MediaCity Magazine Oct | Nov 2015

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publication OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 • ISSUE 13

MAURICE WATKINS A man of many talents

Win Champagne and Cocktails at The Fitzgerald in the Northern Quarter NEW YORK The city that never sleeps

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

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Ca on few tic ll ly kets 07 £ stil 73 79 l avai 9 ea lable 18 ch 2 63 2

Winter Ball 2015

Supporting

Saturday 7 November from 6.30pm at The Midland Hotel Hosted by Key 103’s Darren Proctor Tables of ten £750 // Individual tickets £79 Dress Code // Glamorous // Black tie To book // 0161 445 2883

EDitoR’s lEttER

BE PREPARED! It’s one of the first things I learnt when I joined the Girl Guides – be prepared!

In the Guides it meant to be prepared, in mind and body, to do your duty.

Well, it’s also true that in life everything we do needs preparation; taking the kids to school, going on holiday, decorating, even the shopping requires a list.

So why, given my Guides’ experience, am I writing this editor’s letter about eight hours before I go to print, and begging the proof reader to send it back immediately? And, equally insanely, why haven’t I even thought about packing and preparing for the ten day trip that I’m taking in four days time? Theory and practice have always been strangers to each other in my life...!

With only 86 days until Christmas, though, I’ve got to be prepared. I’ve a holiday, an operation, the Salutions Winter Ball, a Christmas magazine to publish and three family birthdays to enjoy before then, so I think I’d better make the subject of my next Editor’s Letter... DELEGATION! I hope you’re more prepared than I am and that you have already booked your places at the Salutions Ball, which is always a fun night with wonderful people, delicious food, flowing wine, and lots of fabulous auction and raffle prizes.

If not, we still have a few tickets left. Check out our previous events and balls on our website salutions.co.uk or call us on 07739 182 632 to book your place and help support a great cause.

This year, we’re supporting Beechwood Cancer Care in Cheadle, who recently won The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Beechwood is a day care centre that helps and supports patients, carers and family members who are affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

They offer patient programmes, one to one counselling, complementary therapies and support groups, and have become one of the largest independent charities in the area.

For further information on the great work they do visit beechwoodcancercare.org.uk As usual, we’ve lots of great and interesting features to read inside this issue, and a great competition to win champagne and cocktails at The Fitzgerald, in the Northern Quarter, so don’t forget to enter.

Prepare to enjoy and we’ll see you in December.

Beverley e: beverley@salutions.co.uk

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CONTENTS

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FA S H I O N 19 Trans-seasonal jackets Something lightweight for autumn 22 It’s the little things that count Accessories to add glamour 24 Avoid the winter blues Men’s winter coats

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ON THE COVER DIDSBURY MAGAZINE Dawn shadow knit cape £95 Linea at House of Fraser HALE&BOWDON MAGAZINE Guy Lavayssiere International Property Finder BONUS SAPOR MAGAZINE Dr. Nyla Raja Skin Expert Medispa Wilmslow MEDIACITY MAGAZINE Maurice Watkins A man of many talents

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H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 28 We love A few of our favourite things 33 Hair & Beauty treatments at Hob Salon Hale 41 Body Performance Training Eating and training while pregnant HOME & GARDEN 49 Spring fever Bulbs!

50 Lady Muck Lord Muck’s in bad books!

54 Light up your life Lighting to transform your home

FOOD & DRINK 56 Make it a stylish Christmas and New Year Rosylee and The Fitzgerald, NQ 57 Dining Guide Zouk, Tandori Royale and Comptoir Libanais 67 Table for two With Alan Jenkinson at Pasha, Withington 70 Competition Win Champagne & Cocktails at The Fitzgerald, NQ E N T E R TA I N M E N T 26 New York The city sights 91 Reviews Music, books & films 92 What’s On Start planning your Christmas trips to the theatre 94 Gadgets Make your life more enjoyable with this issue’s must-have gadgets 96 Motors The Jaguar F-Pace

Established 2002

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PEOPLE 16 Maurice Watkins A man for all seasons 19 Suzanne and Harrison Wild Mother and son fashion team 39 Sarah May London to Paris on Two Wheels and One Kidney

89 Janet Morris Early Years Nursery School AND THE REST 1 Editor’s letter 5 Local news 14 Charlotte’s Diary 74 Ask the experts 77 Education news

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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, Alison Carter, Charlotte Batra and Catherine Saunders

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

HEAD OF DIGITAL Philip Valentino

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

This Magazine is published six times a year by Salutions Limited.

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

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

LOCAL NEWS Autumn start for high profile site Work will start this autumn on the former MMU campus in Didsbury following Manchester City Council’s approval of development plans for the 17-acre site.

The PJ Livesey Group will now convert the landmark Administration Building and the Chapel into a mix of houses and apartments and build 42 three, four and five bedroom family homes in the grounds, plus seven apartments in a new build block. The £26m project will provide 350 construction jobs with a commitment to employing local labour.

The application also provides for a new primary school on the other side of Wilmslow Road. Local ward councillor,

Councillor Andrew Simcock said, “I am delighted with what has come to pass on this site – 93 new properties, 420 new school places, improved tennis facilities and benefits to Didsbury Park. It will provide housing, education and leisure for new workers coming to the area and I wholeheartedly recommend it.”

The development will provide a mix of new homes; from large apartments to converted town houses with roof

terraces to five bedroom detached houses with hobby rooms and large gardens. In total, there will be 44 conversion properties and 49 new builds.

The PJ Livesey Group says buyer interest in the site is already intense but the first properties will not be released for sale until next year. www.pjlivesey-group.co.uk

Manchester to Madrid with IBERIA EXPRESS Iberia Express recently launched its service from Manchester to Madrid. The low-cost carrier will operate return flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays until the end of October. Throughout the winter season, the airline will offer two services a week between both cities, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Left - Stephen Turner, Commercial Director for Manchester Airport, Front - Trevor Griffith, Head of Revenue Management and Network for Iberia Express Back - Carlos Holgado - British Airways/Iberia Express General Manager

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LOCAL NEWS

Thousands attend Charity Sporting Events at MediaCityUK

MediaCityUK was awash with thousands of sporting enthusiasts and spectators for the inaugural JLL Triathlon and the iconic Nuffield Salford Triathlon, raising a significant amount for their respective charities.

The JLL Property Triathlon North, (jointly sponsored by the Peel Group), attracted over 700 entrants, including presenter Louise Minchin from BBC Breakfast, and was a sprint distance triathlon open to anyone in, or connected with, the property industry, from complete novices to more seasoned athletes. It comprised a 750m swim, 20km cycle and a 5km run, and entrants either competed individually or raced as a team of three to form a relay.

around the breath-taking MediaCityUK complex, taking in sights such as the new home for ITV’s Coronation Street, the Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry Theatre. The event was won by Lukas Siska in a time of less than two hours and, despite the afternoon showers, the event saw many personal best records smashed and a great deal of money raised for lots of different and worthy charitable causes.

The Nuffield tri-sport challenge, saw over 800 people compete in what has become one of the largest events of its kind in the north-west. It offers triathletes of all abilities a race on a fast flat course

Co-sponsors, The Peel Group and JLL are delighted with the extremely positive feedback and are now looking at dates for next year.

Hundreds enjoy inaugural Summer Festival at GOOSE GREEN

Goose Green celebrated its new look in style as hundreds of visitors attended the official re-opening by the Mayor of Trafford and enjoyed an afternoon of live music and family entertainment.

Organised by Altrincham Forward.

Live music included award-winning choir the Cheshire Chord Company, the Green

Room’s Jake Cullen, and Altrincham Market favourites Ideal Forgery. Green Room regulars The Henry Revue and rock and rollers The Jailbirds also played.

Families were well catered for with face-painting, a treasure hunt, bag printing, a mini fashion show of 50s style dresses, a fancy dress photo booth, and a fantastic show from children’s entertainer Sparky, who wowed the crowds with magic tricks.

tremendous all afternoon, with some excellent live acts and lots of families having a great time in the sunshine. It shows that there is a real appetite for live music events in Altrincham and we’re already thinking about how we can develop Saturday’s event into a larger festival next year.”

Anthony Prophet, owner of Trader’s Tiki Bar and The Green Room said, “We were absolutely delighted with the huge turnout for the first Goose Green Summer Festival. The atmosphere was

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”At a time when professionals seem to constantly make excuses as to why things can’t be done quickly, or at all, it makes a very refreshing change to come across a law firm with such a ‘can do‘ attitude!

This quite complex transaction was dealt with very thoroughly yet in record time thereby saving me a great deal of money. I have no hesitation in recommending Blackstone. If only more Solicitors exhibited the same commercial awareness.” - Martin Cockx, Hale.

ThE ProPErTy ExPErTs FAST | SPECIALIST | RELIABLE

Based in the heart of Hale, Blackstone Solicitors Limited, is a niche legal practice.

If you are, buying, selling or re-mortgaging your property it is important that you instruct solicitors that you can trust.

Our property team is led by an experienced partner and we pride ourselves on our excellent service delivery based on three core values: Communication – We will always keep you up to date with the progress of your transaction.

Efficiency – we will act promptly and drive the transaction through to exchange and completion.

Transparency – we have a clear fixed fee structure for your particular transaction which we have set out.

Expert Property Solicitors Specialising In: Our Award winning litigation team have specialist knowledge on a whole range of property issues and are on hand to help you.

From restrictive covenant issues and boundary disputes to commercial landlord and tenant matters.

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Further development for the best western Plus PINEWOOD ON WILMSLOW HOTEL The team behind Best Western Plus Pinewood on Wilmslow Hotel in south Manchester has announced a £1.8 million plan to further develop and extend the hotel, with the addition of 19 new bedrooms, aesthetic and environmental improvements to the existing 1970s extension, a new-look entrance and the

creation of ten new jobs for the area.

The additional luxuriously appointed en-suite bedrooms will include a contemporary wet room or walk-in shower and Juliet balconies from which to make the most of the extensive garden views. The main entrance of the hotel will enjoy a face-lift, along with the existing 1970s addition to the property.

This will have new windows fitted

throughout to enhance the exterior design, improve energy efficiency and offer added noise reduction for guests, plus fresh render to tie in its colour and ambiance with the new lounge and restaurant extension. The Hotel has also secured an AA rosette for its restaurant and established a strong reputation for the quality of the food and service.

Creamline Dairies continues search for CREAM OF THE COMMUNITY

Creamline Dairies - the long established, Trafford based family company - is renewing calls for the people of Greater Manchester and Cheshire to nominate communityspirited family members, friends and contacts, in the return of its popular

‘Creamline: Cream of the Community’ awards scheme. Creamline is planning to recognise local people with a heart of gold who are making a major contribution to local community life and are as well known locally as Creamline’s network of milkmen.

The award scheme is open to individuals and community groups based throughout Greater Manchester and the winner will receive a £500 cash prize to be donated to the charitable cause of their choice.

The winner of the award, along with the person who nominated the Cream of the Community individual, will also receive a fabulous hamper of Creamline products.

If you know of an individual or group of volunteers (who live or work in Greater Manchester) who you think deserve recognition in the Cream of the Community scheme, then head to the Creamline website (creamline.co.uk/ communityaward) and complete the online entry form. The closing date is 31 January 2016.

Local mumpreneur shortlisted in national ‘Family Friendly Working’ awards The shortlisted candidates for the prestigious mumandworking 2015 Awards, supported by babyworld.co.uk have just been announced – and a local mum of two is among them. mumandworking.co.uk is one of the UK’s leading flexible working websites, offering a wealth of employment opportunities, advice and information. This exciting awards programme celebrates the champions of flexible working – showcasing businesses, associations and individuals, (mums and dads!) that demonstrate how a fulfilling career can be balanced with modern-day family life. Jennifer Unsworth, inventor and founder of Tidy Tot from Handforth, has been shortlisted amid fierce competition in the Start-Up Business of the Year category, which means she will now go through to the next judging stage. Good luck Jennifer!

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LOCAL NEWS

CMFT launch charity appeal to build helipad on site Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Charity (CMFT Charity) launched its new £3.9 million Charity Appeal to build a dedicated helipad on site at the Trust, during National Air Ambulance week.

Trafford Centre Bell Tower abseil for STREETCHILD A team of five Street Child supporters took the plunge and abseiled down the Bell Tower at the Trafford Centre to raise funds for children orphaned by Ebola.

Juliet Appleby, regional fundraiser for Street Child said, "The abseil was every bit as terrifying as I had feared, but I'm delighted that together we raised over £2,200. With the medical dangers now finally receding, the growing humanitarian crisis facing the thousands of children whose lives have been devastated by Ebola has tragically begun to fade from public view. But it’s vital that we continue to support the children who have been left behind who are at risk of hunger, malnutrition and abuse. This is the legacy of Ebola - it is real and it is of truly crisis proportions. More than 20,000 children have been orphaned.” £250 will help support one child for a year - to donate please visit street-child.co.uk or for more information please contact Juliet@street-child.co.uk

Using the strapline, ‘Time Saves Lives’, the Helipad Appeal will enable the creation of a brand-new 24-hour access primary helicopter landing site, the first of its kind in central Manchester. This will allow the Trust to save many more lives and will increase the chances of a full or improved level of recovery in a great many seriously ill or injured patients from across the whole of the north west of England, Cheshire, north Wales and the Peak District.

Located on the roof of the new multi-storey car park on Grafton Street, the helipad will be connected to the hospitals by a high-level link bridge and roof top corridor.

Currently, the Trust relies upon a secondary landing site in a nearby park, which means that patients initially transported by air ambulance must then be transferred the final mile of their journey by land ambulance. This second transfer, often undertaken on muddy or uneven ground, significantly adds to the risk of complication, particularly in children, due to additional handling of the patient. A secondary transfer also adds precious minutes to the overall transfer time with every moment’s delay greatly increasing the risk to life.

The charity launched their appeal by staging a photo with a difference. To represent the large number of people involved in the transfer and subsequent care of major trauma patients, and the care of those who benefit from the site’s specialisms, around 70 key players gathered to form the shape of an ‘H’ – the markings of a helipad. From trauma and transplant consultants, paramedics and air ambulance pilots, to porters and other vital hospital staff, all came together to show their support for the Appeal.

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LOCAL NEWS

‘The Ashes’ comes to Cheshire!

Sedulo, Recruitment Specialists; Oscar Associates, Fashion Houses; Forever Unique and Ono Uno who added two professional players from Lancashire Cricket Club, office IT specialists; Midshire, Digital Next and the charity OUAS who brought along a team of celebrities from the world of entertainment.

Before the games began, celebrity trainer, and Co-Founder of Man Up Gymwear, Paul Boys put the players through a warm up in the summer sun to Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake it Off’.

Mark Blackhurst, Founder and Director Online Digital Marketing Agency, Digital of Digital Next commentated on cricket Next, hosted their inaugural ‘‘The proceedings, whilst BBQ food including Ashes’’ Business Cricket Tournament at homemade venison burgers and wild Ashley Cricket Club, Hale recently, in aid game hotdogs provided the perfect of children’s charity Once Upon a Smile. accompaniment to a fine July day. To Eight teams went head to head – these keep others entertained, a DJ provided were accountancy firms; Deloitte and music, and a bouncy castle and hot tub

were enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Although Sedulo Accountancy came out overall winners the real winners on the day were the charity, Once Upon A Smile, who received a cheque and donations for all the companies that took part.

