The Lake Jan/Feb 2016

Issue 18 • January/February 2016

The local interest magazine for West Kirby, Hoylake, Meols and Caldy

Win a family ticket for Disney on Ice See page 30

West Kirby and District Cycle Depot • Birdwatching on Wirral • Farm Fresh and Totally Local

UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday 13th February

Monday 25th January

Robbie Burns Week With haggis, neeps & tatties with a FREE dram of whiskey for £8.25!

Saturday 30th January

Valentine’s Movie Night

Dinner, bottle of wine EACH and ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ just £20pp!

Friday 20th February

Friday 25th March

Gary Murphy

Good Friday

Playing from 8.30pm

Deals on our famous Fish Friday Platters all day

Sam Wise Playing his acoustic set 8.30pm

Saturday 26th March

Easter Weekend Gary Murphy playing from 8.30pm

Tuesday 9th February

Pancake Day A delicious selection of savoury and sweet home-made pancakes not to be missed.

Sunday 6th March

Mother’s Day Special menu and FREE glass of Prosecco for all mums!

Extended opening hours over Easter

BOOKING ADVISED FOR ALL EVENTS SOUTH PARADE, MARINE LAKE, WEST KIRBY • TELEPHONE 0151 625 3882

Welcome to the eighteenth issue of The Lake, the local interest magazine for West Kirby, Hoylake, Meols and Caldy.

We would like to thank our readers for your kind comments and to encourage you to keep writing to us with your thoughts and stories.

@lakewirral

We’d also like to thank our advertisers without whom this magazine wouldn’t be possible – we are extremely grateful to them for their continuing support.

The Lake provides local interest and historical stories on a bi-monthly basis and we hope you enjoy it. Please get in touch if there is anything you want to see in future issues, or if you have any stories or pictures of your own that you want to share.

Contact the Editor by email: jon@lakemagazine.co.uk Or by post to: Jon Bion, Editor, The Lake, Royal Standard House, 334 New Chester Road, Rock Ferry, Wirral CH42 1LE. Telephone 07796 945745.

Published by: Wirral Advertising Media Ltd, Royal Standard House, 334 New Chester Road, Rock Ferry, Wirral CH42 1LE.

Contacts: Editor Jonathan Bion 07796 945745 jon@lakemagazine.co.uk

Our team has years of experience in design, production and distribution.

The magazine is delivered door-to-door to 12,500 homes and businesses in the area and copies are available from various outlets.

If you feel that advertising in The Lake would benefit your business, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you. Please contact Alan Strange on 07788 510868 or email: alan@lakemagazine.co.uk www.lakemagazine.co.uk

Sales Director Alan Strange 07788 510868 alan@lakemagazine.co.uk Accounts accounts@lakemagazine.co.uk

Cover image by Ian Chantler - St Bridget’s church Photographs and original material are submitted at the sender’s risk and must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope if you wish them to be returned. The publishers will not accept responsibility for loss or damage.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, Wirral Advertising Media can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by advertisers. Any views expressed in The Lake are not necessarily the views of the publisher.

CONTENTS

Delivered free to 12,500 homes and businesses in West Kirby, Hoylake, Meols and Caldy For distribution queries please call 0151 644 9475

04 West Kirby and District Cycle Depot

28 The history of Wirral Shipbuilding

08 With all that Sea and Skies and Land may Lend

30 Disney on Ice at Echo Arena

10 Farm Fresh and Totally Local

32 New year: new career

12 West Kirby Sailing Club

33 Take a new (year) approach to beauty

14 West Kirby Museum

34 What’s on the Big Screen?

16 Wine Column

35 Shorelines

21 Peregrinations from Afar

36 All Things Auctioneering

24 Bird watching on Wirral

38 Fitness Queen

04 The Lake

Heather Chapman tells readers about the West Kirby and District Cycle Depot and success, that its promoters have been enabled to hand over upwards of £100 to some local charity. On the last occasion it was decided that it should form the nucleus of a fund for building a Cottage Hospital.”

Henry owned the first car in West Kirby.

Henry’s garage was in Bridge Road (on the site of the recently demolished Bob Smith’s garage). The whereabouts of this photograph of Henry’s first car is a mystery. From another photograph it seems that the ‘ES’ on a sign to the left of the picture seems to be the end of a pub sign – maybe Birkenhead Brewery Ales.

Can anybody identify the location, please?

It is likely to be in the West Kirby District.

The Lake reader, Ian Harris, contacted the West Kirby Museum Research Group in response to our appeal for information about West Kirby shops. Ian is the great-grandson of the late Henry William Harris (1869-1948). Henry took occupation of the cycle shop in Grange Road, West Kirby, sometime between 1897 and 1901.

Ian showed us some fabulous, unique photographs and was able to tell us about his great-grandfather’s shop.

The photograph above is of the West Kirby & District Cycle Depot owned by Henry William Harris from the early 1900s until 1913. The photo also shows advertisements for petrol and garaging for cars. The shop was situated next to the present day Barclays Bank. ‘WROgue and WRObe’ is the present-day shop and the address is 20 Grange Road. Local readers may remember this shop as ‘Birkenhead & District Cooperative Society’ in the 1960s.

Harris advert 1901

The West Kirby & District Cycle Depot was already well established before the Bank of Liverpool (now Barclays bank) opened in 1908. The sign outside the shop says ‘Birkenhead 9 and a half miles, Chester 19 miles and London 199 miles’. In the 1901 directory, the address was known as Grange Road West and Henry was listed as a cycle manufacturer and agent for Rudge-Whitworth. Henry and his family lived above the shop and later moved to Eaton Road, West Kirby. Henry had a workshop behind his shop dealing with cycle assembly and repairs.

Cycling was very popular at the turn of the century. There were cycling clubs in both Hoylake and West Kirby and they held an annual carnival. A booklet from 1897 describes cycling in the district: “Cycling is very popular; two clubs have been in existence for some time, and a Cycle Carnival, the inception of which was due to W H Middleton Andrews, Esq., has been held, for the past few years, of such brilliance

Coronation 1911

Another interesting photograph shows the decorated shops during the 1911 coronation of King George V. West Kirby took an active part in the celebrations and the shops were decorated with flags and bunting. The shop adjoining the West Kirby & District Cycle Depot was Stevenson and Shaw, fancy drapers.

Thanks to readers like Ian, the research team are finding out a great deal about old West Kirby and will be able to create an informative archive for future generations.

If you have any interesting photographs or stories, please contact Sue Jackson on 625 2298, or Val Frost on 678 8460.

Henry’s first car

06 The Lake

OUR SUCCESS IS BASED ON THREE IMPORTANT FACTORS Product Range We select our products and suppliers very carefully on the basis of quality, range, price and reputation.

Staff Port Sunlight Village Trust welcomes you to their final talk in their Soap & Water series of lectures.

Our team of well-trained and motivated employees is dedicated to ensuring that our customers enjoy the best possible service.

Thursday 25th February 2016, 2.00pm Port Sunlight: The development of a transport infrastructure

By Graham Gladden The story of transport, road, rail and sea, for both people and for freight in the development of Port Sunlight, from its inception through to the present day.

Taking place in the Old School Room at the Lyceum, Port Sunlight Tickets £5.00 available from Port Sunlight Museum Gift Shop, open daily 10am – 5pm

For further information telephone: 0151 644 6466 or email: info@portsunlightvillage.com

Service We know that speed and accuracy of delivery are important, that is why we have invested in a delivery fleet that provides a fast same day FREE delivery service.

Our comprehensive knowledge of the motor parts industry coupled with, the widest possible range from the best suppliers mean that we can guarantee a price that is always competitive.

jim barrow 8 Durley Park Close, North CheshireTrading Estate, Wirral CH43 3DE

TELEPHONE 0151 609 0609

www.jimbarrow.co.uk

Image supplied from Port Sunlight Museum Collection

The Lake 07

Why does January have the highest divorce rates?

Parents often want to stay together as a family unit for the benefit of their children during Christmas, and feel a more appropriate time to begin consulting lawyers will be when the holidays have ended and children return to school.

Tom Fisher

Tom Fisher, partner and a collaborative lawyer based at Lees Solicitors’ West Kirby office, discusses why January sees the highest levels of people seeking a divorce.

There are many complex reasons why a couple may make that final decision and start divorce proceedings, so it is impossible to identify one particular factor. However, there is a combination of events that lead more people to take this decision in January.

January is the start of a new year and people have often taken the holiday period to reflect on the past year – those in an unhappy marriage or relationship may decide that they don’t want another year like the one they have just had and feel they need to move on.

Additionally, Christmas and the holiday period, while a happy time and cause for celebration for most, can bring with it additional strains and stresses. For a relationship that is already experiencing difficulties, the additional pressures can push couples to breaking point.

At Lees Solicitors, we understand that making the decision to end a relationship and start the process of making a separate life for yourself is never easy, no matter what time of year it is.

We are on hand to give you our best advice so that you can move on with confidence to build a better future. Our clients benefit from family law advice that is based on years of experience, in-depth understanding, legal knowledge, and discretion.

If you would like to talk to one of our specialist family law advisors, please call us free on 0800 387 927 (now also free to call from mobiles) or email family@lees.co.uk or visit our website www.lees.co.uk/family

“You treat me like a person, and not a thing.

I can speak to any of you like a friend and you will always be there for me, to sit and speak to.”

