The Liverpool Lifestyle Magazine - Issue 15 by A&C Publishing Ltd.

The

Magazine

TIME TO PARTY! Get your glad-rags on

INTERVIEW With Gary Barlow

FASHION Black magic

WIN! Amazing competitions inside front cover-dec.indd 27

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NEWS, SOCIAL & MUSIC

6-9

Anything and everything fun in the city

BACK FOR GOOD Interview with Gary Barlow

10-11

SHOW STOPPERS

The art of Burlesque

BLACK MAGIC

18-19

IN THE PICTURE

20-23

TIME TO PARTY

WIN WIN WIN

Gorgeous fashion for your office party

A selection of the most recent events, and the best of 2009 The top hotspots in the city

HAPPY CHIRSTMAS...

Competitions galore

'It has been a fantastic year for The Liverpool Magazine, albeit one that has whizzed by far too quickly! As we say goodbye to 2009 with a smile, we also look forward to welcoming in 2010 - a year that will see The Liverpool Magazine continue to evolve along with city. A big thank you to our readers for all the feedback we've received over the months, our dedicated contributors and also to all companies in the North West that have continued to support us throughout 2009, and to the new faces we have met through the year. We wish you a very happy Christmas, and a wonderful 2010. The Liverpool Magazine team x'

FOOD & DRINK

Three top eateries and a special Christmas wine column

28-29

CULTURE

THAT’S THE SPIRIT

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

INTERIORS

Our culture vultures swoop the city for events Interview with Robin Cousins

Great ideas for your special someone Deck the halls for Christmas

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS 43 Men’s health focus Ringo knew he shouldn’t have had that last Babycham.

HEALTH

DON’T LOSE THE SNOOZE

BUSINESS

EDUCATION

FAMILY

GARDENING

MOTORING

Joanne Willcox and her take on a healthy Christmas Catch up those zeds

Interview with Rita Hardcastle Train that brain

Festive family fun Seasonal tips from our expert, Stephen Tips from the pros PUBLISHERS: Anna Woodhams, Clare Horton EDITOR: Jenny Morris CONTRIBUTORS: Paul Knowles, Joanne Willcox, Fliss Huxley, Jack Kellett, Steven Haye, Townley Rogers, Rita Von Tassle

DESIGN: Chief Designer: Dan Burns Design Consultants: Rachel Morris, Owen Smith PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTORS: Dave Evans, Diane Thompson, Mark McNulty SALES & DISTRIBUTION: Sales Executives: Traci Morrissey, Jayne Pinnington, Tom Quirk,

DISTRIBUTION: 0151 530 1478 CONTACT: Subscriptions: 0151 530 1478 Editorial: 0151 530 1512 E: editor@a-cpublishing.com Advertising: 0151 530 1415, 0151 530 1476 E: sales@a-cpublishing.com

A&C Publishing Ltd is situated at Unit 3, Essex House, Bridle Road, Netherton, L30 4UE Published by A&C Publishing Ltd. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of each and every publication. However, under no circumstances can the publisher accept liability for any loss or damage, which may arise or result from errors or omissions in any advertisement. All opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of The Liverpool Magazine or its publishers.

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NEWS

Every issue we bring you the best snippets of news from all over Merseyside for your delight and delectation...

New

Eco

RUBBISH BUS IN ASIA

Last issue we reported on the story of adventurer Andy Pag, an eco-warrior with a mission to travel around the world in his chip-fat fuelled bus, and promised we’d keep you updated with his green efforts. The Liverpool Magazine has received news that Andy has reached Asia, after leaving London on 19 September. As he crossed from the European side of the Istanbul Straits to the Asian side, Andy said: “Crossing the Bosphorus is a real milestone. I’m actually quite relieved to have made it this far, but it’s only going to get tougher to find used cooking oil to fuel the bus from here on.” The bus has already covered over 5000km through France, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, the Balkans and Greece to reach Turkey. In that time Andy has collected over 500 litres of chip fat and biodiesel made from cooking oil to put in his tank. During the journey Andy is reporting on how people around the world are addressing the need to use low carbon energy through his website www.biotruckexpedition.com, and has set a CO2 emission target of two tonnes for his own 12 month journey, equivalent to the sustainability targets internationally agreed on for 2050.

New

SO WONG, ITÊS RIGHT

Liverpool jewellers, Wongs, has launched a new online catalogue so you can find your perfect piece from the comfort of your own home. Established in 1979, Wongs has been crafting beautiful jewellery, restoring and remodelling old items for the people of Merseyside for decades. If you’re thinking of popping the question this Christmas, then pop down to the shop on Rainford Square and receive some expert advice from the experienced staff. A sparkling range of stunning diamond engagement rings will ensure you have lots of choice, and should you want something even more personal then ask about the company’s made-to-order service. A full range of gorgeous gifts can be found on the website at www.wongsjewellers.co.uk, or give the team a call on 0151 237 2899 for further information. 6

BINGO-ING FOR RECORDS

Liverpool bingo-fanatic and Gala Casino sales manager, Alison Mullarkey, has successfully trekked to Everest base camp to set the record for the world’s highest ever game of bingo at 17,500ft. Alison joined 24 dedicated bingo fanatics to tackle Everest, dabber in hand, to set the record. Despite the constant risk of dehydration, altitude sickness, deep vein thrombosis and frostbite, Alison overcame all that nature could throw at her to land the biggest bingo jackpot of all time – calling BINGO on top of the world! Alison and her team mates, all Gala Coral staff from around the UK, have been preparing for this record feat since 2008, during which they engaged in a gruelling training programme to ensure they were prepared for the task ahead. Alison said: “It’s simply unbelievable to have been part of a world record setting team. Other trekkers couldn’t believe it when we started pulling out our cards, dabbers and bingo balls at 17,500ft for the record attempt – I’m sure they thought we had altitude sickness!” The extraordinary challenge was part of a fundraising effort for Gala Coral’s nominated charity, Sue Ryder Care. Following the completion of the trek and the setting of a new world record, the team have successfully smashed their goal of raising £100,000 for the charity. For more information on Sue Ryder Care please visit www. suerydercare.org. For more information on the Gala Coral Group please visit www.galacoral.co.uk

New

NATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION

International property group, Grosvenor, has teamed up with a trio of top designers to launch a major new competition in Liverpool recently. Designers Ben de Lisi, Kate Kingston from Kingston Shaw and Alex Proby, inhouse interiors expert at Grosvenor, led a panel of industry experts judging the exclusive competition. Students from two of the country’s top interior design schools, Liverpool John Moores university and KLC School of Interior Design in London, will compete to be named among the best new talent in the UK. De Lisi, who was a mentor on Sky One’s Project Catwalk and a favourite designer of stars such as Kate Winslet, has recently moved into the interiors world. His latest project involved designing a luxury three bed apartment for Grosvenor in London. Commenting on the competition he said: “This is an unrivalled opportunity to design an apartment in a much talked about building designed by Cesar Pelli, the man responsible for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpar. “We are hoping to see some new and exciting ideas and hopefully find the next generation of British interior design talent.” As well as executing their design, the two winners will also get to “live the city” for a weekend at One Park West. Other prizes include a shopping spree in Liverpool One and an internship at interior design practice, Kingston Shaw, whose clients include major developers, A-list celebrities and sporting superstars. The winner will be announced in February 2010 – watch this space for more information!

Top events for all social butterflies...

SOCIAL New

New

HERE COMES THE SCIENCE

If you’re interested in science, but don’t know where to start, then you should pop over to the Ship and Mitre pub, Dale Street, on the first Tuesday of each month for the popular SciBar events. Each month a scientist or specialist is asked to give a short, informative and lively presentation about their area of expertise. The monthly meets attract a plethora of fans – from science bods, passersby, and those with no knowledge of the subject at all – SciBar welcomes everyone with open arms. December’s discussion has recently been announced, and will look at the topic of climate change in the media and politics. Dr Neil Gavin will discuss the portrayal of climate change science in the media and its political implications – sub-topics covered will include views on whether climate change is indeed happening, are we getting the full story, and what are the implications for society. SciBar eases you into science in an informal setting, amongst like-minded folk, and with a beer in hand. That’s our kind of learning. For more information visit www.liverpool.scibar.org.uk

Live

DaDaFest 2009 HAS ARRIVED!

DaDaFest 2009 has arrived, and is now in its ninth consecutive year. From 17 November until 5 December the festival, organised by DaDa Disability and Deaf Arts, is the only one of its kind in the North West and showcases twenty-four incredible exhibitions and performances. This years festival includes a variety of events, from groundbreaking photographic exhibitions to the freshest and funniest comedic performances and a glorious burlesque show. DaDaFest celebrates the innovation and originality from deaf and disabled artists and concludes with a glittering award ceremony at the new Hilton Liverpool on 3 December. Ruth Gould, CEO and founder of DaDa Disability and Deaf Arts, said: “DaDaFest 2009 is proud to showcase the work of deaf and disabled artists from around the globe in a number of fantastic venues around the North West. The exhibitions, seminars and performances within DaDaFest will enlighten, engage and educate the public as well as raise awareness of some key issues that deaf and disabled communities face every day. “There are some incredible artists sharing their work this year and we are looking forward to an even more successful festival than last year.” For more information about DaDaFest and DaDa Disability and Deaf Arts please call 0151 707 1733 or email events@ dadahello.com

LEONA LEWIS IN LIVERPOOL

Global singing sensation Leona Lewis has announced her first ever UK and Arena Tour, and will be stopping in Liverpool on 31 May 2010 at the Echo Arena. Tickets are on sale now and look set to sell fast. Leona said: “I can’t wait to get on tour and see everyone, I’m really looking forward to putting on a great show. I had such a fun night at my recent show at the Hackney Empire and it’s given me a real taste for it. Over the last few years I’ve had some amazing experiences and sung in some really interesting places but it’s going to be great to be able to perform all my own material on my very own tour. It’s a dream come true.” As well as the biggest and most breathtaking voice in music, concertgoers can expect stunning state of the art staging an visual effects as well as choreography and an incredible live band. For tickets and information please call 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com

New

WINTER WONDERLAND

Dance away a winter afternoon at the Sefton Park Palm House this 15 December as the venue is transformed for the annual Christmas Tea Dance. Entertainment from Neil Allcock and his Trio will set the scene for the event which promises to be a charming evening in a magical setting. Enjoy sparkling fizz and afternoon tea with Christmas crackers and an extra-special Christmas raffle. Advance booking is essential – for your place please call 0151 726 9304.

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Live!

LILY ALLEN AT THE ECHO

MUSIC

Following the success of her new album ‘It’s Not Me It’s You’ at the start of the year, eccentric British artist Lily Allen has now firmly established herself as one of Britain’s top female acts. Not satisfied with her achievements here, Lily has transferred her success to the world stage and recently completed a sell out tour, including performances in Brazil, Argentina and the US. Now back in her homeland, Lily has wasted no time in announcing a new UK tour and will be appearing at the Liverpool Echo Arena on 9 December. With her highly original style and truthful yet poetic lyrics, the sometimes controversial star has captured the imagination of the public, following up her superb debut album ‘Alright, Still’ with catchy tunes such as ‘The Fear’ and ‘Not Fair’, which were both instant hits in the charts. Due to begin a tour of Australia at the turn of the year, expect Lily’s star to continue rising. Catch her in the UK while you can! For tickets please contact 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com

FAMILY CONCERT – FROSTY AND THE SNOWMAN FLY TOGETHER Live!

This Christmas the Philharmonic hall will be hosting a festive sing along for the whole family. The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will be there to support the event as well as a very special visit from Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. The sing along will include all the Christmas classics and will be followed by a screening of the cult film ‘The Snowman’ by Raymond Briggs. There will be two showings on the 19 Dec and another two have been added for the 20 Dec due to popular demand. Make sure to book early as these events always sell out! For more information please call 0151 709 3789 or visit www.liverpoolphil. com

Live!

THRILLER – LIVE!

Celebrating the unrivalled career of music sensation Michael Jackson, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Jackson 5, Thriller Live is a stunning and passionate tribute to the king of pop. Featuring dazzling special effects and superb dancing, choreographed by award-winning director Gary Lloyd, the show is the closest thing possible to an authentic Jackson performance since the artist’s tragic death this year. All the iconic hits feature, including ‘Beat it, Billie Jean, Rock with you’ and of course ‘Thriller’. After successful tours in Europe and the West End, Thriller Live is now a world-renowned show and growing still in popularity with the release of new movie ‘This is it’, which accounts Michael’s last days as he prepared for his 50 date residency at London’s 02 Arena. With so much controversy surrounding Michael’s tragic death, Thriller Live reminds us of the music and energy that made him such a star and is a fitting tribute for such a talented icon. Catch Thriller Live at the Echo Arena on 4 December. For tickets please call 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com

Live!

STRICTLY COME DANCING

After two hugely successful sellout tours in the past two years, Strictly Live waltzes it’s way back to Liverpool for another dazzling dance off. An impressive array of celebs have already been announced, including actress and model, Kelly Brook and series four winner, cricket star Mark Ramprakash. Following the popularity of the BBC 1 hit show, which is now in its seventh series, past winners of the show and other keen celebrities are now a regular part of the live tour, not to mention their world-class dance partners who add the real quality factor to the competition. With two dates confirmed at the Echo Arena on 18 and 19 January, expect an impressive evening of passionate routines, glittering outfits and competitive celebrities desperate to be crowned the tour’s champion. Please call 0844 800 400 for tickets. Alternatively please visit www.echoarena.com

Live!

ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN

McCulloch and Co return to their hometown for two very special gigs at Liverpool’s 02 Academy this December. Despite their ageing looks, Echo and The Bunnymen still deliver that Indie sound of the eighties that made them so popular, driven by Seargant’s signature guitar work and the fantastic vocals of McCulloch. With their latest album, ‘The Fountain’ released this year and described as a mix of rockier and softer songs, expect a few tunes from the new album as well as classics such as ‘Killing Moon’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Bring on the Dancing Horses.’ Appearing on three dates from 17 – 19th Dec, this is a must for any fan of the British 80’s Indie scene. For more information please call 0151 707 3200 or visit www.o2academyliverpool. co.uk 9

His career has spanned over twenty years and in that time he has experienced many highs and several lows. As part of the UKĂ&#x160;s biggest boyband, Gary Barlow shot to fame with Take That in the early nineties and is currently enjoying one of the most successful resurgences in the industry. Number one Take That fan, Jenny Morris, caught up with the lead singer, songwriter and all round lovely guy for a chat about his recent ventures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and past successes, of course...

Gary Barlow was, for years, known as the talented but slightlypudgy-not-as-good-looking-one in the superband Take That. He penned songs from an early age, and is now famous for winning a Pebble Mill Christmas song competition in the eighties at the tender age of fifteen. Born in nearby Frodsham, Cheshire, Gary has described himself as “one of those kids that was forever dancing in front of the TV looking at my reflection”. Take That created a teen hysteria not seen in the country for decades, and rapidly shot to fame after the release of their debut album, ‘Take That and Party’, which contained hits such as ‘A Million Love Songs’ and ‘It Only Takes a Minute’. Between the years of 1992 and 1996, the group released four award-winning albums and it was Gary who was largely regarded as the musical talent behind the band. A turbulent four years saw Take That hit dizzying heights whilst towards the end of their stint they hit the headlines after cheeky chappy, Robbie Williams, left the band amid accusations of a rift with manager Nigel Martin-Smith and Gary himself. Over the past decade, Gary has continued to write hit songs, both for himself and fellow artists. The latter years of the nineties saw Gary return to his song writing roots, producing hits for people such as Delta Goodrem and Blue, amongst others. In 2006 the TV documentary, ‘For the Record’ saw the band (minus Robbie) brought back together to reminisce about the good old days. It proved to be such a ratings-puller that the band decided – to the immense delight of its legion of fans – to reform for a UK tour. Gary said at the time: “We really didn’t plan to get this response especially with the tour, we were a bit nervous about whether tickets would sell. “I had my phone off when they went on sale, and then when I turned it on I had all these messages about selling out all the dates in five minutes, and would we agree to release more dates. It was just amazing, it really is overwhelming!" Gary has continued to be a well-respected songwriter and musician; and is the proud recipient of five prestigious Ivor Novello awards. He is currently working with an eclectic mix of UK talent – dancing queen and pop princess, Alesha Dixon, the British rap group N-Dubz and last, but by no means least – the legend that is diva Dame Shirley Bassey. We asked Gary about his recent work with the Dame, and how it came about that a member of Britain’s top boy band was writing for showstopper Bassey. “It came through a friend of mine,” says Gary, “who said ‘listen we’re doing a Shirley Bassey album. We’re looking for all the

best song writers to write for it’... I thought ‘wow, that would be great,’ but didn’t make any promises that I was gonna turn anything in, because I find that nowadays, I actually say ‘no’ more than ‘yes’ because I only try to do stuff I really want to do now.” It seems that writing for a national treasure is something that Gary couldn’t turn down: “My mum and dad would play Shirley Bassey albums as I was growing up. I obviously knew all the Bond stuff she’s done. “One year between ’93 and ’95, we did a Royal Variety Show and [Shirley] was on it and absolutely stole it...she got a standing ovation, it was a brilliant sight to see. “I was completely blown away with it and it’s sort of stuck in my memory.” So – how do you go about writing a song for one of the most revered singers in the world? “My first thought was that it would be too obvious to do a great big ballad – very orchestral, kind of retro – sounding like it could come from a big musical. And yet in the end that’s what I ended up doing. I’ve done a big Burt Bacharach sound. It could be in Carousel, really, this song because I thought ‘that’s too simple, too obvious’. So I went back and second-guessed myself and I thought, ‘No – that’s what I want to do. I want to write something like that for her.’” Gary flew – X Factor-style – to see Shirley and sing the song he wrote for her to the lady herself. “She loved it straight away,” says Gary, “and was singing it within about two minutes. I just can’t wait to hear the finished record – that’s all I’ve heard, just that one bit of her singing it with me at the piano.” When Gary’s not writing for other people, he’s performing with bandmates Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Jason Orange to sell-out tours around the country. Following their comeback tour, Take That released ‘Beautiful World’ which topped the album charts and was followed recently with the hit album and accompanying tour, ‘Circus’. The band has collectively said that this time round, it’s on their terms and they are intent on enjoying every second of it. Whether Robbie – currently back on the circuit with a hit single – will put in a surprise performance with the group remains to be seen, but with headlines reporting a rekindled friendship with the band – who knows. As Gary says of his success: “I do feel as an artist you need to go down before you can get up. That’s definitely been good for me.”

„I do feel as an artist you need to go down before you can get up. ThatÊs definitely been good for me.‰

Show Stoppers! With a shimmy, a shake and a song, the glorious art of Burlesque has seen a rapid rise in mainstream popularity over the past few years. The seductive glamour is mesmerising, the entertainment and tongue in cheek parodies are amusing, and the dancing – well – is just a little bit naughty. What some dismiss as mere striptease, others marvel in the rich history of this vintage act. Words: Rita Von Tassle From fabulous stage names, risqué costumes and barely-there sequins, the art of Burlesque is a treat to watch and an absolute must-see. So dust down your feather boas ladies, and find those kitten heels – Burlesque is back, and it means business. The genre of burlesque originated in the 1840s, and was associated more with theatrical parodies of plays of the moment. Audiences would visit the shows for their comic value, and gesticulating dramatics, which often lampooned the social attitudes of the prim and proper upper classes and their music. Dance was always intertwined with the comedy, thus adding a further dimension to the performances. Burlesque rose in popularity from the 1820s through to the 1920s, where it took on a slightly different guise amidst the raucous bawdy style of ‘variety theatre’, and troupes of burlesque dancers would travel the world entertaining thousands along the way. The genre often mocked established entertainment forms such as opera, Shakespearean drama, musicals, and ballet. The costuming increasingly focused on forms of dress considered inappropriate for polite society. By the 1880s, the genre had created some rules for defining itself: Minimal costuming, often focusing on the female form. Sexually suggestive dialogue, dance, plotlines and staging. Quick-witted humour laced with puns, but lacking complexity. Short routines or sketches with minimal plot cohesion across a show. In the 1920s, the old burlesque circuits closed down, leaving individual theatre owners to get by as best they could on their own. The strip tease was introduced as a desperate bid to offer something that vaudeville, film and radio could not. There are a dozen or more popular legends as to how the strip was born – telling how a dancer's shoulder strap broke, or some similar nonsense. In fact, it had been around since Little Egypt introduced the "hootchie-kooch" at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, and had always remained a mainstay of stag parties. Burlesque promoters like the Minsky brothers took the strip tease out of the back rooms and put it onstage. As moralists once again expressed outrage, male audiences kept burlesque profitable through most of the Great Depression. Nowadays, burlesque has regained its appeal – keeping the striptease but, as living legend Dita Von Teese admits: “The thing about burlesque is that it has led two lives - one in ancient Greece and then all over Europe, where it was a bawdy form of theatrical satire; the other in America, where it was otherwise known as the striptease. “But of course, nothing is so simple, as you know.”

Back here in Liverpool, burlesque nights are as popular as ever – the Royal Court has held events for the past few years, and performer Millie Dollar explains: “As far as life has existed, I’m sure little girls have dressed up. To have the chance to either dress up in amazing costumes covered in rhinestones, net, feathers etcetera is living the childhood dream – at least to me! “People love the glamour of it all – it’s one of the last truly glamorous arts.” Harlot Mascara, the original founder of the Royal Court shows, has started burlesque-inspired cabaret evenings at Zeligs, Liverpool One, and told The Liverpool Magazine: “The combination of sexiness and humour remains a winner. The shows I do are very woman-friendly, there’s no leering or oppressive attention. Most men come with their partners, many women come in groups, and it has a big alternative following too. “All shapes and sizes are represented and it sticks two fingers up at the ‘size zero’ culture. Most frequently booked performers are ladies with substantial curves.” Harlot adds: “Burlesque explores issues of the body, and the way women are presented visually in public and in the media. However, it is done through humour, ingenuity and a high standard of inventiveness when it comes to costumes and props.” Whatever your view on burlesque, it is an undeniable riot of naughtiness and fun in a snowstorm of sequins and false eyelashes. It has become so popular that burlesque dance and fitness classes are commonplace in cities such as Liverpool – and although it is well and truly dipping its toe into mainstream entertainment, it’s not losing anything. Except the clothes. For more information “People love the glamour of about burlesque events it all – it’s one of the last truly in Liverpool, please glamorous arts.” contact the Royal Court on 0151 709 4321 or visit www.royalcourttheatre. net. The next event is scheduled for 23 December. For Zeligs cabaret evenings, please contact 0151 709 7097 for reservation and ticket information. Alternatively please visit www.zeligs.co.uk 13

Fantastic Entertainment at the Empire Theatre

Starring

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Fri 11 December â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sun 3 January

Wed 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat 30 January

Mon 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat 6 February

Thu 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat 20 February

Mon 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat 27 February

MOTOWNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREATEST HITS! FEATURING THE CHART-BUSTING HITS ORIGINALLY MADE FAMOUS BY... SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS PAUL WALDEN & DEREK NICOL FOR FLYING ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MOTOWN

Mon 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat 13 February

Mon 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wed 24 March

Mon 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat 10 April

0844 847 2525*

Mon 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat 24 February

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Visit us on

See us on

GROUPS 10+ 0844 372 7272

(Mon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fri, 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm)

www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk*

AT A GLANCE Live!

THE SNOW QUEEN

1 Dec-23 Jan @ Unity Theatre Visually arresting, the Snow Queen is an epic journey which takes you from the Wicked Wizards school of Evil Looks to a faraway land of musical snow flakes, goblins, mirrors that sing, to the frozen realm of the Snow Queen with her icy heart. www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk Tel: 0151 709 4988

Live!

PETER PAN

11 December-3 January@ Empire Theatre Join Peter, Wendy and co on their journey to save Tinkerbell from Captain Hook and his crew of dastardly pirates. Will captivate both young and old with stunning special effects, sumptuous sets and magical costumes. www.liverpoolempire.org.uk Tel: 0844 847 2525

THE SNOW QUEEN Live!

RUSSELL HOWARD

16 December @ Liverpool Echo Arena Join stand-up dynamo Russell Howard as he embarks on his brand new arena tour, he is the star of the top-rated BBC shows Mock The Week and Live at the Apollo. www.accliverpool.com Box office: Tel: 0844 8000 400

Live!

SPACE INVADERS

17 December- 21 February @ FACT Interactive games events, competitions, and a game-themed film programme. Space Invaders is a programme of activity looking at the increasingly blurred boundary between virtual and real spaces. www.fact.co.uk Tel: 0151 707 4450

Live!

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

24 December@ Anglican Cathedral A short service of carols and readings with familiar Christmas hymns in the main Cathedral building. Sure to fill you full of Christmas spirit.

Live!

NEW YEAR

31 December@ Philharmonic Hall See in the New Year with a swing – as bandleader extraordinaire John Wilson transforms the RLPO into the ultimate big-band. Toast 2010 in style! www.liverpoolphil.com Box Office: 0151 709 3789

Live!

Until 31 December @ Underwater St, L3 See how Christmas is celebrated in different parts of our world. From old favourites like ornamental Christmas trees and nativity scenes to exotic lanterns from the Philippines and silver spiderwebs from the Ukraine. Full details of all these events and more can be found at www.underwaterstreet.com

Live!

ICE EXPERIENCE

Until 10 January @ Williamson Square City Central, in association with Radio City, presents Christmas on Ice. Find the spirit of Christmas in every corner of City central with a host festive activites. Father Christmas and his reindeer also magically arrive in December. For further information and Christmas shop opening times visit www.citycentralbid.com

Live!

L1 WHEEL

Until 31 January @ Liverpool One Take a ride on the Liverpool ONE Wheel in association with Radio City and enjoy a bird's eye view of the city 80 metres above Chavasse Park! Book your tickets in advance online at www.liverpoolonewheel.co.uk

MERRY DING DONG

10 December – 23 January Royal Court Join Chris and Noel, Holly and Ivy for this year’s Scouse Christmas treat at the Royal Court. There will be plenty of ho ho hos to go around as you raise a glass to a proper Scouse Christmas. For tickets: 0870 787 1866 or visit www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk

THE WIZARD OF OZ

HENRY WINKLER AS PETER PAN Live!

GLOBAL XMAS

Live!

THE WIZARD OF OZ

2-3 January @ Royal Philharmonic Hall First performed in the UK by the Phil two years ago, and back by popular demand, you’ll never forget hearing those glorious songs performed live, with the classic movie, by a full symphony orchestra. www.liverpoolphil.com Tel: 0151 709 3789

Live!

THE FILM STATION

15 January @ Edge Hill Station Metal is hosting a series of FREE classic film screenings at Edge Hill Station at 6:30pm on selected Fridays. Being There (Director Hal Ashby). Seats are limited so please contact Adrian on 07913449035, Kenny on 0151 707 2277 or email edgehill@ metalculture.com to reserve yours.

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What’s on Disney On Ice presents

Princess Wishes 25-29 November £11.50 - £33.50

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THRILLER - Live 4 December £35.00

Kelly Clarkson

Disney Live!

