Wirral Life January 2017

WIRRAL LIFE WIRRAL’S No.1 FREE PREMIUM LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

NICOLA GLEAVE FROM CANCER TO CATWALK

PROPERTY • MOTORS • FASHION & BEAUTY • FOOD & DRINK

The ultimate relaxing music mix

WIRRAL LIFE

WIRRAL’S No.1 FREE PREMIUM LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Welcome to Wirral Life Magazine.

This month we have an inspirational interview with Nicola Gleave, a well-known successful local business person, who talks to us about her battle with cancer and her new fundraising initiative Worn by Us. For all those planning a wedding in 2017 - we feature dresses from the outstanding Maggie Sottero Spring/Summer 17 range along with inspiration for a marquee wedding.

And for all you foodies, we have our popular in-depth restaurant reviews and a New Year recipe from the renowned Edge & Sons butchers. If you are looking to move home in 2017, then you need to check out our Editor’s Choice of properties!

We would like to thank everyone who has supported us through 2016 and we are really looking forward to 2017.

EDITORS

Si Hall Nicky Rigby-Smith FEATURE WRITERS Lynne Hague: Lifestyle Clare Barber: Lifestyle Karen Booth: Food Carla Kelly: Beauty Carl Housbey: Food Joel Jelen: Wellbeing Simon Parkinson: Wine Callum Edge: The Butchers Cut Andrew Collinge: Hair Tom Atkinson: Golf Club Pro Tony Yates: Cars Jo Miller: Beer David Green: Whisky Cover Shot: Si Hall OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER:

On behalf of the Wirral Life team, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Enjoy Wirral Life!

Si Hall & Nicky Rigby Smith.

JOIN WIRRAL LIFE FIND US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/wirrallifemagazine FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @wirrallifemag SUBSCRIBE AT www.wirrallife.com

Copyright Hall Smith Publishing 2016. All Rights Reserved. The content of the magazine is owned by the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced - in whole or in part, including advertisements - without prior written permission from the publisher. While we take every care whilst compiling the magazine, we cannot be held responsible for claims made, or accuracy of content provided by advertisers or contributors. All prices and dates within the magazine were correct at the time of print. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify any materials submitted. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily held by the editor or publisher.

4 wirrallife.com

CONTACT US GENERAL ENQUIRIES hello@wirrallife.com ADVERTISING advertising@wirrallife.com EDITORIAL editorial@wirrallife.com REVIEWS reviews@wirrallife.com

hall smith P

U

B

L

I

S

H

I

N

G

IN THIS ISSUE

10

32

16

50

37 30

INTERVIEWS 10. Nicola Gleave FEATURES 15. Dr Henry Aldwinckle 16. The Somme Battlefield 20. The Hive FOOD & DRINK 27. The Wine Connoisseur 28. The Butchers Cut 30. Gastro Grazer 32. Restaurant Reviews PROPERTY 37. Hot Properties 48. The Velvet Touch FASHION & BEAUTY 50. Beauty Style 52. Male Grooming

BRIDAL FEATURE 56. Maggie Sottero 64. Marquee Inspiration

15

68

56

TRAVEL 68. Sri Lanka SPORT 72. Golf Masterclass MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE 78. Photo Competition MOTOR 84. F-Pace – R-Sport 86. Morgan Factory Tour SOCIETY 88. Hot & Happening

wirrallife.com 5

IN BRIEF A ‘TIMSPIRATIONAL’ TIME HAD BY STUDENTS

STEWART MILNE HOMES SPREADS FESTIVE CHEER

Students from Birkenhead School are coming back down to earth after being one of a small number of schools chosen to present to Astronaut Tim Peake at the Principia Mission’s Schools’ Conference that took place recently at the University of York.

Stewart Milne Homes has donated two giant Christmas trees, bringing festive cheer to patients and staff at Wirral’s Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals.

The conference was run by the UK Space Agency to celebrate the imaginative work that children across the country have done linked to Tim Peake’s Principia mission to the International Space Station.

The School beat competition from schools across the UK to meet Tim. Students from Year 4 to Lower Sixth presented on how his mission had inspired their studies which ranged from analysing seeds that had been in space to observing the transit of Mercury moving across the Sun through the School’s telescope.

Mr Paul Vicars, Headmaster, said “We are extremely proud of our students being selected to present to Tim Peake at the Principia Conference in recognition of the range and quality of work that they had completed. Mrs Sharon Tharme and Dr Sue Jarvis worked closely with them and have truly inspired an interest and passion in Space. I am confident that this exceptional opportunity will stay with them for the rest of their lives”.

The opportunity to meet Tim Peake was just one of a number of space related activities that the School has on offer for students. The School runs a weekly Astronomy Club and in February next year, a group of 20 girls will be visiting NASA in Texas, US, as part of a STEM Sisters trip and will be taking part in an engineering mission to land a rover on Mars.

Birkenhead School has been recognised nationally as being one of the top performing independent schools in the Sunday Times Top 250 Independent Secondary Schools for 2016. The School was ranked 84th and recognises the School’s strong performance in the summer examinations where the school achieved 100% pass rate and 88% A* to B grades at A Level.

6 wirrallife.com

The Christmas trees, which are 22ft and 18ft in height, were delivered to Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust over the weekend to be displayed at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospital main entrances for the duration of the Christmas period.

The tree lights were officially switched on by hospital nursing staff, Kate Rigby sales consultant and Colin Miller site manager at Stewart Milne Homes. David Allison, Chief Executive of Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “Patient care is always our priority and for those who are in hospital over Christmas we try to make their experience as easy as possible. We hope these trees will help bring some festive cheer to patients, their families and our staff who will be working hard in providing the best care possible over this busy period for us. Many tens of thousands of people will pass through Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals during the next few weeks, in which our dedicated hospital staff will continue caring for patients this festive season as they do throughout the year. This kind donation from Stewart Milne Homes will certainly help us launch our festive season at both Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals.”

Lynne Vogel, sales manager at Stewart Milne Homes, said: “We want to support local organisations wherever we can and we know Arrowe Park hospital well as it is just a stone’s throw away from our homes at Upton Pines. We hope that these Christmas trees help to bring a little bit of festive magic to those who have to spend the holidays in hospital, rather than at home with their loved ones.”

To find out more about Stewart Milne Homes or the range of homes available at Upton Pines, call 0845 900 3633 or visit www.stewartmilnehomes.com

W NEWS L

SANDBROOK KIDS REVEAL MAGENTA LIVING NEW STREET NAMES Children from a local primary school in Moreton have made history by choosing street names for a new housing development, which is replacing the tower blocks in Melrose and Thornridge.

Magenta Living is in the process of building 38 affordable homes; 34 houses and four apartments and the two new streets will be named as ‘Oxholme Close’ and ‘Thornfield Close’. Nine children from Sandbrook Primary School received a prize for their winning suggestions; 5 year old Safi Nasir, and 7 year olds - Scarlett Murray, Sophie Jones, Bobby Evans, Boran Duzen, Syed Ahmed, Cole Jameson, Lilly Williams, Ryan Armbruster. ‘Thornfield Close’ was influenced by the thorns growing close by in the fields. And the second name, ‘Oxholme Close’ was inspired by the name of a farming field that used to be on the site many years ago.

Brian Simpson, Chief Executive of Magenta Living, Councillor Ron Abbey and Chris Moss from Seddon Construction, where all on hand to thank the children.

Brian says: “Our vision is to provide homes and build communities where all can thrive and working closely with schools and community groups on new developments ensures we can achieve this. The children from Sandbrook Primary were a delight, and their input will now form part of Wirral’s history.”

SMUDGE BOUTIQUE RETURNS TO METQUARTER The Metquarter is delighted to announce the return of Smudge Boutique – a family-run business with a personal touch. Stocking beautiful brands including Wildfox, Alice McCall, Cameo Collective, Rebecca Rhoades, Elliatt and Minkpink, Smudge Boutique’s pieces can often be seen on Taylor Swift, the Kardashians and a host of other celebrities.

Another independent to open in Liverpool’s ever-popular shopping destination, Smudge Boutique stocks a range of up-to-the-minute pieces from casual wear to statement, standout dresses for any fashionista is looking for something a little bit different.

Smudge Boutique will also add its kidswear range to the collection with a host of beautiful brands including Little Elevens Paris, Donsje, Kidscase and many more.

Home to over 50 brands online and bringing the best selection instore, Smudge Boutique’s store owner, Lauren Casey commented: “We are a family run business based in the North West who pride ourselves on stocking unique and beautiful brands. With our loyal customers affectionately called “Smudgettes”, we love glamour and spend a lot of time sourcing beautiful unique brands for anyone looking for something that little bit special. Our flagship store is based in West Kirby and whatever style you’re after we are the store for you. We’ve dressed many a celebrity for the red carpet, from soap stars to film stars”.

BEBINGTON GLAZING ENCOURAGES OWNERS TO TACKLE PROPERTY PROBLEMS A recent UK study, which surveyed owners of 3.2 million properties, found that 18% described their homes as ‘ticking time bombs’ of repairs, refurbishments and problems, costing up to £2,500 a year to maintain.

The survey, undertaken by insurers LV=, also found that the most common household complaint was faulty double glazing (19%).

Managing Director of Bebington Glazing Kay Finlay said: “The statistics found by LV=’s recent survey are certainly surprising, but here at Bebington Glazing, we have encountered many homeowners who have brushed property problems under the carpet only to be hit with huge costs when each of the issues become an emergency.

Of those surveyed, the top complaint was faulty double glazing, an essential element of any home during the colder months. We encourage all homeowners to contact us in the first instance should they notice smaller problems with their existing double glazing installations including excess condensation, draughts, leaks or small chips and cracks, as if the problem is caught early on, it can be much easier to repair and maintain.” wirrallife.com 7

OFFICIAL DEALER

Lamborghini Manchester

Lamborghini Manchester St Mary’s Way Stockport Cheshire SK1 4AQ Phone 0161 474 6730 Email Lamborghinimanchester@hrowen.co.uk

Fuel consumption* (1/100km): urban 17.5 /extra urban 9.2km/combined 12,3. CO2 emmission: 285**g/km * In line with the EU directive 80/1268/EEC ** With COD (Cylinder On Demand).

THE INTERVIEW

NICOLA GLEAVE TALKS TO LYNNE HAGUE

Wirral Life’s Lynne Hague talks to Nicola Gleave, a successful local businesswoman, on her fight against cancer, inspirational attitude to life and her new fundraising initiative, Worn by Us. Tell us about yourself...

I’m 44, married to Andy and we have two children - Jack aged 13 and Sophie aged 8. I was born in Liverpool and moved to the Wirral almost 19 years ago when I got married. I’m a very determined person and a bit of a workaholic. I become very passionate about anything I get involved in and throw myself in 200%.

Over the past few months you have been busy promoting awareness of Worn By Us.com – your fund raising initiative for cancer charities. As this is such a personal issue for you, has this been received in the way you had hoped?

Oh my gosh it has been unbelievable. It started as an idea to raise awareness and give back after I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, and it has really evolved - and we can now support any charity of your choice. I’m overwhelmed by the interest and 10 wirrallife.com

support I’ve received by so many people. Everyone who hears about it, thinks it’s a brilliant idea. I am now being contacted by people who have heard about me, and also introduced to so many amazing people and organisations who want to support, ranging from people who have read my story and want to donate clothes and items from their wardrobes, fashion designers and boutiques donating items, to celebrity stylists introducing me to their clients. There are just too many people to mention them all, but there is a Wirral woman Claire Whittle who owns a beauty salon in Liverpool ‘CJ in the City’. Claire has donated many fabulous and expensive items of clothing most of which have never been worn, as she wants to support Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. We’ve received items from many celebrities too including Coleen Rooney, Jacqueline Gold, Lorraine Kelly, Mel C, Katie Piper, Peter Andre and many others. That is the most amazing thing about what I have created – people are able to provide constant support and funds for their favourite charity without having to part with any cash at all. All they are doing is handing over clothes and other items which are taking up space in their wardrobes which they no longer want, and we do the rest to raise money for their charity – it’s really simple and effective. I also have to mention Nick Ede who has been an amazing support.

