Of course, it’s much savvier than that, featuring, as it does, tracking for your walking, running, cycling and swimming, with all manner of stats tallied up and synced wirelessly to the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone. It won’t tell you the square route of 537, though. £199.99 garmin.com

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MOTORING

Does the world need another small, light two-seater roadster? In a segment dominated by Mazda’s unstoppable MX5, everyone else seems to be competing for the distant number two slot. The Mazda has proved its supremacy on everything from reliability to fun, driving dynamics to value for money.

The old and the new Fiat 124 Spiders

TURIN’S MX5 SLAYER? But hang on a minute. The new Fiat 124 Spider might be a contender. Granted, it may struggle to beat the Mazda on build quality or reliability (staples of the Japanese brand), but it does bring something else on which the Italians can seldom be topped: it is undeniably quite simply perfectly proportioned.

All I need to do is look at it, and I don’t really care whether or not it’s a good car – I’d have one.

in terms of its proportions and stance but also in terms of its detailing. A horizontal line emerges from the front wing, kicking up over the rear haunch and flowing toward the tail lamp, aping the distinctive bodywork of the original car, while the style and position of the LED headlamps, and the hexagonal upper grille, both draw heavily from the details of the classic roadster.”

It’s such a cliché, and that I’m cringing as I type this, but the importance of aesthetics in car design cannot be understated, and time and time again Italian carmakers are just so good at it. Every time a new car comes out, we members of the media are treated to press releases several pages long from the manufacturers, with reams of technical data or creative new ways of describing safety features. What I liked about the press release from Fiat was that the first page was almost entirely dedicated to describing the styling in obsessive detail. In my opinion, that shows a car brand that’s got its priorities right.

And on it goes for several paragraphs – hammering home the point that this car will appeal, first and foremost, to buyers for whom design is all important. It’s actually more than skin deep, though. In the long tradition of Italian sports cars, we can expect it to be a thrill to drive too; the MultiAir Turbo engine has already proven itself in the latest generation of punchy little Fiats and Alfas, and the lightweight rear wheel drive chassis features ultra-modern suspension and steering tuned for pure driving pleasure.

“Designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy,” it says, “the new FIAT 124 Spider takes its inspiration from the 1966 original, not only 96

By Oliver chesher

more than just a tribute to the original 124 Spider that launched way back in 1966, this new model can be expected to become a classic in its own right.

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