£28.50

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9 February

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Three Classic Fairy Tales

11 April £30.00 - £50.00

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Plus special guest Eddy Grant 6 December £32.50

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Lily Allen

9 December £23.00

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Abba - The Show 13 December £35.00

7 March £33.50 / £35.00

The Four Tops + The Temptations

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Strictly Come Dancing rt e nc - Live! co ily

British Supercross -

Michael Bublé 11 May

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Leona Lewis rt

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31 May £28.50 / £42.50 ON SALE 27 NOVEMBER

plus The Drifters + Three Degrees ert nc 16 March £38.00 co

Katherine Jenkins

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ft. The Osmonds, David Essex, Leo Sayer and Les McKeown’s legendary Bay City Rollers

26 June £36.50

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7 December 2010 £42.50 / £60.00

BT Convention Centre The Shankly Show

The Dog Whisperer

@ The Auditorium

20 March £39.50 fa

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Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of

plus special guests Escala 18 March £25.00 - £55.00

3 - 20 June £15.00 - £39.50

Once In A Lifetime

Cesar Millan

Indoor Dirt Racing Holiday On Bike Ice presents 23 January Spirit £21.00January - £36.00 28-31

£14.50 - £29.50 Juniors: £10.00

22 April £20.00 / £30.00

Elvis Presley in Concert om

British Supercross

19 February £10.00 - £20.00

6 March £25.50 - £36.00

16 December £20.00

Indoor Dirt Bike Racing 23 January £21.00 - £36.00

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Back With a New Production!

Big Rooms & Belly Laughs

18 & 19 January £35.00 - £55.00

Premier League Darts

The Co-operative International Netball Series England Vs Australia t

24 February £27.50 / £35.00

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Classical Spectacular

Russell Howard

17 January £35.00

The X Factor - Live! 16 February £28.50

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WWE RAW Revenge Tour

Yusuf (Cat Stevens) 5 December £50.00 - £75.00

March £13.00 £19.50

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17 & 18 December £25.00 - £35.00

Be the first to know! www.echoarena.com/signup Box Office: 0844 8000 400 www.echoarena.com All ticket purchases are subject to a 'per ticket' booking fee and a handling fee. Tickets are subject to availability.

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Black strapless twisted bust dress by Kirsty Doyle £378 Two tier crystal earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane £179

Don’t fancy scouring the high street looking for that perfect outfit, shoes AND bag for all the events starting to fill up your seasonal calendar? Or perhaps after a long day at work you don’t fancy braving late night shopping, especially not with little ones in tow? We have the perfect solution, accessible luxury delivered direct to your door. On-line boutique, my-wardrobe.com, launched in 2006, with a list of labels that reads like a who’s who of contemporary labels, Anglomania, DKNY, Jaeger, as well as achingly cool Scandinavian labels such as By Malene Birger, Day Birger, labels from across the pond such as Elizabeth & James and Current / Elliot and a whole host of others, including shoes, accessories, jewellery and gifts, your prayers are answered! Here’s how it works, go to www.my-wardrobe.com, choose your goodies (style advisors are just a telephone call away, should you need help) have them delivered to your work / home address, try them on in the comfort of your own home, check out how your dancing shoes look with that show stopping dress, see if your favourite clutch co-ordinates and even take time your check how you look from all angles, if they don’t fit? Their couriers come and collect them, for free! And the best bit? It all comes wrapped beautifully in tissue paper and a re-usable bag, like a special gift, to yourself! Not in the mood for shopping, just fancy keeping up with all the latest trends? Watch my-tv and read my-blog till your heart’s content. Like the Meercat says. Simples!

Velvet trim tuxedo jacket by Jasmine Di Milo £489 Velvet Body Con dress by Jasmine Di Milo £270 Two tier crystal earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane £179

Crystal Shoulder structured dress, Jet by Kirsty Doyle £395

Sparkly "MAN" drape dress by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania £248 Sparkly Leggings by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania £187

Jacket and dress as above

Photography : Mark Mcnulty www.mcnulty.co.uk | Styling: Joanne Watkinson | Make up artist: Kate Smith – Impact Models | Model: Jenny Cooper – Impact Models | Photography assistant: Anton Rodriguez | Hair: Alison Bailey @ Barbara Daley, Allerton Road tel: 0151 724 2228 www.barbaradaleyhair.co.uk | Shoot co-ordinator: Christine Cartwright @ Impact Models www.impactmodelsagency.co.uk | Clothing all available from www.my-wardrobe.co.uk. Special thanks to Trylingual language school, Allerton Road for letting us have the use of their premises for our lovely make-up artist to work her magic on Jenny! www.trylingual.co.uk

T S E B F O 9! 200

Isla Gladstone Launch The enchanting Isla Gladstone conservatory threw open its doors this year to celebrate its amazing renovation. Guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner and champagne, plus fantastic entertainment and music. The venue placed at the heart of the recently restored Stanley Park. Adjacent to a fairy~tale bandstand and set amidst seasonal gardens, The Conservatory is a truly magical venue filled with wonder and charm. Stanley Park, Anfield Road, Liverpool, L4 0DT, Telephone: 0151 263 0363 e: info@theislagladstone.co.uk.

Mark Lawrenson, Marina Dalglish, Kenny Dalglish, Janet Hansen, Paul Adams & Alan Hansen

Winning team Diagio, Ray Smith, Russ Jones, Frank Todd & Andy Cunliffe

Vincent Charity Golf Day Kenny Dalglish tees off

The Marina Dalglish Appeal teamed up with The Vincent Hotel and Royal Birkdale to launch The Vincent Charity Golf Day recently, and welcomed many familiar faces to the course. Guests to the competition included Kenny Dalglish, DJ Spoony, Alan Hansen (who is hosting September's Alan Hansen Golf Classic soon) and Mark Lawrenson. The charity event was followed by a three course dinner at Royal Birkdale and auction which raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

David Price (Boxer), Jamie Carragher

Radio City Heroes Awards

Fernando Torres, Mikel Arteta

Gregory Abrams (Gregory Abrams Davidson) Stuart Manning and Barry Sloane (Hollyoaks) with Helen Minnett

Radio City and City Talk recognised some of Merseysideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true local heroes at a star-studded awards ceremony hosted by Phil Easton and Simon Ross at the Royal Court Theatre. Over 1200 people including a host of celebrities and Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top businesses supported many awards going to local people and even celebrities such as Sir Paul McCartney. 20

Let Paul know about your events at paul@pkpr.co.uk

Frank McKenna and friends with Derek Hatton and Herbert at Champu before the races.

Ladies day at the Grand National

Leah Comer, Lisa McCabe, Herbert Howe, Natasha Hamilton, Georgina Hamilton, Kate Towers.

The Grand National The 2009 John Smith's Grand National saw thousands of people flock to Aintree to enjoy the amazing race course. From the Tattersalls to the Sky restaurant and corporate hospitality the atmosphere was electric. Style was in abundance this year and Liverpool city centre certainly witnessed some sights before and after. The Living Room, Restaurant Bar & Grill and Newz Bar were all packed as usual.

Group shot of all the Grand National Jockeys

The Italian Club Fish

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Earlier this year Bold Street's most recent eatery celebrated its launch at the restaurant. Guests were treated to champagne, seafood and live entertainment from crooner, David Knopov. The Italian Club Fish, like its mother ship further down the street, The Italian Club (minus the pesce) is the brainchild of Rosaria Crolla and is heavily influenced by the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scottish-Italian background.

David Knopov (crooner), Rosaria Crolla (Owner)

Mr Gregory Abrams, addresses guests

Launch Party at Mercedes Showroom

GAD LLP Launches London Office Mr Gregory Abrams & Mr Peter Joseph

One of the North West's leading law firms, Gregory Abrams Davidson LLP, has established a London Office incorporating Rumke Joseph and Rabin (RJR Law) of Pearl House, Finchley Road, North London. The new office was launched in the stylish Mercedes Benz Temple Fortune showroom, adjacent to the new GAD LLP location. 200 guests enjoyed champagne, canapĂŠs and entertainment to mark the special occasion. Gregory Abrams, Senior Partner, further commented: "We are delighted to be able to offer our established and new clients a wider range of legal services, provided by our highly skilled and experienced team."

Let Paul know about your events at paul@pkpr.co.uk

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Metquarter Fashion Pulse Agency returned to Metquarter recently to collaborate with the marketing team behind the Liverpool shopping haven on the production of their exclusive autumn /winter catwalk show. The evening of events inspired over 3000 guests with collections from a premium range of high street brands such as All Saints, Bratz, Coast, Gieves and Hawkes, Kirsty Doyle, Kurt Geiger, and Secret Drawer. Director of Pulse Agency, Irene Bird said “The team and I at Pulse Agency were delighted to come back to the Met Quarter to create a special fashion show that not only celebrates the amazing brands that we have here in Liverpool but also offers guests an entertaining and memorable experience!”

Livercool Awards

Julian Flanagan, Paul Flanagan, John Flanagan (The Flanagan Group)

Guy Wallis (DWF LLP), Frank McKenna (DLIB), Jim Davies (DWF LLP)

The 'Livercool' Awards, rewarding the city's most successful entrepreneurs, were hosted by Downtown Liverpool in Business in association with City Talk 105.9, along with the Northwest Development Agency and Business Link, on the evening of Thursday 19th November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel with an audience of over 400 guests.

Yaffe Fusion Art

The Yaffé Fusion Art Christmas shopping event, held at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, in support of the Marina Dalglish Appeal, took place recently. The new appeal hopes to raise £5m towards a new £17m purpose-built facility which will be situated on land at University Hospital Aintree.The event was sponsored by Oliver Steer Interior Design. Marina said: 'I would like to thank Yaffé Fusion Art for organising this fabulous event and to everyone who showed their support and helped raise so much money for the appeal.” www.marinadalglishappeal.org

Tony Burke-Armstrong with his gorgeous models showcase the Philip Armstrong Couture designs

Sandra Carney & Adam Yaffé (Yaffé Fusion Art)

Evergreen Spa

The Team at Evergreen Clinic and Woodlands Spa

Melissa Walton (from) Hollyoaks

Ste Fletcher

The sumptuous and sparkling new location for the Evergreen Clinic and Woodlands Spa was unveiled recently. The beautiful new site on Woodlands Road, Aigburth, combines both the pampering wonderland of Woodlands Spa and the exclusive Evergreen Clinic. Guests were treated to Champagne and canapés, mini treatments and gorgeous goody bags.

Myriad Travel Myriad Travel recently celebrated its longawaited launch of the new shop and travel emporium. Guests were greeted by skilled magician, Dan Burgess, tucked into yummy nibbles by Neighbourhood and entered an amazing competition to win a dream trip to Antigua! www.myriadtravel.co.uk

Antigua Prize winner Ms Dianne Harvey & Tiffany Woodley

Tiffany Woodley with clients Mrs Karen Caffrey & Mrs Sara Brown

Let Paul know about your events at paul@pkpr.co.uk

Jill Hutchinson of KLM and Nigel Ham of Seasons in Style

Time to P Right ladies and gentlemen, I do hope you’re sitting as comfortably as your corseted waist and starched collars will let you...for it is time for the annual hit list of top party venues, 2009, to be unveiled. For the entirety of the month of December (and, if you’re frightfully popular, then half of November too) you may be bombarded with invites, canapés galore and fizz and sparkle aplenty – what is a seasoned party-goer to do with all these options? Read on, and ye shall find out...

Palm Sugar Lounge

Studio 2

Hard Days Night 24

The good and glamorous of the city of Liverpool are not known for their shy and retiring ways, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. After hours of preening, prepping and pampering we want to go somewhere that’s going to knock our socks off. A venue that offers exquisite service, sublime ambience, just the right kind of music and mouth-watering food and drinks that will put the icing on our festive frolics. First up we have the gorgeously trendy, über sparkly cocktail venue, The Palm Sugar Lounge up on Liverpool ONE’s top tier. Partnered by the equally exotic Chaophraya, the pair make a marvellous one stop shop for a great evening. Start and finish your evening at Palm Sugar, a bar that is all about glamour, glitter and those naughty, naughty cocktails – expect the dress code to be heels (ladies) and shirts (gentlemen) and all the frills in between. If you’re hoping for a central location, but one that’s far from the madding crowd for a seasonal soiree, then look no further than Studio 2, Parr Street. The venue caters specifically for those wanting to swerve excitable students and crammed city bars, throwing its unique setting into the bargain too. The exrecording studio still retains many original features, has rooms available for hire, and an in-house chef to boot, and is one of the city’s best kept secrets. Christmas is all about one thing – food, and plenty of booze – and finding somewhere that delivers on both those counts, and does it well, can sometimes be tricky. Step up, Hard Days Night Hotel and its delectable restaurant, Blakes. This Beatlesthemed idyll serves the most delicious food, has one of the best wine menus in the city, and Bar Four (its adjoining public and hotel bar) serves the quirkiest cocktails – Strawberry Fields Daiquiri anyone? There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate Christmas and the New Year in this luxurious location. Extra special menus have been devised for each festive event, expertly executed by executive head chef, Andrew Scott. This is Christmas with a seriously good Scouse twist – it embodies the charm and character of the city in a magnificent setting – perfect. You may favour a night on the Docks, and what a night you may have – as well as everything the top tourist location has to offer, you can kick your evening off with a scrumptious meal in the Mal Maison, with wine chosen by our wine contributor, Pavlos Shakas. An evening in the plush, opulent surrounds of the Mal Maison will ease away excesses of the night before, and they’ll even bring you breakfast in bed – with Champers, if you’re lucky. Well – it is Christmas. Just over the road we have two more faves – the Panoramic restaurant, and the brand new Hilton hotel. The Panoramic towers over the city, sitting a vertigo-inducing 34-floors up the West Tower on Brook Street. Those with trembly knees, worry not – for the views are so breath taking

Party! that wild horses couldn’t draw your gaze away from the stunning vista of Liverpool city, Mersey estuary, Wirral and even the snowy tip of Mt Snowdon. Christmas dinner is done with a difference here. Chef director, Chris Marshall, consistently creates a menu and a new style of dining for Liverpool that uses traditional ingredients, served with a contemporary twist. For example, turkey and trimmings becomes turkey breast, sprout puree, roasted garlic and creamed potato, whilst Christmas pud gets a Panoramic makeover into a light soufflé with brandy ice cream. This is the epitome of stylish dining. The Hilton has been a long time coming – five years in fact – but they say that good things come to those who wait. The Hilton name needs no introduction, but Liverpool’s newest hotel has 215 bedrooms (which include the most fabulous suites), is smack bang in the centre of the city and has been designed with its location in mind. On the foundations of an old cotton exchange, the interior has several subtle nods to its history – cotton set in glass walls, the curve of the Mersey set in rosewood along the entrance hall, and also along the reception, are just a few of the little things that set it apart from others. An elegant bar, with big booths for small groups, and the hotel restaurant, are both great places to stop on your evening out. Watch this space for more Hilton news in 2010! Last, but by no means least, the recently renovated and rejuvenated Isla Gladstone Conservatory is the prime location for a charming evening in a fairytale setting. Set amidst the glorious seasonal grounds of Stanley Park, the Isla Gladstone Conservatory is an enchanting and magical venue that has hosted everything from weddings, parties, corporate events and match day hospitality. This Christmas, dust off your glad rags and pull out that tux, for if there is a more festive place than this, we have yet to find it. The Victorian glasshouse nestles amidst rose gardens, glistening lakes and historic sandstone pavilions and whilst there you can’t help but feel you have been transported to another time and place. Wherever you choose to celebrate this year we hope you have a marvellous Christmas and a wonderful 2010 – see you in January with our new look magazine!

