Cultured Magazine (Wirral)

cultured WIRRAL MAGAZINE | Edition 1

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Unique & stylish gifts and interiors in the heart of Oxton Village Birth and Christening gifts

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The Drawing Room - 50 Christchurch Road, Oxton, CH43 5SF Tel: 0151 652 8452 | www.drawingroom-oxton.co.uk 2

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EDITOR

cultured

DI TREMARCO

WIRRAL MAGAZINE | Edit ion 7

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L.COM

Editor in Chief: Di Tremarco

Welcome to the first edition of Cultured, a magazine celebrating the creativity in Wirral and surrounding areas. Cultured is about style, design, art, music, architecture and much more. It is about where we live and what goes on in and around it.

Email: diane@culturedwirral.com

Creative Director: Annette Derby

We are delighted to have an exclusive interview with Emma Rodgers, the lady behind the Cilla Statue. Emma is a sculpturer who lives in Oxton and shows all over the world. Her pieces are in demand and can be found in the homes of celebrities such as Ellen Degeneres and Pele to name but a few. In Cultured we find out about the process of creating the bronze Cilla and learn more about Emma’s other work.

Email: annette@culturedwirral.com

Media Sales Manager: Position vacant

Email: awaiting new person

Online Manager: Jade Thunder

Amanda Oliphant is our first Portrait of an Artist. This feature will be regular and in each edition we will ask an artist to paint a metaphorical picture of themseves and print it in their own words, alongside samples of their work.

Email: jade@culturedwirral.com

Publisher: Mouse Media

Danny Cowderoy heads up another regular feature, A Photographer in Focus. I stumbled across Danny whilst browsing Facebook and loved the feel of his work. After a short conversation via messenger, Danny agreed to send some of his photographs.

Website: mousemediastudio.com

Front cover: Photography by Gina Kirby

We want to feature as many artists as possible. If this is something you would like, simply drop me an email with a bio and photographs of your work. It is better to send too much than too little. Also remember that all images must be high resolution.

CONTRIBUTORS Pauline Daniels Mandy Molby Carolyn Hughes Anne Roberts Jade Thunder RobThunder Karen Dawson Jeanette Roberts A Film Podessey Mike Kong Jacob Ralph

We already have some great things lined up for the May edition, so keep up to date on the website and don’t forget to take a peep at the larger, online only, interactive edition.

Ciao for now, Di

Contact us: Telephone: 0151 558 1007 Mobile: 07772 475 445 Facebook: Cultured Wirral Twitter: @CulturedWirral Instagram: Cultured Wirral

Disclaimer

Whilst precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of our magazine, neither the editors, publishers or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise. Cultured Wirral reserves the right to edit comments or choose not to publish selected comments, whether in printed, mobile or digital format. No part of any of our publication, whether in print or digital may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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CONTENTS PAGE CONTENTS NEW BRIGHTON SEASIDE FESTIVAL

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MIKE KONG - THE TOWER BALLROOM

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THE WOLF OF DALRIADA

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PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST: AMANDA OLIPHANY

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LET’S GET READY TO BUMBLE!

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WIRRAL OPEN STUDIO TOUR

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REVIEW OF CHUTNEY STREET FOOD

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GRILLING THE CHEF - ANDY HUTCHINSON

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JADE THUNDER - KALE

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A PHOTOGRAPHER IN FOCUS: DANNY COWDEROY

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ANNETTE DERBY - SCHOOL OF NATURE

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ROB THUNDER - HISTORY IN THE HEART OF B/HEAD

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CRUFTS 2017

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WIRRAL ANIMAL SANCTUARY

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BILL ELMS - THEATRE LAND

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EMMA RODGERS - THE LADY BEHIND CILLA

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THE EDITORS STYLE GUIDE

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ANNE ROBERTS - BEAUTY

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HAIR BY KAREN DAWSON

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JEANETTE ROBERTS - LOVE IS IN THE AIR

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JACOB RALPH - FRIENDS ACROSS THE MERSEY

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LIVERPOOL’S SPRING FESTIVAL RETURNS

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LOVE MOTOWN - RADIO CITY’S CASH FOR KIDS

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LOCAL ARCHITECTURE: ST. GEORGE’S HALL

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PAULINE DANIELS - LIFE AFTER CANCER

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MANDY MOLBY - INCUBABIES

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GIVING WIRRAL THE GREENTHUMB // THE WIRRAL

BIKEATHON 63

FILM REVIEWS WITH A FILM PODSEY

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TOTALLY TINA

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SPOTLIGHT ON...JEANETTE ROBERTS

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On June 18th 2017 we will be celebrating Paul’s 75th birthday at The Cavern Club with ‘Pure McCartney’ – a new musical tribute to Sir Paul McCartney fronted by Tony Coburn accompanied by a band of fabulous musicians.

Tony has performed around the world including London’s West End and on Broadway, New York City. Tony is also part of our own successful resident band – The Cavern Club Beatles, who perform Friday and Saturdays in our Live Lounge. Join us on 18th June to have a fun night of ‘Pure McCartney’, with a show that covers a wide range of Paul’s musical career from ‘All My Lovin’ to ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ and ‘My Valentine’. This is a show for any McCartney and Beatles fan. Not to be missed!

Tickets available now.

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NEW BRIGHTON SEASIDE FESTIVAL

Orb Events are renowned for their truly memorable and innovative events and now the company behind some of Merseyside’s largest festivals will be bringing their magic to Wirral.

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or the team behind the award-winning Liverpool Loves, Liverpool Pride and Farm Feast are planning a fantastic new festival for New Brighton this spring.

The New Brighton Seaside Festival will be a three-day family event taking place over the Spring Bank Holiday (27-29 May).

The first large scale seaside festival of its kind in the area, the weekender promises a cocktail of live entertainment, amazing street food, chef demos, family activities and a host of seaside-themed attractions.

This exciting addition to the region’s event calendar is not to be missed and will take over a huge space in front of Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton Beach, Marine Lake and Promenade in New Brighton.

The organisers aim to capture the traditional seaside charm of New Brighton while offering an invigorating programme for the whole region to get involved in.

Organiser Debbie Boyd from Orb Events commented: “Following on from such a successful 2016 summer stint, we wanted to create a dynamic family feel festival that celebrates the hidden charm, culture and heritage of New Brighton.

“We want to recapture those glory days when New Brighton was THE place to go for holidays. With that in mind, we’re delighted to be holding a threeday seaside extravaganza against the fantastic backdrop of the iconic Lighthouse and the grandeur of Fort Perch Rock.

“We’re excited to be embracing a modern vision for the area and bringing an eclectic programme to the public. Expect everything from storytelling to shooting competitions, lots of live music, mermaids and even a pirate puppy parade!”

As well as delivering outstanding events, the company prides itself on helping to boost and regenerate regions from a social and economic perspective.

Debbie Boyd, explained: “I am really proud about the amazing things we achieved last year with Liverpool Loves and aim to replicate that success in New Brighton.

“Our events are not just about having fun, we aim to create events which support and promote local businesses whilst encouraging people to stay and spend money in the area which has an overall positive economical impact.

“From working on many community orientated events, we understand the importance of engaging with local residents as well as businesses and organisations, in order to produce a successful festival that could have a significant impact on the local economy and boost tourism.”

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With the Seaside festival taking place over three days, Orb Events will be encouraging festivalgoers to stay for the whole bank holiday weekend.

Foodies can take their pick from a plethora of food traders, take a stroll over to the gin garden and artisan market, get involved with the cookery demos or head to the undercover seating area to sample some craft beer or dabble in a cocktail class or two.

All the while, they will be serenaded by live music from the main stage, from buoyant sea shanty choruses to mesmerising acoustic performances, with plenty of pop-up musical entertainment taking place throughout the site to transport visitors into a coastal utopia.

For the young at heart, a full children’s activity programme will be taking place each day including Punch and Judy style puppet shows, funfair, an on-site crafter van, planting workshops and bush craft classes to boot.

“WE WANT TO RECAPTURE THOSE GLORY DAYS WHEN NEW BRIGHTON WAS THE PLACE TO GO FOR HOLIDAYS”

Tickets are on sale via Ticketquarter and are priced £5 for adults and £3 for children. Book online at www.ticketquarter.co.uk/Online/ seaside-festival or telephone 0844 8000 410 Weekend ticket packages are available for those visiting for more than one day and children under 3 go free. Take advantage of the Early Bird Weekend Family Tickets for just £50.

For more information visit www.seaside-festival.co.uk, Facebook/NBseasidefestival and Twitter @NBSeasideFest

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THE TOWER BALLROOM NEW BRIGHTON Mike Kong looks at the history of Wirral’s largest landmark that was.

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ne of the great undertakings in the town of Wallasey was the building of the New Brighton Tower, which was patterned on the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was Wallasey’s wonder and it hoped to attract workers from Lancashire and the Midlands here for their holidays, rather then other resorts.

Built on the former grounds of Rock Point House the work began in July 1896. The Tower was to be 544 feet high, with an Assembly Hall, Winter Gardens, Refreshment Rooms and a cycle track. The Architects, Maxwell & Turk of Manchester, had designed the Blackpool Tower.

On 22nd June 1896 the first piece of turf was cut at the Tower grounds’ site and building of the tower started in 1897. Two workmen were killed and a third seriously injured in the January, when a crane lifting a heavy iron girder met with an accident.

The hook holding the load gave way. By the April, the Tower was 180 feet and another workman met his death, while in June, a labourer fell to his death down a lift hole. People said there should be safety nets around the structure. It rose higher and higher and in the August it claimed another worker. He fell from over 100 feet.

A month later, another workman was killed when he fell 60 feet.

The Tower Grounds opened at Whitsuntide, although the Tower itself was not completed. It cost £120,000 to build, which was completed in 1900. Over 1,000 tons of steel were used in the construction. From the ground to the top of the Cooper Ball on the flag-staff, it measured 567 feet, 6 inches. It was actually 562 feet high itself and 621 feet above sea level, becoming the highest structure in the United Kingdom.

Four lifts took sightseers to the top of the Tower structure at a cost of 6d. From there one could see for miles around including The Isle Of Man, Great Orme’s Head and the Welsh Mountains. The Tower attracted a half million people in the year.

theatre had the world’s largest stage being 45 feet and a depth of 72 feet. Variety was the attraction with Mademoiselle Marguerite, her seven lions and singing fox terriers as top of the bill. There was also a high-wire performer.

The Tower Gardens also had much to offer; the whole area covered 35 acres.

There was a large Japanese Cafe at the lakeside, where the real Gondoliers had Venetian Gondolas. There was also a fountain and seal pond in the old quarry, with its rockery. Then there was the Parisian Tea Garden where one could enjoy a cup of tea and watch the pierrots. Situated in the trees was a restaurant called ‘The Rock Point Castle’ .

With the holidaymaker’s no longer visiting New Brighton due to cheaper flights abroad and guaranteed better weather the Tower Grounds began to deteriorate. The buildings fell into disuse and began to become an eyesore.

The end came on on 5th April 1969 when a fire engulfed the Tower. The building was dismantled and the site cleared.

It was illuminated at night with fairy lights, as were the grounds. 30,000 red, white and green lights shone around the many pathways. Admission to the grounds was a shilling, which included admission to the Ballroom and Theatre.

With the outbreak of World War One in 1914 the public were not allowed to go up to the top of the Tower for military reasons. In the war years the steel structure had been neglected and became rusty through lack of maintenance. The cost of renovating was more then the owners could afford. A Middlesborough company of ‘Messrs, Hughes Bolckow & Company agreed to dismantle the top portion of the structure because of the scrap metal value. They commenced to take it down on 7th May 1919 with a party of 13 men and it was completed by June 1921 without a single mishap. The overhanging platforms were constructed of reinforced concrete and took a great deal of time to dismantle. The brick portion, comprising the Ballroom and Theatre remained, together with the turrets. The steel tower went right down to the foundations and these could be seen in the basement.