Nick is a well known philanthropist, PR personality, and brand

THE W L INTERVIEW

and style expert on TV. He and his company East of Eden work with many celebrities and charities. Nick is extremely busy jetting off around the world working with some of the biggest celebrity names, but he always makes time to support me, to make connections, to promote us on social media and to invite me to events to gain exposure for Worn By Us. We’re planning a pop up shop together next year – so watch this space! We have successfully secured many opportunities which will now take us on our next phase of growth. To reach our potential we are looking for a partner to invest in us and to join our journey - so if that person is you, please get in touch!

Being diagnosed so young with breast cancer must have been an enormous shock, what helped you with the challenge of facing each new day while you were ill?

Cancer is something that I never thought would happen to me, and came as a complete shock as I’ve always been very healthy and it has always been a bit of a family joke that I’m invincible and never get ill. My diagnosis gave me a resilience I’ve never had before. I realised what was really important in life, and was determined that I would be here for my children. That gave me a driving force to overcome this. I adopted a positive mindset, and I started to identify and appreciate the positive things in

my life, and I kind of ‘tuned’ myself into treating it all like a project or a task that I had to work on and complete. I made sure that life went on as normal, I didn’t tell my children about my diagnosis, and so it was not a topic of conversation in the house. I continued with my life as normally as possible, and each time I went for treatment, the children thought I was going to a meeting. To me, it was an appointment in the diary I needed to attend, then I came home and carried on life as usual. Coming up with the idea for Worn By Us was a huge turning point in helping me to overcome this too. It gave me something positive to focus on, and I really want to share my story with others to help them to turn negative experiences in their lives into positives. I truly believe that it’s not about what happens to you in your life, it’s how you react to it and deal with it.

When you were diagnosed, you found it very difficult to talk about it to family and friends, how did you overcome this and do you now believe it’s important to talk about cancer?

Yes, I did, I didn’t really want to tell anyone. My mum called my sister to tell her, I didn’t want to have the conversation. I passed the message on to those who did know to not talk about it unless I spoke about it first. I didn’t want sympathy or concern, I wanted to get on with normal life and deal with it in a way that I wirrallife.com 11

knew was best for me. So we had a normal family environment, we carried on as usual, we talked about good things and happy things and planned for the future. It was when I overcame it, I wanted to talk, I wanted to tell the world via Worn By Us about my journey, my experience, and how I had come through it.

I had an overwhelming feeling to help others, to save lives by raising as much awareness as possible by getting the message across in a unique way, in a way in which I believed would attract attention and make people listen, and that way was Worn By Us. I’m so keen to talk to and share my story with as many people as possible to help them in any way I can, whether that’s through one to one sessions, workshops or talking on stage to large groups of people. This experience has dragged me kicking and screaming out of my comfort zone, I’ll do anything if I can make a difference to one persons life.

enjoy family holidays together – anywhere where there’s warmth and sun, I’m there!

What has surprised you the most about yourself over the past few years?

No – never! I do like to relax, but I also need to keep in touch with work on a daily basis. I keep in touch with emails daily and take my laptop, and I’m occasionally guilty of working on my laptop in the evenings – only after I’ve finished my sunbathing duties of course!

My resolve and resilience to overcome this. I’ve become a much stronger person, I’ve built confidence in myself that I can do things that I once never thought possible. I have come out of my comfort zone completely! I’m not frightened of anything any more, it has helped me to deal with problems and issues in life with a different approach, and not to let anything drag me down.

Your life before your illness has been very much rooted in business development and entrepreneurial support for businesses – do you now see this changing or do you think that Worn By Us.com and your charity work will sit comfortably alongside your other business interests?

Yes, actually I loved my previous work, I have a Consultancy Business which I have been running for the last 4 years. I love working on diverse projects, meeting new people and making a difference, helping other business owners to grow and achieve success. I’m very much a people person, and have built credibility through my work and the strong relationships and networks I have established over my 20 years in the business support sector. I think there’s definitely opportunity for Worn

By Us to sit alongside other business interests, I’ve found that they compliment each other. I’m very much a connector of opportunities, and the new connections and experience I have gained and continue to gain from Worn By Us will massively benefit work I do for other clients.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Hmm – Prosecco!

What is your favourite kind of food, places to eat out?

I like traditional food, I’m very much a fish person – seabass and swordfish being my favourites. However I’m mainly found in coffee shops having meetings – I’m often found in Home in Oxton Village.

When you go on holiday, do you switch off your phone/laptop?

You went to university in Liverpool and you live on the Wirral, what do you love most about the Wirral?

The Wirral has a fantastic balance for a healthy lifestyle and to bring up a family. I love where I live, and the fact that it’s not overdeveloped and we are in easy reach of so many fantastic attractions and beauty spots.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR WORN BY US

Through your Eurocities work, you’ve had contact with many places, have you ever thought of moving abroad and if so, where to?

Readers can support Worn by Us by donating women’s, men’s & children’s clothing and accessories or any celebrity memorabilia.

I love travelling, and I love the opportunities which my work has brought me to travel. I’m torn, my 2 favourite places are the Greek Islands, and Italy. My husband took me to Malcesine in Lake Garda for my 40th Birthday, and we’ve been a number of times since, so I think I would opt for there, or Lake Como, which has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that George Clooney lives there!

You can also view and purchase from the extensive range at www.wornbyus.com

When you’re not working, what do you like to do to relax?

Hot yoga – I love it! I’m to be found most nights at Liverpool Yoga Studios. It actually helped me after my treatment. It destresses me like nothing else, and is the best fitness regime I’ve ever done! I also love spending time with my family and really 12 wirrallife.com

To show your support for Worn by Us, follow on social media and help spread the message: www.instagram/worn_by_us www.twitter.com/wornbyus www.facebook.com/wornbyus To contact Nicola directly, please email: Nicola@wornbyus.com or call 07446 177 642.

THE

W L

INTERVIEW

wirrallife.com 13

“A step by step approach to educating the whole child”

• • • •

Traditional teaching Small classes Dedicated and higly experienced staff High academic standard and excellent results at 11+

PRENTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL MOUNT PLEASANT, OXTON, WIRRAL, CH43 5SY GIRLS & BOYS 2 YEARS 6 MONTHS - 11 YEARS

• • • •

A firm but fair discipline Various clubs and sporting activities Pre and after school care Nursery grant available for 3 & 4 year olds

For an information pack or to arrange a visit, please call the School Secretary on: 0151 652 3182 or email: enquiry@prentonprep.co.uk

Accredited by the Independent Schools Council

NEW PRIVATE GP AT TOP WIRRAL HOSPITAL AIMS TO BEAT WAITING TIMES A new Wirral-based private GP service is being launched to offer a fast-track service to beat waiting times for appointments. The service is piloting at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, near Heswall, and is being headed by a West Kirby-based member of an NHS practice.

Dr Henry Aldwinckle, 38, an experienced GP with an advanced qualification in skin problems, will be running regular Tuesday and Saturday private surgeries at Spire Murrayfield which has over 36,000 patients a year, with the option of extending the service.

He said: “I work in the NHS but I wanted to offer the choice of a different service that can provide longer appointments and appointment times outside the usual GP hours. I realise how difficult it can be for busy working people to fit in a visit to their NHS GP on weekdays which can mean many chronic conditions are not being seen soon enough. We are offering appointments on Saturdays as well as Tuesdays because we appreciate that many people find it hard to get a routine GP appointment at a time to suit them – urgent cases will of course be seen but nonurgent appointments take longer. There would also be a more relaxed approach, with more time allocated for appointments, allowing patients to build a rapport and relationship with their chosen GP.” Dr Aldwinckle, a GP at a practice in West Kirby, had been looking for a suitable site to open a private GP practice and had approached Spire Murrayfield because it offered an ideal solution. He added: “Spire Murrayfield is a very highly regarded and well-equipped private hospital and they were also looking to establish a private GP service. The advantage here is that they offer a complete package with consultation rooms so that patients can be seen quickly and if necessary referred on to secondary care here at the hospital. That would mean that someone needing a scan or blood tests could have it done the same day and the same goes for physiotherapy and other treatments - they could even see a consultant the same day rather than having to wait for a referral at an NHS practice.”

Dr Aldwinckle has a post graduate diploma in practical dermatology from Cardiff University and says that up to 15 per cent of people seen by GPs have dermatological or skin-related problems ranging from eczema to malignant melanomas.

Spire Murrayfield, which employs 260 staff and a team of specialist consultants, has also invested over £1 million in its systems and equipment in the past 12 months with a new day care centre costing £330,000 opened in January and an £850,000 state-of-the-art MRI Scanner, the most advanced of its kind in the area, installed last year.

Julie Watkinson, Acting Director of Spire Murrayfield Hospital, said: “We are constantly looking to invest in and upgrade our services and we had been looking to add our own dedicated private GP practice so we were delighted to team up with Dr Aldwinckle. We see it as a natural progression in our aim to offer as many services as we can to our patients under one roof and in the case of the GP practice to offer a flexible and speedy response as well as a high quality service. The new day centre is proving very successful and is on target to carry out over 5,000 operations this year with the patients returning home the same day while we have a zero infections rate in our three operating theatres.”

Dr Aldwinckle, who was born and brought up in Gayton, near Heswall, is married with three young daughters and lives in Hoylake. He went to Birkenhead School and, inspired by his late grandfather, Dr Thomas Green, a Wallasey GP, trained as a doctor at Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospitals in London before working as a GP registrar in Wallasey and then as a GP in West Kirby where he will continue to practice.

He said: “I very much believe in the NHS which is a national treasure but I see this as a complimentary service which could actually take some of the pressure off the GP services in the area.”

For more information about Spire Murrayfield Hospital including enquiries about the new private GP service, go to www.spirehealthcare.com/wirral

wirrallife.com 15

VISIT TO THE SOMME BATTLEFIELD

by Roz Gladden, Liverpool Lord Mayor

In August this year, a group of us set off from Liverpool Town Hall to visit the Somme battlefield on the centenary. Our group included myself, the Consort - Cllr Roy Gladden, the Lord Lieutenant, Dame Lorna Muirhead and her husband Mr Ronald Muirhead, Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion, the Kings regiment, the Liverpool PALS, and veterans from various army regiments as well as relatives from those who died at the Somme and Kenny our estimable piper from the Liverpool Scottish.

Shortly before our departure to France, I had discovered that I would be following in my grandfather’s footsteps to France almost a 100 years to the day. It then got very personal.

As soon as I knew I would be Lord Mayor during this centennial year, it was important to me to travel there to mark this important milestone in Liverpool’s history. The Battle of the Somme raged from the 1st of July 1916 until the 18th of November and during that time more than a million men were killed or wounded making it the bloodiest battle in human history.

Specific to Merseyside was the part played by the Liverpool PALS, the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th of the Kings (Liverpool) Regiment in the Battle of Guillemont between the 3rd to the 6th of September. The PALS Regiments seemed like a great idea at the time. Groups of men who had gone to school or college together, 62 wirrallife.com 16

or who worked at the same factory or played in the same football or cricket teams or lived in the same streets would all join up in a battalion together. Their sense of loyalty and camaraderie would join them together into an indomitable fighting force.

That worked, up to the point when the telegrams started arriving.

When house after house suffered losses so unbearable, it would take two generations to recover.

The Liverpool and Manchester PALS joined together to take back the village of Guillemont and they were largely successful but the losses were heavy. Liverpool lost 1791 men during that battle including 465 lost just on one day the 30th of July 1916 ‘Liverpool’s Blackest Day’. It is hard to imagine how it must have felt when all those telegrams started to arrive to the streets of Liverpool.

All the bodies of those who died were buried in France, often close to the place where they were killed. Back in the 1920’s a visit to France without the aid of the Eurotunnel and ‘easyJet’ would have cost the average Liverpool resident five years pay.

Clearly that would have been out of the question for most of our residents who probably never had the opportunity to mourn at the grave of their blessed husband, son or father. It was our intention to pay homage to our Liverpool men a hundred years

later and to mourn them on behalf of our City, paying homage by presenting a new plaque in honour of them in the church at Guillemont where so many of them died.