Mal Maison

Palm Sugar Lounge: 0151 708 7933 www.palmsugarlounge.co.uk Studio 2: 0151 707 1050 www.parrstreet.co.uk/STUDIO2 Hard Days Night: 0151 236 1964 www.harddaysnighthotel.com Mal Maison: 0151 229 5000 www.malmaison-liverpool.com Panoramic Restaurant: 0151 236 5534 www.panoramicliverpool.com Hilton: 0151 708 4200 www.hilton.co.uk Isla Gladstone Conservatory: 0151 263 0363 www.theislagladstone.co.uk

Panoramic Restaurant

Hilton Liverpool

Isla Gladstone Conservatory 25

- DJ's - Comedians - Bands - Models - Celebrity Management - Actors -

www.AEenter.com 0870 284 1111 To win a pair of tickets to this new years event, simply email your name and address to win@a-cpublishing.com before 20 December.

FREE

"Something fruity has sprung up on Blundell Street"

BOTTLE OF WINE

WITH EVERY BOOKING

- Liverpool Confidential

if you bring this voucher in!

The Orchard - r e s t a u r a n t - b a r - c i d e r

t a v e r n -

57 Blundell Street, L1 0AJ

Sunday Lunch 2 Courses ÂŁ9.95 WITH FREE CAR PARKING

Telephone - 0151 709 3060 www.theorchardliverpool.com

To win one of these fab prizes, please email win@a-cpublishing.com with your day time contact details. Please note your chosen prize in the subject line.

WIN

CHIBUKU NYE PARTY

The legend that is Liverpool’s finest party night is having a NYE bash to top them all – if you like to let your hair down, and want to see 2009 out with a bang then try your luck at this amazing competition, where we have not one, but two pairs of tickets up for grabs for two lucky winners! Send your answer to the following question to win@acpublishing.com by Friday 18 December, along with day time contact details.Who provides the voice for Raymond Briggs’ grumpy but loveable Father Christmas? a) Mel Smith b) David Jason c) Ronnie Barker For more information about Chibuku and to buy tickets, please call 0151 706 8045 or visit www.chibuku.com

UNITY THEATRE & HOST

WIN

Family ticket for Saturday 9 January and meal afterwards at HoSt restaurant. The Snow Queen is coming to town, and she’s taking no prisoners! The ice maiden is in the city, starring at the Unity Theatre from Tuesday 1 December to Saturday 23 January 2010. After this icy adventure our lucky winners will enjoy a meal at top Hope Street restaurant, HoSt, an Asianfusion restaurant that has taken the city by storm and is guaranteed to send your taste-buds tingling! For your chance to win this fab prize, please complete the following saying: “Deck the halls with ___ of holly” Send your answer to win@a-cpublishing.com by Friday 18 December. Please include day time contact details. Call the Unity Theatre on 0151 709 4988 or visit www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk To contact HoSt restaurant, Hope Street, please call 0151 708 5831

WIN

HILTON PARTY AND STAY!

Oh readers, we have a corker of a prize for you. Unless you’ve been walking around Liverpool with blinkers on for the past few months, you’ll know that the city’s newest, swankiest, glitziest hotel has thrown open its doors to the city. The stunning hotel has 215 guest rooms, a beautiful bar, gorgeous restaurant and fabulous facilities for everything from weddings to corporate functions. We strongly urge you to stop by – even if it’s just for one of the delicious cocktails at the Pima bar... Our lucky, lucky, winner will win one pair of tickets to the VIP opening night party on 20 January – an evening that will pass in a flurry of bubbles, fizz, sparkle and celebrity. And if that wasn’t enough, our winner will then be treated to an overnight stay* in one of the sumptuous guest rooms, complete with chilled bottle of Champagne and a scrumptious breakfast the following morning. For your chance to win this amazing prize, please send your answer to the following question to win@a-cpublishing.com by Friday 1 January 2010. What is the missing word? “Have yourself a _____ little Christmas” For more information about Hilton Liverpool, please call 0151 708 4200 or visit www.hilton.co.uk/liverpool *Overnight stay subject to availability. Not valid on 20 January 2010.

WIN!

JOIN THE CIRCUS!

If you’ve over-indulged with the mince pies and mulled wine you could probably do with a little exercise – well, do it the fun way. Music night, Circus, is on at Barfly, Seel Street this 27 December and we have two pairs of tickets up for grabs for two lucky readers. Playing through the evening will be an array of huge names – Laurent Garnier, Yousef, Loft and Marco Corolla to name but a few. So go on, get your dancing shoes on and email win@acpublishing.com with your answer to the following question by Friday 18 December. Please include day time contact details. Who sang ‘Santa Baby’? For more information about Circus, please call 0151 706 8045 or visit www.circusclub.co.uk

WIN

WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND

The Empire Theatre ends its run of the wonderful Peter Pan Panto on 3 January and almost immediately starts up with another hit show. This time it is the classic, Whistle in the Wind. An extraordinary and uplifting tale about the transforming power of love, Whistle Down the Wind is based on the beloved sixties film starring Hayley Mills, and features numerous multi-award-winning songs, including Boyzone’s international hit No Matter What (which topped the UK charts for 6 weeks). We have one pair of tickets up for grabs for 20 January – for your chance to win, please email your answer to the following question to win@a-cpublishing.com by Friday 1 January 2010. Who sang the classic song, White Christmas? For more information please call the Empire on 0151 708 3200 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk

TO WIN THESE COMPETITIONS SIMPLY EMAIL US AT WIN@A-CPUBLISHING.COM WITH YOUR NAME AND DAY TIME CONTACT DETAILS 27

‘Tis the season to be jolly – and what is jollier than enjoying an excellent meal in the company of fine friends, family or colleagues? December is a month of indulgence; you are safe in the knowledge that your spare tyre can be hidden under a woolly jumper, and everywhere you turn are offers of mince pies and mulled wine. Marvellous. Treat yourself, your loved ones or employees to a festive feast this season at one of the following jewels in Merseyside’s glittering crown. You can forget frankincense, gold or myrrh – it’s these three gifts you’ll hanker after on a chilly evening; the gloriously elegant 60 Hope Street, The London Carriage Works and the skyscraper Panoramic. We wish you a merry feasting and a scrummy New Year!

PANORAMIC

34TH FLOOR, WEST TOWER, BROOK ST, L3 9PJ TEL: 0151 236 5534 EMAIL: INFO@PANORAMICLIVERPOOL.COM WWW.PANORAMICLIVERPOOL.COM Now, I should start by saying that I’m not one for heights. Maybe that’s a wee bit of an understatement actually – anything taller than 60 inches is usually enough for me – so when I pressed the button for the 34th floor at Beetham’s West Tower, I did so with a degree of trepidation. The Panoramic stands out amongst the remaining 39 floors – illuminated in glittering red lights, it’s like a Batman signal for Liverpool gourmands looking for a swanky meal. Today, I had a lunch date with my mother – and what a day it was. The sky was a brilliant blue, with only a distant haze of cloud on the horizon. The blazing sun poured through the floorto-ceiling windows as Mum and I were sat at our immaculately laid table, overlooking the Mersey estuary. With the glorious day on our side, we could see over to Snowdonia, Wales, and were reliably informed that on the clearest of days you could see the snowy tip of Mt Snowdon itself, and the lights of Blackpool Tower. It’s a strange feeling – being 34 storeys up; the vertigo refused to take hold thank goodness, and it was only when standing up against the window that a slight sense of dizziness came over me. The views are truly breathtaking, whether looking across the city, Wirral or sea - the sight was mesmerising and a wonderful

UNCORKED

way to see Liverpool in all its glory. A delightful Sancerre (Domaine do Nozay 2007 - £29) accompanied our meal; for me, smoked salmon, golden beetroot and crème fraiche to start – a veritable hunk of salmon arrived dolloped with light crème fraiche and a surprise pile of caviar. The golden beetroot added a welcome zest of colour to the dish and the quality of the fish spoke for itself. Mum went for her first ever pigeon, wrapped in Parma ham with pickled red cabbage, cooked to reveal a ruby pink hue and nestled in between the shredded purple fronds – and was “delicious”. Grilled Halloumi cheese atop a fresh tomato salad with a sweet balsamic dressing was a perfect light lunch option, whilst the more robust rabbit bolognaise with Parmesan gnocchi and chicken liver had the deep richness of real wintery fare. Desserts were interesting – the usual chocolate option was taken up a notch with smooth, thick and intensely dark torte with a double hit of a scrumptious white chocolate sorbet; but the real focus was the sweet potato cheesecake with Tonka bean ice cream and lemon jelly. The fluffy light cheesecake was delicately perfumed with the sweetness of the potato, and the Tonka bean ice cream was thick, rich and mildly vanilla-y, together these two ingredients are too similar but with the wildly tangy flashes of lemon jelly, the dish was brought together well. For around £20 per head for three courses, the Panoramic is worth a visit for the food, wine and of course, the beautiful Merseyside vista. JM

Crikey – where to start? More bottles are uncorked now than at any other time of the year, and a lot can ride on the quality of your cuvee. For an aperitif, you can’t beat a bit of fizz but these days there’s an enormous range to choose from. Just because it says Champagne on the bottle, doesn’t always guarantee value for money. English sparkling wine has been making waves for all the right reasons in recent years, and what better time to introduce family and friends to fizz from our shores than Christmas? Ones to look out for are 28

award-winning Cornish vineyard, Camel Valley, and its 2007 ‘Cornwall’ Brut (around £18) or Gloucestershirebased Three Choirs Classic Cuvee (around £11). If you plan to swig bubbles throughout your meal then take heed – stay away from the sweet stuff as it will not complement your turkey at all; dry, dry, dry is all we want (except the turkey, of course!). White wine drinkers – sip a sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand, Marlborough and you can’t go far wrong), or go for the ever-dependable Chardonnay. If you’re a red wine fan then fear not, for there are several good reds out there

THE LONDON CARRIAGE WORKS HOPE STREET, LIVERPOOL, L1 9DA TEL: 0151 705 2222 WWW.THELONDONCARRIAGEWORKS.CO.UK It’s been a long while since I last had the pleasure of dining at The London Carriage Works. For those few of you who may not have acquainted themselves with one of the city’s most upmarket restaurants, let me enlighten you. The multi-award winning restaurant is under the strict supervision of Chef Patron, Paul Askew, and over the past few years has continued to strive for a coveted Michelin star – Liverpool’s first. So it is with high hopes that we enter a bustling Friday evening service, to be greeted by the smiling maître-d and a near-full restaurant. There is a good mix of clientele in this evening – several couples, as expected, and a large table of friends or colleagues clearly enjoying a slap up dinner and having a ball. The London Carriage Works occupies a beautifully restored and rejuvenated Georgian building on Hope Street – its Venetian palazzo leanings make it stand out from the crowd, which, considering its location, is saying something. Inside, the decor is both striking and subtle – huge shards of tempered frosted glass spike the floor, cleverly sectioning dining areas and adding

60 HOPE STREET 60 HOPE STREET, LIVERPOOL, L1 9BZ TEL: 0151 707 6060 EMAIL: INFO@60HOPESTREET.COM WWW.60HOPESTREET.COM Reading up on 60 Hope Street before dining I noted many references describing it as ‘a London restaurant in Liverpool’, and upon entering the Grade II listed Georgian building I got it straight away. The grand converted house looked simple and elegant and 60 Hope Street would be at home nestled between Petrus and Terrance Conran's 'The Bluebird'. Sometimes fine dining can go hand in hand with pretentiousness, but not in this case. We were warmly greeted by Colin Manning (co-manager) and seated by the large Georgian window looking out on passers by aimlessly strolling through the cold night. The warm atmosphere and attention to detail oozed professionalism- even the butter was stamped with the recognisable '60' logo. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, and the wine glasses were constantly topped up. After looking at the menu, we decided to keep Jack Frost at bay and warm ourselves up with the locally sourced new autumn menu at an very reasonable £19.50 per person. Three courses with your name on it, that won’t overpower the turkey either. Big Bird is traditionally accompanied by Pinot Noir wines, which are famously versatile, as well as Tempranillos from the Rioja region of Spain. Other good options for pairing with turkey include French Beajolais Nouveau and Californian Zinfandels – these would also go deliciously with a classic roast goose and cherry reduction or a thick slice of nut loaf. On to dessert wine – overlooked by many unfortunately, but always enjoyed once tried. Sweet fortified Muscat, Australian Liqueur Muscat and Cream Sherry are winners, whilst Moscato d’Asti works well because the light and fruity wine counters the richness of the pudding.