CEO Justin Blackhurst said; ‘’We wanted to do something for charity, but we didn’t want to do something that everyone else did. We came up with the idea of a corporate cricket day, added a few fun items and were delighted that such prestigious local companies turned up to support us, along with some celebrities and cricket stars. We will definitely be doing this next year, bigger and even better!’

COMING SOON Dresden Philharmonic Wednesday 14 October 7.30pm Programme includes Elgar Cello Concerto & Beethoven Symphony No.3 ‘Eroica’

The Sixteen Choir & Orchestra Friday 30 October 7.30pm A celebration of Handel

Lang Lang piano Sunday 29 November 7.30pm Bach, Tchaikovsky & Chopin

Asian Dub Foundation

George Lucas’s film THX 1138 with Live Score Monday 19 October 8.00pm

Don’t miss Lucas’s 1971 stylistic sci-fi classic with exhilarating live score Certificate 15 Box Office: 0161 907 9000 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

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

Charlotte’s Diary Home again, home again, jiggedy jig. We’re back from a lovely break, relaxed and rejuvenated with enough tales of adventure and new experiences to bore our patient friends rigid.

The only down side has been sleeplessness since we returned.

This inability to sleep has affected everyone in the family, including the dog who now also has his night’s sleep interrupted by people pottering around the kitchen at two or three in the morning looking for things to do (none of them very useful).

Being ‘Sleepless in Bowdon’ has opened our eyes to a whole new world of insomniacs and their crazy remedies.

Neil, seeing the experience as a whole new shopping opportunity, found The Sleep Council website while up at 2am one morning. Clearly a busy time for them, with people in PJ’s desperately looking for solutions whilst drinking pots of chamomile tea. Lots of common sense tips have included maintaining a regular bed time routine; exercise more, no caffeine after 6pm, a relaxing bath before bed etc. None of which particularly worked. In fact, the chamomile tea brought about all sorts of weird dreams and nightmares and seemed to act as an hallucinegon!

drinkaware.co.uk

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So, by now quite desperate to get more than two hours sleep, we go down the rocky road of old wives’ tales and Google searches. And that’s how we ended up with a cupboard full of magnesium tablets, magnesium spray and a huge bag of Brazil nuts. (No, I am not joking).

It appears that magnesium is not only part of the same periodic table that I can never remember, but also apparently aids sleep. Who knew?

Neil dashes off to buy in bulk and readily consumes a tablet and then sprays magnesium over himself in the manner of a Lynx advert for middle-aged men before heading to bed. It works for a few hours but then sleeplessness rules.

I suggest that perhaps we should deploy techniques we used on the boys when they were babies to get them to go back to sleep. I even read about a new children’s book that parents are raving about, as it sends their kids to sleep and think that might help. But, then Neil points out that neither of us are six years old. True enough.

So, scratching our heads and a few quid down, there is, I suggest, one more thing to try: wine. A few years ago a glass of red wine a day was practically medicinal, so it seemed like common sense to give that a go. Admittedly, it took slightly more than one glass but the result was nothing short of a miracle.

Now, even the dog is sleeping better.

Of course, we knew it was jet lag all along. Maybe next time we should just give up and drink the duty free before we get home.

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Kate Rayner

M A U R I C E WAT K I N S C B E A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

In Woody Allen’s Zelig, the eponymous hero finds himself, entirely by accident, alongside famous characters from the 1930s. He just seems to be there when key historical events are taking place; surfing the zeitgeist, perhaps, as we might say now. The presence of lawyer Maurice Watkins in significant political and cultural events of the last 40 years has a Zelig-like feel, too, as he just always seemed to be there at certain key moments. Zelig, though, was merely a bemused bystander whereas Maurice Watkins was always present because of his intrinsic involvement in the shaping and outcomes of those moments.

A brief glance back finds him present when Tommy Docherty was sacked by Manchester United in 1977 for having an affair with the wife of the club’s physio; this was Maurice’s first involvement with the club. Jump forward to 1991 and Maurice, now a director of the club, provides advice as Manchester United prepare for flotation on the London Stock Exchange. The following year he becomes one of the key figures in the founding of the Premier League and in 1994 he finds himself seated next to philosopher Eric Cantona as he expounds on the mystic aspects of deep sea trawling to a global audience.

He’s also had considerable involvement in other sporting arenas such as Rugby League, greyhound racing and cricket, and is now the Chair of both Barnsley Football Club and British Swimming.

His substantial charitable work, which includes his current role as Chair of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Charity

(CMFT Charity), has also been a major part of his life. Clearly, Maurice Watkins has significantly affected a huge number of people in a wide and far reaching variety of ways and it’s safe to say, given the cultural and political importance of sport and the NHS in the fabric of daily life, that life for many of us would be somewhat different than it is today had Maurice not been there when key decisions were made.

A son of Levenshulme, Maurice developed his independence at an early age as his family moved several times. His primary schooling even involved a cross city bus commute from Chorlton to Oldham; no mean feat for a seven year old. He earned a scholarship to Manchester Grammar School where, after a slow start, he threw himself wholeheartedly into the school’s curricular and sporting life. He was a keen cricketer and athlete but, ironically, played little football at the school. He was also in the school’s Scout Troop with, in his words, ‘Jesus Christ and Gandhi’; Robert Powell and Ben Kingsley were his contemporaries at school. He’s now the Chair of Governors at the school and is actively involved in helping maintain the school’s leading status.

He followed his father and uncle into a legal career and went on to study law at University College London. After completing his articles in the mid-60s and gaining some experience Maurice began what he believed was to be a two or three year stint at James Chapman and Company. He’s still there now, though Chapman’s is no more in name, after being absorbed

by Brabners in 2006.

Maurice is a joint Senior Partner at Brabners LLP Manchester and heads their Sports Team. His experience and expertise in all matters pertaining to legal aspects of the sporting world means he’s forever in demand and his advice is widely sought and respected all around the world. Given the growing complexity and protracted length of modern day deals, Maurice recalls with amazement that the agreement meeting which paved the way for the foundation of the Premier League was concluded ‘in half a day and on no more than two or three sides of A4 paper’!

His life has not been without major setbacks, though, and the death of his ten year old son from cystic fibrosis was certainly life changing for him. It was partly because of his experiences whilst helping to treat and care for his seriously ill child that he’s so readily volunteered to help charities in the medical sector. He’s justly proud of the achievements of both the CMFT Charity and the CMFT Hospitals, and is helping to raise awareness of their significant and vital role in improving the lives of patients. He, of course, with sincere humility, bats aside any suggestion that his role in the success of these institutions is any greater than that of any other volunteer.

Maurice Watkins is a man of many talents for many arenas and his contribution to the greater good is remarkable. Zelig merely observed but Maurice has gone out and done it, and for that we should be proud to have him as an ambassador for our great region.

For more on the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Charity go to: charity.office@cmft.nhs.uk | rmchcharity.org.uk | T: 0161 276 4522 Facebook: Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity | Twitter: @RMCHcharity 16

By Mark Kureishy

MauriceWatkins is a man of many talents for many arenas and his contribution to the greater good is remarkable.

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WOMEN'S FASHION

TRANS-SEASONAL JACKETS It's that time of year when it's no longer possible to waft around without a jacket but it still doesn't feel cold enough to wear a coat.

So what you need is something lightweight that'll take you through to November…

100% wool jacket with faux fur collar £299 from marc-cain.com

Winter white jacket £89 Autograph at M&S

Beautiful textured jacket with princess seams, faux suede piping and zip front £100 from landsend.co.uk

Ivory/multi Louisa jacket £189 Hobbs London

Dawn shadow knit cape £95 from Linea at House of Fraser 19

FASHION

CELEBRATE YOUR CURvES AUTUMN WINTER COLLECTION

Verpass, Georgede, Laurie, Kjbrand, Doris Streich, Adia, Via Appia, Personal Choice, See You, Mona Lisa, Jana German Footwear Sizes 14-28. Footwear sizes 4-8.

Opening Times 10 - 5 Mon - Sat 11 - 3 Sun

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01565 755 577 9 Minshull Street Knutsford WA16 6HG

KNUTSFORD’S MINSHULL STREET RUNS WILD Meet Suzanne and Harrison Wild, Knutsford’s very own mother and son fashion team whose specialist two-storey boutiques straddle 18th century Minshull Street.

In July 2015, Suzanne’s eldest son Harrison, 24, opened ‘Oliver Wild’, smart casual menswear for ‘The Tall, The Broad - and also The Medium’, directly across the narrow street.

She certainly does. Verity Plum’s extensive stock features 16 major European brands, including Doris Streich, Yoek, Verpass, Adia, KJ Brand, Georgede, Kirsten Krog, Mona Lisa, Cabotine, Gina Bacconi, plus others from the UK. From day wear to wedding outfits and cruisewear; from casual to classy; from Jana footwear to shawls and costume jewellery, Verity Plum has it all. And upstairs, Suzanne’s new hat gallery displays fascinators from £15, exquisite wedding headgear and an option for her Manchester based milliner to customise an item just for you. Most importantly, you can take your time — mooch, choose or be guided by Verity Plum.

Verity Plum 9 Minshull Street Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6HG Monday to Saturday 10am — 5pm Sunday 11am - 3pm Telephone: 01565 755577 suzannewild@verityplum.co.uk

Oliver Wild sells Peter Werth, Bewley and Ritch and Jiggler, Lord Berlue shirts in sizes medium to 4XL. Harrison’s jeans include DML and Denim Is Everything and, of course, he displays Peter Werth shoes and uber-trendy Failsworth Hats galore.

Combining Suzanne’s tried and tested expertise and Harrison’s technoknowhow, the Wild’s are perfectly placed as trend-setters. Watch this space or, better still, pop down to Minshull Street.

Oliver Wild 2A Minshull Street, Knutsford Monday to Thursday 10.30am - 5.30pm Friday 10.30am - 6.30pm Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday Market Days 10am - 5pm Telephone: 07531 960902 harrison@oliverwildknutsford.com

By Fay Wertheimer

In November 2014, after 30 years in retail, Suzanne bought Verity Plum, the ‘curvier’ ladies’ store that she had already managed for a decade. The takeover was seamless for the local and international clients seeking Suzanne’s exclusive ranges of sizes 14 to 28 ladies wear, accessories, millinery and, above all, her personal service. Single mum, and former beauty queen, Suzanne says, ‘My sons had grown up and the timing was right. We’re one of only seven specialist independent shops for the fuller figure in the UK and I can now focus on the business 24/7.’

Knutsford born and bred, charming Harrison is an artist, musician and part-time graphics student. He states, ‘Having a shop in my hometown gives me sense of purpose here. I’m steeped in fashion, but new to retail so I respect Mum’s experience and take her advice.

Men and women shop differently. Her customers may well fly in from Ireland, Jersey and Spain to spend half a day sorting an entire season’s wardrobe.

But men, mostly, buy out of necessity.

I offer high-end fashion that doesn’t break the bank. Classic styling with modern flare for guys in their twenties up to their fifties.

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Pom Poms HOBBS London

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Accessories add style, colour, glamour and class to an outfit and create a fashion statement that is unique to you Juicy Couture faux fur bag juicycouture.com McQ by Alexander McQueen printed scarf £120 House of Fraser

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YOUR PERSONAL JEWELLER BY APPOINTMENT ONLY ”WHERE DIAMONDS COST LESS”

To reserve your private appointment at our showroom Tel: 0161 773 0000 Or you can email: enquiries@donnsjewellery.co.uk

MEN’S FASHION

AVO I D T H E W I N T E R B LU E S A good winter coat will stand the test of time, both from a weather and fashion perspective Invest now to save later.

Ox FO R D WA x Anorak Jacket £70 www.next.co.uk

RED HERRING Khaki fleece lined parka coat £99 www.debenhams.com

H A M M O N D & CO. B Y PAT R I C K G R A N T Khaki shower resistant mac coat £125 www.debenhams.com

BARBOUR Land Rover Rugby Kingsholm Jacket £299 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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KENNETH COLE Navy Nelson double-breasted pea coat £225 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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TRAVEL

NEW YORK

CITY SIGHTS OF

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TRAVEL

New York City in the autumn is perfect for exploring the city sights, feasting on decadent food and staying in style Jill Nash unmasks the best of the city that never sleeps

Stay New York City is like a small universe, as cities don’t come any bigger than this. When you walk between the high skyscrapers you feel small, and let's face it: you are. It’s densely packed with all types of nationalities, cultures and religions, making it one of the world’s most impressive melting pots. It's hard to put a finger on what makes the place buzz so much, but the city's hyperactive rush keeps drawing more and more people to it. October is a perfect time to explore the city sights, as climatically the weather is still warm by day, but slightly cooler at night.

For a swanky night in style, stay at the Gansevoort Hotel, a luxurious fourteen storey tower above one-time meatpacking buildings transformed into Manhattan's hippest new homes for boutiques, restaurants and clubs. Opened in 2004, the Gansevoort is still the place to be seen and to stay. The rooms are spacious and slick, with views over the city’s skyline. The rooftop bar and plunge pool draws block-long lines of well-dressed locals looking for a Hudson River view for their martini. If you are a hotel resident, you can laze all day by the pool, nip out for dinner, and jump the queue to get back for the nightclub. Prices start from £200 per room per night.

Visit www.hotelgansvoort.com

Drink + Dine On any day, in any part of the city, there will be at least one drinking establishment where you can celebrate life with a fancy cocktail or a stiff drink. The plethora of bars is overwhelming. Enjoy an early champagne cocktail with a view over the Hudson River at Hotel Gansevoort’s rooftop bar, before heading out for the night to some of the city’s many glitzy rooftop bars. Located on the sixteenth floor of the Conrad New York, in lower Manhattan, is the uber-cool Loopy Doopy rooftop bar which showcases a range of cool cocktails and delicious small plates. The boozy ice pop cocktail served with a sharing plate of mezze is a firm favourite.

Visit www.conradnewyork.com New York City is the "hub" of the jazz world, so if you’re looking for some entertainment with your drink, then head to the original Blue Note, one of New York’s oldest jazz clubs. Although considered one of the top venues in the world for presenting jazz, it also features all the biggest names in blues, Latin, Brazilian, fusion, R&B, soul, and popular music. Expect to see world-renowned talent on any given day except for Mondays, which is reserved for exceptional local talent.

Visit www.bluenote.net

Newly opened Adoro Lei, located on Hudson Street, is a hotspot for upscale artisan pizzas and cool cocktails. It’s a sophisticated scene with a warm, friendly atmosphere and what makes this place extra special are the enthusiastic owners, who passionately create extraordinary pizzas, and the live music scene, which gives this place its atmosphere. Visit www.adorolei.com

explore Ahoy Tours offer small groups personal tasting tours around the city. These highly engaged walking tours are delivered by native New Yorkers who research the best eateries in the city, which are predominantly family owned, historical places. The three hour Little Italy and Chinatown tour starts in the morning at the Ferrara Bakery Café, which is the city’s oldest espresso bar, serving tasty cannolis, and ends with traditional Chinese pastries in Chinatown. The tours are a fun way to explore some of New York’s best food spots.

Tickets start at $50 per person.

Visit www.ahoynewyorkfoodtours.com

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We Love

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M i C H a e l ko r S The Gold Fragrance Collection Each of the three individual scents was designed to reflect the opulence and luxury of the highly prized metal – from white, to rose, to 24K gold.

