Absolutely Cheshire January 2024 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

CHESHIRE

Cheshire

JANUARY 2024 / £3.95

PLU S WHAT YOU SEE... Married at First Sight's Rosaline Darlington responds to the doubters •

HEALTH & BEAUTY SPECIAL Over 20 pages of ﬁtness tips and wellbeing advice

CORNERING THE MARKET

JANUARY 2024

What makes Wilmslow so desirable •

SITTING COMFORTABLY Marking 170 years of Macclesﬁeld furniture store, Arighi Bianchi

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Slow DOWN

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START THE NEW YEAR BY TAKING IT EASY WITH A LESS IS MORE APPROACH THANKS TO NOEMA ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT

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Beech Lane Chapel, Beech Lane, Macclesﬁeld, Cheshire SK10 2DR Tel: 01625 503 092 | www.davidlislekitchendesign.com

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S TAY I N B E D The ultimate luxury is taking time to unwind in a bed so comfortable that you never want to leave

Bed: Sandö I Headboard: Low Tornö I Fabric: Designers Guild Rothesay Pumice I Bed legs: Reling I Bed Linen: Vindstilla I Bedside table: Holme M A D E B ES P OK E W I T H FABRICS F ROM

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AND

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15 WI G MO RE ST R EET I LON D ON W 1 U 1 P I M A RYLEBONE@CARP ED IEMBED S.CO.UK I + 44 (0) 20 3982 3252 I CARP ED IE MBE D S . C O . U K C OP EN HAGEN

GOT HEN B U R G

LOND ON

F I N D U S AT

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SEOUL

STOCKH OLM

ZURICH

AND OTH ER F INE LOCATIONS

AND

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Flagship Store, London 48A Pimlico Road, Belgravia London, SW1W 8LP london@carlhansen.com

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Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm +44 0 (20) 7730 8454

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RF1903 | KK44860

Rikke Frost | Kaare Klint

2020 | 1932

THOUGHTFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP

The Sideways Sofa from Rikke Frost combines classic materials – wood, paper cord, and high-quality upholstery textile – with a modern asymmetric shape. With a focus on ergonomics and functionality, the KK44860 Side Table is a simple design, displaying traditional craft techniques and highlighting the unique qualities and the beauty of wood. RF1903 Sideways Sofa, walnut, oil, Hallingdal 0200, £7,445 | KK44860 Side Table, walnut, oil, £1,128 | MO300 Wall Lamp, Powder-Coated Steel, black, £228

Retail prices incl. VAT.

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CONTE JA N UA RY 2 0 2 4

102 18

C U LT U R E AGENDA

A host of events in Cheshire to shake off the new year hangover

20 ROSALINE DARLINGTON The Married at First Sight UK star hits back at her critics

46 DA NOI

Meeting the husband and wife team behind this Chester institution

50 ON THE MENU

Moor Hall, where dining and sustainable accommodation meet

24 CHRIS HAWKINS

FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y 58 JEN GRAHAM

26 AREA FEATURE

62 THE SHOOT

The BBC 6 Music presenter on his love for Wilmslow

We look at the past and present to see why Chris Hawkins is right to praise Wilmslow

32 BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH As it returns for its 45th year, we look at the importance of this RSPB campaign

FOOD & DRINK 44 TASTING NOTES

The most exciting foodie news from across Cheshire

The Sandbach fashion lover showing the joy of second hand clothes

Irish brand NOEMA bring some sunshine to January

HEALTH SPECIAL

20 pages of the best fitness tips and wellbeing advice

INTERIORS 96 ARIGHI BIANCHI

Celebrating 170 years of the Macclesfield landmark store

102 DAVID LISLE

Well-known in the world of kitchen design, many may not be aware of their unique showroom. We find out more

105 TREND

The best ways to bring plenty of colour into the home in 2024

106 PICCOLINO GRANDE

Taking a closer look at the design of this new Wilmslow restaurant

E D U C AT I O N & K I D S 128 TALKING HEAD Chatting to the Principal of The Belvedere Academy in Liverpool

132 FIVE TO TWELVE

The unique studies looking into the impact of the pandemic on education

134 PLAY INCLUDED

How Lego is being used to boost confidence in classrooms

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

CONTENTS.indd 10

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NTS

EDITOR MARK KEBBLE ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SUZETTE SCOBLE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER JOE MUNSEY PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE MEDIA CONSULTANT CHARLIE CREED FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES JAMES FUSCHILLO

o mark our first health and beauty special, I had to get back in touch with an old (or should that be new?) friend of the magazine. Sophie Hughes was our very first profile, and the Cheshire local and body positive campaigner was perfect to highlight how we should all approach a new year.

Trend

How to brighten up your home for 2024 (p105)

71 Her words on page 13 struck a cord with me as when I was younger, I had an unhealthy relationship with my body. Put simply, I became hooked on exercising, to the detriment of my overall health as I strived for that perfect, lean body. I am in my 40s now and it has not quite gone away – I still count my calories and get down if I can't make a scheduled gym visit – but I am not so pent up about my abs. As Sophie says, let's make 2024 the year when we are all simply happy with who we are. There is enough bad stuff going on in the world to bring even more despair home. I hope each and every one of you has a happy new year.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07818 690 386 or email: craig@zest-media.com

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Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYCHESHIRE In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELYCHESHIRE We b si t e

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O N T H E C OV E R MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

NOEMA AW23 noema.ie

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From Our Home to Yours As a family company, we know exactly what goes into our paints. We make eco-friendly paints in our own factory tucked away in the foothills of Snowdonia, using only the very highest quality ingredients. These are blended by our dedicated team who have been creating lovely paints in wonderful colours for generations.

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ABSOLUTELY • THIS MONTH

SOPHIE HUGHES

Cheshire CHATTER

The body positive campaigner and Cheshire local, Sophie Hughes, on what 2024 should hold in store for us all

anuary for me is all about a deep reset of my intentions for the year ahead. What do I want to achieve both on a personal and career level and what shifts do I need to make to get there? It’s a magical time of year for me full of hope and anticipation. For me wellness is at the core of all of this and the key to achieving my goals. I work in the body confidence space and I’m certain that by learning to accept ourselves we free up the brain space required to be able to achieve our goals. Imagine what RELAX AT THE CINEMA

we could do if we stopped spending so much time hating our bodies? A big focus for me this January is movement for joy. Gone are the days of working out just to “burn the Christmas calories” or working out for a specific result such as to see abs. Instead this January I’m focused on moving my body in ways that feel fun, that evoke joy. I’m moving for my mental health and wellness, I’m eating nourishing foods to give my body the respect it deserves. There’s nothing I love more than long walks in the Carrs Park Wilmslow to clear my head, grabbing a Gail’s coffee from their new Wilmslow cafe en-route and listening to a mindset podcast. If outside is a little too drizzly, though, a spa day at The Mere Knutsford is literally the perfect place to reset and recharge, or even a cosy night at the cinema – make it a date night or a friend’s trip. The Rex cinema in Wilmslow is great! My focus this year is self respect and movement for joy, and I know that will lead to beautiful things in every area of my life. I think a great goal to set ourselves is to find peace in our bodies in 2024; to treat our bodies like we treat our best friends. I think that’s the ultimate sign of self respect. I hope you have a happy new year! @sophwithlove

GET MOVING IN THE CHESHIRE COUNTRYSIDE

This January I am looking forward to… Trying out an aerial sound healing @carrotbananapeachstudio for the ultimate relaxation and self care moment. Continuing on roast dinner season in style at the Bulls Head in Mottram St Andrew’s. Reformer Pilates and moving my body for my mental health @soulreformerknutsford. Checking out King Street Kitchen in Knutsford for healthy nutritious foods that taste straight out of Australia.

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Wish LIST

EDITOR’S PICK

10 things we Absolutely love

M AT E R I A L GIRL Ahluwalia's Rosie ruﬄe top showcases the brand ’s innovative approach to reusing surplus material, £470. ahluwalia.world

SHINE ON Mach & Mach’s new collection is an ode to the undersea world, inhabited by mermaids and tritons, a romantic fairytale against the backdrop of breathtaking panoramas, filled with pearl-making oysters, striking corals and iridescent sunlight. brownsfashion.com

GRAPE NEWS These pink wine glasses from Maison Balzac are adorned with bunches of grapes, just as a reminder, £150. koibird.com

ALL THE TRIMMINGS With their detachable ostrich feather trim, these handcrafted party pyjamas are super versatile, £245. libertylondon.com

COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

ON THE NAIL Palette has launched four brand new vegan, strengthening nail paints in dusky hues that strengthen your nails as you wear, supercharged with botanical ingredients, and are also free from 21 common, harmful nail polish ingredients. palettelondon.com

D AT E N I G H T What's more stylish than a Smythson desk diary? A Smythson desk diary in peony pink, of course. We're choosing the large format Portobello version, £240. smythson.com

ROSE TINT Bold and square, Monc’s limited edition Chiltern specs will have you seeing clearly in 2024, £280. monclondon.com

PINK PA R T Y

P I N K L A DY The Prima Donna twist balcony bra has allover lace in a ﬂoral pattern and comes in the brightest pink you could dream of. ameliesfollies.co.uk

Grind has teamed up with Our Place to launch the ultimate breakfast combo: a signature pink tin of coffee and a pink mini Always Pan, £115. grind.co.uk

IN THE SHADE The Adidas Originals eyewear collection marks an intersection of sport and street style seen through the lens of culture. £129 specsavers.co.uk

B E A R COSY Love pink? Love polar bears? You need Aspiga's stylish jumper made from sustainable merino wool, £155. aspiga.com

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Experience the sound of this special season with the Beolab 8.

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C U LT U R E

NAPOLEON 19 JANUARY, STOCKPORT PLAZA

Napoleon is a spectacle filled action epic that details the chequered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix. Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine. stockportplaza.co.uk

Agenda 18 • Rosaline Darlington 20 • Chris Hawkins 24 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

EV E N TS N OT TO M I S S I N C H E S H I R E

MU S I C

An Evening with

Laurel and Hardy 18 January STO RY H O U S E Join Neil Brand - composer, writer, broadcaster, musician - with his all-new show about the immortal comedy duo. From their earliest days on opposite sides of the Atlantic in Music Hall and on the stage, to their individual comedy ﬁlms before they were paired up by Hal Roach, Neil will tell the touching story of the world’s greatest comedy team. storyhouse.com

A RT

Winter in the Window 5 JA NUA RY- 5 F E B RUA RY, VAC GALLERY

Visual Arts Cheshire (VAC) is a Northwich-based arts organisation and community interest company. Their aim is to promote visual arts in Northwich through a variety of initiatives and events including exhibitions and workshops. On the back of their community event in December 2023, where the public were invited to exhibit their own work, January opens with work from VAC artists and friends with a distinctly wintery feel. visualartscheshire.co.uk

T H E AT R E

Jack and the Beanstalk 5-14 January PA R R H A L L Still yearning after the Christmas spirit? Then you’ll be delighted with this panto that starts in January. Parr Hall has once again teamed up with Tony Peers Ltd to present family favourite Jack and the Beanstalk. With costumes, comedy, catchy songs and calamities, families are invited to ﬁnd out what happens when Jack gets in big trouble when he ends up with a handful of beans. parrhall.culturewarrington.org

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CULTURE • DIARY

EV E N T

David Suchet: Poirot and More 24 January C R E W E LYC E U M T H E AT R E Here is a rare opportunity to spend time with one of the world’s most celebrated and fascinating actors of our time. For over 25 years David Suchet captivated millions worldwide as Agatha Christie’s elegant Belgian detective. Beyond Poirot, this Emmy award-winning actor has been celebrated for his portrayal of many iconic roles. Meet the actor behind the detective and the many faces he’s portrayed on stage and screen. trafalgartickets.com

F I L M

THE LUNA CINEMA

This Month’s Must See

Until 2 January TOW N H A L L , L I V E R P O O L Need something to shake off the new year hangover? There’s just enough time to experience the magic of The Luna Cinema. Pioneers of the UK openair cinematic experience, The Luna Cinema’s winter programme promises to encapsulate the magic of this enchanting season with screenings that are sure to provide some welcome holiday cheer. thelunacinema.com

Strictly Come Dancing

3 0- 3 1 JA NUARY, M&S BAN K AREN A LIVERPOOL

he ﬁrst three celebrities who will be joining 2024’s Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour have been announced: former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach; legendary award-winning broadcaster Angela Rippon; and Bad Education and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie actor and singer Layton Williams. They will be joined by Strictly legends Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood.

I N D U S T R I A L

IMPACT We take a closer look at Pete Regan’s much anticipated new exhibition

n exhibition chronicling the changing face of Warrington amid the town’s fading industrial backdrop is open now until 18 February. Pete Regan’s We’re All Alone in this Together has launched at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery. The artist and photographer spent 18 months drawing inspiration from Warrington’s rich industrial heritage and, in particular, the poignant closures of iconic giants like Fiddler’s Ferry and Unilever through an array of mediums, including striking images, immersive installations and multimedia elements. The exhibition promises a multisensory experience that encourages self-reflection and conversation about the town’s changing character and what it means to the community. On the exhibition, Pete says: “A notable highlight of the exhibition is the homage paid to Warrington’s distinguished wire industry through a striking neon and wire installation. Moreover, the imminent demolition of Fiddler’s Ferry, the town’s historic coal power plant, scheduled for 3 December, serves as a poignant backdrop to the changes afoot in the town, adding depth and importance to the narrative. “Having dedicated 18 months to this project, the work has continuously evolved, responding to the dynamic landscape shaped by the rapid advancements in technology. The exhibition serves as a testament to the ever-changing relationship between art, technology and the evolving societal perspectives.” wmag.culturewarrington.org

strictlycomedancinglive.com

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Wedded

BLISS Married at First Sight UK’s Rosaline Darlington on candid confessions, courage, and her journey of self-discovery B y N ATA L I E L I

onesty has always been the best policy for Crewe-born Rosaline Darlington, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Giggly, garrulous, and brimming with girl next door energy, Rosaline (known as ‘Rozz’) is keen to set the record straight as she chats ten to the dozen from a hotel room in Manchester. The 28-year-old florist, who lives close to her parents’ farm in Crewe, was thrust into the limelight after marrying a stranger, Thomas Kriaras, on the E4 show Married at First Sight, which aired last autumn. Meeting for the first time on their wedding day, Rosaline rocked up on a tractor, a nod to her family’s farming background. The couple headed off on honeymoon with a few months ahead of them in which they had to decide whether to remain married or to divorce. “The wedding day was pretty special – it was a moment when I thought that this is the guy I have been waiting for, who the experts thought was perfect for me,” recalls Rosaline. Their journey was marked by an awkward

rocky start and plenty of tears, all unfolding before the watchful eyes of relationship experts and viewers across the UK. From the outset, Rosaline bravely admitted that she wasn’t immediately attracted to Thomas. To strengthen their connection, the couple consummated their marriage. Despite the intimacy, Rosaline confessed to Thomas that her feelings remained unchanged. “I got a little bit of hate when the show first aired, and that was a shock because I am a nice person and I’m thinking ‘this is my reputation and business on the line’. I went into the experiment with honest and genuine intentions. Most people have been so lovely and supportive, but of course there is trolling,” says the business owner of the Flower Paddock in Crewe, who also has a floristry business called Rosaline’s Flowers. The lack of initial romantic spark placed a strain on the duo, testing their commitment to the unconventional experiment. For a short period, it seemed their budding relationship would flourish into something serious. But it was not to be as the couple reached the final part of the nine-week process. “It was during the homestays when

you meet each other’s parents that really triggered me. As soon as I stepped into my sister’s house, I was overwhelmed and I felt so homesick, especially seeing my sister Millie and niece Maeve. I think I was overstimulated and overwhelmed after being reunited with my family and dogs,” remembers Rosaline. “I also felt the pain I’d been through with my ex-partner of four and a half years. I started questioning everything. It was then that I realised if my heart was 100% in this with Thomas I wouldn't be questioning so much. “I think that’s why I had to be so honest with Thomas, because I think my ex and I potentially lacked honesty there, and I wasn’t a priority. It was just sad. I knew I couldn’t do that to Thomas.” The difficulties faced by the couple underscored the raw and unscripted nature of reality TV relationships, shedding light on the vulnerability that participants experience both on and off the screen. “It has been so hard,” she admits. “My friends and family are proud of me, and their opinions are the only ones that matter. People that have harsh opinions don’t know me. I am proud that I was strong enough

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

PHOTOS: IPRODUCTIONS

“I went into the experiment with genuine intentions”

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

SHE LOVES WALKING HER THREE DOGS

AN IDYLLIC SCENE IN CREWE

to find the courage to be honest. No-one wants a break-up, but healthy relationships are so important and if you can’t be honest with each other, where do you go?” Despite the emotional rollercoaster, Rosaline has cultivated firm friendships and reveals that returning to life in Cheshire and her flower growing and floristry business has been a welcome retreat. Brought up on a working farm in Crewe, surrounded by fields, ponds, and woodland, inspired Rosaline to become a florist. She attended Malbank School, and later studied floristry at Reaseheath College on the outskirts of Nantwich. “I never really liked school, I’m not the sharpest crayon,” she smiles. “I go wherever the wind takes me. I sort of fell into floristry and flower growing. It wasn’t a long-term dream, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else,” says Rosaline, who loves escaping for walks on Bickerton Hill with her three dogs.