another element to the large dining space. There is also a bar – this is less ice-shard, more dark leather comfort – for diners to continue their TLCW experience, serving almost everything you’d ever want, unless it involves a cocktail umbrella. The salad of Kidderton Ash goats cheese with red onion chutney, vanilla poached pears and baby leaves (£7.95) was sweeter than I expected but contrasted well with the generous chunks of tangy soft cheese, sat atop buttery croutons, and the vanilla pears were melt-in-the-mouth scrummy. My husband tucked into his juicy wood pigeon, which came with a thick mushroom and shallot risotto and redcurrant jus (£8) and got a firm thumbs up. No sooner had our starters been cleared than our mains were in front of us, and our glasses were filled (with a delightful New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from the excellent wine list). Beef and oyster pie with champ potato and oyster beignet (£21.50) was on the menu for Hubbie, and what a sight it was. How one makes a pie look positively a la carte, I don’t know. But TLCW do. Going off-menu, I enjoyed a deliciously meaty monkfish with pea and pancetta risotto (prices vary) that was so soft, buttery, salty and filling that I declared myself to be in utter foodie heaven. After all this rather hearty fare, it was deemed impossible to attempt anything from the lovely dessert menu. Readers, there is a first time for everything. For an intimate pre-Christmas date, an upmarket work do, or a festive lunch with your dearest friends, TLCW knows how to deliver a divine dinner with all the trimmings. JM of the season's best offerings and half a bottle of Fuente Verde Garnacha Tinto Bodegas or Macabeo Blanco Bodegas, Monfil Carena, Spain. To start, I had the Deep Fried Cod with Black Pudding & Tomato Sauce, which was presented beautifully; imagine a crisp white upside-down bone china sombrero with the crisp fried cod and fresh tomato sauce in the centre well. My date had the Pumpkin & Almond Tian with Glazed Golden Cross, a tangy, ash-rolled goats cheese with deliciously soft pumpkin cubes. For my main course, I chose the Roast Loin Pork with Haricot, Tomato & Chorizo Spice Stew, which was an enjoyably warming dish, and of course beautifully presented. The other choice of main at our table was the wonderful Pan Fried Salmon with Roasted Butternut Squash, Chestnut & Sage Butter, which certainly did not disappoint. Both of the main courses consisted of well-chosen, fresh ingredients, which were married together to create the most flavoursome & satisfying dishes. And for the perfect end to our meal, it was a classic ice-cream dish & the cheeseboard. Considering the quality of food, the generous portion size & the superb service, a trip to 60 Hope Street to try speciality menus will not only be a welcome night out for your taste buds, but for your wallets as well, as the price really is an absolute bargain for what you will experience. We will definitely go back. CJ As it’s Christmas, and about the only time we’d allow such boozeridden frivolity, then make sure you see off the day with one of the following; a warming glass of Scottish ‘fire water’ – a sweet Dalwhinnie or earthy Macallan should warm those cockles. If whisky isn’t your thing, then a mug of mulled wine and another mince pie will ensure an afternoon of snoozing on the sofa. And, lastly, whip yourself up a Bloody Mary on Boxing Day morning, trust us – it works. 29

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You are what you wear 321 Brodie Avenue, Allerton, Liverpool L19 7NE Tel: 0151 494 2753

ABSOLUTE BEST in & around Liverpool Bars & Restaurants

MELLO WINE BAR & BISTRO

NINE DRAGONS

167-169 Allerton Road T: 0151 724 6655 With a laid back and ambient feel, great wine, and even better food. Absolutely brilliant night guaranteed.

9 Altway, Aintree, L10 3JA T: 0151 520 0282 This modern friendly restaurant offers quality Peking and Cantonese style cuisine. (20% off all takeaway meals from menu.)

LONDON CARRIAGE WORKS

MERCHANTS BAR & RESTAURANT

LA CUBANITA

40 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9DA T: 0151 709 3000 The award-winning restaurant is a stunning setting for the ultimate dining experience.

62 Castle Street, City Centre. T: 0151 702 7897 E: dining@62castlest.com The sleek bar and restaurant provides fantastic cocktails and drinks alongside a varied and delicious menu.

2 Campbell Square, Liverpool. L1 5AX T: 0151 709 5335 www.lacubanita.co.uk Buena Vista Social Club returning to Liverpool on 31st October - after show party at La Cubanita.

WESTMINSTER TEA ROOMS

ZELIGS

ITALIAN CLUB FISH

8 Thomas Steers Way. Liverpool ONE. L1 8LW. T: 0151 709 7097 www.zeligs.co.uk Zeligs is set in a vast New York style warehouse space and serves perfectly authentic Italian dishes.

85 Bold Street, Liverpool City Centre, L1 4HF T: 0151 707 2110 www.theitalianclubliverpool.co.uk The menu offers a range of authentic Italian fish and seafood dishes in a relaxed and rustic location.

T: 0151 709 9159 E: blackburnearms@hotmail.co.uk www.blackburnearms.co.uk A hidden gem in the heart of the Georgian quarter, a traditonal mix of good food, beer, and live entertainment, in a warm atmosphere. Pop down for a fantastic Sunday roast.

PALM SUGAR LOUNGE

60 HOPE STREET

PANORAMIC

165 Lord St, Southport, PR8 1PF Tel: 01704 540066 www.southportgb.com Offering All Day Breakfasts, traditional meals, lunches, afternoon teas. Open 10.00am - 6.00pm. 7 days a week

CHAOPHRAYA

5-6 Kenyon Steps Liverpool ONE, L1 3DF T: 0151 707 6323 www.chaophraya.co.uk Thai Restaurant offering Royal Thai cuisine in fine dining surroundings, experience the UK's number one Thai experience.

Kenyon steps, Liverpool ONE, L1 3DF E: anh@chaophraya.co.uk T: 0151 707 6654 200 capacity, stylish cocktail bar with luxury VIP Champagne booths.

THE MONRO

92-94 Duke St, L1 5AG Tel: 0151 707 9933 Email: mail@themunro.com Liverpool's premier gastropub. A wide selection of organic wines and real ales adds to the unique experience while the warmth of their hospitality and welcome is renowned.

Hope Street, L1 9BZ T: 0151 707 6060, www.60hopestreet.com Located in Liverpool's creative arts quarter, this is reflected in its diverse menu. An elegant dining experience in one of the city's most established venues.

HARD DAYS NIGHT

Central Buildings, North John Street, Liverpool, L2 6RR. T: 0151 243 2121. www.harddaysnighthotel.com Award winning restaurant Blakes offers an A La Carte Menu locally sourced and organic produce.

STUDIO2

Parr Street Studios, L1 4JN T: 0151 707 1050 www.parrstreet.co.uk THIS is the studio where Coldplay, Take That & the Spice Girls recorded. If you're yet to visit this laid back hidden gem then you're in for a treat. Drinks, food & music.

BLACKBURNE ARMS HOTEL

34th Floor, West Tower, Brook Street, Liverpool, L3 9PJ T: 0151 236 5534 www.panoramicliverpool.com Dine in widescreen at Panoramic. Offering the finest food, hand crafted with love: a warm atmosphere and cinematic views of the city below.

Every issue we look at the cultural goings on all over Merseyside.

CULTURE LIVERPOOL BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT New

Artist, Stephen Walter, known for his two-year London project mapping out the city in its entirety, but in his own unique style has only gone and done it for Liverpool! Informed by insights and knowledge of his native city of London and its people, the resulting maps tap into the undercurrents of the vibrant capital city. The artist’s initial plan was to create something similar for Liverpool, a city he was unfamiliar with. A whistle stop five day tour was planned to immerse himself in the city and surrounds, however along the way Stephen went and fell in love with a local lady, changing the face of his map in both style and size. This unique and highly intricate artwork looks lovingly upon Liverpool, using local terms, stories and names for many of the locations and would be a perfect present for any ex-pat or proud Scouser. The map is geographically accurate and highlights many of Liverpool's main roads, railway lines, built up areas, monuments and green spaces. It records several memorable viewpoints from different parts of the city. Stephen says: “I began to translate Liverpool's character to paper, its snippets of quirks, idiosyncrasies, its stereotypes, places of interest and etymology of place names into a celebration of the masonry and hearts of Liverpool”. View this unique piece of art at www.stephenwalter.co.uk (prints available)

New

FEAST OF LANTERNS

Merseyside Scouts lit up the sky recently with a feast for the eyes with the annual Feast of the Lanterns event. Scouts and Explorers paraded beautifully crafted lanterns, ranging in design and scale and even included a floating Viking boat! The eerie display took place in the pitch black, as part of a weekend camping trip that brings together Scouts from all over the region. The Feast is made up of four sections – traditional, fantastia, novice and Explorer Scouts. The event allows the youngsters to use their imagination and get creative with their designs and creations – which are constructed throughout the Saturday with their groups. Each display was judged by a specially selected

New

panel, who awarded scores on creativity, hard work, ingenuity and originality, and winning teams were awarded the coveted titles on the following morning.

STRIKE A POSE

The Lady Lever Art Gallery will be holding a remarkable exhibition until 3 May 2010, photographically charting the lives of an Edwardian family from the Wirral. An Edwardian Family Album shows draughtsman Jack Urton, his wife Biddy and their young daughters Mary and Lois in the carefree sunny days that marked the period immediately before the First World War. The pictures portray an idealised image of the comforts of family life and feature the Wirral and also further afield in the Derbyshire countryside. All of the images were taken by Jack, a keen amateur photographer who lived in Birkenhead and later Bebington. The exhibition was the idea of Wirral-based photography enthusiast David Price, who sadly died in 2008, who was given a collection of over 500 glass plate negatives found in a friend’s

attic. Covering the period around 1900 to the early 1920s, they were still in their original boxes and paper sleeves. Many were labelled with dates, locations and subjects. Jane Duffy, head of the Lady Lever Art Gallery, says: “This more personal, intimate view of an Edwardian family evokes a bygone age. The pictures resonate today with an immediacy and familiarity that recalls our own family photographs.” For more information call 0151 478 4136 or visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

SHANKLY SHOW

Following its sell-out success at The Olympia and Royal Court theatres in 2008, the epic show about the life of Liverpool Football Club’s most famous manager Bill Shankly, returns due to popular demand at the Auditorium at BT Convention Centre (next to the Echo Arena Liverpool). The Shankly Show, by Andrew Sherlock, will be the first theatre play in the magnificent state-of-the-art venue, and will perform two special shows only on 17 and 18 December. The event will commemorate the 50th anniversary – to the week – when Bill Shankly became the manager of LFC in December 1959. This is a show written large, unashamedly embracing the myth, emotion and epic stature of the man as well as displaying his wit, hard pitman’s background, politics and famous footballing genius. A commemorative book and a DVD are also being released to honour the sporting legend, along with a special Citizen’s Award given by the City. Tickets on sale now – to book yours please call 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com 33

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Merseyside's top solicitors GregoryAbramsDavidson LLP hit the Capital! AFTER 30 SUCCESSFUL YEARS IN MERSEYSIDE THE COMPANY HAS OPENED ITS NEW OFFICE ON FINCHLEY ROAD, LONDON. Launch Party at Mercedes Showroom

(L-R) Liz Newman, Cobi Aboody and Jeremy Landes (Goldschmidt & Howland), Jonathan Abrams (GAD LLP), Rudi Kingsley

Mr Gregory Abrams & Mr Peter Joseph

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THATÊS THE SPIRIT Robin Cousins is looking forward to celebrating next year. After all, 2010 will see the 30th anniversary of his spectacular Olympic gold medal win at Lake Placid, another series of the hit BBC show, Dancing on Ice and the new Holiday on Ice spectacular show, Spirit, hitting the Liverpool Echo Arena on 28-31 January as part of its international tour. Robin took time out from his hectic schedule to speak to Jenny Morris about his role as Creative Director at Holiday on Ice and the new show.

Hi Robin – tell me a bit about the new show, Spirit: Spirit of the World – it’s, I feel, very typical of Holiday on Ice, what makes it different as much as Creative Director and Director of the show; this is the first time I’ve not choreographed in about four or five years. We’re dealing with the elements; Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and then trying to find ways to then work that into the typical scenario where you want to have glamorous costumes, beautiful music and wonderful staging. Where I put my mark on it when creating the show is that I have found great pieces of music that people recognise – giving Eastern influence to Western music. A beautiful love song, sung in Mandarin or a beautiful Enya tune that everyone will know but played on an air instrument – all the music has been written, performed and recorded especially for Spirit of the World. And how hard was it that to put together from conception to actual production and performance of the show? It’s around nine to ten months from sitting down around a table to putting it all on paper and getting it all into the studio and working with the various designers – whether it’s set, lodging or costume – and then going to a rehearsal period where you have eight weeks from the very first rehearsal, until you are in front of your live audience for the very first time. It may seem that eight months is a long time but when you have 350 costumes to design, you have to have a very clear picture of your vision. And the set design for this has ended up winning an award that saw off Take That and U2! There’s very much a continual evolvement with the shows, I saw it last week at the Dutch premiere in Rotterdam and it’s the first

time I had seen it in a while, and I thought ‘Wow’ the audience just loved it, it’s fun and we have some fresh blood in it this year which again takes it to another level. You have performed here before – what do you think of Liverpool’s arena venue? Yes, in fact I think we were the first show that came here, in 2008. There aren’t that many venues where the show can fit as it was designed. Obviously Holiday on Ice can travel the world, and can do all types of venues, but this building is, from an arena point of view, intimate enough that the skaters can be part of the audience, and I am really excited to see the show there because I think it will sit very nicely and work very well. Dancing on Ice has brought ice skating back to the fore – are you looking forward to the upcoming series? Absolutely – I mean in January we’ll be right in the thick of it and all the winter ice rinks will be out around the country and people will be getting ready for it. We’ll see who competes – I have no idea who the celebs are. There are always rumours and celebs skating somewhere, who are hoping they might get picked, or who might end up in the show – some may end up being stand-bys. So until they make that announcement in the beginning of December I won’t know. I mean, I have no involvement until the first Sunday, when I show up. So – 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of your triumphant Olympic win; does it feel like thirty years has passed? (Laughs) Skating has changed a huge amount. What they are doing now, was literally like science fiction in my day. I mean to put it in perspective, novice ladies are doing the same things now competitively that we were doing in the 1980 Olympics, that’s a bit embarrassing! I don’t have that connection to it, the new Olympic judging system is also very different – the reason that I was skating and how I got into the Olympics would possibly be very different now if I was competing in that genre. And do you get to skate often? Yes – as much as I can. When I’m with the show and am choreographing or directing then it’s up to 12-13 hours every time, the skates are on all day. I still enjoy it as much as I did, but for different reasons – I can’t do some of the things I could thirty years ago, I’d be silly to even think about it but to be able to get out there and be on the ice with them, or teach classes is great. Holiday on Ice, Spirit of the world shows at Echo Arena 28-31 January 2010. For tickets call 0844 8000 400. www.echoarena.com

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XMAS GIFTS

We don’t know about you, but each year we resolve to plan our Christmas present-buying far earlier and be far more organised in order to enjoy a relaxing December. Does it ever happen? Does it heck. So to ease the festive panic-buying, we’ve put together a top selection of goodies to fill those stockings. Father Christmas would be proud.

