JLife Manchester May-June 2023

Spring HomeStyle

Gardening tips and get inspired for your next home makeover with our rundown of this season’s trends. Page 22.

Father’s Day

Treat your dad to something special with our Father’s Day gift guide. Page 32.

In the Village

Find out why Hale Village is a favourite for its restaurants, shopping, and services. Starts page 40.

Shavuot Recipes

Try your hand at baking with two of our favourite delicious dairy recipes for Shavuot. Page 67.

YOUR REGULARFEATURES

JLife

Meets…

Writer and Director of the new hit play A Manchester Girlhood, Julia Pascal. Page 11.

Jordan Nathan, Intern First Team Performance Analyst at Burnley FC. Page 55.

John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International and Manchester International Festival. Page 62.

Manchester’s Jewish Representative Council Chair Mark Adlestone on future plans. Page 82.

Community

Check out the latest news,

events, and simchas across the community. Starts page 9.

Coronation

Some palatial travel spots to visit, and how you can celebrate the big weekend. Starts page 14.

Fashion & Beauty

This season’s beach-inspired fashion and beauty trends. Page 16.

Motoring

The latest developments in electric vehicles. Page 18.

Eurovision

Our pick of some of the entries to watch out for and where to watch in Manchester Page 74.

PUBLISHER'SNOTE

The King’s Coronation will be the focal point in May, you can check our guide on what’s occurring, and our pick of palatial travel ideas to immerse into the royal celebrations. Lesley Joseph came in to talk about her role in Sister Act.

Staying on a musical theme everyone loves a good Eurovision night, here in Manchester there are some live outdoor shows. Plus, we’ve

the usual focus on community events, and with Shavuot signalling spring, there’s plenty of help to enhance your home and garden. We are out and about in the Cheshire hotspot Hale Village!

Please do enter our fabulous spa day competition at Mottram Hall and please don’t forget Father’s Day!

You can get daily updates if you follow us on our socials. Until next time...

Competitions

Win a Champneys spa day worth £160 from Mottram Hall. Page 10.

Win a free consultation from Optimyze Eye Health including a complete eye examination and state of the art imaging. Page 45.

PUBLISHER

Landy GRAPHIC DESIGN Stephanie du Preez FEATURES EDITOR Emily Stone EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katerina Hough DIGITAL MARKETING Tracey Cleminson

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tanya Duman Photography: Instagram. com/tanyadumanphotography

Rob Clayton Photography: Robclaytonphotography.co.uk

Lawrence Purcell

Claire Bartfield Photography: Clairebartfieldphotography.co.uk

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF JLIFE AT: Asda (Pilsworth, Radcliffe); Booths Hale Barns; Boyko; Brackmans; Celia’s Kitchen; Dunham Forest Golf Club; Heathlands; JS; Jackson’s Row Synagogue; Kosher City; Let’s Fress Deli; Lulu’s Kitchen Cheadle; Maccabi Centre; Menorah Synagogue (Sharston); One Stop (Bury); Sainsbury’s (Altrincham, Cheadle Hulme, Heaton Park; Sainsbury’s Local (Hale, Prestwich); State Fayre Bakery and Café; Tesco (East Didsbury, Prestwich, Cheetham Hill); Tesco Express (Prestwich, Didsbury, Hale, Cheadle Hulme, Wilmslow); Tesco Extra (Altrincham, Bury, Handforth); Total Fitness; United Co-op (Altrincham, Unsworth); Whitefield Golf Club; WM Morrisons (Whitefield).

CONTRIBUTORS

CAYP Child Psychology

Elaine Bermitz

Handelsbanken

MODS Optical

Or Ribon Rabbi Doniel Stern

Rabbi Greg Bank Urologyclinics.co.uk

AND THE WINNERS ARE…

Congrats to Lucy Barlow, Elaine Norton, and Rosie Colvin all winning treatments at Your Health Bank.

And to James Birchall for winning a Silver Cross car seat from Lesters Nurseryworld!

ALL PHOTOS: TANYA DUMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

ROSE BURSK AND ADAM MOSSELSON GOT ENGAGED AT WORSLEY MARRIOT HOTEL!

ELLA LANDES CELEBRATED HER 90TH BIRTHDAY WITH HER FRIENDS, CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN, AND GREAT GRANDCHILDREN AT THE NICKY.

JUDE LEINHARDT HAD HIS BAR MITZVAH AT STENECOURT SHUL SURROUNDED BY HIS FAMILY.

HARRY PUNDICK ENJOYED HIS BAR MITZVAH RECEPTION AT THE MANCHESTER MARRIOT VICTORIA & ALBERT HOTEL.

MATTI MILLER ASKED AHUVA GREENSPOON TO BE HIS BRIDE. SHE SAID YES!

MAX ATTIAS CELEBRATED HIS BAR MITZVAH AT WHITEFIELD SHUL.

ARIELLA JACOBS RECENTLY ENJOYED HER BAT MITZVAH AMONG HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

DISCOUNTED TYRES FITTED / PUNCTURE REPAIRS

QUALITY BATTERIES WITH WARRANTIES

Here at PMB we have made huge changes to improve our standard of customer and vehicle service.

Prices across the board have risen but we ensure we remain competitive by cross referencing pricing from suppliers for the correct products. We do not cut corners.

This has brought huge client confidence and support, together with the care and service offered by our team.

VEHICLE SERVICING MADE SIMPLE OUR TEAM

TYRE CENTRE

Landsail Local Appointed Tyre Specialist

// Michelin

// Continental

// Pirelli

// Falken

// Hankook

// Range Rover

// Run flat tyres

// All makes available

Our Management Team includes Paul Thornton, Co Owner and Senior Service Manager, Rachel, Senior Manager and Colin, Senior Technician. And the future is bright at PMB, Thomas Thornton, our Junior Technical Assistant is currently training through 123 NVQ and learning well from his dad!

LOCAL COLLECTION BY APPOINTMENT

SATURDAY MORNING KWIK CAR CLINIC OPEN 9AM TIL 1PM (Drive-in tyres & MOT)

CALL TO BOOK: 0161 767 9922

Higher Lane, Whitefield, M45 7FZ

pmbgarage.com

Community Heart of the SPRING FLING

We catch up with the latest goings-on at The Fed.

The transition from winter to spring is underway at The Fed. At Heathlands Village, the Heathlands in Bloom project has restarted, with residents and volunteers clearing the grounds and planting bulbs ready for the warmer weather. In its first year the venture achieved its aims of encouraging villagers to spend more time outdoors, promoting their mental and physical wellbeing, while also brightening up the patio and gardens.

Purim arrived in late February with clear blue skies adding to the joy. In the village there were two concerts by Jack Maurer and Jackie Harrison, plenty of silly costumes, an abundance of Hamantaschen, and lots of gift-giving and receiving.

Out in the community, The Fed’s Bar Bat Mitzvah programme – which offers a gateway for young people to gain a better

understanding of charity and communal responsibility –neared the end of its annual cycle. Participants learned how The Fed supports clients in the community, organised a bake sale and a sports day fundraiser, and organised an afternoon tea for several service users. Their graduation celebration will be held in June.

And of course, Pesach arrived which is a huge undertaking at Heathlands. All three main kitchens and smaller household kitchens had to be made Kosher Le Pesach; two community seders were held on site and The Fed’s Community Advice and Support Team (CAST) and Volunteer Services team

packed and delivered 125 Passover food parcels with seder gifts for those most in need in the community.

Everyone at The Fed wished a very happy birthday to a very special lady when Heathlands Villager, Lea Glaskie, turned 105 years old. The oldest living member of The Shrubberies and former owner of ‘Lieberman’s’ outfitters, Lea is a hugely popular figure. Granada Reports turned up to interview her about her special day and royal birthday greetings arrived from the King and Queen Consort.

FOR A SONG

Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary School held a music afternoon and evening to celebrate the end of term. The school themed our performances 'through the decades' and celebrated music from the 1950s through to present day.

The afternoon also gave the school’s talented solo musicians an opportunity to

shine. Bury and Whitefield worked with Jstar Dance Academy and Michael Marks Music to share performances from the extracurricular music activities on offer. Every child from nursery to Year 6 was given the opportunity to take part and the event saw lots of happy faces and gave the children a renewed love of music.

Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary School brought the term to a musical close.

One lucky reader will bag a luxury spa day for two at Mottram Hall’s Champneys Spa, worth £160.

Win Some R&R

On site you’ll also find an impressive 18-hole Championship Golf Course, a cutting-edge gym and a FIFA accredited football pitch. Awarded AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, Mottram Hall prides itself on the range of dishes on offer, you’re sure to find something to tantalise your taste buds. You can enjoy a relaxing moment with friends and family, tucking into light bites or afternoon tea and on warmer days, sipping on a refreshing drink on the terrace.

In order to win the luxury spa day, including a complementary lunch, answer the following question:

What is the name of the Spa at Mottram Hall?

A well-deserved break is on the cards at the £10 million state-of-the-art Champneys spa at Mottram Hall. The spa has quickly become the most stylish destination in Cheshire, experts from UK’s original health spa, Champneys, have brought with them innovative techniques, the latest technology, and unparalleled experience.

With the classic spa day, you will experience everything the spa has to offer. You’ll also be treated to a complimentary healthy lunch in the stunning surrounds of the Instagram-able new spa café. Your fluffy robe and flip flops await.

Good Spa Guide awarded Champneys Mottram Hall their highest rating of 5 Bubble Luxury, citing its: “striking design, fantastic facilities, and lip-smacking food”, plus the vast treatment menu and new outside area.

The luxury hotel in Cheshire is an 18th century Georgian country house hotel home to 120 stylish bedrooms. Contemporary design, combined with boutique soft furnishings gives each room a cosy and personalised feel. Fairy-tale wedding day packages, celebratory event settings and many meeting and conference rooms are available. So, whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, set within 270 acres of immaculately landscaped gardens, the beautiful Grade II listed building will give you a day to remember.

Enter online at Jlifemagazine. co.uk/competitions-5 or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winners will be randomly selected on the closing date: 30th June 2023

Terms and conditions apply: Prize is nonrefundable and cannot be exchanged. The prize is redeemable Monday to Thursday only and is subject to availability. Valid until 30th September 2023. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in JLife Magazine and Mottram Hall’s databases in order to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. Publisher’s decision is final.

FAMILY MATTERS

We chat with Writer and Director of the new hit play A Manchester Girlhood, Julia Pascal.

narrative, reflecting the way that we recall and experience memories: “It’s very dreamlike and fragmentary. It takes place from childhood to death, so I have women in their 50s and 60s playing children and 80 year olds, so it also defies the concept of age. The narrative jumps around all the time, just as you do in your own head. I’m trying to show the inside of every person’s head in a way.”

double identity. There’s this old country Yiddish Romanian culture that has been transplanted into Manchester.”

A Manchester Girlhood is a new play written and directed by Julia Pascal, focusing around the stories she was told by her own family members about growing up in Manchester: “It’s quite a biographical piece about my mother, her sisters, and my grandparents, who were Romanian Jewish immigrants to Manchester around 1910. It’s really a look at the 20th century through the eyes of these three daughters. It’s both political and personal and it tells a larger story about what is going on in the world.”

The play progresses as a non-linear

It was important to Julia to centre the narrative around women’s lives: “How to you showcase women’s lives beyond the domestic sphere? I feel that most theatre dramas focus on male narratives, and the women are secondary. It was important for me to show world events from the eyes of women.”

The play sticks extremely closely to the stories Julia was told as a child: “I’m like a sponge, I absorb stories. I’m always asking people about their life stories. I realised I must have done that from childhood. The rhythms of these women’s voices and the patten of their thinking has a

Despite the personal subject matter, Julia didn’t struggle to put these stories to paper: “For one thing everybody’s dead, so there’s no one to say: ‘How dare you!’ it was a kind of feeling of commemorating them, bizarrely enough. I felt that I was honouring them and giving them meaning and presence. At times their obsessions become very funny. It gave me perspective. When you’re a child you take everything very seriously. When people say terrible things, you take it literally. But when you put that on the stage it shows the whole background and mental state of the person, so you’re showing the whole person as much as you can in one hour.”

Julia is hoping that the performance will impart a renewed interest in her family’s stories on the audience: “I want them to think about their mothers and their aunts and their grandmothers and all the women in their family whose stories they’ve perhaps not asked, and to realise how valuable they are. And also just to think about history not solely being a male narrative. There are many women’s stories which are not told and which you have to route out in archives.”