30ml £39 / 50ml £58 / 100ml £79 michaelkors.com

MapeD Helix Back To School range Think cutting-edge design and innovation, polished off with bold and beautiful style – and say hello to stationery giant Maped Helix’s new Back To School range, which is set to be the talk of classrooms. mapedhelix.co.uk

bareMinerals Blemish Remedy Foundation Conceals imperfections and helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes for clearer-looking skin £26 bareminerals.co.uk

Heart & HoMe Fragranced candles made from a blend of natural soy wax to give a clean burn and stir the senses £4.99 & £12.99 heartandhome.com

oriGinS Three Part Harmony Deeply replenishing hydration and nourishment. Helps renew youthful supplies of natural collagen so skin looks younger and feels firmer. Oil-infused serum £60 Nourishing Cream £60. origins.co.uk

neoM Scent to make you Feel Good On The Go Collection Powerful therapies to boost your energy, lift your mood, help you sleep or create calm £8 neomorganics.com/feelgood

Bake anD Carry Perfect for baking and carrying a cake to family, friends, office and bake sales 10” Spring Form Cake Tin & Carrier £9 Cupcake Bake & Carry Set £14.95 sabichi.co.uk

M i C r o C e l l 2 0 0 0 C o l o U r r e pa i r A combination of nail make-up and nail strengthener that contains 6 fundamental active features in one perfect nail beauty treatment £14.95 micro-cell.uk.com

ren NEW Targeted Regime Kits Whether your skin is blemish prone, oily or just plain irritable, REN has a solution with their new 14 day Regime Kits. * Stop Being So Sensitive * Ultimate Shine Control * Hit The Spot £15 each renskincare.com

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS

CliniQUe Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer A beautiful, buildable texture that promises flawless, full coverage yet has a lightweight feel £27 clinique.co.uk

lanolips New 101 Fruities In Peach, Apple and Strawberry Made with award-winning 101 ointment, vitamin E and all natural fruit extracts £7.99 feelunique.com

CliniQUe Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara Creates bold, volumised, luscious lashes with just a few strokes of an over-sized brush £17.50 clinique.co.uk

DerMaloGiCa Sheer Tint SPF20 Improves skin health while concealing surface imperfections by either adding a subtle wash of sheer colour or layering it for greater and more defined coverage £34.80 dermalogica.co.uk

makebelieve Self Tan Mist Spray with bronzer and Argan oil. For a long-lasting very dark tan.

Lanolin and Paraben free £14.99 makebelievebeauty.com

a l l t H at J a Z Z Whisk yourself away on holiday with this gorgeous Cocktail inspired collection £19.98 allthatjazzuk.com

aV e D a be curly Intensive detangling masque Easily separates tangled curls, moisturises and fights frizz £22.50 aveda.co.uk

t i n t S o F n at U r e Dry Shampoo Uniquely made with 99.5% natural and organic ingredients to gently cleanse and Absorb excess oil while benefitting the overall health of your hair. Non-aerosol, eco-friendly pump, ideal for your handbag! £12.95 tintsofnature.com/shop/dryshampoo

MUraD Exfoliate for your skin type Skin Smoothing Polish Best for a dull, uneven skin texture to reveal a brighter complexion £27 murad.co.uk

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We Love Magic Minerals The secret to beautiful looking skin the Magic Minerals way is the incredible colour correctors incorporated into ultra-fine micronized mineral powder that acts as an amazing foundation, concealer and corrector all-in-one! With Magic Minerals there’s no guessing what colour to choose! £9.99 highstreettv.com

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Bumble and bumble Don’t blow it A first-of-its kind creme to give you a beautiful air-dried look with a product-free feel. £12 bumbleandbumble.co.uk

SiSley pHyto-poUDre liBre Smoothes the skin, blurs imperfections and visually refines the skin texture for an instant ‘photo retouch’ effect £55.50 sisley-paris.co.uk

kiSS Salon Acrylic FRENCH Never chip 10x stronger £7.95 from Boots

i n d e e d l a B o r at o r i e S fillume volumising moisturiser & serum Helps to restore the look of facial contours, plump the appearance of furrow lines and improve the tone and texture of skin Offer £16.66 & £19.99 Boots Indeedlabs.com

milk_shake incredible milk Intense leave-in spray mask treatment, that adds maximum shine, creates body and volume and controls frizz. £13.49 milkshakehaircare.co.uk

GelleD leD nail System No long drying times, base coats or top coats, cleansers or wipes - designed to give you a long lasting manicure that takes just seconds to dry. Plus cure all your nails at the same time by grasping in your hand. £39.99 highstreettv.com

smashbox The new BROW TECH COLLECTION Add volume, fill sparse areas and extend your brow with the ultra-fine point of the Matte Pencil. Get a sun- kissed California shimmer while infusing depth with the first-of-its kind Highlight Stick. Follow with the Gloss Stick to finish the look with a youthful sheen. Mix and match in endless combinations for amaze-brows!

kiSS Singles lash adhesive Takes the stress and mess out of false lash application. 12 single-use strip lash adhesives ready for you to pop into your handbag for convenient and hygienic application. £4.99 from Boots and ASDA

laSer CHiC A wonderful evening was had by all at the official launch of Seti Rad’s Laser Chic on Barlow Moor Road in Didsbury

Guests enjoyed delicious food and the prosecco flowed while Krestyna Batty of Janssen Cosmetics UK, left guests speechless following a demonstration of Laser Chic’s cutting edge facial creams and ointments.

One guest commented, “I cannot believe these treatments are so instant, it’s as though you can feel it working as you apply it.”

Laser Chic opened its doors in April this year. The launch party took place at the clinic to show off its chic, no expense spared, beautiful surroundings and hi-tech laser machines.

There were raffle prizes galore and Emma Rapley was happy to accept the proceeds of the raffle on behalf of Francis House.

Laser Chic provides laser hair removal, pigment removal, vascular veins removal and skin tightening for the face and body.

For more information contact Seti Rad on 0161 445 6349 or e: info@laserchic.co.uk Laser Chic | 41 Barlow Moor Road | Didsbury | M20 6TW | www.laserchic.co.uk 31

HEALTH & BEAUTY

NEW POWER DRESSING WITH SASSOON SALON MANCHESTER Unmistakable Sassoon signature styles for cool, pared back hair with effortless shine

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.

Vidal believed in the importance of inner health and its impact on outer appearance, particularly in relation to hair, a principle that has underpinned six decades of colour and cutting expertise.The result is a display of radiance that shows hair’s effortless inner health and vitality. A strong cut and colour technique means the final result is very simple.

At Sassoon Salon we understand the beauty in that. Some things are supposed to be innately cool and effortless, like a Sassoon haircut.

The STaTemenT STyle

The TimeleSS ClaSSiC

“Blonde hair adds radiance to the face and is full of optimism. Blonde is timeless, I would always blend a bespoke combination of tones together to create a perfect shade that’s true to my client’s personality,” says Chloe Thompson, Senior Colour Director.

Healthy hair gets its strength and shine from a combination of proteins and vitamins, just like our skin. “An intensive treatment instantly smooths each strand, providing renewed definition and shine, boosting elasticity, giving hair suppleness and bounce,” says Chloe Thompson, Senior Colour Director.

“A side-sweep fringe adds drama to the classic bob and is ideal for creating a rock chick look - working best on hair with a very gentle natural movement. Like all great design these shapes are essentially timeless and offer a chic and stylish approach to your new season look,” says Melanie Baker, Assistant Creative Director.

“The perfect centre parting is easily achieved on freshly washed hair.

While the hair is still wet, use a tail-comb to draw a straight line from the front hairline to the back.

It has to be absolutely poker straight and there should be no strays. Each side should be super smooth, so if your hair is thick and prone to frizz, apply Sassoon Professional Halo Hydrate before you blow-dry,” says Melanie Baker, Assistant Creative Director.

SASSoon SAlon 1 Marsden Street, Manchester M2 1HW T: 0161 827 7140 www.sassoon.com 32

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

H A I R A N D B E A U T Y T R E AT M E N T S AT H O B This luxury Manchester salon in the heart of Hale offers you superb cuts, gorgeous colour and incredible service seven days a week, combined with a full range of beauty treatments on offer downstairs, in the Beauty Rules salon. You won’t be disappointed!

NANOKERATIN PERMANENT BLOW DRY The Keratin straightening is a pioneering hair treatment that smoothes and repairs hair using nano-molecular keratin, which deposits and locks miniscule particles deep within damaged hair, enveloping it within a permanent non-soluble coating. The result of this process leaves hair feeling smooth, silky and shiny.

The straightening lasts for 2-4 months and fades out progressively with every wash.

Before

After

THE PROCESS Keratin can be used on all types of hair – virgin, highlighted, bleached, permed or relaxed. For best results it is recommended that colouring/highlighting should be done either before the treatment or two weeks after.

The application process can take between 90 minutes to three hours, depending on the length and thickness of the hair. After application of the product, the hair is left for 30 minutes to allow the Keratin to be absorbed into the hair shaft. The hair is then blow dried and each section of hair is ironed ten times with 230̊C heat. This seals and locks in the moisture, which hydrates the hair and creates a glossy finish.

AFTER THE TREATMENT It is important that the hair is left in its natural state for three days. You must not get your hair wet until your complimentary follow up appointment with the salon three days later. Then a sulphate-free shampoo is vital to ensure the treatment lasts.

TREAT ME TUESDAY OFFER Sulphate-free shampoo plus conditioner and a free blow-dry ‘three days after’ service will be included free of charge.

SHORT HAIR £125 / MEDIUM/SHOULDER LENGTH £150 / LONG, THICK HAIR £175 Lauren Bickerton Style Director & Salon Trainer

PRESCRIPTIVE VEGAN FACIAL The vegan prescriptive facial has something for everyone; the therapist will analyse your skin to decide which of the totally natural products best suit you. All of the products used in this facial contain no preservatives or additives and are all vegan registered. The skin is deep cleansed under steam and exfoliated. The face is then massaged using an enriched formula with stimulating ingredients to help soothe skin and deliver nourishing minerals. Lymphatic drainage and pressure point massage techniques are used for detoxifying and total relaxation.

A mask, best suited to your skin is then applied, while the arms, neck and shoulders are massaged. To finish, the skin is moisturised and protected. 1hr 15mins £60 Previously Head Therapist at Harvey Nichols Manchester then head-hunted for Harrods. Natasha has worked within the beauty industry for over 15 years.

Her experience and knowledge of the ever changing world of beauty inspired her to set up her own company, Beauty Rules, now within Hob Salons, Hale.

Natasha Filippidi

She has worked with many celebrity clients such as Rhianna, Michelle Keegan, Brook Vincent and Kym Marsh, to name but a few. Natasha recognises that each client should be seen as an individual and each treatment is tailored to the client’s personal needs, whether they be maintenance treatments, such as eyebrow threading, waxing, manicures or pedicures conducted by the beauty team.

Let your senses be relaxed by holistic therapist Lara Kaye, or if it’s a clinical need, Dr Chris Ferguson is at hand for all your facial aesthetic treatments. “Why go to a jack of all trades? Get the best of everything, done by the professionals!” Natasha Filippidi.

HOB SALON HALE 203 Ashley Road, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 9SQ T: 0161 941 4777 33

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.

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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

For More inForMation Email ask@doctornyla.com Visit www.doctornyla.com to book your free consultation today Call 0800 009 6661 or 01625 523307 The Medispa by Dr Raja 3 Hawthorne Lane, Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 1AA

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EXTREME SPORTS FAN HAS LIFE-CHANGING EYE SURGERY age has no barriers for Jeffrey emmett – though his eyesight almost became one! Jeffrey’s passion for motorcycles, shooting, water-skiing and diving, at the age of 70, was under threat due to cataracts in both eyes. His decision to have an eye procedure, which has removed his cataracts and also freed him from the glasses he has worn for fifteen years, means his extreme sports hobbies are here to stay.

Jeff had worn glasses for the past fifteen years for close work, but described himself as being terrible with glasses – spending hundreds of pounds on expensive bifocals and breaking or losing them within a week! So he was keen to be free of glasses, too.

Jeff, from aylesbury, explains, “My wife and I are both motorcycle enthusiasts and ride together as often as we can. We have toured all over Europe, me on my KTM 990 Supermoto and Karine on her beloved Ducati Monster Evo 1100.

“Karine always sets the pace and so it is very important to see which way she has gone and where the next bend is!

My sight was getting so bad I was worried that a time would come soon where I might not even comply with UK driving license requirements, so I knew something had to be done!”

Last year Jeff, who is a Chartered Surveyor, noticed blurred vision in his left eye and went to get it checked at a local opticians, where they diagnosed the start of cataracts in both eyes.

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Jeff’s private health insurance recommended Optegra Eye Health Care, as the ‘cataract’ element of the surgery would be covered by his insurance and he would just have to pay for the ‘uplift’ to Clarivu. As a result of having Clarivu™ permanent lens replacement, Jeff now has 20:20 vision in both eyes.

Jeff says, “It was such a surprise to me that eyesight can deteriorate so much over the years without realising it. It was only after I had the first eye treated, and I could make a comparison with the other eye, that I was completely blown away by the immediate improvement.”

“The difference was huge: it was like having an old, tired television where the colours and brightness had faded, and then replacing that with the latest high-tech HD TV! The surgeon worked out the optical measurements perfectly, the treatment was completely spot-on and I am delighted!”

Clarivu uses the same cataract surgery techniques that have helped millions all over the world. The natural lens of the eye is replaced by a multi-focal lens specifically tailored to your personal vision requirements.

Consultant ophthalmic Surgeon at optegra said, “Jeff was an ideal candidate for Clarivu, as he was dependent on spectacles which were a nuisance for him with his active lifestyle, and he also had early cataracts. This procedure was a solution to both - his vision is now excellent and I am delighted for him.”

To book a free consultation please visit www.optegra.com or call 0844 326 0011.

Eyesight is precious.

Ruth trusted Optegra with hers.

You can too.

RUTH LANGSFORD, TV PRESENTER AND OPTEGRA PATIENT

Ruth trusted Optegra Eye Health Care. Our Clarivu lens replacement treatment includes a proven and permanent procedure, using cataract surgery techniques that have benefited millions globally.

Join us at one of our local open evenings and discover why we are the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most trusted eye care specialist.

Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester 0844 326 0011 Source: Trustpilot 29th April 2015

peace of mind for you and your family, at all times

The Private GP & Night Doctor Service Registration fee from £16 per month plus consultation fees You can remain with your NHS GP • Additional surgery in Hale opening soon

Dr Bruce Jobling

4 24 hrs a day 4 7 days a week 4 Personal and confidential

4 Covering Hale, Wilmslow, Didsbury and their surrounding areas 4 Night and weekend home visits 4 Early or late same day appointments

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S a r a H M ay London to Paris on Two Wheels and One Kidney

For proof that organ transplants really can transform and re-vitalise lives, then look no further than Sarah May and the example she embodies. The sudden onset of kidney disease five years ago brought into sharp relief just how precarious life can be. For Sarah, this was to set in motion a series of remarkable events that would lead to her raising awareness and funding for research into this life threatening condition. More remarkable than this, though, is how she has inspired so many others to join her along the way.

Born in Nantwich and raised in Nottingham, Sarah’s life followed the familiar route of the career professional.

A spell in London was followed by a short period in 1990 in Saint Helier, Jersey, where she worked for Lloyds Bank. She met her husband, Jeff, there and whilst Jersey life was idyllic they nevertheless decided to return to England. As Sarah had a job in Manchester and Jeff was working in Liverpool they settled in Lymm, which is where they remain to this day. Three children duly arrived and, with all but the youngest having flown the coop, Sarah and Jeff were living a very happy and fulfilled life.