1 Ladies Clip Purse (£8.50), Beatles Story. Shop online at www.beatlesstory.com or call 0151 709 1963. The Beatles Story’s Fab4Stores are Europe’s largest Beatles retail outlet and earlier this year was awarded Merseyside’s Tourism Retailer of the Year Award. The Fab4Store is located at the Albert Dock and the new Mersey Ferries Terminal building at Pier Head. 2 School Shoes (£14) Present Aid. Christmas is a time for giving, and a time to think about those less fortunate than us. In Zambia, children often have to walk long distances to get to school, so providing shoes for a child is a great gift towards their future success. For more Present Aid gifts please visit www.presentaid.org

3 Ligero Walking Shoe (£75.00), Teva. Whether you’re on the road or trail, you can cover the miles with ease wearing the brand new women’s Ligero from Teva. Start 2010 as you mean to go on, and walk off those extra festive pounds in comfort and style. Find out more about Teva’s new Autumn/Winter range for men and women at www.teva.com 4 Chez Minette Birdcage Mirror (£125.00), An Angel at My Table, Bouf. This unusual birdcage mirror has clear bevelled mirror glass and a bird perched on top of the frame. 76h x 38w (cm). Shop online at www.bouf.com

5 MacBook, Refurbished (£469.00 inc VAT), Tier 1. Fully refurbished laptops and electrical goods not only save your pocket, but save the planet, too. Buying a good-as-new MacBook will save you up to a whopping £300! Check out all the fab products available at www.tier1online.com 6 Vases, various, (from £9.00) Habitat. Liverpool One's newest addition has opened just in time for Christmas - hurrah! Great for last-minute beautiful gifts, decorations and furnishings you are sure to find the perfect item for you or your loved one. www.habitat.co.uk 7 Noir Orchid Ring (£135.00), Benna. This Noir orchid ring is a stunning piece of costume jewellery. Encrusted with swarovski crystals wear with a red carpet dress and vintage clutch. Available in ring sizes N and L. www.benna.co.uk 8 Alarm Clock - but not as you know it. Beotime, Bang & Olufsen. Band & Olufsen introduces an unusual and elegant alarm clock and sleep timer with system integration possibilities. Bang & Olufsen of Liverpool, 52/54 Castle Street. www.bang-olufsen.com/liverpool

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interiors

Deck the halls It’s that time of year again and with Christmas only weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about colours and styles once again. Whether you want a glamorous look or a traditional theme, there are many ways to style your home this Christmas. The most important thing is to keep it simple. Don’t get me wrong, I love nothing more than turning my 1930’s semi into Santa’s grotto; however, there are rules that need to be obeyed if you want to maintain a classic rather than crammed look. During the wintery weeks running up to the Christmas period, I love to make a real feature of my fireplace, adding church candles and tea light holders, most of which I have bought from Elaine Cunningham Interiors! We have some lovely little bits in the showroom that make fantastic stocking fillers, or even a little treat for you! I then finish it off with some twinkly lights along the mantle piece. Not only does it look affective, but after a dreary, rainy December day, I love nothing more than lighting my candles and relaxing in the glow with a mug of hot chocolate. When it comes to the tree, whether it’s real or artificial, it is the main focal point and therefore important to consider the look you want to achieve. Naturally there is that wonderful time-honoured style with reds and golds a plenty which looks beautiful on any Christmas tree and table. But if you are like me and want a combination of both traditional and modern this festive season, there are plenty of ways to mix it up. With citrus colours coming back into trend, I will be digging out my six foot traditional tree this December and lavishing it with metallics, yellows and lime greens! And, to give it that extra sense of luxury, I plan to incorporate deep purple glittery baubles and fabulous teal strings of tinsel. Also, adding a few key ornaments to compliment the baubles and glitter can really give it that designer look. My personal favourites include my iridescent 3D snowflakes which always cause a stir as they twinkle amongst the fairy lights. And of course, it wouldn’t be a perfectly styled tree without beautifully wrapped presents in your chosen colours with curled, bright ribbons to finish them off. Having finished the tree, it’s time to start on the rest of the room. Delicate strings of LED lights around the window, touches of tinsel and cards hung on the wall gives a finished look without distracting the attention from the all important beautifully trimmed tree. As for the exterior of the house, a little bit of sparkle goes a long way. Icicle lights dripping from the roof and fairy lights in amongst

trees and bushes add that little bit of something without heading towards looking like an airport landing strip. And for those who like to go that little bit extra, wicker animals entwined with twinkling lights are becoming ever more tasteful whilst adding a bit of fun to the garden. Once the house has been suitably decorated, it’s time to turn your attention to the dinner table. We have many people coming into the store asking advice on how to put the finishing touches to their table and there are lots of ways to do this, whether it’s flowers and holly or candles and baubles. Firstly you need to think of how many people you will have seated and therefore, how much space you actually have to style. Once you’ve figured this out, its time to turn your attention to continuing your theme onto the dinner table. The ever popular centre piece, be it a bright poinsettia or a grand candelabra, will always catch the eye. Add coordinating crackers and napkins and you’ve created a wonderful traditional, yet stylish setting. For those who want to add a little sparkle to their setting, lavishly sprinkled table crystals can create a real wow factor. Team this with short drinking glasses filled with coloured glass pebbles and a tea light to finish and you have a glamorous yet sophisticated table decoration. I love to set my dinner table a couple of days before so the full effect can be appreciated prior to the day. All in all, be it traditional or modern, it’s about finding a style that works for you and enjoying the festive season! Wishing you all a very happy Christmas from all of us at Elaine Cunningham Interiors. x Contact 0845 500 5060 or visit www.elaine cunningham interiors. com for more information. (Words by Michelle Potter) 39

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12 Days of Christmas

Christmas comes but once a year . . . but the damage caused by too much overindulgence over the festive period can last a lifetime. Too much drinking and eating combined with the inevitable stress that Christmas brings can take their toll on your body – and men are particularly vulnerable to the problems they can cause. Dr Jim O’Connor, Head of Medical Services at NHS Liverpool Community Health says: “We men often act impulsively, living for the moment rather than thinking of the consequences, and Christmas provides the best possible opportunity to eat, drink and be merry.” Here he tackles some of the issues that can affect men’s health over Christmas.

Overdrinking: “Combined with overeating, the results of too much drinking can be disastrous. Even done alone it can cause acute stomach inflammation (gastritis), and liver problems, again causing Christmas emergencies. By all means have a drink, but watch the units (28 units for men in one week – rather than one day - is the recommended intake) and don’t drink and drive.” Stress and anxiety: “Christmas puts intense pressure on us to keep up with the Jones’ and to spend, spend, spend. Bad enough at the best of times, but even more difficult given that we’re in the middle of a recession. If you are feeling under stress, seek help early from your doctor or other agencies such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau or the Samaritans who will help you to get through the festive frolics.” Lack of Exercise: “It is so easy to be a couch potato after a feast – and dangerous too, with obesity regularly linked to Diabetes. You don’t have to join a gym – even just a 20-30-minute brisk walk a few times during the Christmas week will have some benefit. Alternatively, if you have a Wii console why not enjoy some competitive games with the lads or your family, playing Wii sports or working out.” Toilet trouble: “It’s not surprising that too much alcohol can aggravate dodgy waterworks. In the older age groups, prostate problems that have been mild can become acute with sometimes an acute inability to pass water. Why wait until it’s a major problem? Have it checked out and prevent serious problems.”

Overeating: “This is commonplace, particularly on Christmas Day,” says Dr O’Connor. “While overeating once in a while may not cause any long-term problems, frequent overindulgence leads

to indigestion and acid reflux and, if done frequently, can lead to an expanding waistline. This can aggravate blood pressure, cardiac problems, and can lead to diabetes – all are common emergencies over Xmas.”

Recreational drugs: “Younger men should be aware of the risks of spiked drinks or bad trips, they can lead to serious health problems including mental health issues. Avoid illicit drugs wherever possible and ensure your drinks are bought by true friends.”

men's health

Casual sex: “With so much alcohol flying around, it’s perhaps inevitable that if you’re young (or maybe not so young), free and single, you might indulge in casual sex over the Christmas period. However, be aware that sexually transmitted infections are on the rise, so unless you want an unexpected present this year practice safe sex and wear a condom.”

Erectile Dysfunction: “It’s not surprising that after all that indulgence it can sometimes be difficult to perform. These sort of problems can cause immense strain to individuals and couples alike, but can be easily investigated and treated – so seek help and give your partner an early Christmas present.” Smoking: “Everyone knows by now just how much damage smoking can do to your health. If the thought of Christmas is enough to make you want to pick up a cigarette, why not moderate your smoking over Christmas and look to New Year for a resolution.” Snoring: “Your main snoring concern may be the fear that it could be keeping your partner awake. But, according to Dr O’Connor, that could be the least of your worries. “If someone is tired all the time because of low oxygen levels caused by poor quality sleep, it can be extremely dangerous. “Many road accidents are caused because people nod off at the wheel. The heavy snorer may actually be suffering from a condition called sleep apnoea and that can be treated.” Loneliness: “There’s no time worse than the festive season for making lonely people feel isolated. But you don’t have to get through it alone. Make plans to spend as much time as possible with other people, and if you find you are really struggling, call the Samaritans or the Christmas Careline.” Depression: “The breakdown of relationships is a common problem over Christmas, when difficulties which have been apparent before Christmas often come to a head. Seek help early and deal with the issues through your doctor or organisations like Relate.” 43

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TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY This is the month that women’s shoulders begin to droop as their list of holiday “should do’s” become as long and heavy as Jacob Marley’s chains. There’s card writing, card mailing, gift buying, gift wrapping, gift sending, tree buying, tree decorating (pause for breath), cake baking, party giving, turkey roasting – and that’s for starters. By next week unless a power greater than ourselves restores us to sanity, women will be dropping like flies, or will be checking into the priory with me. I’m sure they do discount for group bookings - I’ll let you know. Not surprisingly, the Christmas holidays are the height of the ‘flu season. The author of a recent book on simplifying our lives suggests that we “bow out” of the holidaysAS IF THIS WERE AN OPTION FOR REAL WOMEN? Is it for you? When it begins to look a lot like Christmas, it’s because women across the country are wearing red hats, red lipstick, pointy shoes to accessorise their M&S suits, Gap jeans, or sparkly Topshop sweater. In case anyone hasn’t noticed, women are the ones who “do” Christmas; performing miracles on demand. Women make holiday dreams come true from behind the scenes - unless of course your name is Herbert of Liverpool. Herbert Howe, the famous hairdresser, with a wave of a magic wand, and a click of his fingers can create such wonderful extravagant parties such as Queenie’s Christmas. Held every year in aid of charity and in memory of his beautiful mother, who sadly passed away some years ago. The gorgeous Queenie adored Christmas so Herbert has set up a charity in her honour and raises thousands for children in need at Christmas, there is no one who does it better and with such love. I went last year and can only describe it as magical. I chatted to his father, who whispered to me: “She would’ve loved this you know, and been so very proud.” I saw a lifelong love for his wife and family in his eyes. It’s a moment I will always remember. His name was Frank Howe, who sadly passed away a few weeks later. The celebration of Christmas as we know it today, with a whirl of festivities, decorations, lavish parties and family centred traditions, was a creation of middle class Victorians, both in England and the United States in the mid nineteenth century. Victorian women, who were full time home bodies began preparing for Christmas as early as July. However, in the final two decades women have been doing lots of other things whilst preparing for Christmas. Which is why we end up doing ourselves in every December. For many women this is the season of misery and angst. Tears, tantrums, screaming, yelling, hustle, bustle, cash conflicts, royal

pain relations and holiday humbugs. Wouldn’t the real Christmas miracle be if we slowed down long enough to remember the reason for the season? So that the holiday season became authentic and meaningful? So be of good cheer. be not frazzled, frusrated, nor frantic, for I bring you tidings of comfort and joy. If you do Christmas at your house, you can choose to do it your way. Whatever that may be. You can consciously decide to be happy, loving, fulfilled, generous, peaceful, contented, spiritual, joyous, calm, festive and emotionally connected to the important people in your life for the holidays this year. Or, you can unconsciously choose to be a wreck. As you are reading this, realise you can’t do everything. Not all at once. Not at all. I have realised that one of the reasons Christmas pasts probably didn’t live up to my expectations is because I’ve tried to do too much, too perfectly. I would like to say: just go with the flow, drink plenty of alcohol when feeling stressed - but of course I can’t as I am a health writer – ha ha! Go back look at the list. Choose only what you love most about the holidays. Cross out two more ‘must dos’. Now there’s time for gazing out of the window (at gently falling snow, we hope), delighting in the sounds of joyful Christmas music, savouring the sweet aromas of mulled wine (on the go as I write this), sipping cups of tea with a drop of whisky in, just because it’s Christmas. Watching old Christmas movies like It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. Sitting in front of a fire crackling on the hearth and recreating cherished customs that care for your soul as well as the souls of those you love. I do hope your Christmas has a little touch of eternity in amongst the rush of it all. To me it always seems such a mixing of this world and the next; cherish your nearest and dearest. Merry Christmas, one and all! And on a health note, my usual advice: eat well, sleep well and play well. See you next year!