You can catch the play at Burgh House, London on 17th May and at JW3, London from 21st to 23rd May 2023

PHOTO: HABIE SCHWARZ

PHOTO: CLAIRE GRIFFITHS

The community's beloved Jewish Theatre Company provided a much-needed evening of entertainment this March when they performed Neil Simon's California Suite in a new theatre called The Empty Space near Salford Quays. It was good to see the theatre full on the night I went; a sign perhaps that good entertainment can survive events like COVID-19 and the cost of living.

A little lower key than his more famous Plaza Suite, California Suite presents the audience with the stories of four different couples who were staying in room 203 of a particular hotel in a summer season in California. Four separate playlets, four separate scenarios, and four very different presentations. The first, a divorcing couple discuss their differing plans for their daughter, neither are fully able to take or relinquish responsibility for her, or indeed to finish off their marriage. We see sharp exchanges from smart New Yorker Hannah, (Liz Reuben), prevarication, weakness, and self-indulgence from William (Julian Kosky).

In scene two Jaysen Lewin and Deborah Loofe play a husband trying to hide a very embarrassing secret from his wife. Her resentment at his family and his defensiveness cover up the truth – which is already known to the audience – and make for quick thinking from him and languid suspicion from her. Ending with her inevitable discovery of a hooker in his bed, the scene descends into chaos and feeble excuses.

After the interval two leading lights of the JTC, Deborah Finley and Howard Glass, superbly demonstrate how a brittle actress’s disappointment at the Oscars destroys her fragile ego, leading her to accuse everyone around her – including her long-suffering husband – of treachery, in an attempt to bring them all down with her. A masterclass of good writing, timing, and excellent accents, they showed how with the wrong temperament, disappointment can turn into self-destruction in an instant. The last

Showtime

JLife’s Elaine Bermitz reviews the Jewish Theatre Company’s production of Neil Simon's California Suite and a new production of The Merchant of Venice by Tracey-Ann Oberman.

scene, more farcical that the others, had at its heart the frustrations of two couples whose friendship is strained by sustained exposure to one another's company. Friends before their holiday, an accident on the tennis court, ends, not in apology but comic violence, as the two husbands fight over who is at fault and one another’s shortcomings.

The strength in performing a Neil Simon play is adherence to the text. All the cast has to do is to rely on the words of a masterful writer who can change the sense of a scene in a sentence, along with precise direction from Stacey Friedman this is what the actors did, thus another triumph for the Jewish Theatre company was born.

Tracy-Ann Oberman's rewrite of the original Merchant of Venice has all the hallmarks of a modern Jewish classic. Dealing with a far more serious subject than 'Oliver" or "Fiddler on the Roof". It reflects Shakespeare's understanding that the Jews of the Middle Ages were first prevented from partaking in mainstream commerce, then reduced to moneylending as an occupation, and finally reviled and exiled by those who could not repay their debts. It uses the words of the bard and reflects them against the words of Mosley in 1936.

The Home Theatre play used a film backdrop of the 1936 marches at Holbeck Moor in Leeds and Cable Street in London specifically orchestrated by Mosley, leader of the British Fascist Party, to stir up Jew hatred among the Black and working-class people among whom they lived.

Each character has a dual role, playing both the Shakespearian character and the modern day archetype they represent. Hannah Morrish plays the Shakespearian Portia, the dispenser of justice in the play, as a pre-war Nancy Mitford, a privileged aristocratic Aryan whose sense of entitlement knows no bounds.

As the play progresses, Bassanio borrows from Antonio to woo the wealthy Portia. His modern-day counterpart Arragon causes

Bassanio to stir up anti-Jewish sentiment anywhere he can and Portia aspires only to marry someone of her class. Antonio borrows from the vengeful Shylock who asks for a pound of flesh if he cannot repay the loan and the die is cast. Antonio's ships fail to come in, Bassanio cannot pay Shylock without Antonio's money and Antonio is forced to forfeit the fateful pound of flesh. Yes, there is revenge on Shylocks part, but what Oberman clearly asks is: "What else can Shylock do?" Excluded from society, taunted, and spat upon by its leaders and reduced to moneylending to his/her tormentors, is he not driven to demand his/ her forfeit?

In modern times the parallels fit exactly. The Jews are thrown out of Russia, tormented in Germany and reviled in England. The fascists see their chances and stir up hatred by planning marches, demonising the victims.

But here the plays diverge. In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare's Shylock is deprived of his victory. In 1936 the working class, the people of colour, and immigrants unite against the deadly fascist threat which became a reality in Germany just three years later and defeat them.

All credit to Ms Oberman, for taking a difficult and widely forgotten piece of British history and connecting it to a play written 400 years earlier, highlighting the twentieth century's closest brush with fascism in our illustrious history. Events in Germany and Europe demonstrate how disastrous life would have been had Cable Street and the similar unchronicled demonstrations in the Northern towns of Hull, Leeds, and Manchester been successful.

Raymond Coulthard's sinister Bassanio threatens, Hannah Morrish's Portia infuriates, but Tracy-Ann Oberman's Shylock masterfully moves from victimhood through vengeance to mournfulness to a return to defiance in a performance that surely deserves a long, long run, preferably in the West End.

Five Things to Know about FINANCIAL MARKETS

Graham Bishop, CIO of Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management, details some important things to know about investing.

1. Financial markets are made up of three main types of assets

When we talk about investing in financial markets, we are usually referring to shares, bonds, and ‘alternative assets’. Shares (or ‘stocks’) are a unit of ownership in a company, and their value is tied to the fortunes of that company, its industry, and perhaps the economy. Bonds, on the other hand, are effectively IOU notes, issued by governments and companies to raise money. When you buy a bond, you’re making a loan to its issuer, who should repay you at a future date and make interest payments along the way. Finally, the term ‘alternative assets’ covers the vast range of assets besides traditional bonds, shares and cash. This includes hedge funds, property and commodities (like gold and oil).

2.Markets are global in nature, but not uniform in behaviour

Financial markets span diverse industries and geographies across the globe. These individual markets all behave differently, reacting to different triggers and to different degrees. Global investors can access a range of risks and opportunities, blending together a mix of assets in varied industries and geographies. This also has the potential to reduce overall volatility within a set of investments, creating a smoother investment journey over the long run.

3.The real world has a habit of showing up in financial markets

Financial market performance can be impacted by a huge number of external factors, including the health of the wider economy, natural disasters, and the actions of central banks and governments. Over the past few years, we’ve seen markets react strongly to the COVID-19 pandemic, increases in interest rates, and open warfare in Ukraine, to name but a few. Some

regions and sectors of the market are naturally more sensitive to external events than others.

4.Risk is a natural and essential feature of investing

Investing without risk is impossible. Financial markets are changeable, and all forms of investment (even simply holding onto cash) involve some risk to your capital. But risk works both ways: alongside the risk of loss comes the possibility of gain. What’s more, you should find that you’re paid to take on risk – higher risk assets should compensate investors with a greater potential for financial reward. It’s really important that you always understand the risks you’ve taken on, and that your investments have a suitable amount of risk for your financial goals.

5.Taking a long-term approach is important

Given that markets are varied, volatile and affected by a large range of factors, the value of your investments will inevitably move up and down – especially over the short term. Taking a longerterm view can give your investments time to perform in different market and economic conditions, and allow for a better assessment of how these assets are working. As a result, we think that a longterm, global approach, investing across a range of assets, is the sensible option for most investors.

If you’d like to learn more about investing, please get in touch with the staff at your local Handelsbanken branch, Manchester Trinity Way on 0161 834 7166 or manchestertrinityway@handelsbanken. co.uk.

the Castle King of

King Charles III will be crowned on 6th May in the first coronation many Brits have ever experienced. Here’s how you can get involved!

With the country’s last coronation taking place 70 years ago in 1953, when Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne, it’s unsurprising that the coronation of her son Charles III will be a grand affair. For those unfamiliar with the protocol, the coronation will be overseen by the Archbishop of Canterbury inside Westminster Abbey, after the King and Queen Consort arrive at the abbey during The King’s Procession. After the ceremony, Their Majesties will leave the abbey and head to Buckingham Palace along with other members of the royal family during the Coronation Procession.

Royalty fans in Manchester can enjoy viewing the ceremony in Piccadilly Gardens in Greater Manchester and Parliament Square in Oldham, where giant screens will be installed. More than £1 million has been made available by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) for the big screens across 30 major locations in the UK. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: "The coronation will be a magical moment that brings people together to celebrate the best of Britain over a special weekend in May. These big screens, in major locations in towns and cities in the four nations of the UK, will make it easier for everyone to take part and have a memorable experience to mark this exciting and historic event."

There are other ways to get involved in celebrating the coronation in Manchester. The Big Lunch programme is taking place

across the weekend between 6th and 8th May, bringing communities and neighbours together to share a meal and some fun. At the time of writing, there are eight Big Lunches taking place in Manchester over the weekend, five of which are public events anyone can go to. And if you can’t find one near you, why not have a go at organising your own? Order a free Big Lunch pack full of ideas, inspiration, top tips, and the practical bits to help get your event started.

Another initiative taking place in conjunction with the coronation is The Big Help Out, a national charitable project starting on 8th May, which will be an extra Bank Holiday this year. Some of the events taking place in Manchester include a session with RSPCA Wildlife Friends, just head over to see how you can better help wildlife in your area. Or if you’re experiencing a slight hangover from the festivities the day before, one of the national events is simply to donate to a charity of your choice in honour of the coronation.

In addition, there will also be a celebratory concert held at Windsor Castle on 7th May. The concert, produced by BBC studios, will be available to watch or listen to live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2, and the BBC Sounds app. Some lucky members of the public have received free tickets by entering a ballot, making up for half of the 10,000 person crowd.

Royal.uk/coronation-weekend

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

PAIN RELIEF

REDUCED SWELLING & INFLAMMATION

INCREASED BLOOD CIRCULATION

MOOD BOOSTING

MUSCLE RECOVERY

IMPROVED SLEEP QUALITY SPEEDS UP METABOLISM

-Permanent Hair Removal

-Painless

-Medical Grade Technology

-Suitable for all skin types

-Treats tanned skin

-Award Winning peroxide-free teeth whitening

-Up to 10 Shades Lighter

-Removes Yellow Stains and Discolouration

-Restores discolouration on Caps and Crowns

COMPRESSION SUIT TO AID:

POOR IMMUNE SYSTEM

BLOATING POOR DIGESTION

STRESS

POOR SLEEP QUALITY

WATER RETENTION

POOR SKIN TEXTURE

CELLULITE ACHES & PAINS

-Advanced superficial exfoliation

-Plumping and hydrating

-Anti-Ageing

-Instant Glow

-Deep cleans and minimises facial pores

Find your inner siren with this season’s beachinspired fashion and beauty trends.

Round

Monsoon | £40

Woven bags give an instant coastal chic look. Take your supplies to the beach or swap out your tote bag to add texture and a casual beach look to your daytime

Let’s Take A Shelfie Nails. Inc

£11

Mimicking the pearl jewellery, another way to incorporate the look is through iridescent nail polish. The effect is a subtle colour-changing shimmer depending on the way the light catches your nails. A much softer alternative than glitter, iridescent nail polish has a subtle eye-

Chrishell x Lipsy Cornelli Maxi Dress | Lipsy | £78

Going to a beach wedding? Scalloped edges, seen on the neckline of this dress, resemble seashells creating a delicately beach-inspired, feminine effect. The loosely draped fabric of the skirt creates an undone and effortlessly elegant look which will take you from a day-to-night event seamlessly. Next.co.uk

Frida

Reflect beach style in your accessories with pearl jewellery. These earrings add a touch of summer lightness to your wardrobe. Their minimal effect dresses up a simple outfit or adds the glamourous finishing touch to an evening look.

Oliverbonas.com

Pearl Drop Hoop | Oliver Bonas | £55

Raffia Beach Bag

Ivory Sparkle

Knit Top Oliver Bonas £45

Easily paired with skirts, jeans, or shorts, this versatile knit top is perfect for a minimalist coastal style. Knit or crochet material tops are a core element of boho beach style as they add pattern and texture using natural materials like wool.

Beauty Light Wand

For an easy-to-apply and blend liquid blush, opt for Charlotte Tilbury’s sensational Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm. Dot a small amount of the blush on the high-points of your cheeks and across the bridge of your nose to cheat a light sunburn and create a glowing sunkissed look.