Then, out of the blue, as is usually the way of these things, her kidney failure presented itself. Whilst leading a summer Scout camp, she had felt cold and unwell, which was unusual for her; she had already run a few marathons for charity and was fit and, she presumed, healthy. Tests revealed that her kidneys were failing and were only just about functioning; no specific cause was ever identified but the situation was grave.

In complete shock, Sarah began dialysis treatment straight away but a kidney transplant was the only real long term option. She was, as she herself recognises, very fortunate to have lots of family and friends come forward and offer to donate a kidney for her. Her brother proved to be the best match and, after seven months of dialysis, she underwent a successful transplant operation at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI).

She managed to coax him onto a bicycle, though, along with 35 other riders, including her donor brother, for a four day, 320 mile ride from London to Paris that raised over £100,000 for the charity. Her stamina, resolve and emotions were pushed to the limits during this challenging bike ride but Sarah’s setting herself even bigger challenges for the future.

Next year, Sarah plans to complete a five day walk on the Great Wall of China and, along with other events, such as a 12 hour Danceathon next April, she looks set to continue the energetic life and great work that her donated kidney has enabled. Kidney disease can have terrible consequences but Sarah May is determined to show that it doesn’t always have to be that way. She’s planning on going further on one kidney than most of us manage on two!

A year after her transplant, Sarah organised a fundraising trek in Iceland for kidney research. Her positive determination to continue with her life has seen her become more closely involved as a fundraiser for Kidneys for Life at the MRI. She’s also developed a close family friendship with her transplant surgeon, Dr Hany Riad, who’s since retired.

For more on how to help fight kidney disease go to: Sarah May (Community & Events Fundraiser) at Kidneys for Life:

Fundraising for the MRI Renal Units. tel: 07743 688794. sarah.may@kidneysforlife.org

39

INTRODUCING THE WOMEN’S HEALTH UNIT at The Wilmslow Hospital

Call 01625 545 036 to make an appointment today 52 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 1NY www.52alderleyroad.co.uk Open 7 days a week, 7am–10pm

Diagnosis, treatment and surgery BREAST SCREENING ~ BREAST SURGERY ~ PAINFUL PERIODS ~ HEAVY PERIODS ~ HORMONES OVARIAN SCREENING ~ SMEAR TESTS ~ CERVICAL SCREENING ~ ENDOMETRIAL CANCER ~ MENOPAUSE ENDOMETRIOSIS ~ COSMETIC SURGERY ~ VARICOSE VEINS ~ COLORECTAL SCREENING PELVIC FLOOR TREATMENT ~ PREGNANCY SCANNING ~ OSTEOPOROSIS ~ INCONTINENCE ~ DERMATOLOGY

Body Performance Training

Body Performance Training

Y

Key 103's Chelsea Norris is pregnant and due 29 January 2016 - she's still training and keen to look good. We chat to her fiancé Ben, to get the low down on what's best to eat and what's safe to train.

It's the time many women wait all their lives for. The time when they are going to produce a little life of their own. But when it finally happens you find that a lot of ladies have no idea what to do with their nutrition and their workouts - and some stop altogether through fear. Some women view pregnancy as a time when they can chill out and undo their good nutritional habits and eat to their hearts content, using it as an excuse for getting out of shape. These people forget, however, that they will have to deal with the consequences of their actions after the baby is born.

How many times have you heard, "it’s fine you're eating for two now"?

Instead of giving yourself the green light to the nine month long buffet that many women do, why not keep up with your good nutritional habits and nourish your body with proper foods, so that both you and your baby will be healthier after you give birth?

But what should you be eating and how much should you actually consume?

During the first few months of pregnancy, you may not notice a big weight change. Chelsea didn't even put on one single pound in the first three months and some women may even

lose weight during the first trimester of pregnancy because of dreaded morning sickness. However, as your baby begins growing, you'll need to make sure your extra calories are nutritionally rich.

A pregnant woman only needs an additional 200-300 calories a day. This equates to roughly a couple of apples or a large banana, not a whole bar of your favourite chocolate! Following the Body Performance Training (BPT) Plan is completely safe during pregnancy as it focuses on natural foods, good carbs and no processed foods.

So remember; don’t overeat, keep moving and enjoy the journey!

For more details visit: www.bodyperformancetraining.co.uk where you can purchase the plan and start losing weight today.

During your pregnancy you should also adjust your fitness goals and change to a maintenance state, rather than trying to improve performance. You can still complete both aerobic and strength/ weight training which will help keep your muscles strong. However, no exercises should be done which involve lying on your stomach as this will put extreme stress on the baby. After twenty weeks of pregnancy, it is also advised that you don't do any exercises on your back either, as the added weight of the baby can interfere with blood circulation - so stick to seated and supported exercises.

Pregnancy is not the time to decide you want to sprout new muscles or hit a PB on your 10k. It's a time to maintain and preserve your current strength and improve postural issues. Therefore, take care to use sensible weights, reps and rest periods to keep your workouts stimulating and comfortable at the same time.

41

THE TRUTH ABOUT PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE Last year, over 12,000 patients used their private medical insurance at BMI The Alexandra Hospital, Cheadle, but in a recent survey of private medical insurance (PMI) policyholders, many had not used their policies because of concerns about claiming or going private. Some were worried about their excess, the impact on premiums, not being covered for complex or pre-existing conditions and having to deal with a difficult claims process.

But how real are these concerns?

Myth 3: Claiming is difficult, there’s too much admin. “These days, most insurers have paperless claims processes. One phone call is often all you need to activate your insurance.”

Myth 4: I have to be treated at the hospital advised by my GP or insurer.

“Generally, you have the right to choose where you wish to be treated, just tell your GP or insurer.”

We spoke to Peter Snuggs, Director of Commercial Relations at BMI Healthcare to separate fact from fiction. He said: “We want to bust the common PMI myths, so when you need it most, you can benefit from private healthcare.”

Myth 1: I have to pay a high excess if I use PMI. “Many policies have an excess at time of use, but it might not be as much as you think. The excess on most policies is between £100-£300 and there is often only a one off excess in a 12 month period.”

Myth 2: My premium will go up if I claim: “If PMI is provided by your employer, making a claim may not impact the amount you pay. If you pay yourself, it may have an impact however, premiums generally rise each year reflecting age and medical history, regardless of claims.”

Myth 9: I get PMI through work, I don’t want them to know my medical history.

“It’s a legal obligation for medical details to remain private and confidential.”

Myth 10: I can get the same treatment on the NHS, so why go private?

“While the majority of treatments are available on the NHS, we can offer a fast diagnosis and consultant delivered treatment.”

Myth 5: PMI does not cover complex medical treatments. “It depends on your policy, but many insurers will cover consultations, diagnostics and physiotherapy to complex surgery, cancer and cardiac care.”

Myth 6: Private hospitals are not equipped to deliver serious, complex surgery or treatment. “At the Alexandra, we provide critical care (ITU/HDU), cancer, cardiac and surgical treatments by specialist consultants and nursing teams.”

Myth 7: I should save my ‘pot of money’ for an emergency or serious illness.

“Use your insurance when you need it.

Even if something seems small, why not have immediate access to the care you need?”

Myth 8: I have a pre-existing condition, I can’t benefit from PMI. “Insurers typically don’t cover conditions identified within seven years prior to the start of the policy. However, you should be able to use it for any new conditions.”

For free guides outlining the benefits of going private and how to use your PMI, please visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/press-play 45

if you have a knee problem, consult one of the Uk’s leading knee Specialists Consultations now available at 52 alderley road

knee injury? For quick effective treatment contact the kneedoc... it’s all you need to know. the knee Doc Consultant:

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• US and UK trained Consultant Knee and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon who has worked with NBA and NFL teams

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

Karate For All Set up in 2012 by Martin Cockx, Hale Karate Club has gone from strength to strength, with members ranging in age from 4 to 77 years old!

Children love the family feel, the competitions and the opportunities to grade. the club has already achieved national recognition. adults find the combination of exercise coupled with the wonderful way in which karate helps to release tension to be a real plus.

In the early days Hale Karate Club attracted predominantly children, however, this balance has now changed as adults join, some of whom have practiced karate or other martial arts in their youth, whilst others join as total beginners.

It is interesting to see that it is often the children who are leading the parents to the sport. Earlier this year, ladies only beginners’ classes were introduced and have proved hugely popular, with some ladies joining the main club and others choosing to simply continue the weekly ladies only classes.

Hale Karate Club is based at The Grammar on Marlborough Road, Bowdon. The ladies only classes are held at Bowdon Club, South Downs Road, Bowdon.

We spoke to some of the adults who are now enjoying this activity.

“Two of our children have been enjoying karate for just over a year. I have seen how they enjoy the karate with Martin and how both their concentration and coordination has improved. After trying to follow some of their moves in our garden, I decided to give it a go myself.

I love it! Initially, I joined the Ladies Only but the competitive side of me took hold and my gradings have begun! I would definitely recommend this to other families.” emma nawaz, Blackstone Solicitors.

“After my daughter started at Hale Karate Club, I had to ferry her there three times a week, so decided to give it a go myself. Oh my God! What a difference it has made to my joints, fitness and general state of mind. Forget selfdefence, at my age you talk your way out of trouble. It is the best way to keep fit I have ever come across. And what a nice group of people! I guarantee if you try it, you will be hooked”.

Derek Bannister, Company Director.

“At university, I practiced taekwondo for a couple of years and remember that I really enjoyed it. A friend mentioned the Ladies Only Karate classes to me – and we decided to give it a go. I couldn’t believe how much I liked it. I love the physical aspect and also the real escapism of it. I couldn’t think about anything else, I was so focused on the moves. My son and nephew have also now joined and it’s lovely to share this passion with them.”

Sophie Cooper, teacher.

To find out more about how karate can work for you, contact Martin on 07753 244 638 Email: martincockx@halekarateclub.co.uk

www.halekarateclub.co.uk 47

Sitting comfortably?

Well don’t!

Sitting down for prolonged periods has caused a four-fold increase in child obesity in ten years.

Children using sit/stand workstations burn 32% more calories compared to those who had no choice but to sit. research indicates over-sitting is responsible for devastating health problems such as:

• • • • • •

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Should our schools start using sit/stand workstations?

GARDENSTYLE SPRING FEVER As the nights draw in and there’s the first hint of a frost in the cool night air, it would be a mistake to think that the gardening year was over. For now is when any of you lazy gardeners can really come into your own. Make a bit of an effort now, and you could sit back next year and enjoy a continuous show of flowers and colour for a whole six months.

Sounds tempting doesn’t it? Enough to tempt even my laziest friend away from yet another episode of “Bargain Hunt” and into the garden centre with me.

And why were we there? Not that I need a reason to be near plants you understand, but we were there to buy bulbs. Yes, BULBS! Bulbs are wonderful things – “very forgiving of the novice gardener”, as Vita Sackville West once said. You can put them in at the wrong level and they’ll pull themselves up or down to the correct depth. You can put them in upside down, and they’ll turn themselves around. They carry all the food they need for growth in their bulb - all you have to do is water them.

And then, most bulbs will repay your inevitable neglect by flowering again year after year (tulips being a notable exception).

“This looks cheap, I’ll have these”, grunts lazy friend, as she starts to heave a huge sack of giant mixed daffs into the trolley. “No you don’t!”, I retaliate, as I heave them back out.

“We need small narcissi- nothing over

a foot high”. “But they’re cheap!”, she pleads. “Yes, but not everything that’s cheap and comes in bulk is good”, I reason, whilst trying not to look too witheringly at her baggy Primark leisurewear outfit.

We head for the miniature narcissi, often called Narcissus cyclamineus hybrids, and I encourage her to buy several packets of the same variety, as a huge drift of one sort looks far better than the dotty effect achieved with several varieties. “Be generous!”, I beam, throwing more packets of delicate white flowered ‘Thalia’ into the trolley to join early yellow ‘Jetfire’ and ‘Baby Moon’. The thing to remember is to try and get at least three different varieties of Narcissi to give you a spread of flowering from February to April – it’ll tell you all you need to know on the packet.

We buy tulips, grape hyacinths, scillas, erythroniums for shade and huge 'Globemaster' alliums for sun. We buy small packets of choice fritillaries, delicate species tulips like ‘Clusiana’ and unusual stripy crocus to grow in

pots, as these are bulbs of Mediterranean origin and often do better in pots than in the soggy ground.

Another good tip is to lay your packets of bulbs out on the shop floor in date order before you buy – that way you can make sure you have a good spread of flowers from January to May, with no gaps.

“Now all you have to do is plant them,” I announce to my lazy friend who looks sheepishly at me. We both remember the other years when bulbs were purchased in a fit of enthusiasm, only to lie shrivelled and forgotten in a corner of the shed until eaten by mice.

“And remember to plant them at two and a half times their own depth. And do it now, because they’ll root out really well into the warm soil”. “I will, I will”, she promises. But do I believe her? anne Britt is a garden designer.

Contact her for designs and classes at annebritt@btinternet.com

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Grow your own

style lord Muck’s in my bad books. Which makes a nice change. Usually it’s yours truly hanging her head in shame over some booze fuelled antic or other.

But no, this time, the booze fuelled antic is all his. Excellent.

A

llow me to explain.

I arrived home last Monday from a hen weekend in Amsterdam, proud of myself for surviving the carnage, only to nearly break my neck getting in the door. Battling my way past a mountain of odd looking equipment and enough boxes of apples and pears to put Waitrose to shame, I spotted a note from his Lordship: “Gone for more Apples.”

I made myself a pot of camomile tea and pondered the note. I so wanted to believe his message meant he was at the Apple Store buying me a ‘welcome home’ iPad Air, but deep down I knew I was watching some screwball scheme unfold.

A few hours later he was back, grinning from ear to ear, with ten towering apple trees, those of the edible variety rather than magic trees dripping with sleek Apple devices I was lusting after. Apparently, all a result of him spending just 72 hours unsupervised with his old mate, Lord Broomhall. Friends for 25 years, these guys used to drink late into the night talking Harley’s, Oakley’s and Salomon’s, and good naturedly competing in their boys’ toys race.

Nowadays, however, since Lady B and

I got hooked on growing our own, the boys have become rather competitive about our crops, too.

The focus of this weekend’s competition: fruit. Or rather, the alcohol making properties of fruit. You see, Lord B’s new Surrey pile has come with an established orchard and woodshed stacked high with bottles of scrumpy, generously left by the vendors. After much sampling of said scrumpy, Lord Muck decided around 3am Sunday morning that, in order to beat his mate next year, we needed to start making our very own apple brandy.

Hence, his drunken e-bay spending spree on all these bloody trees and the apple press and the pot still I nearly broke my neck on. To make matters worse, whilst he disappeared to experiment with his new toys and facetime Lord Broomhall to discuss whether we would be allowed to call our home brew ‘Cheshire Calvados’, apparently it was my job to get digging and plant out the trees. Just what my hen weekend hangover needed.

Anyway, despite his seeming madness, this time of year actually is a great time to plant fruit trees.

Whether you fancy making scrumpy or brandy, or perhaps, like me, you just like scoffing home grown apple crumble and custard, why not think about planting one?

By Catherine Saunders. Follow Lady Muck on Twitter @ladyMuckStyle 50

Planting bare root fruit trees now gives them time to settle in before the growing season. Choose a sheltered, well drained site in ground that never gets too dry and when you’ve dug your large hole, mix in plenty of well-rotted manure/compost before planting. Place a stake in the hole, plant your new tree, back fill with soil and compost, and firm in before watering well. and if you find apple trees hard to come by, do call round. i’ll give you one of ours. We do seem to have rather a lot.