The Ballroom was one of the largest in the world, with a sprung floor and dance band stage. The orchestra had as many as 60 players. Big bands played at the Tower, including Bert Yates, Bill Gregson and Victor Sylvester. Other well known artists appeared at the Ballroom including Mae West in November 1945. Well over 1,000 couples could dance without undue crowding. It was decorated in white and gold, with the emblems of various Lancashire towns. The Ballroom had a balcony, with seats to watch the dancers below. Behind this was an open space, where couples used to learn the dance without interfering with the more proficient ones.

There was also a fine billiard Saloon with five tables. Above the Ballroom there was a Monkey House and Aviary in the Elevator Hall and also a Shooting Gallery.

The Tower Theatre opened on Whit Monday, 30th May 1898 and had seating for for more than 2,000 while in the balcony there was standing room for a further 500. The

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THE WOLF OF DALRIADA After taking a trip to Argyll, Scotland, Elizabeth Gates, who resides in Wirral, was inspired to write her debut historical novel, The Wolf of Dalriada. £8.99 ISBN 9781785899904

Between reading English Language and Literature at Bedford College, University of London and acquiring an MA in Linguistics at the University of Essex, ELIZABETH GATES explored Europe as a teacher of English and Creative Writing. She then went on to work as a freelance journalist for 25 years, published in national, regional and local magazines and newspapers specialising in Public Health Issues. The Wolf of Dalriada appears in a series entitled The Craig Lowrie Chronicles and Elizabeth is currently writing a sequel set in Revolutionary France, while planning a prequel exploring mysticism and legend in the Highlands. When she’s not writing, Elizabeth enjoys time with her friends and family, and travelling.

When did you decide to become a writer?

When I was four years old. I found that no-one was writing the stories I wanted to read. So I wrote my own stories and that impulse to write has stayed with me throughout my life. For instance, for twenty-five years, I earned my living as a freelance journalist, writing about major public health issues, travel and arts & crafts. And now – since the publication of my debut novel 'The Wolf of Dalriada', I can say I have returned to fiction.

How much research do you do?

More than is necessary, all that is enjoyable. 'The Wolf of Dalriada' and its sequel are set in post-Jacobite Scotland and revolutionary France. I am already imbued with this period but I may need to fine-tune a scene.

This means researching as I go along and that may involve anything from learning how the best French pastries are made to explaining how Scottish lairds pay for their funerals.

What are you working on at the minute?

I am 42000 words into the sequel to 'The Wolf of Dalriada'. I hope to have the first draft of this sequel finished (80-90000 words) by July 2017.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

Carry a writers' notebook with you everywhere, recording ideas, dialogue, snippets of information, anything that may serve as a prompt. Or have a ritual to start you off – such as music or coffee. Flexing your writing muscle is good. Write down what you see, hear, touch, taste and smell and what you think and feel about the moment. Do one or all of these and the blank page will hold no terrors for you.

Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write? How is your day structured?

I am a full-time writer but my days are not formally structured. Since I retired from journalism, I no longer keep office hours. I may wake in the night to write down a snatch of dialogue or think of a cracking chapter opening while out for a walk. But, as an ex-journalist, I still respond to deadlines. My critique peer group provide these and, as ever, deadlines are sacrosanct.

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

At first I use whatever comes to hand but, when the first draft goes up onto my lap-top, that's where all crafting/editing is done until the master is ready for publication.

Why do you write?

Compulsion. I have something to say.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

Moving from second draft to third draft.

How long did it take you to write your book?

Given that I have two day jobs – running the writing consultancy, Lonely Furrow Company, and caring for my family – I am proud to say 'only three years'.

Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors?

I read all I can in many different genres. I particularly enjoy comedy of manners such as Alexander McCall Smith's Scotland novels, Jane Austen and anything by William Boyd. But I also love historical fiction and that includes modern history as in 'The Book Thief' or the Wars of the Roses with Phillipa Gregory, the Tudors with Hilary Mantel and Roman Britain with Barbara Erskine.

For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or traditional paper/ hard back books?

When reading for pleasure, I prefer traditional books but I use non-fiction e-books for convenience too.

In what formats is your book available?

The Wolf of Dalriada' is available in print and e-book form from Amazon and Troubador.

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PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST Amanda Oliphant is the first in a series of local artists that we are showcasing in their own words.

I am a practicing artist fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the country where I find inspiration for my work. I have been making art for over a decade after living abroad and raising a family. I have always had a love of nature and on completing a degree in Fine Art followed by an MA in Art as Environment, an understanding as to why my practice is so rooted within Art and Ecology was transparent. For me, it is about exposing elements of nature that every day go unnoticed. This is at the core of my art practice.

I have exhibited nationally and internationally and recently made the decision to open my own art studio on the Wirral where different challenges are being presented.

At the end of March 2017 I will be the Artist in Residence at Studio Maelor in Snowdonia, Wales and in May 2017 exhibiting work at the Cheshire Art Hub in Burwardsley, Cheshire. In June 2017 I will be showcasing a new body of work, part of the Wirral Open Studio Tour at ‘apo art’ studio in West Kirby.

After occupying various studios in Liverpool and Wirral, undertaking private commissions and artist collaborations, I launched ‘apo art’ studio/ workshop in May 2016 in West Kirby. It is a bright gallery space where you can watch art being made a stones throw from the stunning Marine Lake on the Dee Estuary. This enables me to showcase my art and also include pieces by other local artists.

I also hold monthly workshops where no art experience is needed. Come along to learn new skills within a relaxed, creative environment.

Recently I challenged myself to paint using oils and acrylics, pushing scale and abstraction, putting aside all other materials. This was hard coming from a ‘materials’ background but it has re-energized me to combine different skills, return to the outdoors and work with nature once again.

Sourcing materials and sensory inspiration is found both locally and when I am away. This new direction, challenging art (and myself), is what excites me most.

Some of my work remains permanent and other pieces exist briefly within the environment they occupy, depending on the medium used.

For me, the landscape is not clearly seen or understood until it has been exposed, revealing different layers within a sculpture or through the surface of a painting. I aim to draw attention to hidden elements of a landscape or coastline, hopefully giving people a different view of what surronds us in timeless landscapes of memory.

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Pictured right: Gorse dancing 90x90cm oil on canvas Below: Little Eye 100x70cm oil on canvas

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www.amandaoliphant.co.uk | Facebook: apo art studio/workshop | Twitter: Mandyartist | Linkedin: Amanda Oliphant | Private Commisssions welcome

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Pictured above: Apo Art Studio

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LET’S GET READY TO BUMBLE! Television producer Mark Gorton turns children’s author

“It’s hard to believe,” says Mark Gorton, “when looking at my 98 kilo body napping on the sofa with its mouth open that I was once a chubby child who dreamed of being able to fly.”

More decades later than he cares to mention he has taken that childish imagining and channeled it into The Utterly Amazing Bumbling-Boy v.

The Green Bogey, a new all action comedy novel for children aged 8 to 12.

Mark is a television producer and journalist by trade. He began his career in the newsroom at Granada Television where he worked as a reporter and presenter, before going behind the cameras to produce some of the station’s biggest comedy and entertainment shows, including The Mrs Merton Show for which he won a BAFTA award.

“Bizarrely,” recalls Mark, “when I was a child I used to dream about flying in a giant paper aeroplane launched by an equally giant elastic band.

The hero of my story, Kenny Lane, is much more cool, although at first he doesn’t think so.”

When 10 year old chubster Kenny is stung by a radioactive bumblebee he develops wings and compound eyes.

“The enemy who threatens them all is the appalling Green Bogey, aka Mr Green, the nutty caretaker and former science teacher who has built a mad lab underneath the children’s school. The disgusting monster he can transform himself into is the result of one of his insane experiments gone wrong.

“With his sarcastic supercomputer, MUCUS, the Green Bogey intends to rule Blackwater and then the world.

“Spare a thought for Blackwater’s senior police officer, Inspector Potter.

His first name is Harry and for many years he’s been on the receiving end of jokes. Only days ago someone locked him in the police station toilet and painted CHAMBER OF SECRETS on the door.”

Young readers can find out more about this and all the latest gossip from Blackwater by visiting the town’s local news and views site, The Blackwater Bugle.

Mark adds: “It’s the town’s local news site masterminded by a key character called Samantha. Readers can get to know more about the place and the people who live there.”

The good news: against all the odds he can fly. Sort of. The bad news: he’s not sure he is the right shape or has what it takes to be a superhero.

To be like a spider or wolverine, that would have been much more cool.

To be just plain and simple super, well, that would have been super.

But when his family and hometown are placed in mortal danger by a ghastly villain Kenny realises that being bee-like has its uses.

His classmate and fellow dork, Dinkesh, is a giant brain on legs who invents gadgets like the BeeMX rocket powered bike, the BeeZooka and the Bubble Gun. Mark says: “Kenny lives in a town called Blackwater with his adoptive parents, George and Marjorie, and his real sister, Sarah. Blackwater owes a lot to the town where I was born and grew up.

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The Utterly Amazing Bumbling-Boy v. The Green Bogey is now available to buy from amazon as either an ebook or paperback.

You can find out more on Mark Gorton’s amazon Author Page: amazon.co.uk/Mark-Gorton/e/B06WD8B4YN/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 E: mark.gorton@park-networks.com

WIRRAL OPEN STUDIO TOUR This June, Wirral will once again throw open its studio doors for its 8th annual Wirral Open Studios Tour

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ndividuals can visit a wide range of talented local professional and semi-professional artists showcasing their work.

With more than 1500 people visiting the event from across the North West in 2015 and 2016, since its inception in 2009 the tour is continually growing in popularity and reputation. As all work for sale, visitors will also have the opportunity to take away a piece of original art to treasure, if they choose.

If you fancy a weekend of mooching through artists’ studios, homes, gardens and exhibition spaces to see, chat and engage with; painters, photographers, printmakers, potters, glass designers, illustrators and textile artists, then this is definitely a date for your diary.

In turn, we hope the informal and relaxing setting of the event will allow visitors understand our artists’ inspirations and creative techniques, share in their passion for creative arts and help celebrate this eminently popular culture-filled Wirral weekend.

Where: across Wirral. You can download a map and plan your tour route around the exhibiting artists via; www.wirralart.com When: June 10th & 11th

Both pictures by Martyn Overs

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Clockwise from right: Journey to Freedom by Xitina Ferres Zendrer Landscape by Derek King and below: Landscape by Shona Coppin

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REVIEW OF CHUTNEY STREET FOOD This new restaurant in Oxton enticed us in with a mouthwatering menu, but did it live up to it?

Top: sweet cucumber with white chocolate crumb Left: coconut rice pudding with pineapple Below: Gressingham duck madras with roasted cauliflower quinoa and charred blood orange.

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his was my second visit to Chutney; the first being during the week they opened and was not without its share of teething problems.

I decided to go early doors, around 6pm which proved a popular time for other diners too.

The menu was a good size, choice, but not over facing. The sign of a good restaurant in my opinion.

I decided on succulent Gressingham duck madras with roasted cauliflower quinoa and charred blood orange, which to be honest, had me salivating from the get go. I thought I would be wise to order chips and coconut rice in case the portion was small. I needn’t have worried. I also ordered a portion of mango chutney, not something often considered to accompany duck, but a good choice as it turned out.

The duck was rare, totally suitable for my taste buds but something to consider if you like your bird cooked a tad more.

The flavours burst on the palate and set my mouth alive, immediately anticipating the next wonderful mouthful. I am so pleased my guest couldn’t make it that night as I didn’t want my food adventure interrupted with small-talk.

I really didn’t need a dessert, but it would have been rude not to!

I ordered the sweet cucumber with white chocolate crumb. Who knew that cucumber would work so well? It was superb, a really great dish. I had to try more, yes really! I was working after all!

The second dessert was coconut rice pudding with pineapple and was equally divine.

I really rate this restaurant, it is a welcome addition to the ever evolving village of Oxton.

My advice? Book as soon as.

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GRILLING THE CHEF Cultured interview Andy Hutchinson - Chef at Chutney Street Food

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?

If I wasn’t a chef I would probably be involved in something to do with wildlife. I quite like the idea of monitoring animals in their natural environment. Silverback gorillas, lions, sharks etc. Strange but true.

fabulous talent and makes food that literally makes you fell great when you eat it. His food is bold and confident and tastes of exactly what is on the plate and I really enjoyed watching his approach to the ingredients as they came through the door. Inspiring.

