Wirral Life November 2016

WIRRAL LIFE WIRRAL’S No.1 FREE PREMIUM LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2016

KING CHARLES FIGHTING HIS WAY TO HOLLYWOOD 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.

We’ve had another busy month, out and about meeting lots of local people and businesses to find out what’s happening across the Wirral, Liverpool, Cheshire and North Wales. There are so many good news stories to share with you this month and over the month’s to come.

In this issue, we have exclusive interviews with six times World Championship Kickboxer, Lee Charles who talks about his journey to Hollywood. Singer & Songwriter, Thomas Lang who has just launched his new album, ‘The German Alphabet’ and artist Jo Smith from West Kirby’s Seagrass Art Studio who talks to us about her passion for art and where her inspiration comes from.

We also have lots of Christmas inspiration including styling your home, the ultimate gift guide and festive fashion.

Finally, once again a big thank you to all of our readers, advertisers and supporters - we have received so many emails complimenting the magazine - which is very humbling. Thank you.

EDITORS

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

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.

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

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41 INTERVIEWS 12. Lee Charles FEATURES 16. The Hive 20. Church Farm FOOD & DRINK 27. The Wine Connoisseur 29. Gastro Grazer 30. The Butchers Cut 32. Restaurant Reviews PROPERTY 39. Buy to Let Advice 41. Hot Properties CHRISTMAS 16 60. Inspiration 60. Gift Guide

FASHION & BEAUTY 68. Beauty Style 72. Festive Fashion

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MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE 76. Interview with Thomas Lang 78. Seagrass Art Studio 84. Photo Competition SPORT 89. Golf Masterclass MOTOR 90. The Ford Mustang 92. Jaguar XE R Sport SOCIETY 94. Hot & Happening 98. What’s on?

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IN BRIEF SAINSBURY’S UPTON PARTNER WITH RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

EDGE & SON PRAISED IN BUTCHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Sainsbury’s Upton recently launched their partnership with their new Local Charity of the Year and announced that Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park will receive a year’s worth of fundraising and support.

Merseyside's most traditional and celebrated butcher is yet again praised in this year’s Butcher of the Year Awards.

Based in New Ferry since 1844, Edge & Sons joined Delifonseca Dockside earlier this year, which is also renowned for their fabulous produce. Having previously won the Radio 4 Food & Farming Awards and RSPCA Good Business Awards for their real farming, dedicated husbandry and farm to fork approach, they are now delighted to add this to their CV. Callum Edge, 6th generation butcher at Edge & Son said, “It has been an utter pleasure joining Delifonseca, and providing the best tasting traditionally bred and fed meat to our customers, new and old in Liverpool. It is an honour to be included in the distinguished list of finalists so soon after joining Delifonseca!”

In celebration, Edges are offering a 15% discount on all traditional roasting joints for the month of November when this piece is presented at the butchery counter at Delifonseca.

The announcement came after local residents had the opportunity to nominate and vote for their favourite local charity to receive a year’s worth of support from the team at Sainsbury’s Upton.

Ronald McDonald House, situated on the first floor at Arrowe Park Hospital’s Women and Children’s unit, provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to enable families to maintain a degree of normal life while their child is undergoing medical treatment.

The Kennaugh family from the Isle of Man were flown over to Wirral by air ambulance because their baby Kitty was arriving 3 months early. Mum Gemma said “I was too numb to even start to think about practicalities like where we were going to sleep. All I could think about were the serious medical problems our little girl was trying to overcome… fortunately a room became available at the Ronald McDonald House just as I was discharged from maternity.”

“Over the days and weeks Kitty became more stable. Residing a floor above your sick baby took a lot of the fear and anxiety out of leaving them to eat and sleep. There is simply no way to describe how awful being separated from your new born baby is… but what we would have done without this House, I honestly can’t even contemplate.”

The charity has events and open days where parents can return with their little ones and catch up with lifelong friends they have made while staying there. The House recently celebrated its 7th birthday with a Party and Upton Sainsbury’s Joan Morrell helped with judging the ‘Bake off ’.

Mike Paterson Store Manager at Sainsbury’s Upton added: “We had a very successful launch for our new Local Charity of the Year, Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park. I’d like to thank all of our customers for their support”.

The Local Charity of the Year scheme is now in its eighth year and has raised over £11 million to support local charities since 2009.

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IN MEMORY OF HESWALL’S GRAHAM HURTON The Heswall Society honoured the memory of Graham Hurton, who was treasurer from 20012015, by planting a tulip tree in the grounds of Heswall Hall.

Mr Hurton was also chairman of the Heswall Hall Trust at the time ownership transferred from the Council to the Trust. The ceremony was attended by Mr Hurton’s son, Martyn, and his family, other family members and lifelong friend Ann Dutton, in addition to current and past committee members of the Heswall Society, and representative of Heswall Hall Trust and staff.

“My dad would think that this is far too much fuss,” said Martyn.

“But I’m very glad it’s happening.”

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CELEBRITIES LAUNCH THE LIVERPOOL SANTA DASH

CHARITY BALL RAISES £104,000 FOR RADIO CITY’S CASH FOR KIDS Fundraising supremo’s Mandy Molby, Claire Gallagher and Trudi Brook hosted their annual charity Ball on Saturday night in aid of Radio City’s Cash for Kids.

A group of 40 Santas have toured the city on an open-top bus to launch this year’s Liverpool Santa Dash.

The countdown is now on to the Liverpool Santa Dash taking place on Sunday, 4 December – the UK’s biggest festive fun run and this is its 13th year.

It was a case of all aboard when a whole host of familiar faces including actors from Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Benidorm and Love Island hopped onto the Liverpool City Sights open-top bus with Father Christmas to take the Santa Dash message on the road.

Organisers BTR Liverpool are encouraging Santas to sign up to make the 5K festive fun run bigger than ever before in a bid to win back the world title from Las Vegas. More than 1,500 Santas have already registered.

The Radio City Liverpool Santa Dash starts at Pier Head Liverpool at 9.30am and finishes outside Liverpool Town Hall. After dashing round the city, the Santas collect a commemorative medal when they complete the fun run. A Santa suit is included in the entry fee.

The little ones also have their very own fun run – the 1K Mini Dash is for youngsters aged 12 and under. It starts in Castle Street when the main Santa Dash has finished, and also finishes at Liverpool Town Hall.

From now until 3 December, participants can call in to either Rapid Discount Outlet in Liverpool city centre or the BTR office at 82 Market Street, Hoylake, to sign up and collect their Santa suit.

Or Santas can register online at www.btrliverpool.com

The fun-packed evening, held at Thornton Hall Hotel left guests stunned and thrilled when the grand total of £104,000 was announced. Cash for Kids Ambassador, Mandy Molby said “Claire, Trudi and I are completely overwhelmed by the generosity of the guests who came to our Ball. Never in our wildest dreams, in the current economic climate did we dare to dream we would raise in excess of £100,000. This money will literally change lives for so many disadvantaged children in our area and we cannot thank all those who came along, sponsored the event, donated prizes or bought raffle tickets enough for their support”

THE FRIENDS OF DAWSTONE PARK FLY THE GREEN FLAG Heswall’s Dawstone Park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag. The Friends, who

have worked tirelessly to achieve and maintain its high standard, celebrated by running the flag up the flagstaff.

Paul Leidecker, chairman of the group, said “We’re delighted to have been chosen to receive the Green Flag.

Dawstone Park is a great public amenity, and well used. We hope that the families of Heswall will continue to enjoy it.” wirrallife.com 7

WIRRAL PAPERBACK OF THE YEAR LAUNCHED AT BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL

WIRRAL’S SAM QUEK: FROM OLYMPIC GOLD TO THE JUNGLE

Staff and students at Birkenhead School were thrilled to be the hosts of the launch of this year’s Wirral Paperback of the Year Awards.

The day was marked with a range of literary and artistic workshops and events, along with the discovery of the books that had made it on to the shortlist. Students from across Wirral will now have until June 2017 to enjoy the books and input their preferences for an overall winner to be selected.

One of the authors, Rhian Ivory, whose teen-fiction novel ‘The Boy Who Drew the Future’ has made the shortlist, attended the event to talk to the students about her books and gave aspiring writers hints and tips on how to hook readers in and how to get published. Rhian, who has shared an editor with JK Rowling, is currently writing her seventh book following a career as a teacher where it was her pupils who inspired her to get her first book published.

Rhian said, “It is really exciting to be here at Birkenhead School for the launch of the awards. To be on the shortlist and to be able to play a part in encouraging a love of reading in young people is a huge honour.”

The launch encompassed a cross-curricular theme involving English and Art showing how both subjects can play a role in creative writing through the development of character and setting using both words and visual effects. Groups of students looked at flash fiction to inspire them to create artistic works, including Ernest Hemingway’s ‘For sale: baby shoes, never worn’ where a theme of ‘shoes’ was then expanded into creating their own characters and thinking about the types of shoes that they would wear. They were then tasked to create ‘giant’ versions of the shoes, which reflected their characters, for display.

Birkenhead School Librarian, Elizabeth Reeve, said, “The day was incredibly interesting for the students and hopefully has inspired them to pick up a book and try something new, or to even try their hand at their own writing projects. We look forward to reading all of the books on the list and helping to decide the winner in June next year.”

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Wirral’s Olympic hockey player, Sam Quek has been confirmed in the line up for the new series of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me out of Here!

28 year old Sam Quek, who attended Birkenhead High School, rose to fame this summer after winning gold during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Talking about her forthcoming appearance in I’m a Celebrity, Sam has predicted that she will play the role of “games initiator” in the camp although she admits her phobias include: cockroaches, spiders, and anything small.

On taking part in the ITV show, Sam said: “Yes I am really looking forward to the challenge but gosh going in the Jungle is way tougher than playing in that penalty shoot out in the Final of the Olympics.

It has been such a whirlwind since I got back from the Olympics. We were just hockey players trying to achieve our dream and to come back as a Gold medalist has meant whatever we say is picked up immediately in the press. That is for me a complete life changer but some good things have happened. I am embracing everything and to have been given the opportunity to do I’m a Celebrity is unthinkable and its just so crazy. I am so grateful’.

I’m a Celebrity is aired on ITV and started on 13th November 2016 Good Luck Sam from your fellow Wirralians!

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CARDEN PARK’S YOUNG CHEF JOEY JONES AWARDED

Young Welsh chef Joey Jones from Carden Park Hotel has been awarded two silver medals at the Culinary Olympics in Germany as part of the Welsh National Junior Team.

Joey joined the Carden Park catering team in 2015 to work with Executive Head Chef Graham Tinsley MBE, who has catered for several members of the Royal family during his career, including Prince Charles and HRH Queen Elizabeth II as well as the Emperor of Japan and several International Heads of State.

‘LIVING WITH & BEYOND CANCER’ HEALTH & WELLBEING EVENT Wirral University Teaching Hospital are holding an event to highlight the support, information and advice available locally to people affected by cancer.

There will be short talks from health professionals on different aspects of adjusting to and living with and beyond cancer.

These will include coping with the emotional and psychological effects of cancer, nutrition, physical activity, consequences of treatment and a patient experience story. Specialist nurses and other professionals will be available to provide information, support and advice. There will be an opportunity to visit stands on fitness, welfare concerns, carer support and other local support and resources. The event will take place on Thursday 1st December at Arrowe Park Hospital between 12.30pm and 4pm.

You are welcome to bring a friend, relative or carer. To confirm your attaendance, please contact Anne Torkington, Macmillan Cancer Information Manager on 0151 552 1860 or email wih-tr.macmillansupport@nhs.net.

THE CANDICE COLLEY FOUNDATION RECEIVES £20,000

B&M stores across the country have raised more than £650,000 through the new carrier bag charge to help local charities.

Since the mandatory carrier bag charging was introduced last year the discount retailer has collected enough funds to support more than 30 local charities. One of which is The Candice Colley Foundation, based in Hoylake who will receive the £20,000 raised by local shoppers who purchased carrier bags in store.

Candice Colley was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in 2006 and after many years of treatment and fighting back at the disease, Candice sadly died on Monday 27th December 2010.

After her death her family and friends set up the foundation and found that there were gaps in the UK’s supportive network which they wanted to try to fill. They aim to help leukaemia and other blood cancer patients and their families on Ward 30 at Arrowe Park Hospital and The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at The Royal Liverpool Hospital, by providing little gestures to “make life a little easier” for them.

B&M have donated £20,000 raised from the sale of carrier bags in local stores and the charity plan to use the money to assist those in need with grants to cover medical bills, rent and daily needs.

Candice’s mum, Angela, said: “The grants are a really important part of what we do, often people have had to leave work due to their own, or a loved ones, illness and a little help with those practical things such as bills can really change their lives. Our main aim when we first started was to help local people affected by the illness in memory of Candice so it is a great thing to know that local stores and shoppers are supporting us so we can continue to help those who need it in the area. We are all so overwhelmed by the generous donation from B&M, I cannot thank them enough – it is actually making me emotional just thinking about it.”

Further to this, the money raised will also allow the fundraising team to give out gift bags at Christmas to those suffering so that they can enjoy a little treat during what can often be a really stressful and upsetting time.

B&M Area Manager, Simon Smith, said: “My team nominated The Candice Colley Foundation because they felt it’s an amazing local charity who deserve our support, the work they do is outstanding and we want to make it a little easier for them to continue providing those who need it with their thoughtful gestures.” wirrallife.com 9

Claire House helps families smile again, when life couldn’t get any tougher.

FREE GIFTS IN WILLS SERVICE When Claire House Children’s Hospice opened in December 1998 it looked after 10 families. They now currently look after over 200 children and young adults. This amazing progress is due in no small part to the generous gifts that people have left to Claire House in their Wills. In fact, last year over 14% of their work was funded by gifts like these.

Making or updating your Will is easy to put off, but now Claire House is able to offer Wirral Life readers the opportunity to have your Will written free of charge. This offer is supported by a number of local solicitors in our area and covers the cost of a simple Will. This means that if you have any complex arrangements, such as setting up a trust fund, you can do so - but at an additional cost.

Janet Abraham, Legacy Manager at Claire House caught up with supporter Elizabeth Pinder-Jones to have a chat about free gift in Wills schemes.

Elizabeth explains, “To tell you the truth, I hadn’t really prioritised making a Will, it’s always one of those things that I was to get around to doing.

What nagged at my conscious was a feature funnily enough I spotted whilst thumbing through an article in Wirral Life magazine. It gave details about a gentleman who had left a gift to Claire House, and mentioned about a Free Will Writing Scheme.

Not being very familiar with how making a Will works or the work Claire House do, I contacted them for more information. It was suggested that I come in for a chat and a tour, so I could see for myself what they do and how gifts in Wills can make a real difference to the help they can offer the families who use their services.