It was a very solemn service with the Mayor of Guillemont present who was overcome with emotion and thanked us all most gratefully. One of my most memorable moments was at the memorial to the Liverpool Scottish who died during the Battle of Bellewaarde in June 1915. It’s a beautiful memorial but is sited by a wood and we had to walk through corn fields to get to it. The Lord Lieutenant and I got to the monument first and a few tourists were already there but then we heard the wail of our piper and saw - marching through the French cornfield our standard bearers with standards flaring, just as they must have done a century ago. It was one of several goose pimple moments on that trip.

We visited many cemeteries and museums including a German cemetery which we visited in the early morning just as the mist was rising; it was a very eerie moment. Unlike our gravestones which are white stone, the German graves are black crosses and scattered amongst the black crosses are the graves of German Jews who died for the fatherland. I found this particularly ironic given the treatment of the Jewish people by the Nazis during World War Two. The Thiepval memorial is particularly poignant and contains the names of all the 72,000 men who have no

known grave in France, the ‘Missing of the Somme’. On every facet of that great building can be seen the names etched of every individual who fought, died and now cannot be buried with dignity. Some of our party found their relatives names on this Memorial which can be seen for miles around.

Another stunning location is the Canadian memorial called ‘Ghosts at Vimy Ridge’. Made of white stone, it towers into the sky with the bodies of soldiers being passed by angels further and further up into the hands of God. It is truly one of the most amazing pieces of art I have ever seen and is genuinely awe inspiring.

Our final destination was the amazing service held in the evening at the Menin Gate to commemorate the fallen of the World War One. Three firefighters play the ‘Last Post’ at the gates of the city of Ypres to commemorate the Fallen. This has taken place every evening for a hundred years. Our party had the honour to present our standards and lay wreaths at the Menin Gate to remember our lads from Liverpool and Merseyside who played such a significant role in that war.

A hundred years later it is still as important to honour those men today. They gave their lives so that we could enjoy freedom in Europe, they travelled far from home and their families in order to do it. They deserve our homage and our deepest respect. wirrallife.com 17

W L

RETURNING UNWANTED GIFTS – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

BY DEREK PAYET

Former head of Wirral Council’s Trading Standards 1. You don’t always have an automatic right to a refund or an exchange if you have received a gift and you don’t like what Service Derek Payet shares with us his guide to you have been bought or if it’s an item of clothing that doesn’t returning gifts this Christmas. fit. This applies no matter how expensive the item was – it’s Derek has a Masters degree in Business and Commercial Law. Following on from his role at Wirral Council, he is now a director of Business Approval Ltd. Business Approval work in partnership with Trading Standards Services to ensure that only reputable businesses, committed to excellent customer service are registered. Members of the Business Approval Register can display the ‘Trading Standards Approved’ logo - making it easy for consumers to identify them as a vetted and trusted business.

With 16 years of service at Wirral Council, Derek knows many local businesses, some of whom are now members of the Business Approval Register. He also has a good idea who to avoid.

Derek said: “I had 28 years with Trading Standards Services helping to protect people from rogue traders, unsafe products, counterfeit goods and supporting consumers with advice when things go wrong. I’m pleased that I can continue to work on something that I believe really matters. It won’t come as a surprise to hear that people get nervous when looking to buy goods or services from businesses, with so many horror stories being reported in the media. Making the right choice can be stressful. Can they be trusted? Are they reliable? Is it safe to buy? That’s why the Business Approval Register is so important to local residents, as it provides reassurance that they are using a reputable business.”

all down to the seller whether they offer you anything at all.

2. If there is a gift receipt with your present, you shouldn’t have a problem.

3. If the purchase was made at a distance, for example by mail order, over the phone or from a website; the purchaser will normally be entitled to a 14 day cooling off period starting from the date of delivery.

4. If the gift was bought from a shop; there are certain steps you can take before going to the shop: First check to see if the shop has a returns policy, most retailers will have their own policy on returns. Some shops will say you can return items within a specified time-period, others won’t.

5. The shop’s returns policy might be written on the receipt (if you can get hold of the receipt) or you could check their website or phone the shop and ask.

6. You may find that the item has been reduces in the sales, if the shop only offers you a refund of the sale price, again there isn’t much you can do about this, unless the returns policy says otherwise.

7. You’ll stand a better chance if you can take the receipt with you and return the item in its original packaging. It’s up to them what they offer you - you’ll need to decide whether to accept it or not. If the item is faulty, then you do have additional rights.

To view a list of approved members, visit: www.businessapprovalregister.com.

You can also pick up a free member directory available from outlets across Wirral.

18 wirrallife.com

W L

A ‘HIVE’ OF ACTIVITY AS £6M WIRRAL YOUTH ZONE COUNTS DOWN TO OPENING…

Have you recently driven past the fire station in Birkenhead and seen the eye-catching, black and red building standing tall? Maybe you heard football legend John Barnes rapping about ‘The Hive’, but wondered what he was actually rapping about? Did you read November’s edition of Wirral Life?

All can be revealed….an OnSide Youth Zone is coming to Wirral in just a few months’ time. Wirral Youth Zone, branded ‘The Hive’ by local young people, is now into its 100 day countdown to opening and with the build of the Youth Zone edging towards completion and with work now well underway on the interior elements of the £6m facility, Wirral is excited to join the other seven OnSide Youth Zones across the country come April when it officially opens!

The Hive, located on Bright Street in Birkenhead, will offer a multitude of activities, at least 20 per evening to be exact for 8-19 year olds or up to 25 with a disability.

From football, boxing and a state-of-the-art gym, to music, drama and even a salon developed by Andrew Collinge!

Not to forget the imperative employability, enterprise and mentoring sessions - Wirral Youth Zone will have it all and all for just 50p per visit with a £5 annual membership. It will offer 21st century youth provision that has not been seen in Wirral before.

The Hive will help raise the aspirations, improve the health and well-being and enhance the prospects of an anticipated membership of over 3,000 young people across Wirral. You may be thinking ‘It will never attract 3000 members’, but if the sustainability and success of other OnSide Youth Zones is anything to go by, it will exceed the target. Research has proven that young people WILL travel for miles if ‘the offer’ is good enough.

cost £1million per year to run and this will be through a combination of public sector and private sector funding.

Over the last few months, 50% of the running costs has virtually been secured through the incredible generosity of the local business community. Revenue support has already been pledged by: Urenco UK, Boulting Group, Altrad NSG, The Contact Company, Selwyn-Lloyd Charitable Trust, John Syvret CBE, Peter & Geoffrey Bibby, Cammell Laird, Edward Billington & Son Ltd, Anne Duchess of Westminster's Charity, B&M Waste Services, Andrew Collinge Hairdressing, Park Group and West Wallasey Car Hire.

The charity is keen to attract further support. Becoming a Founder Patron of The Hive is a chance for the local businesses and philanthropists to make a difference to the lives of young people and the future of a prospering region. Their endorsement, support and investment in the future of the borough’s young people will create a legacy for generations to come and serve to encourage others to follow suit. For more information about how to get involved please contact: Stuart Barnes on 07734 217916 or email stuart.barnes@thehiveyouthzone.org.

A Board of Trustees, headed by Cammel Laird’s chief executive John Syvret CBE alongside the Council help ensure the new charity, delivers for the young people of Wirral. However, the day-to-day management of the Youth Zone is the responsibility of a small team of professional staff, headed up by Chief Executive, Stuart Barnes. Stuart has already recruited his core staff, from Head of Youth Work and Volunteer and Training Manager, to sport and art leaders. In total the Youth Zone will recruit 50 full time staff and over 100 volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering in anything from sport and arts to admin and catering work email Sam Curley on: sam.curley@ thehiveyouthzone.org.

For every £1 spent a Youth Zone’s cost benefits ratio delivers £2 of social investment with 89% of young people saying they feel more confident and 70% exercising more as a result. The Youth Zone is even proven to reduce AntiSocial behaviour in its area of existence with Wigan Youth Zone (77%) and The Factory in Manchester (51%) the prime examples of that.

As the day’s tick down until opening, there will be lots going on from engaging with existing providers and schools in the area, to time capsule competitions and the young people of Wirral designing the interior elements of the Youth Zone. Young people are the forefront of everything. It’s a Youth Zone created by young people, for young people. If you are interested in getting involved in any activities, email Head of Youth Work Adam Mellor on: adam.mellor@thehiveyouthzone.org

So how is it being funded? The Hive’s capital cost (approx. £6million) is being funded by Wirral Council and a number of other funders including The Queen’s Charity, The Queen’s Trust, who is keen to see Wirral’s young people live healthier, happier lives. The Hive will

Simply keep a look out on www.thehiveyouthzone.org and find out for yourself the positive and aspirational impact this facility will have on thousands of lives in Wirral come April 2017.

20 wirrallife.com

SPECIAL WIRRAL LIFE READER OFFER!

£50

for a 2 hour party

“By far the best face painter we’ve ever had - brilliant”

Perfect for children’s parties, family gatherings and christenings.

Limited availability for the rest of 2016 - book now.

• CRB checked • First aid trained • Fully insured

Wirral’s Face Painting To book call Helen on 07990 502087

wirralsfacepainting.co.uk

The

Red Fox Thornton Hough

We are planning to once again fill the pub with traditional decorations, stoking the roaring log fires, serving traditional turkey and plenty of other seasonal dishes with the smell of mulled wine and pine cones wafting through the pub. So whether it be with friends, family or colleagues; come and join in this magical time of the year at The Red Fox

0151 353 2920 | www.redfox.pub The Red Fox, Liverpool Rd, Thornton Hough, Wirral, Merseyside, CH64 7TL

WHISKY & BEER COME TOGETHER

by David Green, The Red Fox

This time of year, supermarket shelves are rammed with bottles of spirits including whisky. Recent research revealed that more than 60 per cent of single malts are purchased as presents - therefore it is no surprise that over the festive period sales soar.

Ultimately, with 4,500 different whiskies featured in Jim Murray’s whisky bible where do you even begin to pick a whisky.

When I am choosing a whisky I look for something a little different, a break away from the norm, and this month it was the famous Speyside Distillery Glenfiddich, one of the biggest whisky brands in the world, that really caught my eye when I saw ‘Glenfiddich IPA’.

My two loves ‘beer & whisky’ coming together, can this be true?

The story starts when Malt Master Brian Kinsman set out to prove that traditional whisky casks could still be seasoned in a pioneering way in the hope to ‘push the boundaries of Scotch whisky’ and to play with flavours to see what he could create.

It’s actually very difficult to do new stuff with Scotch whisky, as it is the most heavily regulated drink in the world. The experiment resulted in the first single malt Scotch whisky ever finished in craft IPA casks, but what does this mean?

Collaborating with a local Speyside craft brewer, Brian created a bold and zesty IPA beer using British hops including the notorious

challenger hops, he then filled the beer into American oak casks that had previously held Glenfiddich for around twelve years to make the most of the delicate flavours already present.

These casks were then left outside allowing the beer to soak into the casks, as well as allowing the beer to take on some of the whisky and oak notes so that the IPA ultimately achieved the aroma of an empty cask.

The beer was then bottled and the casks refilled with an aged Glenfiddich for a few more months to allow it to mellow and to pick up additional complexity.

The goal was not to create a whisky that tasted like a beer but to create a whisky that had multiple layers that would otherwise be unexpected from the Scottish single malt category and I really think this malt delivers on that.

This malt is again proof that remarkable feats can be achieved when great people get together. The result is a vibrant, rich golden and fruity dram imbued with zesty citrus notes of ripe green apple, complemented by the subtle tang of fresh hops followed by a long lasting sweetness.

A great whisky as a gift or actually as a gift to yourself – Slàinte.

Available online at www.masterofmalt.com for £44.95 or also at The Red Fox, Thornton Hough along with over 120 whiskies.

wirrallife.com 25

TOP 5 WINTER WARMER BEERS

BY JO MILLER

As the nights grow even colder we begin to hunker down and get cosy.

More often than not at home and in front of the fire with some wholesome British fayre. I have compiled this list with those alluring moments in mind. I have also, unashamedly, chosen all British beers this month as we tend to go for locally sourced meats, cheeses and Christmas pudding this time of year so they naturally lend themselves to the overall experience, log fires and all.

Vintage Ales, Fullers Brewery, ABV 8.5% (various years) Drink them, save them or give them as a gift to someone extremely dear to your heart (on the proviso they will share of course). The bottle conditioning in these deep and luxurious heavy hitting beers mean you can enjoy now with a cheese board close by, or put them away and let them develop over time to drink later.