Lees’ Family Client

At Lees Solicitors we understand that a breakdown of a relationship is upsetting and can be one of the most difficult times in your life. We will provide you with expert, professional and sensitive legal advice, helping you deal with divorce, financial matters and any questions you may have as a parent.

What Lees Solicitors can do for you…

• Fixed-fee options available • Out of hours appointments from 5-7pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• Heswall office open on a Saturday (book for an appointment) • Three local offices to choose from: – West Kirby 0151 625 9364, – Heswall 0151 342 6273, – Birkenhead 0151 647 9381 • Collaborative Lawyers If you are in need of family law advice, contact our team to book an appointment or to chat through your options. Call us free from either a mobile or landline on 0800 387 927.

08 The Lake

With all that Sea and Skies and Land may Lend The north-west corner of the Wirral peninsula is unique for many reasons.

One of the most fundamental is that four basic elements coincide here: sea, sky, river and land. The regular beat from the tides of the Irish Sea merge here with the slow progression of the seasons and the unpredictable pulsing of the weather.

The result is a continuous ebb and flow.

Everything in this part of the world is mutable. Transient. Dynamic.

Perhaps it is the constant change that makes it possible for local resident Matt Reed to have made a regular circular walk through this part of the Wirral for more than fifteen years. His route includes the old village of West Kirby; the mixed woodland, sandstone paths and heaths of Caldy Hill; the beaches and tide pools of the Dee estuary.

Over the years, these walks have become a personal ritual for Matt. He leaves his home near St Bridget’s church without a fixed plan and then composes a roughly clockwise route as he walks, choosing tracks one by one from an interconnected network of footpaths. Each walk he does is slightly different in detail, but they all share the same general plan. From home, up through West Kirby’s old village and into the woods, across Caldy Hill, down to the beach at the edge of the Dee estuary and then back home.

Last year, partly inspired by the publication of Holloway by Robert Macfarlane, Dan Richards and Stanley Donwood, Matt wrote and published a small illustrated book, With all that Sea and Skies and Land may Lend, that is an account of his walks and his reflections on how this part of the world relates to the history, geography and material culture of the Wirral and more distant shores.

To bring his essay to life, Matt collaborated with his friend Jonathan Tollitt, a well-known West Kirby artist and teacher. Jonathan took the basic structure of the essay and the walks that Matt had described and created thirteen original illustrations in pen, ink and watercolour. These beautifully rendered images capture both well-known local features, such as the lychgate of St Bridget’s church, and some of the less well-known byways of Caldy hill and the Dee coast.

The book is a reflection of how much Matt and Jonathan love the West Kirby area. As Matt says: “My circular walks are a poor form of travel, because they always bring me straight back home. But they have been

a brilliant way for me to appreciate over more than a decade now, just how changeable and beautiful this part of the world is. Every time I go out on my walk the combination of tide, weather and season make it a different walk.”

The book was privately published in a limited edition and is still available to buy at selected local outlets.

“With all that sea and skies and land may lend” is a line from the poem Careless by George Sterling.

Image below: The lychgate of St Bridget’s church. The date of 1886 on the gate is immediately after a major restoration of the church building in 1870. Original parts of the church date from the fourteenth century.

The Lake 09

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10 The Lake

Farm Fresh and Totally Local West Kirby Farmers’ Market by Robert Foster

There is no denying that the nation’s appetite for high-quality food has boomed over the last ten years. With celebrity chefs singing the praises of local products, demand for freshly farmed goods is at an all time high. Butchers, bakers and a host of others dedicated to putting top-notch food on our tables have responded by coming together to showcase the best of British food at farmers’ markets up and down the country.

The fourth Saturday of every month sees West Kirby host its very own farmers’ market at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Graham Road, and it is guaranteed to serve up a treat. Having been a regular fixture in West Kirby for a number of years, the market is growing in popularity and regulars are well aware of the need to arrive early to snap up the best of the produce on offer.

The bustling atmosphere and sheer variety of goods on sale make the market an Aladdin’s cave for foodies. Everyone seems so relaxed and enthusiastic as they pick their way through the stalls, chatting to the producers who are always happy to furnish curious customers with the life story of the goods they are clamouring to buy.

I understand some readers will struggle to share this enthusiasm for what at first glance appears to be simple old fruit and veg;

however, there is so much more on offer.

Britain flies the flag as a world-renowned producer of goods such as rapeseed oil, asparagus, seafood and cheese amongst other things, and all of these treats and more can be found throughout the market.

The organisers insist that the produce on sale at West Kirby Farmers’ Market has been grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed locally. It must also be sold directly by the producer or someone directly involved with the process.

This means there is no room for shoddy goods and ensures that only the finest ingredients are offered for sale.

Some of the stand-out stalls include the Little Eye Bakery, which is a local microbakery serving up a wonderful selection of breads and baked goods; The Chocolate Cellar, who use locally sourced ingredients to hand make an array of chocolatey treats; and the ever-popular Denbigh Brewery, which brings the finest Welsh ale across the border for us all to enjoy.

‘But farmers’ markets are so expensive!’ cries Scrooge as he counts his pennies.

Well, Scrooge, you’d be surprised. Bargains can be found on every stall and most producers are open to friendly bartering.

Anyway, when you take into account the time, effort and service being provided, only

the stingiest skinflint would question the prices on offer.

Modern farmers’ markets offer the chance for the more adventurous to sample goods that won’t be found on supermarket shelves. Rare breed sausages and bacon offer shoppers a chance to whip up a cooked breakfast fit for a king, while the eggs, cheeses, pastries and other treats will not leave you disappointed.

Although fresh food remains at the heart of the farmers’ market revolution, the organisers hope to achieve more than just filling our fridges with goodies. A glance at their website and the monthly newsletter highlights how ‘community’ is key to what they are trying to achieve. By offering workshops, recipe inspirations and helping local producers show off their skills, West Kirby farmers’ market is doing its bit to get everyone involved.

So what about the aspiring artisans yet to get involved in the farmers’ market revolution? Luckily the organisers are always on the lookout for exciting new stalls and producers. So whether you’re looking to showcase your own home grown goodies or simply want to cast an eye over the latest taste sensations our fields have to offer, West Kirby farmers’ market is well worth checking out.

12 The Lake

West Kirby Sailing Club Christmas Race Series

By Phil Shepherd

There were social events galore at the Club, ranging from class dinners, the children’s party, carol singing, private parties and the big New Year’s Eve bash.

Nevertheless, the main focus of activity was still the sailing.

The raceable weather was everything from warm with steady light winds to chilly, gusty, shifty high winds, so all competitors were to be congratulated.

Mike Hartley won the series in his Albacore, but was given plenty to do by the rest of the fleet. Visitor Phil Smith came second, also in an Albacore, and Bob Mosedale sailed consistently well in his Solo to take third. Some of the highlights, however, were out of the prizes – we saw the joyous spectacle of Alex Colquitt planing both up and down wind in his 420, which he competes in at National Squad level; we saw Alex Williams showing us how to sail a Laser in January with short wetsuit, no hat or gloves, and being young, still sail happily after a capsize; Mike and Ann de St Paer showed us that age is no barrier, (or should be experience counts?) often being at the front of the string of competing Albacores; and we also saw the bravery and skills of two young Optimist sailors, George Creasey and David Bromilow, on the blustery lake.

We now have a month to tinker with the boats in readiness for the icicle series.

Unfortunately, it being a windy Christmas we lost some races, including one of our annual highlights, the Boxing Day pursuit race.

The range of our activities has put us into the final part of the selection process for RYA Club of the Year, but there is always more we can aim to do.

Thirty-three dinghies competed in the eight races we managed, including a couple of welcome visitors from other clubs who kept the standard high.

Contact: Phil Shepherd, Commodore 0151 625 5579 www.office@wksc.org.uk

14 The Lake

St Bridget’s Centre, St Bridget’s Lane, West Kirby CH48 3JT The museum is open every Saturday morning 10am – 1pm and admission is free acquisitions relating to the church. It is supplemented with information about the old village of West Kirby, the old school and other items found in or around West Kirby. The stone collection includes 10th century Anglo-Saxon stone cross fragments, a Saxon font, Viking grave slabs, and a 12th century child’s coffin. There are some fine architectural pieces including Norman pillar bases and capitals, stone heads and window tracery.

Friends Group

West Kirby Museum Award Merseyside Civic Society has presented West Kirby Museum with the Rita Cheesman Award for Heritage Interpretation 2015. The museum was nominated by Eileen Willshaw, Wirral Council’s Heritage Officer. In summing up her reason for the nomination she said: “West Kirby Museum is a superb example of local people getting together to interpret their heritage in an intelligent and engaging way. A Friends Group will ensure sustainability. This is a Merseyside gem which deserves to be acknowledged.”

The museum has a Friends Group and welcomes people to regular social events and history talks. The museum is staffed by a group of volunteers from the Friends and is open to the public every Saturday morning 10am – 1pm.

West Kirby Museum Research Group The Research Group meets weekly at St Bridget’s Community Centre. There are a number of ongoing projects including the history of St Bridget’s School, research into the shops in West Kirby, the development of residential roads and a five-year rolling project ‘West Kirby Remembers WW1’.

Changing exhibitions in our new display cases

This biennial award is given in memory of Rita Cheesman.

She was a volunteer who dedicated her later years to promoting understanding and enjoyment of the region’s history and heritage. The award was made possible through generous donations made by Mrs Cheesman’s family and friends.