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I have to say, I was really nervous about going on a tour as I wasn’t sure what to expect. The very word ‘hospice’ conjures up all sorts of images in one’s mind. Claire House was the total opposite to what I had imagined. It was vibrant, bright, colourful, everyone was smiling and we got to see all around the hospice. We were shown where families get to sit and eat together in the dining room, the sensory room, the hydrotherapy pool was amazing, and there was a special room that had interactive features. The children could listen to music or trigger off pictures or images on the floors and walls by movement– I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

I got to see for myself just how a donation made to Claire House can be put to use. The support the Claire House team give to families at difficult times – it’s just mind blowing.

Needless to say after an informative chat and seeing for myself how gifts in Wills are used at Claire House, I am now in the process of consulting with one of the participating Solicitors in the Scheme.

I think a free Will writing benefit for supporters is a really good idea. I’ve had a real eye opener of an experience and it’s all down to seeing a simple feature in my copy of Wirral Life magazine.”

If you would like to visit Claire House or hear more about our free gifts in Wills scheme, please call me on 0151 343 0883 or email janet.abraham@clairehouse.org.uk

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THE INTERVIEW

LEE CHARLES TALKS TO LYNNE HAGUE

Wirral-born Lee Charles is six-times World Championship Kickboxer and embarking on a Hollywood career. He talks to Lynne Hague about his career, ambitions, love for Wirral and why it’s important to give back to the local community.

You have been training since you were 6 years old, but if you hadn’t gone down the path of martial arts, was there anything else that you wanted to do when you grew up?

Martial Arts has always been a major factor in my life. From the first time I saw a Bruce Lee movie, I literally became obsessed wanting to be like him. Outside of the Martial Arts, I was always very athletic. I played football to a high standard when I was young and played for Everton, Tranmere and eventually signed for Wrexham - although this was short lived, as I suffered an injury which saw them terminate my contract.

My dream of becoming a professional football player then started to take a back seat. Even though I had always continued to train in Martial Arts, my love for it grew stronger, and from there I went on to represent my country winning 6 World Kickboxing Championships and I’m now making waves in the movie industry. So I guess the injury wasn’t that much of a bad thing.

Your 2006 trip to LA kicked off your career as a stuntman and ultimately to acting roles in some serious productions like Dracula Untold, what were those early days like?

When I set out on my trip to the States, I never for one minute thought this would open the door to what has now become a career. I was embarking on a journey of discovery in the Martial Arts, wanting to visit gyms/Dojos throughout the USA. My first port of call was LA and one of my hero’s Benny The Jet had his own gym there in West Hollywood.

I had been emailing them and we’d been discussing a training session (all I wanted to do was to get a few photographs and say I had been at The Jets Gym). So, on my first day in LA, I phoned the gym and went along in the hope of meeting everyone. I spoke with the gentleman on 12 wirrallife.com

reception and I felt like I was kind of getting interviewed. During this time I got introduced to Benny’s wife Sara, we talked and she told me Sensei Benny was returning to the gym and he wanted to meet me. Well you can imagine how happy I was, going to meet one of my idols. We sat and spoke for hours, he invited me to attend the Lee Strasburg Theatre and Film Institute. The next thing I knew I was learning to act and perform stunts. I was literally in the right place at the right time - skills I have perfected over the years have served me well. I bonded with Sensei Benny, forming a tight friendship and becoming a member of his stunt team, working in Hollywood movies with A list actors. A crazy time which still makes me smile on reflection.

You clearly made an impression on Actor/Director Noel Clarke whilst working with him on ‘I Am Soldier’ - as he cast you in his next film ‘The Anomaly’ – a big release, what was it like suddenly working with the likes of Brian Cox and Luke Hemsworth?

It was crazy, I remember whilst working on ‘I am Soldier’, Mr Clarke mentioned to me that he was genuinely interested in me being in his next movie. We had a brief chat and I did a short performance for him and he said he would be in touch once we had finished filming. True to his word he called me a few months later and offered me the role of Patch in ‘The Anomaly’. Before I knew it I was working on a production with Ian Sommerhalder, Alexis Knapp, Brian Cox, Luke Hemsworth, Michael Bisping and of course Noel himself. A truly unbelievable time - filming on location in London and Times Square, New York. This was an experience I will never forget and I learnt a lot about my new profession from some of the best in the business. Since this I have had a great opportunity to work with Mr Clarke on several occasions most recently in “Brotherhood”, the final instalment of the hugely successful “Kidulthood” series.

You’ve been a busy boy with four films in post production, what was it like working with a Bond-Pierce Brosnan and a bond baddie - Dave Bautista on ‘Final Score’?

Unfortunately, due to contracts I can’t say too much about the movie itself. But to me I’m just a normal guy from the Wirral so to find myself

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on set with these stars is amazing. Anyone that truly knows me, will know how much of a geek I am when it comes to my movies, so although I always remain professional on set, deep inside I’m dancing around like a small child at Christmas!

In your first film for 2017, you play a cannibal in the horror comedy ‘Cannibals and Carpet Fitters’, that must have been a laugh?

Yes this was a fantastic opportunity to make something different from my normal roles. The script is fantastic and the movie we made was brilliant, being well received at film festivals all over the world. So when the chance comes along to play “William” I couldn’t say NO. Everyone I speak to is excited to see the movie and I can’t believe the physical transformation that I made for the role.

It has been reported that you used to train three times a day – do you still train so hard or has your training schedule and the type of training that you do now changed?

Recently I have been training as hard as I ever have, as I made the decision to come out of retirement and go for another World Title.

Something I achieved 4 weeks ago, making me now a 6 x World Kickboxing Champion, something I am extremely proud of being close to 41 years young! My training regime starts at 4am daily and I generally train up to 4/5 hours a day.

Even though you’re titled ‘The Punisher’, you are famously regarded as an all round nice guy, has becoming a father softened you a little?

Yes definitely. My little boy has me wrapped around his little finger.

I didn’t really know what to expect before becoming a father, but its nothing short of amazing. You start to look at life a little differently, acting a little more responsibly than I had would have done previously.

You have recently opened a new Black Dragon Academy to inspire youngsters, what was your reason for doing this?

My main reason is our children. I think its important to give children the best start in life. Martial Arts prepares you for a lot of what life

throws at you. I thought why not get back to teaching full time and specialising in the teaching of children. I think it’s important to teach about discipline and respect especially in today’s society. If I can have a positive influence on a select group of children then hopefully they will have a positive influence on the people around them. Generally making better individuals for society. It’s also important for children to have an active lifestyle, I think too many children nowadays are too happy to sit behind a games console.

You were born on the Wirral and still live here, were you ever tempted to move away? If so, where would you have moved to?

Yes, there was a time I was tempted to move to London to be closer to the industry. But I’m only a 2 hour train journey from everything anyway and I love the Wirral and it’s surroundings. I think sometimes, we don’t really appreciate how beautiful it is, because we live here.

When you’re not filming and training how do you like to relax?

I love spending time with my family, days out and generally seeing the kids grow up. I think these things are important and really make you appreciate what life is all about.

Where do you eat out?

Rachel and I love to eat out and one of our favourite places is Fazenda in Liverpool. The food there is fantastic, especially their belly pork! If you haven’t tried it, you need to.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Well this is a tricky one, but I love watching Rom-coms... just don’t tell anyone!

Also, I would just like to say a big thank you to my sponsors CA Burke Construction and also Gravity Health & Fitness, Upton. They are a constant help and support, which is deeply appreciated.

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

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

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Offering outstanding pastoral care, inspirational teaching and small class sizes for girls and boys from Nursery to Sixth Form.

Discover what more an independent education can offer Call 0151 652 4014 Email enquire@birkenheadschool.co.uk to book a visit Birkenhead School, 58 Beresford Road Oxton, Wirral, CH43 2JD, birkenheadschool.co.uk

21ST CENTURY YOUTH PROVISION...

COMING TO WIRRAL Did you know 66% of young people spend the majority of their leisure time in their bedroom whilst a staggering 82% of young people think that their local area offers very little for them to do outside of school?* It’s clear young people need help now more than ever before. Whether it’s a lack of ambition or qualifications, or negative behaviour and attitudes, the current childhood crisis is real and well documented.

Visited by over 3,000 young people every week, Bolton Lads and Girls Club (BLGC) is a state-of-the-art custom-built, modern youth club offering a wide range of sport, art and enterprise activities.

Open 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, BLGC is driven by a powerful combination of public, private and volunteer sector support.

In 2006, serial entrepreneur, Bill Holroyd was approached by officials from BLGC to chair the Club’s Board. Bill willingly took on the role and realised very quickly that other towns and cities in the country would clearly benefit from a first class facility like Bolton. It was this vision that inspired Bill to develop the charity, OnSide Youth Zones and spearhead the development of the Youth Zone ‘model’ across the country.

OnSide was officially established in 2008 with one simple aim… to build a network of 21st Century Youth Clubs, giving young people, safe and inspiring places to go in their leisure time. They are designed to give young people aged 8–19 years old (25 for those with a disability) somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to in their leisure time; occupying their bodies and minds with fun activities, learning new skills and socialising in a safe, positive way.

Youth Zones promise to offer over 20 action-packed activities every evening from sports and arts to music, dance drama, employability and enterprise schemes – a Youth Zone is a childhood dream. Open 7 days a week, they are proven to reduce anti-social behaviour levels 16 wirrallife.com

in their areas of service as well as create hundreds of jobs. To be more specific, at least 50 full time jobs as well as 100 volunteers are recruited to make sure service provision is of the highest of standards.

So how are these world class facilities possibly funded in these times of asperity? Youth Zones cost £6million to build with £3m and the site provided by the local authority and the remainder made up of grants, trusts and philanthropic giving. The annual running costs for a start-up Youth Zone are £1million; 40% met by local authority support, 50% by the local private sector and 10% through membership and entry fees from young people. OnSide works with the Youth Zone team to raise the first three years of private sector funding ahead of opening. This unique partnership of the private sector, local authority, young people and the community forms a dynamic four-way, inter-connecting relationship, which drives the sustainable success of an OnSide Youth Zone.

OnSide has since impacted on the lives of over 20,000 young people, opening six centres in Blackburn, Carlisle, Manchester (The Factory), Oldham (Mahdlo), Wigan and more recently Wolverhampton (The Way) – the Midlands first OnSide Youth Zone.

The growing national charity also has numerous ‘live’ developments on the go with confirmed Youth Zone projects in various locations.

Here in the North West; Chorley, Preston and Warrington are set to have a Youth Zone in the coming years, whilst in the capital, Barking and Dagenham, Barnet and Croydon are to become London’s first OnSide centres come 2018 – the South is following the North – refreshing change!

And now we move on to Wirral which is set to have its first £6m youth facility come April 2017 when the doors officially open.

Named by local young people as ‘The Hive’, Wirral Youth Zone is located in the centre of Birkenhead next to the fire station and construction is well underway with the project progressing rapidly.

The superstructure is complete and main roof and windows have

been installed. The external cladding is completed and the next step would see the internal fittings of the Youth Zone with the centre on track to be completed in February 2017.

Support for the Youth Zone has increased in recent weeks as twice British Hairdresser of the Year and Creative Director of a chain of award winning hairdressing salons, Andrew Collinge, the latest high profile businessman to join as a Founder Patron. As well as providing financial support, Andrew has vowed to deliver training sessions in hairdressing for Wirral’s young people in conjunction with tutors from the hugely successful Andrew Collinge training salons.

Andrew Collinge said: “I am delighted that Andrew Collinge Hairdressing is to be a Founder Patron of Wirral Youth Zone. We have been in business locally for over 50 years and I have a keen passion for the local community. Having visited Wigan Youth Zone, I was thoroughly impressed with the concept and impact there and I am more than pleased that Wirral’s young people can now benefit from such an innovative and aspirational project. I look forward to working with The Hive team and the fellow business community to help create a better future for Wirral’s young people.”

Further revenue support has already been pledged by: Urenco UK, Boulting Group, Altrad NSG, The Contact Company, Selwyn-Lloyd Charitable Trust, John Syvret CBE, The Bibby Family, Cammell Laird and The Billington Group, of Anne Duchess of Westminster’s charity and B&M Waste Management. Liverpool FC legend John Barnes is the latest signing, joining as an Ambassador.

It’s clear this new style of 21st century youth provision is impacting on the lives of thousands of young people and with youngsters on the Wirral set to benefit next as well as tons more in London, OnSide Youth Zones is a charity we should all get ‘onside’ and help them create a healthier happier future generation. To find out more visit, www.onsideyouthzones.org *OnSide Youth Zones research conducted with 1000 14-16 year olds

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THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT CHURCH FARM

Church Farm is one of the Wirral’s most popular family attractions. With it’s family friendly animals, beautiful views, events, farm shop and café. Church Farm is three-time Wirral Tourism Award Winner, and has a firm place in the heart of Wirral families.

Steve Ledsham has been the well-known face of Church Farm for over 24 years, and is now retiring.

Teaching himself to farm, he and his family have built the Farm from scratch. To a point where now the farm grows 15,000 Christmas Trees and 3,500 pumpkins, hosts 800 children egg hunting on Easter Friday and 99 weddings have been held with the breathtaking views over the River Dee to North Wales.

The 60 acre site boasts over 120 animals to see; from new emus and pygmy goats to alpacas and meerkats. Along with an indoor beach, tractor and barrel train rides, crazy golf and an adventure playground. And to recover from all the excitement families can enjoy lunch in the organic farm shop café, or have an ice cream from the new ice cream parlor.

Steve says: “I may be looking for a new owner to take over the reins, but Church Farm remains very much open for business. We have lots of exciting events in the pipeline and I believe this Christmas is going to be our best ever. We value our very special place in the community, and enjoy giving trees to schools and churches every Christmas.

“So many local families, including my own, have such fond memories of growing up and visiting Church Farm and I will strive to ensure that whoever I sell to will continue that legacy as well.

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Steve, a former divisional commander with Merseyside Fire Service, whose only experience of farming was growing vegetables in his back garden when he bought the Thurstaston farm in 1992 says, "They have been very happy times here for me and my family. I remember the first day I came here and I walked up the hill and saw the view and knew it was a special place.

"I did everything I could to move here, I sold everything I had and went into tremendous debt but I don't regret any of it. I have been a very, very lucky guy to be the custodian of this place but now it's time to hand it on to someone else.”

Steve and his family, who have all worked alongside him on the farm, created a lucrative side-line selling Christmas trees. It has become an annual tradition for many families to buy their trees from Church Farm.