Haloscope | Glossier | £18

Available in the shades Moonstone, Quartz, and Topaz, Glossier Haloscope is a beauty staple highlighter. Its balm-like texture gives your cheekbones a glowing sheen without using fine glitter in its formula. If you want to look lit from within and like you’ve spent the day in the sun, this highlighter is for you. Glossier.com

Bias

Cut Midi Skirt

Very | £22

To echo the fluidity of the ocean, opt for light, draped materials which hang softly off the frame. This bias cut skirt evokes smooth ocean waves with its satin front panel. Wearable from day to night due to its dual fabric on either side, this skirt can be worn in a casual setting with trainers or dressed up with a pair of heels.

Very.co.uk

Kem

Les Beiges Bronzing Cream

Chanel | £43

Les Beiges Bronzing Cream has been a cult-classic bronzer since its release in 2009. Chanel’s cream bronzer is like a tan in a pan. A perfect pairing with cream blush to blend the two, this bronzer lightly warms up and enhances your complexion without looking cakey with its light but buildable formula. Chanel.com

Cuts Texturising Sea Salt Spray

Primark | £4

To finish the beachy look, sea salt spray to texturize your hair is a must-have. Add to damp or dry hair to get the same effect as going for a dip in the sea, creating wavy or tousled hair. You can also apply it before braiding to add a little volume. Primark.com

Electric Dreams

To date, electric cars have played towards energy efficiency and a unique driving experience for short range driving for our commute, a trip to the supermarket, or picking the kids up from school. In fact, Car Analytics reports 68% of us commute by car, and drive just 20 miles a day on average in the UK, so, making the switch to an electric car with a decent range like the Lexus RZe which has a range of 251 to 271 miles is more than enough to cover those daily miles with just one charge per week.

When driving an electric car for the first time, it’s hard not to notice its smooth handling and peaceful silence. But despite this and knowing it’s a more sustainable alternative, many of us are still scared to make the switch, with concerns about charging, charge points and initial costs. The EV scene is closing the gap between petrol and electric cars, getting more popular each year, not least due to battery efficiency.

Firstly, because batteries are being manufactured smaller, they can offer higher range. The first popular cars on the market back in 2012, the Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Model S, both had an average range of 150 miles, now in 2023 we’re seeing plenty with double the range and beyond.

Secondly, new advances in EV design have adapted for better battery temperature management, meaning better battery life.

Hotter climates were wearing down battery life faster, but now, with built in cooling mechanisms, the battery’s charge and longevity is improved.

Finally, the industry has acknowledged the materials used to create EV batteries, such as cobalt, had a poor effect on the environment. The latest batteries are being produced with manganese rather than cobalt making them more cost efficient and environmentally friendly than before.

Another success for the electric car industry is its expanding charging infrastructure. Not only are more EV chargers being rapidly installed at service stations across the UK, but endeavours to create electric only service stations are on the up. GridServe plan to open 100 Electric Forecourts by 2025, the first one currently residing in Essex. The all-electric stations allow 36 cars to charge at once.

Electric chargers are also now streamlining to a nationally agreed charging port the CCS (Combined Charging System). This means if you’re buying a new electric car, it will be compatible at all uk

charging points, a significant development.

Complimenting the advances in charging stations is advancement in route checking programmes. EV charger route calculating app, Zap Map, keeps track of over 35,000 electric chargers across the UK finding you the best route for your range and destination. The app also allows you to check whether chargers are malfunctioning due to comments posted by other drivers. The app also keeps astute month statistics tracking chargers and details each new charger installed per month.

So with the ban on selling petrol and diesel cars is enforced in 2030, closely followed by hybrid cars in 2035 and new advancements constantly occurring, it’s time to get ahead of the curve.

We take a look into why now is the time is to go electric with the motor industry’s latest developments.

The Drive

is Everything

improved balance, effortless handling, ultra-responsive breaking and a remarkably smooth drive.

The first ever completely electric car produced by Lexus, the RZ 450e, combines dynamic performance and the latest Lexus technology to deliver an exceptional driving experience. Prepared for every adventure, the RZ is powered by an enhanced battery, offering a range of up to 271 miles, alongside all-wheel-drive technology, and a low centre of gravity, combining to deliver

Sleek body styling, sculpted lines and slim headlights echo the sporty temperament of the vehicle, while a lower bonnet and sharp front design enhance its aerodynamics. An optional bi-tone body and dimmable panoramic glass roof heighten the look.

The interior is equally impressive, with an ambient light effect which will welcome you into the luxurious interior. Precisely positioned instruments reduce the driver’s hand and eye movements, while the head-up display conveniently places road information into your line of sight.

You can also experience the RZ’s new safety features, adding peace of mind to every drive. Safe Exit Assist checks your blind spot before allowing you to open the doors, while the Lexus Pre-Collision System combines smart technologies to recognise collision risks – avoiding potential accidents with oncoming traffic or crossing pedestrians.

Enquire about making the RZ 450e all yours today, LEXUS BOLTON 301 Bury Road, Bolton, BL2 6BB 0120 436 1240 Lexus. co.uk/bolton

LEXUS STOCKPORT Rooth Street, Stockport, SK4 1DJ 0161 475 3631 Lexus. co.uk/stockport

Embracing the latest technology, Lexus’ brand new all electric car, the RZ 450e, is the ultimate drive.

Rise & Shine

With

Vnam

Knoops

Revolutionising chocolate drinks with its unique and completely customisable chocolate percentage menu, Knoops is opening its first North of England store in Manchester in the heart of the city at Cross Street. Drawing in cocoa-loving fans to try its delicious range of hot and iced chocolate drinks. Special drinks include white and dark chocolate variations and a completely customisable range of extras to your drink, from cinnamon or sea salt to mint or orange flavour. Knoops.co.uk

Maya

Maya, a three-storey restaurant is coming to Chorlton Street this spring. The eatery will have different zones across its three levels, from a canal-side brasserie space serving modern-European classics to a lower ground-floor, elegantly designed dining room that will centre around an ingredient-led, locally sourced and seasonal menu. The interior is inspired by the industrial building’s foundations mixed with accents of art-deco and discopop culture references. Maya is shaping up to be the new party hotspot to look out for.

On Instagram @maya_mcr

Recently moved to a new location in Northern Quarter, Vnam is a beloved Manchester staple for Vietnamese food. Established in 2010 and claiming to be Manchester’s first Vietnamese restaurant, Vnam is famous for its pho noodles and grill. Its fragrant dishes are made entirely from local produce and have earned them a generous 4.5 rating on Trip Advisor. Highlights include bao buns, fried spring rolls with noodles, and Vietnamese special fried rice.

Vnam.co.uk

Treehouse Hotel Manchester

This fun and quirky London-based hotel is taking root in Manchester this summer. Treehouse Hotel is a nature inspired hotel with rain showers in each room and a rustic, cosy camping feel. The hotel will also house rooftop bar and lounge, The Nest which will provide views of the city’s landmarks and beyond. The hotel will also feature a South-East Asian restaurant by Sam Grainger which will fuse European and South-East Asian cuisine.

Treehousehotels.com

Soho House

Opening this year is the first Soho House in the North of England. The members club model will include a gym, steam, and sauna section as well as many other leisure facilities such as a restaurant and events spaces. Soho House is known for providing luxury houses, studios, and bedrooms for members to eat, drink, and relax. Applications will be accepted later this year for this globally exclusive club. Sohohouse.com

sunnier days ahead here are some new places to be for a summer in the city.

ALL PHOTOS: LAWRENCE PURCELL

LORD MANN WAS INTERVIEWED BY CHRISTIAN WAKEFORD, MP AT THE JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL.

ANDREW ADDLEMAN WITH THE FIRST BATCH OF POST PESACH BUNS READY FOR THE BRACKMANS OVENS.

PUPILS OF KING DAVID PRIMARY LIGHT CANDLES FOR THEIR YOM HASHOAH ASSEMBLY.

BRITISH ARMY CHAPLAIN RABBI NIR NADAV AND DAVID DELEW AT THE UNVEILING OF THE BEACON PLAQUE AT THE NICKY.

ALL AGES HAVE FUN DRESSING UP AT CAMP SIMCHA EVENT IN BROUGHTON PARK.

AMERICAN SINGER JOEY NEWCOMB PLAYS GUITAR AND SINGS ON STAGE IN MANCHESTER AT HIS KUMZITZ.

MUMS AND CHILDREN AT KING DAVID PRIMARY PRE-SCHOOL BAKE MATZAH TOGETHER.

On Trend

Get inspiration for your next home makeover with our rundown of this season’s trends.

went to Viva Magenta, a vibrant red purple. If you want to stay ahead of the trend, try incorporating these shades into accent pieces for a subtler style, or go bold with coloured furniture or wallpaper.

DIY décor

An increasing focus on sustainability and the old motto of “reduce, reuse, recycle” is ushering in a trend for do-it-yourself home décor this spring. From hand-sewn quilts made from recycled clothing to knitted footstools, picking up a new hobby can also help you revitalise your home at the same time. Of course, for those who want in on the trend without the bother, ecommerce sites such as Etsy are just a click away. We won’t tell anyone!

Vintage vibes

the flora begins to bloom outside, keep your home up to speed by bringing the outside in. Plenty of houseplants and plant motifs on wallpaper are essential for this trend. But this doesn’t just mean that you’re stuck to green tones, as colourful fruit motifs are set to make a return, seeing mugs and vases patterned with blackberries, oranges, and even mushrooms.

Light it up

Lavender haze

Colours often come in and out of fashion, and right now purple shades are having their moment. With a historic association with royalty and opulence, today’s popular shades are the calmer tones of lavender and lilac. However, Pantone’s Colour of the Year

It seems that each year there’s a new decade that makes its way back into fashion, but in home interiors this year’s choice seems to be any and all of them! Mixing vintage and modern furniture is on the rise, with vintage pieces making a bold statement when surrounded by more current fashions. Vintage allows you to bring a piece of history directly into your home, and if you know what you’re doing when going antiquing, you might even save a penny or two.

Natural chic

It’s no surprise that nature-inspired decorating becomes popular in spring. As

As the days grow longer, bringing light into the home is a must. It not only brightens the place up and creates a more pleasant atmosphere; it also highlights and improves all the other decoration in your home. Light can be its own accessory. Sadly, not everyone is blessed with plenty of natural light in their home, but bold decorative lamps can add a lot to your room’s overall aesthetic.

Growth Plans

Get out into the garden with our guide to the best spring plants to spruce up your outdoor spaces.

Calling all green-fingered gardening fiends! With the start of spring the ground is thawing and it’s time to get planting again. However, if you’re just getting started with your gardening passion, our handy guide to some easy wins will have your garden looking tip-top in no time.

Courgettes are a great bit of produce to grow at home, so long as you have the space for them. These marrows are best sown in mid-to-late April. Because they’re such large plants they need to be spread out. The seeds should ideally be placed at least 90 cm apart and thrive best in a sheltered location in full sun needing around eight weeks to grow.

Lettuce

Easy to grow and a great salad staple, cultivating lettuce is a great starting place for a beginner. The seeds can be planted any time between March and September, so you don’t need to worry about missing your window. However, if the temperature is still a bit chilly, they’re best planted with some protection against the cold, either from horticultural fleece or plastic covers. The seeds need to be placed in full sunlight in moisture retentive soil 30 cm apart and will take between 30 and 70 days to grow.

Monarda

Monarda is a perennial flower which blooms in summer and autumn and is best suited to flowerbeds with chalky moist soil. The blooms will thrive best in full sun but can also survive in part shade should it be necessary. The seeds should be planted 45 cm apart and can grow to 90 cm high. This aromatic bloom will definitely bring the bees buzzing, giving the flower its nickname, Bee Balm.

Cornflower

Cornflowers are a great plant for those who don’t have a lot of space to spare as the seeds only need to be spaced 15 cm apart to thrive. These flowers do best when planted in direct sunlight and well-drained soil. Known for their particular shade of blue, but also popping up in other colours, cornflowers make a great ornamental edition to the garden. Once they’re grown, they require very little care, making them ideal for those just starting out in the garden.

Spring onion

As their name might suggest, spring onions are an ideal spring crop. In fact, they can be planted any time between March and October, meaning that if you start early you can have fresh onions for most of the year. Since they don’t need much space or soil, they’re good space-saving crops for those with a smaller garden to grow. The seeds only need to be planted 10 cm apart and 20 mm deep and will produce a finished onion within eight weeks.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular garden staple due to their cheery yellow colouring and easy to care for nature. When planting marigolds, simply sow the seeds across a moistened patch of soil, then once the seeds have germinated, remove the weakest sprouts, leaving the remaining ones 10 to 20 cm apart. While growing, marigolds don’t require anything more than regular watering, but they will die off as soon as they experience frost, so make sure that winter is well and truly over before planting.