These small exhibitions are changed every few months.

Forthcoming exhibitions as follows:

West Kirby Museum was founded in 1892 in memory of local historian and benefactor, Charles Dawson Brown. Formerly known as the Charles Dawson Brown Museum, it was hidden away for over a century, available to view by appointment only. During the rebuilding of St Bridget’s Church in 1869, ancient stones were found buried underneath the south aisle.

These stones form the core of the museum collection.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

The old museum room has been completely transformed into a modern, spot-lit and accessible display area and reopened as the West Kirby Museum in July 2013. The museum space now extends into a second room, allowing sufficient space for the exhibits to be enjoyed by the public. The collection tells the story of a thousand years of St. Bridget’s Church, including pre-Norman, Norman, Medieval and recent

January – March 2016 – Discovering St Bridget’s Church April – June 2016 – Hoylake Fishing Families

Friday 22nd January Return of our popular History Quiz 7 for 7.30pm at St Bridget’s Centre, West Kirby Pay on the door £5 Friday 29th April Hoylake Fishing Families An illustrated talk by Carol Hunter Tickets £3 7 for 7.30pm at St Bridget’s Centre, West Kirby

For more information, visit the website www.westkirbymuseum.co.uk

16 The Lake

W NE COLUMN

By Graham Simpson, Whitmore & White

Well, we’ve had the hustle and bustle and general festive merriment that was Christmas and now we are into 2016. We’d like to say a massive thank you to every one of our customers for giving us a Christmas to remember here at Whitmore & White!

We are now heading into February and the wet and windy December of 2015 seems a long time ago, albeit replaced by, well, typical winter weather I suppose. So what wines will we be drinking to help keep the chill out? Below is a selection of six of our best ‘winter warmers’ to put a rosy glow on your cheeks.

Casa Silva ‘Angostura’ Chardonnay (£12.95) Let’s start with a white. “A white!?” I hear you cry. “In winter? Surely that’s not a warming wine?” Well this one is, I can assure you. It’s a full-bodied Chilean Chardonnay, with buttery oak and gallons of tropical fruit notes. Devilishly delicious and great with roast chicken.

Weltevrede ‘Cigarbox’ Shiraz (£10.95) This is a wine that does exactly what it says on the tin (well, bottle to be precise). It’s a rich and ripe South African red wine, with toasty oak and notes of, yes, you guessed it, cigar boxes. Perfect with a big hearty beef casserole or vegetarian chilli.

Vinaceous ‘Raconteur’ Cabernet Sauvignon (£14.95) Winters wouldn’t be complete without a big Aussie red. This one is from Western Australia and more specifically Margaret River. The wine is lushly ripe with blackcurrant, chocolate and mint notes. Try this one with shoulder of lamb or aubergines cooked in a simple ragu sauce.

Cien-y-Pico Doble Pasta Tintorera (£12.95) A bit of a mouthful, in more ways than one. All you need to know about this fantastic Southern Spanish red is that it is made using grapes harvested from 100-year-old Garnacha (Grenache) vines and if you are a Chateauneuf-du-Pape person, then this is right up your street, but at half the price. Full-bodied, with notes of black fruit and wild herbs. Perfect with hearty sausage dishes.

The Predator Old Vines Zinfandel (£17.95) Back by popular demand, we thought this wine had been and gone, but thankfully its UK distributor saved it from a vinous wasteland and we now have it back in store to the grateful cheers of its growing band of supporters. The epitome of smooth and smoky, this is an absolutely perfect wine to have with a big, juicy rib-eye steak.

Zenato ‘Ripassa’ Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore (£19.95) A huge Italian wine. This is the closest to its big brother, the Amarone, I think we will ever get a Ripasso wine. Rich, ripe and succulent with heart-warming black cherry and redcurrant fruit, smooth tannins and an almost infinitesimal finish. This needs a rich cheese, such as mature Cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Pop in and check these wines out. We have plenty of wines to choose from, so if none of the above floats your boat, just tell us what your style is and we will be more than happy to help.

Until next time, drink well but drink responsibly. Graham.

The Lake 17

Make more of your free time with Hoylake Sea Cadets!

Hoylake Sea Cadets needs people like you, volunteers who are happy to roll up their sleeves, get involved and potentially make a huge, positive difference to the lives of so many young people in your area.

Hoylake Sea Cadets have lots of roles to match your skills and offer training to help you gain more. Make more of your free time in the evening by showing cadets how to sail, powerboat, kayak or windsurf. We also need volunteers to teach first aid, football, mountain biking, navigation, drill and much more.

We welcome all adults living locally to pop in to the unit when we’re open to meet other volunteers and cadets, have a tour of the unit, and have a chat about any roles that suit you. Don’t be put off if you haven’t got any relevant qualifications – all you need is basic knowledge and lots of enthusiasm.

If teaching the cadets isn’t your thing and you can’t make a weekly commitment, you can donate your skills by helping on Hoylake Sea Cadets Committee. The unit needs support with admin, fundraising, PR and marketing, boat maintenance, accounts and much more.

There are over 9,000 people who volunteer with the Sea Cadets at present, but there are lots more opportunities to get involved and make a difference in 2016.

The unit is open every Monday and Thursday from 7.15 – 9.30pm.

Working with young people is rewarding, so help shape the future and support them as you make your New Year’s Resolution.

Website: www.sea-cadets.org/hoylake

We need your help to keep inspiring young people through nautical adventure and to keep giving them the best possible head start in life.

Volunteers are supported by a network of other volunteers and employees. As a new volunteer you’ll receive an induction and will be given training and support to make you feel comfortable in your role. We are always there to provide ongoing help and support.

Hoylake Sea Cadets offers an inspirational environment for young people aged 10 – 18 to challenge themselves and personally develop through nautical adventure based on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy.

Sea Cadets learning how to sail

18 The Lake

Wirral Chamber Music Series 2015-16 Promoted by Hoylake Chamber Concert Society

St Hildeburgh’s Church, Hoylake CH47 1HL Monday 22 February 2016 Ruisi and Duisen

Monday 21 March 2016 Albany Trio

Monday 18 April 2016 Alexander Soares

Violin & Piano Duo

Piano Trio

Pianist

All concerts start at 7.30pm. Tickets £15 at the door For more information on the repertoires visit our website – www.chamberconcert.co.uk

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We are looking for local people to distribute The Lake.

You will need to be reliable and 16 years of age or older.

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20 The Lake

The Bowen Technique the brain starts to reorder the signals it is also able to reinterpret the information coming from other areas, an example of why Bowen will often set off reactions in areas that haven’t been treated.

How many treatments will I need to have?

What is the Bowen Technique?

The Bowen Technique is a remedial therapy tool. It is used by therapists mainly to help people who are in pain or discomfort for one reason or another. This is a gentle therapy that works over the soft tissue of the client and features lots of rests in between moves to allow the body to start working with the information. Developed by Tom Bowen, many valid forms of his work exist in the world today.

How does it work?

There have been many theories put forward in the past relating to why Bowen works and there are many people who, conversely, believe that we don’t need to know. They may have a point, but these days there is much more that we can understand and acceptance from the medical community and wider use of the technique by health professionals will come from a better understanding of what happens during a Bowen treatment.

Recently the concept of the way in which the brain reacts to neural stimulus has been looked at in more detail and is the subject of ongoing research by ECBS. The brain emits in the region of 600,000 signals per second, all of which both send out signals and in turn receive information from the body. A muscular movement for example begins from the primary motor cortex at the front of the brain and is sent, via the spinal cord, to the arm or leg where it is translated into movement. In order to gauge this, however, the brain needs to receive a signal telling it what is happening and what to do next and this it does via the parietal lobe of the brain.

The effect is a kind of looping circuit travelling at massive speeds, sending and receiving information. A Bowen move which is a series of gentle rolling moves, followed by breaks at certain intervals, interferes with this signal and creates another set of parameters for the brain to examine. Once

There are no guarantees here because everyone responds differently but, on average, the number of treatments required for, say, a stiff neck or back is around three.

Some problems need more treatments and some even fewer, but what won’t happen is that you will be required to have a long course of treatment, only to find that it hasn’t helped. Although there are never any promises, you should in most cases start to see change fairly quickly.

To learn more about Bowen Therapy or for further details contact Nicholas Tobin Cert. ECBS in Heswall on 0749 659 6969 or alternatively visit: www.wirralbowentherapy.co.uk

The Lake 21

Peregrinations from Afar This series of short articles looks at West Kirby Newspaper Jottings from the past.

West Kirby Marine Lake … more – and at the same time…

Thank you Councillor ‘Sand Lea Jones’ for your thoughtful gift to West Kirby: “Sand Lea” again to the front. This time in the presentation of the beautiful memorial drinking fountain fixed at the corner of Dee Lane and The Promenade, which was opened and dedicated to the public, before a moderately large assembly, on Saturday evening last. It is a bronzed casting from the foundry of Coalbrookdale, Salop. The fountain proper measures about 4 ft by 3 ft, surmounted by the head of the Queen, while down the sides are figures in bas (sic) relief of cherubic children, and under the basin, which is backed with white marble, the raised monogram “W. A. J.” and the words “Sand Lea 1899”. The casting is fixed in an arched bordered wall of Ruabon terra cotta, which has let into it a tablet in Yorkshire stone, bearing the following inscription – “Dedicated to the public by William Alfred Jones, D.C.. ‘Sand Lea’, West Kirby, in memory of his Eldest Daughter, Edla Pugh Jones, born June 6th 1877, died April 13th, 1899”.