Storing bottle conditioned beers is something I wish I could do more of (they don’t last too long in my house) but when I have the resulting sherry type flavours have been stunning and begrudgingly worth the wait. Available as either singles or as a pack of rare vintages on line from Waitrose.

Jamaica Porter, Island Records, ABV 6.2% The name may tempt you to pack your bag and head for sunnier climes. But hold on. Step away from the passport, keep your slippers on, pull the ring and hear the ‘SssKa’ of the can that will reveal a heady aroma of vanilla, spice and coffee. It’s fairly carbonated so it is still on the refreshing end of a winter warmer. It's also ‘the world’s first shazamable can’ so whether you are or not already you get an instant ‘down with the kids’ bit of cred. Definitely one to stock up on as it’s a great talking point for guests. Available on line at www.alesbymail.co.uk Crème Brulee, Dark Star Brewery, ABV 5.9% Let’s face it the winter is no time for salads, so if you are going to indulge and loosen the belt a notch, you may as well find a beer that’s a dessert in a glass, right? I am a sucker for this one and it really does deliver on the name. Made with special unfermentable sugars, vanilla beans and roasted malts it’s a combination that can match with it’s namesake or many other winter puds. Available direct at www.darkstarbrewing.co.uk Hook Island Red, Five Points Brewery, ABV 6% Most beers take a while to perfect as brewing beer is part art, part science and part happy accident, so when you taste a perfect beer from a brewery that has just opened, you know it’s a keeper. It was indeed love at first sip for me and a love affair that has lasted a good three years. Although, like the other beers on the list, it can be drunk any time of the year this particular beer makes the cut because of it's charming peppery elements owing to the rye used in the mash. The new world hops have some spicy, fruity aromas too – can you see where I am heading here?

Mince pie and a Hook Island Red anyone? Available on line at www.alesbymail. co.uk The Void and the Event, Mad Hatter Brewery, ABV 12% If you don't know this local brewery, it’s time to get acquainted. Based just over the river in the Baltic Triangle they make a stunning eclectic range of beers. The Barley Wine style of beer has nothing to do with wine itself. The name is a nod to the strength and the fact that back in the 18th century it was usually brewed and drank in country houses from goblets. However, this little beauty is aged, once brewed, in wine casks for a few months. The aroma is an irresistible funky mix of marmalade, brown sugar, oak and the slightest hint of wine. As for the taste this is without question one for a long and lazy session in front of the fire. After all it is winter. Available on line at www.honestbrew.co.uk

Jo Miller is one of the UK’s first Beer Sommeliers, founder of Nurture Brand Building and part owner of the Beer Marketing Awards. Jo@nurturedrinks.com

26 wirrallife.com

THE WINE CONNOISSEUR

by Simon Parkinson, Whitmore & White

Wine has been a passion of mine for a long time. I enjoy talking about it, but it’s still a daunting task. After all, any recommendation will always be based on my tastes and what I enjoy drinking, and knowing that my recommendation could be the difference between the perfect anniversary meal or a spoilt evening, I feel the pressure...

At Whitmore and White, we offer a unique customer service experience and the ability to try a selection of wines before you buy. Why is this unique I hear you ask? It is true that other wine shops will often open a bottle or two at the weekend for you to sample. Well, we decided to invest in the latest technology available to us, and we purchased some ‘By The Glass’ machines so that we can offer our customers a choice of 6 different wines to try.

It is not just the ability to offer wines to try that makes these machines so functional - they also keep the open bottles in perfect condition meaning we can leave them in the machine for up to 21 days without compromising the quality of the wine in anyway. That in turn, means we can open more expensive bottles for our customers to try an opportunity most people can’t turn down.

The beauty of these machines is in their simplicity and elegance. We can easily change the wines, meaning we can always offer something different.

They also allow us to pour wine by the glass meaning you come in and enjoy a glass of wine before choosing whether to buy it.

There is nothing more worrying when buying a bottle of wine from a wine merchant, whether it is for yourself or for someone else, will it be enjoyed? At last, we can offer a solution to that quandary, try, before you buy!

An Afternoon with Wirral Life.

When Wirral Life asked me to write this piece about our machines, I decided the best thing to do would be to invite them in and show the team exactly how they work. So on a cold Thursday afternoon, the Wirral Life team popped in and we tasted our way through the selection of 6 wines for that week.

The Pouilly-Fumé (Coteau de Girarmes, 2015) with it’s crisp and elegant minerality was a wonderful wine to start with, but it was the off-dry German Riesling from Dr Loosen (Erdener Treppchen Kabinett 2014) that was the surprise hit. A surprise to Wirral Life maybe, but not to me. The soft and fruity character of the Riesling had been a favourite with customers all week, and is exactly why these machines are so fantastic. I can open wine that would ordinarily be a very difficult sell, be it through misconceptions about the grape, or a lack of understanding about the country - it makes no difference, if you try something you like, you end up buying it, and why shouldn’t you?

Moving through the reds, we tried a delicate New Zealand Pinot Noir (Riverby Estate, 2014), a Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy (Rosso di Montalcnio, Poggio San Polo, 2014), and a Bordeaux blend from Chile (Cousina Macul, Finis Terrae, 2011). We finished on an Australian Shiraz

by John Duval (Entity, 2013), with its opulent fruit and superb structure, it was the wine the Wirral Life team decided to have a glass of. I paired it with some French Pork & Hazelnut Saucisson and they discovered first hand the fantastic experience anyone walking by can have - great wine served with passionate knowledge and wonderful food.

wirrallife.com 27

THE BUTCHERS CUT

BY CALLUM EDGE

Butcher Callum Edge of Edge & Sons talks us through Beef and his delicious Slow Cheeky Beef recipe.

Let’s hear it for beef! At Edge & Son Butchers, they never talk about the ‘best cut’, just about the best animals which have been bred, fed, kept, killed and butchered to preserve the traditional properties that meat used to have before the advent of factory farming, widespread antibiotics and what they consider to be the downturn in our food industry.

Callum Edge only buys livestock that is rare or natively bred and very local to the Wirral. He chooses his farmers carefully and works closely with them. He believes that this policy produces the best tasting meat around that’s been allowed to develop naturally over a long life.

Every part of these animals therefore should be used and celebrated. As a society we should be eating the whole animal to enable us to produce fewer animals through better farming.

Here he covers some brief advice on making the most of all the beef parts.

For Stews It is no good using traditionally tender lean parts of the animal for a delicious slow cooked stew as the meat will dry out and fall apart. A good stew needs a bit of fat and connective tissue to work, stay moist and hold it’s shape. Try neck, chuck or shin beef for these recipes. Great for curries and bourguignon for example.

For Braising Similar to stewing in the less tender cuts for a long slow cook, but usually in larger pieces. Ideal for pot roasts and any dish with a good bit of liquid within. Thick flank, oxtail, brisket and shin 28 wirrallife.com

beef is ideal for these dishes. Also try ox cheek, ox tongue and short ribs for some really sensational texture and flavour.

Roasting Joints The most expensive roasting joints are forerib, sirloin and rump.

Other traditional roasting joints include silverside topside and top rump. Of course, you can roast many other joints for your Sunday feast. You don’t have to splash out on the tender cuts to produce tender meat. All well farmed and butchered meat will be tender if cooked properly.

Steak- grilled or fried – it’s up to you!

Everyone has what they think is their favourite steak; but trying something a little different is always fun. Fillet is the most expensive, the leanest and the most tender when rare but many of us prefer other less expensive cuts for a fuller flavour. Apart from a traditional sirloin, rump and ribeye; why not try a hind quarter flank steak, skirt or onglet? They’re a fraction of the price of the better known cuts and, with care, can be sensational.

These cuts benefit from a little tenderising - so marinades, bashing, resting and cutting finely at an angle across the grain, can transform a cheap cut into a mouth watering and still ‘medium rare’ marvel. If you have a sous vide machine, these cuts work brilliantly.

Cooking Offal Offal is the organ tissues of the animal. It is actually the most nutritious of all parts of a good animal. Treat offal with care and love and present it delicately so not to over-face a cautious guest.

Pâtés, terrines, stuffings and pan-frying are all great ways to cook most offal. A whole ox heart makes a brilliant roast for a family of six!

SLOW CHEEKY BEEF

BY CALLUM EDGE

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4) • • • • • • •

4 beef cheeks 1 finely chopped onion 3 finely chopped celery stalks 1 finely chopped carrot 1.5 litres of veal or chicken stock A handful of fresh thyme 100ml Port

Marinade: • 300ml red wine • 2 bay leaves • 2 star anise • 1 teaspoon of five spice

METHOD 1. Heat the marinade ingredients and bring to the boil. Allow to cool and marinade beef cheeks in the cooled liquid overnight in a bowl that allows good coverage.

2. Drain the cheeks from the liquid and reserve. Pat cheeks dry and seal on all sides in a hot pan in a bit of your chosen oil e.g. rapeseed. Remove cheeks from the pan to rest.

3. Add to the hot pan: onion, celery stalks and carrot. Caramelise the vegetables.

4. De-glaze pan with the marinade liquid; add 100ml of port and reduce to half.

Add veal or chicken stock and handful of fresh thyme to the pan.

5. Bring back to boil. Add to beef cheeks to cover them. Add vegetables and cover the tray in 2 layers of foil. Braise in a 140oC oven for about 3 hours or until cheeks are pull apart tender.

6. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes in the liquid.

7. Remove the cheeks from the liquid, drain the vegetables and spices and split the sauce in two.

8. Strain vegetables and aromatics from liquid, reserving liquid and splitting it in half. For one half of the liquid, reduce over medium heat to form a glaze, and use this to coat the cheeks.

For the other half, reduce to sauce consistency. Sharpen with a dash of sherry vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice and salt.

TO SERVE Serve with roast potatoes and greens or, for a hearty winter cuddle, mashed potato and cabbage. Enjoy!

wirrallife.com 29

THE GASTRO GRAZER

by Carl Housbey

I was trying to decide which of the many venues on my list that I should write about this month, but as soon as I glanced out of the window of my office and saw the leaden grey sky full of hail and freezing sleet I instantly knew it had to be Hipping Hall.

Hipping Hall is a 15th century country house that has been converted into a restaurant with rooms. It is situated in a very picturesque part of the country on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park just down the road from the market town of Kirby Lonsdale.

At this time of year they always have roaring log fires lit in the lounge and dining room, and I could just imagine myself sat on one of their very comfortable sofas with my wife perusing the menu with a glass of Champagne and some canapés whilst trying to decide what to have for dinner.

It’s always so hard to choose what to eat here, as every one of the dishes created by Head Chef Oli Martin and his team are absolutely superb, so much so we usually end up opting for the nine course tasting menu with matched wines so that we can have a bit of everything. Typical seasonal dishes might be Cartmel 30 wirrallife.com

Valley rabbit with lardo, celery, and borlotti beans, or perhaps pheasant with walnut and mushroom, all locally sourced to ensure every ingredient is in peak condition.

However, it’s not just meat eaters who dine well at Hipping Hall, as they can also provide a full vegetarian tasting menu prepared with the same level of care and attention should that take your fancy. One thing is certain whichever menu you choose you will dine very well, and by the time it comes to having coffee with petit fours back in the lounge you will soon find yourself struggling to stay awake, which is not a problem as your superbly appointed bedroom with its incredibly comfortable bed is just a few yards away. When your head hits the pillow you’re not going to need to count any sheep to get to sleep, in fact you had better set that alarm because there is no way you will wake up of your own accord, and you don’t want to miss breakfast.

So, what are you doing still reading this article, put down the magazine, switch on your computer and click on www.hippinghall.com or telephone 01524 271187 and go and experience this place for yourself - you won’t be disappointed.

To stay up to date with my adventures follow @carlhousbey

wirrallife.com 31 29

Michael Wong, Emma Underwood and Gary Usher.

BURNT TRUFFLE

by Si Hall & Nicky Rigby Smith

Burnt Truffle based on Telegraph Road, Heswall is a delightful restaurant with a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Greeted by Emma Underwood - General Manager, we were shown to our table which was located on the upper floor.

the tastiest we’ve had. The Stonebass was equally as good and came with fennel croquettes and braised leeks. The Malbec was full bodied and rich with flavours of plum, cherry, fig - perfect with the Jacobs Ladder.