Switch it Up

Cleansing spray

It might come as a surprise to some people, but makeup wipes and baby wipes often contain microplastics which are harmful to both the environment and your own health. Cleansing spray is an alternative which helps to avoid this effect. The spray can be applied directly to crocheted or knitted pads to work the same as makeup wipes. When you’re done, you don’t need to throw them away, just pop them in the washing machine and they’ll be good to go again.

Rechargeable batteries

Disposable batteries are full of chemicals which are harmful to the environment and have a negative effect when they are sent to landfill. In the UK each year, around 600 million batteries are thrown away. Since rechargeable batteries can be reused from 500 to 1,000 times depending on usage, making the switch to rechargeable can not only help cut down on the number of batteries going to landfill, but it can also save you quite a bit of money

Wax wraps

Cling film and sandwich bags are a lifesaver for everything from packed lunches to leftovers, but as we are all becoming increasingly aware, single-use plastics have a terrible impact on the environment. Wax wraps are an environmentally friendly and reusable alternative that can help you cut down on the amount of plastic your household is throwing away. Even better, unlike their clear alternatives, wax wraps come in all likes of funky patterns so you can make your leftovers look glam!

Bamboo brushes

According to the British Dental Association, in the UK alone, we dispose of 200 million plastic toothbrushes every year. That’s a lot of plastic going to landfill and taking up to 500 years to decompose. In comparison, bamboo toothbrushes are compostable and can take just 180 days to decompose,

over 1,000 times less time than plastic. Toothbrushes aren’t the only brush you can switch over, as plastic hairbrushes are also easily replace with a more sustainable bamboo alternative.

Good news for coffee enthusiasts! You no longer have to choose between having machine coffee and being sustainable. Sadly, coffee pods are often made of plastic and have a harmful effect on the environment.

Keurig now makes reusable coffee pods, which will fit into any machine that takes a K-cup pod. This reusable pod allows you to fill it with your preferred type of coffee grounds and wash the pod like any other utensil. Just make sure you compost the used coffee grounds when you’re done!

Trying to make sustainable choices can often feel like a bit of a minefield, but here are some simple switches you can make in everyday life to reduce your carbon footprint.

Henley and Richmond Dining Set | Bridgman

£4,399

This beautifully crafted dining set has been made for easy, everyday living for use in any stylish garden. Balancing traditional elegance with contemporary style, the modern glass table pairs perfectly with six Richmond dining armchairs, supported by gorgeous matching teak legs and upholstered in exclusive waterproof fabric – ideally suited to being in the elements.

Bridgman.co.uk

Wild Garden Mulberry Ecru Cushion

Abigail Borg | £110

Garden Paradise

Spruce up your garden ahead of the (hopefully!) warmer weather.

Siesta Garden

Parasol

Bridgman £1,848

On sunny days it’s always good to have an escape from the sun to avoid sunburn or the even more serious sun stroke. Parasols are perfect for adding a touch of timeless elegance to your garden and the Siesta 3.5m Cantilever Parasol comes in a classic almond shade, meaning it’s easy to match with any garden furniture set. This medium-duty parasol shades a large area and is easy to position to keep you and your guests sheltered from the sun.

Bridgman.co.uk

Garden furniture isn’t known for being the comfiest place to relax, but a good cushion goes a long way towards improving matters. Featuring a delicate pattern of wildflower blooms and a simplified and feminine colour palette, this pattern is ideally suited for an outdoor environment. Printed on a natural linen colour fabric, washing will be as easy as sticking it in the washing machine. Just make sure to bring it inside before any sudden showers!

Abigailborg.com

Dandelion Solar Powered Garden Lights | Annabel James | £32.95

Garden lights can go a long way toward glamming up even the plainest of gardens. This eclectic offering from Annabel James comes in the form of a stunning solar powered dandelion light on a stake. The light will automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn; the length of time it will stay illuminated will depend upon the weather conditions and the time of year, as it will recharge throughout the day. But even in not-so-sunny North Leeds you will get a few hours of light during springtime, and even longer in summer Annabeljames.co.uk

XL Teppanyaki Grill | VonHaus | £49.99

As the weather heats up, everyone knows it’s time to break out the barbecue! But add a little something extra to your set up with this extra large teppanyaki grill. Traditionally, the teppen (hot plate) is used as a multi-purpose cooking surface for grilling a wide range of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. Experiment with beautiful fresh fish, strips of steak and stir-fry vegetables – all cooked quickly to preserve the delicate flavours. Vonhaus.com

Heart of the

Home

for induction hobs rather than gas hobs due to improved induction technology, and it’s more sustainable too.

Owner of PGN Kitchens, Phillip George Nott has been designing kitchens since 1997, with experience as a designer and manager for some of the UK’s biggest kitchen retailers and suppliers. Phillip is dedicated to performing business the correct way after observing years of workplace mistakes, making for optimal customer satisfaction, bringing in five-star reviews on Trustpilot with an Excellent rating.

While its showroom is modest in size, it offers a product portfolio with a wider range and heavier emphasis on products which stand the test of time. It also prides itself on its no-nonsense approach to designing your dream kitchen with its simple four-step process. Each customer will receive a free consultation, a detailed design and quote, expert installation of your kitchen, and a final visit from Phillip to ensure you are delighted with your new kitchen.

For spring 2023, new trends of cabinets in beautiful blues and greens are emerging, and at PGN, popular colours include: Indigo and Hartforth Blue and Fir and Reed Green. All of which can be complemented by a stunning new quartz worktop to complete the look. This year there has also been a heightened demand

Recently Phillip had the experience of working with Mrs. Schwartz in Whitefield to create her dream Passover kitchen within a budget. PGN Kitchens added the perfect finishing touch – removable and reusable temporary worktops to save her from wrapping her permanent tops in tin foil. With unrivalled knowledge and experience built up over many years the company was able to deliver Mrs. Schwartz’s ideal kitchen within her budget, as its pricing is not only sensible, but also transparent.

To anyone considering a new kitchen Phillip recommends starting with a wish list divided into needs and wants. This includes colour, style, and door type of cabinets, the surface of your worktops and the number and types of appliances you’ll need designing into the area. This is also the time to think about the size and arrangement of your cabinets, type of hob, and units for refrigeration, dishwashing, and laundry. After you have the essentials pinned down you can start to think of special features such as a kitchen island, spotlights or special lighting, and any kind of internal accessories such as pull-out storage you think will improve your experience.

Before founding PGN Kitchens, Phillip spent the last seven years managing Kitchens of Altrincham before taking over the showroom with his own company in January 2022. He says this was a “pivotal moment” as he was now able to focus the business on his values of service and satisfaction, above

profits, offering the best possible products for a budget range along with the highest levels of customer service and after sales service.

Phillip also finds freedom in how he manages his own company in his ability to give back to the community, as a result PGN Kitchens is the proud sponsor of Timperley Hockey Club Ladies 1st team making them a company absolutely at the heart of Manchester’s community.

0161 928 3599

Pgnkitchens.co.uk

PGN Kitchens offers to design and fit your dream kitchen so you can fall in love with cooking all over again, and with creative solutions to Passover requirements included.

OPTICAL

Exciting times are ahead for MODS and eyewear! Spring is here and the world is full of vibrant colours and exciting new styles. Whether you're a man looking to update your style or a dad in need of a great Father's Day gift, there's never been a better time to add some colour and vibrancy to your eyewear collection.

One great option for men looking to stay on top of the latest trends is with MODS Optical's mobile service! With this service, Hayley, a personal eyewear stylist, will come directly to your home, allowing you to try on a variety of frames and find the perfect fit without you even leaving your house.

And when it comes to spring eyewear trends, there are a myriad of exciting options to choose from. One of the biggest trends this year is bold and bright colours. No matter if you prefer classic aviator-style frames or something a little more modern, there are plenty of colourful options available that are sure to make a statement.

Another trend to watch out for this spring 2023 is the rise of oversized frames. These frames are perfect for anyone looking to add a little extra drama to their look. From round frames to square ones, there are plenty of oversized styles available that are sure to turn heads.

Absolutely! While bold and bright colours may be on-trend this spring, it's important to remember that not everyone wants to make a statement with their eyewear. Some people may prefer more subtle, classic styles that stand the test of time.

The great thing about eyewear is that

there really is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for something bold and bright or something a little more understated, there are tonnes of options available to suit your style and personality.

At the end of the day, what matters most is that you find a pair of frames that make you feel confident and comfortable. If you opt for bold colours or classic styles, the most important thing is that you choose something that makes your face smile.

Of course, no discussion of spring eyewear trends would be complete without mentioning the importance of sun protection. Whether you're out for a walk or enjoying a day at the beach, it's important

A Splash of Colour

to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. This is especially true for kids, who may be more susceptible to sun damage than adults.

Fortunately, there are plenty of stylish options available when it comes to sunglasses including modern wraparound styles, there are plenty of options available that offer both style and protection. And with the help of MODS optical you can easily get the whole family kitted out for spring and summer sunshine.

So, if you're looking to add a little extra colour and kick to your eyewear collection this season there's never been a better time to do it.

Find Mods on Instagram or Facebook @ modsoptical or call 07863 544 088

Dispensing Optician Hayley Smith helps to inject some colour into your spring style.

STEP INTO SPRING!

When the pain of a bunion interferes with daily activities, or an injury is stopping you getting on the slopes, come in for a consultation and together we can decide if surgery is best for you.

Deformity Correction for Toes (Bunions)

• Achilles Tendon Rupture

• Ankle fractures

• Keyhole Joint Surgery

• Sports Injuries

• Arthritis Treatment

• Tendonitis

• Heel Pain

• Toe & Ankle Joint Replacements

• Joint Injections

• Regenerative Therapies

• Foot Arch Correction

• Ingrowing Toe Nails

Appointments available

Treat your dad to a special day with our days out inspiration and Father’s Day gift guide.

BEST

Letterbox Escape Rooms in an Envelope Find Me A Gift | £15.99

For Him Spa Day | Malmasion Manchester Date Subject To Availability

At this Greater Manchester luxury hotel, treat your dad to a day of pampering. For £165 the For Him Spa Day includes: three treatments up to 125 minutes, lunch, use of the gymnasium, sauna and relaxation lounge, complementary towels, robe, and slippers and 10% off any additional pre-booked treatments. To gift your dad some TLC you can even opt to have the invitation sent in a gift box with a gift wallet inside for an extra £9.95. Spaseekers.com

Aftershave Sample Set | Benny’s Of London | £12.95

If your dad loves watching crime shows, then this gift is for him. Receive a mystery to solve through your letterbox with three puzzles to choose from, The Blunder: while travelling, James sent a message to the wrong people. If the wrong people read it, he’s in big trouble, The Deceit: who betrayed the wildly successful TV chef? Her reputation and her fortune are in trouble, and she needs to find the hidden secrets, The Scandal: Match-fixing has been found at the Marseille Tennis Championships. A sports photographer must find the files and documents being used to blackmail the tennis star. Which one will you choose? Findmeagift.co.uk

Want to gift your dad an aftershave but worried you’ll get the scent wrong? With a sample gift set you can give four 5ml Benny’s Of London aftershaves to try. In The City Collection package are the scents Soho, Mayfair, Bank, and Marylebone. Why give one aftershave when you can give four? Bennysoflondon.com

Straight Up Beer

‘n’ Bar Snacks Gift Box | The British Gift Co. | £28.95

This luxury hamper does what it says on the tin. Perfect for dads who like their snacks to watch the match or a film, this UK craft ales selection comes with crisps and seed and nut mixes. The bonus is it’s completely vegan too. Thebritishgiftco.com

Vintage Personalised Bifold Leather Wallet | Not On The High Street |

£25

A classic gift with a personal touch. Give a present which can be with your dad at all times, this vintage leather wallet can also hold a picture of your family for your dad to keep on him. Select your short message to be embossed in the bottom corner to complete your unique, special gift. Notonthehighstreet.com

DAD

Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience Father’s Day Special The Bowdon Rooms | 18th June

One for the dad’s who are always cracking jokes, the Faulty Towers dining experience offers a three-course menu and a two-hour dinner performance. Coming from its ongoing residency in London’s West End, the comedy troupe started its Faulty Fowers act in 1997 and have been touring Australia, Europe, Scandinavia, and Asia ever since. Have a unique experience at this 70% improvised show, where anything can, and usually does, happen. Visitaltrincham.com

100 Things To Do With Dad Scratch Poster | Amazon

£13.36

Want to give the gift of quality time with a twist? The 100 Things To Do With Dad Scratch Poster means you’ll never run out of ideas on how to spend time with your dad. Try them all and scratch off all the foil to reveal the images underneath. Recommended activities include complete a puzzle, have a barbeque, make a fire, and learn about your dad’s childhood. Amazon.co.uk

Indian Cookery | Vegetarian Society Cooking School | 17th June

Is your dad’s go-to takeaway always a curry? Why not spend some quality time together learning to make your own. Not only is this cooking class a great way to spend Father’s Day weekend, but you’ll also have a delicious meal by the end of it. Learn how to make a dahl tadka, roti with tamarind chutney and raita, and a classic onion bhaji. Vegsoc.org

On Earth and Space - Chris Hadfield’s Guide to the Cosmos | The Lowry | 18th June

The ultimate experience for space and science lovers, Ex-Commander of the International Space Station, Chris Hadfield, shares untold stories of his space travels. Included in the evening is also an array of multimedia presentations such as mind-blowing images from the James Webb telescope, and an audience Q&A in the second half. Quaytickets.com

Advertisers on photo pages have not necessarily been involved with events shown.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD

LEAH BOLD WAS JOINED BY MANY FRIENDS FROM MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND THE HALLE CHILDREN'S CHOIR AT HER BAT MITZVAH.