“I'd love to promote young people in business and British ﬂower growing” “The process of marrying a stranger has been chaotic and amazing at the same time. No, I didn't find the love of my life. But I’ve realised that just because I'm getting closer to 30 doesn’t mean I have to chase for marriage and kids. I have to be happy in myself, love myself before I even begin to look for everything else. The experiment has moulded me and I am looking forward to new relationships and understanding what I need.” Remaining friends with Thomas is high on Rosaline’s agenda, but she doesn’t foresee a romantic reunion. “If I could find the perfect person for Thomas, I would literally bring her to him. I want him to be happy. So that’s where we’re at. I don’t want to ruin the friendship, but I respect Thomas’s boundaries. Thomas and I worked on our relationship, and we have a great friendship and mutual respect.” A heartbreaking episode where Rosaline admits she couldn’t imagine having children

with Thomas brought the relationship experts to tears, and still stirs up deep emotions for Rosaline. “Honestly, when I watched it back, I cried because I felt everything, all over again. Remembering how vulnerable, sad, guilty, and how horrible I felt hurting Thomas was tough.” Reflecting on her time on the show, Rosaline has zero regrets. “I obviously had some moments when I was receiving hate, and I think ‘why did I do it’? I was only ever myself. And when people hate on me, I’m like, I’m not acting. That’s genuinely me. But I don’t regret a thing, I’ve made the most amazing friends and I’m truly grateful for everything. It’s been incredible.” Looking ahead, Rosaline has plans for the business and hopes to inspire others. “I’m so passionate about my business. I’d love to promote young people in business and the importance of British flower growing.” As for love, Rosaline tells me she is not actively looking for her perfect man. “I wouldn’t say no to Chris Hughes or Ryan Gosling,” she jokes. “I really want to meet someone for who they are inside and how well they treat others. I feel like I’m happy working on myself. And I truly believe that if the right person arrives in five or 10 years, then that’s fine.” @rozzdarlington rosalines.co.uk / theflowerpaddock.co.uk

SHE GREW UP AROUND CREWE

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Poggenpohl has 17 points of sale throughout the UK & Ireland · uk@poggenpohl.com For your nearest Poggenpohl Studio please go to www.poggenpohl.com

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Q When was the first time you

visited The Piece Hall?

A I hosted an event at the Square Chapel

Arts Centre, which adjoins the Piece Hall, and was immediately blown away by its size, architecture, beauty and charm. It’s an absolutely perfect setting for concerts. It can accommodate a huge festival stage, looks spectacular and despite its size, somehow feels intimate – especially considering the magnitude of artists who have played there.

Q Live at The Piece Hall last summer

GET TO KNOW…

CHRIS HAWKINS B B C 6 M U S I C P R E S E N T E R , N E W PAT R O N O F T H E P I E C E H A L L I N YO R K S H I R E A N D W I L M S LOW LO CA L

hosted several amazing artists. What was the experience like behind the scenes? A In a word: incredible. There was such a buzz all summer. Every single act fell in love with the venue. I got to interview them before they performed. It was extraordinary being backstage with the likes of Sting, Rag’n’Bone Man, Queens of the Stone Age, Madness, War on Drugs, Boygenius and Johnny Marr. Without fail, all of them talked about what amazing things they’d heard about the venue and that it was even more impressive than they expected. Q How does it feel to be asked to be a patron? A An honour. It came as a real surprise.

Ever since my first visit I’ve shouted about it being one of the best venues in the country. Nicky Chance-Thompson and her fantastic team have created a very special destination that deserves international recognition and I feel privileged to now be a small part of its future success.

Q What will the role see you do? A The aim is to help shine a spotlight on

the Piece Hall as a one-of-a-kind heritage site, increasing awareness of its work and shouting about it to anyone who’ll listen.

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CULTURE • PROFILE

THE PIECE HALL COACH AND FOUR

CARRS PARK

“Post-pandemic, so many great acts have been breaking through” Q What do you love about doing

your BBC 6 Music show? A It’s my dream job. I get to play the very best music to the very best radio listeners in the world. It’s a privilege to be a part of people’s morning routine, hopefully starting their day in a positive way with some fun along the way. Q Are there any new bands we

need to keep an ear out for?

A It’s a great time for new music. Post-

pandemic, so many great acts have been breaking through. There’s so much I’m loving like Boygenius, The Last Dinner Party, CMAT, Alex Spencer, Sofia Kourtesis, Barry Can’t Swim, Seb Lowe, Hak Baker… and so many more!

Q Music-wise, what are you

looking forward to in 2024?

A The 6 Music Festival now has a permanent

home in Greater Manchester and Salford and starts each year with a bang. I’m going to be hosting and DJing at festivals through the summer, including Kendal Calling and Camp Bestival, and summer 2024 at The Piece Hall will be off the scale.

Q How long have you lived in Wilmslow? A It’s been ten years since I moved north BOYGENIUS

from London and have never looked back.

Wilmslow’s a small town – a lot of residents call it a village. I love my local, the Coach and Four, and great bars, The Grove and Suburban Green. The Carrs Park is beautiful, and I spend more time than is normal at Dan’s DIY, which is like the Cheers bar of the DIY world. Q If eating out, where would you head to? A Cibo is a gold standard Italian restaurant,

right in the middle of Wilmslow. For staying in, Chutney Masala is a quality Indian takeaway, and the Farmer’s Arms next door is a perfect place to wait for your order.

Q Are there any favourite family hot spots? A We love The Rex – a fabulous boutique

cinema. For coffee, there’s a great cafe called Konak where you can sometimes end up sitting next to Sir Alex Ferguson, and lovely weekend walks at Lindow lake.

Q Is there anywhere good for music? A Wilmslow’s pubs have a good live music

offering, as do the pubs nearby in Alderley Edge and Knutsford. I’ve started hosting nights at the Bowdon Rooms in Altrincham. One of the nights was a sold out evening with Pete Doherty. It’s only a 15 minute train journey from Wilmslow into Manchester, too.

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Why we love…

WILMSLOW A point on Cheshire’s Golden Triangle (or Footballer Belt), Wilmslow is a setting of glam within the county’s landscape. Absolutely discovers more about the town’s history and charms B y K AT E J O N E S

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

THE CLINK STYAL

id you know that Wilmslow was recently ranked as the most desirable commuter town for Manchester by foodtech and vending specialist Selecta? It’s certainly a top choice: while the study in question used data including train-travel times and crime rates, the market town close to the city is a glamorous place to be. Wilmslow is a location of affluence, featuring independent boutiques and high-end brands like Aston Martin and Rolex. With an interesting past and a host of things to experience in the present, it’s well worth paying a visit.

A BRIEF HISTORY

STYAL COUNTRY PARK

According to Vanessa Greatorex’s book Wilmslow Through Time, linguistic experts say that the name Wilmslow is a corruption of “Wighelm’s hlaw”, an Anglo-Saxon phrase. Wighelm’s identity is unknown, though they could have been an Anglo-Saxon settler or a legendary figure who was important locally. “Hlaw” means “mound”, and this might have been a hill or a Bronze Age tumulus, although the former is more probable. However, evidence of human activity in the Wilmslow area greatly predates Anglo-Saxon times. Two Bronze Age urns with cremated bones were discovered in the 1840s amid the

building of the viaduct over the River Bollin, with a Bronze Age settlement also excavated during the construction of the second runway at Manchester Airport. Wilmslow Through Time, though, argues that the death of Lindow Man – the preserved bog body of a man found in 1984 in a peat bog at Lindow Moss on the edge of Wilmslow – is the best-known instance of prehistoric human activity in the area. The man, officially called Lindow II, died violently, with radiocarbon dating suggesting he was killed at some point between 2 BC and AD 119. The book says that documentary evidence of “Wylmeslowe” dates from the 1200s. Local people were mostly involved in farming until the 1700s, with this century seeing the textile industry boom in Cheshire. Sections of the River Bollin were perfect for powering mills, and this fact was taken advantage of in Wilmslow. Silk and cotton were made at the Carrs Mill, velvet was created in cutting workshops and there was a need for home-based handloom weavers and button-producers. New people consequently came to the area, though lots of individuals stayed in closer proximity to poverty than wealth until the railway arrived (with rich industrialists from the 1800s wanting gracious living as well as easy workplace access). In the late 19th century, Henry Boddington, son of the Boddingtons Brewery owner Henry Boddington, bought Wilmslow’s Pownall Hall (which is now a school). Boddington A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Arch at The Carrs Park in the town says that “Boddington Playing Fields” were given by the former figure in 1925 “for the recreation, health and pleasure of Wilmslow and her children for ever”. In more recent history, in 1997, Wilmslow saw the explosion of two IRA bombs near the town’s railway station – though fortunately, no one was killed or injured.

A RANGE OF ATTRACTIONS

“Ut ut vendige ntibus aut volorum et aceritat” ARTISAN MARKET

The Wilmslow area benefits from a variety of things to see and do. In town, Wilmslow Artisan Market operates on the third Saturday of the month, with a focus on products that are local, original and ethical according to organiser The Market Co (which says that this is its flagship event). You could also catch a film at Wilmslow’s movie house, The Rex Cinema, or indulge in some retail therapy at the Hoopers department store. If these options don’t tempt you, see what supercars you can spot, or check out the shows on offer at Wilmslow Leisure Centre or The Green Room Theatre Wilmslow. The market town is located close to settlements including Handforth – known for its famous parish council – and Alderley Edge. At the nearby Mottram Hall, which has appeared on The Real Housewives of Cheshire, there’s a £10 million Champneys spa, as well as an 18-hole golf course. If you’re interested in aviation, you may also wish to visit the Runway Visitor Park – situated adjacent to Manchester Airport’s runways – and the Avro Heritage Museum – which preserves the legacy of pilot and aircraft-manufacturer Alliott Verdon-Roe, along with his Avro business.

“Pick up local, original and ethical products at the artisan market” THE NEW ASTON MARTIN DB12

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

What’s on in

Wilmslow

Robin Hood – The Panto Wilmslow Leisure Centre, 3–7 January

The classic story of Robin Hood is performed as a panto by Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society. chypspanto.com 

Wilmslow Parkrun The Carrs Park, 6, 13, 20 and 27 January

Blow away the cobwebs at this 5-kilometre event. parkrun.org.uk/wilmslow 

Meditation & Relaxation Classes

The Wilmslow Pilates and Wellness Centre, Various Dates

Learn how to start the week with an upbeat and relaxed mindset via this six-session course.

A SNOWY SCENE IN WILMSLOW

At the National Trust’s Quarry Bank site, located a short distance from Wilmslow’s town centre, you’ll find an 18th-century cotton mill constructed by the industrialist Samuel Greg. The site additionally offers you the chance to discover the Greg family home at Quarry Bank House, as well as the opportunities to visit Styal village and tour the Apprentice House. Head to nationaltrust.org.uk for more information about opening times.

FOODIE FEATURES AND MORE

Wilmslow offers a host of places to eat and drink. A recent addition to the town’s restaurant scene is Cibo Gran Café, which combines a traditional ristorante with a bar and an artisanal patisserie. The venue is focused on “not just [serving] but [enthralling], ensuring every guest gets a slice of Italy’s finest offerings”. Wilmslow’s most popular restaurant on Tripadvisor (as of November 2023), meanwhile, is Potyo, which invites individuals “to experience a traditional coastal

wilmslowpilates.com 

Murder in the Studio The Green Room Theatre Wilmslow, 22–27 January

Enjoy three Agatha Christie radio plays: Yellow Iris, Personal Call and Butter in a Lordly Dish. greenroomwilmslow.org.uk 

ROH: Rusalka

The Rex Cinema, 24 and 28 January

Lose yourself in a screening of this Royal Opera House (ROH) opera, ﬁlmed live at the venue in 2022. rexcinemawilmslow.com

CIBO

Indian feast” (with its menu mainly centred on the Malabar or the west coast of India). Other highly-rated local restaurants include The Clink Styal, not far from the centre of Wilmslow. The restaurant is located at HMP Styal, with all of The Clink Charity’s food prepared and served by people who are in prison. As for cafes, try Konak Café or Nourish. If you fancy an evening out in Wilmslow, the town additionally boasts a number of pubs and bars. Suburban Green, for instance, promises the ideal location for drinking and relaxing, and the Coach and Four (found in an 18th-century coach house) makes a great pub choice. To carry on your night, however, you could head to Symposium Wilmslow. Jointly opened by actor and singer Ashley Taylor Dawson, it describes itself as “the place where the party continues”. It’s certainly a spot where you can dance the night away!

POTYO

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Elegant settings for memorable occasions THE NIAGARA ROOM AT BROWN’S HOTEL, MAYFAIR

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TAKING

FLIGHT Returning for its 45th year, ﬁnd out how you can get involved in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this January

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he RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is the largest garden wildlife survey in the world and takes place every January, this year on 26th, 27th and 28th. Participants spend an hour counting the birds in their garden, balcony or local park. Over half a million people took part in 2023, counting more than nine million birds. This year’s event marks 45 years since the first Big Garden Birdwatch. Starting in 1979, it has become a much-loved annual citizen science event that gives the RSPB a valuable snapshot of how garden birds are doing in the UK. Over that time, 185 million birds have

been counted and nearly 11.5 million hours have been spent watching garden birds.

THE WINNERS AND LOSERS The Big Garden Birdwatch allows a large volume of data about garden birds to be recorded from across the UK, meaning trends in populations can be identified that might otherwise go unnoticed. House Sparrows, for example, celebrated their 20th year as the number one bird spotted in UK gardens in 2023. While nearly 1.5 million were recorded, this species has sadly suffered severe declines. In fact, the number spotted in gardens has dropped by nearly 60% since the Birdwatch first began in 1979.

Over its four decades, the Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. The Long-tailed Tit, a much-loved species, rose five positions in the rankings last year, with numbers 39% higher than in 2022. This species is easily recognised with its distinctive colouring, small body and a long tail, which can be up to 9cm in length. Both males and females are black, white and pale pink, with distinctive white crowns. However, Longtailed Tits are susceptible to harsh weather conditions, with the numbers recorded fluctuating since the Birdwatch began. Meanwhile, Greenfinches and Chaffinches have been badly affected by a disease known A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“185 MILLION BIRDS HAVE BEEN COUNTED AND NEARLY 11.5 MILLION HOURS SPENT WATCHING GARDENS” as Trichomonosis. As a result, the UK Chaffinch population has declined by 37% over the last decade, while Greenfinches have declined by 62% over the same time frame.

TIPS FOR FEEDING GARDEN BIRDS During the cold winter months, birds need lots of energy to maintain their body temperature and can struggle to find naturally available food. So, providing food like bird seed, peanuts and fat-based bird food bars helps give them an extra bit of help. You can also offer leftovers from your own kitchen like apples and pears that are taken by species like Blackbirds and thrushes. Grated mild cheese (no blue or strong cheese) is a fantastic source of energy and protein, and is loved by Robins, Dunnocks and Blackbirds. Raisins and sultanas can also be put on the bird table, however these dried fruits are toxic for dogs so be careful here. There are also food items to avoid from our kitchens, such as cooled fats and meat juices that can get into birds' feathers affecting their wings and waterproofing, along with salt which cannot be digested. Therefore, avoid salted peanuts and bacon rind, along with desiccated coconut, milk and cooked porridge oats. Your garden birds also need fresh water daily to drink and bathe. Use a birdbath, pond, or a recycled, shallow container with a stone inside so that they can perch upon

it. To help prevent the spread of diseases, hygiene at garden feeding stations is important. The RSPB recommends bird feeders, tables, and baths are cleaned every week, to help reduce the spread of garden bird diseases. Wash using warm water and ideally a 5% disinfectant solution, then air dry outside. Keep feeders and baths outside to clean, use separate utensils and wear gloves. Always wash your hands when you've finished. It’s also important to monitor how much food your garden birds eat and adjust the amount you put out accordingly – uneaten food can turn rancid, so regularly discard leftovers. During winter, feed twice a day if demand calls for it.

HOW TO TAKE PART IN THE RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH Sign up at rspb.org.uk then watch the birds in your garden, balcony, or local green space for one hour at some point between 26-28 January. Only count the birds that land and record the highest number of each species you see at any one time. Then submit your results, and even if you see no birds at all, it’s all valuable data. To receive your free Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, RSPB shop voucher, plus advice on how to attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 82727 or visit rspb.org.uk/Birdwatch

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Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous holiday destinations around the world, ski resorts in the European Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cms. Priced at £420 each (inc. UK sales tax). Private commissions are also welcome. @pullmaneditionsposters All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions 2023

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• XXXXX • ARTS XXXXXXXX CULTURE

C o m m u n i t y

CHEER Absolutely Cheshire looks at how Warrington Contemporary Arts Fest and the town’s cultural offer is set to be transformed

huge funding boost that will create a significant, lasting and transformational change within Warrington’s cultural offer has been unlocked. Arts Council England has awarded Culture Warrington a £600,000 grant as part of its ‘Place Partnership Fund’. This combined with significant match funding from Warrington Borough Council and Warrington BID bring the total to £840,000 and will enable the arts charity to create a vibrant two-year programme focused on developing a step change for Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival. The game-changing sum of money will not only extend the festival’s scope and scale, but renew its focus on accessible large-scale, outdoor and family-friendly events. For example, previous awe-inspiring installations

LUKE JERRAM AND MUSEUM OF THE MOON

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CULTURE • ARTS

like Museum of the Moon and immersive, uplifting community gatherings such as Light Night will become more commonplace. The grant will also act as a catalyst for three new project areas – ‘community engagement’, ‘artist development’ and ‘children and young people’ in a bid to reach both new audiences and emerging creatives. The aim is to develop an ambitious cultural programme for all ages and backgrounds that will unite the community, support the economy, bring performances and workshops into non-conventional spaces to break down barriers to the arts, engender a sense of pride of place, and address wellbeing and social priorities in a deep and lasting way.