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diNiNg guidE toNdori royALE Burnage

Zouk diNiNg Manchester

CoMptoir LiBANAis Spinningfields

Zouk has just had a £1 million facelift and the addition of the Sheesha Lounge and terrace has certainly made it one of the new ‘go to’ destinations in Manchester for a great night out. We arrived on a Thursday night and the terrace was full, as was the restaurant and the mezzanine was buzzing with a party of 30 diners.

We couldn’t have had a warmer welcome and despite being obviously very busy we felt very well looked after. I am no expert in Indian food so they took time to explain the menu to me. I couldn’t decide on one starter so they brought us a selection to try. I can highly recommend the Lamb Chilo, thinly sliced lamb in a delicious marinade that just melted in the mouth!

We thoroughly enjoyed our choice of steak and the lamb special. Its location means that it is perfect for pre-theatre dinner and drinks, so I will definitely be returning to take advantage of their special pre-theatre menu.

Comptoir Libanais is opening its first restaurant outside of London at Spinningfields at the beginning of November.

Opening on The Avenue, Comptoir Libanais, which means ‘Lebanese counter’, will offer casual all day dining in a relaxed, authentic setting.

Breakfasts will include light dishes such as orange blossom & pomegranate porridge, organic yoghurt with granola; halloumi and mint croissants alongside cooked Lebanese breakfasts with Armenian sausage and sumac dusted fried egg.

Established in 1980 and now celebrating 35 years of serving delicious Indian cuisine.

Tondori Royale is famed for its authentic tandoori fish.

For lunch, afternoon and dinner the menu offers a large selection of hot and cold mezze – perfect for sharing, wraps, salads, tagines, charcoal grills and Mana’esh (Lebanese style flat breads) as well as selection of baklawa – sweet Lebanese pastries in a variety of flavours - perfect with traditional rose mint tea or barista coffee. There will also be a separate Mezze Bar, a lounge-style bar area where guests can enjoy and share a selection of mezze, cocktails, large selection of Lebanese wines, craft beer and homemade lemonades in a relaxed environment. The souk will also sell Comptoir’s own collection of homeware and crockery alongside cookbooks, baklawa and handwoven bags, all enabling guests to take away a bit of Comptoir with them.

Recognised by both The Manchester Food and Drink Guide and The Good Curry Guide for dishes such as Kurzi Lamb, a whole lamb leg marinated in chef’s special recipe and served with a mince meat sauce. Serves four but does require at least 24 hours notice.

Fancy something different? Tondori Royale now serves Indian street food. Pop in for great street food like vegetable dosas, aloo tikki, and dhal puri and all for a great price of £3.95 Free delivery on orders over £15 (3 mile radius) www. tondoriroyale.co.uk 682/4 Burnage Lane | Burnage Manchester M19 1NA

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

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GREAT FOOD DESERVES THE GRANDEST OF SETTINGS

Now open, a mouthwatering mix of restaurants in a stunning Edwardian venue. cornexchangemanchester.co.uk

With W ith ssuch uch a diverse diverse m mix ix o off restaurants restaurants u under nder o one ne rroof, oof, T The he C Corn orn E Exchange xchange is Manchester’s is Manchester’s n new ew home home ffor or lovers lovers o off great great food. food. T The he o original, riginal, magnificent magnificent g glass lass dome d ome fills fills the the interior interior with with natural natural light, light, whilst whilst e each ach o off the the three three sides sides o offer ffer something something ttotally otally u unique. nique. S Satisfying atisfying tthose hose looking looking ffor or a truly truly iindividual ndividual and and iinimitable nimitable d dining ining e experience. xperience.

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ZOUk TEABAR AND GRILL BROTHERS IN ARMS SHARE THEIR DUAL VISION OF THE ORIENT AND ITS UNIQUE FLAVOURS

Brothers successfully working together, or not, as it sometimes transpires, have a particular resonance in the public mind: think of our very own Gallaghers, forever blue, and the red Nevilles, plus many others, such as the Wright brothers and the Kennedys, all of them brothers in dual pursuit of a single shared goal. Tayub and Mudassar Amjad, separated in age by a year, share many of the qualities and characteristics of their illustrious fraternal partnerships and, like them, prove the old adage that two heads are most definitely better than one.

Born in Bradford, Tayub and Mudassar are the first generation of their family to be born in the UK. Along with many others, their grandfather made the journey in 1958 from Lahore, Pakistan, to Bradford to work in the textile mills.

He was amongst that cohort of new arrivals from the Commonwealth that realised early on that they were here to stay and so he worked hard to succeed in his new homeland. His son, the brothers’ father, was eight years old when they arrived in Yorkshire and spoke no English at all, but his father enabled his rapid assimilation by making him stay outdoors and play football with the local kids. He, too, shared his father’s work ethic and, after a university education, embarked on a successful career as a restaurateur and, most importantly, achieved, in Tayub’s words, fully fledged status as a Yorkshireman!

The brothers, in turn, were similarly encouraged to work hard for success and though their father was keen for them to join him in his restaurant they were allowed the freedom to make their own life choices. Neither of them wanted to work in the restaurant business and so off they went to university; Tayub to study mathematics and Mudassar computer science.

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill Unit 5, The Quadrangle Chester Street, Manchester M1 5QS Tel: 0161 2331 090 Visit zoukteabar.co.uk for more information 60

Tayub’s subsequent brief encounter with finance was long enough for him to realise that it wouldn’t be a labour of love and he was astute enough to recognise that staying there could lead to all sorts of regrets at the end of his working life. He resigned his position and set about changing course.

Mudassar, fresh out of university, had not settled into any meaningful career either, but a love of travel had ignited a passion for food and his flair for creating new dishes.

It was whilst together on a family holiday that their business and culinary ambitions were transformed into the vision that became Zouk. Advice and support from their family merely reaffirmed their joint epiphany as the brothers entered together into the arena that they had been steeped in since childhood. The realisation that they actually did love being in, and around, restaurants made their next step a relatively simple one, but it was their shared vision for new sensations in taste and the dining experience that would really excite inspiration in them. They have always been close but, as with all siblings, rivalry and disagreements have played their parts, too.

They are very different individuals, though, and it’s those very same differences that make them such an effective team. Tayub, the pragmatic realist, co-ordinating strategy and managing the practical aspects of the business, and Mudassar, the creative director and chief imaginer of Zouk, crucially share the same passion for providing a uniquely vibrant dining experience in a lively and fun atmosphere.

One brother without the other might be satisfactory but together they create something extraordinary.

Bradford provided the launch pad for their first hugely successful Zouk in 2006, and now Manchester hosts their flagship restaurant. Its open kitchen provides not only theatre and spectacle but mouth wateringly delicious dishes, all flavoured by the brothers’ globe-trotting experiences.

The Indian sub-continent is, as you would expect, at the heart of their menu but the brothers’ willingness to experiment and regenerate familiar classics gives Zouk its startling differences in taste and texture. The Zouk ethos is carried throughout: from the front of house service to the restaurant’s vibrant contemporary design and right through to the award winning kitchen and its chefs runs a dedication to creating a unique dining experience. Their commitment to making anew the great cuisine of south Asia extends to their establishment of The Zouk Cookery School at the restaurant, and innovative forays into festivals like Glastonbury with Zouk street food stalls. They also support an apprenticeship scheme for two trainees per year from Manchester College to develop and extend their curry making skills. With Mudassar’s creative flair and Tayub’s dynamic management, Zouk is well on the way to becoming the city’s go-to destination for fabulously delicious south Asian food served in a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

By Mark Kureishy

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FOOD & DRINK

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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.

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FOOD & DRINK

Exceptional food, fine wines, luxury accommodation and a city centre location make for the ideal party venue

PRIVATE PARTIES AT ABODE MANCHESTER Three course menus available from

£35.00 per person

Room hire waived for parties of 8 or more For more details on available menus and to help create your perfect fine dining event please call 0161 885 5075 or email events@abodemanchester.co.uk

Throughout Xmas

CHRI STMAS @

Bespoke Christmas Menu 2-Course Lunch £19.95 3-Course Dinner £29.95 With half price selected champagne and Live Music during Festive Party Nights

This Christmas when you step inside Chalk Bar & Grill, you will be entering Didsbury’s very own winter wonderland. Fairy lights, the scent of mulled wine and the sound of Christmas carols will mix with our very own Santa’s Grotto to create a truly festive feeling.

Christmas at Chalk will get underway on November 27th when we launch our specially crafted Christmas menus, served up at the hands of our Michelin Star trained chefs, using the very best local ingredients.

Roast Chestnut & Parsnip Soup, Butter Roast Turkey Breast and Chalk’s Christmas Pudding, is just a taster of the mouth watering dishes we will be serving. Celebrate from £19.95 at lunchtime, and £29.95 in the evening – with half price selected champagne, of course. Manchester’s best live acts will be performing on our Festive Party Nights – don’t forget we have the latest license in Didsbury!

Celebrate with us on Christmas Eve, when we will be open late and serving our delicious cocktails at HALF PRICE, and on New Year’s Eve with a bespoke crafted menu.

And the offers don’t end there as we will be continuing to say thank you with 50% off food throughout January.

chalkbar.co.uk

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0161 445 1042

/chalkbarandgrill

Xmas Eve

Open late and serving our delicious half price cocktails

Boxing Day New Year’s Day

A traditional Buck’s Fizz & Breakfast, served daily 11am - 2pm

New Year’s Eve

Early Dining: 4-course meal for £45 Late Dining: 5-course meal for £55 Midnight: Pulled Pork & Brioche bun and complimentary fizz

@chalkbargrill

CARNE ARGENTINA UNICA

OPEN 9TH OCT OBER R OCTOBER

HELLO DIDSBURY

BUENOS AIRES RESTAURANT & BAR

CAU DIDSBUR CAU DIDSBURY RY 700 WILMSL OW RO AD WILMSLOW ROAD MANCHESTER R M20 2DN C ALL US: 0161 448 1883 CALL DIDSBUR Y@CAUREST TAURANTS.CO OM DIDSBURY@CAURESTAURANTS.COM

/ /CAURESTAURANTS CAUREST TAURANTS A @C @CAUDIDSBURY AUDIDSBURY CAURESTAURANTS.COM C AUREST TAURANTS.C COM

C E L E B R AT E . . .

B A L L ROOM F OR UP TO 250 GUESTS W EDD I NG S

CHA RITY E V E NTS

G RA DUATION B A LL S A ND PRO MS FA MI LY CE L E B R AT I O N S G A L A B A LL

WITH A STYLISH EVENT EVENT PACKAGES FROM ÂŁ21 PER PERSON

RADISSON BLU HOTEL MANCHESTER AIRPORT Chicago Avenue, M90 3RA Manchester, United Kingdom T: +44 161 490 5000 reservations.manchester@radissonblu.com radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-manchesterairport Based on 2 course menu. Prices are per person. Bedrooms and drinks not included. Subject to availability.

TA B L E F O R T W O … ...with Alan Jenkinson, at Pasha, Withington Didsbury based bespoke cabinet maker and joiner extraordinaire, Alan Jenkinson, epitomises the old adage of still waters running deep, as I discovered over a delicious lunch at Manchester’s newest and finest Middle Eastern restaurant, Pasha.

Owner Tewfik Ouanes, long a distinguished presence in the local restaurant scene, welcomed us into his newest venture. As we ate our exquisite hot and cold mezze, Alan revealed how his journey from Rotherham to London, via squats, the Sex Pistols and Mad Man-like excesses of the advertising world led to him becoming a quiet and assuming worker of wood in Manchester.

Alan was born and raised in Rawmarsh, near Rotherham, where going down the pit or into the steel works were the only two options for school leavers. Alan was determined, however, with support from his parents, to avoid both fates. His secondary modern school, which overlooked the mine’s slag heaps, offered little encouragement but he did have a flair for art and woodwork.

Lacking any idea how to transform that into a career, a chance sighting of an old school friend, carrying an art portfolio under his arm, inspired him to find out more.

His kindly Art teacher encouraged him to apply to Rotherham School of Art and Technology, which he duly did.

This opened the door to a wider and more expansive view than he’d ever experienced in his narrow village.

We paused as Tewfik brought along our main courses. Of especial note were the delicious Pasha tiger prawns and the traditional Saudi dish, lamb kabsah rice.

Alan’s latent creativity flourished at college and he specialised in producing woodblocks for printing. From there he went, in the early 1970s, to the London School of Printing at Elephant and Castle. These were the days of student grants and though he was living on very little, Alan loved his time in the capital.

Passing through a series of squats in Stockwell and Clapham, which was common in the London of the mid-70s, he relished exposure to people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Working for a number of advertising agencies, Alan enjoyed the advantages of the period and the place. Amongst his notable experiences was seeing the Sex Pistols at one of their early and unheralded gigs; he was, I’m happy to report, suitably blown away by them!

Moving to Manchester brought continued success in the advertising world, but the digital era was approaching and, along with the collapse of his marriage, Alan was becoming more distanced from the creative element of his work.

A Buddhist retreat would provide some salvation: after escaping for cigarettes and alcohol on the beach, Alan briefly encountered Alison; they fled soon after and have remained together ever since.

With two young children, Alan wanted flexibility to be with his family and so made the break from his past.

His woodworking creativity remains though and, as we devoured Pasha’s halawiyat, their selection of Arabic sweets, he explained that creating something out of wood was always what he loved most about his job.

Now working with his brother, a professional joiner, they produce bespoke furniture that is testimony to their creative gifts and experience. His creativity kept him out of the pit and the foundry and continues to inspire him to this day.

Contact Alan for your bespoke furniture or joinery requirements at 07809 426403 aljenksdesign@gmail.com Pasha Restaurant Wilmslow Rd Withington M20 4BA E-mail: info@pasha-restaurant.com Phone: 0161 445 1196

By Mark Kureishy

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FOOD & DRINK

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Your wedding is second nature

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

2IZIV RIIHMRK XS JIIP XLI TVIWWYVIW SJ FIMRK XLI FVMHI XS FI -X´W EFSYX ¾ SEXMRK EGVSWW E WIE SJ GEPQ EW consummate professionals handle each and every detail before your very eyes.

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.

IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AFTER A SEPARATION win champagne and cocktails at the fitzgerald!

e number of divorce petitions issued in January are higher than in any other month of the year and solicitors are now calling the first trading Monday of the year ‘Divorce Day’. is doesn’t mean that you should have to endure the stresses and strains of maintaining the happy family façade during the festive season.

Enter our prize with The Fitzgerald and you could win a private booth* with drinks ‘Gatsby Style’ for you and five friends….

~ Manchester’s best speakeasy, The Fitzgerald offers private booths, an electro jazz playlist and the best cocktails in town. A true hidden gem, and the perfect place to party in style this Christmas.

~ For something different, why not head back to the 1920s and the American prohibition era with our themed and informative masterclass – perfect for high class ladies and gentlemen with a more discerning taste.

For the full Christmas line-up including 1920’s style private parties, booth hire and the Great Gatsby NYE Party see www.thefitzgeraldnq.co.uk or contact jos@markandrewdevelopments.com

To enter the competition tell us what our playlist is!

Email your answer to winner@salutions.co.uk with ϐ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ͻͻ ǡ ǡ ʹͲ ͵ Ǥ ͵ͳ ʹͲͳͷǤ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ ȗ ͸ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ ʹ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ

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You might be worried about separating before the festive season, as you believe that your children might be affected by your decision. If, however, you decide to end your marriage in an amicable way and choose a solicitor who will assist you in bringing your marriage to a conclusion whilst putting your interests first, then there is no reason why you should wait. A solicitor who can work with you to bring an end to your marriage whilst achieving your goals could ease the burden upon you and your family to ensure that you can all still have a merry Christmas.