When did you start cooking?

I began cooking in 1988 when I began this adventure at carlett park college as a young student and have been cooking ever since.

What dish would you like to be known for?

Dish to be known for? No idea yet.

Have you always liked Asian influenced food?

Indian flavours have always interested me because like every chef they baffle us because there is such technique in grinding and blending them that it seems daunting. However once you get into it a little it becomes addictive in relation to applying them to the food groups and techniques that I have been traditionally trained to use. I lived in Japan for 2 years and got completely lost in the culture of their food but when you compare the two cuisines there are very similar trends and values. Great fresh produce, old and trusted technique and a motivation that goes beyond just sustenance.

What do you like to eat when you are not in the restaurant?

When I am not in the kitchen I enjoy the normal chef treats that are just basic great flavours. Roast chicken, mashed potato ( is my dessert island food btw) ramen, rice broths, breads.

Do you have a signature dish?

I don’t have a particular signature dish as I am very changeable when it comes to dishes. In the Chutney kitchen we work very much as a team and the ideas flow through the idea that everybody has a valid voice and if something tastes great then we move forward with the concept until we have a dish we are proud of and can put on the menu. Our duck madras with roasted cauliflower quinoa is leaving the kitchen at a rate of knots at the moment and I do have a soft spot for it. Our desserts are quite unique as well and are generally the brainchild of my sous chef Will who has just put an amazing version of carrot cake on the menu. It is served with beautiful blood orange segments marinated in a passion fruit syrup which along with sweet and slightly salty buttercream makes a magical contrast when eaten.

Do you have time for any hobbies?

I have a 3 year old son and a beautiful fiancé that get the rest of my time when I am not in the kitchen. I also love a round of golf but finding the spare hours is a struggle.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

The best piece of advice I have been given is two fold really. Never, ever cut corners on quality and a good chef always makes money for the kitchen.

Chutney Street Food 1a Claughton Firs Oxton Village Wirral CH43 5TG T: 0151 652 0777 E: hello@chutneystreetfood.com Open for lunch and dinner including Sunday.

What is your favourite ingredient?

My favourite ingredient is the humble potato as it can be turned into so many tasty dishes. Either soft and luxurious in creamy mashed potato or dauphinois or crisp in the form of our triple cooked wedges or roast potatoes which will be accompanying our amazing Bombay Roast Chicken dinners on a sunday.

Who is your favourite chef?

My favourite chef? I would have to say that Marco Pierre White was a true inspiration with his style and approach to old school classics.

I recently had the good fortune to work with Matt Worswick who is a

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CRAFT GIN AWARDS FINALISTS We are pleased to annouce the three finalists in the mygin.co.uk annual awards. All three of these gins are outstanding gins that clearly demonstrate how traditional small batch gin making produces a quality of spirits that the large distilleries cannot get close to.

What is particularly special this year is that all three finalists are distilled in micro distilleries in the Northwest of England.

All three gins are featured at the Wirral Gin Festivals to be held at Hulme Hall in Port Sunglight this year on 19th May and 15 July. Tickets available at mygin.co.uk/events

GET ALL THREE FINALIST GINS FOR THE PRICE OF TWO!

ÂŁ79 FOR ALL THREE

mygin.co.uk/finalists 22

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KALE

Jade Thunder explores the health benefits of this lushious vegetable.

What is Kale?

Everyone is talking about it as it’s one of the cool things to be eating at the moment. Kale is from the genus of plants called Brassica, informally known as the mustards, the crucifers or the cabbage family. In English, you’re looking at vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, mustard greens, and turnip greens. Most of the kale we eat is grown by British farmers in Lincolnshire, but is grown all over the UK, all year round and mostly produced between June and March.

Kale is a gorgeous deep racing green colour and has beautiful curly leaves that are jam-packed full of nutrients .

Kale Nutritional Analysis

RAW/100g Energy (kcals) 33 Protein (g) 3.4 Fat (g) 1.6 Sat fat (g) 0.2 Carbohydrate (g) 1.3 Sugar (g) 1.2 Salt (g) 0.1 Fibre (g) 4.1 Calcium (mg) 130 Iron (mg) 1.7

Steamed/80g 19 1.9 0.9 0.2 0.8 0.7 0.2 3 120 1.6

Health Benefits Kale has been studied more extensively in relationship to cancer than any other health condition. Kale's cancer preventive benefits have been clearly linked to its unusual concentration of two types of antioxidants, namely, carotenoids and flavonoids.

Kale is an excellent source of folate with 69µg in every 80g of cooked curly kale. Folate is the form of folic acid occurring naturally in food. Folic acid is a B vitamin and is important because it: supports the growth of a mother’s tissues during pregnancy; plays a role in normal formation of blood and supports the immune system to function normally.

Raw kale is an excellent source of vitamin K containing 704.8µg per 100g.Vitamin K plays a role in normal blood clotting and plays a role in maintaining normal bones.

A portion (80g) of cooked kale contains 448µg Vitamin A which plays a supporting role in maintaining normal skin and vision and helps the immune system to function normally.

Gram for gram kale contains 17 times more vitamin C than carrots.

A portion (80g) of cooked kale contains 57mg of vitamin C which is important because it plays a role in the formation of collagen for blood vessels, bone, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth; supports the immune system to work normally and increases iron absorption and plays a role in protecting the cells from oxidative damage.

History Factoid Kale as we know it today was first cultivated in the Mediterranean region over 2,000 years ago. It played an important role in the food supply of Europe through the time of the Roman Empire and during the medieval period in Europe between the 5th and 15th centuries. European colonizers are believed to have brought the first kale to North America in the 1600’s, and Russian traders are believed to have first brought this vegetable to Canada a century or so later.

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A PHOTOGRAPHER IN FOCUS Danny Cowderoy is a landscape photographer based in Wirral. His passion for photography started simply with his mobile phone and long walks around the stunning Wirral coastline. This led onto a full time photography course and purchasing equipment to help bring out his own vision of the peninsula.

Danny also produces band photography, portrait work and pet photography His work is true, unique and sometimes off the wall.

At the turn of the year Danny produced his own facebook page under the title dcimagery to help display his work and now produces limited prints and canvases to order.

For further info you can contact Danny directly at dcimagery@outlook.com

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SCHOOL OF NATURE April will see the first Forrest School open on the Wirral.

Why is this important and will you sign your children up?

By Annette Derby

D

o you remember when..?

If you go down to the woods today, existed in reality, not just some storybook? The park was so much more than swings and climbing frames? When, arms out-stretched for balance, we walked (or hopped) along tree trunks and logs, with deep concentration and determination, until finally yes we could do it? The collection of foliage and all materials required to make a den was a lesson in role play? The guards, the foragers, the Kings or Queens of the day?

What a joy it was to have such freedom to play in the great outdoors back in our day. Little did we realise the value of lessons and skills gained in that environment.

How wonderful if our own children and grandchildren could experience such freedom. Discovering role play and improving communication skills. Learning to balance and to share. Whilst gaining those invaluable key stage skills they would usually experience at say, nursery school?

What if there were a school in the woods? Can you even imagine it as a reality today? Small children all wrapped up on a fresh Spring days.

Running and playing in the woods, within a visual, yet not hindering boundary. Free to examine their surroundings where everything is new and exciting for them. Every smell, sound and texture. Witnessing the world of insects in their natural habitat. Each little creature that moves before their startled eyes becomes a pet, if only for a day.

Well this IS happening - right here in Wirral thanks to Lisa Collins, the founder of the ever-growing Daisy and Jake Nurseries. She also happens to be the lady who introduced the first registered Eco-friendly nursery facility to The Wirral. Clearly proving her commitment to working towards protecting our environment. Lisa and her team of highly qualified staff

The Forest School will hold an Open Day on Friday March 17th 2017 The viewing sessions are for a limited period and by arranged invitation only First term commences 3rd April 2017 and places (including assisted places) are still available.

For full details on Forest School applications or to attend the Open Day please contact: Daisy and Jake Nursery 106 Thurstaston Rd Irby CH61 0HG 0151 6481008 www.daisyandjake.co.uk

of level 3 accredited Forest Leaders, have created the first outdoor day care facility to be introduced to our evergreen Wirral Peninsula. What better place to start than with ABC? When teaching young children, the joy, the importance and the relevance of nature.

The Forest School is exactly that. A school in the forest. Well, the woodlands at Thurstaston Common to be precise. An educational journey for pre-school children. Tasting and savouring our unspoiled environment. The likes of which too many children have never had opportunity to connect with.

The Forest School has been created to introduce and encourage young children to work in and with nature, and to stimulate their own natural instincts. To encourage self-regulation, emotional intelligence and wellbeing. To feed their curiosity, to give answers, and to actively involve them in activities such as growing plants and vegetables for themselves.

Not a plastic toy in sight! Even the W.C. facilities are eco-friendly.

Lessons will be centred around play, all of which will be conducted outdoors. “So, what about bad weather”? Cultured asked Lisa. “There is no such thing as bad weather” she told us. “Only bad clothing or protection” Lisa understands this more than most. Growing up in Spain gave her such freedom, and a love of the outdoors. She is driven by this love for nature, to share her childhood experiences with children today.

This is just the start for our babies, discovering first-hand the joy of nature. Their continued journey through childhood will afford them a respect for the environment, which in turn, will empower them to educate and improve current and future attitudes.

Cultured Magazine will follow this nature trail every step of the way and let you know our findings..

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HISTORY IN THE HEART OF BIRKENHEAD

What you didn’t know about the Carlton Little Theatre

by Rob Thunder

Y

ou may have passed a certain building on Grange Road West without realizing what lay behind the slightly dated façade fronting an old church. Originally built as a Scottish Presbyterian church to serve the many Scottish families moving to the area in the mid 19th century, the building still boasts much of the original architecture today, and is known as the Little Theatre. Aside from being an interesting structure, both the current and past activities of the resident Carlton Players are well worthy of a few notes.

As you enter the building, you pass a staircase to the main theatre, at the top of which you will find two plaques of the co-founders Harold and Edna Rowsen and their years of involvement; 1948-1981 and 1948-1983 respectively. The year 1948 however, only signifies the beginning of the Little Theatre. The Carlton Players (who own the Theatre) on the other hand, go back to the 1920’s.

Two young girls, by the name of Edna Holgate and Ruby Copeland, both telephone operators from Birkenhead with a passion for the stage, decided to start their own theatre company. Along with some friends they began casting and rehearsing their first production, holding rehearsals at Edna’s home and printing tickets on her brother’s home printing press.

Edna lived on Carlton Road, and so they named themselves the Carlton Players. They were struck with good fortune two weeks before opening when Miles Hodgson, a professional actor turned up and assisted in directing the play ‘Peg O’ My Heart’. The year was 1930 and they officially made a profit of £5.

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For nearly twenty years they performed across what was then Lancashire and Cheshire (Merseyside wasn’t created until 1974). They hired space at Old hall Farm in Bebington as their headquarters and put on performances at venues such as the YMCA and the Argyle Theatre in Birkenhead. When the Second World War broke out and other dramatic societies closed down, the Carlton Players soldiered on (pardon the pun).

The farm was taken over by the military and they were sometimes forced to hold rehearsals in air raid shelters. They would push scenery through the streets of Liverpool on a handcart and on one occasion made their way to Pier Head through a blacked out Liverpool during an air raid to get the ferry to Birkenhead. They would perform in public halls, hospitals and military camps, and during the course of the war performed twentyfive plays, raising £5,000 (around £250,000 in today’s money) for War charities.

Harold Rowsen joined the players in the 1930’s, and brought much talent to the group. He was very well educated in music and literature and by 18 years old had produced full-scale operas in Liverpool. During his years with the Carlton Players his duties mainly lay in the production side, and by all accounts his efforts were to a very high standard indeed. Edna married Harold and Ruby married Bill Thelwall, who was also involved with the theatre, mostly on the business side of things.