To start, we chose the signature dish chicken liver pate, roast beetroot and the cured salmon gravlax. Emma paired our starters with a Montanar, which is an organic Spanish wine and reasonably priced at £22 a bottle. It was fresh and aromatic, similar in style to a French Sauvignon Blanc. Nose of tropical fruit with a palate of citrus. Dry and easy drinking.

As it was so cosy, we decided to extend our stay and opted for dessert. We chose the Baked Alaska, Hot Chocolate pudding and Orange and Almond Sponge. The Hot Chocolate pudding was smooth, rich and light! Served with popcorn, ice cream and toasted almonds – this dish definitely unleashes your inner child! The Orange and Almond Sponge was delicious – our favourite – with refreshing citrus flavours complimented by the butterscotch sauce. The Baked Alaska was beautifully and professionally presented – the exciting part was breaking open the meringue to find a delicious passionfruit ice cream in the centre. It was served with a side dish of mulled fruit - which was perfect for the festive season and complimented the dish beautifully.

The chicken liver pate was deliciously creamy with subtle flavours of madeira, port and brandy and perfect with the beetroot and orange jam. The homemade brioche, baked fresh every day was light and buttery. The cured salmon gravlax was divine, beautifully presented with lots of citrus flavours coming through. The lime mayonnaise and pickled cucumber were a nice touch. The beetroot salad served with ricotta and toasted walnuts had delicate flavours, the coal oil dressing was subtle but complimented the dish perfectly.

For mains, we chose Jacobs Ladder, the Jerusaleum artichoke risotto and olive oil poached Stonebass and opted for a Renacer ‘Enamore’ Malbec.

The Jacobs Ladder was excellent; the beef extremely tender and succulent. It came served with watercress, truffle and parmesan chips and onion puree. A special mention is needed for the truffle and parmesan chips – these are the best chips we have ever tasted! The risotto served with charred king oyster mushrooms, Bath soft cheese and truffle oil was also probably 32 wirrallife.com

We finished off with a El Despacho de Vinos, Mar 7, Pedro Ximenez Sherry priced at £6.75ml glass. Flavours were rich chocolate, almond and dried raisins. Lovely!

Well, what can we say… Head chef Michael Wong is clearly a culinary craftsman, not only did everything taste fantastic, the dishes we’re visually stunning too and the charming Emma provided outstanding customer service. If you haven’t been to Burnt Truffle yet, then we would definitely recommend a visit, you won’t be disappointed!

To book, call 0151 342 1111.

W REVIEWS L

liverpool@fazenda.co.uk | 0151 659 1183 Unit 2, Horton House Exchange Flags, Liverpool, L2 3YL /FazendaGroup

/FazendaLiverpool

/FazendaLiverpool

Buy Now Pay 2018*

*Terms & Conditions Apply Authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority WIRRAL SHOWROOM

LIVERPOOL SHOWROOM

291 Woodchurch Road Prenton www.panoramakitchens.co.uk Wirral CH42 9LE 0151 609 0455

11 Belmont Road Anfield Liverpool L6 5BG 0151 260 7749

Follow us on twitter: @constablesea Like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/constablesestateagents

W PROPERTY L

BEST PROPERTIES OVER £750K EDITOR’S CHOICE

Thorsway, Caldy £1,799,950 A home of immense proportions and exacting standards is this imposing and substantial five double bedroom detached family home.

Individually designed and finished to an exact specification this property offers exceptional family living space with an abundance of high quality contemporary finishing touches.

A feature entrance door opens into an impressive hallway with polished porcelain tiled flooring and stunning central staircase, sitting room boasting dimensions of 62ft with sunken lounge area and feature fireplace. High quality fitted kitchen complete with integrated appliances, breakfast bar and dining area.

Cinema room/gymnasium, music room, study, utility room, cloakroom and downstairs WC. To the first floor you have an impressive gallery landing with bi folding doors to a balcony area, master suite with spa styled en suite bathroom and access to a balcony and roof terrace. Four further generously sized bedrooms and with contemporary en suite facilities.

This outstanding home is set behind double gates with video intercom system opening to a large driveway providing ample off road parking leading to the attractive property frontage and double garage. Encapsulating this home perfectly are the stunning landscaped gardens, designed for entertaining with generous decked area incorporating a 21ft 3 jet swim/spa pool and a hot tub. Lawned garden area with well established planting borders.

Contact Move Residential for more information on 0151 625 8511.

wirrallife.com 37

The Sefton Stables, Willaston ÂŁ875,000 In a class of its own and finished with an eye for impeccable quality. This delightful property is situated in an extremely popular area with beautiful views at the rear. Viewings are highly recommended to fully appreciate the size of this property!

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire this fantastic four bedroom barn conversion. This beautiful property is situated within private landscaped grounds in a semi-rural location on the outskirts of Willaston. This outstanding family home offers spacious and beautiful surroundings and consists of a kitchen/diner capturing spectacular views overlooking Claremont Farm fields, two reception rooms, study, ground floor wc. There is also a double garage. To the first floor is a master bedroom with en suite shower/bathroom and an additional three bedrooms and two family size bathrooms.

Whilst not being short for space outside, it also offers communal tennis court and 12 Acres including woodland area and paddock.

Contact Karl Tatler for more information on 0151 342 2300.

38 wirrallife.com

W PROPERTY L

‘The Willows’ Leas Park , Hoylake £815,000 An executive detached residence, well situated upon a prime corner position within the exclusive ‘Leas Park’ development.

Sitting within close proximity to the Royal Liverpool Golf Links the property boasts many outstanding features and should be viewed at the very earliest to fully appreciate the wealth of features within to include refitted kitchen (December 2016), five spacious bedrooms, four en-suite, three separate reception rooms and welcoming hallway. Lawned garden with patio and deck and double garage, currently utilised as home office/gymnasium. The side parking area completes the accommodation within what is sure to prove as an exceptional purchase opportunity. With no ongoing chain, viewing is a must!

Contact Bradshaw Farnham & Lea for more information on 0151 625 8844.

wirrallife.com 39

W L

Oak Tree Cottage, Barnston £775,000 A substantial family home offering extensive yet flexible accommodation with spacious rooms, modern fittings and private gardens. The main house offers 5 bedrooms, three of which are ensuite with a further 2 bedrooms located in the ‘original house’.

A spacious entrance hall with gallery landing above, an abundance of natural light and access to all rooms including downstairs WC. The kitchen is a great family space with the breakfast area is on the right with French doors opening onto the garden. The kitchen is on the left offering an extensive range of wall and base units incorporating oven/grill, wine/ plate racks, contrasting worktop with inset sink and space for American style fridge freezer. Enjoying large gardens to the rear which are mainly laid to lawn with seperate patio areas, mature screening and borders. So much to see a viewing is advised to appreciate what is on offer.

Contact Brennan Ayre O’neill for more information on 0151 343 9060.

40 wirrallife.com

BEST PROPERTIES UNDER £750K EDITORS CHOICE

Lawns Avenue, Raby Mere £335,000 Quite simply stunning - The finish throughout is contemporary offering superb extended accommodation ideal for family living with pleasant gardens and ideally located for local Schools.

Contact Brennan Ayre O’neill on 0151 343 9060.

Rock Avenue, Heswall £275,000 Set at the head of a quiet cul-de-sac in the highly sought after area of Heswall sits this attractive double fronted three bedroom detached bungalow. This impressive home has been refurbished to a high standard throughout and is offered for sale with no onward chain. On approach you have a tarmaced driveway and lawned front garden. Neutrally decorated throughout and with an abundance of natural light the accommodation briefly comprises an entrance hallway, spacious bay fronted lounge with feature fireplace leading through to a high quality fitted kitchen diner with french doors to the rear. Three double bedrooms and a contemporary bathroom suite complete this stunning home.

To the rear you have a beautifully landscaped garden mainly laid to lawn with patio area and rockery. Benefiting from gas central heating and double glazing throughout. Situated within walking distance of Heswall town centre, enjoying excellent access to local amenities and transport links on offer, a closer inspection is strongly recommended.

Contact Move Residential on 0151 342 0999.

wirrallife.com 41

W L

Ormesby Grove, Raby Mere £339,950 Raby Mere is an area with lovely family detached homes and Ormesby Grove is particularly attractive with an open aspect to the front over woodland and bungalows. This particular home offers flexible family accommodation including 3 reception rooms, large breakfast kitchen and 5 bedrooms two with ensuite. Come and see what this property offers.

Contact Brennan Ayre O’neill on 0151 343 9060.

Adaston Avenue, Eastham £259,950 Bright, spacious with a superb finish throughout, having been extensively improved and extended this property offers superb accommodation ideal for family living with 2 reception rooms, utility and WC whilst the breakfast kitchen will take your breath away! Come and see for yourself.

Contact Brennan Ayre O’neill on 0151 343 9060.

42 wirrallife.com

W L

Rickaby Close, Bromborough £274,950 Rickaby Close is one of those roads where families want to live in and you can see why; tree lined and spacious with the properties well set back from the road. This property offers extended accommodation with the addition of a conservatory, modern fittings and extra bedroom space. Viewing highly recommended.

Contact Brennan Ayre O’neill on 0151 343 9060.

Cunningham Drive, Bromborough £279,950 Stop your search and view this property! Wonderful family accommodation which has been extended with a number of extras and offering flexibility to adapt to your needs. Open aspect to the rear with fields beyond and ideal for local amenities.

Contact Brennan Ayre O’neill on 0151 343 9060.

wirrallife.com 43

BEST FIRST TIME BUYER PROPERTIES EDITOR’S CHOICE

Telegraph Road, Heswall £159,950 Move Residential are delighted to present for sale this character two bedroom mid terrace cottage style terrace. Being offered for sale with no onward chain this well presented property comprises a spacious lounge with feature fireplace, dining room and well fitted kitchen with an integrated fridge/freezer. To the first floor you have one double bedroom a second single bedroom and a Jack & Jill bathroom. Further benefiting from double glazing, gas central heating and enclosed rear yard.

Contact Move Residential on 0151 342 0999.

New Chester Road, Bromborough £124,950 A superb two bedroom end terrace offering modern fittings and a contemporary finish including a log burner in the lounge and decking to the rear with good size garden. Inspection recommended.

Contact Brennan Ayre O’neill on 0151 343 9060.

44 wirrallife.com

BEST NEW BUILD EDITOR’S CHOICE

Wyndham Close, Eastham £217,500 If your looking for a property with a wooded aspect to the front and a south facing rear garden then take a look at this...

Having been built in early 2015 this property benefits from a contemporary finish throughout including farmhouse style kitchen and white bathroom suites - Low maintenance garden with decking & Astroturf. A true delight - This development has been well received locally and you can see why. This particular property is towards the rear of the development with a herringbone brick driveway, which provides access to a number of properties with parking, planted borders and fencing which is adjoining Eastham Nature Reserve providing a wooded aspect.

Contact Brennan Ayre O’neill on 0151 343 9060.

wirrallife.com 45

*Terms & Conditions Apply Authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority WIRRAL SHOWROOM

LIVERPOOL SHOWROOM

291 Woodchurch Road Prenton www.panoramakitchens.co.uk Wirral CH42 9LE 0151 609 0455

11 Belmont Road Anfield Liverpool L6 5BG 0151 260 7749

Experience real relaxation in one of our exclusive bathrooms, wetrooms, ensuites or mobility bathrooms. With beautiful collections, creative solutions and over 20 years of experience, every bathroom we create and install comes with complete peace of mind.