Now as experts in trees, customers are guaranteed the highest quality of freshly dug up trees grown in a sustainable manner. Unlike imported trees, which are cut many weeks in advance, all their trees are freshly cut throughout December and will not drop their needles if cared for correctly.

Enjoy a magical and festive family visit to Church Farm and start your own family tradition. Pick your tree; each one lovingly grown and cared for, for over 10 years by the Ledsham family. Or visit the beautifully lit–up forest to meet Father Christmas on the Santa Experience (tickets available via the website www.churchfarm.org.uk).

Make a day of it and stay for lunch or a festive hot chocolate beside the cosy log burner, and pick up some last minute presents from the farm shop.

Steve and his family look forward to welcoming you.

TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING AND LOOKING AFTER YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

BY CHURCH FARM

1.

Buy your Christmas tree from a tree farm if possible, a freshly cut Christmas tree will last longer than one that's been cut weeks earlier and shipped to the UK.

2. Avoid buying trees with dead or brown needles -these trees are already past their prime. A good tip is to gently run your fingers over the branches to check the needles are flexible and remain on the tree.

3. Keep your cut Christmas tree outside with the trunk in water until you are ready to move it inside.

A tree can go without water for 8 hours before future water absorption is affected.

4. Once inside the house, cut off about half an inch off the trunk. Do not cut at an angle or drill a hole in the base, neither help water absorption. Avoid using a reciprocal saw or a blade that creates friction. If the cut gets hot, the sap in the tree will seal the end, making water absorption impossible.

5. A Christmas tree should never be mounted dry. It is much better to place it in a container of water that is replenished on a regular basis.

6. Place your Christmas tree away from open flames or heat sources, which may cause it to dry it out too early.

wirrallife.com 21

BRUCHLADDICH OCTOMORE 07.4

by David Green, The Red Fox

My love and passion for whisky started in 2010 when I joined Brunning and Price, it was more forced on me as the pubs have top shelves rammed with single malts and it was a case of learning on the job.

It was a spirit I had never really ‘got along’ with - I think it was probably from the time I sneaked into my grandfathers drinks cabinet as a teenager and took a drink, straight from the bottle, and I never really got over that musty, burning sensation.

Over the years many people have said to me ‘its because you haven’t yet found the right whisky for you’ and today I couldn’t agree more with that sentence, with so many flavours and taste profiles - it’s a case of finding a malt that suits you.

Personally I love big bold flavours and started to edge towards Islay as a region, with familiar names such as Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, they tend of have a smoky character derived from peat, some describe it as a medicinal taste.

A few years ago I was lucky enough to visit Islay and the Bruichladdich Distillery (pronounced “Brook-laddie”) and that’s really where the romance flourished, the hot warm feeling as you enter the still room and the sweet malt aroma coming from the mash tuns greeted you as you walked into the distillery.

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Bruichladdich distillery was built in 1881 and today the production methods involve a combination of ancient and modern techniques.

They believe that whisky should have a character, an authenticity derived from where it is distilled and the philosophies of those distil it. ‘Terroir’ which is how a particular region's climate, soils and aspect (terrain) affect the taste, is really important and that comes across in everything they do They don’t just buy barley from anywhere, they get a lot of it grown on Islay and believe this is one of the best ways to get the bold flavours. Mothballed in 1993 the distillery it was bought by a small independent group of private individuals and in May 2001 the first distillation took place under new management.

Modern technology is kept to a minimum while tried and tested and time-honoured methods are enshrined which the owners maintain produce the best results, sometimes even to the surprise of the experts.

Bruichladdich as a company, strives to be a progressive force in the whisky world and produce a number of malts including the Classic Laddie — a peat-free whisky that’s very drinkable, somewhat sweet and a tad salty, and comes in an opaque turquoise bottle.

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH Gimme Some Thyme Created by District House, LIverpool

Sauvelle is a small batch, handcrafted premium Vodka made in Cognac, France. Using French Winter Wheat as it's base, it is distilled once making it a traditional style of vodka. After distillation, a unique oak smoothing technique takes place where the vodka runs over Charred Oak, Chene de limousine & Cherry Wood, giving Sauvelle a full bodied, creamy smooth finish.

• • • • • •

50ml Sauvelle Vodka 25ml Fig & Black Pepper Syrup* 15ml Pineau des Charentes 25ml Lemon Juice Fresh Sprig of Thyme Egg White

Method: Add all ingredients to a Boston glass. Dry shake without ice then shake again with ice. Fine strain. * Fig and Black Pepper Syrup • 250ml caster sugar • 250ml water • 20 peppercorns • 6 figs Method: Place all items into saucepan and bring to simmer for 1hr on low heat do not let boil. Before straining crush figs to extract all juices. Place in fridge to last for two weeks.

Their innovative spirit comes through most in their rare, experimental Octomore series, named after the local farm, owned by James Brown, where the barley, which makes up a third of its ingredients is harvested and the spring water used in Bruichladdich’s distillation process is sourced from Brown’s farm, too.

A new Octomore is released annually, each edition is an experiment, more smoke here, more peat there ,but each is a challenge to the assumption that great whisky is old whisky.

In 2008 the distilling team quietly laid down another “what if?” What if we put 167ppm Octomore spirit into virgin oak casks? What would the combination of smoke-rich Octomore and sweet, honeyed vanilla derived from the great French oak produce Historically, Octomores are five-year-old whiskies; this latest iteration octomore 7.4 is seven years. 25% of it was aged entirely in virgin oak casks, while 75% of it spent 3 years in first fill bourbon casks, followed by 2 years in virgin oak casks and then 2 more years in first fill bourbon casks This was uncharted territory, the first time that spirit distilled from Scottish malting barley and peated to these colossal levels had been matured in fresh wood.

For seven years, head distiller Adam Hannett carefully managed the heavyweight flavour profiles in play during the development of this uber-experimental dram – and he has now released just 12,000 bottles at 61.2% Taking the cork from the bottle unleashes something unique.

The room fills with the sweet, smoky aroma as the first glass is poured and you know this is the prelude to a whisky like no other. The smoke is powerful but tempered by sweet, rich oak, two heavyweights that complement each other - there is balance between them.

Its colour, for one a rich, slightly reddish caramel, like a sweet, hoppy beer might look owes everything to those unused wooden wombs. To the nose, an unwatered sample is decidedly high octane, with a woodsy, almost barbecue tinge.

You’ll know Octomore when, well, if you see it. The opaque black bottle is unmistakable and mysterious, as unusual as it is rare. Priced around £140 for a bottle or £15 for 25ml During November and December its available at The Red Fox, Thornton Hough (www.redfox.pub) for Wirral Life Readers at £5 a dram – drop in and quote Wirral Life and enjoy a whisky that is pretty special and unique.

wirrallife.com 23

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

BEER & FOOD

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

When I started hosting beer and food dinners about 8 years ago, the idea, at times, was met with some bewilderment. Beer and food; adopt a Peter Kay style voice when reading that and you’ll catch my drift. It seemed to offend some people’s perception of good taste, as if I had suggested adults wear plastic sandals.

Then again, Crocs did happen and it does indeed require the attention of a comedian to comprehend such a matter.

For an easy reference starter for ten, see a few tips below:

BY JO MILLER

Although beer and food is no laughing matter, when done well, it is joyous. Fortunately, since then things have changed and a number of Michelin rated and really good restaurants now have beer lists to match food. You’ve probably done it yourself too, even if you think you haven’t. In one of its oldest guises, it is simply beer that is brewed to match the food of the area. By design or default, what grows together usually goes together.

So whether you’ve had a lamb roast on holiday in the lakes with a pint of Jennings, or a Thai green curry down the local with a bottle of Singha, you have done it. Think back, they were probably joyous, right?

Beyond the obvious, yet not to be underrated, regional matching is a wondrous set of elements to play with. And I am not bashing wine, but beer has more going for it when matching with food. For a start we have carbonation that can cleanse the palette ready for the next mouthful, not to mention the broadest set of flavours of any alcoholic drink.

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CUT The bitterness of hops and carbonation of some beers will cut through some bolder flavours and textures. For example, a spicy Indian curry is an equal partner to a hoppy IPA, or try a porter style beer with a blue cheese to experience a great cut and cleanse of the palette.

CONTRAST Find opposing tastes in the dish and the beer you wish to match it with. Like a good comedy duo, their differences will highlight one another’s attributes. Try a tart fruit beer with a rich chocolate pudding, or give a spicy and sweet malty Belgian Dubbel a go with a punchy lemon tart.

COMPLIMENT For this, bring together similar flavours and depth of character.

Start by trying a delicate pilsner or Belgian wheat beer with seafood. On the other end of the scale, try roast beef with an English bitter. For an experience you’ll never look back from, ditch the Malbec, sport yet another Peter Kay accent and try dark chocolate with a Porter. Beer and chocolate – yes I said it, and yes, it’s a thing.

If this has whet your appetite, a good online resource comes from the folk at Beer For That. You can follow them on social media @beerforthat. In the meantime, head to your nearest pub and get experimenting. Beer and food is no laughing matter, but it is meant to be fun. And it is, unlike a pair of Crocs, a matter entirely down to taste…good taste.

THE WINE CONNOISSEUR

by Chris Milner

Chris Milner, WSET Level 4 accredited and Head of Drinks Menu development for all of the restaurants across Fazenda Group talks Brazilian wines, six litres of fun and wine masterclasses.

When we think about Brazil, we see beaches, rainforests, football… but probably not wine. And there’s a good reason for that. The Portuguese settlers in Brazil did try to plant grapes, but it didn’t work, because it was too hot. That might sound crazy when we think of most wine producing countries as being warm, but in the genuinely tropical climate of northern Brazil the European vine could not cope. What did grow brilliantly though was sugar cane, from which they make cachaça, the national drink and key ingredient of the caipirinha.

Who needs wine then?

Fast forward a few hundred years and waves of European immigration focused on the south of the country, where the climate is a lot more moderate. One such wine lover was Giuseppe Miolo, of Italian origin as the quicker amongst you may have guessed, who set up in an area that was later to become Vale Dos Vinhedos and is home of the vast majority of Brazil’s quality wine output.

Miolo are now the biggest producer in Brazil and specialise in using “international varieties” which, for the most part, means French. The great wines of Bordeaux have inspired many winemakers worldwide and it is no different here, with their top wine Lote 43 being made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Italian winemaking in a Portuguese speaking country using French grapes. Ok! Last year Miolo hosted a cracking wine masterclass in Fazenda, which lead to a conversation where it was brought up that they did not have any large bottles available in the UK. Magnums and jeroboams are fun. For a first class meal in a restaurant that has become a haven for red meat, there is no finer site than that of one of your colleagues struggling to hold a bottle of wine that is clearly impractical to hold but looks amazing in photographs. So this brings us to the present day and the six litre bottle of wine you can see here.

For those of you who must know, the official name of the six litre size is an Imperial. In Champagne they would call it a Methusaleh, but we’ll go with the Bordeaux naming convention for this one. Merlot, mais non?

Brazil still has a little way to catch up with the mad-aboutMalbec craze that has been sweeping the UK for the last couple of years but if they wanted a flagship wine to kick off their pursuit of global wine domination then this isn’t a bad place to start. I guess with the World Cup and Olympics having finished now, they need a new project and we think this sounds a lot more fun than dressage or pole-vaulting. wirrallife.com 27

CHAMPAGNE CONNOISSEUR

by Simon Parkinson

Champagne… Through the eyes of an Englishman in West Kirby!

“Come quickly, I’m drinking the stars!” - Dom Pérignon may have never actually uttered those immortal words, but every sip of Champagne is as mystical and wonderful from the first glass to the last, and that quote sums up the experience poetically.

In fact, Dom Pérignon, contrary to popular belief, did not invent/create/stumble across Champagne.

His part in its history is not inconsiderable, but we the British have something to shout about, we have made several important contributions to the development of Champagne over the years.

Christopher Merret, an English Physician and Scientist made observations on the addition of sugar to wine and the resulting secondary fermentation (the process by which champagne gets its bubbles) almost 50 years before Dom Pérignon used that method. Merret’s observations lead to a greater understanding of how sparkling wines behave and how best to refine them. Merret made an even more important contribution some years later, together with Sir Robert Mansell, they were able to perfect the production of glass bottles that would be strong enough to withstand the pressure exerted on it by sparkling wines, something the French were unable to achieve, and in fact, still use the British design today.

Perrier-Jouët, in an attempt to make his Champagne more popular in Britain, didn’t add any sugar to his 1848 vintage, instead labelling it as ‘Brut’, a style that proved be so popular

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it is still produced today and for most producers is their ‘House’ style. Our scientists, our glass producers and our palates all influenced Champagne in to the drink it is today.

Bollinger NV Brut Bollinger is the very epitome of fine Champagne for me, it has elegance yet power, its enjoyable and always leaves you wanting more. Champagne houses use 3 different grapes to achieve there desired style, 2 of these varieties, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, are red with the white grape Chardonnay being the third. Each grape brings a unique characteristic to the wine, Bollinger's famously rich style its all down to its blend of Pinot Noir (60%) with Chardonnay coming in at 25% and Pinot Meunier 15%, it is the Pinot Noir that gives this champagne its beautiful richness, providing a wonderful spice on the nose. The palate is full of brioche and subtle hints of apple and pear. Served as an aperitif with canapés of cheese or smoked salmon, this Champagne screams class and sophistication.

Deutz Blanc de Blanc 2008 Blanc de Blanc is a style of champagne that only uses white grapes and is therefore 100% Chardonnay. It is also a vintage Champagne as denoted by the year meaning it is made up of a single years harvest. Vintage Champagnes are made to age, they age very well and can command a much higher price than their none vintage alternatives. This champagne has a wonderful mouth feel, there are biscuity notes and a lovely fresh citrus acidity, this is really good value champagne and it will age very well.

THE GASTRO GRAZER

by Carl Housbey

Eat, Tweet, Sleep, Repeat Hello everyone, welcome to the first Gastro Grazer article. My task each month is to bring you foodie tales from destinations covering the length and breadth of the UK and beyond. So what better way to start than with my 1000 mile trip earlier this year as part of the Cannonball Chef Awards.

What are the Cannonball Chef Awards? I hear you ask.

These awards celebrate the skill, innovation, and quality of chefs within the UK, and involves 4 teams of culinary experts attempting to visit over 100 pioneering restaurants non stop in 48 hours. The plan is to eat a signature dish / dishes at each venue, present an award, take photos, post on social media and be back on the road to the next venue within 30 minutes.

This year I was in the team covering Northern England and the Midlands, and this is our story.