Leah Biddle, director of Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival, is leading on the project and has been working on the application to the Arts Council since last year. She says: “We are delighted to have been awarded such a significant grant from Arts Council England. Our established festival has continued to grow and evolve each year and this investment will ensure

“WE CAN CREATE TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE” LEAH BIDDLE

we can create a transformational change within Warrington’s cultural sector. “We have responded to feedback to create a new children and young people’s programme, enhancing existing activity and developing unique opportunities to explore pathways into the creative industries. We will strengthen our existing commitment to supporting the plethora of creative talent we have in the town, creating even more opportunities for artists to make and present new work, developing skills and opportunities. “In addition, our community can expect to see an even wider programme of exceptional performance, exhibition, installation and large-scale events that the festival is renowned for, ensuring that over the time the festival becomes a place-based event, embedded within Warrington’s community.” The strengthened WCAF programme will also include a fully developed Fringe Festival, a raft of training opportunities for artists and a young producers’ project, while also retaining key elements that have been popular over the years like the Open Exhibition. Meanwhile, the creation of a small cohort of associate artists will help guide the festival’s future direction alongside a series of local and regional partnerships.

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CULTURE • MUSIC

“It still amazes me how enjoyable it is to play the Substance LPs”

LIGHT THE WAY Joy Division and New Order legend, Peter Hook, is all set to take to the stage at Parr Hall

ere’s some big cultural news for the county… Joy Division and New Order icon Peter Hook will be gracing the stage at Parr Hall as part of a world tour this year. The musician and co-founder of two of Manchester’s most influential bands is coming to Warrington on 17 October, 2024. This tour will see Peter and his band, The Light, play the Substance albums by both Joy Division and New Order live and in full. It is part of a mammoth run of dates for 2024 taking in full tours of Australia, New Zealand and North America

before returning to home turf with multiple shows in the UK and Ireland. Peter says: “It still amazes me how enjoyable it is to play the Substance LPs. The contrast between Joy Division and New Order is very apparent, but both complement each other very well. My only frustration is not being able to play more of our records each night.” Peter formed the band that would become known as Joy Division with Bernard Sumner in 1976. Following the death of lead singer Ian Curtis in 1980, the band reformed as New Order, widely regarded as the first alternative dance music group merging synth pop with post-punk. New Order broke up in 1993, but got back together in 1998, at which point Peter stayed with the band until 2007. After pursuing other projects, Peter first revisited Joy Division material when he performed their seminal album, Unknown Pleasures, in May 2010 for a commemorative charity concert. He followed it each year by performing subsequent albums from his Joy Division and New Order repertoire. Peter Hook and The Light have also recently celebrated more than four decades of the continuing influence of Joy Division and Ian Curtis with the Joy Division: A Celebration concerts. While in October last year, Peter’s band played the Substance albums at their biggest London concert at the 5,300-capacity Eventim Apollo. Having toured extensively, the band have now amassed more than 600 concerts, appearing on stages worldwide and at renowned festivals like Bestival, Kendal Calling, Victorious and Rebellion.

PETER HOOK AND THE LIGHT Substance world tour Thursday, 17 October, 2024, 8pm. Tickets from £36. Parr Hall, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, WA1 1BL Tickets and information: 01925 442345 / pyramidparrhall.com

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FOOD & DRINK

FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH NEXT DOOR

We love a real neighbourhood restaurant at Absolutely Cheshire, and you don’t get much more neighbourly than Next Door in Frodsham. The monthly changing evening tasting menu provides a journey created by chef/patron Richard and his team for your tastebuds to explore over an elongated experience - and their unique tasting events offer a great opportunity to indulge in these flavours. Turn over the page for more. restaurantnextdoor.co.uk

Food News 44 • Da Noi 46 • Mark Birchall 50 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

Cheshire's food news and most exciting openings this month By MARK KEBBLE

Fizz recommendations for the new year By THE WINE SOCIETY

Champagne Jules Camuset Brut NV  £26.81 Toasty and lemony on the nose, with ﬁne bubbles and a deceptive lightness of touch, this Champagne is a delicious blend of 55% pinot meunier, 30% pinot noir and 15% chardonnay and the perfect ﬁzz for all kinds of celebrations.

The Society's Celebration Crémant de Loire 2020  £13.31 From the Saumur region of the Loire, there is a large percentage of chardonnay in this blend, which gives the wine its length and delicacy. Light, bone-dry and refreshing, it makes for a delightful aperitif.

The Society's Exhibition English Blanc de Blancs 2018  £28.81 Showing the unmistakable brioche notes that come with age, this 2020 sparkling wine from England's Ridgeview Wine Estate is elegant with great purity.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business. The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

On offer P OT YO

This Wilmslow favourite will be bringing some new year cheer with 50% off food for the entire month of January, from SundayThursday. Their menu primarily focuses on the Malabar or the West Coast of India, and to partake in the spectrum of ﬂavours, they offer a unique experience by providing a variety of small sharing plates and curry bowls to help guide you through this dining experience. potyo.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

FEEL GOOD FOOD Three Cheshire restaurants where you can make the most of Veganuary

ADDING SOME ZEST VERVE

SHRUB

Chocs away KNOOPS

Knoops, the British brand that is revolutionising chocolate drinks with its unique chocolate percentage menu, has opened a store in Chester. Bringing a point of difference to the café scene, Knoops is the only brand to boast a customisable chocolate percentage menu. Designed to be democratic, Knoops has over 20 different chocolate percentages – from 28% White to 100% Extra Dark - ﬁve different dairy-free and plant-based milks, and 21 ﬂavour enhancing add-ons, like orange zest and chilli. knoops.co.uk

This iconic Chester venue has long been a go-to for diners seeking out top of the range vegan dishes. Their all encompassing menu covers everything from padron peppers and BBQ broccoli to main dishes like pumpkin tortellini. shrubchester.co.uk

A Cheshire-based entrepreneur behind one of the world’s most successful sports nutrition brands has launched Verve V80, a new take on ‘greens’ powdered drinks. It’s a comprehensive multinutrient drink from the visionary founder of Myprotein, Oliver Cookson. Made in Alderley Edge, it represents a step forward for ‘greens’ nutrition supplements. vavaverve.com

ROOBARBS FIELD K I TC H E N K N U T S F O R D This farm just outside of Knutsford loves vegetables: big ones, small ones, long ones, short ones. If they can plant it, they grow it. These vegetables are the stars of the show on the restaurant menu, and we can’t get enough of the beetroot brownie. groobox.co.uk/field-kitchen

PERFECT PAIRING BEARTOWN

Say hello NEXT DOOR

VEGAN HOUSE

Next Door in Frodsham held a series of ‘hello’ tastings in December that Absolutely couldn’t get enough of. The special evening events were a preview of their six-course monthly tasting menu with matched wines at the special introductory price of £95. The menu used the best ingredients available, making the most of the micro seasons. The wines were presented ahead of the food, allowing time to taste the selection. restaurantnextdoor.co.uk

At Vegan House, Chester Market, they are passionate about delicious, indulgent food. Their vision is to introduce and enlighten the world about the benefits of plant-based food, and to show non-believers that vegan cuisine can be just as indulgent as any food. veganhousefoods.com

Leading chef Thom Bateman, owner of The Flintlock, in Staffordshire, has teamed up with award-winning Cheshire craft brewery Beartown, to create a collection of limited-edition beers and easy cook recipes for diners to try at home. Each of the four beers features an easy-to-follow recipe. beartownbrewery.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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From the

HEART Fabrizio Gobbato, co-owner of Chester’s Da Noi alongside his wife Valentina Aviotti, on a love story involving music, hospitality and great food

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ack at the tail end of November, Absolutely attended a very special event at Da Noi on Bridge Street in Chester. The evening featured producers Ca’ Del Baio and Del Tetto co-hosting a bespoke wine dinner event, with our hosts for the evening the two people behind what has become one of Chester’s most highly desirable restaurants: Fabrizio Gobbato and Valentina Aviotti. The food was exemplary, as was the wine that flowed, but more than anything it was the welcoming atmosphere that stood out for us. This was what neighbourhood restaurants should be all about. It’s little wonder, sitting down with Fabrizio some time later to discuss Da Noi, that hospitality is a key ethos behind what they do. First though,

how did the two cross paths? “‘She was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar…’ She actually was indeed,” laughs Fabrizio. “It was 2002 and I would then be playing my first ever concert with my band at the Waxy O’Connor in Turin.” A lot has happened in the two decades since, but a key date – especially for Cheshire residents – was when they decided to come to the UK and embark on something new. “We moved to Chester in 2018, just one month before Da Noi opened its doors for the first time,” Fabrizio explains. “At the time we opened Da Noi we had not had any experience as restaurateurs or business owners. Just the casual jobs in our 20s as waiting-on staff.” It’s a remarkable statement considering what the two have created on Bridge Street. “My vision for a unique Italian hospitality brand, made of 5-6 different projects under the same ‘umbrella’, but

“It’s a unique dining experience based on our Northern origins” all different from one another,” is how Fabrizio explains the inspiration behind opening Da Noi. “And the desire to have a project to craft together as a couple.” And crafted they have. From day one, Fabrizio says they wanted to offer a “unique dining experience based on our Northern origins, without compromises”. When Absolutely Cheshire last visited, the Autumn Tasting Menu was what greeted us (as well as the traditional warm welcome from Fabrizio). The dishes were remarkable, and the choice included Jerusalem artichoke, mascarpone, wild mushrooms and bread tuile; La Tartare: beef, mustard, filo pastry cannolo; Il Branzino: sea bass, coffee, cauliflower and chestnuts; and Il Cervo: venison, red berries, celeriac and almond. The flavours literally jumped out of the menu. “Valentina usually starts from the seasonal elements,” Fabrizio says on the food at Da Noi. “Then she brings on some first combinations and decides where to A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“Valentina’s dominant style of cooking is to keep everything simple” use which technique, to keep her level of excitement constant. Then she needs to make sure the textures in each dish are the right ones, and finally she makes sure the link between the dishes in the tasting menu is guaranteed – like a true story, everything has got to make sense for her thread. Her dominant style of cooking is to keep everything very simple, which is paradoxically the most challenging part.” Valentina’s cooking is truly one of a kind. We mention the combination of sea bass and coffee was beautifully unique, and it’s a dish that Fabrizio agrees is the height of haute cuisine. “I am in love with the sea bass dish,” FABRIZIO AND VALENTINA

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he smiles. “All senses involved and the unusual combination with ground coffee is genius. But the Giandujotto dessert is for me unreal, done in collaboration with our sister business Krum Gelato.” While Valentina is busy creating these stunning dishes, Fabrizio manages the front of house and is in charge of the delectable wine list. “It has the exact same importance as the food,” he says on the wine list. “Our wine selection is unique for the area and for the type of restaurant we are, featuring exclusive and rare wines from our country. Our cocktails list follows the same line.” Da Noi has been featured in the Michelin Guide since opening – “That gave us a massive push and a real motivation to believe in ourselves and continue on our journey. Hopefully it will continue to be the same,” Fabrizio says – so given the hype behind the restaurant, how does it feel to be running it husband and wife? “We have a perfect balance and know exactly the boundaries of our roles,” he answers. “Valentina is the talent, I am the organiser. There are quite a few clashes, but they usually end up with a positive outcome for the product or the team. We never bring anything personal home, even though work is a typical subject of our conversations.” There’s no doubting that Da Noi leads the way when it comes to hospitality in Chester, but Fabrizio speaks warmly about their surroundings. “I find it very

exciting,” he says on Chester, “there are lots of interesting things done by very exciting people. I seriously hope this turns into a virtuous circle so there could be more investment from more good people to create an even bigger echo around the city.” As we head into the new year, what dishes can we expect to be enjoying next at Da Noi? “The detail is a secret,” he smiles, giving nothing away. “But expect seasonality, some new amuse bouche, and very likely some new textures for Da Noi. We want to enjoy a full 2024 with our new tasting menu proposition, and see where we get to. The surrounding conditions for our sector are not at all ideal. We need to be careful with our choices and keep our guests curious and attracted to what we do, hence why we have intensified our events calendar. Very many great places with great chefs/teams have closed this year, so the situation is very delicate.” Never has a truer word been spoken. Their next event is scheduled for the start of February and Absolutely Cheshire intends to be at the head of the queue. As our time together comes to an end and Fabrizio bids us farewell, we can’t help but think how lucky we were this dynamic couple ended up in Chester. It was certainly a marriage made in foodie heaven. danoichester.co.uk

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O N T HE M E N U

Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms

Absolutely Cheshire chats to chef Mark Birchall, the man behind the two Michelinstarred culinary destination in Aughton

oor Hall Restaurant with Rooms, chef Mark Birchall’s two Michelinstarred culinary destination in Aughton, is set to expand its accommodation offering with the launch of seven new Garden Rooms. Launching in spring 2024, each of the standalone Garden Rooms will be located in the secluded woodland that surrounds Moor Hall’s picturesque gardens. Designed by KOTO, the new rooms celebrate biophilic living, embracing the dynamic relationship between nature, design, crafted luxury and sustainability. Each of the beautiful architecturally-designed buildings will be complete with a hot tub, and private decking area. In line with Moor Hall’s commitment to sustainable practices, which have resulted in the restaurant achieving a Michelin Green Star, the Garden Rooms have been created to comply with the highest eco-standards, as seen in features such as sustainable timber and the innovative practice of off-site prefabrication for each cabin. Absolutely Cheshire spoke to Mark Birchall to find out more about the rooms, plus what’s in store for the restaurant this year.

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FOOD & DRINK • FOCUS

Q How long have the Garden Rooms been in the making? A Since 2021. This project required a well thought out approach, including planning permissions, a selection of suitable designers, with a focus on aligning with our sustainability principles, alongside enhancing what we already offer here. Q What will they offer?

A The Garden Rooms will be a brilliant addition to our accommodation at Moor Hall, yet a completely different offering to our original rooms. The beautifully designed rooms will be located in the secluded woodland that surrounds Moor Hall’s gardens, complete with a hot tub, and private decking area. We wanted to ensure the rooms echoed the kitchen garden and culinary experience, so each of the rooms have been inspired by seven different botanicals.

Q How have you ensured the Garden Rooms are sustainable? A The new rooms have been designed by KOTO with sustainability in mind, celebrating biophilic living while embracing the relationship between nature, design and crafted luxury. In line with our commitment to sustainable practices,

the rooms have been created to comply with the highest eco-standards. Q Why are you keen for guests to experience nature? A It offers an immersive experience. As soon as you enter the gates to Moor Hall you’re immersed in nature, the grounds, gardens, lake… you could be anywhere in the world. The new rooms will be scattered in areas of the woodlands, gardens, and overlooking the lake here at Moor Hall. Q What did it mean to you to achieve a Michelin Green Star? A Achieving a Michelin Green Star acknowledged our commitment to sustainability and responsible dining – which underpins all that we do here. It was a fantastic achievement, and one that the whole team are very proud of. Q How important is the kitchen garden to what you offer in the restaurant? A Our garden-to-table approach ensures that our dishes are crafted using the finest, organic ingredients, harvested at their peak. You don’t get fresher than what’s growing right outside your back door. We use organic cultivation methods,

minimise food miles, reduce food waste and reduce our environmental footprint by growing a significant portion of the produce used in our kitchen, here on site. Q How would you sum up what we’d find on the menus? A Produce driven dishes with seasonal ingredients from our back garden and beyond. Think simplicity with big, bold flavours. The menu is a mix of classics and new dishes. Current dishes include Turbot cooked in brown butter, shrimp, kuri squash and suquet sauce as well as Ormskirk gingerbread roots and pine. Q What dishes right now are you particularly loving? A Dorset sika deer kale, beetroot and elderberry, ragout and whey, liver and truffled honey. It tastes beautiful and is right in season, it’s a really lovely dish.

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FARM toTABLE Simple, seasonal recipes to warm you up this January Wo r d s J U L I U S R O B E R T S P h o t o g r a p h y E L E N A H E AT H E R W I C K

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Beetroot soup & three toppings Makes 8 proper bowlfuls

This is one of those recipes my family just live off, a dish we return to again and again, at its heart deeply simple and uplifting. Velvety and voluptuous, this soup bubbles away like a cauldron of lava and is wonderfully nourishing. Seasoned with a little cider vinegar to brighten the earthy richness, it’s a dinner party classic I often serve as a starter because of its striking colour, but it’s equally at home eaten on your knees. I’ve given you three toppings that will bring this soup to life, so you can vary how you eat it depending on what you have to hand.

INGREDIENTS • 1.5kg beetroots • 100ml cider vinegar • 200ml creme fraiche or double cream Your choice of topping • A few slices of smoked eel and a dollop of ﬁery horseradish sauce • Crumbly goat’s cheese and dill • Natural yoghurt and toasted cumin seeds

METHOD 1 Start by giving the beets a good scrub in the sink to remove any grit. Don’t peel or trim the tops; you want them intact, to preserve the vivid colour. 2 Place in a large pan and cover with water, then pour in the vinegar and season with a proper handful of salt. Bring to the boil, then set to a simmer with the lid on for about 1 hour, until completely tender. You should be able to easily pierce them to the core with a knife. 3 Take the beets out and leave them to cool in a bowl, but keep all the cooking liquor. When cool enough to handle, peel off the skins: they should come away easily with a squeeze from your thumb – I think it’s one of the most satisfying jobs in the kitchen, but wear a pair of Marigolds or your hands will be pink for days. 4 Chop the beetroots into quarters and place in a high-speed blender, then top up with a little of the cooking water and blitz into a thick pourable soup. You might need to do this in two or three batches. Taste as you go, as you don’t want to overdo it with the vinegary water, though the vinegar is a key part of the seasoning and cuts through excessive earthiness. 5 Add the creme fraiche while blitzing in the blender and it will lighten and aerate the soup into a lovely velvety texture. It should taste divine and be the most incredible colour, but make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning to get the balance right. 6 Warm back up in a pan, and ﬁnish with your chosen toppings. This keeps in the fridge for up to a week, and you can freeze any leftovers for a rainy day.