LEAH WITH MUM, DR RACHEL LEOPOLD, AND A FLUFFY STAR APPEARANCE BY JACKSON BOLD.

STACEY ARNOLD AND ANTONY GREENFIELD RECENTLY TIED THE KNOT AT THE MIDLAND HOTEL.

JESSICA GOLDSMITH HAD HER BAT MITZVAH IN A TIPI IN HER FAMILY’S GARDEN IN SOUTH MANCHESTER.

JESSICA AND HER FRIENDS PLAYED ARCADE GAMES AND COMPETED TO SEE WHO COULD SHOOT THE MOST HOOPS.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD

PHOTO: ROB CLAYTON

PHOTO: ROB CLAYTON

PHOTO: ROB CLAYTON

PHOTO: ROB CLAYTON

STACEY AND ANTONY CELEBRATED WITH THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY INTO THE NIGHT.

With clinical psychologist

Dr Daniel Weisberg, Managing Director of CAYP Psychology

Children, especially girls, have long been drawn to princesses. But, despite their innocent appearance, they are strong educators for your child and can even change your child’s behaviour.

When children watch Elsa, Cinderella, Moana, or Aurora, they observe princesses’ behaviours and learn their manners and conduct. Wearing costumes is a perfect demonstration. This process works through social learning – children learn to behave by observing the people around them, even when observing the fictional world.

Children imitate princesses’ behaviours. For example, traditional princesses (Cinderella and Snow White) often perform gender-stereotypical chores like cooking.

The Power of Disney CHILD PSYCHOLOGY

Children who watch these films are more likely to subsequently play with tea sets rather than toolsets. Similarly, princesses in pink colours and slender bodies in have a direct impact on children wanting to wear pink outfits and “improve” body images. However, princesses don’t only convey gendered messages. More recent princesses (Moana, Merida, and Elsa) actually reflect empowered values such as self-belief and bravery. It is a very powerful message for young girls to see how Moana tries to save her island independently rather than waiting for a prince’s help (and she does not need to be kissed by one either).

Princesses also tell morals: Cinderella teaches us to forgive others’ wrongdoings; Snow White demonstrates kindness. By watching princess movies, children learn valuable lessons about telling the truth and being kind to others.

Parents often reinforce children’s learning by giving girls princess toys. Of course, this is ok – my daughter loves

anything pink or glittery – but exposure to only these activities run the risk of developing girls’ expectations that gender-stereotypical behaviours are the norm, in a world where that is not necessarily true. So do give these toys to our girls but sing “Let It Go” out loud to reinforce messages that girls can express themselves without minding others’ opinions (Elsa). Tell your daughter that her beliefs matter (Pocahontas), “no means no” (Belle, Merida), and not to give up her career or dreams for a man (Tiana). She does not need physical strength to achieve her dreams, but her own beliefs, bravery, and leadership (Moana, Mulan). She can be a hero without romance (Raya). And it’s totally sensible to keep an uncaged tiger in your home! (Jasmine).

Cayp-psychology.com

We aim to fully understand the challenges that your child may be facing, offering tailored and effective support to help manage or overcome their difficulties.

DOWN TO BUSINESS

The AI Will See You Now

Supported by ChatGPT’s technological advances, Kahun is a chatbot programme which tracks patients’ symptoms and helps GP’s make their diagnosis. The AI improved system will save time and help doctors diagnose patients, especially with rare conditions which are regularly overlooked due to human error.

The Tel Aviv-based company already used AI to carry out question and answer sessions with patients. But now, the AI service is used in combination with its own vast medical database, allowing patients to converse and explain their symptoms in their own terms instead of completing a multiple-choice questionnaire.

The company stresses AI does not replace the input and medical expertise of a doctor; its purpose is to save time by collecting information from the patient and linking doctors to the appropriate medical journals describing their estimated condition.

Kahun is currently testing the ChatGPTenhanced version of its programme. However, its original XA Clinical Assessment tool has already been used in 250,000 doctor/patient sessions in the US.

£240 Million Investment in Co-op Membership

Manchester-based food retail giant The Co-Operative, aims to attract a million new members by investing in member price benefits and perks over the next five years.

Co-op currently has 4.5 million active members across its 2,400 food stores. To cater to these members and attract new ones, Co-op is lowering its prices for members, like the Tesco Clubcard and Sainsbury’s Nectar points system.

Additionally, Co-op members are given the choice of where their money goes, they can give 2p to Co-op’s partnered charities in every pound spent on Co-op’s own-brand products on top of saving money for their membership balance.

Ahead of the unveiling of Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, which is due to open later this year, members will receive excusive perks on tickets including pre-sale release, hospitality experiences, the chance to win free tickets and exclusive experiences, backstage VIP experiences and fast-track entry to the arena.

A round up of the latest local business and UK Israel Trade news.

7,000 take virtual trip to Auschwitz

In honour of Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day – three Haredi women made it their mission to create a film exploring Auschwitz for Jews who cannot make the journey to Poland.

Miriam Cohen, Chani Kopolowitz, and Yuti Neiman have been making Kosher Movies – Jewish films with an educational message – together for over ten years. During the pandemic they were given access to Auschwitz for three days to capture a virtual reality (VR) film which allows its viewers to look around the site wearing VR headsets.

The film, Triumph of the Spirit, features Rabbi Yisrael Goldwasser, leading Holocaust Lecturer and Researcher, guiding the viewer through the museum and its grounds explaining their historical relevance to Jewish culture.

The film, paired with 200 VR headsets is available to groups across Israel and can also be viewed daily in Jerusalem.

Fruit and Vegetables Stay Fresh for Longer

It’s a shared experience to find your fruit and veg has gone mouldy before you can eat it; Israeli tech start-up Sufresca has decided to tackle this issue. Most fresh produce is sprayed with a preserving wax or wrapped in plastic, but Sufreca have developed a spray which is a natural alternative to both.

The edible coating replaces plastic packaging and prolongs the vegetables shelf life by days out of the fridge or weeks longer inside a fridge. The coating is made from entirely natural materials which are taste and texture-less as it’s less than a thousandth of a millimetre thin.

Given that last year France banned the use of plastic packaging for a variety of fruit and vegetables and Spain plan to do the same this year, Sufresca’s product could not be timelier. Its easy application means no new equipment is needed to coat the produce, unlike its competitor Apeel, and

can even be applied without machinery in developing countries.

Fast Fashion Founder Steps Down

Umar Kamani, Founder of Pretty Little Thing (PLT) is stepping down from the online shopping brand after over ten years. The celebrity endorsed PLT was founded in 2012, with Kamani’s brother Adam, before becoming a global fashion success in 2017 when it was named one of the top three fastest growing fashion companies by Hitwise.

Acquired by their father’s company Boohoo, PLT has put Manchester fashion on the map by been worn by stars such as Miley Cyrus, Jessie J, and Rita Ora. Umar Kamani recently announced he made the difficult decision to step down as CEO so he could set himself new challenges and goals and create new brands.

Undetectable Plant-Based Food Has Nutritional Benefits

Vegan alternatives have run into two overriding problems: plant-based food doesn’t have the nutritional benefits of its animal-product counterpart, or the product is nutritionally beneficial with an unappealing taste.

Israel-based start-up, Brevel, has found a solution to both problems. Its researchers have created an undetectable protein made from microalgae, which is virtually tasteless and has no effect on the food item’s texture. The product results in a white powder developed from chlorella, a widely used health supplement known for its strong and unpleasant seaweed flavour. Brevel has discovered a way to remove its strong flavour while preserving its high protein qualities.

CEO, Yonatan Golan said: “For the first time, we’re actually able to get to cost levels that are relevant for the food industry, and relevant for large food manufacturers that want to replace existing protein sources with a new source that is also sustainable and tasty.”

Smelling a Cure

SpotItEarly is an innovative Israeli business that is shaking up the healthcare industry with an unorthodox cancer screening method. Founded in 2019, the company’s mission is to revolutionize the way cancer is detected and diagnosed, making it easier, faster, and more accessible to everyone. The business has made this possible by using the capabilities of a slightly strange test method – a dog’s sense of smell. As it turns out, our canine friends have incredibly sensitive olfactory senses which can detect the scent of cancer even in the early stages.

“We were looking to do something impactful for the world and for humanity,” Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Udi Bobrovsky explained. “We started reading around and looking through some studies and looked for how we can do something which will bring value. Cancer is a huge problem in the world today and part of the solution is to find it early. If you find it early you can save nine out of 10 people, whereas if you find cancer in the later stage, only one in 10 people will survive.”

The problem that SpotItEarly is trying to solve is significant. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and early detection is critical for successful treatment. However, the traditional methods of detecting cancer, such as mammography and biopsies, are invasive,

time-consuming, and can often produce inaccurate results.

The solution to this problem is a noninvasive test which can be done by the user at home, applying and breathing into a mask for five minutes and then sending the sample off to be examined by the dogs.

This approach has several advantages over traditional cancer screening methods: “This screening option doesn’t require any co-ordination or involvement from other people, which makes it a quicker and cheaper solution. We are also able to screen for multiple types of cancer with one sample. We can look for lung, colon, breast, and prostate cancer.”

The screening is currently in clinical

trials, which are producing encouraging findings: “We haven’t finished the clinical trial yet but we’ve had some very promising results and we have been able to reach a very high accuracy level,” Udi explained. “We’ve achieved over 90% accuracy, which is quite high. But the more encouraging result is that we’re also receiving really promising results with finding early cancer results.”

After clinical trials, the product could be reaching consumers by as soon as next year: “We hope to finalise the study by October this year. It then has to go through clinical validation and regulations, but we hope to have this done and have the product commercialised by 2024.”

Udi Bobrovsky, Co-Founder of SpotItEarly, details how the business is using dogs to detect cancer.

Community Heart of the

STEP FORWARD

Catch up on what’s been happening at the Jewish Volunteering Network over the last year in the local area.

The winner of the Young Adult of the Year was Manchester-based Ben Brownson who volunteers with Maccabi GB. Ashley Lerner, CEO Maccabi GB said about Ben: “Ben is a truly deserving winner of the award. From the first time I met Ben, some 13 years ago, as a participant on our Leadership programme, Ben has always had Maccabi at the centre of his life and volunteering. Whilst golf is his passion, Ben always is the first to volunteer to support one of our projects, always on hand to assist his colleagues and the professional team and always doing it with a smile on his face.”

Here at Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN), we love all things volunteering. So, you can imagine that we are very excited by King Charles’s designation of May 8th for The Big Help Out as part of the coronation weekend. The initiative was created with the hope that the new era will be a time of giving, regardless of faith, race, or gender.

This is indeed wonderful and something that we have been encouraging and promoting since JVN was founded in 2007. Since then, as well as connecting, supporting, and placing volunteers into volunteering opportunities, we have also been supporting, advising, and helping charities to work with volunteers at the optimal level whatever the role.