Day 1, my team meet up in Lancaster at 10:00am; we are all desperate to find out which amazing venues we've been allocated. Our first stop turns out to be Hipping Hall near Kirkby Lonsdale, which is only a few miles away. We arrive early, but their hospitality is so good that we end up leaving 20 minutes late, and its then the scale of our task hits home, as we still have another 8 places to visit today including House of Tides in Newcastle, and The Pipe & Glass at South Dalton.

The rest of the day goes by in a blur and before we even realise it's 03:00am - we’re tired and can drive no further, but we’ve managed 8 out of 9 today.

Day 2 and we are straight back on the road to get to The Freemasons at Wiswell by 09:00. Chef Steven Smith makes us a superb breakfast, which we wolf down as there are 9 more venues to visit today, including The Art School Restaurant in Liverpool and The Hillbark Hotel, Frankby (featured in the September issue). Everything’s going great until we get a puncture on the M6, which delays us so much that we don't get to our last stop at Lasan in Birmingham until after midnight.

Day 3 - we awake in Birmingham, the city with the most Michelin starred restaurants outside London, and our list today includes two of them; Purnells, swiftly followed by Simpsons, before heading out of the city and on to our eventual finish line and 7th stop of the day at Mallory Court in Leamington Spa. We eventually visited 23 out of our 25 venues, and ate approximately 96 different dishes each!! An exhausting trip, but so much fun.

Keep an eye out for the next issue when I will feature one of these restaurants in greater detail, or to stay up to date with my adventures follow @carlhousbey wirrallife.com 29

THE BUTCHERS CUT

BY CALLUM EDGE

Butcher Callum Edge of Edge & Sons talks us through Lamb and his delicious Breast of Lamb fingers recipe.

All lamb is less than 12 months old and has a deliciously delicate, mild flavour. Lamb tastes different depending on it’s diet and where it’s been farmed; traditional bred and fed lamb is by far the best.

Rack of lamb Rack of lamb is a prime cut and makes an impressive centrepiece on the dinner table. It cooks quickly so is good for when you’re short on time. The rack is also known as ‘best end’, and comes from the middle of the lamb. A whole rack has six or seven chops, with individual rib chops known as lamb cutlets.

Breast One of the fattier cuts, breast of lamb is an uncommon, but some say underrated, roast centerpiece. It needs to be cooked very slowly to render away the fat, and stuffing is recommended to really bring out the flavours.

Leg This is a good, generous (and popular) cut for a family roast – a leg of lamb has lots of lean, tender meat to tuck into. Often cooked on the bone, leg of lamb can also be boned and rolled.

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This versatile cut can be roasted hot and fast or long and slow until the meat falls off the bone.

Shoulder Shoulder of lamb is more economical than leg, as it carries a little more fat, yielding succulent meat. This shoulder cut comes from the fore end of the lamb, is full of flavour and suited to long, slow cooking. The blade bone running through the centre of the shoulder can make carving tricky. Make sure your knife is sharp when carving, or try cooking easy-carve shoulders where the blade bone has been removed.

For our recipe, we focus on the most uncommon cut ‘Breast of Lamb’ - this is a great one to know as we go into the party season. It demonstrates how far money can go to feed a large crowd. The basic recipe is taken from one of our favourite ethical meat eaters, Hugh Fearneley Whittingstall. He calls it “Breast of Lamb Ste Menehould”. He uses breadcrumbs, but I often use nuts. Don’t be put off by the ‘pressing time’. The actual hands on time for preparation is about 20 minutes. Most of the preparation is done well in advance. This would feed 4-6 for a main course, but can easily be part of a finger food party (hot or cold). The recipe makes around 30 ‘fingers’. I hope you enjoy it.

BREAST OF LAMB FINGERS INGREDIENTS • 1 breast of traditionally bred and fed lamb • 2 carrots sliced • 2 onions sliced • A sprig of rosemary, thyme or both • 1 large glass of white wine • 1 large glass of water • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper TO FINISH • Dijon mustard • 2 eggs beaten • A handful each of pecans and walnuts crushed to crumbs in a food processor or if not available bashed in a clean tea towel until crumbs are formed.

• Some melted butter (about 100g)

METHOD 1. Place the breast of lamb in an ovenproof dish or casserole, cut in half if necessary to fit, with the carrots, onions and herbs scattered under and over it.

2. Pour the wine and water over, season well with salt and pepper and cover the dish with foil (or its lid) 3. Bake in a low oven (140°C/Gas Mark 1) for 3 – 3.5 hours, removing the dish from the oven to turn and baste the breast 2 or 3 times, until the meat is completely tender.

4. Remove from the oven and leave until cool enough to handle, then slip the rib bones out of the meat by tugging and wiggling with your fingers.

5. Press the boneless breast between 2 chopping boards, or 2 flat plates, with a weight on top (a few full jam jars or large tomato tins will do).

6. Leave in a cool larder or the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight.

7. To finish the dish, slice the cold, pressed breast meat into finger-width, fingerlength slices.

8. Brush the slices with a little mustard, dip them in the beaten egg, and press firmly into a bowl of crumbed nuts so they are well coated.

9. Arrange on a wire rack in a roasting tin, brush with the melted butter and place in the centre if a moderate oven (180°C/Gas Mark 4).

10. After 15 minutes, they should be donethey will look and be crispy and golden brown when they are.

TO SERVE Serve on hot plate, to waiting guests, with a piquant sauce, such as tartare, salsa verde or a dijon vinigarette.

For a main course serve with a dressed green salad and potatoes of your choice depending on the season.

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THE RED FOX

by Si Hall & Nicky Rigby Smith

We arrived at The Red Fox on a crisp, sunny autumn day and were greeted by an open log burning fire... instantly radiating a cosy atmosphere. Greeted by the manager, David Green, who is a delightful chap, we were shown to our table overlooking the extensive grounds. The cows grazing on the nearby farmer’s field gave us a sense of ‘Countryside’, although we were only 5 minutes from the M53.

the Sunlight Blonde beer to go with the beef salad and a bottle of Passori - which has plum and raisin flavours and is ideal for Christmas. When the dishes arrived, we were very impressed with the portion size - they were very generous!

The trio of game was heavenly - especially the venison and red suet pudding, although the duck faggot was too! The Smoked Haddock fishcake was beautifully and delicately served with a perfect poached egg, it was divine! The crispy beef salad was served with a sweet chilli dressing and cashew nuts - it had an authentic Chinese style taste to this dish! Yum!

From the menu, for starters we opted to try the Charcuterie board, Pan fried scallops and Snowdonia black bomber and roasted sunflower seed cheesecake. We asked David to pair our starters with a wine, and he recommended Castell de Raimat 2015 as the citrus flavours works well with the scallops and vanilla flavours with the cheesecake. It was a perfect match and had a lovely nutty flavour!

As normal, we were feeling full at this point but couldn’t resist a dessert. We ordered the Classic Sticky Toffee Pudding, Clementine Tart in a chocolate pastry base with raspberry sorbet and a Hot Waffle with caramelized banana, toffee sauce and honeycomb ice cream - all were incredible! The clementine tart was very refreshing and the toffee pudding, not heavy but light. David introduced a dessert wine to us, Sauternes.

This wine had a touch of elegance to it - we would definitely recommend.

The Charcuterie board arrived and ‘oh my gosh’ - the selection was vast! it included everything from chicken liver pate (the best we’ve ever tried) to cured meats and pickles.. there was something on the board for everyone’s taste buds. The scallops were delicious - served on a bed of pea puree, it was a perfect combination. The Snowdonia black bomber cheesecake, looked amazing - and it also tasted amazing! You could really taste the cheese in the aftertaste. For mains, we chose Smoked Haddock fishcake with poached egg and a warm tartare sauce, Trio of Game and a warm crispy beef salad. There was a perfect waiting time between the mains arriving and us finishing our starters. To accompany the main dishes, David recommended

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Overall, the food was outstanding, the surroundings exquisite, the atmosphere brilliant and customer service was second to none - the team at The Red Fox are such lovely people and we most definitely will return!

The Red Fox is perfect for couples, families, business meetings and dog owners!

Booking is advised. To book call, 0151 353 2920.

W REVIEWS L

FAZENDA

by Nicky Rigby-Smith & Si Hall As the nights get chillier, we decided to step into the warmth at Fazenda in Exchange Flags, Liverpool... oh and aren’t we glad we did! Fazenda, a South American Rodizio restaurant with a nicely articulated opulent yet rustic concept.

We were greeted by Joel, our waiter, who seated us near the window which had its own open fire (just what we needed to warm us up). He then explained the ‘Fazenda Unique Dining Experience’ to us. You begin with a visit to the gourmet side bar and once you are ready for the meats, you control the service with a small double-sided card placed on your table. The green side signals the chefs to bring our skewers of sizzling meats one by one, while the red side indicates a resting point. For lunch there are 8 cuts of meat (15 cuts for dinner) and the beauty is you can have them all.

Before we got stuck into the main event, we visited the salad bar which has a vast selection of gourmet sides. On offer were delicious salads, fresh cut vegetables, breads, cured meats, continental cheeses and hot dishes including the traditional Brazilian Feijoada (bean stew with meat) - which by the way is truly amazing.

We opted for the mango & chilli coleslaw, Ceviche (seafood mix with coconut & onion), Panzanilla, Roast vegetables with goat’s cheese and Pao de Quijo with Chimmichurri mayonnaise. These dishes were simply delicious. The mango & chilli coleslaw was refreshing and light with a subtle sweetness and the Panzilla (pesto, mozzarella and tomato) was awesome - juicy and flavoursome. We would definitely recommend the Ceviche, the coconut and citric flavours complemented the seafood brilliantly. We paired our starters with a Lorosco Sauvignon 34 wirrallife.com

which has aromas of grapefruit and lemon peel plus some herbal notes from a drop of Semillon in the blend - vibrant and wellrounded. After a rest, we turned our card to green - meaning we were ready to be served!

The chef arrived at our table with Picanha (cap of rump). We all opted to try this cut of meat. Well, what can we say... It was delicate, juicy, packed full of flavour and tender! For a relatively unknown cut it was just as lean as fillet. Next up was Alcatra (rump steak); a tender cut with a distinctive meaty taste... again, it was perfecto!

As we were onto our meat dishes, Joel recommended a Terrazas de Los Andes Malbec. A ripe but beautifully balanced Malbec which paired well with the Alcatra.

At this point, some of our party re-visited the salad bar to replenish their sides, ready for the next meat dishes coming our way, which included Cordeiro (minted lamb), Presunto Com Abacaxi (gammon with pineapple), Tri Tip (bottom sirloin), Barriga de Porco (pork belly) and Frango com Tocino (Chicken with Bacon). Fazenda really is a meat lover’s paradise - every cut was succulent, tasty and divine. Having tried out all of the 10 cuts and after a number of visits to the salad bar, we admitted defeat and turned our cards to red.

From the dessert menu, we ordered the Marquise de Chocolate and Caipirinha Cheesecake. Delicious. Two hours later and we were feeling warmed up and somewhat full - Fazenda is without doubt a unique dining experience - outstanding food, wines, social experience and traditional Brazilian environment.

Top marks.

Booking recommended. To book call: 0151 659 1183.

HESWALL FARMERS’ MARKET The Heswall Farmers Market is a monthly event that takes place in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Telegraph Road, Heswall.

A brilliant selection of local produce is available from beef, pork products, jams, chutneys, cheese, fruit and veg, eggs, savoury tarts, bread, and pies to international food, beer, fruit liqueurs, cupcakes and so much more. A great way to support local producers.

Held every third Saturday of the month: 10am - 3pm.

Next dates: 19th November and 17th December.

FARMERS’ MARKET

BUYING YOUR FIRST RENTAL PROPERTY: MY TOP TEN TIPS

W PROPERTY L

by Steve Nelson

Buy-to-let has been under the spotlight recently but many still see property as a great investment. At a time of low interest rates and stock market swings, the property market has remained buoyant on The Wirral which has encouraged more investors to snap up property in the hope of its value rising.

As an income investment for those with enough money to raise a deposit - buy-to-let is appealing. Mortgage rates at record lows are helping buy-to-let investors make deals stack up, however, if you are considering investing in buy-to-let it’s essential to do things right. Whilst interest rates are at a record low, one day they must rise and you need to know your investment can stand that test.

There is also a tax rise coming, as buy-to-let mortgage interest relief is axed and replaced with a 20 per cent tax credit. Additionally, from April 2016 landlords now have to pay an extra 3% stamp duty on property purchases. Despite the tax changes and potential for mortgage costs to rise, there is an increasing demand from tenants and with the expectation that rents should rise with inflation many investors are still tempted by buy-to-let. Like any investment, buyto-let comes with no guarantees, but for those who are looking to bricks and mortar, here are my top tips: 1. Research the Investment Market If you are new to buy-to-let, do you know the risks as well as the benefits? Could your money perform better elsewhere for example a fixed rate savings account?

Interest rates are low, but investing in buy-to-let means tying up capital in a property that may fluctuate in value. Your will often be committing thousands of pounds to a property and typically taking out a mortgage. When house prices rise, this means it is possible to make big leveraged gains above your mortgage debt, but when they fall your deposit gets hit and the mortgage stays the same. Property investing has paid off for many people in terms of income and capital gains but it is essential that you go into it with your eyes wide open, acknowledging the potential advantages and disadvantages.

2. Do the sum Buy-to-let lenders typically want rent to cover 125% of the mortgage repayments and many now demand 25% deposits, or even larger. Before viewing property work out the cost of the house and likely rental income. Once you have the mortgage rate and likely rent sorted then you must be thorough in deciding whether your investment will work out. Don't forget to factor in maintenance costs and any unforeseen costs for example if the property is vacant for a month.

3. Explore your options to secure the best mortgage Do not just walk into your bank and ask for a mortgage. It sounds obvious, but banks will normally only sell their products and it is one of the reasons they make billions. It is advisable to speak to a good independent broker when looking for a buy-to-let mortgage. They can not only talk you through what deals are available but they can also help you weigh up which one is right for you and whether to fix or track.

4. Choose a the right area The right area does not necessarily mean the most expensive or the cheapest. The right area means an location where people would like to live, so demand will be higher. This can be for a variety of reasons, for example; closeness to town or the city centre, catchment for schools or availability of transport links and ease of commuting. You need to consider what the people who would live in the property in a certain area would choose and match that with what you can afford. People tend to invest in property close to where they live, this is because they know this market better and can spot the kind of property and location that will do well. However looking for a different type of home in a different area might be a good move.

5. Think about your target tenant Often investors imagine whether they would like to live in their investment property, instead of this put yourself in the shoes of your target tenant and their needs, this will help secure a property which is highly sought after and likely to attract a longer let with minimal vacant periods. For example; if it is a family they will have plenty of their own belongings and need a blank canvas. If they are young professionals it should be modern and stylish but not overbearing and be near to transport links.