After the war they were keen to find a suitable location for their headquarters, and heard about the old Presbyterian Church on Grange Road West. The building was offered to them for £6,000, but

the cost of renovation and restoration was estimated at a whopping £21,000. This however did not deter them. Having given most of their profits to charity, it took the players a lot of fundraising, negotiating with banks and building societies before they could get the project off the ground. Harold and Edna even took out a second mortgage on their house! They formed the Birkenhead Repertory Limited Company, of which the Carlton Players retained the majority share. Unable to implement the full plans initially, they opened a ‘mini’ little theatre in the basement in 1951 with a production of Dear Brutus. In1954 they secured an interest free loan of £14,000 from the town council for the remainder of the restoration and by 1958 had built a 300 seat theatre upstairs and converted the basement into a foyer and bar. After Harold and Edna’s deaths, the Birkenhead Repertory’s shares were either bought or given to the Carlton Players, and so began the current Carlton Little Theatre Trust.

I popped down there recently and had a good chat with a few of the current members. Chairman Steve Youster told me that they are a charitable trust run by committee, who meet about every 6 weeks after each production to discuss set building, core membership and the all important, pocket draining expenses of maintaining such an old building. Steve is concerned about the numbers attending the shows, and admits it is a challenge to find the right balance of plays to attract a diverse audience. Steve’s wife, Liz runs the costume department and does a fantastic job repairing and altering items to fit the cast, some of which date back 100 years or so (the costumes, not the cast). I also had a good chat with Eliane Davie, who is currently directing the comedy Rising Damp (due to be shown in April 2017), has been involved with the Carlton Players since 1968 and knew many of the founding members.

Eliane invited me to her home where she showed me plans for the original building, her own research into the history of the theatre and many wonderful photographs of productions dating back to the 1930’s.

UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS INCLUDE: She Stoops to Conquer 14th – 18th March Rising Damp - Set in a run down Victorian Townhouse run by the miserly landlord, Rigsby 18th – 22nd April Charley’s Aunt - A farce by Brandon Thomas 30th May to 3rd June.

For more information or to get involved: E: info@carltonlittletheatre.co.uk T: 0151 647 6593 W: wwwthelittletheatre.myfreesites.net The Little Theatre, Grange Road West, Birkenhead.

Every Wednesday evening - club night.

www.carltonlittletheatre.co.uk www.culturedwirral.com

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CRUFTS 2017 HERE WE COME. WISH US LUCK!

Lesley McGough and her dog Willow from Wirral are off to compete in Crufts.

Below, an array of typical accessories available in our shop: www.facebook.com/willowcottagepets

W

illow is my two year old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (Toller); she and I are heading to Crufts for the second time on 11 March. I don’t do things by halves as up until last year I had never shown a dog, so what did I do?....enter her in Crufts – the biggest dog show in the world! Am I mad? Last year she came 3rd in the Junior Bitch group, this year she will be in Post Graduate. Fingers and paws crossed for a great result.

Like any Toller, she loves to retrieve, play with other dogs and is very intelligent and affectionate. Quite the character, she has gained her level two in rally training, silver in the Good Citizen Dog Scheme and has asked if she can have a go at agility sometime, so that will be next on the list.

Tollers are the smallest of the retrievers and get their name because of their ability to lure (toll) waterfowl within gunshot range.

Willow even has her own shop called Willow Cottage Pets, which supplies handmade dog collars lined with luxurious velvet, leads and bandanas. https://www.facebook.com/willowcottagepets/ Canada is the country of origin of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (the Toller to his fans). He arrived in Britain as recently as 1988, and has made steady progress ever since.

His method of work may appear strange to many; his task is to lure wildfowl to within range of the guns. It is reputed that he uses his vigorous tail action to achieve this. He lives up to his name as a good retriever, especially from water, where his webbed feet, a breed feature, enable him to swim powerfully. He has been selected over the generations for his intelligence and trainability. As a result he makes an ideal and enthusiastic family companion for the active household, performing well in a variety of activities such as agility, flyball, tracking and obedience.

With his richly coloured coat he is a handsome dog, not difficult to groom and keep smart, and he has also grown in popularity in the show ring. The Toller has attracted a wide circle of admirers, dedicated to maintaining his athletic ability.

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PRIVATE DOG FIELD FOR HIRE £10 PER HOUR

5 ACRE ENCLOSED FIELD SAFE OFF LEAD EXERCISE & 1:1 WORK £3 FOR ADDITIONAL DOGS Location: Thornton Hough Neston opens 6th March

www.pawsinnature.co.uk

WIRRAL ANIMAL SANCTUARY

Steph Oliver tells us, in her own words, about the vital work the sanctuary does everyday.

I created Wirral Animal Sanctuary after rescuing my dog Jackson.

Jackson is a large bull breed who at age three had spent the majority of his life in RSPCA Kennels. He had a short stay with a family who then returned him as they no longer had time for him. His story devastated me, knowing he was one of many. The more I loved Jackson, the more it upset me to think of him in kennels, and what fate could have awaited him if he hadn’t been rehomed. I started to look at the facilities we had here on the Wirral, and decided to volunteer at the local council Dog Pound. However, when I attended the volunteer induction, I realised that I was not tough enough to volunteer! Sadly the pound sometimes have to put dogs to sleep as they must have space to accept strays.

This broke my heart, especially when I realised that there were no other rescue kennels on the Wirral.

I put a post online about what I was considering, the initial idea was to raise funds for some kind of premises on the Wirral. People really liked the idea and I met with around 14 keen animal lovers a week later, in November 2015.

What has happened since that meeting has been nothing short of crazy!

We gained registered charity status in Jan 2015 and we attended small fundraising events, taking part in bootsales to raise a few pennies. In February, I cheekily emailed the Director of the Pyramids in Birkenhead asking if they offered any kind of “Pop up shops” for charities as we had accumulated a lot of donations from doing the bootsales. He said yes, and we got our first shop in Birkenhead where we still remain as a full tenant almost a year later. The shop is a community fixture, we have lovely regular customers and we often bring rescue animals to the shop to say hello to lovely people who support our work.

The feedback from customers was that t h e y

were so happy to have an animal charity shop on the Wirral to donate their items to if they did not want to donate to the “human charity’s” We went from strength to strength and in September opened our Moreton store. By then we were fostering dogs, cats, reptiles, rodents, ferrets and rabbits and every weekend through the summer was filled with local events to create awareness and raise funds.

In November we opened our Hoylake shop which has been fantastically well received by the Hoylake community who seem to all be animal lovers! All of our shops are dog friendly, and we welcome four legged visitors with treats and lots of cuddles.

In the New Year, we opened our hedgehog centre in Hoylake. Throughout 2016 we had been helping hedgehogs within our fostering scheme taking in those that were sick and injured and nursing them back to health ready for release back into the wild. However, we were struggling to cope within foster and felt that the Wirral and in fact the whole of the North West would benefit from such a facility. Here at the Hog Centre we have capacity for up to 60 hogs at a time. We can treat all common conditions such as lungworms, fleas, tics, fluke worm etc and we have a vet on hand for anything more serious. The response to the hedgehog centre has been overwhelming, someone even brought us a poorly hog all the way from North Wales. They are the nation’s favourite animal and we are doing all that we can to ensure that they survive.

Throughout the summer we have jampacked diaries with bucket collecting, fund-raising events and dog shows, we are very excited to see what 2017 brings for us!

Steph Oliver

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THEATRE LAND CINDERELLA Vienna Festival Ballet is proud to present the classic tale of Cinderella, one of the best-known rags-to-riches fairy tales of all time on Sunday, 5th March 2017.

With music by G. A. Rossini and choreography by Sheila Styles, Vienna Festival Ballet’s production of Cinderella is based on the traditional story of a mistreated young girl, a glass slipper, two comical ugly step-sisters and a handsome prince which all combine to make the perfect piece of story-telling.

The ballet will surely touch and reach out to everyone’s heart, with its combination of pure classical dancing and a touch of pantomime.

DATE: Sunday, 5th March 2017 TIME: 5pm TICKETS: Adults £19.50/£17.50 Child £13.50 (up to age 14) Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office

Corporation Street, St. Helens, Merseyside WA10 1LQ (Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm).

Alternatively, call 01744 756 000 or www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

ELFIN BOW ALBUM LAUNCH Multi-talented songwriter, musician and artist Elfin Bow prepares to release her highly anticipated self-titled debut album with a special launch event at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre on Saturday 18 March.

A truly 21st Century folk artist, Elfin is a storyteller of the finest kind and brings her pastoral psych-folk sound to audiences at the Hanover Street venue, featuring exclusive performances of tracks from her album as well as a variety of special guest performers.

The new album of original songs which is due for release on 10 March is a result of her determination to pursue her creative dreams and blends her twin passions of music and art. Her songs and stage presence exude colour, charisma and a gentle charm.

DATE: Saturday 18 March TIME: 7pm TICKETS: £15/ £12 Telephone 0844 888 4411 www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk Book in person at the theatre box office, opening hours are

Monday to Thursday 2pm–6pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm–6pm VENUE: Epstein Theatre, 85 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DZ

AN AUDIENCE WITH LESLEY GARRETT On Friday 7th April 2017, catch one of Britain’s most popular sopranos who comes to Liverpool’s St George’s Hall for one night only as part of her latest UK tour. An Audience with Lesley Garrett will offer a delightful evening of song, reminiscences and chat from this beloved performer.

The event will give a behind-the-scenes look at the CBE honoured opera singer and musician as she regales audiences with stories and anecdotes giving a unique insight into her life on the stage, plus performances of her most loved songs from a prolific career that has spanned over 30 years.

St George’s Hall Manager, Alan Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome Lesley Garrett to the Concert Room at St Georges Hall, it will be a wonderful night of music and entertainment and audiences will get a real insight in to the life and career of one of our Nations favourite performers and personalities.”

DATE: Friday 7th April 2017 TIME: 7:30pm (Doors 6:30pm) TICKETS: £27 (excluding booking fee) www.ticketquarter.co.uk or T: 0844 800 0410.

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VENUE: St George’s Hall, Concert Room, St George’s Place, Liverpool L1 1JJ

THE LAST FIVE YEARS The Last Five Years takes audiences on the emotional rollercoaster through the heart-rending relationship of leading characters Cathy and Jamie whist chronicling the story from opposite ends of the relationship; Jamie’s story moving forward from the beginning of the relationship when all the hope and excitement still lies ahead, and Cathy’s heart-breaking opening at the tragic end of the relationship where all hope is lost, her story moving in reverse through turbulent times back to the start of the relationship.

Its exceptionally powerful and emotional musical numbers will have audiences laughing and crying as Graham and Helen deliver truly exquisite performances.

DATES: 7 June - 17 June TIMES: Vary TICKETS: From £16.50 to £23.50 0844 888 4411

or online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk www.ticketquarter.co.uk 0844 800 0410.

RED SKIES Back by public demand, C J Productions present Red Skies, stories from the Liverpool Blitz at the Gladstone Theatre Port Sunlight 5th to 7th May. Red skies tells the story of the Murphey family and their friends during the war years. It will make you cry, make you laugh and it will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Most of all it will show that the bonds of love friendship of a united people can never be defeated no matter what.

DATES: 7 June - 17 June TIMES: 7.30pm (doors 7pm) TICKETS: From £16/£12 www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk

The Gladstone Theatre Greendale Rd, Wirral CH62 4XB T 0151 643 8757

DOWN OUR STREET Wirral writer Brian McCann’s Down Our Street is the musical play celebrating the life and times of Cammell Laird, from the industrial revolution to the present day. For well over a century and a half, ‘The Yard’ was the employer of thousands upon thousands of people from, the Wirral, across the water in Liverpool and beyond. The town of Birkenhead was built around the Shipbuilding industry and most families, if not all had some connection to Cammell Laird. Through drama, comedy and song, Down Our Street celebrates this through the eyes of the people of Merseyside and the workers ‘down the yard’.

The show, once described in the media as ‘Birkenhead’s Les Miserable,’ has had several outings, the last being a 3 week run at Liverpool’s Royal Court attracting an audience of over 10,000.