“The gift shows great kindness as well as thoughtfulness on the part of Mr W A Jones, and at the same time commemorates the loved one who this year was called suddenly away. Speaking of drinking fountains, it is very surprising that in these days they are not more plentiful. When lunacy is said to be increasing, through the abuse of intoxicating drink, but little effort is made to supply other beverages as substitutes. A drinking fountain should be at the corner of every street. They are of no new origin, but of very ancient date.

The Venerable Bede, in recording the good results of the wise and firm rule of Edwin, King of Northumbria in the 7th century, tells us that he had cisterns placed at convenient intervals on the highways to collect the water from the nearest springs.

These cisterns were constructed of stone, and cups of brass were attached to them by chains to enable the people to drink from them. King Edwin’s drinking fountains were probably of very simple constructions, but with their brazen cups, those very early drinking fountains, were looked upon as wonderful and beneficent works, and the King earned the gratitude and blessing of many a weary and thirsty traveller. King Edwin’s drinking fountains, like others of more recent times, in their course, fell into decay but were succeeded in the towns, during the middle ages, by the public conduits, and these again by the parish pump with the iron ladle. In our times King Edwin’s drinking fountains with their cups attached have been revived, and are to be seen in almost all towns. They were established in Manchester in the early fifties, and a public drinking fountain was opened in London in 1859. May we see more of them in West Kirby, and heaps more such benefactors as “Sand Lea Jones”.

Be Prepared – for winter: “After the exceptionally long hot summer we may expect a keen hard winter.

“Billington’s Best” house fire coals will be found very hot, clean and endurable. Send for the price list to J H Billington, Ltd., Coal Merchants, Chester” And a message to mothers – for your cherubs:

The importance of hydration and easy access to potable water, together with clean, free public conveniences are mandatory and the responsibility of our Council. Do we currently have (any) of these essential facilities in West Kirby, especially along our wonderful promenade – or were we better off in “Sand Lea Jones” rule?:

“Mrs Wimslow’s Soothing Syrup has been used over fifty years by millions of mothers for their children while teething with perfect success. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is pleasant to taste: it produces natural quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the cherub wakes up “as bright as a button”. Of all Chemists, 1s. 1 1/2d. per bottle

Way before Cadbury’s at Moreton!

“When asking for cocoa, insist on CADBURY’S – sold only in Packets and Tins – as other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of extra profit”.

A well-known and much respected Manxman to the rescue:

“Mr Christian, who I learn is a right good Manxman, has entered into the building line at West Kirby with the same go and energy as one sees at Douglas, but let us hope that the W.K.U.D.C. (leave Hoylake out, please) will see that the streets here are wide and well made, and that there is plenty of breathing room left; also that the streets are well provided with drainage facilities, and we do not see any lodgement of surface waters in the gutters, which is so common a fault. Why, with care and intelligence we shall see West Kirby one of the most important of the Cheshire towns, where numbers will come to spend their “otium cum dignitate”, and with a good managing Council it may be another garden of Cheshire, and perhaps another Riviera.

But look you, ye railway companies, don’t spoil the ship!”

Sports day at Calday Grange Grammar School – on top of the mountain, in a wilderness: “The Calday Grange Grammar School annual sports, which are now a popular institution, were favoured by the splendid weather and the attendance of a concourse of spectators, who had the courage to climb the hill, which is between West Kirby and the school. Speaking of the hill, how came it that the good people who established the school in the years ago, placed this said school in a wilderness so far as population is concerned? It used to be called the Free Grammar School, but now are fees charged, which I conclude is the proper thing.

22 The Lake The main West Kirby station is near completion – waiting on asphalt! – the station clock a great asset to everyone (but only if it is working and showing the correct time! – which does not seem to be happening very often nowadays) – and the need for a bandstand: “The facilities provided by the new station will be felt to advantage to-day, though there is still much to be done to make the station complete. At present the platform is far from completion, and we trust that the cinders have yet to receive some coats of asphalt. The clock is a great acquisition, and will be of much service to the town as well as the station and the many daily travellers, to tell the time o’ day. The enlargement of the area in front of the station is great boon, and will prevent any congestion in the traffic at this spot, which might otherwise take place. It was much needed. Would that we could have enlargements in other areas which might be named, and then our band might find a proper stand, where they could play without being moved on! Cannot some other good man and true be found and persuaded to come forward as a benefactor in this direction?”

The West Kirby Brass Band promenades the town:

services and not particularly complimentary with their remarks:

“On Friday evening the West Kirby now celebrated brass band made their first appearance for the season, and, after entertaining the inhabitants of ‘Sand Lea’ promenaded the town to the tuneful sounds emitted from their instruments. This is only an occasional favour, which would be much appreciated if of more frequent occurrence; also the addition of a few stringed instruments might be of further advantage”.

“As it is now, it would seem as if the Joint Companies put all their inconveniences possible in the way of passengers from West Kirby, instead of helping them a little.

And then as to their train service! Well, it has now come to be said that “when the connection serves at Hooton we may reach West Kirby sometime”. And sometimes the journey occupies and more to cover 18 miles from the Chester junction.”

Gypsy Choir performs in Tynwald Hall:

Can nothing be done to improve the state of things? – wake up Joint Companies!

The Palestine Exhibition or Jerusalem Bazaar, held last week, under the management of Mrs Schor, was very successful in every way. During the week Ebry’s Gypsy Choir of young ladies have occupied the boards at the Tynwald Hall, and given some very successful entertainments to appreciative audiences.”

Collection for Yeomanry Beds: “A very liberal response has been made in the district to the collection for the Yeomanry beds, about 100 pounds having been collected at Hoylake, and another sum of almost the same amount at West Kirby, in addition to the bed provided by Lady Margaret Ismay’s collection. But patriotism is all right here.”

And all the time, the railway and West Kirby stations are still important but very much in the background – even though residents and jotters are not too happy with some

“What an extraordinary thing it is that the railway from North Wales, Chester, and the south should be so much behind the times.

Chester to West Kirby practically in an hour and a half! Why you could almost walk it; at least the distance could be well covered by a bicycle in the time. The distance, according to the Cheshire Directory, is but 18 miles, and the town is now supplied by three stations, served by three railway companies, and yet the journey from Chester takes all this time. Can nothing be done to improve the state of things? Now as to Liverpool, the much-blamed Wirral Railway actually carry West Kirbyites to Seacombe in eighteen minutes, a distance of nine miles, so that you can really be in Liverpool and do your shopping in Bold-street in half an hour only. Surely there is something wrong with the Joint Companies in being asleep over the matter of the Chester and North Wales traffic to West Kirby.”

However, The Wirral Railway Company gets some praise – “concession to their feelings”: “The tradesmen of Grange Road are pleased to see the railway hoarding, or bill-posting boards, removed from the front of their premises; and are grateful to the Wirral Railway Company for this concession to their feelings.”

The District Nurses Fund receives a boost: “The District Nurses Fund has received a very substantial help by the sum of 36 pounds, the balance of the West Kirby Diamond Jubilee Commemoration Fund, which was handed over last week.”

In case it rains?: “WATERPROOF GOODS – coats in a variety of styles and patterns at Bradley’s, Foregate-street. None but guaranteed articles sold. Prices 16/11, 21/11, 27/6, etc. Cycle capes, leggings etc.”

And never miss a bargain: “Do not miss this opportunity, go to H STARK’S great Clearing Out Sale, and secure some CHEAP BARGAINS in Dress Material, Prints, Shirtings, Sheets, Quilts &c., 93 and 96 F, Foregate-street, Chester.”

MY REFLECTIONS Although it is difficult to even try to transpose oneself (time-warp) from our present West Kirby to the developing small

The Lake 23

seaside village of some 115 years ago, we are so gratified that some of the legacies left to us by our forefathers are still being used and are treasured just as much today.

These uncensored jottings, however, depict what West Kirby was like and the simpler but happy lifestyles of the residents. They also succinctly demonstrate the obvious respect and faith that the Council of the time had with its constituents and how well liked the Chairman – “Sand Lea Jones” – was with one and all – a truly remarkable man and leader. These jottings attest to this unique and strong bond between officials and “the commoner”.

As the old saying goes “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” and as our parents told us “You only appreciate things when you have to wait for them” – no ‘on the never never’, rainchecks or hire purchase – thank you. Well as an ex-West Kirbyite I can affirm these sayings. On return, after so long away, West Kirby is seen through different eyes (more mature or simply older!). The beauty of the location, at the mouth of the River Dee Estuary overlooking

the Welsh Hills and with a backdrop of Caldy and Grange Hills is unparalleled in our world – and of course this is complemented by the wonderful and world-famous sunsets as the sun sinks and ‘goes to bed’ beneath Hilbre Island. The unfortunate thing is that you have to be away from West Kirby for a while to appreciate its beauty. As a child growing up in West Kirby, I simply accepted and expected the beauty and wonderful clean air and sea breezes – it was always there! One becomes perhaps too complacent and perhaps blaze!

When I turn up my toes and leave you all, I hope that my family will not dispose of me in a far-off land but will scatter me in the River Dee Estuary and the old Swimming Baths area in the West Kirby Marine Lake.