In the last year, JVN Manchester, has run forums, both in-person and remotely. Last November, Nicky Goldman, CEO of JVN, and Rebecca Mickler, Volunteer Coordinator JVN Manchester, hosted the first in-person Volunteer Managers’ Networking Forum since 2019. The Manchester Jewish Museum offered their state-of-theart meeting space and we were delighted to see representatives of charities from across Manchester come together. Over the session we discussed current volunteering trends such as recruitment of Volunteer Managers, expense policies for volunteers, and how to be bold in a post lockdown world. Those who attended the session found it beneficial and we will be hosting another in-person forum again this year.

The annual ‘Celebration of Volunteering’ awards ceremony took place in January in Hertfordshire and was hosted by renowned community compere, Manchester-born and City fanatic, Nigel Rathborn. Almost 400 guests from the Jewish and wider community saw 90 charity award winners from 46 charities receive their individually personalised trophies.

The evening showcased volunteers from four award categories: Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year, Young Adult Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.

If you are thinking of volunteering and would like some help finding a suitable role, there are lots of ways JVN help you. Our Volunteer Team will take you through the basic steps to you get started, from finding a suitable role to your first day, and all you need to know about how to deal with issues that may crop up along the way. Keep an eye out on the website for the next event.

We also have a dedicated volunteer broker, Angie, who can chat with you about your interests and strengths in order to find you a role not only that you will love but will find incredibly worthwhile and meaningful.

JVN works with registered charities across Greater Manchester connecting them with volunteers within the Jewish community and beyond. We promote these volunteering roles on our website Jvn.org.uk/manchesteropps and anyone can log on at any time to see what’s on offer. Please email Rebecca on manchester@jvn.org. uk to arrange an appointment.

Sending shockwaves to the penis

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get

erection

If you are suffering with erectile dysfunction (ED), it could be caused by several different reasons. These can include:

• Problems with blood flow to the penis

• Diabetes causing nerve damage

• Prostate problems.

In many cases, ED cannot be cured, however, symptoms can be managed by using oral medication, such as Viagra or Cialis. It always helps to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, with a balanced diet to ensure that your weight stays at a healthy level. Reducing habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol can also help minimise the risk of developing ED.

Many men with ED have this problem due to a reduction of blood flow into the penis. Previous research has shown sufferers of heart disease benefit from low-intensity shockwaves to the heart, over a period of time, to help promote the growth of new blood vessels, which can prevent further heart problems. This research has been extrapolated to help find a treatment for ED patients.

ED1000 therapy involves having lowintensity shockwaves to the penis. The process is nine weeks long and uses the shockwaves to help increase the number of blood vessels and therefore, improve the flow of blood to the penis. The treatment consists of two 20-minute treatments a week for three weeks, then a three-week break

followed by a further two treatments a week for three weeks. The relatively pain-free treatment is given at an outpatient clinic while the patient is awake and does not affect any day-to-day activities.

Research has shown that the effects of ED1000 can last for up to two years. This treatment helps to increase the number of men who benefit from the use of medications such as Viagra, therefore, resulting in a better patient satisfaction rate. Medical trials have shown that ED1000 therapy can help two thirds of men achieve better erections with medications like Viagra. Although the therapy is primarily for patients with vascular-related ED, it has also been used to treat patients with ED problems related to diabetes.

Urology Clinics Manchester is currently the only clinic in the Northwest of England that offers ED1000 therapy. Please contact us to find out more. Often patients will come to us with a referral from their GP, however, we also welcome self-referrals. If you have never seen a specialist about your ED, we can offer a full consultation with the appropriate tests as needed prior to receiving the ED1000 therapy.

Please note that the ED1000 therapy is given at the discretion of the specialist. A consultation with us does not guarantee that ED1000 is the right treatment plan for you.

Find out more at urologyclinics.co.uk

CHAI GAVE US OUR MUMMY BACK

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, I just didn’t know what to do. I had my surgery in Israel as both mine and my husband’s families live there. Then I had a big decision to make - where would I have my treatment? How could I uproot my husband and girls? But equally, how would I get through my chemotherapy here without our families’ support?

Then my oncologist told me about Chai. They have been amazing –I truly believe there is nothing like it in the world. Being able to rely on Chai’s all-encompassing support gave me the confidence to come home to my husband and girls.

Thanks to Chai, we’re together as a family again”

or maintain an

to have sexual intercourse. Although it is more common in older men, around 25% of men under the age of 40 are affected by ED.

Mr Arie Parnham Consultant Urological Surgeon

Professor Vijay Sangar Consultant Urological Surgeon & Prof of Urology

Mr Arie Parnham Consultant Urological Surgeon

Professor Vijay Sangar Consultant Urological Surgeon & Prof of Urology

Hale-lujah!

Known for its upmarket independent scene, it’s not difficult to see why Hale is a hotspot for Manchester celebrities. Positioned in the borough of Trafford between Bowden and Altrincham, the village is easily accessible from Manchester city centre, taking only 30 minutes by car or train.

In what at first appears to be a small village, the surplus of lavish high street shops, bars, and decadent restaurants mean you’re constantly finding new favourites. The mixture of inner-city glamour with small-town scale is what entices many of Hale’s visitors.

Echoed in the appearance of the buildings and small winding streets, Hale has a lot of town history behind it. The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, but mostly came to prosper as a village in the 15th century which led to the separation of Hale and Hale Barns in 1616.

Neighbouring the historic estate and deer park Dunham Massey, Hale is surrounded by green spaces making it the perfect destination for some retail therapy

Continued on page 48

Find out why Hale is often praised for its restaurants, shops, and community spaces.

AdiVa is a luxury fashion boutique owned and operated by Israeli born fashionista Adi Joseph. Adi has a long history in fashion: “Fashion is in my blood. My parents used to be in textiles, and I used to work in wholesaling in London. When I was 20, I went to Manchester University to study Retail Marketing for four years and achieved a degree. I’ve also worked for Marks & Spencer and BHS.

“I was married and pregnant while at university and I graduated when my daughter Emily was six months old. I started my business and worked from home for seven years. From 40 people on the mailing list, I grew it up to over 800. When Emily started school in 2007, AdiVa was born.”

To Adi, the boutique is about more than just turning a profit; it’s about making women feel empowered: “I love fashion, I love styling, I love interior design. I love making women look beautiful. I think that every woman has the potential to look amazing and it’s my job and passion to make that happen. I like to empower women and make them feel good about themselves. It’s not just about selling; it’s about making them feel confident in the outfit. A lot of women come to me saying that they hate clothes shopping, but coming to me makes it so much easier because I put a whole story together for them.”

Adi noticed a gap in the market she could fill when she moved from London to Manchester: “When setting up AdiVa, I saw there was a huge gap in the market in Hale for beautiful French and Italian boutiquestyle clothing. Because of what my parents did, I was wearing nice clothes all the time

FASHION

FORWARD

Owner of clothing boutique AdiVa, Adi Joseph, tells us how the Hale high street boutique came about, and passes on the latest trends.

and people would ask me where they were from. I realised that people wanted what I wore, and it wasn’t available in Hale.”

The shop attracts loyal repeat customers due to the exceptional and personal service Adi provides: “I have regulars who have been with me for 20 years. It’s beautiful because some of my customers, I used to dress their little girls, and those girls are now full-grown women bringing their own daughters in. I have a lot of regulars, but I’m also reaching new customers all the time through social media and by word of mouth. Even though I’m based in Manchester, we ship all over the world, so I have customers in Israel, America, and even Australia.”

Naturally, as a clothing shop owner, Adi keeps ahead of all the latest trends: “During the pandemic everything was casual easy to wear clothing like leggings and track

suits – now I’m seeing a huge surge in parties and events, so the demand is for dressier dresses and more upscale clothing. We’re selling lots of lovely floral maxi dresses, Boho style dresses and beautiful floaty and silky pieces.

I have also recently introduced a range of super-sculpting swimwear and beautiful holiday beachwear. People are traveling more now. We also have a fabulous range of affordable, super sculpting jeans in the store.”

Byadiva.com

Law and Order

Blackstone Solicitors is a fast-growing law firm based in Hale Village, with a reputation for achieving results for its clients. The firm was started by Emma Nawaz in 2010, and in the past 13 years has grown to employ a team of highly skilled and experienced solicitors. The firm now represents both local, national, and international clients. Blackstone is known for its tenacity and refusal to be deterred by obstacles.

The firm specialises in commercial litigation and property law for both commercial and residential clients providing a myriad of services. In addition, Blackstone has an established commercial department offering an array of corporate services whilst also providing a full suite of private client services including wills and probate as well as lasting powers of attorney.

The firm employs a varied and knowledgeable team with some wellknown names from within the community. Michelle Rothburn has been a qualified solicitor for 35 years and specialises in all aspects of Commercial Property and Development. She joined Blackstone seven years ago. Michelle splits her working hours between fee-earning and also mentoring and

auditing staff whilst also helping the firm grow both its profile and its talent base. It was Blackstone’s reputation that drew Michelle to the firm. “I knew that I could work well alongside Emma. I have great respect for how she has grown the business on her own and how it continues to grow every year.”

Warren Heyman was born and raised in Manchester and has over 20 years experience as a commercial litigator. The law is in Warren’s blood as his father ran in his own successful practice in Leigh for over 30 years. Warren trained in the West End focusing on media based commercial litigation but was soon drawn back to his home city. Upon returning to Manchester, Warren has continued to work throughout his career on high value and technically complicated claims for an array of corporate clients covering all facets of industry including those in sport. He joined Blackstone last year drawn by the firm’s high-profile clients. “I had been aware of Blackstone’s excellent reputation for some time. When the opportunity presented itself last year to join and help grow its already highly respected client base, whilst knowing that I could do all of this only five minutes

from home, I jumped at the chance.”

Blackstone’s growing stellar reputation also attracted the esteem of well-established solicitor Maurice Mason. Maurice has been qualified since 1982, opening up his own firm in 1999. Mason & Co in Altrincham was a very successful law firm and in November 2022, Maurice decided to join Blackstone.With a passion and drive for each and every case, the team’s extensive understanding of the law is coupled with a wealth of business experience that stretches across all levels, allowing them to take on cases of every level of complexity and value. This commitment to clients and no-nonsense attitude has led to the firm winning and retaining several high-profile international clients seldom seen outside of a city-based firm.

For new enquiries call on 0330 808 0918, email info@blackstonesolicitorsltd. co.uk or click Blackstonesolicitorsltd.co.uk

Blackstone Solicitors in Hale combines an experienced team and a client-led attitude which has led to substantial growth over the past 13 years of business and entry to the Legal 500 Leading Firms in 2022.

Our expertise

Director and service lead, Consultant

Ophthalmologist Mr Arun Sachdev, has more than 10 years’ experience in both NHS and private practice. He has performed thousands of cataract surgeries and treated a wide number of patients with general ophthalmic conditions, including glaucoma, dry eyes, and inflamed lids. Arun also specialises in treating potentially sight-threatening retinal conditions, such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Rapid access eye ser vice: preser ving your vision is our mission

Optimyze Health is a premier provider of eye care in the Northwest of England. Based in Cheshire and benefitting from the latest imaging technology combined with leading expertise, our patients have access to the full range of ophthalmic services. With NHS waiting times at an all-time high, whatever your eye concerns, we can diagnose at an early stage and deliver the right treatment for you.

Suffering from Macular Degeneration?

Mr Sachdev was the first Clinician in the Northwest to offer state-of-the-art light therapy for dry macular degeneration, which is currently the only approved option for people with this progressive condition. Nearly 15 million people in the UK are living with macular disease and it’s the nation’s biggest cause of sight loss.

The non-invasive light therapy offers patients at early-intermediate stages of the disease the potential to reduce the chances of sight loss in the future. This is particularly relevant in patients with a family history of the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease are key, so Mr Sachdev uses the latest, most advanced imaging techniques to pick up sight problems at the earliest opportunity. This also enables him to monitor his patients carefully over the course of their treatment, ensuring the best possible outcome.

We offer a fast access clinic, and our treatments include:

• Cataract surgery – a bespoke service giving you the visual outcome you want

•

•

Macular degeneration – early diagnosis, nutritional advice, and treatment

Diabetic eye disease – early pick up and monitoring of this is key in preventing sight loss

•

Dry eyes and inflamed lids (blepharitis) – established and innovative new treatments

Glaucoma – early diagnosis and management

Consultant-led approach

24 hour telephone line

Easy access clinics in Hale and Knutsford

Quick emergency assessments and treatment

please visit www.optimyzehealth.co.uk or call 07921 836 207

OPTIMAL VISION

JLife spoke to Mr Arun Sachdev from Optimyze Health about how using the latest technology light therapy can improve patients with macular degeneration.