In Active Drama’s twentieth year we’re bringing together a fantastic cast for this special ‘homecoming’ production. Many of the faces from the Royal Court will be returning including, Roy Brandon, Lesley Butler and Lynne Fitzgerald. We are also very pleased to announce Liverpool favourites Bernie Foley and Lynn Francis as well as Merseyside legend Billy Butler will be joining the cast for this 2017 production.

DATES: 14 March - 18 March TIMES: 7.30pm TICKETS: From £18.50/£16.50 www.floralpavilion.com

Floral Pavilion Theatre Marine Promenade New Brighton, CH45 2JS 0151 666 0000

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142 Banks Rd, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0QB T: 0151 625 3334

Style speaks for itself!

Antique jewellery, modern jewellery, classic jewellery

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Photography by Gina Kirby

INTERVIEW WITH THE LADY BEHIND THE CILLA STATUE

EMMA RODGERS

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Emma Rodgers has exhibited worldwide, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, Stricoff Fine Art N.Y., Royal Academy of Art, Collect at The Saatchi, S.O.F.A. Chicago and New York, and Wei Ling Gallery Kuala Lumpur to name but a few .

She has also been featured in a documentary dedicated to her work on the Sky Arts Channel and has recently worked with Marvel films on the sets of Guardians of The Galaxy and Avengers Age of Ultron. Emma is one of the artists who created the bronze statue of Cilla.

Congratulations on the success of the Cilla statue. How did you get the gig?

I was approached December 2015, Joe Anderson Mayor of Liverpool had met with the Willis family and Peter Price to discuss a sculpture that the family wanted to gift to the City as a small thank you for all the support and comfort expressed by the city when their mother passed away.

Did you just work from photographs?

No, once we started to scale up the sculpture in clay we worked from life models, for months I had been surreptitiously sizing up friends who I thought possessed the perfect individual body parts for me to model from. Thus Kate Eugeni with her amazing arms, Sue Wright’s elegant hands and Zara Dyers fantastic legs all blend together to make the perfect “Cilla”.

Peter had recommended that her sons should meet with me.

I then approached and enlisted Alan Henry my hairdresser based in Anne Roberts Salon. We had gone for the sixties bob. Robert had very kindly given me a contact sheet to work from which was taken the very first time Vidal Sassoon had cut Cilla’s hair. The look of joy and excitement on her face in those images a young girl on the crest of the wave of what was to be an incredible career. We just had to work from it!

Angela Samata and I met with the family in January 2016, providing a research document containing images of different looks through the decades of her diverse career. This focused on signature poses, hairstyles and clothing. I felt that as someone who had achieved and lived her life so much to the full, would be wonderful to document this in some way within the sculpture. So I suggested incorporating details into the clothing, song titles, lyrics and notes. Catchphrases, programmes, facts and phrases from herself and friends.

All along the main thing on my mind, I remember from the original meeting was thinking “she had great legs, you have to feature those legs!”

How did the colabortion with Andy Edwards come about?

It was my suggestion to work with artist Andy Edwards on this piece. He recently sculpted the Beatles on Liverpool’s riverfront. I have known him for 15 years as we both use Castle Fine Art Foundry and I thought our different styles would work well together on this piece.

Why didn’t you portray Cilla as she was in the noughties?

Robert, Ben and Jack felt that the 60’s era of her life would be most fitting as the sculpture was to be positioned outside the old entrance to the Cavern where she once worked and also performed. Her sons thought it most fitting as whenever they were back in Liverpool with their Mum, she would always take them to the Cavern and point to this spot explaining “that’s the original entrances to the Cavern”. They were looking around Liverpool for a suitable site and an alarm was going off in Mathew Street. As Ben stood in the spot by the old Cavern entrance the alarm stopped which they took as a sign of approval.

Where do you start with something that big?

Andy and I started to develop a range of maquettes some based on her singing, others on poses for photo shoots and of course her signature pose with her arms outstretched. I worked with my designer Gina Kirby photographing, scaling up and positioning them on images of the original Cavern entrance on Mathew Street.

The Willis brother chose her signature poses, they felt with her arms outstretched it encouraged interaction and was welcoming to all generations as it covered the many stages of her career, from singing on stage through to Surprise Surprise.

We developed and refined this pose , working closely with Fraser Arnott from the council, Eddie Brace regarding structure and installation and the team at the foundry based in Liverpool to make sure it the sculpture was as strong and safe as possible.

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Kate, Sue, Zara and Alan were brilliant working with us in the often very cold and industrial foundry.

Andy and I became Alan’s fingers, we were under strict direction. He brought hairdressing scissors to the foundry, sometime actually using them to cut into the clay.

Lots of people have made reference to the clever creases in the dress, almost as if the bronze was actual fabric, was that from one of Cilla’s photographs?

No. Once the basic figure was there I clothed the sculpture in a sixties dress and we photographed her from all angles looking at how the fabric would naturally sit and move on the form. We removed the dress and working from our photos built it back up in clay.

The design of the dress is a hybrid of some of her favourite Mary Quant dresses. We divide the squares and working from favourite photos from the family we built up images in relief. I also inscribed text into the panels covering many aspects of her life.

You have researched the finest details but not all are obvious, what is Cilla standing on?

Cilla is stood on a 45 record of “You’re My World” as her base, also placed on the record is an anemone which she held in both of her wedding bouquets.

What was it like working with Cilla’s family?

It was a real pleasure to work with the family and they gave us so much information and support. Robert would regularly visit the foundry thoughout the stages so they would be able to advise as we went along.

Once he was happy with the sculpture it was moulded and then cast in bronze, the metal was finished and then it was ready for me to patinate.

The piece was then installed and ready for the unveiling on Monday 16th January of which is the Caverns 60th Birthday. The Cavern could not have made us more welcome in their Birthday Celebrations the day “Cilla” came home .

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Hair by Karen Dawson

Is bronze your favourite medium?

I enjoy working in materials that push boundaries Who or what inspires you as an artist?

I am very inspired by nature and its intricacies and artifact that have not been fully restored. Elizabeth Frink, Lucian Freud, Marc Quinn are to name but a few of the many artist that I admire.

What is your favourite subject to sculpt?

I like sculpture based on life and energy, capturing a moment in time.

Where can we find out more about the work of Emma Rodgers? Do you exhibit locally as well as internationally?

I exhibit internationally, I have also worked on film sets and structural pieces for interior. Locally National Museums and Galleries have my work in their collection and also the Bluecoat Display Centre.

Emma’s Work.

Emma designs and produces the shields for Liverpool Football Club. These shields have been presented to the likes of Pele, one of the greatest footballers of all time, and have also been presented to clubs in pre season friendlies. Emma was also commissioned to create the You’ll Never Walk Alone award for Steven Gerrard.

The Liver Bird is the iconic symbol of the City of Liverpool.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson commissioned Emma to make a 21st century Liver Bird for exhibition at the 2014 International Business Festival held in Liverpool.

Images of the Liverpool skyline are a common theme in Emma’s sculpture and she is known internationally for depiction of birds of prey in her Sky Gods collection. Being entrusted by the Mayor Of Liverpool to create a Liver Bird Sky God that combines the story of a proud history enjoying 21st century renaissance has been a humbling and exciting honour.

Emma’s 1.5 metre Liver Bird is made in copper as a deliberate act of homage to the famous Liver Building’s Twin Birds made in copper by Carl Bartels a German who moved to Liverpool in the 1880s.

Emma’s bird has feet cast in bronze and stands atop a bronze globe representing Liverpool’s sure-footed confidence in it’s new millennium global outlook.

The individual feathers of the wings have been shaped from copper mesh which allow light and air to flood through the sculpture. The riveting is a nod from Emma to the strength derived from a great past.

Her Liver Bird is of course a metaphor for Liverpool herself, with the mesh showing Liverpool is not only open for business, but building to harness the winds of global fortune to power the city long into the 21st century.

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“I was lucky enough to be approached by Marvel Films with a view to designing and making sculptures as part of the set for their forthcoming film Guardians of the Galaxy,” said Emma.

“The sculptures would be featured in a laboratory and museum set, based on Knowhere a fictitious mining planet, which also serves as the headquarters of The Collector, played in the film by Benicio Del Toro. In the movie The Collector travels the galaxy cataloguing the different artefacts and relics he considers to be important in history.

As such, he has a wide variety of rare or unique items at his disposal. “The sculptures I created can be seen as part of The Collector’s personal possessions. For this I was asked to create pieces that were not instantly recognizable and they had to feel ‘other worldly’. I took inspiration from museum artefacts as they have a timeless quality and laboratory specimens, as I felt they would help me strip back details and focus on what was important to the piece.

One of the pieces created was Man & Ape, influenced

by Darwin’s theory of evolution. It is two porcelain skulls layered with details using found objects including shells for teeth, latex, wire and threads for flesh. Another is Mother and Child, where I have aimed to capture the relationship between the animals and their offspring.”

The pieces range from small table top size sculptures through to an 8ft bronze puppet.

For more information: www.emmarodgers.co.uk info@emmarodgers.co.uk Mobile: 07957 577 204 Studio: 0151 652 8919 Twitter: @emmarodgersart

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The Gallery Wall Clock in black

by Newgate Clocks £139.50 from The Drawing Room, Oxton Village.

Folli Folli Sunglasses £100.00

Compact Smart Key Holder By ThorKey £17.95 amazon.co.uk

THE EDITOR’S Abigail Ahern/Edition Rhino Head £80.00 Debenhams.co.uk

Slim Fit Blazer in Cotton Blend Hugo Boss £280.jpg Metquarter

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Biba Selina bowl vase £48.00 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Andrew Martin Atom Chair, £1995, Houseology

Style

GUIDE Leather buckle ankle boot £ 1,290 www.gucci.com

Meisterstück Platinum-Coated LeGrand Traveller Fountain Pen £515.00 www.montblanc.com

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Beauty... with Anne Roberts

Anne Roberts, as the name would suggest, is the owner of Anne Roberts Hair and Beauty and Anne Roberts Aesthetics in Oxton.

For 27 years, her salons have been at the forefront of Wirral beauty and her industry knowledge is well respected.

We are delighted to welcome her to Cultured Magazine as a regular columnist.

CLARINS ~ Body Lift Cellulite Control £38 www.annerobertsoxton.com How do you break the vicious circle of cellulite, minimising ‘orange peel’ skin and creating a firmer look?

Clarins has the answer with Body Lift Cellulite Control, an excellent anti cellulite cream developed together by Clarins research and the scientific community, based on a highly efficient formulation containing plant extracts to refine the skin texture. The natural ingredients selected for their skin-toning properties work actively for a firmer and younger-looking body. This product will make a great addition to your body care routine, this body contouring cream is both skin firming and softening.

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NEXSEY £16 www.nexsey.com Nexsey is a medical grade tape designed for use as a temporary way to tighten the wrinkles on the neck.

The 10 ft. roll is designed to be cut for your personal desired length.

While 5-6 inches is the average length found to be most useful, any variety of lengths can be used based on personal need. This roll should be good for 20 single uses based on the average 6-inch strip.

The 1-inch width of the Nexsey tape fits most needs, but can also be used placing one strip on top of another if desired.

While the instructions may seem simple – grab your neck skin at the nape, pull it back, tape it in place and cover the evidence with your hair for a temporarily slim and firm-looking neck – the medical-grade tape is so strong the brand even recommends applying lotion, oil or water to help remove the adhesive as it may be painful without.

I found it fiddly and quite ridiculous ..... oh and it didn’t really seem to make much difference to me.

In spite of this, the Nexsey tape still seems popular as it has already sold out online.

So if you want to try it out, you’d better get on the waiting list.......or borrow mine!

CLARISONIC v FOREO LUNA Summary of comparison

Clarisonic cleansing brush (from) £89.99 www.currentbody.com

Foreo Luna 2 £169 www.foreo.com

Each tool in the Clarisonic range comes with a brush head and charger base, and, as you would expect, every Clarisonic is waterproof.

There are multiple models, from the lesser expensive Mia range (£89.99 - £125) to their Smart Profile (£149.99 - £199.00), it’s well worth shopping around for a good deal.

The primary difference between each model is the size of the beauty tool and the option to adjust cleansing speeds.