If you are already contemplating divorce and are worried about the process and what’s involved or are simply seeking advice to protect your assets on divorce, then speak to one of our team of family solicitors who specialise in a wide range of family matters. Our team includes Resolution Accredited specialists, Children Panel members and e Made in Manchester Lawyer of the Year award winner 2015.

fitzgeraldMCR

www.thefitzgeraldnq.co.uk

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Maintaining the pretence of a blissful partnership during the holidays may ultimately place additional pressure on you and your family, and may even cause more damage to an already fractured partnership in the event that you have decided to part ways.

www.wtbsolicitors.com 601 Stockport Road, Manchester M13 0RX 0161 885 5065

THE SAFE DEPOSIT CENTRE MANCHESTER Where Security and Peace of Mind can be Found The recent audacious raid on a Hatton Garden safe depositoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vault earlier this year was an alarming reminder that not all safe deposits are the same. It was especially shocking for the 73 depositors who lost millions of pounds worth of jewellery from a safe deposit vault that they had believed to be secure. Clearly it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, but in this age of advanced hi-tech security solutions peace of mind can be found and, more to the point, your valuable possessions can be secured.

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They’re all located in the city centre, which compromises security when accessing the premises; the journey from parked car to the front door of these facilities, with valuables in your possession, is almost entirely beyond the control of any security system.

The Safe Deposit Centre Manchester is about as far removed from the burgled Hatton Garden vault in terms of security solutions and certified safety ratings as it is in distance.

Designed and built by the UK’s leading security solutions company, Associated Security Solutions Limited, the Safe Deposit Centre Manchester represents the highest level of security that exists in Europe.

There is no safe deposit centre, nor vault, anywhere in the north of this country that is more secure than the Safe Deposit Centre Manchester’s facilities and solutions. And that’s official!

Associated Security Solutions began life in 1945 as JS Sporston, an Ancoats based locksmiths, and their evolution into safe manufacturers and suppliers of other key security services is testament to their success. They know what they’re doing and they’ve been doing it successfully for a very long time.

Previously, there were many banks and independent financial houses to store your valuables away; today finds that market drastically reduced. As all the banks, bar one, have abandoned this service, it has left a city of Manchester’s size with only a handful of safe deposit facilities.

With unlimited free access to your valuables during opening hours and free, secure onsite parking, the centre really is the safest and most convenient place to secure your valuable possessions.

We live in relatively insecure times and peace of mind becomes ever more Conveniently located on the city’s inner elusive and less affordable but if you’re ring road and with its own secure car looking to secure your possessions – park, the Safe Deposit Centre Manchester precious mementos, jewellery, eliminates that particular problem and documents or money – then the Safe access to the building is many times Deposit Centre Manchester go a long more secure than any of the alternatives. way to providing the reassurance and security that you’ll expect and demand.

Gaining entry in to the building, and then on into the vault, utilises the most modern and advanced security systems that technology currently provides. The Centre’s staff have all been thoroughly vetted for credit worthiness and enhanced DBS checks (previously known as CRB) and the Safe Deposit Centre Manchester carries out these stringent checks on a monthly basis.

The vault itself has the highest industry grading of 10 and has been approved by the Metropolitan Police.

The biometric finger print scanning system, combined with the highest graded vault, is only offered by the Safe Deposit Centre Manchester.

The technology employed at this centre and its subsequent provision of the highest possible industry security ratings, is unique outside of London.

Indeed, the capital itself possesses only two or three centres with an equivalent security profile to the Safe Deposit Centre’s. Quite simply, The Safe Deposit Centre Manchester is the safest place to secure your valuable possessions.

With over 5,500 safe deposit boxes and six safes, which are also maximum grading of 7, the centre is the largest in the north, allowing for a wide range of deposit box options and extremely competitive pricing levels, which start from as low as £50. Alternative safe deposit centres simply cannot compete on price or value for money with the Safe Deposit Centre Manchester.

Call Holly Hulston for the reassurance you’re seeking.

T: 0161 273 7487 E: info@thesafedepositcentre.co.uk Safe Deposit Centre Victoria House, Great Ancoats Street Manchester M4 7DB Opening Times Monday - Friday: 8am - 6pm Saturday: 9.30am - 1.30pm Sunday: 12pm - 3pm Private Appointments available upon request.

Free Onsite Parking

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AskTheExperts I want to sell my house but haven’t yet found one to buy. Should I put it on the market anyway?

With housing stock in short supply, the chances of being able to secure a purchase without being on the market are remote at best. You need to ‘take the plunge’, which gives you the ability to hold out for Ben Foster from the right price and find a buyer who Julian Wadden Estate will give you time to move.

Agents in Didsbury Reformer Pilates - What is it?

Invented by Pilates founder, Joseph Pilates, the Reformer is one of the most recognised pieces of Pilates equipment. Recognised universally for its dramatic look: an eight foot long framed bed with a sliding carriage, springs and pulleys, the Reformer’s effect on the body is equally dramatic. It creates Catherine Hebb and strength, length and balance to Laura Pettener from name just a few of its benefits!

Runway Pilates, a dynamic and fast-paced Pilates Vs Yoga Pilates company If you think of yoga as being the delivering unforgettable wise older practice, then Pilates is Reformer Pilates in its hip younger sibling. Pilates Altrincham. teaches you to work from the inside out, aligning your muscles correctly to prevent injury and improve posture. Yoga, which is more spiritual, has its own benefits focusing

Emma Harris from After Adoption a voluntary adoption agency to help all those affected by adoption. From placing children with adoptive parents to supporting birth families and reuniting families separated through adoption.

I thought you could only adopt through your local council. What do voluntary adoption agencies do?

You can choose to adopt through a voluntary adoption agency, such as the Families that Last service at After Adoption, or through a local authority. All are classed as adoption agencies and use the same assessment process, which is set out by the Government. It’s worth contacting a few agencies to see who you feel most comfortable with. Issues and differences can be around the ages of the children that the agency is family finding for, as well as things like post-adoption support, which is a really important consideration in the long term.

Should I wait for spring as its the best time to sell?

Many savvy homeowners have discovered that coming to the market before spring, when there is a lack of competition, will enable them to benefit from higher demand and a better price. Autumn is a great time to sell, with buyers wanting to secure a home before Christmas, even if a moving date is agreed for the New Year.

What differentiates good estate agents from bad?

Fundamentally, many agents make the mistake of forgetting who they work for - the Seller. Ask your agent about their marketing, how much feedback they provide and check that they don’t cut corners for a quick sale rather than negotiating the best price.

on broader muscle groups. Both practices can complement each other; however, there is a lot less chanting and ‘OM’-ing going on in our Pilates classes!

timetable and all based in our state of the art Reformer Studio, right on your doorstep in Goose Green, Altrincham.

My gym offers Pilates classes; what’s the difference?

Most importantly we have the experience and the equipment.

Our Reformers are the Ferraris of the Pilates world and we have ten in our studio. We have been taught by the top Pilates associations in the country, Body Control and STOTT, and have a combination of over ten years teaching experience. Plus, we are hugely passionate about Pilates, which shows when we teach! In addition, we have amazing class programmes targeting specific body/posture types, a flexible How do you get approved to adopt?

All agencies will run a two stage process, which shouldn’t take more than six months. At Families that Last we also look to speed up assessments if people already have childcare experience or have completed some e-learning. The process will include mandatory checks such as a medical with your own GP and personal references. You’ll also talk to a social worker about your own upbringing and your strengths and weaknesses; to better help them start thinking about the best match for you. You’ll then meet an independent panel who will decide whether you should be approved, but if there are any concerns, they’ll be addressed as you go through the assessment.

Who is Pilates good for?

You, me, everybody. Runway Pilates aims to change the way Pilates is offered by focusing on specific body issues to an all-round hard core workout for all standards.

From beginners to intermediate and advanced, we’ll challenge you to work hard in a safe and fun environment.

A range of specialist classes are available for those with back care issues; pre & post-natal; sports specific training i.e. golf, tennis, running & cycling, and Active Ageing through to Teens. From age 14 – 80 you can start and begin to feel the benefits of Reformer Pilates.

Can single people adopt?

Absolutely. We’ve approved lots of single people who have started their family through adoption.

We find many people think they won’t be eligible to adopt for various reasons, but we try to rule people in, not out. There’s no upper age limit, you don’t have to own your own home, and medical issues won’t often be a barrier to adopting.

We’d always advise anyone thinking about adopting to get in touch or come along to a local event where you can have an informal chat and think about starting your adoption journey.

The advice given by our experts is in no way intended to replace professional advice and is only a guideline in response to individual reader comments.

Unfortunately, due to a high volume of queries, our experts are unable to engage in any direct correspondence.

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InherItance tax

The long awaited change or pledge by the conservative Government to raise the future inheritance tax band to £1million was finally delivered by George Osborne in the emergency budget 2015.

What’s changed? As with every headline this welcomed rise is not as simple as it initially seemed! The proposal is that the current £325,000 Nil rate band will rise over time to £500,000 per parent, but this overall allowance will not be fully effective until 2021. It also only works if you gift your main residence directly to your children or grandchildren. To qualify for the total additional allowance your property also needs to have a valuation greater than £350,000. For those estates over £2million in value this new additional allowance will be gradually withdrawn.

To most of the population of the UK, this £350,000 level of property value may seem eye watering. However, for the majority of long term home owners in Hale, (where prices are akin to London), many could potentially benefit.

So what now? When rules are altered, it is imperative to assess the general impact, but also assess if these changes have had any material effect on your previously adopted strategies. Of course, these new allowances may potentially benefit a great many estates; however my fear is as rules become more complicated many estates could conversely end up paying more inheritance tax.

Kellands Chartered Financial Planners provide a full, independent advisory service, for private & corporate clients: on tax planning, investments, pensions & mortgages. Please call the team on 0161 929 8838.

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUCE OUR HALE OFFICE IS NOW COMPLETE.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO POP IN ANYTIME

By failing to seek advice or plan in this area it is easy to misinterpret both the rules and any impact this tax could potentially have on your estate. With good financial planning Inheritance tax may be avoided.

As INDEPENDENT Chartered Financial planners and Inheritance tax specialists we often advise on strategies beyond the more traditional inheritance tax planning solutions. Kellands can help you to fully understand your personal financial situation, financial planning goals and attitude to risk - extremely important when trying to make the very best choices for your future!

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.

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EDUCATION NEWS LOCAL STUDENTS SECURE A* A LEVEL GRADES The Manchester Grammar School (MGS) is celebrating another year of excellent examination results for its Sixth Form pupils as over a third of all grades were at the coveted A* level and a total 90% of grades were A*-B. No fewer than fourteen boys achieved four A* grades, a truly extraordinary feat, and one boy was awarded five A* grades. 33 boys achieved three or more A* grades, and 59 two or more A*s.

Seven boys from the local area secured a total of 30 A*s and two A’s.

The students included William Beardall and Edmund Derby from Bowdon, Raghul Ravichandran and Aman Mehan from Sale, James Jobling from Hale and Simon Goorney from Altrincham. While Didsbury boys, Anvay Date and Ivan Paul, each achieved four A* grades.

The stunning results come on top of the outstanding performance of MGS boys in the IB Diploma, when pupils averaged more than 37.6 points, with one pupil gaining the highest award of 45 points. This all only confirms the 2013 Independent Schools’ Inspectorate’s judgement that the achievements of pupils at MGS are ‘exceptional’.

“I chose this subject as I have a deep interest in aviation and aeronautics and am looking forward to pursuing a career in the aerospace industry.

Imperial was my first choice as it has good facilities, it’s in a great location and the course is so focused.”

William Beardall, 18, who is originally from Texas, and has secured a place at Imperial to study Biomechanical Engineering, said, “I’m so pleased with my results. I always knew I wanted to have a career in engineering and when I looked at the different disciplines at Imperial, biomechanical engineering was the one that really stood out for me.”

Simon Goorney, from Altrincham, secured four A*s and has gained a place at Cambridge to study Natural Sciences.

He said, “Science has always been a passion of mine. I have dyspraxia, which affects my handwriting but the school supported me throughout and provided one-to-one sessions, which was really helpful.”

Oxford and Cambridge offered places to 33 MGS boys; these are just two of the many Russell Group universities to which MGS boys will be heading this autumn. Others include Imperial, UCL, LSE, Durham, Warwick, York, KCL, Manchester, Nottingham and Leeds.

The AS results were also particularly strong, which bodes well for the students’ university applications next year.

18-year-old Raghul secured four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physicsand will now read aeronautical engineering at Imperial. He said, 77

EDUCATION

Alderley Girls have the Edge

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

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

Senior School Open Evening Thursday 8 October, 7.00pm–8.30pm Whole School Open Morning (Early Years through to Sixth Form) Saturday 10 October, 10.00am–12.30pm Sixth Form Information Evening Wednesday 4 November, 6.00pm–8.45pm Visit www.aesg.co.uk or call 01625 583028 for more information.

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 Open Morning Saturday 14th November 2015, 10am - 12pm Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 4th November 2015, 7 - 9pm Entrance Exam Wednesday 13th January 2016 School day tours also available

Inspiring your Child Tel: 0161 456 9000 78

www.stockp portgrammar.co.uk r.co.uk

EDUCATION NEWS

A LEVEL RESULTS

STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL The Upper Sixth at Stockport Grammar School celebrated as they collected their A Level results, with a 100% pass rate and over 96% of results awarded at A* to C, and over 84% at A* to B. 38 pupils have been awarded all A or A* grades, with seven pupils achieving three A*s. Their excellent results will see them heading for courses at the country’s most competitive institutions.

Jaina Mistry and Ellen Downs

2 A*s and an A mean that Ellen Downs from Bramhall will be studying Medicine at Sheffield University. Alongside working hard in class and achieving gold in the National Biology Olympiad, Ellen has attended the school’s climbing club, winning bronze at the recent Manchester Schools Climbing competition.

Christian Anderson

A keen cross-country runner, Ellen came first in the Greater Manchester County Cross Country Championships at the beginning of the year and also placed first in both her races (800 and 1500m) at the UK Youth Development U17/U20 League Division North West competition in June.

Lewis Higgins, Animit Kulkarni and Adit Kulkarni

Christian Anderson from Sale says he is excited to be going to Liverpool University to study Medicine. Three A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics have secured his place and although Christian isn’t sure yet which area of medicine he would like to specialise in, oncology has a particular interest because of the “mystery behind why cancer is so deadly.”

Lewis Higgins, from Offerton, and Johnathan Brady, from Withington, both joined Stockport Grammar in the Lower Sixth, and have attained 3 A*s in Maths, Further Maths and Physics.

Lewis and Johnathan are now also about to start the same course, Physics at Manchester University.

ABBEY COLLEGE Hale resident and Abbey College Manchester student, Rahul Chopra, is celebrating a fantastic achievement having passed his A-Levels with B, A, C in Business Studies, Economics and Geography, and will now go on to study International Business at the University of Liverpool.

Said Rahul, “These subjects take a lot of dedication and it is great to see it has paid off. I am ecstatic with the results and looking forward to starting University.

“Abbey College Manchester has been instrumental in helping me to achieve my goals and I will miss it, as well as all the great friends I have made there.”