JOANNE WILLCOX, colonic hydrotherapist, has written various articles on health and nutrition over the years. She has three health clinics in Chester, Liverpool and Wirral. T: 0845 055 6418 www.joannewillcox.com 45

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Did you know that a lack of sleep has caused arguments for over a third of British couples? And we’re not just talking snoring – sharing a bed with a restless partner can throw up a whole host of problems; and not forgetting noisy neighbours, night-time bathroom trips and nasty nightmares. If you’re having trouble catching a few zeds then read on for our tips for a top night’s kip. A lack of sleep is one of the UK’s most common health problems – a staggering 40 per cent of Brits get less than six hours sleep a night. Disturbed sleep is not only frustrating, it can also have a serious affect on our personal lives and relationships. The new survey of 5,000 Brits by Crampex revealed that one in 10 people in the UK are kept awake by their partner every night, with a quarter saying they are woken up by their other half at least once a month. A third of UK couples admit to arguing with their partner about sleep habits at least once a week! There are various triggers to these arguments. Two thirds of the nation admits to stealing the duvet while asleep (guilty as charged!), while half say snoring causes conflicts with their partner. While for 15 per cent of the nation, their partner passing wind in bed is their ultimate bedroom nightmare. Health conditions can also cause friction – muscle cramps, restless legs, incessant coughing and heavy breathing and back pain can all disturb a bedfellow’s slumber. Amongst remedies, hypnotherapy is an option that more and more people are taking. Hypnotherapist, Sally Stubbs of Excellent Rapport, uses techniques not widely practised in the UK to achieve lasting results. Amongst her clients is the actor Steven Pinder, best known as Max Farnham in Channel 4 soap, Brookside, who she treats for insomnia. Steven says: “I never really tried anything else to cure my insomnia as I am not really one for ‘therap-ising’. I hadn’t tried any other therapy or taken any tablets or medication. “It didn’t really occur to me go down that road, but with Sally’s CDs I just thought I would give it a go...to my surprise it’s done the trick and it’s really improved my life!” A third of people in the UK say they end up sleeping on the sofa after a night time argument, while one in three choose the spare bedroom. Getting a restful night’s sleep is one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves, so if you are experiencing problems then nip it in the bud now before you find yourself up around the clock.

GETTING BETTER SLEEP If you are having sleep problems that have begun to encroach on your personal life and relationships, or if you simply want to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep then try the following top tips put together by sleep expert Chris Idzikowski: Here are the dos and don’ts to help you get better night’s sleep

DO:

• Plan your night – follow a set routine each night that gives you time to relax • Relax – Try having a warm bath or reading a book before bedtime • De-clutter – Make your bedroom a clutter free, restful place, with soft lighting • Use the 20 minute rule – get up and rest somewhere else and do not return back to your bed until you feel sleepy • Exercise regularly – just be careful not exercise too close to bed time as this can prevent the brain from relaxing quickly

DONÊT:

• Try to fall asleep – Tell yourself to let go of being awake, rest your eyes and visualize yourself slowly sinking into bed • Drink alcohol – alcohol cab make you restless and is a diuretic which means more trips to the bathroom at night • Drink caffeine – this will stay in your system for six hours and act as a stimulant – try herbal or fruit tea as an alternative • Eat a heavy or spicy meal less than 2 hours before bed – your body needs to rest and not be busy digesting • Watch TV in bed – this will disturb your partner as well as stop your mind from relaxing For further tips please visit www.goodsleepadvice.com or if you’re interested in hypnotherapy the please visit www.excellentrapport.com

(Words: Jenny Morris)

Fazakerley Advice Bureau THE RIGHT ADVICE...WHEN YOU NEED IT

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WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE A WILL HERE If you do not make a Will your Assets could go to relatives that you do not wish to benefit from your Estate. Making a Will with us is not expensive. If you are in receipt of State Benefits you will most likely not have to pay anything at all. If you are not receiving State Benefits our current charges are £40.00 for one Will, £75.00 for two Wills, e.g. husband and wife. All Wills prepared here are carried out by Julian Green who has over 40 years legal experience in the preparation of Wills.

Advice and assistance on entitlement of all benefits. We can represent at tribunals, challenging decisions.

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Caring for the Community

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This issue, we talk to Rita Hardcastle at Fazakerley Advice Bureau – an inspiring solicitor who has overcome her disabilities to succeed in her ambition to help improve community care. Rita is registered blind and deaf, but despite this works tirelessly to assist those in need of her help. Fazakerley Advice Bureau has been serving people in the community for over ten years and offers help and advice ranging from brokerage, disability discrimination, employment and community care. Interview by Jenny Morris

Why did you return to Fazakerley after years working away? Well, to understand why I went into law, and the kind of law I do; I am actually registered blind and deaf. I retired from the civil service and found it very difficult to get a job and thought ‘Well, if you can’t beat them, join them’ and started studying law. Eventually I went into specialising in community care and public law. I’ve actually been here before as you know, I went to this school called Fazakerley Open Air School, which was a special school for disabled children. So I have got a connection here anyway. So I came back having worked at a high profile law firm in Manchester for three years, and it was a good career move, but I was asked to come back – so here I am! And what kind of work do you specialise in? I specialise in community care and housing, but I have high profile cases – one is in the court of appeal at the moment – but it’s basically bringing public law claims against local authorities which will take place in high court, where the local authority will be able to hopefully provide a sufficient care package for that disabled person. Some of the cases are quite horrendous. Your disability has obviously played a massive part in your life personally but also in a professional sense. Would you have gone into law anyway, do you think? No, because I was discriminated against when I was a little girl and was in special school. I was treated differently and bullied, even as I was growing up as an adult I experienced social exclusion and discrimination. And it is really because of my disabilities that I decided to go into law – I’m quite passionate about disabled people in the community being treated equally. I have now joined a national charity called In Control. They are the pioneers of personalisation funding and work very closely with the disabled community and all the local authorities all over the country. There are going to be major, major changes happening on the community care legislation which is now in force. It means that all the local authorities have a duty to provide what you call a self-directive or personalisation budget to disabled individuals to actually exist in the community individually and have complete control. How much has changed in Fazakerley and the local area since you were a school girl here? When I was a young girl it was a very close-knit community, but – and I think it’s still a really good area – you unfortunately have the unemployment, you have people living longer, there

is deprivation in this area and surrounding areas so yes, I have noticed a big change. I’ve noticed a big change where people are just trying to survive and on top of that, even though the community do face a lot of hardship and money problems, housing and community care problems, they’ve always got that sense of humour you know? They seem to come out on top with that – but I currently have over 280 cases on community care. The interesting thing is that I have people from all over the NW, and as far as Oxfordshire and Cambridge. And I think it’s because I’m disabled and because I understand the problems that these people have, I can empathise. I have this saying that every disabled person is unique – which is simply saying that under the sexual or race discrimination you can either be male or female, black or white. But under the disability legislation, each disabled person’s disabilities are unique and different. I could have the same disability as the person next door, but I have a better coping strategy, you know. Were you born with your disabilities? Yes – I have a condition called Usher Syndrome, I’m registered blind and have 80 per cent hearing loss in both ears, although I do wear a hearing aid. People say ‘Well, you’re disabled so what can you offer?’ but disabled people can offer a lot, there’s no reason why disabled people can’t go to work and have children and family lives, and go out socially. It’s a lot better than it was say 10, 20 years ago but it’s going to take a long time. On that thread then, do you find that your disabilities impinge in any way on anything you do here, in your general working day? No – I have a PA support worker. When I see a heartbreaking case I do get upset about it and can get quite stressed and that can affect my eyesight – but then I need to take a step back and think ‘I’m not doing the best for my client here.’ But no, I manage well and have learnt that what I can’t do, I’ll ask for help. It’s important that the community knows that there is a solicitor here, but there’s also case workers that offer a really good service, good members of service and I have a really good manager, Graham. (County Magistrate, Graham Farrell). I think that it’s the determination to succeed – that’s what I want to get across to the community, that it is possible. There is always light at the end of a tunnel. You can contact the Fazakerley Advice Bureau on 0151 525 5051. For more information about Charity In Control please visit www.in-control.org.uk 51

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CELEBRATING SUCCESS Merchant Taylors’ Schools maintain an age old tradition of rewarding their young achievers with their annual speech day and prize giving ceremonies. Liverpool’s famous Royal Philharmonic Hall provides a perfect stage to celebrate the achievements of the past year and reinforce ambitions for the coming year. The annual days for both the Girls’ and Boys’ in Crosby also give an opportunity for former pupils to return to their alma maters to advise the next generation of pupils and show just what be achieved with the platform of a strong education. This year Merchant Taylors’ Girls School welcomed back top businesswoman Liz Edwards, who left Merchants in 1984. City high-flyer Liz studied French and Italian at London University and is now a Director of the international accountancy group KPMG, currently in charge of a pan European change management project. With a husband and three children, she admitted she lived a model life in a leafy London suburb, but she also warned girls attending Liverpool’s Royal Philharmonic for the school’s annual speech day “you can have it all, but just don’t expect it to be easy to manage.” Liz, who was born and brought up in Formby, and who returned to the Crosby school last year to organise a special reunion of her year group, paid tribute to her former teachers: “I wasn’t very confident as a teenager but there were three or four very special teachers who inspired and supported me and helped to develop my self belief.” She added: “It’s a special profession and women such as June Floyd, Carol Durham and Lynn Odgers are strong and special women who really influenced me. I remember them fondly today.”

Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ saw the return of top advertising executive Nick Howarth, who left in 1987 to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Magdalen College, Oxford. Guest Speaker at the Crosby Boys’ school’s annual Speech Day, Nick, 40, who was born and brought up in Ormskirk, is the Group Chief Executive of CHI & Partners, the fastest growing independent agency in the U.K. and works with top brands including Times Newspapers, British Gas and Toyota. He is Alan Sugar’s go to man on for advertising advice on The Apprentice and is on the advisory board running England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup. He told a full house at the Royal Philharmonic Hall: “Some years ago there was a famous poster for ‘The Economist’, which read: “Would you want to sit next to yourself at dinner?” He added: “Just make sure the answer is yes.” “Now in middle age, if I was advising my younger self, I would have three bits of advice: “When you are at school, say yes more than no. When you are at university, be adventurous and when you are thinking about a career, raise your sights.”

Sefton Choice Advice Service ‘Here to help you’ Choosing a School? Sefton now has a Choice Service for parents/ carers who are: .Choosing a school for the first time .Choosing a secondary school .Moving school during term time (mid year transfer) Choice advisers will: .Help parents/ carers understand the admissions process .Offer impartial advice .Be available for one to one sessions .Encourage parents to visit schools .Accompany parents/ carers at appeal hearings Your child will not automatically go to your local school - you need to apply Choice Advisers provide information to parents/ carers but will not make decisions for them Please make sure your application form is on time CHECK Local Authorities closing dates Do you need help or advice when filling in your application form? Please ring the Choice Adviser and they will be happy to help

Sefton: Shirley Edwards Tel; 0151 282 1403 or 07890 590702 www.sefton.gov.uk email: choiceadviser@cs.sefton.gov.uk

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This year our fantastic children raised over ÂŁ3,000 for the NSPCC. A balloon race to celebrate this fundraising activity and the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Outstandingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ofsted and SIAS Inspection result, took place on 5.2.09.

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Childwall C of E Primary School Woolton Road, L16 OJD Tel: 0151 722 1553 Fax: 0151 722 4989

St John Bosco Arts College

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TRAIN THAT BRAIN!

education

“The more you use the brain in a challenging way, the better it can work,” the Japanese neuroscientist Ryuta Kawashima, who developed Brain Training, says on the Nintendo website. “We know that the mental processes of our brain start to weaken if we only use it in our routine daily life.” Since its release, the Nintendo Brain Train games have sold countless millions worldwide to an audience hoping for improved brain function. But how effective is this new technology, what benefits does it have – and what’s wrong with pencil and paper? Jenny Morris flexes her cranial Pecs to find out... So, what do you know about your brain? Apart from that you need one to live. Did you know that the energy used by the brain – your brain – is enough to light a 25 watt bulb? Or that on an average day the human brain produces 70,000 thoughts? Or that there are 100 billion neurons in the human brain – the same number of stars in our galaxy? That’s just the tip of the iceberg, folks – take these few facts into consideration and it’s no wonder our poor old noggins need a pep talk now and again. As our command and control centre, the brain is responsible for all we do but frequently gets neglected, cast aside to watch reruns of 1970s sit-coms and left to get all out of shape. As children, our brains are in constant test-mode, developing each day and (hopefully) becoming sharper as we soak up more information. This declines with age, naturally, but the current craze for electronic ‘brain trainers’ has upped the awareness of the importance of regular ‘testing’. The relatively recent publicity of brain training and its benefits has come about because experts have realised how important brain health is to our wellbeing, and quality of life. Just like the muscles in your body, your brain is something you need to flex to keep fit and healthy. If left to languish for too long it will lose its potency, and leave you struggling with simple problems. Lots of brain training exercises are developed with the memory in mind, but there are many other types of training that can be done to help specific areas. Think about weight training – bodybuilders don’t spend all of their time training just one set of muscles, they challenge every part of their body for optimum performance. Whatever your weakness, there is a way to strengthen that cognitive function. The main thing you need to remember about training your brain is that you need the activities to be challenging. In the gym, using too little weight has barely no effect on muscle, the same is true of brain training. If you want to improve memory, you need to challenge your brain by memorising a growing number of items. Want to be quicker with arithmetic? Power on through harder maths problems more often. The more you use a certain part of the brain, the more brain cells will be connected to it, reinforcing

existing connections. Now to the tech-y stuff. Electronic games have been available for a couple of years now, and sales continue to go through the roof. At this time of year, it’s something that may be on many wishlists, but when compared to good old pen and paper, how do electronic methods match up? According to Alain Lieury, professor of cognitive psychology at the University of Rennes, Brittany, a 20p pencil is just as good as a £100 Nintendo at stimulating the brain and improving function. “The Nintendo DS is a technological jewel. As a game it’s fine,” said professor Lieury, who conducted a survey testing 10-yearold children with both electronic games and plain maths. “But it is charlatanism to claim that it is a scientific test.” As strong as Lieury’s views are, it does beg the question of: why now have we suddenly taken an interest when such tasks have been readily available all along, without a hefty price tag? With its gloss and PR aside, has Nintendo et al not at least alerted a massive percentage of the population to the importance of maintaining brain health and activity? Whatever your view may be, it is imperative that we all keep an eye on our grey matter. Whether that be a daily crossword, family puzzles, electronic games or a Sudoku-fest. Try the following brain exercises and let us know how you get on! Simple maths. Can you do these sums in less than 20 seconds? 10x2=, 4+1=, 0x5=, 8x7=, 9x9=, 13-4=, 1+7=, 3x6=, 19-12=, 8x8=,6+0=, 17+8=, 2x0=, 4-4=, 10-7=, 2x7=, 9+17=, 4-6=. Take two minutes to memorise these words. How many can you write down in two minutes? Race rope kick unit join flee plot vice know free amok vale calf dawn exam shop noun riot swap aged rage dead time nova stop. For more brain teasers, try these websites: www.brainbashers.com, www.brainden.com, www.braingle.com 55

Challenged to Achieve St Mary’s College is a thriving community which places a high value on all-round personal development and outstanding academic achievement.