The brush head replacements are universal and will fit any model of Clarisonic, and offer a range of options that vary in length and stiffness— from the ultra soft Luxe heads to the “Deep Clean” alternatives. At last count there are ten different brush heads for the face and body. The shorter and stiffer the brush hairs, the stronger the cleansing experience, but I would be very cautious using anything but the sensitive or delicate brush heads as I found the deep pore cleansing brush head too harsh.

It’s a beautifully made, quality piece of equipment.

Always a beauty junkie, Foreo Luna 2 is my new ‘toy’, it’s a facial cleansing brush and antiageing device. I’ve been using it for six weeks now and my skin feels clearer, more radiant and invigorated from using this for just a few minutes morning and night. It suits everyone, is unisex and comes in 4 different combinations to suit your skin type.

To achieve anti-aging benefits you can use with your preferred serum, mask or cream, lower the pulsations, and massage your face for 15 minutes letting the product really sink in.

My thoughts are Foreo’s two best features are its gentleness and the hygiene factor. Its pulsations feel gentle when using on the face and, different to other sonic brushes, its rounded silicone touch-points are easy to clean. If you just want to use a cleansing tool, there is the Foreo Mini at £119.

Well, using either product does leave you with very clean skin. They both help to exfoliate the skin by removing dead cells.

Some people say that Clarisonic can be a little harsh on their skin, some even say that there is a “breakout” stage that comes from over-stimulation. Personally, I didn’t find this to be the case but I have always used the sensitive brush head.

Foreo Luna 2 is indeed more gentle in comparison and using it is almost impossible to press it too hard and cause damage on the skin. It is gentle enough to use once or twice per day.

Due to the anti-ageing massage mode it is like having two devices at the price of one.

Biona Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, £4.75 www.naturalcollection.com For an effective, inexpensive and natural product use Biona virgin organic coconut oil for skin and hair.

Use as a cleanser, body moisturiser, hair conditioner and it can also be massaged into cuticles to promote strong & healthy nails.

Slather it on before bed and it soaks in quite quickly, leaving your skin soft and smooth with a subtle tropical scent.

Coconut oil has been used for food and medicinal purposes for thousands of years, indigenous people learned it had enormous health benefits. It could well be the healthiest oil on earth.

Laboratoires Boiron Homeoplasmine £4.05 www.amazon.co.uk A great favourite of models and make up artists to soothe any kind of irritation - from insect bites to allergic reactions and highly effective on scratches, grazes, bruises and the list goes on. It’s a wonderful healing balm that’s perfect on chapped lips & noses too.

I always have it in my makeup bag and would never go on holiday without it.

Some women even use Homeoplasmine prior to putting on their makeup because it works to make their skin smooth, silky and perfect for putting on their makeup afterwards. It fills in any existing lines in the face and helps them to look younger and fresher.

The homeopathic ingredients include Calendula, Phytolacca (used by native American Indians), Bryony and Benzoic.

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Y B R I A HREN DAWSON KA

lage) ssion Salon (Oxton Vil Se ip ss Go of er ag I’m Karen, Man ing you on what thusiast. I’ll be advis and all round hair en are along with colour pallets, celeb ks e old, the key seasonal loo ts. Say goodbye to th uc od pr ve ha t us m ernise!” inspiration and rt zone and “Lets mod get out of that comfo

Healthy HAir Looking at hair in great depth is something we not able to do without the appropriate resources. As a Christmas present my husband (the hair scientist) bought me a microscope I had my eye on. As much as a microscopic image of your hair can make you feel extremely nervous haha its actually so much fun and fascinating.

For those who know me I’m not shy of changing my alter ego and I am aware of the damage my hair receives through colour changes. These images taken are my hair…..yes mine!! I admit I feel quite exposed right now.

This is a pretty image if I do say so myself however in more depth I do have areas of weakness as you can see.

With that said though my hair to this date has more strength than ever due to regular hair cuts and Olaplex treatments. A little TLC works wonders.

For those of you who are now aware of Olaplex, it is an internal repair treatment which can be added into colour at the salon. Whilst the colouring process takes place Olaplex reduces the amount of damage to the hair maintaining the hairs integrity.

It promotes strength and reduces breakage. I can vouch for this treatment as my hair has never felt better stronger and the results we find within the salon are fantastic.

hairbykarendawson

Karen Dawson

Karen, pictured above (top, centre), has done lots of demo work and entered many competitions in her life. She adores stage work and has recently, through her dad, become involved in photography.

It is that combination of fashion and media that she particulaly loves and Karen hopes one day to feature in the pages of Vogue Magazine.

“I have 11 years in the industry and extensive experience in the hair fashion world working on photoshoots and fashion shows. I spent 3 years working in Unilever R&D where I was highly involved in the development of hair products and gained scientific knowledge and understanding of products, how unique!! Alongside Gossip I’m an educator for a private college and to top it off a hair consultant. I’ll never be bored of hair and with this I feel I have the most exciting career.”

Trending shape for the season The Unicorn Braid” As seen at fashion week this style is embracing two childlike features, the unicorn and the simple yet effective braid. A casual glam look and a way to add an extra inch or two onto your height!

Braids have also become a fitness fashion statement and a practical way to tie hair back out of the way.

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Opening Hours Available seven days a week 9am – 9pm By appointment only

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR Jeannette Roberts, a Civil Celebrant, explores why Spring is a good time for your Wedding

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his article is aimed at all you lovely ladies. Hold on a minute all you gorgeous guys and before you start saying I am being sexist let me explain. Weddings and in particular Spring Weddings, see told you guys it wouldn’t hold your interest.

Spring is just around the corner and it is such a wonderful time of the year for weddings.

Historically June has been the most popular month for weddings.

having many umbrellas to match your colour scheme, tied with a ribbon to outdoor seating.

Spring weddings mean hemlines can be shorter, fabrics lighter and dress codes more flexible, even the groom may opt for a lighter coloured suit, the options are endless.

However, for all you beautiful brides, everything and anything goes regardless of the season, remember it is your day – do it your way!

The goddess Juno was the protector of women in all aspects of life but especially in marriage and childbearing. So, a wedding in Juno’s month was at one time considered most auspicious.

The season itself boasts feelings of rebirth, renewal, growth and excitement the way no other season does. It is the time to say goodbye to winter, welcoming the sun and warmer weather, seeing those daffodils and bluebells come to life welcoming Spring into our lives in all her glory.

The weather is usually nice, not too hot, not too cold, pretty clear skies and those wonderful smells of fresh nature all help in making the Spring season an awesome backdrop for weddings.

However just because it is Spring your Wedding doesn’t have to become that stereotypical Spring affair.

If flowers aren’t your thing there are many unusual and gorgeous ways to decorate your venue. Try incorporating other natural elements like moss, wheatgrass or fresh herbs.

Discuss your perfect ceremony with me, Jeanette Roberts Civil Celebrant Weddings • Vow renewal • Baby naming Funerals • Divorce Healing

These natural details will evoke Spring like lushness without an abundance of petals. Want a little more drama? Try using towering branches of cherry blossom which offer a minimalistic modern vibe letting you use some blossoms without being over taken by petals.

Dreaming of an evening affair then don’t let the season stop you. When most people hear Spring Wedding they usually think of a day time ceremony. This is far from your only option and with the lengthening day, you can opt to wait until sunset or later for your ceremony. However, as with any other season Mother Nature may have a few tricks up her sleeve. Planning ahead and knowing how to deal with these obstacles will keep you and your guests happy and comfortable and ensure your days goes off without any hitches.

To combat chilly evenings have baskets of brightly coloured fleece blankets dotted about for your guests to use. Deal with rain showers by

T: 07789 866 589 E: info@jeanetterobertscivilcelebrant.co.uk W: www.jeanetterobertscivilcelebrant.co.uk www.culturedwirral.com

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FRIENDS ACROSS THE MERSEY 17 year old Jacob Ralph heads up a section of the magazine that showcases Liverpool. We will be recommending places to eat, drink, shop and spend time in.

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s a Scouser, writing an article about the City of Liverpool is a task that one could only ever welcome with open arms. The reason – there is literally an abundance of features to talk about.

The buildings, the parks, the shopping centres, the football teams, the restaurants, the nightlife, the celebrities, the history… the list is somewhat infinite.

Hallmark History I’ve decided that, before I delve into many of Liverpool’s famous features and admirable aspects, I’ll explain how this amazing City came to be as such. The city was announced by King John in 1207, hence the huge 800th anniversary celebrations in 2007. It has become one of the world’s most diverse cities with reference to culture. A recent UK census calculated that nearly half a million people live in the City with a whopping 16% of that total being born in other countries/continents.

This was even recognised and rewarded in 2008 when Liverpool became the European Capital for Culture award.

Honourable Hospitality (YES – I do intend to rely on alliteration to make my subtitles seem slightly more interesting for the remainder of this article).

If you’re hungry and you happen to find yourself in the City Centre, you’re bound to be within a few feet of a restaurant. Whether it’s British, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Jamaican, Lebanese or Thai, Liverpool’s got it – and more!

One restaurant definitely worth visiting is the recently established Mowgli, which intertwines Indian street food with food from countries all around the world. With two restaurants already smashing sales and exceeding expectations in Liverpool and another experiencing similar success in Manchester, it’s not hard to see why it’s been one of the most highly rated restaurants on websites such as Trip Advisor.

Superior Sports-Teams (I wasn’t joking about the alliteration) Growing up in Liverpool, it’s hard to go a day where someone didn’t bring up something to do with sports (I’m saying ‘sports’ to make the average 12-year-old Liverpudlian seem diverse and sophisticated enough to perhaps be conversing about cricket or croquet, but honestly by ‘sports’… I mean football). It’s no secret that Liverpool is home to one of the world’s most intense sporting rivalries in Liverpool FC and Everton FC (with the former claiming most of the glory). These two teams circulate billions of pounds each year which is a tremendous achievement alone considering bigger cities such as Birmingham have never been able to achieve such sporting success. Some say it’s down to the sheer support as the two teams experience sell-out crowds each time they take to the field.

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Nostalgic Nightlife Voted best city for nightlife by students from across the country, it’s easy to see why so many people choose Liverpool as their Saturday night destination. There is literally an abundance of nightclubs and pubs.

From Tequila bars to 90’s themed clubs, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable night out on the town (well, depending on how intoxicated you are, ‘memorable’ may not be the appropriate adjective).

This one is particularly for the students. The Faculty on Slater Street does something called ‘Quad Vod’s’ which is basically a quadruple shot (100ml) of Vodka with a mixer of your choice – for only a fiver! Which is what you pay for a single Vodka mixer in some places. So if you fancy getting absolutely sh*t-faced but don’t wish to spend more than what the taxi fare would cost, then look no further than Slater Street.

Renowned Retail (Still going strong with the alliteration) Over the past 10 years, Liverpool’s retail industry has been undergoing a multi-billion-pound rejuvenation process. With the introduction of Liverpool One as the main place for high street shopping. Thousands of people travel to Liverpool daily to do their shopping at store’s such as JD, Victoria’s Secret and John Lewis. But if it’s a more antique, possibly second-hand shopping trip you’re looking for, then Bold Street is the place for you. It is full of vintage clothes stores, small cafés, restaurants and book shops. Whether it’s a (slightly worn in) vintage Ralph Lauren polo or a second-hand copy of Martin Luther King’s autobiography, you’re almost guaranteed to find what you’re looking for at a tasty price on Bold Street.

Captivating Conclusion (No comment…)

So, if by some miraculous display of obliviousness, you haven’t been persuaded to head down to Liverpool for either a nice day of shopping or a high quality night out, just try it anyway. There is so much I didn’t even get a chance to include and so much of Liverpool I myself am yet to discover. Join me for each edition and we will explore together.

LIVERPOOL’S SPRING FESTIVAL RETURNS The Liverpool Food, Drink and Lifestyle Spring Festival takes place in the city, this coming Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, April 15th and 16th.

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evised by the organisers of the popular Liverpool Food and Drink Festival, which celebrates its ten year anniversary this September, the Spring festival attracted over 38,000 visitors last year, and includes a wider lifestyle offer, with a variety of zones dedicated to food and drink and the home.