Chester

North Wirral

125, Long Lane, Upton by Chester Cheshire, CH2 1JF t: 01244 381038 e: sales@chesterbathroomsandwetrooms.co.uk w: chesterbathroomsandwetrooms.co.uk

6-8 Prenton Road West, Prenton Wirral, CH42 9PN t: 0151 608 4008 e: sales@bathroomsandwetrooms.co.uk w: bathroomsandwetrooms.co.uk

THE VELVET TOUCH

by NEXT

NEXT Dark floral bloom wallpaper £18 Abstract floral cushion £18 Velvet butterfly cushion £14 Quilted velvet teal cushion £18 Embellished elephant cushion £16 Crushed velvet cushion in midnight blue £16 Crushed velvet cushion in plum £16 Patchwork velvet cushion £18 Brooklyn geo purple cushion £10

48 wirrallife.com

W INSPIRATION L

NEXT Palais plum pendant £100 Lillian mirror £199 Winchester matt velvet raspberry dining chairs (set of 2) £450 Purple genie bottle £26 Gold feather sculpture £12 Quilted velvet teal cushion £18 Wine glasses (set of 4) £10 Hardwick extending dining table £850 Fuschia oriental rug From £60 Moda II button matt velvet raspberry dining chairs (set of 2) £450 Hardwick bench £250

wirrallife.com 49

BEAUTY STYLE

BY CARLA KELLY

Prepare to party and get inspired with a guide to the latest beauty trends and fabulous products on the market.

THE GOLDEN TOUCH Apply golden shimmer across the eyes and cheeks to create a glistening aura.

Laura Mercier Fall in Love Face Illuminator Palette

Dior Illuminating Face Powder

Guerlain Holiday 2016 makeup collection by Natalia Vodianova

WINTER BERRY Winter berry hues of raspberry, plum, beet red and pomegranate toned eyeshadow is the standout feature of the season. Apply these colours to your lips and nails in both matte and glossy finishes. The Body Shop makes eyes the focal point, with a palette offering an array of purple hues from grape to lilac.

The Body Shop Eye Palette 3ina The Eyeshadow Quad in A True Romance

Illamasqua Lipstick in Shard

Nars x Sarah Moon Nail Varnish

CREDIT: Photographer: Tom Munro Model: Vittoria Ceretti Makeup: Tom Pecheux

THE CLASSIC HOLIDAY LOOK

50 wirrallife.com

Wear a vibrant red lip and match it with a dark smoky black eye for a look that is quintessentially festive. Inspiration taken from the Dolce & Gabanna Baroque Night Out Collection.

W BEAUTY L

MOTHER EARTH An earthiness emerges with an abundance of wintery browns. From a matte chocolate through to pine cone and russet, eyes, nails and even lips take on this hue.

Bobbi Brown Wine Eye Palette

PINK TO MAKE THE BOYS WINK In a twist for the season, a youthful, vibrant and almost sickly sweet pink is key colour for the pout. My favourite is The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid in Paris Peony 022.

Too Faced Eye & Cheek Palette in Gingerbread Cookie

GLITTERATI We all love a bit of glitz and glam and the party season is the perfect time to get the glitter or sparkle out and shine shine shine! If you’re applying glitter to your face and around the eye area, you must apply a cosmetic grade glitter made from polyester. Most craft glitters are made from metal and you do not want to get that into your eye! Ouch! So here are my favourite safe and gorgeous glitters.

50 SHADES Cool steel grey adds an urban edge to the palette, helping to create a more individual take on the classic smoky eye. The Dior 5 Couleurs Eye Palette in Smoky Sequins is perfect for creating a grey smokey eye .

Burberry Beauty Gold Glitter

If glitter is a bit too much for you, you could always sweep some iridescent eyeshadow across your lids or apply on your lower lash line for some extra sparkle.

Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Jubilance

wirrallife.com 51

W HAIR L

MALE GROOMING

BY ANDREW COLLINGE

Male grooming is more popular than ever and as a result we are seeing more men regularly visiting our hairdressing salons to ensure their hair is always looking at its best. This demand has resulted in us opening a dedicated barbers in Heswall. A visit to the salon no longer involves a short quick back and sides as today’s popular men’s hairstyles require a wealth of knowledge and hairdressing skills.

Whether you’re after David Beckham’s soft, light undercut or Zayn Malik’s edgy low fade and classic taper cut, finding yourself a hairdresser that you trust will help you achieve the style you’re looking for.

The Andrew Collinge Creative Team recently worked on a new photographic collection which showcases the styles that have become popular throughout our salons. These styles have been created with the skilful use of scissors and clippers combined with traditional barbering skills . We also worked on a look for those with longer hair as this is becoming increasingly fashionable.

To help create a great finished look men's styling products play an important part, whether your hair is long or short, the correct products can make all the difference.

Within the CO by Andrew Collinge range we have two distinct styling products. The matt finish Clay is great for creating texture and firm hold to short hair. Whilst the gel serum Definer is good for those with slighter longer layers and will also give control to hair that tends to frizz.

At your next appointment ask your stylist about the best products for your hair and tips on how to get the most from them.

Hair by the Andrew Collinge Creative team, photography by Alex Barron-hough.

52 wirrallife.com

W WELLBEING L

HOLISTIC LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR EVERYONE INTERESTED IN RELAXING MORE THIS TIME OF YEAR AND NEXT!

BY JOEL JELEN OF RESET BREATHING

You'll have probably guessed in reading previous columns that we favour a more holistic approach to health & wellness.

Whenever we speak with employers in hosting 'wellbeing in the workplace' workshops, host one to one or group consults for the public - we never just talk about breathing techniques.

There are too many factors that can affect your breathing other than genetic or habitual. For example, supplementing your diet with vitamins & minerals can help you relax. Even in eating an organic diet, our soil is so depleted of nutrients today from over-farming and pollution that it’s likely you'll some deficiencies.

Magnesium is a particularly good relaxant for your breathing. We also advise to prioritise eating times as quality, peaceful, nutritional ones!

When eating, many of us are unrelaxed and too busy with a racing mind on other things. Be mindful that you are eating and about what you are eating - and enjoy it!

more acidic and coupled with a typically rich Christmas diet, we would encourage you to think about introducing more alkaline foods into your body. Maybe make this a target for the new year too! There are lots of charts showing acidic versus alkaline foods online...search away!

We can't help but make mention of gentle exercise, with your mouth closed... it's the best way to achieve the most relaxed and optimal rate of breathing. You may prefer a good walk or a slightly more rigorous workout in the form of pilates...Wirral's Pauline Caswell is running new pilates classes in Hoylake and Liverpool City Centre in the new year, it’s well worth checking out!

If you intend to stay indoors this Christmas because you've been rushing around all year, then fair enough!

Take note though that excessive temperatures from central heating increases your breathing rate and if you're not digitally detoxing from technology over the festive period, try to focus on your breath when engaged and don't get too engrossed! Also, put your technology to bed two hours before you put yourself to bed.

When out shopping, some of you can't resist that department store perfume counter but the vast majority of products carry perniciuous chemicals that will affect your rate of breathing. Go for the likes of Neals Yard Remedies or Dr. Haushka on the high street to reduce the load on your lungs!

Talking of bed and sleep, try and sleep with your mouth closed over the holidays if you don't already. It will relax your heart rate and breathing and recharge you ready for the new year.

It's such a busy time of year right now. When you are stressed, overbreathing and hyperventilating e.g. trying to find a parking space in town, your body becomes

Joel

Festive wellness wishes

wirrallife.com 53

W L IS GETTING MORE ACTIVE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU IN 2017?

BY PIPPA SARGENT, FIT FOR ME CAMPAIGN

Most of us will indulge in some good food and drink this festive season, as is the tradition. While we might have the odd party or two to enjoy, time off is often spent relaxing with our feet up.

WHY NOT MAKE YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION TO: •

Walk more with friends or family Take advantage of Liverpool’s amazing parks by going for a walk with friends or family. It’s a great way to be more active and have a good catch up.

•

Take a walk every time you take the bin out Walking up and down your street when you take the bin out is a great way to add ten minutes of activity to your routine.

•

Get on or off the bus one stop early Adding a walk to your bus rides not only helps you to be more active, it also gives you time to clear your head.

•

Leave the car at home If you’re going shopping or meeting up with friends nearby, why not try walking instead of jumping straight in the car? This could really help you to be more active and feel good in 2017.

•

Dance through 2017 Dancing is a great way to be more active. You could try going to a dance class or just stay at home, switch on your radio and go for it!

•

Walk the kids to or from school Add some extra walking to your daily routine and set a good example to the children. Even if you have to take the car or bus, why not stop a little further away and enjoy a brief walk.

•

Choose the stairs instead of the lift Taking the stairs is a great way to being active into your daily routine. It’s not a big change but it can really help you have a more active life.

•

Try something new Doing something you’ve not done before, like Zumba or Clubbercise, can be daunting but going with friends or family can make it easier and fun too.

•

Play a sport with your friends It doesn’t matter whether it’s football, rounders or bowls, getting together for a game is a great way to be more active and have a laugh.

•

Find more suggestions for quick and easy ways to get more active as well as information about different kinds of activities at: www. fitforme.info or look for the campaign on Facebook @fitformelpool, where there’s often a free offer or two to help get you going.

Add some activity to your TV breaks You can fit some extra activity into your day whilst watching TV by doing some gentle squats or jogging on the spot during the breaks. Get the kids involved too!

•

Give it 10 minutes more If you’re already doing something active like swimming or walking the dog, try adding an extra 10 minutes to your activity.

Fit For Me has come up with some top tips for making a start on getting active in 2017. Take your pick from these.

•

Plan more active days out If you’ve got some free time don’t waste it sat at home in front of the TV, get outside and enjoy some of our local amazing parks.

So once the new year rolls in, it’s easy to feel the effects, seeing us resolving to do things differently; give up the booze perhaps, or join the gym.

July 2016 saw the launch of a very special campaign for people who live or work in Liverpool, which offers an altogether different approach to getting more active. Part of the Liverpool Active Strategy 2014-21 and funded by Liverpool City Council and Liverpool NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, the campaign has had a huge presence in the city since its launch and over 100,000 people have already actively engaged or taken part.

The Fit For Me campaign encourages people to do things at their own pace, try new things and find the right fit for them when it comes to doing a bit more physical activity. The campaign’s philosophy is that it doesn’t have to be a marathon – simply adding 10 minutes more to your daily routine is enough to start to see the benefits. That mean be hopping off the bus a stop early, walking the kids to the school gate or giving in to the tune on the radio that makes your feet want to dance. Why not?

As long as it gets your heart beating a bit faster and makes you breathe a bit harder, it counts.

In Liverpool alone, 63% of people are currently inactive, which means that they’re at higher risk of long terms illnesses like heart disease and dementia. But the benefits of becoming more active are more than simply losing weight – though this might be the thing many strive for after the Christmas excesses.

Better sleep, improved concentration, good mental health and reduced stress - even boosted energy levels - are all within grasp by getting moving in whichever way appeals. It doesn’t take long to feel them either. It’s all about finding the right fit for you – something that you enjoy, perhaps something you can do with a friend or family member, or just something that can fit into busy lives.

54 wirrallife.com

BRIDAL FASHION FROM MAGGIE SOTTERO Channelling ethereal grace but designed for modern romance, the Maggie Sottero line is inspired by today’s classic bride. The core collections feature shimmering embellishments and lightweight fabrics in a variety of captivating designs.

MONTGOMEREY ARACELLA COLLECTION RRP: APPROX. £1313 (FALL 2016)

56 wirrallife.com

wirrallife.com 57

MARINA ARACELLA COLLECTION RRP: APPROX. £1372 (FALL 2016)

58 wirrallife.com

JOVI ARACELLA COLLECTION RRP: APPROX. £1128 (FALL 2016)

wirrallife.com 59

ZADA AVERY COLLECTION RRP: APPROX. £1453 (SPRING 2017)

60 wirrallife.com

AVERY AVERY COLLECTION RRP: APPROX. £2016 (SPRING 2017)

wirrallife.com 61

AFTON AVERY COLLECTION RRP: APPROX. £1425 (SPRING 2017)

62 wirrallife.com

BRIDAL ACCESSORIES

by Debenhams

wirrallife.com 63

ROSE GOLD WEDDING

by House of Hud

64 wirrallife.com

Marquee interior experts, House of Hud, give us some fabulous ideas to bring your marquee wedding to life. For more information, visit www.houseofhud.com

W BRIDAL L

wirrallife.com 65

RUSTIC WOODLAND WEDDING

by House of Hud

66 wirrallife.com

W BRIDAL L

68 wirrallife.com

W TRAVEL L

SRI LANKA’S ‘MUST SEE’ SPOTS REVEALED Thomson Airways have revealed Sri Lanka’s must see excursions as they launch UK direct flights to Colombo and reveal seven in ten adults (70%) are more adventurous on long-haul holidays, in a recent survey. Flying weekly on the 787 Dreamliner from London Gatwick airport, customers will be able to book ‘tour and stay’ options as well as beach stays at luxury 5* resorts offering holidaymakers more flexibility and choice and the opportunity to experience the culture and history of this small island off India.