The college has had another exceptional year and has recorded an incredible 84% of students achieving grades A* to C, with 33% reaching A* or A grade and an impressive overall pass rate of 99%.

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“Sports teach discipline and commitment, they challenge and build character for everything you do in life.”

Howie Long

2015 OPEN DAYS

Sixth Form

Senior School

For girls aged 16+ Thursday 15th October 6.00 to 8.00pm

For girls aged 11-18 Thursday 5th November 4.30pm to 6.30pm Saturday 7th November 10.00am to 12noon

NEW PURPOSE-BUILT, EXPANDED JUNIOR SCHOOL OPENED SEPTEMBER 2015 Additional classes for girls in Years 5 & 6

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

Junior School For girls aged 7-11 Thursday 5th November 4.30pm to 6.30pm Saturday 7th November 10am to 12noon

wgs.org

Means -tested bursaries now available from Year 5 upwards

A LEVEL RESULTS WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL A* grades, with five achieving four A* grades and one student gaining five A* grades.

Head Mrs Sue Marks with A level students

Withington Girls’ School is celebrating a set of outstanding A level results across the board, reinforcing the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s judgment that the girls‘ achievements are ‘exceptional’.

All A level examinations were passed, with an impressive 37% of all subjects achieving the top A* grade. Over half the year group (43 girls) passed all their examinations with all A* or A grades, and 14 students gained three or more

Contrary to the national trend this year of a decline in top grades in STEM subjects, Withington students enjoyed outstanding success in the core STEM subjects (including Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics), which have been identified by the Government as vital to the country’s future economy.

These STEM subjects accounted for over a half of all A levels entered this year at Withington and, in these subjects, 45% of results were at A*, 82% at A* or A and 92% at A*, A or B. These exceptionally high achievements in the rigorous academic ‘facilitating’ subjects offered at A Level underpin the

Celebrating from left to right are: Penny Jones, Jessica Quirke, Ellie Stonehouse and Eugenie Yen

year-on-year success of Withington students in gaining places at their chosen universities. Almost all girls have gained admission to their first choice university and degree course, including 11 girls who will now take up their places at Oxford or Cambridge.

Destinations this year include Oxford (five) and Cambridge (six), as well as Durham, Bristol, London (LSE, UCL and KCL), Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham.

The girls’ chosen degree courses include medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, English, modern foreign languages, music, graphic design, criminology, mathematics, natural sciences, chemistry, physics, economics, politics, psychology, history and, geography.

ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Amy Powell & Head Girl Aquiel Brittain-Dissont

Alderley Edge School for Girls is once again celebrating the success of its students, this time at A level. Following on from the outstanding Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection in February this year, where all categories were graded as ‘excellent’, the girls did themselves proud with fabulous results across the whole range of subjects. Over a third of all grades were A* or A, and over 90% of all grades were A* to C. Yet again, the overall pass rate at A level was 100%.

Particular congratulations to Gemma Francis, who confirmed her place at Oxford University to read Material Science; Amy Powell who gained her place at Medical School in Birmingham and Kate Irving at Liverpool to read Veterinary Science. Phoebe Lloyd gained two A*s and one A grade and will now read Economics at LSE. A fifth of all the girls gained straight A* or A grades.

Over 90% of the students are taking up places at their first choice of university, to study courses including Linguistics, Microbiology, Medicine, Law, Psychology, Modern Languages, Marketing, Fashion, English, Real Estate, Business, Physics, Chemistry and History. In addition, several girls have chosen work placements, including Ella Ferns at the Bank of New York in London and Ella Mitchell at Bentley Motors.

Anne-Marie Whiteley & Kate Irving

Top: Arabella Adamson, Justine Mullan Redwood.

Bottom: Sarah Connor, Bria Keely, Annabel Smith

Head Girl Aquiel Brittain-Dissont and Deputy Head Girl Megan Payne

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EDUCATION

77%

GAINED A*-A VEL AT A LEV IN 2015

VALUE ADDED ON AVERAGE OF OVER HALF A GRADE PER SUBJEC T, SUBJECT, PER PUPIL A ATT A LEVEL JUNIOR SCHOOL A AVERAGE C CLASS SIZE

95%

OF A LEVEL STUDENTS GAINED A*-B GRADES IN 2015

86 6%

OF STUDENTS GAIN NED A PLACE AT THEIR FIRST CHOICE UNIV VERSITY DESTINATION

A WIDE VARIETY OF ENRICH HMENT ACTIVITIES

COME & EXPLORE EXPLO ORE Visit ww www.grange.org.uk w.grange.org..uk to find out mo more re or ca callll 01606 77447 7(Junior SSchool) chool) or 01606 74007(Se (Senior enior SSchool) chool)

22

OPEN MORN IN

NG GSS 2015 Senior or Scho hoo oll & Si S xth Fo Forrm m 9am to to 1p pm m SSaaturd rday ay 26th SSeep ptteem mber Junior Sc Sch ho oo o oll 10am to to 1p pm m Sa Saturd rday ay 7 th N No ovveember

THE GRANGE SCHOOL Reaching new heights Despite a small drop in the number of top A Level grades across the country, Sixth Form students at The Grange School have once again bucked the national trendâ&#x20AC;Ś and in spectacular fashion! Results at the Cheshire school have hit yet another high, conďŹ rming its position as one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very best performing schools. Of all grades awarded 95% gained a grade B or better, with 77% of the total entry rated at either A or A*. No fewer than 56 out of the cohortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 86 students achieved three A grades or better, with nine earning at least three A* grades. Results in the Extended Project QualiďŹ cation (the merits of which have received much attention in the press recently) were just as impressive: 93% of projects submitted were awarded an A*. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These wonderful results will stand them in very good stead for the future, as they represent for the vast majority achievement beyond their measured potential and are the fruits of developed habits of hard work, self belief and self regulation. We are delighted to unleash them upon the world and know that they will thrive!â&#x20AC;?

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

for Boys and Girls aged 3-11 years Average Class Size - 14 Pupils or Fewer Sibling Discounts Care Available 8am - 5.30pm Nursery Grant/Childcare Vouchers Accepted 100% Grammar School Entry at Age 11

To request a prospectus or book a personal tour call 0161 432 0532 email office@stellamarisschool.co.uk or visit www.StellaMarisSchool.co.uk

STELLA MARIS SCHOOL

6W -RKQÂśV 5RDG +HDWRQ 0HUVH\ 6WRFNSRUW 6. %5 Registered Charitable Trust Number 505848

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EDUCATION NEWS

Best ever A level results in the history of MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

KATHARINE TAYLOR FIVE A STARS

Manchester High School for Girls’ 2015 A level cohort has made history achieving the most successful set of examination results in the school’s 141 year existence.

78% of grades at Manchester’s oldest girls’ school were the sought-after A* or A, with 98% of all grades attained in the A* to B range.

This remarkable achievement comes just weeks after the school announced another superb set of International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results.

Students undertaking the IB qualification at Manchester High scored, on average, 38 points, putting them way ahead of the average global score of just 30 points. Indeed, a third of students who opted to take the IB Diploma at Manchester High made it into the top 3% of IB results worldwide.

Twins Vanessa and Kathy Cheung from Didsbury celebrate four A*s and three A grades between them. Vanessa will now study Mathematics and Economics at LSE (London School of Economics) and Kathy will study Management at the same institution.

Katharine Taylor from Alderley Edge secured five A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics, and will now study Natural Sciences (Biological) at the University of Cambridge.

TWINS VANESSA AND KATHY CHEUNG ACHIEVE 4 A STARS AND 3 AS BETWEEN THEM

Inspirational Gambian Educators visit The Grange School

The Grange School was delighted to host Mr Alagi Bojang and Mr Wuyeh Njie, two inspirational educators from The Gambia who are central to the Hartford School’s commitment to supporting education in that country.

Alagi Bojang has allowed and enabled The Grange and its students to play a role in his life’s work: seeing to it that as many of his compatriots in and around the Gambian town of Brikama are provided with an education and, with it, a chance in life. By enabling the Grange School and its students to work with him he has allowed generations of students of the Hartford school to touch thousands of lives in a way that,

in many cases, will have enabled them to pursue careers and lives that they otherwise may not have been able to.

holds down a part-time teaching job at the same time in another school to provide for his own family.

As a young boy Alagi rose very early every morning to work on the fishing boats in his home village in order to earn the money to send himself to school later in the day. What we take for granted, he has committed his life to providing.

However much The Grange School and its students do to support education in The Gambia through fundraising and the hard work of successive generations of students who have travelled to the African country to help to build and furnish classrooms and school facilities, there is no doubt that this investment is repaid many times over through the opportunity to make a positive contribution and the sheer inspiration of figures such as Alagi and Mr Njie.

It was for these remarkable gifts that Alagi was presented with the Day Cup, The Grange’s top honour, during the school’s Prize giving ceremony at Bridgewater Hall recently.

Alagi brought with him another truly inspirational educator in the form of Mr Njie, the Headmaster of the Darul Arkam School. Like Alagi, Mr Njie is utterly dedicated to providing an education for as many children as possible, so much so that he pays his teachers before he pays himself, and

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Manchester High School for Girls An excellent educational experience for girls aged 4-18 Manchester High was placed 8th in The Timesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; A Level ranking nationwide in 2015. Discover what we can oďŹ&#x20AC;er your daughter by visiting our Open Events on any of the following dates: Wed 7 October 6pm - 8.30pm (Senior School only - ages 11-18) Wed 14 October from 3.00pm (by appointment - Sixth Form only) Fri 16 October 10am - 12.30pm (Whole School - ages 4-18) Sat 14 November 9.30am - 12.30pm (Whole School - ages 4-18) Fri 20 November 10am - 12.30pm (Whole School - ages 4-18) Junior and Senior Entrance Examinations Tue 12 January 2016 For more information, please call 0161 224 0447 or visit our website 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

GCSE RESULTS WITHINGTON GIRLS SCHOOL

Withington Girls' School pupils celebrate

Withington Girls’ School’s Year 11 students are celebrating another exceptional set of examination results.

Following hot on the heels of last week’s excellent A Level results from the Withington Sixth Form, the 74 Upper Fifth students achieved the highest grade of A* in an astonishing 67% of all entries.

This is ten times higher than the national award of the A* grade to the top 6.6% of entries.

Over 92% of all GCSE/IGCSE entries were graded A* or A, compared with a national figure of 21.2% of entries.

Over half of the year group - 39 girls -

passed every one of their GCSEs with either A* or A grades, and 47 girls earned 7 or more A* grades. One in eight girls swept the board with straight A* grades in all their subjects.

In many subjects, A* was the average grade achieved, including ICT (99% of entries), Chemistry (95%), Biology (90%), Physics (85%), Mathematics (81%), and Further Mathematics (81%). In Further Mathematics, nearly a third of the 47 entries were awarded the even higher accolade of an A* grade 'with Distinction'. In English, also part of the core curriculum for every pupil, 96% of

passes were at grade A* or A. Nationally, entries for traditional modern foreign languages have fallen significantly this year. Every Withington girl also achieved at least one GCSE in a modern foreign language, with the majority being awarded an A* or A grade: Spanish (95%), French (88%), and German (71%).

The majority of pupils also chose to study at least one humanities subject, where standards were equally high with 100% A* or A grades being achieved in Religious Studies, 90% in Geography and 84% in History.

STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Hannah Hughes, Alex Jones, Francesca Bailey and Asad Raza

After weeks of waiting, GCSE pupils at Stockport Grammar School have opened their exam results to find that their hard work and commitment has brought success. With a third of all grades awarded at A*, forty pupils have gained at least ten A* and A grades, including 14 who have gained ten or more A*s.

Hannah Hughes from Cheadle Hulme is very proud of her 10 A*s and an A, saying, “I had lots of support with revision and organisation. The teachers have kept us motivated and my sister, who is just a year older than me, has helped too.”

Having already undertaken work experience in dentistry, this is a career that Hannah is considering, but in the short term, she says, “I am just looking forward to concentrating on the subjects I really enjoy. Sixth Form life will be exciting!”

Francesca Bailey of Bramhall “worked really hard, but still didn’t expect to achieve” her outstanding 9 A*s and 2 As. A member of the 2015 National Schools

Hockey Championships’ winning side, Francesca loves playing hockey for the school but “really enjoys the academic side too.” The Grade 6 pianist hopes to go on to study Law once she has completed her A Levels in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and French.

Headmaster Andrew Chicken said, “I am very pleased that the girls and boys have gained such excellent results and I hope they and their families will enjoy celebrating their achievements on this special day. Their results are well deserved and I look forward to seeing them progress further and make the most of the many opportunities that lie ahead.”

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EDUCATION

s ie ar le rs ilab Bu va A

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Apply Appl ly now forr september 20 2016 166 Our bid to become a non-selecti non-selective, ive, co-educational FFree ree School has been approved and the new stat status tus is due to take effect from 1 t September 1st S t b 2016 2016.

From that date we will become Nor From North t Cestrian School, part th part of the Hamblin Education Trust, Trust, a multi-academy multi-accademy trust, established

by Altrincham Grammar School for Boys.

The catchment ar ea is all postcodess in WA14 and WA15 and applications area can be made thr ough Trafford‘s Trafford‘s Common Com mmon Application Form. It is important important through you also rregister egister your interest interest on our ouur website so we can keep you informed of developments and monitor numb bers. To To view the full admissions policy numbers. please visit our website.

To find out moree E-mail office@ncgs.co.uk Visit our website at www.northcestrian.co.uk www .northcestrian.co.uk Call 0161 928 1856

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North Cestrian School WHERE INDIVIDUALS THRIVE

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.

“

PEOPLE

JANET MORRIS As it approaches its quarter century, Early Years Nursery School is now officially Outstanding Buzzing beneath husband Jeff’s Manchester Bridge Club, Janet Morris’s nursery ticks every Ofsted box summa cum laude’. Janet’s hands-on leadership is rated ’inspirational’.

Staff never leave — they retire! Ex-pupils, Oxbridge graduates included, stay in touch. And at 6.15 each morning, you’ll find this energetic head teacher pounding the M20 streets.

Its go, go, go!

1991 Opened by Janet Morris and the late Linda Mort, co-authors of 13 educational books. 2003 Janet sole owner.

2015 Ofsted report: ‘Outstanding in All Areas’and ‘Inspirational Leadership’.

After twelve years’ mainstream education, why teach tots?

It’s their innocence, freshness and enthusiasm I love. They hurl themselves bodily into everything from messy play to structured learning.

Even spotting us in Tesco excites them they think we all live at the nursery!

or nag but encourage little ones to grasp the consequences of their actions and learn to make choices. Naturally, problems occur. Behaviour can be affected by moving house, a new baby or tensions at home. If we know, we try to help. And we’re truthful in ways that leave parents feeling OK.

What has changed since 1991?

Our intake’s more multinational, so we celebrate every religion. But parents haven’t altered. Some just want their child to be happy, some prioritise education and others focus on social skills.

What about your staff?

They’re warm, great communicators with clear facial expressions children can easily read and develop ‘eyes in the back of their head’ to cope with our charges’ unpredictability. Above all, everyone is genuine; children suss out fakes instantly.

What are your professional guidelines?

Make no assumptions, remain non-judgemental, avoid complacency, have understanding and give parents time to trust you with their most treasured ‘possession’ - their child.

It’s a partnership. We set the children boundaries. We don’t raise our voices

You must be so proud of your Ofsted results.

Our inspector put us at ease. We’ve gone from 2011’s ‘Good with Outstanding Features‘ to ‘Outstanding in Every Area’. That day, we all sensed Linda looking down on us with great pride. It was wonderful.