I would also appreciate a memorial bench seat outside the old Swimming Baths, next to Cliff Birch, where you, the reader and my friends and family, can rest and reflect on how lucky you, and I have been, to have witnessed, and indeed grown up and lived in this special place, ‘heaven on earth’.

And finally – a great big thanks.

West Kirby Marine Lake and Promenade This was not just an amazing engineering project and feat for its time – it was also a story about people and anecdotes.

Our Council left this wonderful free legacy for us all to enjoy and appreciate. It has made West Kirby an envy of many seaside resorts.

Thank you Rastus January 2016

24 The Lake

Birdwatching on Wirral

By Hugh Stewart, Vice-Chairman, Wirral Bird Club To many people, bird watching conjures up an image of middle-aged men with beards, clad in camouflage clothing, weighed down with binoculars and cameras, stalking stealthily through the woods! However, not everyone is an avid ‘twitcher’ as the really serious and dedicated (some may say obsessive!) birders are sometimes called, chasing all over the country to see a rare bird! Others get as much satisfaction from seeing the first returning Swallow of the spring. You may not think of yourself as a birdwatcher but how many of you take a keen interest in the birds that visit your garden, possibly feeding them, especially through the cold winter months? So you may be familiar with the Robin, recently voted Britain’s national bird; with the Blue Tits and Great Tits that frequent many garden bird feeders; or with a smart male Blackbird eating a tasty worm on your lawn.

With a little patience it can be surprising

how many different species you will spot in a garden, let alone on a walk along the seashore or in a woodland setting. You can easily increase the list of different types of birds you have seen by visiting other Wirral locations.

Where to See Birds We are very lucky on Wirral to have a range of places that provide a good variety of different habitats that in turn hold different species of birds. The following is a summary of just some of the places in and around West Kirby that are good for seeing birds, and a few key species that you may find at each location.

Meols is excellent for sea-watching, particularly during gales in September and October when Leach’s Petrels get blown close inshore. Just inland, Leasowe Common is arguably the Wirral migration

hotspot in spring. Passing Wheatear is guaranteed, with Yellow Wagtails and Whinchat also regular, along with more common species such Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. And there is always the possibility of a rare species turning up to get the real twitchers excited! The groyne off Leasowe attracts waders when the tide is in, and it has a regular wintering Greenshank known affectionately as ‘Gary’!

The Dee Estuary is one of the United Kingdom’s premier birding locations for wetland and shore birds and is internationally important for its wintering birds. The shore at Hoylake by the Life Boat Station is a high tide roost for waders during high tides. Hundreds, if not thousands of Oystercatchers, Knot, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit and Redshank may be seen with peak counts in midwinter, but good numbers of waders can also be seen

The Lake 25

petrels to name but a few. As well as birds, the islands boast many other examples of interesting flora and fauna including the inquisitive Grey Seals.

West Kirby Marine Lake provides shelter for sea birds especially during stormy weather.

Cormorants, Red-breasted Mergansers and even divers regularly turn up. You need to be there early though before the windsurfers disturb them!

in late summer. Flocks of Knot and Dunlin provide a magnificent spectacle as they twist and turn en masse like a smoke cloud.

One thing above all that sets the Dee apart are the Islands of Hilbre - Little Eye, Little Hilbre (or Middle Eye) and of course the main island of Hilbre itself. A stay on Hilbre over a high tide can be magical, but please be aware of the timings for planning a visit as the tide can come in incredibly fast.

August and September are good months for a visit to Hilbre with numbers of waders building up for the winter, and with general migration well under way; but any month can yield good birds. The bird list for Hilbre is extensive but includes the following.

Firstly, there are Hilbre specialities such as Purple Sandpipers. Secondly the more common, vast flocks of Knot, Dunlin and Oystercatchers that roost on the rocks.

Thirdly are the land migrants. During spring and autumn large falls of birds can be seen including different warblers, pipits and wagtails. Lastly there are the seabirds such as terns, divers, auks, gannets, skuas and

The well-known Wirral Way, a path on the track of an old railway line, is 12 miles long and goes from West Kirby to Hooton in mid-Wirral. It is popular with birdwatchers as well as walkers and cyclists! It is lined with scrub and woods which offer cover for breeding birds such as Whitethroat, and the sadly declining Yellowhammer. Wild flowers attract butterflies and in the winter thrushes and finches feed on Hawthorn berries. In the winter also, many waders, especially Curlew and Oystercatchers, feed in the fields either side of the path.

increase their knowledge of birds through meetings, lectures and visits to places of ornithological interest.

Monthly Indoor Meetings are held at 8pm on the 4th Thursday of each month (apart from August and December) at Kingsmead School Hall, Bertram Drive, Hoylake, CH47 0LL, when guest speakers give entertaining illustrated presentations on a variety of bird and nature-related topics. Visitors are very welcome, and the charge is ÂŁ3.50, which includes light refreshments. Outdoor meetings are held monthly, including some coach trips, to various places of birding interest. Wirral Bird Club also supports national and local organisations concerned with the protection of birds and the conservation of bird habitats.

For more information: www.wirralbirdclub.com wirralbirdclub@gmail.com 0151 345 4978

Wirral Bird Club There are many more excellent birding sites on Wirral, too many to mention here. If you are starting to feel a little bewildered by the choice of sites and the many bird species that we have on Wirral, and don’t know where to start to look for them, then you might consider joining a bird group.

Wirral Bird Club is a friendly, local society that caters for anyone who is interested in birds in particular, and nature in general.

From the beginner to the experienced, are all welcome. The aim of the Club is to promote a general interest in birds and to provide opportunities for members to

Photography by Hugh Stewart and Bill Wonderley.

The Lake 27

Get ready for winter with attractive finance offers at Windsors Mazda new 105ps SKYACTIV-D diesel engine returns an incredible fuel economy of up to 70.6mpg and CO2 emissions from 105g/km.

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The team at Windsors Mazda has a range of flexible finance offers to suit every customer, available across the six-strong Mazda line-up until 31st March 2016. The offers extend to the recently launched all-new Mazda CX-3, perfect for tackling tricky conditions with features such as Hill Hold Assist, a superior ride height and intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The all-new Mazda CX-3 crossover SUV also boasts an efficient, yet powerful petrol engine with six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. A

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28 The Lake

Cammell Laird 1920

The history of Wirral Shipbuilding

By Ryan Ferguson New York is famous for its majestic skyline. Paris is renowned for its culture and romance. But for millions around the world, Birkenhead, and the Wirral in general, conjures images of maritime excellence. We have a remarkable reputation for shipbuilding, forged through almost two centuries of hard graft, that endures to this very day.

From the earliest settlers to modern times, Wirral residents have danced to a nautical beat. The close proximity of the River Mersey and North Sea has made our peninsula a tantalising prospect for dreamers and schemers of various descriptions, from the Vikings of yesteryear to the businessmen of modernity. However, one name echoes through the record books and stands as a fitting symbol of the region’s shipping genius: Cammell Laird, that famous old yard at the heart of Birkenhead.

The company that would eventually make Wirral known in the world’s remotest corners can be traced to 1824, when William Laird, a Scottish entrepreneur, opened an iron works on the south bank of Wallasey Pool.

Initially specialising in boilers, Birkenhead Iron Works struggled to get off the ground, and Laird eventually went into business with his son, John, who suggested building ships from iron, rather than wood, in a key foresight.

Their humble venture grew in stature, and soon became a significant force on the domestic scene. The Lairds made further advances in technology, most notably in the area of propulsion, and operations were expanded. In 1838, their Robert F Stockton was launched, becoming the first screw steamer to cross the Atlantic. Two years later, production was finished on the Dover, which was the first iron ship ever owned by the British Government. Other notable builds included the HMS Birkenhead, a courageous trailblazer in the Navy fleet, and the Ma Robert, which some people consider the first-ever steel ship.

William Laird died in 1841, but his company thrived under the guidance of John and his three sons. For instance, the CSS Alabama, the most famous and successful Confederate warship in the American Civil War, was built beside the Mersey, somewhat to the detriment of a tense British-US relationship. Nevertheless, such momentous feats of engineering substantiated Wirral’s shipbuilding reputation, and opened new horizons for the family business.

Even after John Laird’s death in 1874, lucrative contracts continued to trickle in, as the firm turned its attention to warships, torpedo boats and destroyers for the Navy.

Then, in 1903, a merger with Johnson, Cammell & Co of Sheffield formed Cammell Laird, a venture combining expertise in iron and steel to yield a powerhouse yard that would play a significant role at the very forefront of global shipbuilding for many decades to come.

Cammell Laird played an indispensable role during both World Wars, building and repairing key vessels with accuracy and speed unlike anywhere else in the world.

Indeed, King George V and Queen Mary visited the yard twice, in 1914 and 1917, specifically to thank staff for their phenomenal efforts. Subsequently, the 1920s were something of a boom time for Wirral shipbuilding, as orders for the Fullagar and HMS Rodney arrived off the back of Laird’s glowing reputation.

The economic depression ate away at that popularity, and the workforce was reduced to as few as 2,000 as work dried up. However, the natural resolve and spirit of Birkenhead shone through, and business picked up again in the 1930s, as a £3 million deal was struck to build the HMS Ark Royal at Laird’s. Some thirty thousand people gathered to watch the launch in 1938, as one of Britain’s most famous warships set sail down the Mersey.

The Lake 29 life and career. The company strived to lead in workplace conditions and union rights, and gaining an apprenticeship there was a right of passage for many local youngsters, who often followed in the footsteps of their fathers and grandfathers.