As interest in long haul destinations continues to grow, a recent survey also showed that nine in ten people (90%) said they enjoyed experiencing new and exciting excursions whilst on holiday. Thomson holidays to Sri Lanka offer visitors the chance to truly explore with hotel stays at the 5T Riu Sri Lanka which is exclusively offered

by Thomson holidays. There are also options to stay in hotels from Thomson’s Scene, Platinum and Small and Friendly collections giving customers vast variety in this emerging destination. The choices offer the perfect introduction with so much to see and do from visiting World Heritage sites, to seeing elephants in the wild or tasting the finest tea amongst vast green hills, Sri Lanka is everything you could want from a holiday. Here is the Thomson guide to must visit attractions:

BEACHES AND STILT FISHING Sri Lanka enjoys warm temperatures all year round, but January to April is when the island off India sees the best weather. Negomba is the ideal base for a beach holiday, with a huge stretch of sand and willowing palm trees. The area of Bentota also boasts beautiful beaches with many resorts lined along this coastline. Hikkaduwa beach is also a hit for holiday makers as it is famed for its snorkelling and surfing at the right times of the year.

Along the coast of Galle, undoubtedly a must see in Sri Lanka are the stilt fisherman perched effortlessly on the thin wooden structures catching fish – a method of fishing unique to Sri Lanka for around 70 years. It’s a job passed down by the generations as a well-respected traditional way of fishing. Holiday makers flock to Galle to see the stilt fisherman as the art is a dying tradition but an aweinspiring thing to witness.

ELEPHANTS AND MORE WILDLIFE Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world for animal spotting. Elephants can be seen almost all year round in the national parks with over 6,000 of them calling the island home. Minneriya National Park sees hundreds of elephants migrate in a parade-like fashion to the shores of a reservoir there. To catch sight of the big four, Yala wirrallife.com 69

National park is home to the leopard, elephant, sloth bear and buffalo and holidaymakers can get around the park by jeep and also witness crocodiles in their lagoons and monkeys hanging from the trees.

GARDENS AND GREENERY The best thing about monsoon season is the rain keeps the landscape lush and green. So, the perfect time to visit the botanical gardens, rainforests and tea plantations is right after monsoon season. Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s only rainforest is beautiful between February and April to explore flora, fauna and 147 species of birds and butterflies.

THE WONDERS OF TEA MAKING It’s no surprise that a tea plantation is a must see in Sri Lanka.

The country is known for its tea production and was once the country’s main source of foreign exchange and remains hugely important to its economy. The birthplace of Ceylon tea is Kandy and is perfect for the finest cup as it’s surrounded by hills and highly elevated at 6,200 foot above sea level– perfect for ultimate tea growing.

ADVENTURE AND CULTURE Sigiriya Rock Fortress is arguably Sri Lanka’s number one attraction. The 600-foot-high summit boasts an UNESCO World Heritage awarded ancient palace, and offers some of the best views in the country. Sri Lanka is famed for its beautiful

74 wirrallife.com 70

drawings and here is no exception. Halfway up the rock the walls along the rock are adorned with beautiful murals.

A trip to Sri Lanka is also not complete unless you have visited Sri Lankan temples during your stay. Dambulla cave temple known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is another one of Sri Lanka’s World Heritage sites. It is said prehistoric Sri Lankans would have set up home in the caves before the arrival of Buddhism. Kandy is also home to the magnificent Temple of the Tooth where you can see the gold casket said to contain the tooth of Buddha.

SRI LANKAN CITIES Galle, Colombo and Kandy are all big unmissable cities in Sri Lanka. Galle is endlessly exotic, bursting with culture and charm, with its wonderful collection of Dutch-colonial buildings, it’s a town of great beauty and home to a 36-hectare Fort boasting little boutique shops, jewellers, cafes and hotelearning Unesco World Heritage Site status.

Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city is often referred to as ‘the garden city of the East’ and continues to emerge as a must-see when visiting the country. The cities colonial roots are still evident in the architecture as you explore the bustling streets however Colombo is emerging as a stylish cosmopolitan stop for people wanting to experience city life after the relaxation and nature of the rest of Sri Lanka. Stylish eateries, cafes, galleries and museums make Colombo a truly diverse city bounded in history and character.

W TRAVEL L

Sri Lanka - the perfect Winter getaway.

wirrallife.com 71

PUTTING - IT’S OWN GAME

by Tom Atkinson, PGA

It’s often been said that putting is a game within the game of golf, and there seems to be no general consensus as to the best technique for putting. Jack Nicklaus has the record for the most majors ever, he was very wristy. Jordan Speith & Rory both use the 'cackhanded' approach. Bryson de Chambeaux has recently been seen putting from alongside the ball.

What should you concentrate on when you are putting?

Distance or direction? The answer is distance. How often do you see you or your playing partners miss the hole by 6, 8, 10 feet wide!? Hardly ever but very often they will miss by these distances either long or short, usually short! I like to use fact in golf coaching, here's one for you from 8' out on the PGA tour only 47% of putts find the bottom of the cup. If you had to guess, I think you'd have thought it was higher than that.

In it’s most simple terms, there are three key elements to sinking your putt: Making contact with the ball with the centre of your putter face, ensuring that when the ball leaves the face it is online with your intended target and keeping a constant tempo throughout your stoke.

Here are some drills to help you with your speed control.

Hit Putts whilst looking at the hole not the ball, this will help you develop your feel much quicker, after all where are you looking when you throw a dart, or release the bowl towards the jack!

TRY THIS GAME: From a distance of your choice. Hit 5 points and score 5 or more points. Set a buffer up 2 feet behind the hole. 2 points for a hole out, 1 point for stopping between the hole and the buffer -1 for short or beyond the buffer. Out of over 250 people who I have had play this game, only 7 have won first time. The tour pro’s play it - so should you!

72 wirrallife.com

Leica SOFORT

Leica’s first ever instant camera.

60mm f/12.7 (34mm in 35mm equiv) lens, shutter speeds of 1/8 to 1/400 https://www.leicastoremanchester.com/collections/sofort

The Leica SOFORT Frame The Moment.

Designed to capture the spontaneous moments in life and immediately share with friends and family, the new Leica SOFORT combines the world of Leica inspiration, creativity and expertise with the fun and fascination of instant film photography, for the very first time.

automatically adapts its settings, such as the exposure time and aperture, to the mode selected by the user. In true Leica style, the camera takes advantage of available light for as long as possible when shooting in auto mode, without triggering the built-in flash – resulting in pictures with a more natural and authentic look. Furthermore, the flash can be left on automatic setting, or the photographer can choose to switch it on or off, depending on the nature of the pictures they wish to take.

Small and sophisticated.

For easier ‘selfies’, the Leica SOFORT also features a rectangular mirror on the front, to ensure the perfect self-portrait every time.

This versatile camera will be available from November 2016 in a choice of three contemporary colours: orange, mint and classic white, and will retail at £230.

Different from other instant cameras in many ways, the inimitable, timeless style of the Leica SOFORT was created specially by the Leica design team in Germany, uniting the retro-modern magic of instant photography with the renowned quality and originality of the Leica brand.

Thanks to its light weight and compact size, the Leica SOFORT is the ideal travel companion to pack for special trips away, while its diminutive design makes it the perfect photographic partner for framing those impromptu, ‘behind-the-scenes’ moments at every event. From festivals and gigs to Christmas parties, weddings, and more, the Leica SOFORT captures mini-sized memories to be shared and treasured forever.

Covering a multitude of photographic situations, numerous modes and options are available on the camera: Auto, Party & People, Sport & Action and Macro, as well as creative programmes for multiple and timed exposures. In addition, the Leica SOFORT offers a special mode for self-portraits, as well as a self-timer with two different time delay settings. For the best photographic results every time, the camera 74 wirrallife.com

In addition, with the Leica SOFORT, the focusing distance can be set independently from the selected programme mode. Depending on the standard or long distance setting, and the mode chosen, this allows even more creative freedom when shooting with the camera.

Vibrant colour or classic black & white.

In addition to colour film, Leica also offers a monochrome film option for those who feel more at home in the world of black and white photography. All Leica SOFORT prints are framed with a border in a warm shade of cream, reflecting the nostalgic character of instant photography. Colour and monochrome films will both be available in packs of 10 exposures, and colour film will also be offered in double packs (20 pictures).

Leica SOFORT accessories.

A comprehensive range of accessories for both the camera, and the photos it creates, will be available for the Leica SOFORT, including three elegant neck straps in black and white, mint and orange.

In addition, customers will have the choice of two protective carry cases in black or classic brown.

Leica is also introducing a host of options for displaying and sharing instant pictures: Leica SOFORT Postcards will be offered in sets of three – each card will portray a different design, with a space to integrate a favourite picture. In addition, the Leica SOFORT Photo Presenter can be filled with photos and makes the perfect way to display captured moments and keep them on show.

The Leica SOFORT Photo Album is a classic format for sharing memories, and keeping them safe, while the Leica SOFORT Storage Boxes (sets of three) in mint/black, white/black and orange/black combinations make a perfect solution for storing precious pictures or giving them as gifts. Each set of boxes contains all three colourways.

The Leica Sofort Instant Camera ÂŁ230.00 Available now Leica Store Manchester www.leicastoremanchester.com

wirrallife.com 75

Wirral Life Photography in association with Leica Store Manchester BRIEF 2: WIRRAL WINTER WOODLANDS GOLD: MICHAEL McTIGUE

76 wirrallife.com

GOLD: MICHAEL McTIGUE

wirrallife.com 77

BRIEF 2: WIRRAL WINTER WOODLANDS

SILVER: ANDREW CROTHALL

78 wirrallife.com

SILVER: ANDREW CROTHALL

wirrallife.com 79

BRIEF 2: WIRRAL WINTER WOODLANDS

BRONZE: MIKE READ

BRONZE: ROY HAWKINS

80 wirrallife.com

BRONZE: JUDITH UNSWORTH

BRONZE: ROY HAWKINS

BRONZE: ROY HAWKINS

THANKS TO ALL OF OUR ENTRANTS BRIEF 3: WILD WIRRAL WEATHER DEADLINE: JANUARY 20 wirrallife.com 81

CARS & COFFEE

BY NORMAN SHUM

Photography by TehJazzi Photography

With Cars and Coffee Liverpool drawing to a close for 2016, it has certainly been yet another bustling and successful year thanks to all of our generous contributors, sponsors and especially all petrol head members. We have raised over £10,000 this year for our charities and as Roger Phillips from BBC Merseyside Radio stated ‘Cars and Coffee Liverpool is for a great cause!’

Tom Tully Tyres, one of our sponsors, nominated the Ben Gautrey Foundation as the chosen charity for this month. Ben Gautrey, 18 from Southport was a promising British Superbikes star and tragically died in a racing accident at the National Superstock 600 at Cadwell Park in 2011.

The Ben Gautrey volunteers were: Les Blake, Julie Jones, Andy Fairhurst and Michael Duffy and over £200 was collected. More information can be found at: www.thebenjamingautreyfoundation.org.uk This month, regular die-hard motorists gathered in the usual hundreds, varying from the Liverpool Scooter Club to the Fiat Abarth, Retro cars, American Clan, Supercar Drivers and The Ford owners group.

The car of the meeting was the military matte green Lamborghini Hurrican Limited Edition L63 Avio brought over by David Gidman of HR Owen Manchester and it attracted a flock of social media bloggers, vloggers and photographers.

We were also given the chance to exhibit the all-electric SUV Tesla. This SUV known as the model X features very stylish Gull Wing rear doors and a 303 mile range on full electric charge. Tesla Knutsford UK are not strangers to the meeting, previously showing the current Model S. Model S is designed to be the safest, most exhilarating sedan on the road. With unparalleled performance delivered through Tesla’s unique, all-electric power train, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.5 seconds. It also comes with autopilot capabilities designed to make your highway driving not only safer, but stress free.