Will you expand the nursery?

No. I’m no businesswoman. I’m into families and children and guiding them towards attaining their educational, social and emotional potential.

How do you manage nursery education and parenthood?

I wear both hats and identify with parents’ frustrations. After all, I recall my three adult kids as youngsters running wild round John Lewis. It’s come full circle. 21 year old Ben, who’d snoozed in the nursery corner at one month old, now works here on supply during his university holidays.

And what about bridge, do you play?

Give me tennis, scrabble and backgammon any day!

By Fay Wertheimer

Early Years Nursery School, 30 Palatine Road, Withington, Manchester M20 3JJ Weekdays 8am - 6pm • 13 full & part-time international staff • Intake up to 50 children aged 2-5 • Pescetarian food Phone: 0161 448 1114 • Email: earlyyearsnurseryschool@gmail.com • Website: earlyyearsnurseryschool.co.uk 89

##### ##### ##### ##### ‘A REAL JOY’ THE STAGE

Bill Kenwright presents A NEW PRODUCTION OF

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

‘BRILLIANT’ ‘PERFECTION’ THE MAIL

‘HEAVENLY’

GAZETTE

PORTSMOUTH NEWS

Music by

Lyrics by

RICHARD OSCAR RODGERS HAMMERSTEIN II Book by

HOWARD and RUSSEL LINDSAY CROUSE

For further information please visit

14 DEC - 2 JAN

kenwright.com

0843 208 6000 thelowry.com/Christmas

SoundOfMusicGB

Reviews IIIII

By John Waddington

MUSIC Dean McPhee Fatima’s Hand Fatima’s Hand is West Yorkshire based guitarist Dean McPhee’s second full-length album, and the follow up to 2011’s Son of the Black Peace. It’s a meditative affair, combining influences from Folk, Dub, and Ambient/Drone genres.

McPhee’s sparse, melodic guitar playing has been compared to Vini Reilly, Fripp & Eno and Loren Connors. High praise indeed.

Richard Hawley Hollow Meadows Recorded at Sheffield’s Yellow Arch Studio in spring 2015, Hollow Meadows sees former Longpigs guitarist Hawley return to the classic, sophisticated songwriting and subtle arrangements that made him so widely loved. A truly gifted storyteller, Hawley meditates on such universal themes as ageing, fallibility and relationships, with a dry Northern wit and keen ear for lyrical detail.

FILMS

Julia Holter Have You In My Wilderness Have You

In My Wilderness is Julia Holter’s most intimate album yet, but one that could see her break through to a more mainstream audience. Her follow-up to 2013’s widely celebrated Loud City Song explores love, trust, and power in human relationships.

Holter manages to stay fascinatingly oblique and enigmatic on this album, while retaining a melodic pop sensibility.

BOOKS

Hotel Transylvania 2 Director: Genndy Tartakovsky Drac and his monster pals are back in this sequel to the hit animation. The world’s most hilarious hotel proprietor, Count Dracula, returns for another creepy adventure and joining him once again are his daughter Mavis, human interloper Jonathan and the rest of the ghoulish gang. A good piece of family fun.

Sicario Director: Denis Villeneuve In the lawless border area stretching between the US and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent, Kate Macer, is enlisted by an elite government task force official to aid in the escalating war against drugs. Led by an enigmatic consultant with a questionable past, the team sets out on a clandestine journey, forcing Kate to question everything that she believes in order to survive.

The Intern

•

•

Melvyn Bragg - Now is the Time In this gripping novel, TV’s Melvyn Bragg brings an extraordinary episode in English history to fresh, urgent life. Now is the Time depicts the events of the Peasants’ Revolt on both a grand and intimate scale, vividly portraying its central figures and telling an archetypal tale of an epic struggle between the powerful and the apparently powerless.

Anton Chekhov - The Prank The Prank is Chekhov’s own selection of the best of his early work. Assembled in 1882, the book was presented to the censor for approval-which was denied. Now, more than a hundred and thirty years later, it is being published. The lively stories in The Prank feature both the themes and the characteristic tone that make Chekhov among the most influential and beloved of modern writers.

Diane Cook - Man Vs. Nature Told with perfect rhythm and unyielding brutality, these stories expose unsuspecting men and women to the realities of nature, the primal instincts of mankind and the dark humour and heartbreak of our daily struggle to survive. In Diane Cook’s worlds, the mundane surfaces conceal darkly surreal elements that illuminate our more curious, troubling and bewildering behaviour.

Director: Nancy Meyers Robert De Niro stars as the world’s oldest intern in this touching, lighthearted comedy-drama from awardwinning filmmaker Nancy Meyers.

Recently widowed 70-year-old Ben Whittaker has discovered that retirement isn’t what he was hoping it would be.

Frustrated at not having a job he decides to become an intern at a cutting edge online fashion site.

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By Catherine Reed

MuSICALS

IIIII

Mack & Mabel

What’s

ON

There are literally dozens of great shows in the city this autumn, with brand new productions such as Poles Apart, Kiss Me Kate and Mack & Mabel, and the return of sell-out shows like Jersey Boys, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime and Hairspray. It's also time to start planning your Christmas trips to the city’s theatres and concert halls, so check out the list of top festive events too.

Hairspray

Kiss Me Kate

Mon 26 – Sat 31 October Palace Theatre The feel-good musical smash-hit is back.

It’s a wonderfully funny and heartwarming show. It stars Claire Sweeney and Tony Maudsley, with Freya Sutton reprising her role as Tracy. Get out your big hair and your big dress for a big musical night out!

Fri 13 & Sat 14 November The Lowry Opera North turn their attention to another classic musical following their success with Carousel. Kiss Me Kate features wonderful Cole Porter songs such as Too Darn Hot that will really benefit from Opera North's operatic treatment. It promises to be a wonderful production with fabulous choreography, super sets and gorgeous costumes.

CHRISTMAS

Jersey Boys

We will feature all the Christmas and seasonal shows in our December edition but you really need to start planning now to get the best seats and dates to suit you. Top shows this festive season include:

Tue 27 October – Sat 7 November Manchester Opera House Jersey Boys is simply one of the best musicals around – it returns to the city for a second time following a successful visit last year. It tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and contains a blockbuster of a soundtrack, with hits such as Beggin', Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Sherry and Big Girls Don't Cry.

CINDERELLA starring Torvill & Dean Manchester Opera House THE BODYGUARD starring Alexandra Burke Palace Theatre THE SOUND OF MUSIC The Lowry HETTY FEATHER The Lowry MR POPPER'S PENGUINS The Lowry INTO THE WOODS Royal Exchange Theatre INKHEART Royal Exchange Theatre

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Mon 12 - Sat 24 October Manchester Opera House Michael Ball stars in this major new production of the classic Broadway musical, Mack & Mabel, based on the real life romance between Hollywood legends Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand. This fabulous musical comedy features memorable hits such as I Won't Send Roses and Time Heals Everything.

Guys and Dolls Tue 10 – Sat 21 November Palace Theatre A musical tale of gangsters, gamblers and nightclub singers with choreography

by Carlos Acosta and Andrew Wright, and fabulous songs such as Luck Be A Lady and Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat.

DRAMA Golem Wed 7 – Sat 17 October HOME 1927 Production’s staging of Golem explores one of the great questions of the modern world – who, or what, is in control of our technologies? The company blends original animation with entrancing music and live performance to create an original and jaw dropping production.

Poles Apart Wed 21 – Sat 24 October The Lowry In this scorching new comedy, John Godber examines the role of theatre in the life of the working man, and, in turn, the role of the working man in theatre life and asks; are the Poles Apart? This brand new funny and uncompromising play looks at culture clashes head on.

The Crucible until 24 October Royal Exchange Theatre Director Caroline Stenbeis returns to the Exchange following her sell-out run in the Studio with Brilliant Adventures to direct Arthur Miller's classic play.

Miller wrote the play in the 1950's, when McCarthyism and the fear of communism was at its height in the US. He was inspired to dramatize and partly fictionalise the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 to tell a modern tale of persecution, hysteria and tyranny.

The Oresteia Fri 23 October – Sat 14 November HOME The Oresteia is a radical, stripped back version of Greek tragedian Aeschylus' masterful trilogy, translated by Ted Hughes and directed by Blanche McIntyre. The chorus - the voice of the citizens - is played by Manchester residents. The Ted Hughes translation condenses this epic trilogy, written 2500 years ago, into one play that is still relevant and gripping today.

Pomona Thu 29 October – Sat 21 November Royal Exchange Theatre Pomona is a sinister and surreal thriller from Alistair McDowell (Talk Show, Brilliant Adventures) and directed by Ned Bennett. Ollie, played by Nadia Clifford, is searching for her missing sister but finds all roads lead to Pomona – an abandoned concrete heartland at the heart of the city where journeys end and nightmares are born!

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Tue 17 - Sat 21 November The Lowry The winner of Manchester Theatre Awards’ 'Best Visiting Production' returns to The Lowry following a sellout run last Christmas. This is your last chance to see this astonishing show outside London, so if you didn't catch it last time you should certainly add it to your must see list.

It's A Wonderful Life Wed 2 & Thu 3 December The Lowry The classic heart-warming George Bailey story is reimagined here as a radio play in a production named as Critic's Choice in The Guardian.

DANCE 1984 Wed 14 - Sat 17 October Palace Theatre Northern Ballet's new production is based on George Orwell’s masterpiece and was created by guest choreographer and former Royal Ballet dancer, Jonathan Watkins. With a brand new score from Tony nominated composer, Alex Baranowski, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, 1984 will change the way you look at ballet, as this iconic story is reimagined for a modern audience.

Conceal Reveal Thu 22 October The Lowry To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their much admired collaboration, choreographer Russell Maliphant and lighting designer Michael Hulls present an evening of new and classic works, including iconic piece Broken Fall.

Lest We Forget

Sleeping Beauty Tue 24 – Sat 28 November The Lowry Matthew Bourne's gothic romance, Sleeping Beauty, is back and it’s as amazing as ever – a dazzling production for all ages.

Cadiz Thu 26 & Fri 27 November The Lowry Jesus Fernandez and four outstanding artists hailing from Cadiz present an intense performance, based on Andalucian roots, which features original flamenco music and stunning dance.

F A M I LY Family Arts Festival Mon 26 October – Sun 1 November The Lowry & other venues The Lowry stages dozens of family events as part of the Family Arts Festival and this year, as well as large theatre productions such as Dinosaur Zoo and Sing-a-long-a-Frozen, there will be plenty of smaller scale events for all the family to take part in, such as Early Ears sessions with members of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, LEGO & Live Music, a storytelling tent and a very special Family Festival Boat with mini cruises throughout the day on 31 October. For the full programme go to familyfestival.org.uk.

Tue 24 November Palace Theatre A poignant reflection on World War I, English National Ballet present three works expressing the experiences of those who fought, and those who stayed behind. Three of the most sought after choreographers in the world, Liam Scarlett, Russell Maliphant and Akram Khan have each created haunting and unforgettable pieces that moved audiences and astounded critics at its premiere in London last year.

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Gadgets

Make your life that little bit easier and more enjoyable with one of this issue’s must-have tech gadgets. t LG G4

s Swarovski Optik Digiscoping

iPhone 6 Adapter The latest innovation from longrange lens specialists Swarovski Optik is the brand-new iPhone adapter for the iPhone 6, which turns the Swarovski Optik spotting scopes and binoculars into telephoto zoom lenses. Users can capture extreme close-up shots in an instant, making use of a real high quality telephoto zoom, rather than the decidedly unsatisfactory faux zoom in camera. £140 swarovskioptik.com

The thing that stands out about this mobile device is that it is clad in leather. Yes, actual leather.

This certainly gives a premium feel to the phone, but might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but a plastic version is also available, which feels anything but premium.

Aside from the housing, the G4 boasts some pretty decent specs, such as a genuinely high quality 16MP camera and a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution screen. £341 amazon.co.uk

s Bang and Olufsen H2

These high-end headphones sound as good as they look.

The performance should please discerning listeners with its warm, evenly-balanced sound.

Rather annoyingly though, the supplied cable only has full functionality with Apple IOS, so Windows and Android phone users will need to buy another cable. A bit rich, at this price point. £169 beoplay.com

t Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

By John Waddington

s Heat Genius

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Heat Genius is a fully-fledged automatic, wireless and remotely controlled system for your home’s heating and lighting. Bringing the familiar idea of thermostat controlled heating into the wireless age, with this system you can set each radiator and light in your home to work independently, based on room occupancy statistics. Sounds like this little gizmo could save you some serious money on energy bills.

From £249.99 heatgenius.co.uk

If you’re after a compact system camera, you could do a lot worse than one of the OM-D series from Olympus. The E-M10 II is a refresh of the still-available E-M10, with an improved image stabilisation system and better electronic viewfinder among the tweaks. It’s nicely petite, with a stylish and solid-feeling body, as well as offering the level of control demanded by the average enthusiast snapper. £478 amazon.co.uk

s Leica Q (Typ 116) A rival to Sony’s RX-1 full frame sensor compact camera, Leica’s Q (Typ 116) is really a thing of beauty. It has a fast and accurate autofocus system with a macro setting that brings the closest focusing distance to just 17cm.

A maximum aperture of f/1.7 gives very good creative possibilities, and superb low light performance. Of course, being a Leica, build quality is second-tonone. Better start saving. £2,900 cvp.com

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motoring

THE MOST IMPORTANT JAG IN A GENERATION?

Remember when Porsche first brought out the Cayenne? Car nuts all over the internet were up in arms about one of the world’s pre-eminent sports carmakers having the audacity to compromise its brand by building a luxury SUV. It even introduced (whisper it) a diesel. The horror!

But, in the face of the outrage of millions of ’serious‘ car fans, Porsche went and proved what a smart move it had made. Its SUVs – the latest Cayenne and the new Macan – have turned out to be its biggest-selling and most profitable models, which means the company has the money in the bank to make sure its legendary 911 remains one of the greatest – and most uncompromised - sports cars of all time.

So, it was only a matter of time before other luxury and performance carmakers followed suit. And they’re all at it: Bentley is soon to launch the Bentayga – the world’s fastest SUV, and even Rolls Royce and Lamborghini have been spotted testing their tank-sized off-roaders.

And so to the latest: the Jaguar F-Pace. They’re actually calling it a’performance crossover‘ rather than an SUV. This is most likely for two reasons: first of all, remember that Jaguar is part of Jaguar Land Rover, so why would Jaguar attempt to establish any sort of real off-road credentials when its sister company is already building the world’s best off-roaders in the same 96

By Oliver chesher

Solihull factory? And secondly, it acknowledges that if you’re choosing a Jag, rather than a Land Rover, it’s because you’ve probably made the conscious choice not to go off-road all that much, if at all.

That said, this thing looks like the real deal. If it’s anything like as capable as the Range Rover Sport it resembles, then it will be a superb all-rounder. And it has a heavy expectation on its shoulders: industry insiders are predicting that this will be the model that determines the future destiny of the entire Jaguar marque. If it is to compete on sales with the best that Germany has to offer, Jaguar is going to need more than the sporty saloons and rakish two-seaters for which it’s known and loved.

We don’t know much about the new model yet, except that it will be a five-seater, with class-leading efficiency and light weight, thanks to an aluminium-intensive construction, and it has been tested in some of the most extreme conditions on earth, including rally-style gravelled mountain passes.

So will the F-Pace generate a new injection of profits for this iconic British brand, like the Cayenne did for Porsche?

I hope so.

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