6. Go for rental yield and remember costs There are a lot of people who have made a lot of money from multi-million pound buy-to-let portfolios but while you may expect long-term house price rises, it is advisable to invest for income not short-term capital growth.

When comparing different property's values use their yield: that is annual rent received as a percentage of the purchase price. For example, a property delivering £6,000 worth of rent that costs £100,000 has a 6% yield. Rent should be the key return for buyto-let. Don't forget tax, maintenance costs and other landlord expenses that will eat into that return. Once mortgage, costs and tax are considered, you will want the rent to build up over time.

This could be used as a deposit for further investments, or to pay off the mortgage at the end of its term. You will have benefited from the income from rent, paid off the mortgage and hold the property's full capital value.

7. Consider renovating a property Looking at properties that need improvement is a way of boosting the value of your investment.

Dated properties or those in need of renovation can be negotiated on to get at a better price and then spruced up to add value. This is one way that it is still possible to see a solid and swift return on your capital invested. If you can add some value to a home straight away then it gives you a greater margin of safety on your investment. Remember to make sure that the price is low enough to cover refurbishment and some profit and that you allow for the inevitable over-run on costs.

8. Negotiate over price As a buy-to-let investor you often have an advantage when it comes to negotiating a discount. If you are not reliant on selling a property to buy another, then you are not part of a chain and therefore there is less chance of a chain collapsing and a sale falling through which will appeal to a seller. It is also useful to find out why someone is selling. An existing landlord that is cashing in may be more willing to accept a lower offer for a quick sale than a family that needs the best possible price in order to move.

9. Know the Drawbacks Before you make any investment you should always weigh up the negative aspects as well as the positive.

House prices are increasing at the moment but growth has slowed.

If property prices dip or mortgage rates increase will you be able to continue holding your investment? Even in the most desirable areas, new tenants often have to give notice of one month to leave their property which means your property sits vacant without a rental income for that period. One rule of thumb many buy-to-let investors apply is to factor in the property sitting empty for two months of the year. Don’t forget the maintenance, if you do not have enough to cover a repair to your property, such as a new boiler, do not invest yet.

10. Consider how involved in the day-to-day management you want to be Purchasing a property is only the first step. Investing for the first time can be daunting and the worry of tenant problems or emergency calls in the early hours of the morning can be off putting. You will need to find a tenant and then decide if you want to manage the tenancy. Using an agent is always advisable as they are the experts in their field. They will charge you a management fee, but will deal with any problems, process rents and ensure your property complies with current safety legislation. You may more money doing this yourself but be prepared to give up weekends and evenings on viewings, advertising and repairs. If you are considering going it alone look at where you will advertise your property and where you will get documents, such as tenancy agreements from. Make sure your property is a nice place to live and try and build a good relationship with your tenants. If you look after your tenants, they are more likely to look after you, which will minimise any void period.

For more advice on investing in Wirral property, contact our expert Steve Nelson at Constables who will guide you through the process and help with your property search.

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Flawless Design

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

BEST PROPERTIES OVER £750K EDITOR’S CHOICE

Stapledon Cottage, Kings Drive, Caldy £1,950,000 Standing in impressive landscaped grounds, in the prestigious area of Caldy, is this imposing and substantial five bedroom luxury detached family home.

Well planned and appointed to the highest of standards, this accommodation briefly comprises a grand reception hallway with feature centre double return staircase, cloakroom, bay fronted drawing room with feature carved stone fireplace.

Dining room with feature bay window and lounge. At the heart of this home is the impressive open plan family living kitchen with contemporary bespoke kitchen complete with integrated appliances and a family room area with feature fireplace an utility room off. This home also boasts a swimming pool complex with lobby, heated swimming pool, changing room and steam room. From the utility room you have stairs up to a large games room. The first floor offers the master suite with dressing room and luxury en suite bathroom. four further bedrooms all with a range of fitted furniture, jack and jill en suite bathroom and a modern family bathroom. The grounds this property sits in are truly stunning, gated access opens to a sweeping driveway leading to a forecourt and triple garage.

To the rear of the property you have a extensive rear garden, beautifully landscaped with a woodland style, mainly laid to lawn with terrace, patio areas, water feature and well stocked borders. A closer inspection is essential to appreciate the standard and setting of this superb home.

Contact Move Residential for more information on 0151 625 8511.

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Hollybank, Farr Hall Drive, Heswall ÂŁ779,950 Elegance and period styling awaits you. Owned by the existing family for many years, there are so many things to admire that it is likely to meet your requirements. Stepping into this superb family home the elegant entrance really gives you a feel of opulence and being deceptively spacious inside this home has many interchangeable rooms.

There is no shortage of space, four bedrooms (but it could be 6), reception rooms and kitchen with potential to expand. A master bedroom with en-suite facilities and a ground floor bathroom.

When you start to explore outside the home, you find more reasons to buy. The gardens are superb and incorporate lawn areas, a pond and vegetable patch. In addition, there is a potential office/living space and a delightful natural woodland area. The view to the garden are very impressive and within the garden is a large annexe/office and double garage. The garden boasts hidden areas, such as a gravel garden and natural orchard. When you consider that all this is located in an excellent location, at the top of Farr Hall Drive and offers a tremendous blend of potential, an open ongoing chain and existing quality, booking an appointment is essential.

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Contact Karl Tatler for more information on 0151 342 2300.

BEST PROPERTIES UNDER £750K EDITORS CHOICE

Idlewilde, Crossdale Road, Bromborough POA £699,950 Idlewilde is the result of a personal desire to build a dream home, developed in 2011, this substantial residence left nothing to chance, the fittings and finishes are testament to the attention to detail throughout. With 3 living areas, a stunning Orangery and a magnificent kitchen, six bedrooms and a host of bathrooms - this property has everything.

Contact Brennan Ayre O’neill on 0151 343 9060.

Neston Road, Ness £579,950 An impressive five bedroom executive residence situated in a secluded position in the much sought after village of Ness.

The property is accessed along a private driveway off Neston road and this immaculately presented home offers incredibly spacious and versatile accommodation. The accommodation on the ground floor is set off by a large entrance hallway with a galleried landing, this in turn leads to the cloakroom, two reception rooms, study and kitchen-breakfast room with a utility room off. To the first floor are five double bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms and a family bathroom. The property has a good sized garden that is designed for ease of maintenance and there is also a double garage.

Contact Constables on 0151 353 1333.

Contact Hunters for more information on 0151 342 2444.

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Eastham Village Road, Eastham Village Offers in excess of ÂŁ600,000 Set within large mature and landscaped gardens, this detached dormer bungalow offers outstanding and beautifully appointed family accommodation. Accessed via a private driveway leading to a double garage and benefiting from double glazing throughout, the bungalow offers luxurious accommodation which includes Italian marble flooring, beautifully appointed bathrooms, fitted bedrooms and a stunning kitchen and utility room with integrated appliances and granite work tops. The accommodation briefly comprises: porch, entrance hall, two separate entertaining rooms, study, further dining room and kitchen with utility room, two bedrooms and bathroom and separate shower room. To the first floor there is a guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a superb fourth bedroom with ensuite WC.

Contact Bradshaw Farnham and Lea on 0151 334 5156.

Chester High Road, Neston ÂŁ670,000 This imposing and substantial grade II listed five bedroom semi detached home offers the timeless elegance of Victorian craftsmanship with well designed modern additions. The residence is typical of its era having elegant and spacious rooms with high ceilings, cornicing, feature windows and original fireplaces.

Arranged over three floors the property is entered through a large welcoming hallway, lounge with Ampifaire wood burning stove which is capable of independently running the central heating throughout the property.

Standing in extensive and impressive mature grounds of sweeping lawns with pathways and borders of trees and shrubs, original Victorian kitchen garden and numerous outbuildings, we strongly urge a closer inspection to fully appreciate a house of this magnitude.

Contact Move Residential on 0151 342 0999.

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Glendonemuir, Spital Road, Bebington ÂŁ385,000 This superbly positioned Georgian style detached home, which is ideally situated for good schools (including grammars) and all other local amenities. The accommodation is ideal for family occupation and briefly comprises hall, wc, lounge, dining room, breakfast kitchen, large landing, four bedrooms and combined bathroom. Externally the property has a very pleasing wooded outlook, both to the rear and principally to the front. To the front and rear of the property are landscaped gardens with a very sizeable double width driveway set in slabs and gravel, which affords ample off road parking as well as access to a double garage with electrically operated door and internal work bench.

Contact Hunters on 0151 342 2444.

Prenton Hall Farm, Prenton Dell Road ÂŁ329,950 Set over three floors and constructed from sandstone from Storeton Quarry, Prenton Hall Farm is a beautifully spacious Grade II listed residence dating back to circa 1726. A spectacular family home with original features, oozing an abundance of charm and character. Steeped in history, having exposed beams throughout, many of which are believed to be taken from old ships. Set in a wonderful area in Prenton, well placed for nearby amenities, schooling and transport links. Interior: remarkable entrance hallway, lounge, sitting room, stylish kitchen, utility room and shower room on the ground floor. Upstairs is a double bedroom, family bathroom and the impressive master bedroom suite incorporating dressing room and en-suite shower room.

On the top floor are two double bedrooms and WC. Additional vaulted cellar. Exterior: spacious surrounding gardens, a range of outhouses, driveway and garage. Do not delay in organising a viewing for this welcoming and stunning period property!

Contact Harper & Woods on 0151 639 3399.

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‘Adcote’ Meols Drive , West Kirby £650,000 Situated within the highly regarded residential address of Meols Drive, in a location offering prime convenience to West Kirby town centre, its superb amenities and excellent local schools, ‘Adcote’ is the most charming family home, abundant with retained period features and one which can only be fully appreciated upon an interior view. Arranged over three floors, the house is approached via a set of double opening wrought iron gates leading to the generous driveway and impressive entrance. The property comprises in brief of entrance hall, three separate reception rooms, fitted breakfast kitchen, utility room and stores, ground floor shower room, three bedrooms to the first floor, one of which is superbly fitted with a bespoke suite of office furniture, family bathroom and two further bedrooms to the upper floor. The generous, rear walled garden offers as delightful space for recreation and relaxation alike, with the extensive double garage providing excellent scope for development into further living accommodation if so desired.

Truly an impressive home.

Contact Bradshaw Farnham & Lea on 0151 625 8844.

Woodslee Cottages, Spital Road, Bromborough £300,000 A distinctive coach house conversion, featuring a four storey tower, set in pleasant surrounds having undergone a careful and tasteful renovation with a large living room with kitchen off, an amazing master bedroom suite with tower study off, two further bedrooms and well fitted bathroom/shower rooms.

Gardens, garage and parking.

Contact Brennan Ayre O’neill on 0151 343 9060.

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The Lodge, Holm Hill, West Kirby £450,000 Unique, quaint and just that little bit special! Oozing charm and history ‘The Lodge’ on Holm Hill, has to be the perfect home for somebody looking for an instantly recognisable and eye catching property that boasts just as much personality as it does individuality. Sitting on the edge of National Trust Land at Caldy Hill and walking distance into West Kirby sits this beautifully presented and truly rare property. Internally the property offers a kitchen/diner with additional utility room, dining room with beautiful sandstone fireplace, cosy living room and WC on the ground floor. On the first floor are three generous bedrooms and a separate bathroom and shower room, so ideal for accommodating guests. Externally the property offers ample parking, private courtyard and lawn with a boundary of original sandstone to just give the property that additional bit of character. As if that wasn’t enough the property is to be sold with no ongoing chain.

Contact Karl Tatler on 0151 625 9300.

‘Sycamore Cottage’ Village Road, West Kirby £505,000 An exceptional opportunity has arisen to purchase what is a most unique detached, character home situated within the charming location of West Kirby Old Village. Dating from 1746, ‘Sycamore Cottage’ is one of the oldest properties within the area with the current owners having undertaken an extensive programme of sympathetic restoration, successfully blending original period charm with contemporary modern style. The gardens have been thoughtfully landscaped to offer ease of maintenance whilst providing an excellent extent of privacy and ‘sunny’ aspect throughout the seasonal months. Parking is well provided for, as in addition to the single garage, there is a wide driveway and a further off road parking area at the rear providing ideal storage for boats, garden furniture etc. West Kirby town is popular for its shops, restaurants and train station offering excellent transport links making this home a must view and popular purchase choice.

Contact Bradshaw Farnham & Lea on 0151 625 8844.

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BEST FIRST TIME BUYER PROPERTIES EDITOR’S CHOICE

Ridley Grove, West Kirby £165,000 This delightful two bedroom semi detached property with no ongoing chain is located within walking distance of West Kirby town centre. In brief the ground floor comprises a lounge with a feature fireplace and a open plan kitchen diner. To the first floor you have two spacious double bedrooms and a well fitted modern shower room. Further benefiting from gas central heating throughout and being mainly double glazed. An internal viewing is strongly recommended.

Contact Move Residential on 0151 342 0999.

Magazine Road, Bromborough £152,500 This beautifully presented three-bedroom terraced property is a credit to its present owners. Offering a spacious living area together with a sunny rear garden, en-suite bathroom and stylish decor throughout, all within easy reach of good transport links, local shops and schools. The accommodation briefly comprises: entrance hall, kitchen, living room, three bedrooms, master with en-suite facilities and family bathroom. To the rear there is a private rear garden with decking for entertaining and to the front, open plan off road parking allocation.

Contact Bradshaw Farnham & Lea on 0151 625 8844.

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BEST NEW BUILD EDITOR’S CHOICE

Alexander Court, Heswall Apartments POA (Available Summer 2017) Alexander Court provides the highest quality of living with each spacious apartment carefully thought-out and planned.

Enjoying a superb location on Rocky Lane, all of Heswall’s comprehensive amenities are within easy reach of your door. Even before entering your apartment, Alexander Court built by Wirral developer Iconic Living, is truly inspiring and the entrance space provides easy access via stairs and lifts to each floor. Whichever apartment you choose to make home, you can be assured of a modern living experience with large, open-plan living areas that benefit from abundant natural light and the highest quality of fixtures and fittings throughout. Three bedrooms, plus bathrooms and en-suites complete the contemporary living space. Alexander Court is more than a development, it really is a way of life. What could be better than coffee and croissants on your balcony in the morning, or perhaps entertaining friends in your luxurious, stylish living room?

Contact Karl Tatler for more information on 0151 342 2300. wirrallife.com 49

Unmistakeable Quality

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

For all your festive flowers, there is only one place on Earth...