Epic tarragon roast chicken Serves 5

This is a great roast chicken, the heart of home cooking and one of life’s great pleasures. I relish the ritual, my family’s fight over the wings, the secret chef ’s treats of the oysters, the leftover sandwiches and bubbling stocks. There is no meal that makes me feel more at home. In my mind, there are three keys to a good roast chicken: juicy meat, brown salty skin and, most importantly, a ton of sauce. And it’s the sauce of this chicken that really sets it apart: handfuls of tarragon, lashings of cream and a proper dollop of mustard, which when combined with the cooking juices, garlic and wine, creates a truly epic mouthful.

INGREDIENTS • 1 organic chicken • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 whole head of garlic • 250ml quality double cream • A 20g bunch of fresh tarragon, stalks removed, roughly chopped • 1 large heaped tbsp Dijon mustard • A glass of dry white wine

METHOD 1 Preheat your oven to 220C fan and start by spatchcocking the

chicken. To do this, turn it over and cut along one side of the spine from the tail to the neck. Then turn it over, open out the two sides and press down hard to ﬂatten it. Your butcher will gladly do this for you. 2 Lay the chicken in a large, highsided roasting tray, season generously with salt on both sides and leave for an hour at room temperature so it loses the chill of the fridge. 3 When ready, generously drizzle the skin with olive oil and work it into all the nooks and crannies. Smash the head of garlic and hide the cloves underneath the chicken, then roast in the oven for 20–30 minutes, until the skin begins to turn golden brown. 4 Meanwhile, mix the cream, tarragon and mustard in a bowl and season well. After 20–30 minutes, turn the oven down to 140C fan, take out the chicken and pour a generous glass of white wine into the tray. Then pour the tarragon cream all over the chicken and place back in the oven for 30–40 minutes until it’s ready. 5 To judge when it’s cooked, I check the deepest part of the thigh with a temperature probe, looking for 65– 70C. If you don’t have one, prod this point with a skewer and ensure the juices run clear. At this point, remove from the oven and leave to rest for 15 minutes, covered loosely with a bit of foil. Carve straight into the tray and serve as you like, with lots of the sauce, garlic and a zingy green salad. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“The ideal is to end up with a beautiful sauce and plums that still hold their shape” INGREDIENTS

Stewed plums, whipped yoghurt, mint & granola Serves 6 In September the plum tree by the veg patch hangs heavy with fruit, its branches laden like a strained washing line on the brink of collapse. How this small tree produces such bountiful abundance each year bemuses me; often a branch or two fracture under the weight of fruit. We pick them by the basket, teetering on a rickety ladder and battling the wasps, to make jams, gins, chutneys and all sorts. This recipe is a particular favourite that is just as good for breakfast as it is after a sunny September lunch. I got the idea for the yoghurt folded with whipped cream and honey from the pastry chef Nicola Lamb – it’s a wonderful twist that gives it a lighter and more elegant touch, but I often use labneh instead.

• 80g quality granola or pistachios • 30g butter • 6–10 plums, depending on size, halved and destoned • 20g golden caster sugar • 60ml Madeira, brandy or sweet sherry • 280ml double cream • 1–2 tbsp runny honey • 350ml natural yoghurt • A couple of sprigs of fresh mint

METHOD 1 Preheat your oven to 160C fan. If using pistachios, pour them into a tray or ovenproof pan and cook for about 10–15 minutes max, until they are toasted and crunchy but not burnt. Set a timer – I always forget! 2 Put a wide frying pan on a mediumhigh heat and add the butter. When it begins to foam, swirl it around, then add the plums, cut side down. Ideally, they should ﬁll the pan. Sprinkle over the sugar and let it gently sizzle so that the plums release their juice, then pour in the Madeira. A lovely thick and unctuous sauce should slowly be created.

3 Before the plums get too soft, turn them over to cook the other side. The ideal is to end up with a beautiful sauce and plums that still hold their shape, but are soft and delicious. So don’t cook them for too long, and add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick. You need enough for each person to get a spoonful. 4 While the plums are cooking, pour the cream into a large bowl. Whip it until it is light and voluptuous, but still has a nice movement to it. Whipping cream perfectly is an art, taking it far enough to create that luxurious feel, but not so far that it begins to solidify. When ready, drizzle in a tablespoon of honey and add the yoghurt. Gently fold together and taste; you can add a touch more honey, but don’t overdo it. 5 Finally, crush the toasted pistachios, if using, and roughly chop the mint leaves. Spoon a generous dollop of the cream into a bowl and make a crater in the middle. Add two or three warm plum halves and a spoon of the sauce, then top with the granola or pistachios and mint. You can make a lot of this ahead; just slightly underdo the plums so that you can warm them up again without overcooking them. But the active ingredients in the yoghurt will begin to work on the cream if left too long, so I would recommend making that more or less in the moment.

Extracted from The Farm Table by Julius Roberts (Ebury Press, £27)

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FA S H I O N

NEW LOOKS WOLFORD

Dior silhouettes inspired by Mexico are captured by photographer Brigitte Niedermair for the Cruise 24 collection. Full skirts unfurl into corollas and are worn with huipils, or architectural jackets embellished with refined guipure, co-created with local artisans. dior.com

Jen Graham 58 • The Shoot 62 • Jewellery 69 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Second

CHANCE Pre-loved items are many people’s go-to and Sandbach local, Jen Graham, is showing how to spot the best pieces in your local charity shop I n t e r v i e w A L I S H A D AV I S

n the age of fast fashion, it’s easy to get swept up in all the latest trends, but what many people are discovering is that second-shopping is not only good for your bank balance and the environment, but it’s also a great place to experiment and find your style. Jen Graham has a skill for finding the best pre-loved pieces when out charity shopping and her infectious enthusiasm has helped build a huge social media community of like-minded individuals who share her passion for sustainable fashion. Under the username @charityshopgirlcsg, Jen has a TikTok following of over 80,000 and an Instagram following of over 70,000 – and her online community is continuing to grow, with eager followers awaiting to see her next charity shop haul and styling videos. “What I love the most about the community I’ve built is that we all have the same visions, goals, and reasons as to why we love charity shopping – it’s mainly because we know it can save us money, can find one-off unique pieces and that it’s supporting charities and helping them to continue to do the amazing work that they do,” she says. “They’re all very loyal and have spent the time to get to know me. I love it when they find items in the charity shops and message me to say, ‘I saw this and thought of you!’ and it is always very me.” Jen’s foray into the world of second-hand shopping began at the age of 17 in Liverpool. Her first encounter was in a vintage shop named Quiggin’s, and since then, she’s been hooked on the thrill of discovering pre-loved gems. It wasn’t until 2021 that she took her passion to social media. “I started posting my hauls after my 13-year-old daughter suggested it,” Jen says. Since then, her community has

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FASHION • INTERVIEW

“I don't wear things because they're on trend, I wear them because of how they make me feel”

grown, with people tuning in to see her latest finds and how she styles them. Jen’s style is a unique blend of masculine tailored looks and vintage oversized items. She draws inspiration from sources like Pinterest, Vogue, and Instagram pages to refine her looks and stay true to her individual style. “I don’t personally follow trends and I speak about this a lot to my followers. I have created my own style over the years and learnt what I feel confident and comfortable in,” she explains. “As much as I do like some trends that come back around – like when Ugg boots came back into fashion, or chunky shoes – I don’t wear things because they’re on trend, I wear them because of how they make me feel. And that’s a message I continue to share on my social media.” Jen’s shopping strategy is simple yet effective. She leaves no rail unturned, starting at the beginning of the shop and diligently going through every section, from her size to the men’s section and even brica-brac. Her advice to those unsure on where to begin when shopping in charity shops? “You’ve got to be prepared to rummage to find the treasures; they won’t find you. I literally just rummage through every single rail, from beginning to end. I start at the beginning of the shop, and I don’t leave until I have been through every single rail – things that aren’t even in my size, the men’s section, and even the bric-a-brac section.” Her technique has yielded some exceptional finds. “My favourite must be my Escada pink jacket from St Luke’s in Sandbach. Also, my YSL poppy jacket from Myton Hospices and, to be honest, any men’s suit that I have picked up,” Jen smiles. “I don’t think I have anything that has made

JEN PRESENTING ON TV

O TL E U LY T E LY. A B SAOB LS U m aLgOaNzD i nOeNs

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FASHION • FOCUS

PHOTO: FACE JUNKIE

Shop til you drop

“Sandbach has some incredible things, Nantwich is another place I love, and Knutsford and Wilmslow” me think ‘that’s the best thing I’ve ever bought!’ as I love everything that I buy.” Her large social media growth has seen her sharing her styling tips on daytime TV show This Morning, becoming the face of beauty brand Face Junkie, and one of her top highlights has been her ambassadorship for Air Ambulance, using her platform to spread awareness about the benefits of second-hand shopping. “One of my goals was always to become an ambassador for a charity. That’s definitely been a highlight for me as I felt like I’d massively hit one of my goals as people were seeing me for becoming the voice for charity retail.”

When charity shopping in Cheshire, Jen has a few suggestions. “Some of my favourites are in Sandbach as they often have some incredible things. Nantwich is another place I love – it has a great mix of trendy items and vintage items. It’s great for toys and bric-a-brac. I also love Knutsford and Wilmslow for more high-end items.” In a world where fashion often comes at a cost, Jen is proving that style is timeless, sustainable, and within reach for everyone. Maybe it’s time to see what you can find in your local charity shop.

Jen Graham has some tips for those who are unsure on where to start when it comes to charity shopping. START LOCAL: Go to your local charity shops, look in the bric-abrac section first and then venture out as you feel more comfortable. Rummage through every rail then. CREATE MOOD BOARDS:

Go into your local charity shops with inspiration on what you’re looking for. It immediately becomes less daunting when you have a certain item or look in mind. GET TO KNOW YOUR WARDROBE: Sort through your

wardrobe so you know what items you have plenty of and what you feel you’re lacking. This will help you understand what items you may want to look for. For example, you may have plenty of trousers, but no nice tops to make up an outfit. Or you may want to look for accessories to complete a look. START ONLINE: If you’re nervous about starting to shop second-hand, start online first. Browse online marketplaces like BuyCharity, eBay, Vinted and Facebook Marketplace and then venture out once you’re feeling more confident with second-hand shopping.

instagram.com/charityshopgirlcsg

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Golden

rays We all need a little winter sun at this time of year, so NOEMA’s latest collection – inspired by Mallorca’s architecture – will add some sparkle to January NOEMA.IE

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

For Keeps

Start dropping hints about these standout engagement rings B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

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18K yellow gold and diamond ring, £14,795 tomfoolerylondon.co.uk

Prive luxe Isadora ring made with platinum and diamonds, £POA jemmawynne.com

18K yellow gold, yellow sapphire and diamond ring, £POA michelle-oh.com

GRAFF

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3.78ct fancy yellow radiant cut diamond ring with yellow pavé diamond surround and band (5.45cts), £POA graff.com

14K yellow gold and diamond ring, £6,100 shahlakarimi.com

Sloan solitaire ring made with 18K yellow gold and a yellow diamond, £POA brionyraymond.com

GROWN BRILLIANCE

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18K white gold Milan ring with 8.19 carats of lab grown diamonds, £13,160 grownbrilliance.com

Triple gypset ring 18K yellow gold with 1.34 carats of diamonds, £7,157 akailareid.com

18K yellow gold, morganite and diamond ring, £4,000 tomfoolerylondon.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY S

NATURAL LOOK THE DOCTOR & COMPANY

The Doctor & Company is a medical skin clinic headed by renowned cosmetic Doctor Natalie Haworth MBCHb. Dr Natalie has been a medical Doctor for over a decade and has been practising aesthetics for nine years. She is at the forefront of advanced aesthetic medicine, participating in research projects and furthering her career with a Masters in skin ageing. At their clinic, they specialise in delivering natural yet noticeable results that are backed by clinical evidence.

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In this sect ion N I C K Y M C B U R N E Y 72 B O O S T E N E R G Y 76 T H E S P A A T C A R D E N 80 M A N O R H O U S E H O T E L 83 B E A U T Y N E W S 89

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Seven

HEAVEN Cheshire personal trainer to the stars, Nicky McBurney, on the small steps you can take to build your overall strength XXX IMAGE CAPTION XXX

atest scientific research suggests that strength training is the single most important and powerful thing you can do for your body as you get older. The more lean muscle mass you can retain and grow, the better for your overall health and longevity. Progress can be made with just two to three strength based workouts every week, as building muscle is your critical body armour to fight off dementia, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. It will also ignite your metabolism and help you to lose fat. If you’re looking to begin a strength training plan, Nicky McBurney has got you covered with a plan to start with just your own bodyweight from which you can progress to weights easily when you feel stronger.

Plank Essential for working your core and mid section: start with your elbows directly stacked under your shoulders. Relax the shoulder blades down, and pull the pelvis under activating the glutes. Pull up from the knees and feel your quads (front thighs) activate. Make this easier by either dropping your knees or using an elevated platform for your elbows, such as a table top. Imagine you are pulling your tummy button back to your spine. Hold for 20, 30 or 40 seconds depending on your level.

Squat One of the best exercises to improve leg and glute strength. Drive the hips backwards and down keeping your chest high. Sink your glutes towards your heels and then pressing through the heels activate the glutes by switching them on as you ascend

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• XXXXX HEALTH &XXXXXXXX BEAUTY • PROFILE

back to standing position: pull the pelvis under and squeeze the glutes at the top of the move. Make this easier by using a chair to sit back on. Try 8/10/12 reps.

Bicycle ab crunch

“Strong abdominals are so important to protect your back”

Strong abdominals are so important to protect your back. Before you start, press your spine down fully onto the mat. Taking one shoulder blade off the floor, direct your elbow to the opposite knee, being careful not to pull your neck. Breathe out as you do this, then switch to the other side. Keep going, but try not to go too fast as taking the momentum away makes the movement so much harder! Try 8/10/12 reps.

Glute Bridge This is a highly effective exercise for strengthening the glutes and back. Lie on your back and make sure your heels are

CRUNCH

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROFILE

“Squats are one of the best exercises to improve leg and glute strength”

SQUAT

Lunges under your knees. Pressing through the heels activate and squeeze your glutes as you drive the hips as high as you can. Pause at the top and slowly release down. To progress add a dumbbell onto your hips. Try 8/10/12 reps.

Essential to strengthen almost every muscle of the lower body, lunges are an important part of any strength program. Keeping a 90 degree bend in the legs, descend your rear knee until it almost touches the floor. Drive through the heel of the front foot as you push yourself up to standing position. Add weights to progress. Try 8/10/12 reps.

Mountain climbers

Press ups

On your hands, hold a long arm plank making sure the wrists are stacked under your elbows and shoulders. Pull the pelvis under, and make sure you are in a straight line from shoulders, hips to ankles. Once in this strong position, pull your knee towards your nose, and repeat the other side: try and keep a steady pace feeling the work hit into your core, as you keep your tummy button pulled back to your spine. As your strength builds you’ll be able to hold this for longer, but to begin with you can use an elevated platform or take breaks when you need to. Try 20, 30 or 40 seconds depending on your level.

Creating strong arms, chest and core, the press-up ticks all of the boxes. Start on your knees and place your hands slightly in front of your shoulders. Your upper body should be straight, and at a 45 degree angle. Slowly lower your chest to the floor, and then push away from the floor to the start position. To start with you can drop your knees, or use an elevated surface eg kitchen countertop. Try 8/10 or 12 reps. Try the above circuit for three rounds making sure to work both sides, and enjoy the feeling of getting stronger as we enter 2024.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER

Nicky McBurney is an advanced PT and fitness expert. She is the founder of the Nicky's Bootcamp membership, works 1-1 with PT clients and specialises in training women over 40 with an emphasis on the power and benefits of strength training. Nicky is also a PT to the stars of Cheshire including BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent - see more at instagram.com/nickysbootcamp

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BEACH • GOLF • RESORT

The Ultimate in Resort Living Royal Westmoreland in St James offers a resort experience which is second to none. Enjoy ﬁve-star amenities including a world-class golf course and exclusive Beach Club at Mullins Bay. Our dedicated concierge team is on hand to ensure your stay is perfect from beginning to end.

The exclusive, gated community is made up of a collection of stunning properties, from apartments to sprawling detached villas. Stay for a while, or for a lifetime with holiday rental, fractional and full ownership opportunities all available. � Beach Club with chef Larry Rogers

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Full of

LIFE Lacking zest as we enter 2024? Chester Health Store offer up ﬁve easy steps to feel more energised

re your energy levels flagging? From not getting enough sleep, to sitting too long behind a screen, there are lots of reasons why your energy levels may be low – and some of these may surprise you. Here we look at what could be draining your mental and physical reserves, and how you can feel more energised in five easy steps.

Too much

OF THE SWEET (OR FAKE) STUFF: Sugary, processed foods that are high in refined, quick-release carbs (found in white bread, pastries and sweets), may give you a quick energy fix, but after a couple of hours, sudden spikes in energy will plummet, making you feel tired and sleepy. CAFFEINE: Many of us reach for a mug of coffee to help fight fatigue, and in moderation, coffee can boost alertness, but too much coffee has been linked to agitation, a raised heart rate, raised blood pressure and fatigue. SCREEN TIME: Too social for your own good? According to an article in Women’s Health magazine, research from the University of Illinois found that the constant use of a smartphone had a negative impact on mental health, leading to fatigue, anxiety and low mood. STRESS: Feeling stressed can take its toll on energy levels. Whilst it may not be possible

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • ENERGY

to remove stress completely from your life, allow yourself at least 30 minutes each day to do whatever helps you to relax.