The Spring festival site in Sefton Park will follow the format that was introduced in 2016, being divided into five areas, each with its own look and feel, including The Wood Lands, which takes its inspiration from rural crafts and pastimes, The Pasture, a collection of the region’s best independent food operators and The Kids Village which has a focus on younger festival visitors, with plenty of activities planned, including a vintage funfair, bush crafts, a farm, yoga and birds of prey.

Talking about this year’s event, a festival spokesperson said “We’re very excited about the return of our Spring festival. After launching the new format last year, which was purposefully different to the established September festival, we received so much great feedback from visitors and exhibitors that we’ve built on what we achieved. Visitors will see new exhibitors as well as activities, workshops, markets to shop in and of course a fantastic food and drink offer. It’ll be the perfect way to spend the Easter family weekend!”

The Liverpool Food, Drink and Lifestyle Spring Festival takes place in Sefton Park on Saturday April 15th and Sunday April 16th.

For further information and for day and weekend tickets please visit www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

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MARCUS COLLINS SHOWCASING LOVE MOTOWN FOR RADIO CITY’S CASH Liverpool born singing sensation Marcus Collins has come a long way since coming runner-up to Little Mix in the 8th series of the X Factor in 2011

by Carolyn Hughes

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s well as his recording and writing talents Marcus has also tread the boards in acclaimed hit musicals Hairspray and Kinky Boots. On Friday evening Marcus added another string to his bow when he showcased his latest venture the LOVE MOTOWN experience at the Hilton Hotel Liverpool city centre in aid of Radio City’s Charity Cash for Kids.

Love Motown is a live music experience featuring an incredibly talented cast of musicians and vocalists. The Love Motown collective have been working together since 2007 and the music is carefully selected to showcase talent, and uplift and engage the audience. The set takes you through the biggest Motown hits in history performed by a fantastic 8 piece band and some of the finest vocalists the UK has to offer.

Love Motown proved to be an absolute winner with the sell out crowd at the latest high profile fundraising event organised by Carolyn Hughes PR in association with Marcus Collins and Radio City’s Cash for Kids.

The event was supported by entrepreneur and Cheshire Housewives star Dawn Ward and husband Ashley and hair stylists to the stars Royston Blythe and Nick Malenko and hosted by Radio City 2’s Simon Ross.

Marcus Collins said “Last night was one of the benchmarks of my career. Performing in Liverpool is always a pleasure, but the energy and atmosphere at LOVE MOTOWN at the Hilton Hotel was something very special. It felt like family! Liverpool did not let me down, the audience were so warm and inviting and loved the show. I am proud to come from such a wonderful and diverse city.”

Carole Clare, Fundraising Manager for Radio City’s Cash for Kids said “We are enormously grateful to Marcus for his enthusiastic support and for putting on such a truly fantastic show. His talent and attention to detail have enabled us to raise in excess of £13,000 for Cash for Kids. I am grateful to Carolyn Hughes PR for her continued support, to Barclays and to everyone who ensured that the evening was a memorable one” Marcus Magee, General Manager of the Hilton Hotel, Liverpool city centre said “We were thrilled to host LOVE MOTOWN at the Hotel.

Marcus is a true professional and his showcase proved to be a huge hit with our guests

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Below from top to bottom: Left to right John Wilding, Nate Simpson, Amy Diamond, Marcus Collins, Chantel Coleman, Ashford Campbell, Adrian Hansel, Charlie Healy.

Marcus Collins performing on stage Marcus Magee, Janice Magee, Marcus Collins, Dawn Ward, Ashley Ward

LOCAL ARCHITECTURE

St George’s Hall is widely regarded as one of the finest neo-classical buildings in the world and is a Grade I listed building.

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t George’s Hall was reopened in 2007 by Prince Charles after a £23m refurbishment programme.

tiled floor, replete with maritime and civic symbolism and is also home to a massive pipe organ.

Built in the early 1800s as a space for music festivals and the Civil and Crown courts, the hall has always been at the heart of community life in the city.

The Small Concert Room at the Northern elevation of the Hall has been described as the ‘Albert Hall in miniature’ and is circular in design with a proscenium arch stage and is flanked by caryatids, female sculptural figures which are designed to give the impression of supporting the fine lace work of the iron balconies.

Over 25,000 people gathered outside the Hall when John Lennon was killed, and in excess of 65,000 witnessed Liverpool’s spectacular European Capital of Culture People’s Opening in 2008.

Today we host exhibitions, tours and talks, corporate events and weddings both large and small in a selection of beautiful rooms for hire.

This unique neo-classical building is the centre of Liverpool’s traditional cultural forum whose foundation stone was laid in 1838.

It was built as a result of separate competitions to create a fitting space for the aspirational city to hold its music festivals and other assemblies and contains the vastly ornate Great Hall with its vaulted ceiling, Minton

Unusually, the Hall also houses the Crown and Civil Court which were working courts until the 1980’s when the Court Service moved to new premises in Derby Square.

The ground floor and basement levels also house holding cells for prisoners and the condemned cell.

St George’s Hall can lay claim to one of the oldest ventilation and air conditioning systems in the world, the workings of which can be seen in the lower basement level and throughout the Hall.

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PAULINE DANIELS The first Lady of Comedy on life after cancer

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ast Christmas, I not only got a beautiful diamond engagement ring but also another shot of lipo modelling on my boob. That was a big surprise. I went to see my surgeon to check up on the last op, if you remember? I wrote my last column whilst lying in a bed in Clatterbridge waiting to go under so to speak, well here we are just a few months on and I have had my second lot. Naughty really as I shouldn’t really have had it done. I was cutting it a bit fine, because you need at least two weeks after the operation before you can do any sort of work and I didn’t tell my employer that I was having it done on 21st December when starting work on 4th January, but then that’s just me. Oh, and my employer is the Everyman. I auditioned in September and waited, and waited and waited until eventually, in November, I got the news that I was successful and I had made the new Everyman rep company. Very exciting! The Everyman was famous for that rep company 40 odd years ago of having been home to Julie Walters, Sir Anthony Sher, Bill Nighy, Matthew Kelly, Pete Poselthwaite and of course Roger Phillips. So to be the a part of the next generation of rep is fantastic.

I need to concentrate on looking after my health because it’s going to be tough, we will perform five plays in six months, which means rehearsing by day and performing by night and so you need to keep your strength up. I’m therefore being conscious of what I’m eating and I have upped my fruit and vegetable intake. It is difficult for me as I have ulcerative colitis which means I have to watch exactly what I eat and not take in too much fibre. My vegetables have to be made into soup and my fruit into smoothies.

We spent our first two weeks getting to know each department in the theatre as they provided us, in turn, with breakfast. As you can imagine there was muesl, granola, oats, porridge and we did have toast and croissants but the best breakfast was provided by the YEP (Young Everyman Playhouse), they met us in the green room and then marched us off to Greggs for bacon butties!

It’s an amazing programme that we are offering. We start with a musical, the one and only Fiddler on the Roof; what a fantastic score and a great script. It opens 18th February, and then it is followed by a great play called Conquest of The South Pole. Then, after that, there’s a fabulous piece called the Story Giant which is based on a Brian Patten poem and it’s magical and it’s a real family show. The next play is a new play written

by Lizzie Nunnery, a local playwright who has also written some fantastic music to go with it. It’s one that I am really looking forward to getting my teeth into, as I play Iris, who is sadly suffering with dementia, and Lizzie has written a song for me called Sand, which is so beautiful and sad and I think is the closest we can get to knowing what it is like to be living with dementia. Our final performance of the season is Romeo and Juliet, but if

you think you know this play, I promise you that you will never have seen a production like this. If you remember that at the end of the season in the last three weeks there will be days when we will be performing one play on the afternoon and another at night so our sets have to have a two hour turn around, this is mega and I really can’t tell you just how thrilled and excited I am to be a big part of it.

Keeping well is my priority and I know that when it’s over I will need to have my final bit of lipo modelling and a hysterical rectomy, but that will have to wait until I’ve been married and been on honeymoon which I can tell you will be spent in Sorrento, Italy and I can’t wait.

I’m having my dress made by the amazing Mark Melia so I will be hoping that over then next few months I’ll lose a little bit of weight, which normally happens whilst rehearsing a play and there’s plenty of movement in Fiddler we have a great choreographer called Tom and a wonderful musical director, George, who I know will work us to the bone.

I also have something else up my sleeve, however if it gets in the way of the rep, I won’t do it but suffice to say that I am meeting the man himself, next week, yes, the one, the only Simon Cowell, and yes I will be asking him what size neck his trousers are. That’s all I can say about that at the moment but bear with me, if I can do what he wants without getting in the way of my fantastic Everyman job I will and then I’ll be able to tell you everything in the next issue.

I’m off to make a massive pan of scouse now, because as a thank you for all the breakfasts, we are supplying all day food on Friday and scouse is my part of the bargain, see you in the spring, keep warm, although up to now it’s been mild, but don’t get caught out, look after each other xxx I need to let you all know that I intend to buy a mammogram machine for the Wirral breast unit this year, sadly the breast unit doesn’t always get any money from The Clatterbridge charity fund so I think it’s important that I do something especially for the breast unit and for the Wirral as I have the Wirral breast unit to thank for all my treatments, so if I start annoying you by putting all sorts on in the area, just bear with me, trust me, we need this xx Oh just thought I’d share the newest addition to the family, sadly my daughters little bichon was poorly and we lost her and Sarah couldn’t bear to be without a doggy so she rescued this little precious treasure she’s been used to breed and was no longer of any use because she had a hernia, but now she is starting to settle down in her new loving home, she had never been inside a house and was fascinated with the telly, she is very scared of men, but she’s getting better each time we see her, her name is Peaches and yes she’s a Liverpool supporter!

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Please do what you can to help...

The Neonatal Unit at Wirral Women and Children’s Hospital provides life-saving care to around 350 babies every year who have been born premature or sick in Wirral, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales.

It is one of only two level 3 (the highest possible level) intensive care units in the whole of Merseyside and Cheshire and the only unit in the area to provide both level 3 adult and neonatal intensive care on the same site. This allows very sick mothers who have had poorly babies to be cared for in the same hospital. The next nearest hospital to provide that combined service is Newcastle. WE CANNOT LOSE THIS UNIT! Level 3 means that they are one of the highest level neonatal units who are qualified to provide specialised care for extremely sick or premature babies from around 24 weeks of pregnancy and they are on our doorstep.

Babies born as early as 23 weeks have been able to survive thanks to the outstanding care provided by their team.

IncuBabies is the name of a new charity which has been set up by Sheila Clarke and Cherry Povall, to fundraise for a new extension of the neonatal intensive care unit. The current unit now cares for babies from a much wider area than ever before, therefore the demand of this vital service is increasing. They need our help to meet this demand by extending the unit to make it fully compliant with national standards for space - and that takes money.

Our very own coloumnist Mandy Molby, together with Trudi Brookes and Carole Clare, have been asked to help raise the £400,000 needed to complete this project within 18 months. You may recognise the names of the ladies as being Ambassadors for Cash for Kids, and you would be right. Not one of them takes a penny from any of the charity work they do and Cash for Kids are making no charge either - they are setting up a just giving page and handling the finances of Incubabies.

So can you help? It doesn’t matter how small the doantion is, it all counts.

It would probably shock you to know that of the £3 million recently given to Chester baby unit, 95% of all donations made were under £3! So you see, every penny counts.

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Some dates for your diary...

The Launch of Incubabies at Thornton Hall

(Thornton Hall donating the hall, refreshments and reception drinks. Thank you)

Friday 21st April 2017

The Incubabies Ball at Thornton Hall

(Thornton Hall donating the hall, and reception drinks. Thank you)

Saturday 10th June 2017 Tickets £60 incl. 3 course dinner

The Incubabies Lunch at The Wrow Thursday 30th March 2017

WE NEED YOUR HELP! The Neonatal Unit at Wirral Women and Children’s Hospital at Arrowe Park Hospital

To make a donation look for our Just Giving page Neston High 6th formers held a non uniform day and raised ÂŁ900 pounds! Thank you.