In turn, Cammell Laird developed an illustrious reputation around the world. If a worker was trained in Birkenhead, an instant respect was accorded and a spontaneous admiration evoked.

RMS Mauretania

Yet, Cammell Laird’s greatest day came a year later, when the RMS Mauretania was launched from Birkenhead. To that point, it was the largest merchant ship ever built at an English yard, a towering monument to Merseyside’s unbeatable expertise in the field. During World War II, the Mauretania carried over 335,000 troops and covered more than 500,000 miles. It was, quite simply, one of the most vital cogs in the war machine, and a feather in the cap of Cammell Laird.

The yard was a pillar of strength throughout the Second World War, repairing 120 warships, 9 battleships, 11 aircraft carriers and 2,000 merchant vessels. Men worked on amid bombing, brave and resilient and dedicated to the cause. Once again, Cammell Laird was visited by royalty in 1940, when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth offered their heartfelt gratitude for the valorous work carried out in Birkenhead.

In the post-war years, Cammell Laird benefited from new trade routes with Africa and the Far East, while domestic business also increased. Huge crowds gathered to see Queen Elizabeth launch the second HMS Ark Royal in 1950, as she became the first reigning monarch to launch a Mersey-built ship, while troop carriers being refitted for civilian use kept the yard very busy.

in the new millennium. A buyer was found in the form of the A&P Ship Repair group, which sold the firm to Northwestern in 2005. Two years later, Peel Holdings bought the land and became half owners of Northwestern. The famous Cammell Laird name returned in 2008, and the yard concentrated on repairing ships and building ferries.

For more than a century our humble yard blazed a trail of technical innovation, but also set a unique standard for remarkable pluck and determination. From the banks of the Mersey, a global powerhouse was born.

And how we’re proud of its achievements and its legacy.

In October 2015, the largest contract in a generation was won as a £200 million deal to build an advanced polar research ship for the British Antarctic Survey stoked the resurrection. Cammell Laird beat out four foreign bidders for the project, which will provide hope for a bright future and extend Wirral’s maritime influence into a new era.

The throb of a juggernaut yard may not dominate Birkenhead as it once did, but shipbuilding will always be printed on the town’s soul. For numerous generations on Wirral, Cammell Laird was the predominant employer, the best opportunity to build a

Nevertheless, in 1977, government passed the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Act, which nationalised the two fields in a controversial move. Cammell Laird, so long a bastion of independence, was ushered under the restricted umbrella of the British Shipbuilders Corporation. Jobs were cut and the organisation lost a great deal of its freedom to negotiate contracts. Before long, Britain fell far behind its international competitors, with Asia and continental Europe offering a more viable alternative.

Cammell Laird returned to the private sector under a new name in 1986, but British shipbuilding was slowly suffocated to within an inch of death, and the yard was sadly closed in 1993.

The remaining assets were later assumed

by Coastline Group, which floated a renaissance company on the stock exchange in 1997. However, that proved to be a false dawn as receivership beckoned

HMS Ark Royal

30 The Lake

Win a family ticket for Disney on Ice at Echo Arena, Liverpool of the number one animated feature film of all-time, Disney’s Frozen. Told through an international team of award-winning skaters, exciting choreography and a musical score filled with familiar Disney hits and rock-and-roll classics, the whole family is sure to experience a captivating journey to far-away lands without ever leaving their seats!

Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they commemorate 25 years of Disney On Ice across Europe in an action-packed ice adventure that travels to four magical destinations! Disney On Ice presents Silver Anniversary Celebration will take audiences on a fun-filled tour of the imagination. This ice spectacular visits Liverpool from Wednesday 16 March to Sunday 20 March for 9 magical performances at Echo Arena.

Disney On Ice invites you to embark on the ultimate sightseeing holiday with all your favourite Disney characters.

Join tour guides Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck as they visit the magical worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan. You’ll also be whisked away to the wintery wonderland

The arena will be filled with music and magic in every scene as you discover four unique landscapes filled with boisterous pirates, Caribbean beats and tender moments. Audiences will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa; voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom; and tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy before flying to Neverland to join Tinker Bell. Plus, travel to Arendelle for an extraordinary adventure with royal sisters Anna and Elsa, rugged mountain man Kristoff and everyone’s favorite huggable snowman, Olaf.

“It’s an extraordinary show and a family vacation all rolled into one incredible night,” says Producer Kenneth Feld.

“You really get a sense you are traveling right alongside Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends.”

Silver Anniversary Celebration was created by a team of industry experts known for their ability to convey the movements and designs needed to bring each Disney destination to life.

The Lake has a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) up for grabs for the opening night – 16th March.

For your chance to win the family ticket, answer the following question: What type of poisoned fruit puts Snow White into a deep sleep?

Send your answer by email to: jon@lakemagazine.co.uk or by post to: Disney Competition, The Lake, Royal Standard House, 334 New Chester Road, Rock Ferry, Wirral CH42 1LE Closing date 29.2.16 Remember to include your full address and contact number.

32 The Lake

New year: new career Top tips from a UCAS Adviser

By Susanne Christian They say that there’s no such thing as a job for life any more. And the figures back this up. Did you know that, on average • only 1.5% of the current workforce will stay in the same job until they retire

3. What kind of work do you want to do?

• recognition for hard work and enterprise

• every worker will have at least one change of career

Are you looking for

• a high salary

• some may change career up to seven times in their working lifetime

• less paperwork and admin?

• an annual bonus

• a bigger team?

• status and importance

• more responsibility or less?

• being free to work without commercial constraints

• more than half of workers can expect to be made redundant at least once.

• a chance to travel?

• less travel or a shorter commute?

So if you’re thinking of changing careers, you won’t be alone. Before you start, it’s worth asking yourself some questions.

1. Do you want to change career?

Some people find themselves forced to change career due to

• more outdoor work?

• work at home?

• flexible working?

• part-time hours?

4. What are your skills and capabilities?

• working for a large organisation • working for an ethical organisation 8. Are you prepared to retrain or start from the bottom again?

Think about the implications for you and your family. You may have to start from square one again and live with all the consequences of that, such as lack of status and lack of money.

• ill-health

Think about your skills and capabilities, aside from the specific subject or job area.

For example:

• lack of demand for their skill-set

• organisational skills

9. Will you regret it if you don’t?

• relocation to a different part of the country (or overseas).

• teaching/lecturing

Others have chosen to change career. This could be due to

People generally regret only what they didn’t do. In two, or five or ten years’ time, will you regret not having made a change?

• motivating others

• redundancy

• fundraising/bid writing

• wanting a new challenge

• creativity

10. Do you need the help of a professional?

• fulfilling a lifetime’s ambition

• leadership.

There’s some big decisions to be made. As well as discussing your plans at home, it can help to talk to someone outside your personal situation who can give you information about your choices and help you make the right decision.

• wanting flexibility (for caring responsibilities or to pursue other interests) • finding themselves in the wrong job • planning ahead for changes to retirement ages.

2. Why are you changing?

Being clear about why you want to do something different will help you decide whether it’s the right thing for you to do.

Maybe you’re • no longer interested in the subject or the work • feeling undervalued • looking for a new challenge • finding it difficult to get on with your boss or your colleagues

5. Can you use your existing skills and capabilities?

Which of your skills will be transferable to a new job or career? And which do you enjoy using?

6. What are you interested in?

If you have an interest or hobby that you’d like to use in a job, think about whether to use it directly or indirectly. For example, if you’ve always enjoyed writing, you could decide to retrain as a journalist or technical writer, so you’d be writing full time. Or you could look for a job where you’d be writing reports, marketing materials or web content alongside other duties.

• in need of a change.

7. What are your values?

or perhaps

What’s important to you in a job?

• reorganisation and restructuring have changed your role

• doing good

• there’s not much opportunity for promotion.

• doing something which feels worthwhile

• making a difference

Susanne has over 15 years’ experience of helping people make changes to their lives and careers. Together we can set goals for your career change and create an action plan so you achieve your aims.

Get in touch to book an appointment 07837 345082 susannechristian24@gmail.com www.susannechristian.co.uk

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Take a new (year) approach to beauty How many times have you started the New Year with good intentions to lose those extra inches, tone up and rid yourself of those blemishes or wrinkles for good? And, how many times have you succeeded? So, maybe it’s time to try a different tack. With over 25 years’ experience in the beauty industry, Tracey Locke, lead clinician at Serenity Clinic, has some sound advice.

In short, the way to achieve the skin and body you want requires the simplest of ethos, which is summed up perfectly by the lyrics of Ella Fitzgerald: “T’aint what you do, it’s the way that you do it. That’s what gets results.” At the end of the day, positive, lasting results are what we all want to see and they can be achieved. So, make 2016 the year you take a new (year) approach and see real results.

More than skin deep We all talk about our skin in general terms, but it’s not that simple.

Our skin varies immensely across different body areas – ranging from a delicate 0.5mm on your eyelids to 4mm on the hands and feet. So, you can see why the “slap it on all over” approach may not have been working for you.

The answer is to address different areas of the body and face with different treatments. If you’re concerned about lines around your eyes or mouth; pockets of fat in your tummy, bingo wings, or age spots, for example, book a consultation with an experienced skin care therapist/aesthetician who will recommend or prescribe a treatment plan specifically designed for you. Don’t just book a generic ‘facial’ or ‘body sculpting’ – make sure it’s right for your particular needs. This should include the right active ingredients or technology to produce tangible, visible improvements.