Too little

LAUGHTER: Low mood affects the body mentally and physically. Those suffering from low mood often experience fatigue and low energy levels. WATER: Up to 60% of the human body is made up of water. The brain, vital organs and muscles contain even more. Even slight dehydration will cause body tissue to lose fluid and function less well, resulting in tiredness and poor concentration. SLEEP: Poor sleep on an ongoing basis will deplete your energy levels. If you’re having

“Allow yourself at least 30 minutes each day to do whatever helps you to relax”

trouble sleeping, taking time to wind down before bedtime will enable your nervous system to shift into a pre-sleep pattern. IRON: Heavy periods – even regular periods – can cause low iron levels, which can cause profound fatigue, as well as light-headedness and feeling disassociated. Quite disconcerting. VITAMIN B12: Of all the B vitamins, B12 is especially important for red blood cell formation and energy release. Having low levels of vitamin B12 will zap your mental energy, your attention span and your cognitive function. MOVEMENT: Low energy can also result from a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of exercise, especially if you spend most of your day behind a computer screen. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • ENERGY

“Aim to drink at least two litres of water daily”

Five simple steps to more energy Happily, there’s plenty you can do to increase your energy levels naturally – here are five of our favourites...

DRINK MORE WATER It may seem obvious, but one of the main causes of fatigue is dehydration. When temperatures increase it’s easy to forget to increase your water intake accordingly – and if you’re not drinking enough water to begin with, it won’t be long before you’ll start to feel the effects of dehydration, which include difficulty concentrating, headaches and fatigue. Aim for at least two litres of water daily.

GET SUFFICIENT SLEEP Poor sleep on an ongoing basis will soon zap your energy. If you’re having trouble nodding off because your bedroom is too stuffy, try changing your bedding – choose natural fibres over synthetic, and sheets over duvets to help increase airflow and circulation. A natural sleep

remedy can also help. A.Vogel’s Dormeasan® Sleep with extracts of fresh Valerian and Hops can help restore a better sleep pattern. It’s not known to be addictive, and is not associated with groggy feelings when you wake in the morning, or with side effects when you come off it.

SLAY YOUR STRESS Feeling stressed can take its toll on energy levels. It causes the digestive system to slow, meaning we don’t get as many nutrients, and therefore less fuel from food. It also means we can become deficient in the vitamins and minerals we need to keep our bodies working, and our energy levels up. Allow yourself at least 30 minutes each day to do whatever helps you to relax, whether that’s a walk by yourself, a long soak or a dip into a good book.

DITCH THE QUICK-RELEASE CARBS Found in white bread, pastries and sweets. They might give you a quick sugar fix, but after a couple of hours that sudden spike of energy will drop, making you feel tired and sleepy. Low GI, energy-rich foods, such as wholegrains, nuts and seeds, and foods rich in protein, will keep you full for longer.

STILL FEELING TIRED? Bring your minerals into balance. Minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are essential for turning the food we eat into energy. A.Vogel’s Balance Mineral Drink contains magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium and vitamin D, to help release energy and maintain vitality. Simply add to water and stir.

Chester Health Store, 59 Bridge Street Row, Chester CH1 1NW, chesterhealthstore.co.uk

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Rejuvenating Treatments Refreshed Skin A Youthful Look for 2024 thedoctorandcompany.com

Within Arch & Co, 265, Monton Road, Monton, Manchester, M30 8LF Whalley, The Doctor & Company, 85, King Street, Whalley, BB7 9SW

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SKIN DEEP Chester’s The Spa at Carden has introduced Germaine de Capuccini’s new Mesoboost treatment. Absolutely ﬁnds out more about it

he Spa at Carden, the multi-award-winning destination spa nestled within the stunning Cheshire countryside, has introduced Germaine de Capuccini’s groundbreaking Mesoboost treatment to its already extensive menu. The Spa at Carden will be one of the first and only spas in the UK to offer this innovative skincare treatment. But what exactly is the treatment? The Mesoboost treatment is powered by an Electroporation Transdermal Mesochip System (ETM) offering a new and results-driven way to administer active skincare ingredients to the skin. This noninvasive therapy combines transcutaneous

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“Mesoboost represents the future of non-invasive, results-driven treatments” meso-chip penetration technology with electroporation technology to optimise the skin’s absorption rate of active ingredients, ensuring maximum efficacy without the need for needles. Key benefits of Mesoboost: • Accelerates skin regeneration; • Enhances skin microcirculation; • Moisturises and firms the skin; • Improves skin texture and reduces blemishes; • Provides an overall rejuvenation effect. The Spa at Carden will be taking on Expert Lab, which are a cocktail of active ingredients patented for Germaine de Capuccini. These

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formulas enable slow release and allow the ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin. There are three complexes which are Rejuvenating, Lifting and Pigment Therapy. Germaine de Capuccini’s exclusive LAB SOLUTION mixes will allow the therapists to target a variety of skin concerns, including lines and wrinkles, sagging and dehydration. The ETM system creates reversible micro-channels in the skin, painlessly and efficiently delivering essential nutrients into the skin. This innovative treatment ensures that every drop of active ingredient is absorbed by the skin, minimising product waste and maximising results. On the introduction of the Mesoboost treatment, spa director Emma Pridding says: “We are delighted to be welcoming Germaine de Capuccini’s Mesoboost to our treatment menu. We are dedicated to offering our guests the latest in skincare and spa innovation, and Mesoboost represents the future of non-invasive, results-driven treatments. We’re excited to be among the first in the UK to provide this transformative experience, surrounded by the natural beauty of Cheshire and Carden Park’s expansive estate.” The new treatment will be performed in The Spa at Carden’s stunning Bollinger Beauty Bar, where guests can enjoy 5-star luxury and views over the award-winning spa garden. The Mesoboost is £155 per treatment and is performed in the Bollinger Bar as a clinical style treatment. Carden Park Hotel is located amidst the beautiful Cheshire countryside on 1,000 acres of estate. With 197 stunning bedrooms including four Carden Luxury Suites, £10 million spa with one of the largest spa gardens

in the UK, a newly refurbished Leisure Club, two Championship golf courses, award winning restaurants and highly acclaimed conference and meeting facilities, Carden Park is unrivalled as a venue for pleasure and business pursuits. Recent investment in the facilities includes the fine dining restaurant The Vines, with head chef Graham Tinsley, as well as the outdoor adventure ropes course named Vertigo at Carden and upgrades to overnight accommodation. The Spa at Carden was awarded with a prestigious 5 bubble luxury rating from the Good Spa Guide and awarded ‘Best New Spa’ in the inaugural 2020 awards. More recently, The Spa at Carden won Large Spa of the year 2022 at the BABTAC awards and Experience of the Year at the 2022 Marketing Cheshire Awards, as well as highly commended for the Hotel of the Year. cardenpark.co.uk

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Welcome to True Skin Innovation

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SPA

Sleeping

B E A U T Y Manor House Hotel in Alsager has expanded its award-winning spa for a new year offer that will help you drift away

heshire’s ‘hidden gem’, The Spa at the Manor House, based in Alsager, has opened brand-new spa areas to cheer us all up in January. Adding to the already expansive spa garden, the spa spaces are accessible as part of the new spa package, Snowfall Slumber. The package, alongside the new cosy areas, encourages guests to unwind post the busy festive buzz. Situated to the corner of the stunning spa garden and continuing the spa’s rustic and natural feel, the new Woodshed offers guests a covered retreat from the outdoor spa spaces. Complete with an internal fire pit and comfortable seating spots, the new area is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious hot beverage in the cool fresh air. Additionally, the spa has also opened a brand-new relaxation area for guests to retreat to. Home to three lounging beds, with a pull across curtain for privacy, the space is the perfect nook to read or snooze following a treatment. The

expansion of relaxation spaces comes as the spa also opens three new bright treatment rooms, taking the spa’s total treatment spaces to six, allowing more guests to enjoy luxurious treatments by TempleSpa and Tribe517. All guests who have treatments at the Spa at the Manor House are entitled to one hour in the private relaxation spaces, so they can soak up the tranquillity a little longer before heading back to the spa. On the launch of the new spaces, the spa has announced its brand new winter package, Snowfall Slumber. Guests will be enveloped in warmth and comfort at the spa, where they can soak in the heated pool connected to the UK’s first swim-up

“GUESTS WILL BE ENVELOPED IN WARMTH AND COMFORT”

bar. With seven hours spa access, there are plenty of relaxing spaces to choose from, whether it’s in the revitalising sauna or outdoor hot tub. Included in the package is a 30 minute session in the unique Salt Shed Experience, a chamber infused with salt and essential oils, to benefit the respiratory system, skin and mind, with the option of guided meditation. Guests can then indulge in a scrumptiously seasonal afternoon tea, as well as a 60-minute Snowfall Slumber Ritual. This ritual has been created by artisan product brand Tribe517, allowing guests to drift into a deep slumber with this soothing and rebalancing back and foot ritual. Muscles ease with the warm black A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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pepper and petitgrain balms during the pressure point foot massage, followed by a soothing back massage. Finished beautifully with a 'snowfall' mist, followed by an hour of reflection in the Relaxation Lounges. Jess Mellors, the general Manager at Manor House Alsager, says: “We are delighted to open the new elements to the spa. The new spaces are really cosy, and enhance the spa experience even more.

“THE NEW SPA SPACES ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE”

We’re delighted to have had such an amazing reception to our spa since it opened and are pleased to continue its expansion to cater to guest demand for more treatments and areas for relaxation.” Opening the new spaces just a year since the completion of its English Country Spa Garden following a 12-month redevelopment, the Manor House Hotel, an independent familyowned hotel in Alsager, has gone from success to success, winning awards and regularly attended by celebrities. The spa boasts indoor spa facilities that house luxurious changing facilities stocked with the finest spa toiletries. The changing rooms lead to the large

serenity pool, surrounded by loungers and an Instagram-able hanging day bed, complete with a poolside indoor Finnish sauna, and aromatherapy steam room. Outside, The English Country Spa garden inspired spa has plenty of quiet areas to sit and contemplate, such as the Table Top Hydrotherapy Tub set in a formal sunken garden, and a number of experiences housed in stunning garden buildings, including Potting Shed, Herbal Sauna, icy cool plunge bath and shower experience, Panoramic Laconium with swing seats that overlook the fields beyond, and the Summer House where guests can find the Light Relaxation Lounge and Patio. The Spa is also the first in the UK to install outdoor underfloor heating as well as provide individual heating in each hanging bed, making it a year-round retreat. The Pool House is adjoined to the large outdoor heated Vitality Pool enhanced by the breathtaking views of the 2,000 sqm English Country Spa Garden. manorhousealsager.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

Sleep secrets

How to achieve the perfect night’s sleep? Start with the perfect mattress By EVE HERBERT

he perfect night’s sleep is the holy grail of life. The quality of our sleep defines our day – and a good night will lead to happier, more productive and successful waking hours. But how to achieve it? Most important is, of course, the bed itself. Swedish company Carpe Diem Beds was founded 25 years ago by chiropractor Börje Thuleskär, a firm believer in the importance of sleep for body and mind. He sought out the best mattress on the market, but wasn’t impressed by it. One day he fell asleep on a bed of heather by the sea and discovered that it was more comfortable than any bed. This led him to embark on a quest to build the perfect bed, one that would mimic the feeling of weightlessness he had had on the heather. The quest took thousands of hours and a partnership with the Spinal Unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden. The final result is Carpe Diem Beds' patented Contour Pocket System, which has a

unique cushioning ability. It gently yields and supports at the same time, instantly moulding to your body’s contours and changing with your every movement. The sensation is unique: almost weightless and quite unlike most standard mattresses. Just like lying on a bed of heather on the cliffs by the Swedish sea, in fact. Carpe Diem Beds has a showroom on Wigmore Street where visitors can experience the company’s ethos first hand, and there are displays at Harrods and Heal’s too. The store is dedicated to optimising the bedroom environment to create an oasis of calm, and visitors can experience the company’s ethos first hand under the guidance of manger Rui Franca. And while choosing the perfect mattress for you is at the heart of the experience, there’s a strong focus on bedroom design and streamlining, so that the bed you choose can be enclosed in an environment that’s conducive to optimum sleep health. It’s a very calming place and people are encouraged to take their time. The consultation involves trying every bed until you find the one you like best. “We like people to come and spend an hour or two trying the beds. There’s a widespread misconception that a firm mattress is better for you, says Rui. “But we believe that you should sleep in the bed, not on the bed, and our contour pocket system is meant to contour your body so that you feel you’re sleeping on a cloud.” Top of the range is Vindö, the most innovative adjustable bed that offers automatic lumbar and neck support, with head and foot rests that can be lowered or raised to suit your needs. It has a variety of massage functions that can be controlled via an app, as well as built in under-bed lighting. Skaftö is Carpe Diem Beds’ most exclusive continental bed and its moveable mid-section can be adjusted, with built-in back support customised by remote control. There’s no better single route to wellbeing for body and soul than rest and sleep, and that’s why a Carpe Diem bed is a long term investment in your overall health. 15 Wigmore Street, W1 020 3982 3252; carpediembeds.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

FOCUS

Harrogate Organics Company

MARINE DREAM I S H GA

Inspires with a natural approach to healing

Presented in luxurious packaging that nods to the 10 year anniversary of Ishga, the Hydra+ Marine Cream contains Hebridean seaweed extract, which is rich in antioxidants to deepy rejuvenate the skin, £125.

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EDITOR’S PICK

WRAP IT UP Q +A

A super cute stocking filler for beauty obsessives, the Body Heroes Christmas Cracker from Q+A contains a three-step regime to keep skin hydrated all winter long, £12. qandaskin.com

H A IR HERO LEONOR GREYL

This hardworking pre-shampoo treatment helps to detangle, deeply soften, and revive hair. It also provides protection against the elements as well as damage from day-to-day sun exposure and pollution, £34.

tart your natural healing journey with Harrogate Organics Company’s game-changing Natural Repair Magnesium Oil Spray. Known for its expert healing properties, Magnesium is a mineral in which many of us, are deficient. The result? A number of problematic health conditions like poor sleep, restless legs, muscle aches and pains, stress and anxiety, menopause symptoms, bone, joint pain and inflammation, migraines and headaches. Two hundred and fifty years in the making, Harrogate Organics Company’s Magnesium is farmed from one of the purest places on earth – the Zechstein Sea, the Netherlands, and made at their Swiss-lab, producing a pure spray containing zero nasty preservatives or ingredients. The water and essential Eucalyptus oils are certified organic. The transdermal spray absorbs quickly for effective relief for everyday issues. The response has been amazing. “Pure magic in a bottle, restless legs no more!” says Natalie. “Really works. I sleep like a baby after a few sprays!” adds Lisa. Based in Harrogate, their products work together to solve some of life’s problems such as sleep, anxiety and stress, so that your days are happier and healthier. EXCLUSIVE to Absolutely readers! Enjoy 15% OFF with code ABSOLUTELY15 at checkout. HARROGATE ORGANIC S COMPANY 7 Market place, Harrogate, HG1 1RP 0330 1332025

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

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THREE HIKING STAPLES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

WARM UP This half-zip top is designed to keep the chills out, making the perfect layer for hiking. Soft and warm, the fabric is treated with a plant seed-based finish to help wick sweat as you climb to your destination, £88. lululemon.co.uk

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STAY WARM Filled with responsibly-sourced down for unbeatable warmth, this jacket is ideal for cold, wet days on the trail. It also has clever FlashDry™ technology, which wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable if you start to sweat, £315. thenorthface.co.uk

Carly Glendinning meets celebrity personal trainer and founder of LDM Louisa Drake

’s Friday and I’m sitting in the waiting area at UNTIL, home to some of the UK’s top health and wellness professionals. I’m here to meet Louisa Drake, founder of the Louisa Drake Method, and known for training celebrities from Gwynth Paltrow to Rooney Mara. Louisa bounds around the corner, with a huge smile and I warm to her immediately. She puts me through my paces on the reformer Pilates machine and takes me through exercises with free weights, Pilates resistance bands, and a ball. As I perform each movement, Louisa assesses my strengths and weaknesses, checking which side feels more comfortable. We discuss my fitness goals and areas I want to improve (I

have a toddler, so it’s my core and pelvic floor). “I’m already making a mental note of which LDM videos will be great for you,” she says as I get ready to leave. The following week, an incredibly detailed fitness plan with nutritional guidelines, as well as notes about my weaker areas and how to improve them, lands in my inbox. Armed with my LDM Total Workout Kit, I’m all set to log onto the LDM platform and start training. With a background as a professional dancer, choreographer, and movement coach, Louisa’s programme is fusion of Pilates, yoga, barre, and HIIT. She’s recommended I aim for three full-body strength and resistance based sessions and two-three HIIT/

cardio sessions per week. Before meeting Louisa, I think I might have found this a bit daunting, but I’m so fired up after our session that I stick to it and find myself really enjoying it. The videos are led by different LDM instructors and I try a combination of 'Barre', 'Sculpt', 'Refine, Core' and Louisa’s signature 'Shape Changer' classes. I’ve noticed a huge difference in a few short weeks and I'd highly recommend a one-to-one with Louisa to supercharge your routine. Access to the LDM Virtual Studio starts from £20 a month. One-to-one session pricing on request; louisadrake.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

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HOURGLASS

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The Ultimate Glow Duo, £63 spacenk.com

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B-Goldi™ Bright Drops, £33 drunkelephant.co.uk

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CHANTECAILLE Radient Glow Blur Powder, Precious Metal Collection, £92 chantecaille.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Pillow Talk On The Go Kit, £43 spacenk.com

GLOSSIER Mini Cloud Paint Duo, £23 glossier.com

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THOUGHTFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP

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RF1903 | Rikke Frost

The Sideways Sofa from Rikke Frost combines classic materials – wood, paper cord, and highquality upholstery textile – with a modern asymmetric shape. With a focus on ergonomics and functionality, the KK44860 Side Table is a simple design, displaying traditional craft techniques and highlighting the unique qualities and the beauty of wood. RF1903 Sideways Sofa, walnut, oil, Hallingdal 0200, £7,445 | KK44860 Side Table, walnut, oil, £1,128 | MO300 Wall Lamp, Powder-Coated Steel, black, £228

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INTERIORS

LI NE UP B E N JA M I N M O O R E

For 2024, Benjamin Moore is suggesting that we use masking tape to play with angles and introduce unexpected geometry to coving in a fearless, eye-catching colour such as this Outrageous Orange. Furniture and accessories in the same shade lock the scheme together. benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk

Arighi Bianchi 96 • David Lisle 102 • Trend 105 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SARAH BIANCHI

From its iconic store to 170 years in business, Arighi Bianchi is a landmark in Macclesﬁeld. Managing Director, Sarah Bianchi, tells us more

Q How does it feel to be reaching your 170th anniversary? A It’s a wonderful feeling and we’re all so proud to be reaching such a pivotal milestone in our history. As we’ve approached this landmark year, I’ve spent time reflecting on our success over the decades, and understanding just what makes Arighi Bianchi unique. This has led to the development of some very exciting plans for 2024 and beyond, which will see us evolve the business for the future, whilst upholding the values that have been embedded in our success for all these years. Q When the business launched, what was its focus? A Our founders, Antonio Arighi and Antonio Bianchi (my great-grandfather) were both master craftsmen. Antonio Arighi began by making clocks and barometers (some of which we still have today!) and Antonio Bianchi was a cabinet maker. This then evolved into them producing upholstered furniture, using Macclesfield silks and materials, and from there, the rest is history. We’ve produced pieces for royalty over the years and this focus on quality and timelessness is everpresent, with our buyers spending a lot of time discovering and curating quality products from brands and makers around the world.