Visiting Day

Our school is built on strong values which emphasise the importance of caring for others and striving for excellence in all we do.

Monday, 11th January, 2010

Typically we record pass rates of up to 99% in GCSE and A level and our rich programme of extra-curricular activities equips pupils with the skills and values which will guide and support them throughout their lives.

For a full picture of life at the College, please visit our website at www.stmarys.ac then come along to see us on a normal working day.

In addition, the Principal is pleased to meet individual parents and prospective pupils by appointment and to arrange a guided tour of the school at work.

Entrance Examination Date 11+ and Sixth Form scholarship examinations

Friday, 29th January, 2010

The Independent Catholic School for boys and girls of all faiths aged 0-18

www.stmarys.ac

0151 924 3926

St. Mary’s College Trust Limited. Reg. Office: St. Mary’s College, Everest Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 5TW Registered in England - Company No. 05412328 Registered Charity No. 1110311

family

FESTIVE FAMILY FUN

Christmas quickly approaches, and it’s not just the one day that families have to think about, as it is holiday time for children as well. We therefore wonder how we are going to entertain our little cherubs during the festive holidays. The Liverpool Magazine has compiled a few ideas to ensure you get the most out of your family holiday time. Words: Annabel Farley Get creative and try making all of your Christmas and New Year cards this year – materials are easy to come by and can result in a more cost effective card. Let the kids go wild with glitter and fabrics; remember to use a safe, washable glue (such as Pritt Stick) and to supervise younger children with scissors and small objects. Try carving fun shapes into halved potatoes, think Christmas trees, stars, letters or even a snowman. Simply dip the potato in coloured paint and press firmly on to the card. Easy, simple and fun – and everyone loves the personal touch, especially at this time of year. A walk through the city in the early evening is a must – if only to soak up the festive atmosphere; Liverpool city centre often has a fantastic snow machine, huge fir tree and sparkling lights, with plenty of activities going on throughout December. Now to the fun stuff: the decoration of the house and the Christmas tree. Is there a better holiday activity than this one? Children will remember this all their lives, and it truly shapes a family Christmas, and is something that everyone should have an input in. Forget muted colour combinations, matching everything and delicate sparkles – save that for your party outfit and dressing the dining room – when it comes to decorating the tree, go for it! Old knick knacks that have been passed down through generations should always appear on the tree, let little ones hang their favourite bauble on the tree, and swathe it in as much gaudy tinsel as the tree will take. Older children can enjoy making their own decorations – party rings and snowflakes are simple and very effective. It’s important for each member of the family to have had a say in the decoration, the festive period is, above anything, a time for family and friendships so it is important to nurture these relationships throughout the period, even if it can be a little hectic at times.

Rope in the family to decide what to eat on Christmas Day – is there any task that can be delegated to the children? Maybe they could help make a Christmas cake or pudding, decorate the table, or decide what to have for a starter. Take it one step further, and design a menu for the family - printing one for each member. Many supermarkets and department stores sell ‘make your own’ Christmas crackers, which can be filled with tokens (and hilarious jokes) of your choice, which is a unique option. Games have always played a part in my family festive holidays – from Pictionary and Monopoly to Cranium and Charades, you’ll

“You’ll find that (with a glass of sherry in hand) even Grandma will be full of beans when it comes to family fun!” find that (with a glass of sherry in hand) even Grandma will be full of beans when it comes to family fun! By the time you’ve had your food, however, and several glasses of wine, your poor brain won’t be functioning as quickly as usual. Bear this in mind, and save the more complex and challenging games for a New Year’s Eve dinner or similar. As much as the festive season is about indulgence, it’s a good idea to make use of any holiday time and blow away those cobwebs with a family walk. There are plenty of walk and cycle routes around Merseyside, ranging in distance and difficulty to suit every member of the family. Circular pub walks are always a winner, or try exploring the region’s National Trust parks and homes. There’s nothing better than a good stomp in the chilly winter countryside to work off those mince pies, exercise also raises endorphins (happy hormones) and – best of all – will tire out even the most energetic of children, ensuring a peaceful afternoon on your return. Perfect. Happy holidays! 57

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gardening

From

Flowers to Autumn and Winter bring in more rain, possible frosts, definitely colder weather and shorter days. Due to all this we need, whenever the opportunity arises, to utilise our time in the garden, remembering to finish picking our apples and pears - but only those which are free from rot - to facilitate storage. Any plants which were ordered previously should be planted (but not if the ground is frozen or waterlogged), or if this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t possible they can be temporarily heeled in. Prune open grown pear and apple trees; gooseberries, blackcurrants and redcurrants can also be pruned, but I prefer to wait until late winter/early spring so I can remove any winter damage which may have occurred. Cut out fruited canes of blackberries and hybrid berries. Mulch around fruit trees and bushes to retain moisture, suppress weeds and protect surface roots from frost damage. Rhubarb can now be lifted and divided. Continue to apply grease bands around trees and tree stakes. Generally check for forms of mould such as mildew and botrytis, and remember to keep vegetables protected from wildlife using cages and cloches. Continue to keep up good garden hygiene to prevent diseases; any diseased waste should be burned and not added to the compost heap. Bring in tender herbs to protect them from frost, or pot them up to use in the kitchen. Herb beds can be subject to waterlogging so ideally the soil should be stony or sandy, and you can help create this by using gravel mulch. For colour in winter and spring, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a last chance to plant out winter bedding: winter pansies, forget-me-nots, bellis daisies, violas, and primulas. Should we get another dry spell then remember to water using recycled water, also take advantage of the moist soil and it still being warm from the summer and plant out more herbaceous perennials. Now is the time to store dahlias and tuberous begonias before winter frosts can damage them. Bamboos and ornamental grasses can be cut back and tidied. Protect pots that are not frost proof with bubble wrap or Hessian fleece. Keep borders free of leaves, and put them in your compost heap to make leaf mould which is a superb soil improver. Dig up perennial weeds with long tap roots, such as dandelions, from cultivated areas as weed killers will not be as effective. Do not feed plants this late in the season, because they have stopped growing and no longer need the nutrients. Dig over soil areas to expose any pests for the wildlife, and keep an eye out for slugs as they can be a problem in milder spells. Continue to clean your old pots and trays so they are ready for future use. Now that we are in the dormant season we can prune our deciduous trees (except for ornamental cherries,

plums and almonds, which are vulnerable to silver leaf if pruned in autumn/winter). Any evergreens are best left until spring. Lightly prune bush roses to prevent wind rock, and also prune climbing roses if you have not already done so. Shrubs which are pruned hard in spring can be cut back by half for larger trees. It is much safer to contact a local tree surgeon before any pruning of trees is carried out. Please ensure that you have contacted your local council to check for tree preservation orders or conservation areas. Bare rooted hedging, trees and shrubs are now available this month; plant them as soon as you can so that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dry out (they can be heeled in for a short time). Containerised stock can still be ordered and planted out, although they will be more expensive than bare rooted stock, and any trees or shrubs which are not in the correct positions can now be moved. Tie up climbers and prune any growth which cannot be tied back, check tree ties and stakes and loosen any over-tight ties. Hardwood cuttings can now be taken from shrubs such as willow, forsythia, euonymus, dogwood, hydrangea and holly. Berries and seeds can still be collected and grown from trees and shrubs, provided they are ripe. Continue to rake leaves from lawns, as they will block out light and moisture. If the weather stays mild you can carry out autumn lawn care, but do not do this if it becomes frosty and try not to walk on a frosted lawn as this can damage the grass. Stop feeding your fish once the weather turns cold and remove any fallen leaves from the pond; you can still cut back overgrown marginal plants and divide hardy water lilies. Frozen ponds can be fatal to fish and wildlife, so check every day to break the ice or alternatively leave a ball floating in the water. If possible try to make your pond more wildlife friendly, or plan a wildlife pond, and make sure that as the weather grows colder we do not forget our wild birds: they will need water in the bird bath and seed in hanging bird feeders or on a bird table, placed out of the way of prowling cats. Now that the nights are drawing in think of fixing lights to sheds and greenhouses and, around the garden, be careful of decks and paving as they can be very slippery and would benefit from being cleaned with Jeyes fluid. Steven Hay is owner of Oak Leaf Landscapes; specialists in stunning garden transformations, big or small. Gold Medal Winners at the Southport Flower Show. Call Steven on 0151 526 1921 or 07732333784. 59

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motoring

TIPS FROM THE PROS REMEMBER THE OLD FASHIONED, PRE-DAWKINS CHRISTMAS WITH CHRIST IN THE MANGER, A SUMPTUOUS HOT TURKEY DINNER ON THE TABLE AND LOTS OF SURPRISES UNDER THE TREE?

TOWNLEY ROGERS DOES — AND HIS BEST PRESENT WAS ALWAYS A PARTICULAR CAR BOOK.

Is Father Christmas a petrol head? Who knows, because every year he gave me the perfect present. Okay, I knew who it was from really, and would devour my new ‘Observer Book of Cars’ with almost as much gusto as nana’s delicious homemade Christmas pud stuffed with hidden sixpences and threepenny bits… Mint fifties copies of the book now fetch £50 odd at auto jumbles; I’ve kept all mine, dog-eared as they are (and ‘illustrated’ by my younger brother who'd insist on 'customising' cars in his own clumsy way; cue post out-of-earshot Christmas smack on what was, for him, literally boxing day). Anyway, they’ve proved a great keepsake, and I still think they were the best car books of their day, knocking the ‘Ladybird’ series into a cul de sac; spool forward forty odd years and here’s chapter and verse on some of my favourite motoring reads of 2009. As its name suggests, you can speed read a Veloce book in a little under 20 minutes … the latest edition on Abarth (Abarth – FIAT based cars by Andrea and David Sparrow) has 90 original pictures, a brief history of the famous Italian marque and is very reasonably priced at £9.99. Abarth’s undergone a recent renaissance after a re-launch by FIAT and this book gives the historical perspective for one of Europe’s most illustrious marques whose hard won reputation was gained on racetracks all over the continent. Much more substantial are two model car books by enthusiast Andrew Ralston, ‘Die cast Toy Cars of the 50’s and 60’s’ and ‘Tinplate Toy Cars of the 50’s and 60’s from Japan’. Ralston’s an acknowledged authority on die cast cars and has

been collecting since a five year old. His latest book is lavishly illustrated, featuring model cars from the USA, S. America and Israel and proved a fascinating insight into another world which I found totally compelling. To say that collector Bruce Sterling is one of the geeks of the model car world might sound unkind, but how else do you describe someone who’s dedicated his life to collecting rarities from Japanese model car makers? People might have dismissed him a few years ago, but he’s had the last laugh with some of his models now worth upwards of £5,000 each – some ‘toys’, some prices! ‘Sally Traffic’ is part of urban folklore. If you’re a regular user of Britain’s motorway network you’ll know just how vital – not to say amusing – her updates can be. A network of regular listeners from all over the UK call the BBC traffic desk and Sally Boazman is the best known of those who keep wheels all over the UK turning. She’s a great sport, too, a perfect foil for the likes of Steve Wright, Jeremy Vine et al but underneath the light hearted banter she’s a real professional, and her fascinating story’s told in a new book from Haynes, ‘The Sally Traffic Handbook’ And despite her mispronunciation of local place names like Child (as in infant) Wall, ‘Fazacurly’ and ‘Burscoff’, I for one would be lost without her (no pun intended) when travelling on UK motorways where even a minor incident can cause chaos for hours on end. But isn’t she missing a trick; never mind ‘Dylan nav’, how about ‘Sall nav’?

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NEW YEARS EVE 2009

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN AT

LIVERPOOL MARINA

LAST AVAILABLE TICKETS! TICKETS £60 PER HEAD

Ticket prices include 3 course meal & glass of champagne to welcome 2010. Live music & DJ Liverpool Marina Bar & Grill Sefton St, Liverpool, L3 4BP 0151 707 6777 / 6888 www.liverpoolmarina.com

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07/12/2009

16:39

New Habitat store. Now open.

16 Manesty's Lane.