66 Telegraph Rd Heswall Wirral CH60 0AG 0151 342 9858 www.earthflowers.co.uk

HOT STUFF

S TOV E S SHOWROOM

Master British Stove Maker ESSE knows Gold and Ruby tones aren’t just for Christmas ESSE has unveiled a host of new colours on the company’s British-built stove collection.

The new hues are available across the complete stove range and include Bronze, Ruby, Gold, Ash White and Classic Black.

Pictured here on the ESSE 1. (From £499).

VISIT OUR STUNNING SHOWROOM FOR A TRULY WARM WELCOME Our Christmas cookery event is Wednesday 23rd November from 5 until 8pm, email kate@hotstuffstoves.com today to confirm your invite.

HOT STUFF STOVES 92 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral, CH47 3BD TEL: 0151 632 1610 | www.hotstuffstoves.com

STYLING YOU AND YOUR HOME FOR LESS

TWEEDMILL SHOPPING OUTLET, LLANNERCH PARK, ST. ASAPH, LL17 0UY, NORTH WALES (JUST OFF THE A55). tweedmill.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT TWEEDMILL

The complete shopping experience, with the very best local produce and household names under one roof.

Tweedmill Shopping Outlet is located just 5 minutes off the A55 in St Asaph. They have 350 FREE car park spaces and designated coach parking located outside the main entrance.

When Tweedmill opened in July 1994, there were just four members of staff, all with a driving ambition to create what you find today – a complete shopping experience second to none. Their first home within Tweedmill Textiles gave them the start they needed and a name for their growing business. From those humble beginnings Tweedmill Shopping Outlet has spent over 20 years growing in size and stature.

So much has changed. Going from strength to strength, they partly demolished their original premises in 2014, expanding and refurbishing the new look Tweedmill. This has now turned into a one-stop destination for so much more than shopping. 50,000 square feet of great choice and value over two floors conveniently placed at the gateway to North Wales in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They offer quality items at affordable prices on your favourite brands all in under one roof. They have fashion for Men & Women and a fabulous selection of soft furnishings and home accessories. Their brands include Jacques Vert, Eastex, Klass, Roman Originals, Skopes, Regatta, Cotton Traders, Greenwoods and Pavers Shoes to name just a few, with savings up to 50% off RRP Since their expansion they’ve so much more to offer... including a Hair, Nails & Beauty Salon, Chiropodist, Health & Holistic Therapies, Computer Care, The Sewing Stop, Blas Clwyd Café, Tower Coffee Shop, City Travel (Travel Agents &Tourist Information) Elcon Fitted Furniture, The Mill Farm Shop, Butcher and Deli – take a look at the range of products offered in The Mill Farm Shop online at millfarmshop.co.uk.

Sample the best of British and Welsh cuisine in the Blas Clwyd Café: Their menu changes all the time and you will find an excellent choice of freshly prepared snacks, main meals and sharing platters along with their popular Afternoon Tea for two, or if you prefer a savoury Afternoon Tea? They can cater for small or large groups in their 200 seated air conditioned café and 50 seats on our terrace to view the picturesque scenery. They can hold large functions in their Café, coach parties are very welcome. You may also like their Coffee Shop located on the first floor. They serve the well-known ‘illy’ coffee and luxury blend Dammann teas with a selection of sandwiches and cakes. Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views across North Wales.

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The Mill Farm Shop is located within the Tweedmill Shopping Outlet, it offers an incredible choice of great quality products sourced from a selection of handpicked well-respected local producers. They source the finest Welsh produce, creating a showcase for the best that Wales has to offer. You will find a wonderful selection of Artisan foods from handmade cakes, locally baked bread, fruit & veg, through to jams, chutneys, pickles and marmalade, dressing and cooking sauces. Not forgetting their extensive range of award-winning ales, beer and cider. They also have an excellent selection of wine from around the globe in addition to the very best Welsh wines, as well as Penderyn Whisky, Brecon Vodka, Gin and a selection of excellent Welsh liqueurs.

Their Butchers & Deli is run by none other than the award winning local butcher Glyn Davies from Denbigh, where the quality meats are recognised all over the UK and are served in several Michelin starred London restaurants.

Glyn Davies believes that you can taste the quality of meat that comes from a well-cared for animal, so they only use their own lovingly reared livestock or locally sourced range of pigs and lambs. Tweedmill pride themselves on being one of the main suppliers of The Clwydian Range meat; the heather fed Lamb offers the unique mouth-watering, sweet flavour that the Clwydian Range has to offer. This comes from sheep which are grazed on the sensitively managed upper slopes of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty.

All meat is prepared by an experienced butcher who can give you advice on the best cuts of meats and how best to cook it. You will find lots of award winning dishes on their Butchers and Deil counter. All their speciality dishes are made in-house supplying you with products that are all homemade, from pies to sausage rolls, burgers, sausages, stir-fry’s, curry’s, BBQ kebabs and many more.

The Mill farm shop has a lovely Rustic feel and style; their aim is to create a happy and relaxed visitor destination experience where everyone feels welcome, whether you are shopping for the latest styles in their store, in the Deli, Butchers, Mill Farm Shop or treating yourself in the Blas Clwyd Café, you are guaranteed the warmest welcome and the most enjoyable visit.

Opening Times Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 6pm Sunday’s hours are 10.30 am. – 4.30 pm. (Browsing from 10.00 am.)

Closed Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. “Tweedmill Shopping Outlet”

FREE TEA OR COFFEE FOR 2 EXCLUSIVELY FOR WIRRAL LIFE READERS

VALID UNTIL 7TH DECEMBER 2016

OLDFIELD FARM

THE FINEST BEEF DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOOR We supply beef from our home bred Galloway cattle in boxes for the freezer. The meat is hung for three weeks, as is tradition to improve flavour and tenderness. The cuts of meat are individually packaged, clearly labelled, weighed and delivered fresh ready for immediate use or freezing.

For more information on our beef boxes visit our website www.oldfieldfarmheswall.co.uk

OLDFIELD FARM

The Old Farmhouse, Oldfield Farm, Oldfied Road, Heswall, CH60 6SG Tel: 0151 342 2362 Mob: 07974 127850

VISIT LAPLAND

by Santa’s Lapland

Ever fancied a trip to see the ‘real’ Santa?

Santa’s Lapland provides snowy, festive holidays to Lapland’s frozen north. All holidays include return flights as well as a host of festive winter wonderland activities, not forgetting a private family meeting with the ‘real’ Santa Claus in his log cabin hidden in the snowy woods of Lapland.

With Santa’s Lapland, everything to enjoy a truly magical family holiday is included to make memories that will last forever.

Included in every visit to Santa's Lapland in Saariselka Finland is: • Snowmobile Search for Santa's log-cabin home • A private family meeting with the ‘real’ Santa Claus!

• Magical delivery of your children’s letter to Santa and his elves • A special gift from Santa for all children under 13 • Santa's Elves and Igloo Fantasia • Husky Sled Drive and/or Ride • Reindeer Sleigh Ride • NEW Reindeer Centre • Snow & Ice Fun Activities • Souvenir ‘driving licence’ for reindeer and huskies • Arctic Circle Certificate • Lunch and Refreshments on ‘Search for Santa’ Day • Thermal outer-suits, boots and accessories • Gala Dinner included with half-board option in hotels, and a festive dinner in the Christmas Cabins Take the family to visit Santa this December!

Make sure you meet the man himself this Christmas in his magical home, deep in the stunning forests of Lapland.

Stay in the Hotel Riekonlinna for 3 nights for just £3199 for a family of three (2 adults and 1 children under 5).

Travelling on the 10th December from Liverpool, this price includes flights, transfers from the airport to resort, private family snowmobile safari to find Santa Claus, a husky sled ride and reindeer sleigh ride, a visit to the Elves and Igloo Fantasia and the NEW Reindeer Centre, a range of snow and ice activities, a special gift for all children and half board accommodation including a Gala Dinner! Guaranteeing a magical experience for all!

Book with Santa’s Lapland on 01483 791 915 or visit www.santaslapland.com wirrallife.com 59

CHRISTMAS 16

by John Lewis

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W INSPIRATION L Shangri-La by John Lewis Escape with Shangri-La this Christmas.

Incorporating jewel tones of emerald green, purple and blue the collection encapsulates the mysticism of the orient. Peacock feathers, bejewelled insects and bold blooms will add a fantastic luxe feel and will turn the home into a tropical getaway this festive season. Visit www.johnlewis.com for full collection.

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W INSPIRATION L Ostravia by John Lewis Immerse yourself in a magical story surrounded by white capped mountains with this years hottest trend, Ostravia.

Opulent baubles in sorbet shades and luxe gold create a show stopping collection. With over 100 enchanting decorations including flamingo snow globes and even an icecream van, this is a collection for those who love a little bit of glamour and fantasy. Visit www.johnlewis.com for full collection.

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SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM BENTLEY THIS CHRISTMAS Inspired by the inimitable Bentley design and heritage, here is our Christmas top picks from the luxurious Bentley Collection, a refined shop of unique style and handcrafted accessories. All available at shop.bentleymotors.com

LIMITED EDITION LADIES CONTINENTAL HANDBAG £3,695 LADIES PONCHO £265

LADIES CASHMERE WRAP £230

LADIES DRIVING GLOVES £95

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LADIES ENVELOPE PURSE £415

TRAVEL SOFT BAG LARGE £1,250 MENS LEATHER JACKET £2,400

NAIM FOR BENTLEY MU SO AMAZING SOUND, SOUND BAR £1,119 BENTLEY EYEWEAR ACETATE & TITANIUM £635

BENTLEY BLOWER 1:8 SCALE MODEL £6,250

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TIMELESS GIFTS FROM TAG HEUER Now is the time to splash out on a gorgeous new watch; for yourself or a loved one. We’ve picked our favourite watches from one of the world’s leading luxury watch brands, TAG Heuer, the avant-garde of Swiss watchmaking since 1860.

All available to buy from www.tagheuer.co.uk

CALIBRE 18 AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH £4300

TAG HEUER CONNECTED ROSE GOLD £7500

This year TAG Heuer takes the Link in a new direction. By rethinking every contour of the Link case we have launched the supremely elegant Calibre 18 Chronograph. Everything about its fine-brushed and polished steel case is subtly, different, especially its ideal 40mm size and slimmer thickness. The cushionshaped fixed bezel, also in fine-brushed and polished steel, gives the dial a more open look.

Link Calibre 18 Chronograph. A delight for the eyes—and against your skin.

The TAG Heuer Connected is now available in a more luxurious version in 18K rose gold.

True to its image as a luxury Swiss watchmaker, it was a natural step for TAG Heuer to release a smartwatch with a classic design, made not just from modern materials such as titanium, but also a precious metal very familiar to the manufacture: rose gold. Developed in partnership with Intel and Google, the TAG Heuer Connected Rose Gold offers exactly the same qualities, functions and properties as the original watch. Despite this, it has the elegance, characteristics and level of finish expected from a fine wristwatch.

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TAG HEUER CARRERA LADY STEEL BLUE DIAL £3050

TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE 5 “RING MASTER” £2500

The TAG Heuer Carrera Lady collection takes its inspiration from the world of sport. These models are sporty, iconic classics, featuring their characteristic faceted lugs and clear, highly legible dial. The new 39 mm Carrera Blue is part of this collection, and features its signature codes with a beautiful deep blue dial. For a feminine touch, and to add an edge to the look, the appliques and hands are rose gold-plated. This watch oozes character, its on-trend blue this season’s highlight, ensuring a chic and feminine sporty look. The Carrera Lady is a resolutely modern watch, perfect for today’s active woman.

TAG Heuer has launched a special edition Carrera as a tribute to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The Ali edition draws its inspiration from the 1957 Heuer Ring Master, a stop watch that featured seven interchangeable rings to allow different sports to be timed.

There are two models of the Ali Carrera - a stainless steel edition of 750 pieces and a solid gold model. If you fancy the gold edition you’re too late- there was only one made and that watch was auctioned with proceeds going to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Centre.

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BEAUTY STYLE

Photographer: Colin McMahon Photography

BY CARLA KELLY

With the festive season right around the corner, our social calendars will soon be filling up fast as will all our excuses to get dressed up and rock gorgeous makeup.

This month, I am giving you some of my best beauty tricks to keep you looking and feeling your very best this Christmas.

BEAT THE HANGOVER BLUES You will look and feel a whole lot better tomorrow if you’ve properly hydrated yourself before the corks start popping. Set yourself up with a good hydration plan; The standard recommendation is to drink either eight glasses or two litres of water daily (more if you exercise). Add a squeeze of lemon, a few slices of cucumber or a sprig of mint to your glass for a delicious twist.

MASTER THE SMOKEY EYE For some glitz and glamour grab a creamy eyeliner and some sparkly eyeshadow and blend into the eyelid. My tips for blending is to use a softer colour on the inner corner of your eye and add the darker shades as you work your way out. Also when using dark colours on your eyes, apply your eye shadow first. Then apply your foundation.

This way any loose eye shadow can be cleaned up and won’t ruin your makeup.

BROWS One of the easiest ways to brighten tired eyes, is to pay more attention to your eyebrows. Defined brows teamed with a good mascara will give the appearance of open eyes. To achieve the defined look brush your brows with a brow gel and fill in any patches with an eyebrow pencil for a fuller look. Work with the natural shape of your brows when shaping and be sure to avoid over plucking, which can result in ageing the face.

FAKE IT With our summer tans fading, opt for a gradual fake tan such as Johnsons holiday skin to slowly build a natural golden glow. Or you could head to your local salon for a spray tan but don’t forget to exfoliate at least 24 hours before to avoid a patchy mess a day later.

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UNLESS YOU HAVE A PHYSICAL OBSTRUCTION, YOUR NOSE IS BLOCKED BECAUSE YOU OVERBREATHE

by Joel Jelen

Well, the chilly temperatures have well and truly kicked in and some people will be cursing their luck with a blocked nose, blaming the polar vortex for sounding nasal and seemingly unable to breathe through their nose.

Unfortunately, some people suffer from a perennial blocked nose! I’ve lost count of the amount of people I’ve met in consultations and in Reset Breathing workshops who say that they can’t nose breathe because their nose is blocked. The remarks usually continue unabated when I mention “breathe as often through your mouth as you eat through your nose!”

I used to mouth breathe, especially at night during sleep and too much during the day and often had a blocked nose... which, let me tell you, didn't do much for my intended career in broadcasting!

Growing up, my family GP couldn't fathom why my nose was blocked, so just reached for the antibiotics prescription. There are now fat files around the country, belonging to patients unable to find out from their GP or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons why their nose is frequently blocked.

Let me explain why mouth breathing and taking in too great a volume of air on an inhalation (plus sighing and deep breaths) is likely to give you a constantly blocked nose.

Not only that, the cumulative effect can end up in a patient commonly suffering from rhinitis and sinusitis.