QWhat have been the key dates in the business’s history since then? A We’ve had so much happen in our nearly two centuries of life and much of this is entwined with the history of the nation. From Antonio Bianchi escaping the Italian civil war in 1854 to reach safety in Macclesfield, to our staff, directors and even our horses serving and sacrificing their lives in both WWI and WWII, we’ve lived through so much. As a retailer, we’ve opened a hotel in the past and other regional stores and we’ve welcomed many famous customers too. It’s also a huge source of pride to know that our products serve royalty, although that is something we maintain discretion on. For me, as a retailer, every day is key as it means opening up our doors to our customers and continuing to give them the warm welcome that Arighi Bianchi is known for. Q Have there been some downs along the way? A As with any business, there are always downs and I’d say our biggest challenge actually occurred before my time, when my father (Paul Bianchi) was leading the business. In 1970 there was an attempted compulsory purchase of our store and plans for it to be demolished, to make way for the building of

PART of the F

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INTERIORS • PROFILE

FURNITURE A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • PROFILE

a new North-South Macclesfield ring road. My father fought this tooth and nail and was instrumental in saving our iconic building and physical heritage. There was huge public support in the form of a 100,000-strong petition and backing from figures like poet laureate John Betjeman. Thankfully our efforts were successful and we remain here today, with the building now listed and protected for the future. I really think Macclesfield wouldn’t be the same without our store, which is the heart of our business and our local community. Q In what ways has the business evolved and moved with the times? A The pace of change is immense – we’re constantly adapting to ensure we serve the ever-evolving needs of our customers and we’re always investing in our tech in order to serve both our store and online customers. Something I’ve noticed is that in today’s world, as consumers, we’re geared up to want super quick delivery and immediate purchases, but with our business, sometimes we have to balance this with the quality and time it takes to produce and deliver crafted, often handmade pieces. We also employ our delivery teams in-house and this is something our customers really value in terms of the personal service they get, but it means that we can’t simply arrange next day delivery and outsource around the clock. Q Today, what does Arighi Bianchi offer? A We have a carefully curated selection of

interiors, from furniture for every room to a huge range of accessories, which we will be

expanding with some exclusive new brand partnerships in 2024. Within the store we also have a flooring and carpet department, blinds, curtains and a kitchen concession, so we really do provide all the things needed for a complete home renovation and I think some people still aren’t aware of that! Our focus is offering warm and expert-led service in every department and this mix of honest advice, inspiration and friendliness is something people really appreciate. Q Do you feel a really important part of Macclesfield? A I’d like to think so – Macclesfield is certainly important to us and it’s why we’ve never moved our HQ. As the “silk capital” of England, Macclesfield has such history and industrial heritage and this was why our founders chose it as the place to start Arighi Bianchi. Something I love about

Macclesfield and the surrounding areas are the wealth of independent businesses we have across all sectors and that’s something we’re proud to be part of. Q What would we find if we visited you in person? A I think you’d need a good few hours as our store and café offers so much! You’d firstly be greeted with a big smile from one of our wonderful team members, many of whom have been with us for decades. You’d find a vast range of designs suitable for every style of home and taste throughout our store and especially on our newly-refreshed ground floor. We also have some lovely pieces of history throughout our store, showcasing our heritage and story which people love to browse. Our café has also undergone a complete transformation so you’d be able to take a break and enjoy a coffee and some delicious food and drinks before browsing more of the store and discovering new things on each of our four floors. Q How long have you been working with the business now and how did it feel to take over as MD? A I’ve been working in the business since I was a teenager. After a career spent working as a parliamentary assistant in London, I officially joined the business when I was in

INSIDE THE STORE

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Making sustainable living beautiful

Artisan homeware handcrafted in England. www.tomraffield.com

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14/12/2023 13:34 06/12/2023 15:47:37

INTERIORS • PROFILE

“Macclesﬁeld wouldn't be the same without our store. It is the heart of the local community”

AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE BUILDING IN THE 19TH CENTURY

my 20s, firstly in the flooring department, then working my way up through several departments before becoming managing director in 2021. It was a huge honour to take on the role that my father and his father did before him and if I’m being really honest, running your family business is a strange mix of absolute familiarity with everything, but also the pressure of maintaining the legacy for future generations – it’s a strange juxtaposition! I’m very closely supported by my fellow directors including my brother Nick and our cousins John and Richard, along with our wider team of 100 plus people, which includes some younger members of the family too. Q That was during the height of

Q As we head into 2024, what are you keen to achieve with the business? A In addition to marking our 170th anniversary with some fantastic celebrations, I’m keen to showcase the on-going work from our strategic transformation plan that recently launched. It captures all aspects of the business including everything from a carefully crafted rebrand, new website, renovation of our store and café, and the development of some amazing brand partnerships which will see us introduce brands that won’t be found anywhere else in the region, or the UK. We really want to create a lasting brand legacy that is centred on delivering a wonderful and enhanced store and online experience.

Q Can you reveal any of your anniversary plans yet? A Of course – we’re marking our 170th anniversary with a whole year of celebrations, which will hopefully delight our customers and engage the local community too. There will be some stunning activations in store which celebrate the milestone and reflect on our rich history too, and we’re working on creating some lovely pieces of digital and physical content to capture this as lasting pieces. There will be events throughout the year and something big in July, but that’s all I can say so watch this space! arighibianchi.co.uk

Covid – how tough was that time? A You know what, it was a really tough time for so many people and businesses and we’re grateful we were able to sustain the business and look after our teams. Things changed almost overnight, but our team adapted and we just got on with serving our customers as safely as possible – we often spent many a night packing orders in the warehouse when the store had to close and online orders surged. For me personally, the most important thing was ensuring the health of our staff, their families and the wider community. Q What have been your own personal highlights in your time with the business? A There have been so many and as a business that has always tried to lead the way and evolve, it’s been nice to have led the way in shaping our retail experience and customer offer by bringing in new initiatives. Sometimes it’s the everyday things such as receiving another 5* review from a customer or welcoming a new and exclusive brand partner that are highlights. Many of our stocked brands have high standards when it comes to their retail outlets, so when they entrust Arighi Bianchi with their brand, I’m always proud. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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H E A R T F E L T

DESIGN Combining a piece of history with creative interior design, the David Lisle store blends historic charm with visionary design W o r d s A L I S H A D AV I S

P h o t o g r a p h y K AT H A N N O N

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

“IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY, YOU'LL SEE THE ENGRAVING OF A HEART”

n the heart of Macclesfield stands a former church, home to David Lisle. This isn’t your standard kitchen showroom; it’s a place that marries function with aesthetics with a piece of nearly 200-year-old Cheshire history. After beginning his career in a canalside workshop in Bollington’s Adelphi Mill, David bought Beech Lane Chapel in 1999 after realising the need for a more tangible connection between clients and their envisioned kitchens, and set out to create a space that would transcend traditional showrooms. “We originally had a very small showroom in Stockport that didn’t work as well as I would have liked, so I started looking around for another site,” David explains. “I wanted something on a high street, not far back, but realised a lot of the places were taken by the motor trade. That’s when I saw the church was up for sale and realised it would be the ideal space.” The space was a working church, still lined with pews, and David immediately knew it would work for his showroom and factory. The project took a couple of

DAVID AND BECKY LISLE

years to complete, where he meticulously incorporated and retained as much of the church’s history as possible whilst creating a working space. Stone flags, remnants of the Sunday School’s outdoor area, were used to pave the floor, stained glass windows were refurbished to create a unique atmosphere and the pews were used to construct panelling on the walls. “If you look closely at one of them, you’ll see the engraving of a heart,” David’s daughter and senior designer, Becky says. This attention to detail is a nod to the enduring stories that surround the building’s history. The result is a showroom that exudes a unique space, transcending the typical retail experience. Though the building is large, the showroom is, in fact, quite compact, each item placed to showcase the variety of interior stylings on offer. Upstairs remained empty initially, before being used to highlight the modern offerings, but as the business flourished, a deliberate decision was made to keep the showroom relatively small. “We discovered you don’t need a huge showroom to show what we can do,” David explains. The rest of the space is dominated by their in-house factory, where six other makers work to bring clients’ kitchen designs to life. Little windows highlight the work that goes on, so clients can see the processes it takes to bring their ideas to life. Over the years, the showroom has seen ever-evolving changes in style preferences, from antique farmhouse kitchens to handpainted Shaker styles. “Trends change,” David says. “We used to do lots of rustic woodwork. And then it changed to handpainted Shaker style, to sleek minimalism.” When asked what the upcoming kitchen trends are set to be, David and Becky say they are veering from the popular grey scale that have been seen everywhere and could potentially see a resurgence of dark wood and pops of colour. One eye-catching

design by David Lisle is the welcoming bamboo kitchen, the eco-friendly design that combines style and sustainability, a refreshing change to the traditional wood. The process of staying ahead of trends means keeping an eye on magazines, media, and client preferences. Being situated in the North, the showroom often draws inspiration from trends established in London. However, like many things, the design is all down to client preferences, with some returning over the years to update their design. “Some clients come in with an idea of what design they want, but can quickly change their mind when we show them some of the designs,” David says. “Others come in with no set idea, and through conversations about their home, what they like, we create something that reflects their personality and needs.” David Lisle is not just about designing a functional place to cook (they also design other areas in the house), they focus on creating an all-encompassing living space, bringing in snugs and dining areas, a full living space, everything needed to ensure the kitchen remains at the heart of the home. Absolutely Cheshire has certainly seen the light. davidlislekitchendesign.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY ‘Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication’ Leonardo da Vinci.

Saman tha Bartlett Interiors Tel. 0203 086 7100 | Mobile. 07595670539 Email. stud io@ samanthabartlett.com Website. www.samanthabartlett.com

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INTERIORS • TREND MINIFORMS Illo Coffee Table, £520 gomodern.co.uk

BOBBI BECK GINGER RAY Merry and Bright Dinner Candles, £7.95 gingerray.co.uk

Brown Geometric Zen Garden Pattern Wallpaper Mural, £32 bobbibeck.com

ROSE & GREY

EDITOR’S PICK

Braided Tulip Basket, £35 roseandgrey.co.uk

SAZY Rosta Stackable Aluminium Chair, £99 sazy.com

MERRY& BRIGHT

EBB & FLOW Horizon Surface Wall Lamp, £279 limelace.co.uk

Bold colours for a bit of new year cheer By P E N D L E H A R T E

PALAVA Napkin Set Red Cave, £14.50 palava.co

BODE LIVING Duo Red Photo Frame, £22.50 bode-living.com

VARIER LIGNE ROSET HAY Neon Tube LED Light, £65 skandium.com

Coupole Table Lamp, £184 ariashop.co.uk

Ekstrem Chair in Knitted Velvet, £2,699 backinaction.co.uk

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L I T T L E

PEEK Absolutely takes a ﬁrst look inside the decadent £2m Piccolino Grande Wilmslow

luxurious new Piccolino Grande restaurant has opened on Swan Street in Wilmslow, following a £2 million investment by Individual Restaurant Group. Grandeur and decadence exude from the no expense spared Italian chic interiors at the new restaurant. Opened on 21 November, Piccolino Grande Wilmslow marks a new era for the much-loved Piccolino brand, bringing with it an exclusive menu unique to Wilmslow and a new level of elegant interior design that has been inspired by the finest in Italian dining, culture and style. “The restaurant is a stage,” Andrew Garton, CEO at Individual Restaurants, explains. “Every element of the restaurant has been intricately and carefully curated to deliver a fully authentic, immersive Italian dining experience which delights the senses from the moment you walk through the door.

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

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“Visually, guests will see food and drinks being prepared, showcased and served in every direction with the mouthwatering scent of cooking radiating from the open kitchen and the sights and sounds of food being lovingly prepared table-side echoing around, transporting guests to every region of Italy. “There are food and drink cues at every turn and the interior design encapsulates everything that is special about Italian food and culture,” Andrews adds, “elevating it in the most decadent of settings. Each area of the restaurant makes you feel like you’re on a journey through the rolling hills of Tuscany and the bustling streets of Naples, through to the fashion houses of Milan.” With food and drink at the heart of the restaurant, large glass cabinets will store steak visible to diners who can select their cut of choice. Fresh, seasonal, quality Italian ingredients are prominent on the restaurant’s menu and the kitchen has been designed to showcase this. With an open kitchen configured for guests to view Italian

chefs, making authentic Italian food from fresh, raw ingredients, it adds to the theatre and experience with food at the fore. A traditional copper clad pizza oven, a bespoke commission handmade in Italy, takes pride of place in the restaurant, only matched by the world class Steakhouse Grill in the open kitchen, making quite the statement that the steak at this restaurant is not-to-be-missed. The restaurant features a combination of elegant oak, marble and brass interiors, including stunning Carrara marble from Italy, brass trim panels and pendant lights, oak panelling and diamond mirrors. The restaurant’s Winterised terrace has been designed to give an outdoor/indoor experience all year round, so guests can imagine they’re relaxing in Tuscany whatever the weather, with traditional terracotta tile flooring, green terrazzo table tops, natural woven timber armchairs and a ceiling raft bursting with plantation. The bar has been styled for every occasion, whether it’s late night entertaining or a casual daytime coffee, elegance sits at the

heart. Warm, soft lighting illuminates the impressive back bar, while bold large format wallpaper and plants adorning the ceiling add sophisticated design, complemented further by Italian marble and brass table tops. The grandeur of the restaurant’s bathrooms is reminiscent of a Milan fashion house, with every little detail meticulously considered. The bathrooms exude luxury with a spacious, illuminated vanity unit and make up area, statement large print wall murals, premium fixtures and brass framed mirrors. “There has been no expense spared in the interior design and décor at Piccolino Grande Wilmslow,” states Andrew. “It’s our most exuberant restaurant to date and brings with it an exciting new era for the Piccolino brand. Wilmslow will bring the finest quality and most authentic Italian dining experience to the area and with the addition of a late night bar and Winterised Tuscan terrace, it will be the go-to destination for every occasion.” piccolinorestaurants.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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AWA R D - W I N N I N G L U X U RY B AT H RO O M D E S I G N A N D S U P P LY

0333 011 3333 |

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

Leading LIGHTS How BHS and Litecraft can combine to transform your home this new year

“With BHS and Litecraft, your space can shine with elegance and charm”

s the new year unfolds, BHS and Litecraft are here to help you infuse your home with the cosy charm of winter. Transform your space with the timeless elegance of BHS and illuminate with the expertise of Litecraft. BHS continues to be a go-to destination for creating a warm and inviting winter home. Their online store is brimming with classic, yet contemporary soft furnishings, cosy textiles, and elegant decor. As you welcome the new year, consider refreshing your space with a refined palette of winter hues. With an array of matching family ranges and more diverse collections, you’ll find everything you need to start the year anew with style. At Litecraft, their focus is on lighting up your winter space with style. Their products feature a wide array of light fixtures that add a touch of glamour and sophistication. From dazzling ceiling lights to sleek floor, table or wall lamps, their lighting solutions are designed to create a warm and inviting ambience for your home. Their online sites offer an extensive selection of options, while the Litecraft store in Chadderton, Oldham, Gorse Street, OL9 9RJ, which hosts a BHS concession, is perfect for those who prefer a hands-on shopping experience. As you embark on a fresh year, make your home the heart of warmth and elegance. Discover BHS and Litecraft’s lighting and homeware ranges, ideal for the winter and new year season to create a haven that reflects your unique style. Visit the online stores to explore the latest winter and new year-themed

offerings. Find out more about BHS' iconic presence at bhs.com and illuminate your home with Litecraft’s expert lighting solutions at litecraft.co.uk. Make this new year a time for fresh beginnings in your home. With BHS and Litecraft, your space can shine with elegance and charm. Elevate your surroundings and welcome the new year with style and warmth. Also visit the social media pages @bhs_uk and @litecraftlighting for more updates on new product launches, sales, and interior trends A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s 109

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H O T L A V A

What do Duran Duran, Camille Walala and Rankin have in common? They have all designed a lava lamp, of course B y PENDLE HARTE

he lava lamp turned 60 in 2023 – but its spirit remains as youthful as ever. Founded in 1963 by British inventor, entrepreneur and eccentric Edward Craven Walker, the company has produced and sold millions of its iconic lava lamps globally from its Dorset base, gaining a host of awards and cult following along the way. Since 1963, each Lava Lamp has been made in Britain – from the spun metal that gives them their distinctive form, the packaging and the glass bottles, to the liquids inside. Hand-filled in the Poole factory, each lamp is made with a unique (and secret) Mathmos lava lamp formula that delivers bright, clear colours. Made with quality and designed to last, Mathmos continues to create replacement bottles and bulbs for all its lamps from the 1960s to the present day. Edward’s tireless dedication to perfecting the formulation of the lamp until his death in 2000 ensured a legacy of the best quality lava lamps globally, with the highest standards of safety testing. The Astro was the first Lava Lamp in 1963, and it has been in continuous British production for 60 years. To celebrate the company’s 60th anniversary, as well as the Astro Lava Lamp’s enduring quality of design and relevance through the years, Mathmos partnered with creatives from across the fashion and design industries to take it into the future including Rankin, Sabine Marcelis, Studio Job, Camille Walala and Duran Duran, each of whom has designed their very own lamp.