Mr Arun Sachdev is the first clinician in the North-West to offer a newly advanced light therapy for dry macular degeneration – currently the only approved treatment for people with this progressive condition. Macular degeneration occurs most commonly in later life and can cause impairment of vision but there are things you can do to protect your eye-health.

Hi Arun! Firstly, can you explain what macular degeneration is?

Hello. Your macula is the centre part of the eye, so it's the part of your retina responsible for reading, focus, and colour perception. Macular degeneration happens when this part of the eye begins to weaken.

There are two types of macular degeneration, dry and wet. If diagnosed with the dry form your symptoms can either progress as dry macular degeneration or convert to wet macular degeneration, where fluid develops at the back of the eye. Until now there had been no treatment for dry macular degeneration, only the wet form, which has a treatment of injections in the eye. Whereas, if we can catch the signs early while still dry then the new non-invasive light therapy treatment may be beneficial.

What are the symptoms of macular degeneration, can it be prevented?

In the early stages, people can be asymptomatic but still have macular degeneration. But as the condition progresses it can start to affect the quality of vision, and reading, close-up in particular. Though it’s most common in those over 60, due to advancements in scanning technology over the last few years, we can now pick up the signs of degeneration in younger patients.

Preventing the condition is where the treatment comes in. If we detect you have clear signs of developing dry macular degeneration, you can have the light therapy treatment to potentially prevent its progress.

Otherwise, preventing the condition is all about living a healthy lifestyle. All the usual measures, not smoking, eating a nutritious diet full of fresh fruit, leafy dark greens and vegetables. Being healthy doesn’t just aid macular degeneration but all eye health in general.

For your chance to win a free consultation with Mr Sachdev –including a complete eye examination and state of the art imaging –followed by treatment and nutritional advice and a prognostic assessment of any macular disease detected, answer the following question:

it take?

What is the procedure for the light therapy and how long does

It’s a very straightforward therapy which can be performed in a relaxed setting. When it’s a problem with the eyes people often think of lasers and painful procedures. But it’s a very easy-going process which can be performed in an office room environment rather than a clinical setting.

What happens during the therapy is, over about a four-minute period, a sequence of lights is delivered into each eye in turn. You do not have to have drops in your eye beforehand, there is no pain, and your vision recovers fairly quickly after it’s done. So, patients can drive themselves to and from their appointments.

The treatment will be made up of nine of these 10-minute appointments at three sessions a week for three weeks. After the treatment has been done the patient will be reviewed two to three months later to see the effect of the therapy.

Optimyzehealth.co.uk

Optimyzeinfo@gmail.com

07921 836 207

How many types of macular degeneration are there?

Enter online at Jlifemagazine.co.uk/ competitions-manchester/ or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB.

Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address.

The winners will be randomly selected on the closing date:

23rd June 2023

Terms and conditions apply: Prize is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in JLife Magazine and Optimyze databases in order to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. Publisher’s decision is final.

and Hearty HALE

Murray Patt, Founder of Alexander Knight & Co, says Hale is the perfect location for his accountancy practice – and other businesses to flourish.

I genuinely believe Hale is the best place for any growthoriented business to be located. Certainly, it’s a hotbed of entrepreneurs and a large number of business owners and their professional advisers choose to live here and the surrounding area – including me!

Many of our clients run successful businesses in other parts of Greater Manchester but live in Hale, Bowdon, or Altrincham. They choose to spend their

CHOOSE US IN 2023

leisure time here and have their accountants on their doorstep, so they don’t have the hassle of getting into Manchester city centre and all the issues that come with it including: the commute, parking problems, and the unproductive time spent in traffic.

Hale is a major reason why we’re seeing so many business owners switch their accountants from city-centre based firms to ours. Our client base of successful entrepreneurs are all passionate about growing their business and finding the right accountants to help them achieve this, and one that is convenient and accessible.

There’s nowhere handier for locally living entrepreneurs than our Grade A

office in Hale with ample free parking. It’s a two minute walk from the local train station and five minutes away from the motorway network and Metrolink. Manchester Airport – with its national train network – is only 15 minutes away too. So even our international clients can easily visit us as well!

Hale is a great place to live and work, and that’s before I’ve even mentioned the huge range of amazing restaurants and bars in the village! I’m always happy to meet up with any company directors for a coffee for some advice or even to discuss Alexander Knight & Co becoming their new accountants.

Alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk

We are the accountants for successful entrepreneurs and family-run firms based all over Greater Manchester.

If you are a business owner and company director you should think about appointing us as your new accountants to ensure that you are not paying too much tax. Recent changes in the tax rules and new opportunities emerging to safeguard your wealth are available. Reviewing your current accountancy arrangements couldn’t be easier. Call me on the number below.

I’m always happy to meet up with company directors who want to get more from their relationship with their accountant and make sure they are extracting optimal returns from their business - either in Hale - or elsewhere!

Every home sale starts with obtaining an accurate understanding of the property’s current market value. Most of the homes we value don’t come to the market in the weeks and months following our visit.

We understand that considering a home move has to start with a valuation of your current property so that you can calculate your budget and see if what you’re looking to buy or what you’re looking to achieve is attainable. So we’re happy to provide you with a free in-person valuation that will enable you to consider your options without there being any

commitment and certainly no pressure to place your home on the market.

Likewise, when looking to buy a house, you shouldn’t dismiss a property by making assumptions from photos, videos, or descriptions. See it for yourself. We will make ourselves available at any reasonable time of day or early evening, any day of the week to show you the properties we are marketing in-person.

Our clients understand that they need to make their property available for viewings at times to suit you, the viewer, and with the right notice will be happy to allow you access when it’s convenient for you.

We’ll be offering a new Customer First approach to estate agency where personal service, responsive communication and being always available takes priority. Simply call the office on 0161 929 8980 to arrange your valuation or viewing in confidence at a time which suits you. If you’d prefer only to speak to Michael Groves or Stuart Howe personally then call or WhatsApp Michael on 07802 941 411 or Stuart on 07932 370 922 for an immediate response.

Cartergroves.co.uk

Michael Groves and Stuart Howe of Hale’s new estate agency Carter Groves discuss why in-person valuations and visits are essential to selling or buying a house.

Continued from page 40

and a scenic nature walk. It’s no wonder why house prices are on the up by 7% from last year with prices reaching a 2022 average of £788,474, according to Rightmove.

Upcoming events include Hale Carnival on 1st July which features a classic car show, a dog show, live music, and a fireworks finale. Hale also hosts an enthusiastic yoga community with InHale Yoga Studio offering a special Yoga Nidra and Sound Bath session on 22nd April in honour of Earth Day.

The latest addition to the Hale community is the new library situated in the community centre. Funded by the sale of the previous library site on Leigh Road and Addison Road, the new library boasts a modern interior with a computer workstation and large windows overlooking the Bowling Green. The library is a community hub for children, workers, and readers alike.

New businesses in the area include Watches of Manchester, provider of bespoke, luxury timepieces, and Carter Groves – a recently opened estate agents which is the new business venture of Michael Groves, Founder of Hale’s Thornley Estate Agents. Another top of the market service is Optimyze Health, which has a clinic in Hale advocating its innovative light therapy for sight-loss.

An idyllic village to visit or to live in, Hale is second to none in its style and community spirit.

Rich Time

For luxury time pieces you can’t find anywhere else, visit Watches of Manchester. With its hand selected watches and diligently looked-after clientele, it has an expert opinion you can rely on. Its approach to jewellery is no different, it guarantees to deliver the highest standards in preparation and customer service. All the watches and jewellery it advertises are physically in stock for you to view from the luxury boutique, Rich Time, in the centre of Hale. Watch servicing and polishing is also available so you can keep your valuable timepiece in peak condition.

The Big Match

JLife’s Elaine Bermitz recounts the help Alan Tomlinson received from the Anthony Nolan Foundation after he received a life-threatening diagnosis.

In 2009, Alan Tomlinson felt a lump in his neck which, upon examination turned out to be more than just a nuisance. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s disease, a malignant cancer for which he was going to need serious attention. He had to undergo an autologous stem cell transplant, a procedure which proved effective for a short time. However, a year later the lump returned and this time he needed a third-party donor. A search began, both in his family and friends and through the Anthony Nolan Foundation, who eventually found a match.

In December 2011 the transplant went ahead, and it worked, leaving him with no resistance to any external infection, so vulnerable that a common cold could have killed him. It took him two years to recover, during which time he was constantly monitored, and he also became curious as to who had been altruistic enough to save his life.

Under the Anthony Nolan Trust conditions, he was not allowed to get in touch with the donor for two years and then only by common consent. His donor, an orthodox Jewish man from North London, married with five children. They became friends and keep in touch: "Surprisingly, only 20% of people ever met their donors, but Sharon and I were very keen, even if only to thank him,” said Alan.

Now Alan wanted to repay the Trust by going into schools and talking to sixth formers about the donation process, trying to demystify it and to encourage more stem-cell donors: "We keep people on the register from when they first donate until they are 60, but the best donations come from men under 30, so it is important to get to schoolchildren and students," he said. Alan’s wife Sharon is also a donor

supporter, which before the pandemic meant visiting them in hospital, but is now done by telephone and is designed to remind the donor of how big a help this can be. It is not named the Hero Project for nothing.

If my donor hadn’t taken the trouble to donate to me, I certainly wouldn’t be here today, so the least I can do is to help others. I have just an annual check a year and otherwise nothing bothers me thanks to the brilliant work of the Anthony Nolan Trust.”

In 2017, as the Nolan trust became more global, there was a requirement for couriers, who travelled throughout the UK and to other countries to bring back plasma and blood from sister organisations, for UK recipients. Worse still there were only four couriers in the north, so Alan trained for the job, which is entirely voluntary, and has since made around 60 trips to Germany, France, the USA, and other countries in order to collect donations on behalf of patients.

He is happy to do this and occasionally he hears that the transplant has been a success, which makes it all worthwhile.

"If my donor hadn't taken the trouble to donate to me, I certainly wouldn't be here today, so the least I can do is to help others. I have just an annual check a year and otherwise nothing bothers me thanks to the brilliant work of the Anthony Nolan Trust."

To donate please go to Anthonynolan. org.uk/donate

GOOD VIBES

Charge up your spring energy with these events happening in Manchester.

BBC Philharmonic Bridgewater Hall | 18th May

Soothing tones fill Bridgewater Hall as conductor John Storgårds guides you through an evening of emotional contemplation. The evening includes pieces from Arvo Pärt (De Profundis), Sibelius (Violin Concerto), and Shostakovich (Symphony No. 13, Babi Yar). The latter of which is a grave plea against antisemitism within some of the composer’s most powerful music. Bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Chinese Tea Meditation Ceremonies by TsiaTe

Manchester Art Gallery | 22nd May

Chinese Tea Ceremony company, TsiaTe, will be hosting one of its unique, soulful meditations at Manchester Art Gallery in May. Engage in this ancient tea ceremony to unite your soul and senses in this restful practice designed to awaken your mind to the present moment. May Chen will lead the meditation and introduce you to the teas of her past and their calming significance. Tsiate.com

Parklife l

Heaton Park | 10th to 11th June

Back for its 13th year is Parklife, the Manchester’s music festival of the season. Headlining acts include Aitch, The 1975, Becky Hill, and Skrillex among several other artists playing over the weekend. You can buy a weekend ticket or just go for a single day with options available to book a travel pass for a shuttle to Heaton Park, or upgrade your ticket for a VIP experience including a backdoor entrance, a 90s rave time-capsule dancefloor, and a 90s themed cocktail lounge.

Parklife.uk.com

Russell Howard

Opera House Manchester | 24th to 25th June

From TV specials, Russell Howard’s Good News and The Russell Howard Hour, the comedian is taking his self-titled tour to Manchester this spring. With a reputation for political satire and observational comedy, get ready for belly laughs and a reminder of all the joyful and bizarre parts of life. Atgtickets.com

Colour Obstacle Rush

Alexandra Park | 17th June

If you want a fun, sporty outdoor activity, then look no further than the Colour Obstacle Rush. The 5k includes inflatable obstacles to run, bounce, and crawl around while you run through colourful powdered clouds. An event for those aged 12 and up, the price of your ticket also includes a t-shirt, a personal colour packet, a fun pre-workout, and an after party.

Colorobstaclerush.co.uk

RAISE YOUR

VOICE!