Your nose becomes blocked because your overbreathing* doesn’t enable your blood vessels to dilate. When this happens, you reduce the flow of C02 and oxygen to the smooth muscle linings, creating the blockage. Asthmatics are classic overbreathers. In many cases, it is their overbreathing that causes asthma in the first place!

Mouth breathing causes an increase in respiratory infections, gum disease and dental cavities and even alters your facial structure causing elongated facial features over time and you can also develop obstructive sleep apnea as a result. There are further negative health implications associated with mouth breathing but i'm guessing you're getting the gist!

A natural remedy to reduce and eliminate symptoms associated with the above conditions is Buteyko breathing techniques, which unsurprisingly encourage the patient to close their mouth! These take time to master with patience and commitment albeit under the expert guidance of a breathing re-trainer.

For now, think about how a family member or a friend lead their lives if they suffer from a stuffy nose and constant colds. Try and encourage them to nose breathe day and night and they might just thank you forever! *Overbreathing is defined as breathing faster than your metabolic rate requires. As human beings, we were designed to breathe far less per minute than we generally do and we only need take in very small amounts of air on those inhalations.

Joel Jelen is a Fellow of Buteyko Professionals International. Reset Breathing hosts regular workshops around the region, more details at www.resetbreathing.com

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FOR YOU BY US

A NEW PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE STYLING RANGE.

LUXURIOUS CONDITION & SHINE

AVAILABLE TO BUY FROM ANDREW COLLINGE SALONS & ANDREWCOLLINGE.COM

FESTIVE HAIR STYLE

BY ANDREW COLLINGE

From desk to dancefloor, transforming your hair doesn’t have to be complicated and with a few simple adjustments you can create a look perfect for the after work office party!

LOW CHIGNON Neck-grazing chignons took over the catwalk at recent fashion weeks and have become the perfect accompaniment to this season’s striking beauty trends. Sweeping hair into a tight sleek bun is an easy way to get rid of unwanted frizz that may have occurred after a full day in the office. Add texture to a slicked-back look by braiding the ponytail before wrapping it into a bun and pair with a bold dark lipstick, striking metallic eye makeup or statement earrings to give this look the perfect party feel.

ACCESSORISE Add a touch of sparkle to your hairstyle this Christmas by dressing up your look with chic accessories. Autumn / Winter catwalks saw an array of bejewelled brooches, chains and floral hair pieces teamed with soft, casual hairstyles and Rodarte and Alexander McQueen were just two of the designers that teamed heavily tousled looks with contrasting glamorous hairpieces.

The simple addition of a few accessories can transform any daytime style into a party-ready look for evening.

FINGER WAVES For those with more time to spare, finger waves may be an option to explore this Christmas, so why not pop into the salon after work. This vintage 1920’s style has had a fair share of exposure at Autumn Winter fashion weeks and there are a number of ways to wear the look. A soft finger wave fringe with deep side parting works particularly well with this season’s trendy low ponytail or chignon.

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FESTIVE FASHION FROM DEBENHAMS

DEBENHAMS DEBUT JUMPSUIT PRICE: £150.00

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DEBENHAMS BUTTERFLY BY MATTHEW WILLIAMSON DRESS PRICE : £199.00 wirrallife.com 73

DEBENHAMS PREEN / EDITION DRESS PRICE: £75.00

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DEBENHAMS RED HERRING TOP: £26 STAR BY JULIEN MACDONALD TROUSERS: £45

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THE INTERVIEW THOMAS LANG Nicky Rigby-Smith talks to singer-songwriter, Thomas Lang. Thomas still lives and works in Liverpool, and is co-owner and Director of Parr Street Recording Studios and Director of the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. He is best known for the jazz-tinged song The Happy Man, which spent 3 weeks in the UK top 100 singles chart in 1988. In September this year, Thomas recorded and released a new studio album, The German Alphabet.

You were born in Liverpool and still live and work there, why have you stayed when so many involved in the music business move off to London?

London was not for me. I spent a lot of time there, New York and Tokyo but I always looked forward to coming home to my family and friends. Liverpool is a great place to live and work, I live in the city centre and there is always plenty to do and see. Plus with today's technology you can work anywhere in the world with other musicians.

You have a jazz singing style and have worked at Ronnie Scott’s with Nina Simone – what was it like stepping out on that platform to perform with such a jazz icon in such an iconic jazz club?

I actually worked at Ronnie Scott's a lot and performed with Nina at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The first time I performed at Ronnie's it was daunting knowing you are standing and performing on the same spot as such legends as Nina, Ella and all those other greats. I love the small intimate atmosphere of Ronnie's, it's much better for making a connection with your audience.

Tell us about your new album, The German Alphabet The German Alphabet was co written and produced by Colin McKay and Alan Currie. Each song is a sound track to an imaginary movie and all influenced by the great Morriconi and John Barry. Its also a harp back to my first album Scallywag Jaz, this time with no dreaded A&R influence.

The film soundtrack’s by John Barry have been an influence on your new album, what is your favourite John Barry track?

It would have to be Diamonds are Forever with Lyrics by Don Black.

You enjoy performing live, what do you think of the modern “pop” acts who have to lip-synch as they are not able to perform their own material live for their audiences?

I love performing live and I would imagine its rather sad for any singer not to be able to perform what they did in the studio in a live environment. I think they must have had some help in the studio also? I feel sorry for them as live is the ultimate delivery.

Liverpool has a very diverse social scene, what do you like to do to relax?

I read a lot, movies, walking with friends in Sefton Park, eating out and meeting friends in our local pub.

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What is your favourite restaurant/food?

Etsu in Beetham Plaza for Japanese and Host on Hope Street for the Katsu Curry.

You formed and led the consortium that saved the Parr Street Recording Studios, why was this important to you?

It was incredibly important to me as I have worked at the studio even before it became Parr Street Recording Studios. It was originally Amazon Studios based in Kirkby and I recorded my first 2 albums there for Sony Epic records and also parts of the German Alphabet. I think it's important for Liverpool to have a leading edge recording studio that can compete with the rest of the country due to our pedigree within the music industry.

The release of your new album has meant that you’ve been back on tour, do you like touring and what is it that you enjoy about it?

I love touring and enjoy the live aspect of performing and taking what I did in the studio to a live audience. It's very different to recording and that's when you can tell if the songs can stand up in their own right.

You have toured in Japan, which is very different from Liverpool – any tales to tell us?

I have toured Japan many times and always love it. It’s a very different culture to ours and the audiences are very, how should I say this... reserved? They tend to listen more intently. Yes, I have many stories from Japan, none of which are publishable.

Which is your favourite place in the world and why?

Where would you like to go to that you haven’t been ?

I have spent lots of time in Southern India and 2 years ago dropped out for the winter there for 6 months, the people, food, smells colours are all amazing. South America is definitely on my bucket list, Columbia in particular.

What is your next project? Plans for the future?

I’m still promoting TGA until the end of November with a live session on BBC Merseyside’s Dave Monk show and LFCTV coming soon. Then going away for Christmas and back in the saddle mid-January to hopefully start getting some festivals in the diary.

The German Alphabet is available to buy at: www.kleemusic.co.uk as well as other music stores and download sites.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH JO SMITH Si Hall interviews local artist, Jo Smith of West Kirby based Seagrass Studio Gallery

Art has been an integral part of your life so becoming an artist as a profession was a natural step, was it difficult to get started and be taken seriously?

The hardest thing (and probably remains so) was selfbelief. Putting your work out there to be scrutinized is like putting a little bit of your soul on display and makes you feel very vulnerable. I therefore tested the waters slowly and carefully, but my enthusiasm and desire to create carried me forward thankfully.

Your artwork and jewellery reflect your passion for the natural world is there anywhere in the world you would like to go to and capture on canvas?

I love to go anywhere and everywhere! However, our own coastline continues to enthral and excite me as a subject, especially the ever changing and dramatic light. I feel a very strong connection to our local beaches having grown up in Hoylake, just a minute from the prom. One day perhaps I will make it to New Zealand though, and fall in love with a whole new coast.

People throughout history have often used art to express themselves and their innermost feelings, is this why you trained as a counsellor and now hold Intuition Art Therapy sessions?

I experienced several losses in my youth and I had the help and support from a counsellor an art therapist. I was so overwhelmed by my grief but art helped me to process it. It is a remarkably powerful healing tool and I felt compelled to train in it.

Why do you think that art works so well in this context?

Working with art within a therapeutic context is effective as it enables the maker to express sometimes very painful emotions in a safe and non-invasive manner. It has the power to change and heal its creator.

Do you think that we all have an artistic side to our personalities?

I absolutely believe that we are all innately creative/ artistic – all children create and draw – as we become adults, it continues to manifest through gardening, cooking, knitting etc, even if we no longer put pen to paper.

When you’re not working how do you like to relax?

I love to walk, on the beach especially, or in the woods; anywhere in nature. Reading in the sunshine is another favourite pastime.

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If you could buy any piece of art in the world, what would it be and why?

I went to a Paul Klee exhibition a few years ago. There were hundreds of paintings but one literally moved me to tears. It was, “Summer House,” a small abstract in the most heavenly shades of old rose pink! It evoked such powerful emotions that even thinking about it now, I can access those feelings of love, connection, family.

As a mother running a business what is your biggest challenge?

My business has evolved in line with my growing children’s needs, and has thus grown accordingly; slowly but with determination. The challenge has always been a juggling act but thankfully one which is succeeding.

How do you see your future work evolving?

My work evolves all the time. At the moment I am fascinated by light on water, but I’m visiting Mexico soon and perhaps the landscapes and colours may influence my work. I am better known for my recognisable local landscape paintings but I also yearn to work more playfully, on a huge scale and really splash the paint about!

What would you like to achieve that you haven’t already?

I would like to take a qualification to work specifically with children using art therapy. I’m a volunteer bereavement support worker for CRUSE and it would be a great asset.

What’s your favourite holiday destination – and do you take your sketch book with you or do you switch off altogether?

Anywhere sunny! I always take sketch books but don’t always use them.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

A large glass of Malbec and feet up in front of “First Dates,” a wonderfully feel good series.

What’s your favourite type of food and do you eat out a lot or prefer to eat at home?

I adore Spanish tapas and Mexican cuisine. We are blessed with some fabulous restaurants on the Wirral, so it would be rude not to frequent them occasionally!

To find out more about Jo, visit: www.seagrassstudio.co.uk

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Lord Mayor’s Supper Club Presents

The City of Liverpool

Ex Directory is a secret cocktail bar, discreetly hidden away behind a traditional red phone box within the streets of the city centre. Since Ex Directory arrived in Liverpool it has brought a unique concept to the cocktail scene within the city, we bring New York style to the heart of Liverpool.

Wednesday 23rd November 2016 • 7pm - 10pm Tickets £25 each For bookings call Hazel 07773 395 429 / Alan 07596 322 441/ Tanya 07736 553 950 Registered charity number 1047988

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Lord Mayor of Liverpool Charity registration no: 120143

@TownHallLpool

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

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

Wirral Life Photography in association with Leica Store Manchester BRIEF 1: WIRRAL WATER & SKY GOLD: ANDREW CROTHALL

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Here are the winners of our latest photography competition, in association with Leica Store Manchester. We were overwhelmed with the number of entries received and the outstanding quality.

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Thank you to all that entered and we L look forward to receiving your entries for next month. The brief is ‘Wirral Winter Woodlands’. Please send your entries to editorial@wirrallife.com. Good luck!

SILVER: MICHAEL Mc TIGUE

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BRIEF 1: WIRRAL WATER & SKY

SILVER: DAVID CHENNELL

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BRONZE: MIKE READ

BRONZE: MICHAEL Mc TIGUE

BRONZE: MIKE READ

THANKS TO ALL OF OUR ENTRANTS. BRIEF 2: WIRRAL WINTER WOODLANDS. DEADLINE DECEMBER 1. wirrallife.com 87

BIRKENHEAD

LAWN TENNIS CLUB 50% OFF for new members

Plus a free coaching package only for WIRRAL LIFE readers* • Open to ALL standards of player from beginner to experienced.

• Children from Age 3.

• Specialist equipment provided.

E: info@birkenheadltc.org W: birkenheadltc.org Mob: 07816 673353 T: 0151 652 2163 1A Sandy Way, Birkenhead, CH43 1TZ

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Bring this ad to claim your discount.

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GOLF MASTERCLASS THE CHIP & RUN UP THE GREEN

by Tom Atkinson - Heswall Golf Pro CHIP IT EFFICIENTLY This month we will cover a shot that you, the club golfer will find yourself facing more than any other short shot the chip and run up the green.

Chipping the ball is the same as any other shot in golf, a task. Get the ball from A-B. When I ask my pupils to list some 'tag' words that they associate with a chip shot, all too often I hear words like "loft" "spin" "height" "wedge", they want to get that ball into the air! Why? Here's a scenario, you're at the local bowling alley, your task is to get the ball to knock down pins (from A-B ), you couldn't imagine the reaction you would get, if you threw that ball down the lane using the same action as you would a ‘throw in’ at football. ‘What's this guy doing?

Surely he knows the best way to get the job done is to keep it on the floor'.

So what's different when chipping the ball in golf?

Nothing is the answer, apart from the misconception of having to get that ball airborne.

Ben Hogan once alluded to this "if golf was designed to be played in the air there would be grass on the clouds”.

THE TECHNIQUE We all realise that the club in our bag that keeps the ball hugging the turf the best is the putter and rightly so this is a go to club when trying to push the ball through the fringe grass and up to the hole.

When the putter isn't on though, our mind starts to get confused. We try all sorts of ways to keep it low but the right one, 7 iron, back footed lob wedge, hooded 9 iron.

No, no, no. Don't make the game any harder than it already is.

Your putter is approx 4 degrees of loft on it, your 7 iron has around 35. There's a tool sitting waiting to be hit that is perfect for the job in the form of your hybrid / rescue club.

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Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT

by Tony Yates

As far as I can tell – everyone loves a Mustang. The reason for this is plain and simple – just look at it! You will soon begin to understand why. It is simply a work of art – a work of such brilliance that when it first arrived on my drive, I just sat there and stared at it for about an hour. I’m not joking either I really did just sit there and stare.

Ok, I know what some of you are thinking – a big fat muscle car that is draining the earth of all its fossil fuels is about as useful as a watch with no hands – but you’d be wrong – because what the Mustang does do is excite every fibre of your nervous system and then if that’s not enough – it will then swing into full attack mode on your internal organs and deliver one of the most thrilling drives you might ever undertake.