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

DURAN DURAN'S LAVA LAMP

CAMILLE WALALA

Camille Walala on the lava lamp Q Do you have any memories connected to lava lamps? A I always wanted one when I was a child. It was the epitome of cool. Q Much of your work involves colour

“EACH LAMP IS FILLED WITH A UNIQUE AND SECRET FORMULA”

and shapes, which are important features of the lamps. How did you go about designing one? A It was quite challenging to customise the lamp itself, as the surface is quite minimal. I didn’t want to overdo it. I created many variations of what patterns could work well on the base, added a little pattern to the metal work and of course picked my favourite colour and oil combination. As well as choosing what cord would look good with my choice of detail. Q The box looks great too. Tell us about that... A Thank you! The graphics are based on my “putting things in perspective” series. It’s a series of artworks that I have been working on since the pandemic was finally over. I have created a language of shapes for the series. They have been created from the study of some of my favourite architectural works around the world.

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INTERIORS • CALENDARS EDITOR’S PICK

NOBLE MACMILLAN Leather Diaries, £59 noblemacmillan.com

ANNABEL JAMES Family Organiser, £12.95 annabeljames.co.uk

CRISPIN FINN The Day Pad, £16.50 crispinfi nn.com

LUNA AND FERN Lunar Calendar Wolf, £12 lunaandfern.com

THE COMPLETIST Juno Daily Planner, £35 the-completist.com

AIM STUDIO Personalised Diary Planner, £26 aimstudio.co

MAKE A DATE Planners, calendars and diaries for the year ahead B y PENDLE HARTE

AIM AIM STUDIO STUDIO

A6 Calendar Cards Desk Calendar and with Wooden Stand, £15 Wood Stand, £10 aimstudio.co aimstudio.co

SMYTHSON MAKING MEADOWS Floral Tiger Weekly Planner Desk Pad, £11.50 makingmeadows.co.uk

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Portobello Diary, £250 smythson.com

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ewemoo That holiday feeling. Every day.

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A C

STATION ALL PICTURES SHOW BREAKFAST PANTRIES BY DAVENPORT

Why you need a special breakfast cupboard in your kitchen By P E A R L B OY D

“Of course, a breakfast station doesn't need to be limited to breakfast alone”

reakfast cupboards are a major new development in kitchen design. Essentially a clever larder, the concept is designed to keep all breakfast equipment together in one space that’s easy to access and equally easy to close away. Richard Davonport, of Davonport, explains in more detail: “A breakfast station is a great way of having everything you need for a busy family breakfast all in one place. Normally concealed behind doors such as pocket, bifold or normal cupboard doors, the doors are opened up to reveal everything you need. Each breakfast station is fully customisable, but you’ll generally find items for making hot drinks, a toaster – which sometimes is on a pull-out shelf to make using it easy – along with cereal containers, crockery, and other breakfast items such as condiments. As they typically host small appliances, concealed plug sockets will be installed at the back of the cupboard so that they can be used in situ without the need to pull them out and plug them in.” Having a designated breakfast station contributes to better kitchen organisation. Not only does it minimise clutter and keep your kitchen tidy, but it can foster independence in children by allowing them to participate in preparing their own breakfast. This not only teaches them essential kitchen skills, but also instills a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency.

Optimising space is another crucial benefit. If you have unused counter space or a nook in your kitchen, a breakfast station can make excellent use of that area. This not only maximises the efficiency of your kitchen, but also frees up counter space in other parts of the room. Of course, a breakfast station doesn’t need to be limited to breakfast alone. It can serve multiple functions, depending on your needs. For example, it can double as a coffee or tea station, a smoothie bar, or a space for meal prep beyond breakfast. A well-designed breakfast station is an attractive feature for any new kitchen. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TRAVEL

SUNNY OUTLOOK THE MAGNOLIA

The Magnolia is a boutique hotel on the doorstep of the Quinta do Lago resort in the Algarve, Portugal. Paying homage to the iconic 1950s motor-hotel, they bring a taste of Palm Springs to the Algarve and offer something you won’t find anywhere else in the region. themagnoliahotelqdl.com

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“With its Palm Springs-inspired decor, The Magnolia is the perfect escape from dreary UK”

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TRAVEL • OVERSEAS

Sunshine

COAST Carly Glendinning jets off to the Algarve to stay at The Magnolia Hotel in the Quinta Do Lago resort

he afternoon we fly into Faro, there’s a very light mist of rain. It seems we’ve brought it with us from the UK, and everyone from the airport staff to our taxi driver is up in arms about it. The Algarve is famed for having 300 days of sunshine every year. Thankfully, the uncharacteristic rain spell doesn’t last long, and by the time we’ve arrived at The Magnolia Hotel in Almancil, the clouds are a distant memory. With its Palm Springs-inspired decor, The Magnolia is the perfect escape from dreary UK. Think bohemian wicker chairs, colourful tufted berber rugs, and neon signage. I could quite happily lounge by the pool all day with a cocktail in hand, but that’s unlikely to be on the cards as we’re holidaying with our toddler. The Magnolia is, in fact, a great destination for families. The boutique hotel has 74 rooms, and seven cabin-style cottages. We’re staying in one of the cottages, located in a peaceful area of the hotel’s grounds. Our cute little cabin is super spacious inside, with a kitchen / living room area, two bedrooms, and a bathroom with an all-important bathtub. The hotel has set up a travel cot in the second bedroom, and we feel like we’ve got the ideal home-from-home for the next few days. The Magnolia has the benefit of being on the edge of Quinta do Lago, with access to the resort’s many facilities. Known for its award-winning golf courses, it’s also become a wellness destination thanks to ‘The Campus’, a stylish sports complex, which opened in 2018. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE MAGNOLIA HOTEL

POOLSIDE AT THE MAGNOLIA HOTEL

THE CAMPUS

World-class athletes and professional sports teams travel from all over the world to train here, and with the extensive facilities and feel of a private member’s club, it’s easy to see why. During the summer months, the resort has a variety of programmes to keep children entertained – from dance, to tennis, and soccer camps. My two-year-old, however, is more than happy to play in the playground with my husband whilst I take a restorative Yin Yoga class and sneak off to the spa. We have lunch at Dano’s, the sports bar at The Campus. The food is great, with plenty of plant-based options for me and a crowd-pleasing kids’ menu. As we enjoy our meal, we notice that there’s lots of young families holidaying with the grandparents. Quinta do Lago is perfect for an intergenerational holiday – with an activity to please literally everyone.

Later, it’s back to The Magnolia for an afternoon of swimming. During our stay, one of the best things about being able to access the Quinta do Lago resort is the variety of restaurants on offer. We had a buffetstyle continental breakfast every day at The Magnolia, but ventured out of the hotel for lunch and dinner. The resort is set in 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, so you need a car to get around. We didn’t hire one, but it was no problem for the hotel to arrange private transfers for us. We ate at Casa do Lago, an elegant fresh fish restaurant with stunning views of the lake; UMAMI, which is said to be the most refined Asian gastronomic experience in the Algarve; and Casa Velha – Quinta do Lago’s newly refurbished Portuguese restaurant.

The food was incredible at all of the restaurants, and I was especially impressed with the plant-based options at Casa Velha. With creative flavour combinations, each dish was an absolute treat. The service was also impeccable. Quinta do Lago does offer professional babysitting services, but we chose to bring our daughter with us in the evenings. The staff were amazing with her, and when she had a bit of an overtired meltdown one evening, it was no problem to box up the rest of our meal and order a car to whisk us straight home. It’s this attention to detail and easygoing atmosphere that makes holidaying at Quinta do Lago so great for young families. Parents will love the stylish decor and world-class restaurants, and the whole family can enjoy an active getaway with the range of activities on offer. And sunshine is (pretty much) guaranteed too. T H E M AG N O L I A H OT E L Standard Double Rooms from €157/£139 on a B&B basis. The Family Cottages are available from €309/£273 per night on a B&B basis. themagnoliahotelqdl.com

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Scattered across nine idyllic Caribbean islands discover 18 breathtaking resorts, designed exclusively for adults. Every resort is set along exquisite beaches with crystal-clear waters and powdery soft white sands. Spend your morning floating in a captivating infinity pool, indulge in an array of delectable dining options, sip on hand-crafted cocktails, or dive into a thrilling new watersport. The beauty of the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resorts is that everything is included, so you can do it all or nothing at all.

2023

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From Dubai City Lights...

...to Beachfront Delights.

Discover Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Dubai. Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts in Dubai is a self-contained Arabian mini village set across 40 hectares comprising of five luxury hotels in beachfront locations, an ornate souk, lagoon waterways, and over 50 restaurants. Two kilometres of private beaches with beachside dining offer the perfect place to relax, whilst the resort’s Wild Wadi Waterpark™ is complimentary for guests and provides the perfect entertainment for families. For competitive prices, book your Jumeirah hotel with Dubai specialists, Prestbury Travel for an unforgettable stay.

Speak to a Dubai expert at Prestbury Travel in Poynton and Prestbury 01625 855855 I prestburytravel.co.uk I enquiry@prestburytravel.co.uk

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

MULBERRY COTTAGE, THIRLEY COTES FARM IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

MAKE AN ESCAPE Winter getaway season is here, so pack your walking boots and check out these cosy cottages on the North Yorkshire coast and in the Lake District

inter is the perfect time to visit the North Yorkshire coast or book a blissful break in the Lake District, when the landscape is crisp and mellow and, inside, the wood fire is burning. Whether searching for two or a larger group, the Cottage Escapes portfolio presents a chance to switch-off in style across a collection of self-catering holiday homes situated throughout North Yorkshire and the Cumbrian countryside. Based in the beating heart of Whitby, Keldergat is a spacious apartment sleeping six, perfectly positioned

to explore the surrounding shops, cafés and dramatic cliff-top abbey. The Forge and neighbouring Seaview Cottage sleep two to four guests apiece and are located in Grinkle, not far from Staithes. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, with a variety of brilliant tracks and trails on the doorstep, they’re the ideal antidote at any time of year. North Yorkshire lays claim to arguably one of the most beautiful coastlines that the UK has to offer and is jam-packed with delightful towns and villages, such as Ravenscar, Filey and Flamborough, and all in the care of the spectacular North York Moors National Park. Thirley Cotes Farm is a collection of Grade II listed holiday cottages

based in Harwood Dale, 15 minutes from Scarborough and bordered by 21 acres of wild spaces and woodland. Thirley Cotes cottages sleep two to ten guests across properties, each complete with an enclosed garden and private hot tub. You will also receive a welcome pack of milk, biscuits, coffee, wine and bread, and, as Thirley Cotes Farm is part of the Cottage Escapes pet-friendly portfolio, something for canine companions, too. With snowy peaks and frosty fells, a staycation in the Lake District can be truly magical and there are plenty of boltholes to choose between. Cottage Escapes have a variety of properties waiting to give a warm welcome to winter travellers in Windermere, Threlkeld and Keswick, whether you are planning a family adventure or simply want to escape the crowds. Book a stay in North Yorkshire by 31 January 2024 and reserve your holiday with a £100 deposit. You can also save 25% on seven-night stays and 15% on Lake District breaks booked within four weeks of arrival or three to six night holidays booked within 14 days of arrival. Alternatively, plan a four-night stay for the price of three on midweek breaks for eight to ten at Sycamore Cottage or Thirley Cotes Farmhouse, if reserving directly through Cottage Escapes. Browse and book at cottage-escapes.co.uk

MOUNT PLEASANT THRELKELD IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

CELEBRATING THE ANNIVERSARY AT THE BURJ AL ARAB

As they celebrate 40 years in business, Absolutely takes a trip down memory lane at Prestbury Travel

inspirational holidays combined with a personalised service and expert advice, offering first-hand knowledge of many destinations, hotels and cruises they sell. Understanding that planning a holiday is more than a financial commitment, it’s an emotional one too, they assist clients throughout the whole travel process, leaving no stone unturned. Their clients use them time and again, from all over the country, just because they know how personally they will be looked after. In addition to their 40th anniversary celebrations, Prestbury Travel is delighted to be shortlisted for the forthcoming TTG Luxury Travel Retail Business of the Year award by travel’s oldest and most respected travel trade newspaper. They also featured on ITV’s Tonight Show, recognised as being the most competitively priced travel company when compared against other travel companies. From a Jet2 or EasyJet holiday to luxury hotels and cruises, you can trust Prestbury Travel to be your go-to local agency.

n 1983, local Prestbury resident, Stella Bosworth, opened Prestbury Travel in the heart of Prestbury village. At a time when package holidays were the mainstay, it wasn’t long before Stella was tailormaking bespoke holidays around the world and soon opened her second travel agency in Poynton village. Prestbury Travel continued to expand with the arrival of their luxury tour operation, Prestbury Worldwide Resorts, which features an impressive portfolio of worldwide hotels, villas, resorts and cruises. Many clients throughout the country book their holidays with Prestbury Travel, making this local business one of the UK’s leading independent national travel companies. Prestbury Travel remains family owned and run by Stella and her children,

Call into Prestbury Travel in Poynton and Prestbury. 01625 855855 / enquiry@prestburytravel.co.uk prestburytravel.co.uk

THE BOSWORTH FAMILY

HO L I DAYS T O

R E M E M B E R

James and Emma, and this local travel agency is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Many of the team that started in the early days of Prestbury Travel remain today, a testament to the family ethos within the company. As a special thank you for their hard work, the family recently surprised the team of 30 staff with a trip to Dubai where they stayed at the luxury Madinat Jumeirah Hotels, enjoying a celebratory drinks reception at the Burj Al Arab, an unforgettable Gala Dinner, and of course relaxation time on the beach. The travel industry has endured many challenges over the years, so this was a time to celebrate the strength and resilience that this local business and their wonderful team of staff have displayed. Prestbury Travel attribute their success to a philosophy built on offering

P R E ST B U RY T R AV E L

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Home

Away

There’s more to a Hurst education than academic excellence. Here, self-expression is positively encouraged. Children are inspired to explore. Invaluable years in our nurturing, enriching environment in which all children thrive, blossom and grow. Prepared. For life.

Hurstpierpoint College

www.hppc.co.uk

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SPORTING CHANCE REPTON SCHOOL

At the time of going to print, Repton School were on the cusp of winning a 50th national title in hockey - and as they had four teams in the National Indoor finals, there was a good chance of reaching this landmark figure. This comes after having already won both U18 and U15 girls cricket titles, and won more gold medals in the England Schools Swimming Association championships than any other school in the UK. repton.org.uk

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On the R I S E The Principal of The Belvedere Academy in Liverpool writes about a unique programme that is encouraging better wellbeing amongst their pupils B y J U L I E TAY L O R

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EDUCATION & KIDS • FEATURE

“PUPILS GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW PHYSICAL HEALTH SUPPORTS MENTAL HEALTH”

econdary schools are busy places, and The Belvedere Academy is no different. Catering for over 1,000 young people and 150 staff, our school has an energy which is palpable as you walk through its corridors. Our core business is academic learning, inspiring our pupils to enjoy gaining knowledge and testing it out in increasingly important scenarios which culminate in GCSE, A-level and Btec qualifications. However, around that core purpose sit a range of opportunities which contribute to preparing the pupils to become active citizens, who are ready to make a positive contribution to their community and to the world.