Counter productive Not only does skin vary across our bodies, it is as unique as our DNA, and factors such as lifestyle, genetic disposition and medication all have an effect. There is no such thing as a ‘miracle’ cream or treatment and this is why over-the-counter products might not seem to live up to their claims. It’s not that they don’t ever produce results: it’s simply a case that “one size doesn’t fit all”.

By booking a consultation, an expert skincare specialist will analyse your individual skin, checking for flare reaction, cornification and congestion, among many other things. They can then feed back their findings and give you a treatment plan, which should always include: explaining what can and (importantly) can’t be achieved and the timeframe it will take before you to start to see results. So, don’t just book any old facial or body treatment.

You don’t fix your car or computer yourself, yet so many people put their faith and their money into the latest “must-have” serum or product that, however advanced, may not be right for you. The UK skincare market reached just over £1 billion in 2014 (Mintel) and an incredible 42% of sales were premium products (Premium Market Report), largely purchased by the so-called “grey pounders”. I know I’m bound to say this, but a well-trained aesthetician/therapist will recommend treatments for your specific concerns and can offer more advanced procedures that go deeper into the tissue rather than just sitting on the skin. If the therapist is worth their salt the results will be written all over your face (or body).

The right combination The truth of the matter is that no single treatment will ever produce the optimum results. That’s not to say that they don’t work! But, even in the most advanced aesthetic non-surgical procedures there is no such thing as a “fix all” treatment. This is why I am a true advocate of combined therapy programmes - as in my view these produce results that are both visible and long-lasting.

This, in part, is because most of us have more than one problem that concerns us. For example a treatment that works fantastically on fine lines and wrinkles may not address pigmentation or sagging brows. In terms of body aesthetics, achieving your ideal shape involves losing inches, tightening skin, etc., and different areas react differently to treatments. This is why I use three different body-contouring machines in clinic, not just one. It’s important to think of the bigger picture but also focus on the specifics of what bothers you.

Happy 2016 and here’s to a ‘beautiful’ year.

Serenity Clinic Ltd, 162 Banks Road, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0RH T: 0151 625 6256 www.serenity-clinic.co.uk

34 The Lake

During January and February, The Light Cinema New Brighton is hosting a wealth of live cinema including theatre, opera and ballet.

BOLSHOI Live: The Taming of The Shrew – Jan 24

Welcome to The Lake magazine’s film column.

Each issue will provide a rundown of what’s on over the next few weeks, including blockbusters, independent films and arts screenings that are available for you to check out in your local cinema.

Many suitors dream of marrying the lovely and docile Bianca. However, her father will not let anyone marry her before her ill- tempered elder sister. Billed as magnetic and breathtaking, Bolshoi’s audacity and energy is portrayed in a completely new way. This new production was staged exclusively for the Bolshoi and cannot be seen anywhere else!

THE BROTHERS GRIMSBY This February, Sacha Baron Cohen returns to the big screen with the comedy The Brothers Grimsby.

The story follows Nobby (Cohen) as he is re-united with his brother, Sebastian. Nobby has it all – football, nine children and the “most attractive girlfriend in northern England”, played by the hilarious Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect).

There’s only one thing missing from Nobby’s life – the little brother he’s been searching for 28 years. Upon hearing of Sebastian’s whereabouts, Nobby sets off to reconcile their family.

Unaware that his brother is MI6’s top assassin, wrongfully accused and on the run after uncovering a plot that puts the world in danger, Nobby and Sebastian must work together to clear the family name and save the world!

Mark Strong (Kingsman, Imitation Game) co-stars as Sebastian with Penelope Cruz, Isla Fisher, Gabourey Sidibe, Annabelle Wallis, and Ian McShane also starring.

SPOTLIGHT

The Brothers Grimsby opens 24th.

Billed as an early frontrunner for the 2016 Academy Awards, Spotlight tells the enthralling true story of the Boston Globe’s Pulitzer Prize Winning investigation that rocked the city and caused a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. When the newspaper’s ‘Spotlight’ team of reporters delves into allegation of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers decades-long cover-ups in religious, legal and government establishments sparking waves of revelations around the world.

Also this February:

Spotlight opens January 29th and is directed by Tom McCarthy (Win Win) and features an all-star cast including Michael Keaton (Birdman), Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers), Rachel McAdams (True Detective), Liev Schreiber (X-Men), Stanley Tucci (Hunger Games) and John Slattery (Mad Men).

Also this January: Hateful Eight – 8th Creed – 15th The 5th Wave – 22nd The Big Short – 22nd

Deadpool – 4th

ROH Live: Rhapsody/The Two Pigeons – Jan 26 and 31 This delightful Frederick Ashton double bill opens with his setting of Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Witty, impassioned and sublime, this ballet was the pinnacle of Ashton’s romantic style.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses: NT Live – Jan 28 While merciless aristocrats toy with others’ hearts and reputations in games of seduction and revenge, their own hearts and reputations may prove more fragile than they supposed.

Directed by Josie Rourke (Coriolanus), the cast includes Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Dominic West (The Wire).

ROH Live: La Traviata – Feb 4 La Traviata is regarded as one of Verdi’s finest operas. It tells the story of the Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry, one of opera’s greatest heroines, based on the real life courtesan Marie Duplessis.

Renoir – Revered and Reviled (Exhibition on Screen) – Feb 16 (From the Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia)

Zoolander 2 – 12th

Picasso collected more Renoirs than any other artist, Matisse revered him and Monet too. He was an artist who was instrumental in creating the Impressionist movement and before rejecting it and taking the movement in a completely new direction – with extraordinary results.

The Finest Hours – 19th

As You Like It – NT Live – Feb 25

Goosebumps – 5th Trumbo – 5th Point Break – 12th

Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change comes to the National Theatre for the first time in over 30 years.

With her father, the Duke, banished and in exile, Rosalind and her cousin Celia leave and journey into the Forest of Arden. There, released from convention, Rosalind experiences the liberating rush of transformation. Disguising herself as a boy, she embraces a different way of living and falls spectacularly in love.

Craig Barton works within film exhibition at Cineplex’s and Film Festivals and is a former lecturer of film and creative media.

Release dates are subject to change and are provided by Launching Films & The Light Cinema.

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Shorelines

By Stephen G Baker

Sometimes in life we have to accept the inevitable! There is quote by Francis of Assisi where he says: “Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

As you start 2016 let me remind you of something we can change.

We can change what we value this year and where our priorities lie. Maybe 2015 was a bad year for you? Illness has been stalking you. You have fears about the future. Life has been very uncertain… Often when we cannot change our circumstances, we can control how we respond to them.

The Lord Jesus often spoke about life and its priorities. On one occasion he was talking to a group of people and told them: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness (every form of greed); for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” In effect Jesus was saying that ‘life does not equal success’. All of the things we accumulate do not add up to ‘the good life’. As we start this year, we need to re-evaluate what we prize most in life.

Ok, so let’s look at our list. It probably includes family, friends, health, community and such like. But is your soul on the list? You may be asking what do I mean? The bible talks about you as a soul and in fact in the aviation industry they still talk about the number of ‘souls on board’. Why? Because humans are not just bodies they are living souls.

Every human being is very precious in the sight of God. So precious that the wealth of the world cannot pay the price for your soul. Psalm 49.7,8 says: “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life (his soul) for the ransom of their life is costly.” In effect, God is saying that you are priceless. Thankfully, society still believes that souls are valuable. That is why we invest so much in healthcare, medical solutions, health and safety, search and rescue, etc. Why spend thousands on one soul? Because life is fragile and irreplaceable.

As I close I want to return to my initial comments. What changes are you going to make this year to your priorities? Will you value your soul? Jesus said: “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?”

The truth of the matter is that “God did not send his Son (Jesus) into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him”.

I trust and pray that you will have a great 2016.

Please note that all quotations in this column are from the Bible.

www.findingthemissingpeace.blogspot.co.uk www.seekthetruth.org.uk

Hoylake welcomes Wirral’s first loose leaf tea lounge Opened by Abbie Crompton, formerly from Lattetude, West Kirby, Nine Leaves is an exciting new addition to Hoylake.

With over 20 loose leaf teas and home-made herbal tea remedies, there’s something for everyone.

Abbie is working with a local wellness coach, Chris Bowness, to start a series of one-stop drop in sessions where anybody can drop-in and enjoy a tea and get advice from Chris about everything from relaxation techniques to exercise plans.

Nine Leaves offers a unique space where groups can hold meetings or set up events whilst enjoying one of Abbie’s teas or maybe a home-made cake. It is also ideal for children’s mini workshops.

Friday evenings will see live events ranging from poetry reading and story telling to live music and talent events and Abbie will be cooking up a delicious dish each week for supper!

Keep updated by following Nine Leaves Tea Lounge on Facebook or @9leaveshoylake on Twitter.

Abbie and her best friends Charlie (Charlotte), Rebecca and Dave are breathing life back into Albert Road in Hoylake. While Abbie has opened her exciting new venture, Nine Leaves Tea Lounge, Charlie and gang are opening Black Lodge Electric Tattoos opposite. With all the prospective development in Hoylake, the new shops are an exciting first step to the redevelopment of this area.