Of course you may consider yourself to be a very boring person and that a car like this would be the last thing that would excite you – but believe me –when you get behind the wheel of a Mustang V8 it instantly turns you into one of those little excited puppies that wets itself - and you will do this every time you press the loud pedal or maybe, you will just end up dribbling out of the side of your mouth because you just realised that you have just engaged yourself in what can only be described as ‘DEFCON 1’.

Here’s the thing – driving around in a Mustang is no different really than driving around in a Fiat Punto – and here’s why. For instance - you can take your children to school in it - the boot is more than big enough to do the weekly shop – and it will carry four adults in perfect comfort (just).

So, just because it has a very powerful V8 engine – does not automatically mean that you have to drive it everywhere with your hair on fire - there is of course another reason why owning a Mustang is such an epic tale of joy and happiness. Wherever I went in the Mustang people were just looking and smiling – it was I have to say bizarre.

I parked up at my local supermarket to by a copy of The Daily Mail (joking) - when two random guys in their 40s just came over and started talking to me about it - half an hour had passed and I was still there just chatting away to a couple of guys who I had never met before in my life.

Then there were the traffic light conversations, I’m not kidding. I have never in all the years of being a motoring journalist driven a car that has attracted so much attention from pretty much everyone who came across it. I’d instantly become one of the coolest people on the planet.

Power and Efficiency: Powered by a 5.0-litre V8 quad cam 32 valve engine with induction sound tube. Max power comes in at 421PS with the addition of 530Nm of torque. Max speed is around 155mph and a 0-62 time of around 4 seconds (estimated).

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The sound from that V8 is intoxicating and it never gets boring.

I am sure you all want to know what the MPG is so for all you eco warriors – please turn away now. You can at a push return a combined 23.5mpg – not bad then when you consider the size of the engine. Also, I own a little Fiat 500 Abarth and on a good day that will only return 32.4. – So, when you weigh all that up is 23.5mpg really that bad?

On the road: A joy to drive no matter where you are going or on what road surface you are driving it on - also, as the Mustang is rear wheel drive you do need to remember that its very easy to spin up the rear wheels due to the massive amount of torque coming from that V8 engine.

Into the corners it felt planted and not heavy or cumbersome at all. If you feed in the power at the right time into the right corner then you will be rewarded with a massive amount of traction and speed in and out of every corner. Again, overtaking in a Mustang really is its party piece – because there is little effort needed from that big V8 to propel you past pretty much anything that takes your fancy.

Design & Technology: The look says it all really – owning a Mustang for me is about as exciting as it gets because it’s all about presence on the road and as I said earlier – that is something you just can’t ignore. Remember Mustang is an icon of such brilliance right back from when V8’s were first produced and even in today’s eco friendly society the Mustang is still very much the star performer - the real deal. Just looking at the design of those Xenon headlights and those sharp bodylines makes most people go weak at the knees and in need of a lie down. Inside you will find an 8” touchscreen with a 9-speaker DAB radio, auto headlamps, and rain sensing wipers.

Along with Dual Zone Electronic Temperature Control, 6-way power front seats, ESP, Brembo 6-piston front callipers, selectable driving modes; Snow/wet; Normal; Sport and Track. You will also find additions such as; Ford My Key, Isofix rear seats, Ford Key Free System and a whole host of extras that are a real pleasure.

Safety: Advanced Trac Electronic Stability Control, TPMS, Hill Start Assist, EBA, driver and front passenger airbags including front, side (pelvic & thorax) and drivers knee airbag.

To sum up: The Mustang is an epic car and I am now a lost soul who is in need of some additional therapy - so I will be saving every penny I can because I want to continue to be that person that makes everybody who comes into contact with the Mustang - turn and give me a great big ‘smile’ Price: (from) £35,995 (standard vehicle) – not including fitted options.

The Mustang V8 instantly turns you into an excited puppy that wets itself

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JAGUAR - XE R-SPORT 2.0 I4 180PS AUTO

by Tony Yates

This Month’s review of the XE R-Sport review - is very short I’m afraid– because not only do I like how the XE R-Sport looks and handles, but mainly how I felt - Seduced!

When I road tested the standard XE model a few months ago I was astonished by how controlled it felt and I remember praising Jaguar for doing such a brilliant job on the suspension and pretty much the whole car actually.

I’ve previously praised Jaguar for a great job on the standard XE, but now I’ve experienced the mightier XE R-Sport - I have to say that it feels even more precise and poised than the regular model. Once again I am staggered by how controlled the R-Sport feels on the road and even if I wanted to find something wrong - I doubt that I could because - it’s just too good.

I know I have said this before – But the Jaguar engineers really have done a incredible job of getting everything right. The XE R-Sport is in my mind a serious driver’s car.

Inside and out: As with all Jaguars the interior is beautifully constructed, the

detailing and appearance are sleek but very bold. The R-Sport is also equipped with modern and lightweight materials inside and the layout is set up really well to help the driver feel instantly at home. There are also some very nice ideas inside and it’s this that makes the R-Sport stand out way front of the others.

Inside the cabin you’ll find high quality equipment and nice interior touches such as a DAB digital radio, chrome side power vents, 8” capacitive touch screen, 8-Speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift, Intelligent Stop/Start, Torque Vectoring By Braking (TVBB) and the R-Sport bodykit which makes the XE look even more mean, giving it a genuinely dominant appearance.

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Performance: The R-Sport is fitted with the brilliant 2.0 litre i4 Turbocharged Diesel engine that was equipped with Intelligent Stop/Start system to enhance fuel economy – This 180ps version produces 430Nm of torque and can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just over seven seconds. Top Speed maxed out at 140mph. MPG – well let’s just say that I managed over 50mpg (urban) that’s quite staggering!

Overview: The XE R-Sport is an outstanding machine that has been built with quality, at a price that won’t require a second mortgage to own. If you are looking for a great car with prestige, power, poise plus the ability to make you feel, let’s face it...epic – check out the XE R-Sport. This truly is an excellent piece of engineering.

Price (from): £34,775

The XE R-Sport is an outstanding machine! Prepare to be seduced.

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WIRRAL BAZAAR BRINGS OUT THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WITH RECORD BREAKING FUNDRAISER More than 2,500 people got into the Christmas spirit this month at the annual Wirral Bazaar fundraiser in aid of North West Cancer Research. The two-day event at the Walled Garden Marquee in the grounds of Thornton Manor, raised £34,000 which will support funding for life-saving cancer research projects in Merseyside and Cheshire.

With a selection of more than 60 handpicked stalls, featuring unique and beautiful Christmas gifts not found on the high street, each donating 10% of their takings. It was the perfect opportunity for people to kick start their Christmas shopping.

Visitors were also able to sip on prosecco, enjoy traditional carols from the SingMe Merseyside Choir, as they made their way round the marquee.

Chair of the Wirral Bazaar committee, Jennie Corlett, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this year’s result, it has been the best event the Wirral Bazaar have done. People were queuing up before we opened and we are absolutely thrilled with the number of visitors who came over the two days.

“It really felt like the start of Christmas, with the fabulous SingMe Merseyside Choir, singing carols and prosecco flowing – it was a great atmosphere. The committee have worked really hard over the year to make all this possible and the help we received from volunteers on the day was exceptional.

“I would also like to give special thanks to our key sponsors Investec, Jackson-Stops & Staff, Chester, Mitchell Group and Cammell Laird.

“This is a very special event. It is a Christmas tradition in many people’s calendars and it’s wonderful to see the Bazaar going from strength to strength every year – but we really

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would not be able to do any of it without our lovely helpers.”

The committee behind the event is made up of Wirral residents Jennie Corlett, Alison Tongue, Kirsty O’Carroll, Carolyn Tallents, Ruth Walker, Ann Wild, Catherine Sandow and Kate Willliams.

Over the past 26 years the Wirral Bazaar event has raised around £324,000 for North West Cancer Research.

Money raised has helped to fund projects such as those looking at the advantages of proton beam therapies in head and neck cancer treatment, the development of effective skin cancer drugs and a first ever clinical trial for patients with bile duct cancer.

Nigel Lanceley, chairman North West Cancer Research, said: “Thanks to the hard work and tenacity of this group of volunteers, the Wirral Bazaar has become one of the best loved and most anticipated events of the festive calendar. It just keeps on growing every year and to see 2,500 people turn up this year is just astounding.

“On behalf of everyone here at North West Cancer Research, I would like to thank the Wirral Bazaar Committee for its support over the last 26 years, which has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for potentially life-saving cancer research.

“As a charity, we rely heavily on the work of our volunteers and community fundraising events like this account for a significant proportion of our income. Without them, we would not be able to continue to commit to funding the best research locally.”

North West Cancer Research has committed to funding more than £13million worth of cancer research across the North West and North Wales over the next five years.

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THE ARCTIC CONVOY

Arctic Convoy Commemoration On October 31st, Liverpool played host to the national 75th Commemoration of the Arctic Convoys.

The Arctic Convoys took place between 1941 and 1945 providing much needed relief for the Russian people. The convoys consisted of around 30 merchant ships loaded with food, machinery, arms and clothing with a Royal Navy protection of up to ten vessels providing cover from enemy air and sea attack. Churchill described it as the “worst journey”.

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool attended the Commemoration event and said: “Sadly, my father, William Mawdsley who took part in the Arctic Convoys during WW2, passed away before being awarded the Arctic Star, the only medal given to veterans by the British Government.

My father told us little about his naval service but was very proud of the medal the Russian Government had sent him in honour of his service.

However, I had been trying unsuccessfully since 2012 to trace his service and claim his Arctic Star posthumously. I was deeply honoured and surprised to be awarded my Dad’s Arctic Star by the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones during the event at Liverpool Town Hall. It was a deeply emotional moment for me and my sister Margaret and I know my Dad would be celebrating with the other veterans.”

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THE LORD MAYOR SUPPER CLUB Once again thanks to those who attended the Lord Mayors Supper Club on Thursday 27th October and to Veeno for an excellent evening of wine and cheese tasting. Personally, I was doing quite well until the fifth bottle and well best no more said!

Notwithstanding that, the wide selection of wines accompanied by the appropriate nibbles and a description of each course was first class and highly educational.

The evening was not only successful in that over ÂŁ300.00 was raised for the Lord Mayors charities but everyone who attended, including a couple who came for a drink and stayed, had a marvellous evening and we were spoilt by the management and staff of Veeno, to such an extent that one of the party are intending to hold regular functions at Veeno.

Our next event, which is a cocktail master making class, will take place on Wednesday 24th November at Ex-Directory from 7pm until 10pm.

To purchase tickets contact Tanya Baucher on Tanya.baucher@liverpool.gov.uk or 07736553950. wirrallife.com 97

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WHAT’S ON

26 & 27 NOVEMBER 2016

7 DECEMBER 2016

ART

FAMILY

Oxton Art Fair Exhibiting across three rooms of the Williamson Art Gallery, established members, new members and annual guests will showcase a diverse mix of interesting and innovative quality art to suit every pocket. Visitors can expect to see; striking contemporary art, delicate hand-crafted jewellery, beautifully created ceramics, sculpture, textiles, printmaking, photography and everything in between. Viewed as Wirral’s must visit preChristmas event, it gives both gift buyers and browsers a chance to chat to the artists about their work and if they choose, buy a truly individual piece.

Where: Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Birkenhead When: Saturday 26th November, 10am - 5pm and Sunday 27th November, 10am - 4pm For more info: www.oxtonartfair.co.uk

1 DECEMBER 2016 WEDDING Festive Wedding Open Evening for Contessa Hotels To continue the series of Wedding preview evenings at the magical Hillbark Hotel & Spa, the team are excited to invite you to their next event giving you inspiration for your big day. Dressed fit for Christmas, come and see Hillbark Hotel dressed for the festive period and spend time with the experienced wedding and events team to discuss those ‘must ask’ questions. Get into the Christmas spirit with some mulled wine and festive canapés and take time to explore the hotel, allowing you to picture your special day and how stunning you can make it!

Where: Hillbark Hotel, Frankby When: Thursday 1st December, 6pm-8pm For more info: 0151 625 2400

6 DECEMBER 2016 MUSIC Choral Christmas Concert Wirral welcomes the esteemed Choir from Jesus College, Cambridge who are performing a special “Choral Christmas” concert at St Saviours Church, Oxton. The concert is in aid of “So The Child May Learn’’, a charity supporting the education of needy children in Nepal. The Choir, directed

by Mark Williams, includes Matthew Hughes, a former Birkenhead School student. The choir will be hosting a workshop at Birkenhead School for current pupils as part of their visit to the area.

Where: St Saviours Church, Oxton When: Tuesday 6th December, 7.30pm Cost: Tickets cost £15 (£8 for under 21s).

For more info: Email : winterfold63@gmail.com / call : 07887 524952 or contact Birkenhead School Office on 0151 652 4014 or St Saviour’s Parish Office, (Tues/Thurs/Fri 10am- 12.30pm).

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Port Sunlight Family Christmas Concert Festive music for choir and brass, and carols for everyone to sing! Bring along the whole family - kids go free!

When: Wednesday 7th December 2016, 7.00pm Where: Christ Church, Port Sunlight Cost: Tickets £6, under 19’s free For more info: www.portsunlightchoralsociety.org.uk

DECEMBER 2016 FAMILY Christmas with West Kirby Methodist Church West Kirby Methodist Church is holding a wide range of events and services over the Christmas period to which everyone is welcome. Throughout December, the Art and Craft Exhibition will be telling the Christmas story.

Centred on five embroidered panels by the renowned artist Sue Symonds, the exhibition will include items made by members of the local community using a wide variety of materials including embroidery, drawing and painting, children’s art, flowers and music. Each of Sue Symond’s panels is painted in the middle with additional calligraphy and surrounded by a broad band of hand embroidery.

When: The exhibition will be open Friday and Saturday mornings throughout December (except Christmas Eve) between 10.00am and noon.

Where: West Kirby Methodist Church, Westbourne Road, West Kirby. CH48 4DQ. For more info: www.westkirbymethodist.btck.co.uk or 0151 625 3224

14 DECEMBER 2016 FAMILY Carol Singing in Heswall Lower Village Get in the Christmas mood by joining in carol singing around the Christmas tree in Heswall Lower Village.

This is a lovely event which we enjoy every year,” said Dr Steve Anderson, chairman of The Heswall Society, which organises the sing-song. “We will be accompanied by the Lyceum Band, and the carols are being led by the Rector of St Peter’s Church, the Revd Martin Cannam.

“We are also very grateful to Petrocelli’s, who will be providing refreshments. We’re looking forward to seeing as many people as possible”. In the event of bad weather, the event will be held in St. Peter’s Centre.

Where: Heswall Lower Village When: Wednesday 14th December, 7.15pm For more info: www.theheswallsociety.org.uk

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.

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