Our values sit firmly around the concept of “Being Belvedere”, a list of qualities, chosen by pupils and staff, that shape our aspirations. These range from being compassionate, to being resourceful, to being appreciative of our individual differences; the list builds up to the eventual goal of everyone in our school community being empowered to make a difference. When we framed “Being Belvedere”, we wanted to enable everyone to feel a sense of belonging. I truly believe that it is only when we feel we belong, that we are able to thrive. So, to build on this, we focused on relationships. Since 2021, we have worked alongside nine other primary and secondary schools as part of the HEARTS project – a collaboration dedicated to changing the lives of the children in Liverpool’s schools. Together, we have learnt about how the attachment styles we encounter as children, as well as our experience of Adverse Childhood Experiences or trauma – as a result of life’s challenges – can impact on our behaviour. Once we understand this as a school, we can ensure that the environment we create in and out of the classroom enables all our young people to succeed as opposed to triggering behaviours that can act as barriers to learning. Ensuring that relationships are continually being built within the school environment and enabling pupils to feel that they belong, can compensate for some of the experiences the child has had previously, and thus make a positive impact on that young person’s mental health and success. Using the HEARTS project as a springboard, our inspirational and dedicated PE department of Lauren McAnespy and Miriam McAuliffe, led by Head of PE Kate Reynolds, have introduced

the RISE programme into Belvedere. RISE is a physical activity programme which motivationally stands for: Repeaters, Inclusive Teams, Stress Busters and Energisers. Ms Reynolds first came across it through her work with Liverpool Schools Sports Partnership and Neil Moggan, founder of Future Action. The aim of the programme is to give pupils a self-care toolkit of different strategies for themselves and their families to use in order to manage wellbeing now and in the future. Pupils also gain a better understanding of how physical health supports mental health, which develops their resilience, confidence and self-belief. And this in turn develops their aspirations for the future. RISE also gives the pupils time to have fun and JULIE TAYLOR

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“IT IS FASCINATING TO SEE HOW YOUNG PEOPLE GET A BUZZ FROM HAVING FUN WITH THEIR FRIENDS”

to play, something that young adults aren’t perhaps as good at as they were in primary school, and that has certainly been missing since the pandemic. Each of the sessions are pupil led, with a focus on teamwork, communication and enjoyment, rather than competition. During our September inset days, Ms Reynolds and her team trained the rest of our school staff in how to run the activities that sit within the RISE programme. These include table tennis, kinball, yoga, boxing, bench ball and dodge ball and the Belvedere favourite,

“Just Dance”. After only a few minutes, it was very clear who our most competitive colleagues were! Now every form from Year 7 to Year 13 have a RISE session every week, most of which are led by their Form Tutor with input from the PE team for the more technical activities. We have been running the programme since September, and I am pleased to confirm that the pupils love it – it is fascinating to see how young people get a buzz from having fun with their friends and in their forms. There is no pressure to join in because applauding and encouraging from the sidelines is just as relevant. But most of them do, and the staff are already seeing how it helps to build new relationships and nurture existing ones within the forms. So, what next? Our formidable Head of PE, Ms Reynolds, has been out and about in Liverpool, sharing her experience of using the RISE programme with other schools. After a successful launch event at another partnership school, The Youth Sports Trust has agreed to fund an extended Liverpool RISE programme so she can continue her work at Belvedere, as well as potentially working alongside five new schools, helping them to boost the mental health of their students.

And in even more uplifting news, Ms Reynolds has been recently informed that the PE department at Belvedere has been nominated for a Youth Sports Trust Award in the ‘outstanding work in a secondary school’ category. So watch this space! We are also working hard to ensure that over the next few months, the programme will become a well embedded part of “What we do at Belvedere”, and another way of enhancing the feeling of belonging in our school as we equip our young people for their next steps as adults. 17 Belvidere Road, Princes Park Liverpool, L8 3TF 0151 727 1284 belvedereacademy.net

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Always a Classic. Designed to last a lifetime, these minimalist bottles have kept people hydrated and happy for years. Our vacuum-insulated Classic is the solution for both cold and hot beverages on the go. This iconic bottle is proof that reusables never go out of style. kleankanteen.co.uk

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G r o w i n g

Evidence Two major long-term studies will provide important data on both UK education and growing up during and after the pandemic

e are surrounded by ‘pop’ surveys – headlinegrabbing findings that make lively news, but often don’t give us much in the way of reliable information. Good then to have two major longitudinal studies into education, beginning this year and designed to provide a solid base of evidence about what it’s like to be at school in the here and now. ‘Five to Twelve’ and ‘Growing Up in the 2020s’ are being undertaken by the National Centre for Social Research and have been commissioned and funded by the Department for Education (DfE). There will also be collaboration with the National Children’s Bureau and National Foundation for Educational Research. The studies run concurrently and span primary and secondary education over a five-year period. Importantly, data will be gathered from independent schools as well as the state sector. Longitudinal studies are, of course, a very different beast from their snapshot cousins as Jules Allen, senior researcher on ‘Five to Twelve’, explains. “The

main benefit of a longitudinal study as opposed to a single wave (which we call a cross-sectional study) is that, because we collect data at repeated intervals over time, researchers who use the dataset can identify developments and changes in the population that we’re studying,” she says. “You can look at causation rather than just correlation.”

GATH E R I N G DATA Longitudinal studies require careful design. “We definitely do not start these studies with what we want to say, we start with what we want to find,” says Jules. What is under the spotlight here is understanding more about education outcomes and inequalities – why some children do better than others and the multiple factors shaping these outcomes. The groundwork for ‘Five to Twelve’ began in summer 2022 and a ‘dress rehearsal’ took place in spring 2023.

While many longitudinal studies begin by randomly sampling postcode files, the target here is specific – children in schools – so both studies began with the DfE central database of all children in school. That database was then used to randomly select children via their schools. As study parameters include insights into the independent sector (where there’s no such central database), the research team asked independent schools to opt in. From there, they were able to gather a random sample of pupils for the study. For ‘Five to Twelve’ participating children have annual cognitive exercises until Year 6, when they respond to questions. For their parents, there’s a mix of face-to-face and online or phone surveys annually. For ‘Growing Up in the 2020s’ it’s an initial face-to-face survey and then phone or online surveys in succeeding years. Teachers are asked for input too, with an additional

“IMPORTANTLY, THE LONGITUDINAL STUDIES WILL SPAN NOT JUST THE STATE SECTOR, BUT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS”

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‘FIVE TO TWELVE’ WILL MONITOR PROGRESS AND AREAS SUCH AS WELLBEING

element where headteachers respond to describe school ethos, culture, and so on. This body of evidence gathered over time requires buy-in and commitment from all those involved. Jules says they are delighted so many have responded so positively. “People are quite enthusiastic. In particular, we’ve found that children really enjoy the cognitive exercises. And teachers too – despite how busy they are – we have found that they respond to the survey.” We should be grateful to these thousands of participants for their time

because their input will provide a seam of really useful data in the public domain. It might be used to draw comparison with earlier or later surveys to see differences over time, or to gain closer insights into different educational experiences – and educational inequalities. It will also give us insights into areas such as wellbeing. Then there is the impact of Covid – never far from the surface in any current debate. “All of the children who will participate will have lived through Covid – particularly children in the

‘Growing up in the 2020s’ study, who lived through it during a critical time in their education,” says Jules. “Although we can’t compare Covid with past studies, we can look at outcomes and differences.” These twin surveys are surely worth the effort involved for this element alone. In a little over five years’ time, findings will shine a light on the longer-term impact of pandemic restrictions on our children. This will inform future thinking on how to manage both ingrained inequality and events that impact young people’s access to school. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BUILDING

BRICKS Lego brick building clubs can be a game changer for neurodiverse children – helping them develop social skills, make friends and have a whole lot of fun

any parents can testify to Lego’s incredible power to engage children in creative play for hours, even days, at a time. But now the tiny brick’s superpower is being put to educational use in a brilliantly constructive way for neurodiverse young people at Brick Club – a place to build, play and learn among likeminded friends. Brick Club is the brainchild of Play Included, a Cambridgeshire-based community interest company and a LEGO Foundation partner. The idea began almost two decades back, when Play Included founder and director Dr Gina Gómez de la Cuesta was starting out her Clinical Psychology PhD at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge. She heard about a pioneering Lego therapy methodology being devised in the US by Dr Dan LeGoff to support neurodiverse

children and young adults – he’d been in touch with the Autism Research Centre to tell them what he was up to. This tied in with Gina’s own interests and research specialism and the use of Lego to support play and learning for neurodiverse children became the theme of her doctorate at UEA. Later, she went on to co-author the professional manual LEGO-Based Therapy with, among others, Dr Dan LeGoff. Fast forward to 2018 and she founded Bricks for Autism, now called Play Included. Gina and her colleagues at Play Included run an innovative programme for health and education professionals. Called Brickby-Brick, it teaches them how to facilitate Brick Clubs. Everything they learn is evidence based, grounded in the thinking and approaches found in Lego-Based Therapy. “Since the company began, we’ve trained 3,886 professionals – teachers, health professionals, play therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists and

DR GINA GÓMEZ DE LA CUESTA, FOUNDER OF PLAY INCLUDED

other similar professions – and in 58 countries around the world,” says Gina. Brick Club has proved to be versatile, scalable and transferable, working across different age groups, needs and settings (it’s typically recommended

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EDUCATION & KIDS • SEN

“You’ve got a joint focus on a task, so you don’t have to have forced conversation or small talk” for age five up to adulthood). Recently, the team even undertook small-scale pilots in deprived areas of Mexico and Kenya and were pleasantly surprised by the outcomes. “There are some cultural adaptations and differences you’ve got to think about in different settings, but we’ve had really positive outcomes from those small pilots in Mexico and Kenya.” What this programme teaches is a method of play facilitation that removes many of the key issues for neurodiverse children in group settings. Sessions at Brick Club are designed so they are flexible, meeting the needs and interests of the members. Sometimes children can

play different roles (known as Engineer, Builder and Supplier). Or they can opt for ‘freestyle’ building in pairs or small groups. More advanced builders can have a go at stop-motion animation, coding and programming. Whatever the activity (and there are lots), they have the opportunity to take charge and start making decisions together. What underpins Brick Club is, of course, the simple idea of play. This comes easily and naturally to most children, and it’s important for social and emotional development, but we know play is not easy for everyone. But one of the many clever things about Brick

Club is that neurodiverse children often come into their own with Lego bricks. “A lot of the kids already know Lego and they feel like it’s something they are good at,” says Gina. “Often these kids are used to being told that they’re not very good at this or that and have to have extra help – but here is something that they are good at.” So children who turn up for A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SESSIONS ARE LOW STRESS AND FLEXIBLE, REMOVING MANY OF THE BARRIERS NEURODIVERSE AND ANXIOUS CHILDREN CAN FACE IN SOCIAL AND PLAY SITUATIONS

“For facilitators to be able to say ‘wow, you’re really amazing at this’ is so positive”

Brick Club are not faced with what Gina describes as that same old round of “negative stories”. Rather than being that child in need of extra help, Brick Club is highlighting what they can do. “This comes at it from a positive – it’s building on their strengths and what they like.” While building things together is the fun bit, there’s a broader goal behind it. Brick Club helps children socialise without those challenging moments inherent in so

many other organised and spontaneous activities – the things that raise their anxiety levels. “You don’t have to have that face-to-face communication. You’ve got a joint focus on a task – a physical thing – and you’re all looking at the instructions, so you don’t have to have forced conversation or small talk.” For many children, this is a game changer – and so Brick Club is described as a low social anxiety situation for very good reason. It’s turn up, agree a task and get going. Gina remains impressed by the sheer skill demonstrated when they do get going. “The visual strengths of these kids are brilliant,” she says. “And for facilitators to be able to say ‘wow, you’re really amazing at this’ is so positive.” Of course, along the way, children are building all sorts of useful life skills – teamwork, sharing, meeting new people, accepting different opinions, not getting upset when things go wrong. Building with bricks also builds strong friendships. “They feel like they belong to the Club, that they’ve got friends who share similar interests. It’s just a natural way to play and work through developing these skills, using a skill they already have,” says Gina. “Sometimes, Brick Club is the only positive thing that has happened in their week.” For free play resources designed for neurodiverse children you can try at home, visit playincluded.com

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Together we create magical moments. Everyday is magical when Mickey Mouse is around. Get to relive that magical time when you were a kid through the eyes of your baby discovering the famous Mickey Mouse for the first time. Watch your children’s eyes light up with wonder and excitement. With the new Disney | Stokke® Collection, whether it’s sitting, sleeping or even bath time, you get to add an extra dose of magic to your everyday life. So, let's embrace that magic together, as we watch our children grow, learn, and discover the world.

Disney I Stokke® Collection

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

HIGH

A C H I E V E R S

ueen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) are celebrating after QE College placed second in The Sunday Times Parent Power 2023 national school league tables for A-level performance and 17th for overall academic performance; whilst QE College and QE Faculty placed first and second in York and first and third in the North for A-level performance in the same publication. This means that QE College retains the title of The Sunday Times Top School in the North for Academic Performance for a third consecutive year along with its position as the top school in York for academic results, with QE Faculty also flying high and cementing its place as the premier northern independent school for students wishing to pursue a personalised curriculum to the highest possible standards. Principal, Dan Machin, said of the result: “We are extremely proud of the student

Queen Ethelburga’s College & Faculty: ranked 1st and 3rd in the North for academic results achievements in both our senior schools. Offering the choice of provision in QE Faculty and QE College provides students with the chance to excel in whichever route suits them best, and the results speak for themselves after nearly 20 years since QE Faculty was established. To be placed as the top two schools in York for academic performance at A-level is incredible and shows a dedication to excellence by both students and staff.” Head of QE College, Steven Turner, adds: “We are absolutely delighted that the College has been recognised as the Independent Secondary School of the Year in the North for Academic Performance for the third consecutive year. This prestigious award is a testament to the incredible hard work of our diverse and ambitious students, the dedication of our talented staff, and the support of our parent community. Within the College we foster a culture of academic excellence whilst promoting happiness, positive health and an enriching all round student experience.

This accolade reflects our commitment to shaping future leaders and building the skills required for lifelong learning.” Head of QE Faculty, Lauren Blakeley, comments: “I am very proud of what our students have achieved. To be placed seventh in the North of England for overall academic performance is a remarkable accomplishment. We see the talent and ability of our students every day, but it is fantastic to see their efforts reflected in this accolade. In QE Faculty, we are lucky to have the flexibility to shape each students’ curriculum around their learning styles, interests and aspirations and I believe this has led to these fantastic results because often the most successful students are the happiest ones.” To find out more, visit qe.org or attend an Open Morning on 27 January or 9 March 2024. Alternatively, book a private tour by emailing admissions@qe.org A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Empathy. Expertise. Together at last.

A good lawyer knows what they’re doing and how you’re feeling. Because stepping into your shoes gets us closer to reaching the best outcome. If you need expert legal advice for you or your business, we’re here to help.

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PROPERTY

PARK LANE, HALE WA 1 5 GUIDE PRICE

£3,995,000

stunning home with outstanding leisure

A facilities, ideally located within a mile of

Hale Village. The property is intelligently designed over four levels, creating practical, useable living space, complemented by top-of-the range fixtures and fittings along with excellent leisure facilities. There are five bedrooms, five bathrooms and four reception rooms.

SAVILLS KNUTSFORD

01565 632618 savills.co.uk

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PROPERTY • FOCUS

MONEY CAN BUY…

An immaculately presented contemporary family in scenic Cheshire WHERE Plant Lane, Moston, Sandbach, CW11 WHAT Plant Lane is a unique detached residence offering beautifully presented modern accommodation across two spacious floors totalling over 1,800 sq. ft. INSIDE The residence is approached via a central entrance porch, with the accommodation flowing into the tranquil front facing sitting room and further into the expansive porcelain tiled reception hall. From here a sleek shower room and an adjacent bright dual-aspect bedroom are accessed. Double doors from the hall open naturally into the sociable open plan living space, comprising a light-filled family room with Evonic fire and bi-folding doors to the terrace and manicured garden, a sizeable dining space, a kitchen and a useful utility with sink, cabinetry and space for appliances. The contemporary kitchen enjoys a range of neutral shaker style cabinetry with granite work surfaces, a butler sink, various integrated appliances and a breakfast bar. The first floor houses three further well proportioned and bright bedrooms. Two front facing rooms feature wide walk-in bay windows and are well served by the glossy family bathroom with separate walk-in shower, whilst the principal suite enjoys the use of a luxury en-suite shower room. OUTSIDE There is a neat formal front lawn bordered with a range of hedging that sits beside the large electric aluminium sliding gates, which leads to the driveway, leading up to the detached garage. The sizeable rear garden features a large paved sun terrace, an adaptable outbuilding ideal for those working from home and attractive landscaped gardens. There is a generous expanse of manicured and lush level lawn bordered by a variety of herbaceous planting and shrubs and an additional private decked seating area with a pergola, perfect for entertaining. PRICE £725,000 SELLING AGENT Strutt & Parker Chester 01244 459897 struttandparker.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE GLASSHOUSE

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Welcome to The Glass House Get in touch for availability 07961 337293 | www.glasshousebythelake.uk glasshousebythelake

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LAST WORD • LOCATION why everyone is talking about…

Chester M

Absolutely Cheshire looks at the many big numbers behind quite a ﬁrst year

ince opening just over a year ago, Chester Market has now welcomed over two million visitors and helped create or safeguard more than 150 jobs, whilst picking up many awards and commendations for both the market as a whole and for its traders. They marked their first birthday on 11 and 12 November with a weekend of celebrations and fundraising. Visitors had the opportunity to Spin to Win free Chester Market merchandise and help raise funds for the Bluecoat Charity working to end homelessness in Chester. Plus, free Market tote bags were available from the market’s goods and merchandise traders when spending over £30. Over the past year, 2,500 pairs of glasses have been dispensed by Pop Specs, the market’s opticians, 60,000 pizzas have been served by the Mercato Pizza Co., and Purely Pots have sold almost 20,000 plants. Meanwhile Geoff Hughes Family Butchers estimate that more than 1,000 sausages have been handmade in the market every week. Awards have included for Best Social Space at the Northern Design Awards, planning for a successful economy, customer service, construction and recently the National Association of British Market Authorities presented its highest accolade to Chester in its annual market industry achievement awards. Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, says: “The new market has exceeded our expectations in spectacular style, becoming a much-loved destination for residents and visitors alike. The market is here to serve Chester, and I want to say a big thank you to our loyal customers for helping to make it such a success and supporting our incredible traders.

“In recent weeks the market has welcomed The Crystal Hut and the Sheng Hai Oriental Supermarket, meaning customers are able to visit the market for an even wider range of merchandise and delivering on our mission to deliver a traditional yet modern market for Chester.” Explore, experience and love the power of crystals at The Crystal Hut, offering a huge range of crystal and spiritual gifts at great prices in a bright and colourful stall, next to the Mercato Pizza Co. The Sheng Hai will be the city centre’s first oriental supermarket, stocking a huge range of authentic packaged Asian food and drinks, to take your taste buds to a new level. You can’t miss their stall by the main entrance. “The hard work and dedication of our traders and market staff has certainly paid off,” adds Cllr Pardoe, “and reaching two million visits within our first year really has been the icing on the birthday cake!” newchester.market

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