36 The Lake

All Things Auctioneering

by John Crane of 5CountiesValuationCompany.co.uk and CatoCrane.co.uk

After almost a lifetime of being engaged in the world of ‘All Things Auctioneering’, firstly at Baker and Baker in pre-internet days at Birkenhead and Chester and for the last 30 years at our Auction Rooms in Liverpool, we have now added a new service for clients in Wirral and the surrounding counties: The 5Counties Valuation Company. You can contact us on 01244 680055 or 0151 342 2321. The website is 5CVC.co.uk and the email is Sell@lowerpercent.co.uk, a bit long maybe, but that is how it is!

The service is for private clients who require confidential assistance in the disposal of middle to high and fine quality pictures, silver and jewellery and good quality family furniture.

Over the years in the world of fine art, many good and ethical contacts have been made in London for those extremely rare objects which are of very high quality. There are people who think that dealers may be somewhat unreliable, but over the years we have ‘sorted them out’ and have discovered a few whom we are pleased to recommend.

The internet and emails have changed the world and the way some people do business.

We are still old-fashioned and gentle in our approach to people who are unsure of strangers in their homes. We are both polite and courteous at all times as we believe this is the correct manner in which to conduct business. There are aggressive people about, but we leave that technique to them!

Our Auction Service in Liverpool, where we sell worldwide on internet auctions, continues to be as busy as usual.

Recently, working for my 5CountiesValuation company, found me near Shrewsbury. It probably looked a bit suspicious to the casual observer! I was meeting a client in a remote country pub and boxes were transferred from one car to another as the daylight was fading.

‘tin tabernacles’ as they were disrespectfully called by the fashionistas of the day in the Arts and Crafts movement, still in existence in the country. The community tin church in Frodsham was even slid sideways on rollers some years ago, to make more space in the car park no doubt. The original St. Barnabus Church in Mossley Hill in Liverpool seated 600 people and was known as the ‘Tin Cathedral’ It is always interesting to see utilitarian building material used in an artistic manner.

Sir Clough Williams-Ellis of Portmeirion fame used painted corrugated iron to great effect on his Llanfrothen Estate by constructing a pretty summer house for visitors to use. No, it does not sound possible but it works well.

I once asked a noted art academic in one of the public art galleries in Liverpool if he could, being an expert, recognise outstanding talent in the works of young artists while they were still at art school or even earlier in their lives.

I wanted to find out how to do it, so just how did he recognise the good ones? His reply was very simple. He said that if the artists were selling their paintings in 20 years time then they were good.

Dog tired of auctions

Flowers by Barbara Dorf

Tin Church at Maesbury

It was a long drive, but my spirits were raised when I noticed an early corrugated iron prefabricated building. The church at Maesbury is worth a visit. It was constructed in 1906 in just four days at a cost of £380; it seats 100 people and is still used every week. Extremely good value for money. There are about 100

are still affordable when they come up in the auction rooms for sale. The’ Vase of Flowers’ I have illustrated by her was painted by her at the age of eight. Yes, I would have bought it, no question at all.

I heard recently of an institution which had ‘invested’ many tens of thousands of pounds in five works by a respected living artist who has an international following. However, they were sold at auction for a tenth of their original ‘gallery price’. Neither the vendor nor the artist were at all pleased, but that is how it is for many living artists when their paintings appear on the market for the second time around. I did once see these pictures and to be fair, they were too large for the average domestic house and that alone would limit the resale potential.

So the number one rule is... always buy the right size that would fit into most homes.

How to buy modern or unknown artists is a well-guarded secret and known only to a few experienced dealers. If you only have scant amateur knowledge then keep away from the ‘investment in art market’.

Auctions can be tiring occasions and it was all too much for one of our regular buyers...

I recently came across an image of a painting of a Bowl of Flowers by Barbara Dorf. Now Barbara Dorf may not be a familiar artist to many of you but she was born in 1933, studied at the Slade School of Art in London and exhibited at prominent galleries in London, Paris and Belgrade. Iris Murdoch greatly admired her work and collected many examples.

Barbara Dorf also wrote many books on the subjects of water colour techniques and is a noted art historian. Despite this, her works

Returning to the matter of prefabrication, on a recent Hoylake house visit, I discovered an illustrated postcard c1900 of some wooden holiday bungalows in an area near to the Leasowe Castle Hotel. Surprisingly there are about eight still standing and extremely well cared for. Over 2,000 existed in the fields

Bungalows at Moreton

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alongside Leasowe Road, but were demolished in 1928 due to the worries regarding flooding and the lack of sanitation. Another interesting postcard was one of my great hero David Lloyd George announcing new health care availability.

Ivory Baton David Lloyd George

There seems to have been little fine furniture around on the market anywhere for a few weeks, but on a visit in Wirral I did discover a small antique teak campaign chest. It was of an unusually small size and for this reason it would still generate much interest in the auction rooms - perhaps in the region of £2,000-£3,000.

An interesting ivory regimental conductor’s presentation baton turned up out of the blue recently on a house call, complete with documentation from the original owner in 1890. It was presented in Muttra by Capt A H M Edwards to J J Smith, bandmaster of the Kings Dragoon Guards which was also known as the Welsh Cavalry. All ivory must now have a certificate from the relevant endangered species authority before they may be sold.

Most auction rooms can advise you on this.

Oak Deudarn

A Welsh c18th ‘deudarn’ or kitchen cupboard made over £900.00 in our last auction and went to the Welsh trade for restoration and then resale. It came from an 1800s property in the centre of Liverpool where the family had lived since 1935.

A close friend of mine in Heswall told me my name came up in conversation recently and the person said to him: “John Crane is so enthusiastic about all aspects of his work from low value collectables to expensive fine art, he will even come out on Christmas Day if you ask him!” I was tested on this some years ago and it is true – I opened the auction rooms specially for a visitor to Liverpool Cathedral after the service to see some White Star silver items; he did in fact, bid on lots of lots!

I am available to give talks to small groups of people for ‘at home’ groups. No group is too small or too large! I enjoy talking about ‘40 Years Behind the Gavel’. I am also soon to be appraising objects at the Hoylake Community Centre on a date to be confirmed.

Finally, nearly, may I wish each and every one of you a Very Happy Antique New Year.

In the meantime I will be happy to visit you to chat about you items and fine art. Phone me on the red phone for appointments(!)

01244 680055 or 0151 342 2321 or mobile is 07836 209995.

5Counties awaiting your call

38 The Lake

If someone mentions the word ‘detox’, do you automatically think of fasting and only drinking juices? Believe it or not, you can detox your body while eating delicious and nutritious food and get the same results. Here Zara Wylie, Fitness Coach at Fitness Queen, talks you through the positive effects of a detox and top tips for how to do it safely.

Why should you detox There are a number of reasons why you may want to detox and weight loss is not the only one. Everybody should detox about every six months because of the amazing benefits it has for your body. Here are just four of my top reasons.

1. Removes toxins from the body Long-term exposure to toxins from sources like air pollutants and junk food can affect your metabolism and immune system leading to potential illness. Toxins are stored in cells in your tissues – although cells can get rid of unwanted chemicals, detoxing a couple of times a year gives them a helping hand.

2. It can help you lose weight Toxins affect the body’s natural ability to burn fat and this can often lead to weight gain. Detoxing rids the body of toxins stored in fat cells, which then increases the body’s metabolism rate.

3. Helps to reduce the rate of premature aging Detoxing rids the body of free radicals and heavy metals which are partially responsible for the aging process. Ridding the cells of free radicals and heavy metals means that the cells are better able to absorb nutrients and slow the signs of aging.

4. Improve your energy If you often feel tired and feel like you can’t concentrate on everyday tasks, it could be because your system is loaded with toxins. When you have lots of toxins in your body your systems can’t function in the best possible way. Detoxing gives your systems a rest and helps them function to the best of their ability.

1. Cut out the rubbish Try as best as you can to remove all forms of sugar, all flour products and all artificial sweeteners. The best way to do this is to eat mainly fresh foods and read the labels of everything else to check what’s in it. Eating fresh foods means that you will get a good variety of nutrients which will nourish your body.

2. Eat protein to help cut cravings Try to add good sources of protein (like eggs and lean meat) to as many meals as you can. This helps to balance your blood sugar levels and so reduces the likelihood of cravings – your biggest enemy when you are trying to detox.

3. Eat carbs – but the right ones Vegetables (particularly dark green ones) are full of complex carbohydrates that are broken down slowly by the body.

This means that you avoid spikes of energy and then the inevitable slump that follows. Try to avoid simple carbohydrates such as pasta, potatoes and bread.

4. Include healthy fats When people detox they tend to avoid all forms of fat, thinking that it will do them harm. The opposite is in fact true.

Choose healthy fats such as Omega-3s that can be found in oily fish. Nuts, seeds and avocados are all also good sources of good fats.

If you feel that you need some help and advice, don’t forget that we are here to help with one-on-one personal training, individual nutrition plans, and, of course, our well-loved group exercise classes!

Newsletter We’ve recently launched our new website and we couldn’t be more excited! Why not pop over and check it out and while you’re there you can subscribe to our newsletter for loads of hints and tips.

How to detox safely Suddenly cutting calories by only having juices or smoothies will shock your system and could cause more harm than good.

Flooding your body with nutritious food that helps your cells repair and perform at their best is the best kind of detox you can do.

Zara Wylie

Website: www.thefitnessqueen.co.uk Email: zara.wylie@gmail.com • Call: 07702 844984 Twitter: @fitnessqueenuk • Facebook: Fitness Queen