Besides the new and wonderful branded cars, Speke based Kelvin Jones Motorsport were given an opportunity to show off their newly restored and rebuilt MGB, driven by the talented Liverpool racing driver Declan Jones.

The MGB is beautifully finished in British Racing Green and restored to it’s former glory.

What amazes us is the attention we get online. One member from Birmingham turns up early to our meetings with a blogger and we have a classic car journalist from Peterborough. Their first impression was how well organised and professional Cars & Coffee Liverpool is run.

If you have a classic, sports, supercar or quirky vehicle come along to the next Cars and Coffee Liverpool. If you would like to contribute, sponsor or participate, please contact carsandcoffeeliverpool@gmail.com On a sad note, I would like to pay my respects to Sue Davies - a great photographer and a true friend who sadly lost her battle with cancer. Our thoughts and hearts are with Eric, family and friends.

The Cars & Coffee Liverpool crew would like to wish everyone all the best for the festive period and are looking forward to an exciting 2017.

wirrallife.com 83

CAR REVIEW

F-Pace – R-Sport 2.0d 180PS AWD

by Tony Yates

At first you might look at the all new F-Pace and think OK, it’s just another SUV that looks just like all the others currently on the market – so, why should I bother looking any further.

seconds and will reach a top speed of 129mph. As with most Jaguar diesel engines – they are very refined and it will easily return 45mpg with little effort - mainly thanks to the frugal engine that sips not guzzles fuel, along with Jaguar’s combined Lightweight Aluminum Architecture which also makes the F-Pace very light for its size.

Well, I have a few good reasons why you should. Firstly it’s actually a very good looking SUV and secondly - it’s built by Jaguar, and Jaguar at the moment are producing some of the world’s greatest cars.

On the road:

Design & Technology: Let’s start with the looks of the F-Pace – for an SUV it looks amazing, much more handsome than some of the grotesque Japanese best sellers and even the solid but bland German offerings for that matter.

With the F-Pace, you’re treated to the best of the best when it comes to the interior that is frankly second to none, everything you will ever need.

Standard equipment; cruise control, front & rear parking aid, 5” full colour LCD display, DAB radio, EPAS, TPMS, LDW, ASPC and a whole host of additional kit which will keep you engaged for many hours if not years, along with its distinctive body line, bold front bumpers, large air intakes, chrome radiator surround, side power vents and wheels that are the size of the Moon (in a good way).

Power and Efficiency: The F-Pace is powered by a 2.0 Litre 4 cylinder AWD turbocharged engine that produces 180PS and 430Nm of torque. 0-60 comes in at around 8 84 wirrallife.com

The Jaguar engineers have done a fantastic job of getting the chassis to deliver the perfect balance and composure on the road - even when the road surfaces get more challenging, the F-Pace still holds the road really well with little drama that in turn inspires driver confidence if you do decide to drive it that little bit quicker.

Don’t forget that the F-Pace also has something called Torque Vectoring technology – this provides controlled braking on the inside rear wheel which delivers an outstanding sports car feel.

To sum up: Once again Jaguar has shown that they can continually produce some fantastic pieces of engineering and this is shown perfectly in the way the F-Pace out performs most of the competition not only in its design but in its ability to feel alive - this cat is a real driver’s car.

Price: £40,360 (Base Price OTR)

The F-Pace out performs most of the competition not only in its design but in its ability to feel alive

wirrallife.com 85

Morgan Factory Tour

by Tony Yates

Morgan Motor Cars – They’re just so British. I recently asked Morgan Motor Cars if it was possible to have a factory tour at their wonderful facility in ‘Malvern’. ‘Of course Morgan said, ‘we are more than happy to help out’ This was great news as it would give me the opportunity to not only see the cars still being traditionally hand built – but also to watch the skills of quality workmanship taking place right under my nose.

Just so you know; Morgan is still the world’s oldest privately owned car manufacturer that still produces well over 1000 vehicles per year – all built by a team of highly skilled and dedicated craftsmen and women who hand build these cars using a combination of luxury materials and skills that are all passed down from generation to generation. So off I went to learn more about what makes Morgan the symbol of everything British.

On arrival I could see that the building still looks the same in parts as the first day they probably moved in over 100 years ago – yes, there is a modern theme around – but I am glad to report all is well at Morgan HQ and it still looks and feels like 1936 when you look at some of the older buildings around the site. Just as I stepped out of my car, I could hear that unmistakable sound of the Morgan Plus8 burbling in a workshop close by – this immediately made me tingle, because the Plus8 for me is my comfort blanket and also the dream car that one day I would like to own.

Yes, I know it now has a V8 BMW engine, but who cares, this is about craftsmanship and power. Morgan is for me one of the best at producing hand built cars that money can buy and of course with the bonus of 367bhp engine and a 0-62 time of 4.5sec.

The Tour: The factory is amazing; with people working calmly behind their benches all over the factory floor – there is also no urgency here like you would get in a normal automated car making facility, this is all about taking as much time that is needed to produce a Morgan that is as perfect as possible with no constraints on finish time and definitely no automation in sight.

The craftsmanship here it’s so staggering to watch, I could have sat there for hours watching these people work their magic to create something amazing, but I wanted more, so I moved even deeper into the facility to see what cars I could find.

The 4/4 Did you know the Morgan 4/4 holds a world record for the longest running series production car? Well you do now. It was introduced back in1936 and is still in production 80 years later. Yes, it has undergone many changes in its life, but the format is still the same and it is still to this day instantly as recognisable as it was back in 1936. The 4/4 is now powered by a modern 1.6 litre Ford Sigma engine that begins as an entry level start

86 wirrallife.com

to Morgan ownership - but still being built using the same methods as I described earlier – by a team of craftsman who have honed their skills over time to produce the beautiful machine that is the Morgan 4/4.

The 3 Wheeler: You will look at the Morgan 3 Wheeler and instantly think ‘it looks like a fighter plane ready to be let loose in the skies ‘chocks away’ and all that but when you finally come back down to earth and begin to understand that what you are actually looking at is yet another magnificent machine made by the people at Morgan for the people. Just being in its presence and sitting inside the cockpit is enough to give me Goosebumps, it doesn’t stop there either. The cockpit also looks like the inside of a WWII fighter plane where all the controls look remarkably like they have come straight out of a ‘Spitfire’. For me, the 3 Wheeler is a staggering machine to behold with its 1983cc ‘V-twin’ fuel injected engine mated to a fantastic 5 speed gearbox. Just lift that safety catch and press the ‘bomb release’ looking starter button, to hear the beating heart of that V-twin engine detonating in your eardrums.

All that is really left to do, I suppose is then select a gear and then select a destination of your choice while wearing a pair of flying goggles from a Biggles movie and a rather spiffing looking neck scarf. That’s the thing about a Morgan – it’s just so British. Everything I have talked about here is about Britain doing what it does best, making a product that will not only stand the test of time but will also live in our hearts forever. The final hour of my day was taken up by a drive out across the Malvern Hills in a 4/4 with a British flag stuck on its rear end. So it was roof down, goggles on, but no scarf I’m afraid.

The drive through Malvern on a sunny day is what it’s all about. The 4/4 was amazing and you can feel every part of the car giving you the feedback you want while on the road. The engine is perfect and that 5 speed gearbox really is a peach. I briefly stopped at a lay-by for a few minutes to take in the moment – when out the blue an old fella tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘what a beautiful thing she is, is she yours?’ Part of me really wanted to show off and say yes, but I had to own up and say. ‘Sorry I only borrowed her’ Still, maybe one day eh?

My point is this; Morgan will always have a place in my heart because I know I can order a car, nip down to Malvern to watch it being built, talk to the guy making it while selecting a vast majority of its components myself, to my specification and at the end of the day even buy the guy who put it all together a beer at the local pub. So that’s; Handmade in Britain (Malvern) by a British company in Britain (Morgan), and in most cases owned by people in Britain.

Well – I don’t think you can get anymore British than that – do you?

Press the ‘bomb release’ looking starter button and hear that V-twin engine detonating in your eardrums.

CLAIRE HOUSE CHRISTMAS WINE & CANAPES PARTY

Over 250 guests attended Thornton Manor for the annual Claire House Wine & Canapes Party, supported by Tweedmill Shopping Outlet raising over ÂŁ16,000.

Guests included: Comedian Stan Boardman, DJ & Presenter Pete Price and Stoke City footballer Jonathan Walters.

94 88 wirrallife.com

W SOCIETY L

wirrallife.com 89

92 wirrallife.com

W SOCIETY L

HOT STUFF STOVES COOKING NIGHT

Hot Stuff Stoves Christmas cooking event took place in their showroom in Hoylake.

Customers were treated to homemade mulled wine and a selection of festive treats whilst doing their Christmas shopping. ESSE chef Steven Evans showcased the benefits of the EL13 range cooker to customer Belinda Thompson who has recently purchased one. Gavin Scott, Kate Darroch and Gavin Scott Junior were the perfect hosts and ensured as always a fun filled festive evening.

96 wirrallife.com

wirrallife.com 93

LORD MAYOR SUPPER CLUB

Shh... the secret's out! After clues were sent out with the tickets, all guests managed to discover the hidden phone box entrance.

As guests came down the stairs they were greeted with their first cocktail straight away. This was the start of five uniquely created cocktails for this event. The night had a vibrant atmosphere full of fun, laughter and amazing cocktails. The Five courses of cocktails started from something savoury and went through to something sweet and although the event was scheduled to end at 10pm door staff had to be called to evict in the early hours of the morning. Pictures of the miscreants can be obtained at a reasonable cost! The raffle was a hit with Christmas themed gifts. Many thanks to Ex-directory and the participating attendees for their contribution, the event raised over ÂŁ700, the highest amount to date from the supper clubs. Could this have anything to do with the night being solely alcohol based?

This event was so much fun it has had requests for another night which has been confirmed for Wednesday 25th January 2017. Call Tanya or Charalene for you ticket! Limited tickets so book early to avoid disappointment 0151 233 4651.

RADIO CITY SANTA DASH

The 13th annual Radio City Liverpool Santa Dash took place on Sunday 4th December, starting at the Pier Head Liverpool and finishing outside Liverpool Town Hall.

Over 8,000 Santa’s took part, which was a sea of red, blue and PURPLE. The colour purple joined the traditional red and blue Santa’s as people were encouraged to use the dash as a spring board to becoming more active with the Fit For Me campaign.

The Fit For Me purple Santa was choreographer, Miguel Doforo, who took dance troupe MD Productions to three of the ITV Britain’s got Talent programme’s semi-finals. Miguel said: “I’m proud to have put on the purple Santa suit and taken part in the race to represent ‘Fit For Me’ which is such an inspiring campaign – it really was something special. This time of year is all about having fun, the atmosphere amongst the sea of red and blue Santa’s was something else, the fact they were all taking part in physical activity was the icing on the cake.”

96 wirrallife.com

wirrallife.com 97

keeping you moving for 30 years

Kenmann motors

• diagnostics • servicing • repairs • m.o.t.

WWW.kenmannmotors.com • O151 647 43O3

Porsche recommends

The new Panamera.

Courage changes everything.

Discover more at porsche.co.uk/panamera

Porsche Centre Chester Cheshire Oaks Cheshire CH65 9LF 0845 8454 911 info@porschechester.co.uk www.porschechester.co.uk

Official fuel economy figures for the Panamera 4S in l/100km (mpg): urban 10.2 – 10.1 (27.7 – 28.0), extra urban 6.8 – 6.7 (41.5 – 42.2), combined 8.2 – 8.1 (34.4 – 34.9). CO2 emissions: 186 – 184 g/km. The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU‑regulated tests, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

and

Think you need a strong partner when your marriage ends?

I do.

You’ll want Amanda McAlister as yours.

Amanda, leader of the award winning Divorce and Family Team at Slater and Gordon, is one of the most accomplished lawyers in her field. With substantial experience recognised by clients and her peers, she has a track record of success.

Specialising in complex financial and property cases – and with many high profile clients from entrepreneurs to business mogels, sports to entertainment – Amanda is committed to helping you start your next chapter with everything you’re entitled to.

Call us on 0808 175 7909 slatergordon.co.uk Offices in Chester, Liverpool, Manchester and throughout the UK

Family | Employment | Estate Planning | Wills and Probate | Property | Business Legal Services

Slater and Gordon (UK) LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.