McGrath Dental, Hoylake are adopting Incubabies as their chosen charity for 2017.

What will you do?

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GIVING WIRRAL THE GREENTHUMB

THE WIRRAL BIKEATHON 2017

This year, for the first time, Mrs Carter will be showcasing a sea of white snowdrops as part of the National Garden Scheme. The 2017 open days will be held on 25th - 26th February, 23rd April and 25th June.

In 1999 seven people planned the first ever Wirral Bikeathon to raise funds for research into the treatment of blood cancers. Little did they know that in 2017 they would be planning the 19th such event. And little did they know how great an impact this fun-filled family cycling event would have on the local community and how much support it would gain in the intervening years.

The owner of one of Burton’s best known charity gardens has been rewarded for 14 years custom from the local lawn care specialist team at GreenThumb.

In recognition of Briarfield resident Mrs Liz Carter’s relentless fundraising efforts, the company paid a special visit to the celebrated garden to mark an important and sentimental milestone for the nationwide lawn treatment service.

The Wirral branch was one of the first territories GreenThumb got up and running in the early 90s. Now, having reacquired the successful business from the franchise owner of 25 years, GreenThumb wanted to welcome the Wirral branch back to the Head Office team, by visiting one of its most loyal and deserving gardeners.

David Griffiths, managing director, comments “Today, GreenThumb has grown into a nationwide business, but the local feel and community approach remains. It’s really rewarding to be back visiting local customers and seeing the legacy we’ve created.”

“For customers like Mrs Carter, business will continue as usual with the same local team and the same high quality service, it will just be run from a new unit space in the Wirral area.”

Mrs Carter’s garden is one of the most rewarding lawns the Wirral team has treated. She turned to GreenThumb to help her take care of the lawn, so that she could spend more time focusing on her plants, after deciding to officially open her garden to help raise money for charity.

Since 1991 Mrs Carter has taken part in the National Garden Scheme, providing access to her private garden to around 600 visitors every year to raise money for the scheme’s nursing and caring charities.

Split across three areas, each part of the garden is uniquely different and over the years the local GreenThumb team has provided expertise and treatments to perfect Mrs Carter’s lawns, tailoring the treatments to suit the different areas in her garden. The team rewarded her for her loyalty with a Fortnum & Mason gift hamper.

Mrs Carter adds “What I love most about GreenThumb is the people. The team are very friendly and they really know their stuff. They understand how to manage the various sections of my garden. It’s a fantastic service and really convenient. I don’t even need to be at home for them to do the treatment.”

To find out more about GreenThumb, please visit www.greenthumb.co.uk and you can follow GreenThumb on social media for the latest hints and tips on caring for your lawn.

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The 2017 Bikeathon will be very similar to previous years and will again feature a selfie station in the start/finish area at Arrowe Park.

This was very popular on social media last year due in particular to the help of local Olympic Gold Medallist and cycling legend, Chris Boardman who we could describe as the face that launched a 1000 riders. Chris has been the patron and a huge supporter of the Bikeathon over these many years together with members of his family. Chris said “Since the Wirral Bikeathon started 19 years ago we have raised £880,000 towards beating blood cancer. We are making a really big push for the Bikeathon in 2017 and next year we are aiming to cross the £1million mark for Bloodwise, the leading blood cancer charity. It’s a great family event so do come along and support us.”

This year the Bikeathon will take place on SUNDAY 11 JUNE 2017 with start times between 09:30 and 11:30 am. On-line registration opens on 1 MARCH 2017 at: www.wirralikeathon.com and costs £15.00 for adults (£5.00 for those aged 15 and under). On-line registration closes on 5 June 2017 but it is possible to enter on the day though that costs £25.00 for adults (£5.00 for the 15 and under age group). The registration fee is essential to cover the inevitable administrative costs but does mean each rider will have a Wirral Bikeathon t-shirt as a memento of the day and can proudly wear the medal they will win for crossing the finishing line.

Bloodwise have set up a Just Giving page and this is the best way to manage fundraising but riders can arrange to collect sponsorship money themselves. Sponsorship is the key to getting Wirral Bikeathon past the £1million fundraising mark so the more riders who raise money from family, friends, work colleagues and others the better.

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£795,000

Demby Farm - A three bed cottage and substantial equestrian yard with approx. 2.84 acres. EPC - F

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FILM REVIEWS with A Film Podessey (Twitter @afilmpodessey)

LA LA LAND

WESTWORLD (Sky Atlantic)

As a modern metrosexual male, nowadays I am able to admit to enjoying a good ol’ musical from time to time. I can certainly say I was intrigued with this ‘modern take on a classic genre’ but when it became an Oscar contender I must admit to being slightly put off. Academy acclaimed films tend not to be my bag but thankfully intrigue won out and so I dragged my missus along to help mask the fact that it was my idea and not hers.

The scene is set, the pre-Christmas madness has been ended, there is loads of fantastic food left in the fridge and booze aplenty in the cupboard. The rest of the world is in shutdown mode and you are dressed in the first comfortable items which came to hand that morning.

This is, without question, my most favourite time of the year and is only ever finished off by engrossing myself in a marathon TV series binge.

The story follows a young, struggling actress (Emma Stone) and a young struggling jazz player (Ryan Gosling) as they battle the day-to-day trials and tribulations of the Hollywood game. Their paths cross and the traditional “I hate you” - “Well now I don’t hate you as much” - “I think I love you” romance blossoms. Thankfully that’s not where the story ends and this avoids it treading dangerously into a formulaic trap and keeps things modern and fresh, but without losing its essence.

So the story is strong, but what about the musical bit…well it certainly pulls no punches with its cheery, song and dance opening sequence which is followed by a number of catchy tunes that suck you into a subconscious state of humming, followed by a full blown sing-a-long on the way home. However, for me there are too few numbers and I grew tired of hearing the same tunes repeated throughout the movie, if slightly varied in form.

Somewhat more noticeably is the fact that neither Stone nor Gosling are fantastic singers, the former certainly being the weaker of the two.

Gosling actually learnt how to play the piano over a period of only 6-months in preparation for this movie, which is an impressive feat to say the least and makes my man-crush on him grow even stronger, but it is noticeable that his fluidity of playing is not what you would expect from the ‘professional, mercurial talent’ he is portraying and unfortunately that was enough to momentarily pull me out of the story’s embrace. I should also mention the dancing which, according to the professional dancers behind me, was a bit ropey with extensions being too flexed and so on and so forth!

None of these things spoil the film, which is a genuinely lovely reinvention of the classic musical. The story isn’t going to fry your brain, but when have we ever watched a musical with this being the aim; the ending is not what you expect and this does avoid you being able to figure out the end at the beginning. I do accept the technical criticisms are me being ‘pernickety’ and probably will go unnoticed by the majority of viewers, but for those who do pick them up it will certainly bug you throughout. In short, a successful reinvention of a classic genre and a film that is worthy of not being spoilt with academy acclaim!

Christmas 2016 saw Sky Atlantic’s Westworld, a remake of the 70’s adaptation, selected as my binge material and boy was that a great choice! If I could draw up a list of all the things I look for in a TV series this would literally tick all those boxes.

Westworld is a futuristic theme park set in the ‘Wild West’ and is populated by artificial intelligence androids who’s sole purpose is to make this world feel real as they service the needs of guests in creating whatever adventure they desire. When I say every desire I mean exactly that - from sexual conquests, to adventures, joining criminals in bank robberies to the much darker acts of rape and murder. It is this concept with forms the core theme of the series as we left toiling with the morality of using what appear sentient beings as ‘play things’ in some of the most horrible ways possible only for them to be fixed and thrown back in to experience it all over again!

Please do not let that put you off though. This is not a heavy series but rather a fantastical, imaginative ride that serves up lashings of romance, drama, suspense, thrilling action, horror and plenty of naked flesh of some famous and attractive individuals.

Again, I cannot go into too much detail for fear of spoiling the plots as they unfold, but I honestly cannot remember the last time I watch and enjoyed a series this much and with season due out in 2018 I am looking forward to re-watching it again ready for my next fresh dose. If you want to throw yourself into something to clear those January blues away this is the prescription you need.

COMING SOON Beauty & the Beast (17 March) Disney’s live action remake of the animated classic. They’re on a roll so who’d best against this bring a hit?!

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TOTALLY TINA Liverpool born and based singer Justine Riddoch, has been treading the boards on the north-west circuit for over 26 years.

But it was in 2002 that her career would change direction. After winning ITV’s “Stars in their Eyes” as Anastacia, her tribute show “Justine is Anastacia” was in great demand and she spent the next six years performing as her around the world, enlisting a live band to create more of a show feel. When Anastacia stopped releasing albums and her popularity waned, it was time to change direction again.

So in 2011 Justine decided to create, with her fabulous cast, a Tina Turner concert style tribute show to honour the Queen of Rock and Roll. Rather than being a biography, this show focuses on Tina’s live concert career, replicating scenes from various tours over the last 50 years with custom twists and turns created by Justine and her cast.

The show has gone from strength to strength, getting rave reviews from audiences and critics alike, dancing in the aisles and standing ovations everywhere it goes.

Featuring state of the art video screens, lighting and sound systems, a fabulous live band, the Totally Tina dancers with fully choreographed dance routines, fire performers, costumes galore and Justine’s uncanny impersonation of the legend that is Tina, this is one spectacular show!

We will let you know just how fabulous when we review the show in our next edition.

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For more information on TOTALLY TINA: Website – totallytina.co.uk/ Facebook –TotallyTinaTribute Twitter – TotallyTina1 You Tube 2016 Video Promo Trailer – www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgPwg9bSO0o

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

Jeanette Roberts is a Civil Celebrant and one of the columnists in Cultured Magazine. We thought we would give you a little peep at the woman behind the wise words and black glasses.

You have one wish, make it a good one.

For children to become the priority in this world of ours, so they never to have to live in poverty.

Most prized possession?

A piece of Lladro given to me by my Dad. Top of your bucket list?

The Empire State Building. It all goes back to Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in Sleepless in Seattle.

What was the first record you bought?

Leader of the Pack, that motorbike revving made my heart beat faster!

What’s your poison?

A chilled glass of fizz on a Friday!

What was the last book you read?

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins it was so much better than the film.

Dream job if you couldn’t do your present one?

To own a bar on a beach in Andalucia One thing you would change about yourself?

Not to show every single thought that passes through my head on my face.

Jeanette Roberts Civil Celebrant

What is guaranteed to make you laugh?

My friends, always.

Past or present, name three people you would like to spend an hour with.

This is a difficult one as there are so many people I would love to chat to but if I have to choose it would be Nelson Mandela, Patrick Swayze and James Taylor.

Guilty pleasure: Grey’s Anatomy and dark chocolate preferably at the same time on my sofa What did you aspire to be growing up?

I wanted to be a nurse but I don’t like the sight of blood

The best piece of advice you have ever been given?

To always go forward, never look back, you’re not going that way...

Favourite quote?

“My religion is simple, my religion is kindness” Dalai Lama

Andalucia

Empire State Building

Patrick Swayze

Dark chocolate

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V A N T A G E L AW LAW | MADE | SIMPLE

Take CONTROL of YOUR affairs

FACT: The majority of the U.K. population still do not possess valid, up to date Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

FACT: In 2015, the Crown benefitted from approximately ÂŁ12 million in unclaimed and unallocated estate assets.

We all have a need to feel a level of control over our environment so take CONTROL and talk to one of our friendly team at Vantage Law today about preparing YOUR Will and YOUR Lasting Power of Attorney.

These extremely important legal documents can ensure that you are able to retain that crucial level of CONTROL over what happens to you in the future and to your hard earned assets after you have gone.

Clients have peace of mind having dealt with these matters knowing that they are empowering themselves and protecting their loved ones for the future.

Vantage Law offer a friendly, professional and comprehensive service. Free initial consultation with one of our experts with pricing starting from ÂŁ200 + VAT.

Call: 0333 7000 200

Vantage Law Solicitors Limited: 188 - 200 Pensby Road, Heswall, Wirral CH60 7RJ E: enquiries@vantagelaw.co.uk | W: www.vantagelaw.co.uk

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