JLife spoke with Lesley Joseph about her role as Mother Superior in the 2023 tour of Sister Act the musical, coming to the Liverpool Empire in May.

Sister Act follows the story of Dolores Van Cartier, a singer who must go into witness protection as a nun after watching her boyfriend commit a violent crime. There she meets Mother Superior, a devout Catholic, who must ensure Dolores follows the strict rules of the convent as not to influence the other nuns with her reckless rock and roll attitude. When Dolores takes over the convent’s choir and teaches them how to sing with soul, Mother Superior worries the sisters will stray from their faith.

Hi Lesley! Pleasure to meet you. So, this is not your first foray into musical theatre, do you prefer performing in tv or theatre?

Hello! I actually started performing in musicals way back in my drama school years and then gradually television took over. I love television, I love the opportunities television brings. But if I had to choose, it would be theatre.

Theatre is where my heart is. I love the atmosphere and the family you build. I

love to stand in the wings and watch other people’s work. I also love what theatre can do to an audience. So yes, at the moment I prefer musicals, but even that might change one day.

Due to the repetitive nature of live theatre, how has the character of Mother Superior developed?

I’m being absolutely honest when I say every show is different. Every audience is different. So, the performance is never the same.

I look at it as, every show is the first time I have said those lines and I take this incredibly seriously. I get as much out of performing the show as the audience will get out of watching it. And I find some nights I get incredibly moved. I remember one night, tears came into my eyes and my co-star said: “Please don't do that to me, I can't sing if I'm watching you crying.”

Your main solo Here Within These Walls tells the story of the safety Mother Superior feels inside the convent. Does this song make you

feel more spiritually connected? To be honest, it does. Of course, I’m Jewish and the character is Catholic. But I still have a strong spiritual feeling despite those differences. It’s my favourite part of the show, I love the lyrics about feeling the comfort of your own sanctuary – it’s such a beautiful song.

Because it’s about the rest of the world being sinful and the convent being the only holy place left, it can be viewed as pessimistic. But it’s not that Mother Superior has a pessimistic view of what’s outside, she has an optimistic view of what’s inside.

I mean, you only have to read the news sometimes to think life can be incredibly depressing. But on the flip side life can be incredibly amazing. And that’s the effect this show has on people, when they come out the feeling they have is joyous.

I think it has a huge effect after what people went through with lockdown. We look out at the audience at the end of the show, and everybody is on their feet and waiving their arms in the air, it’s an extraordinary feeling.

A GOOD VIEW

Our recommendations of the best TV, music and books launching this spring.

The Happy Couple Orion Publishing Co | 25th May

From Naoise Dolan, author of the bestselling book Exciting Times, is The Happy Couple. Dolan’s new book follows the lives of a soon to be married couple, their best man, bridesmaid, and wedding guest as the wedding approaches. Each character finds themselves searching for their happily ever after – but does it lie at the end of an aisle?

To Catch a Killer Sky Cinema | May

The latest album from former One Direction singer, Niall Horan is The Show. Returning for his first album in three years showcasing tunes he worked on in lockdown, Horan thanks his fans for being patient with him in his heartfelt album trailer in which he announces he looks forward to sharing a new side of himself with his audience. He will also be taking The Show on tour later this year.

Eleanor (Shailene Woodley) is a talented but troubled rookie detective wrestling with the demons of her past, when she is called to the scene of a shooting – the work of a new and terrifying murderer. The police and FBI launch a nationwide manhunt but are thwarted at every turn by the killer's enigmatic and unprecedented behaviour. Eleanor must stop at nothing to bring this elusive murderer to justice.

Jewish Matchmaking Netflix |3rd May

A new series from the producers of Indian Matchmaking, Jewish Matchmaking features singles in the US and Israel as they turn their dating life over to a top Jewish matchmaker. Will using the traditional practice of shidduchim dating help them find their soulmate in today’s world?

PHOTO: MARCEN27

Heart of the

RAISING FUNDS

Two little girls held an impromptu sale of toys and trinkets to raise money for charity.

FIGHTING BACK Community

A new initiative for community members struggling with neurological conditions in the Jewish and wider community has been unveiled by Prestwich man Harris Frazer.

Polly and Delilah Laddin recently set up a stall outside their house selling trinkets, toys, and pre-loved items to people passing by. Their dad, Daniel Laddin, said the sale was completely impromptu and involved them collecting money for Chabad, Hatzola, The Fed, Age Concern, and The British Heart Foundation.

The two pupils of King David primary school collected £187 by the end of their sale, Daniel said: “At the start of the day I thought they would probably do well to earn £25. For them to have made £187 is amazing and we are proud of them for doing something really positive ahead of Pesach.”

The girls jumped into action after hearing about how much charities can help other people and were inspired to do the same.

Harris Frazer, 68, was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease in November 2013 and has launched taster classes at Manchester Maccabi specifically aimed at those who are suffering from Parkinson’s disease, strokes, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. The classes help them fight their illnesses through physical exercise and stimulation techniques such as hand-eye coordination, walking/running, and light boxing exercise supported by specially-trained leaders Andrew Saipe and Rachel Davies.

Harris hopes that the classes will help sufferers fight the conditions: “All neurologists agree that even exercise of a simple and gentle nature is good for the body because there can be a lot of stiffness in body joints with these conditions,” he said.

For more information contact Harris on 07821 406 959 Neurokinetic.club

in Belong Morris Feinmann

Join our caring

As a not-for-profit provider, we invest in our people and our environment to provide the best possible support for older people. Our village is a stunning example of how advanced design and very high standards of care combine to ensure quality of life, wellbeing and peace of mind.

Small family-sized households

Specialist nursing and dementia care

Free Admiral Nurse service providing specialist dementia support and advice

Modern independent living apartments

Gyms with specialist equipment

Extensive and varied programme of acitivities

PAPERBACK WRITER

Looking surprisingly fit and healthy after his ordeal during the pandemic, Michael Rosen talked to me about his remarkable career in children's fiction and radio presentation. As engaging over Zoom as he is in every walk of life Michael Rosen is modest about his achievements: “I didn't start off writing fiction. I did a year at medical school before I decided it wasn't for me.

“I had always written short stories, basing them mainly on those of my favourite authors; EE Cummings, James Joyce, DH Lawrence, and Carl Samberg. This last author gave me a voice. By that I mean he taught me how to write as I spoke: directly throughout pages of the book to the reader. It has allowed me to communicate directly with my audience and has been the most valuable tool for me over the years. If I can’t say, it I can’t write it."

James Joyce showed him how to write in a stream of consciousness manner, worrying less about the meaning of the sentence and more about the thoughts that lay behind it, and DH Lawrence's poetry allowed him to write confessionally.

“I started off with plays and sketches, mainly funny and in a sort of Jasper Carrot

type exaggerated autobiographical style and to my amazement my career took off. It became like being on an escalator, a series of upward going journeys, one after another.

“Children responded best to this direct form of writing and I concentrated on them, because I loved the style, but I used to find going into schools hard, reading my work in a formal way until a headmaster showed me what to do. He read my poems like a play, inviting the children to join in if they wanted and from then on, I performed rather than read them, being involved with the story not the form. Quentin Blake and Helen Oxenbury's illustrations have helped bring life to the poems and I have hardly ever stopped writing since.

“For the BBC I have contributed to a lot of programmes. Mainly presenting Treasure Islands' from 1989 to 1997 and Word of Mouth for adults from 1998 until now. The latter is for adults and is just me talking about words-their importance, their influence and how people use them.”

Tragically Michael’s second son Eddie was a victim of meningitis in 1999, dying in his sleep from the disease.

Finding it impossible to carry on being happy without acknowledging his grief for his loss lead him to write ‘Michael Rosen's Sad Book’ – a non-fiction book for children which faces the subject honestly and suggests ways of getting round the burden of sorrow. Illustrated by Quentin Blake it touches young and old as he meant it to.

That quality is Michael Rosen’s gift to the literary world. A further book ‘We're All Going on a Bear Hunt' shows his ethos more clearly. He never pretends that life is

not difficult, but he never gets depressed about its challenges. He faces them, with the help of his friends and his optimistic nature, using words as his tools and Helen Oxenbury's pictures to overcome their threat. He wrote the book in 1989, and it has never been out of print since. It has been adapted for television, radio, and theatre many times: a testament to its popularity.

Though Michael has faced many challenges in life – most publicly his battle against COVID-19 – his transparent optimism and absolute faith that obstacles are there to be overcome brings joy to those who read or listen to his work.

One area which has come more to the fore recently has been that of his religious background and his lifelong search for the missing relatives about whose fate little had been said by his family, except that: “They were there before the war and they weren't after.” His direct, honest approach to their loss and the incidental acceptance that those who wanted to kill all Jews exist and that if they had succeeded, he wouldn't be here is heart-breaking in its simplicity.

In writing "The Missing” for those who already love him as a poet and author, he allows them to see the tragedy of racial hatred for what is an evil blight on innocent lives.

Michael Rosen is a British children's author, poet, presenter, political columnist, broadcaster and activist who has written 140 books. He served as Children's Laureate from 2007 to 2009. Michaelrosen.co.uk

Children’s Author Michael Rosen sits down with Elaine Bermitz to discuss his writing career to date.

A relatively new career path, football mad Jordan Nathan is building a career in analytics with Championship side Burnley FC, newly promoted to the Premier League for next season under the guidance of sought after manager Vincent Kompany. Moving from London last September, Jordan lives in Burnley but through his university friends and playing for Manchester Maccabi, he is staying in touch with Jewish circles.

Hi Jordan, what a season it’s been for you at Burnley! Tell us about your background, and how it all started?

I grew up in Bushey, London, and went to Yavneh school at Boreham Wood. An avid Arsenal fan I always loved my football and the detail behind it but didn’t really plan to work in it, although I would have loved to be a footballer! After school I studied Psychology at Nottingham Trent University and followed that with a master’s degree in science at Brunel University in London, where the lecturer first introduced me to the world of football analytics. I enjoyed collecting data and presenting it, and coupled with my love of football, after researching into it I ended up writing a dissertation on the subject.

So how does a nice Jewish boy from North London end up at Burnley?

It happened during COVID really, when I thought I needed to get some experience, and used the time to create my LinkedIn profile. I wrote to lots of PR clubs to offer my services voluntarily, and Exeter City gave me some work, looking at games and preparing some analysis, although I’m not sure they ever looked at it! After some freelance at Milton Keynes Dons, I landed a job at Borham Wood FC.

Analyse This

JLife sits down with Jordan Nathan, Intern First Team Performance Analyst at Burnley FC, about his work with the recently promoted football club.

Last season the club had a great run in the FA Cup, and I became Head of Performance Analysis, but as a non-league club the pay wasn’t great, so I applied to some league clubs. Burnley were looking for an intern. With a forward-thinking new manger like Vincent Kompany, analysis plays an important part, and I landed the role. It’s a great atmosphere and there were many changes after last season’s relegation from the personnel to the style of play, but the team has done really well, and it’s been great to be part of it.

Being in Burnley on my own has been made easier by the welcoming staff at the club, and although I miss family and friends from London, I have friends in north Manchester from university and playing for Manchester Maccabi 1st has helped me integrate with the community here.

Football fans may have heard about performance analysis now, but what exactly is it all about?

Well at Burnley we have a team of four working with the management and players, we all have different roles, from providing video clips of the opposition in games against similar teams, to individual player clips, looking at opposition tactics like set pieces and defensive play, and debriefing after our games. It’s really interesting, and Vinnie (Vincent Kompany) trusts us to provide insightful information for team meetings. He’s a fantastic manager and person. Hopefully the insights we provide helps the team and results have demonstrated that this season.

You must find it hard to watch football now as a fan!

Not hard, but I’m watching how teams

set up and the shape more now, so it’s different, but no less enjoyable! It’s a full on job, six days a week during the season, so there’s not much time to watch other games, unless its Arsenal of course! Its also really helped my own development as a player learning every day from watching professional coaches and attending team meetings.

It sounds like your career is blossoming and you love what you do, what does the future hold for you and Burnley?

I absolutely am loving it. I’ve been offered a full-time job from next season so I’m delighted that I’ll be here, and hopefully I can build my experience in the Premier League where the pressure will be on to establish Burnley back in the top league. There are many facets to performance analysis and with new technology it’s a real career. I’m not looking too far ahead right now, I guess as an Arsenal fan I can dream of working there in some capacity. Would I go to Tottenham if offered a job there? I’m not so sure!

Community Heart of the

IN MEMORY

Jewish Soldiers were remembered in a touching Gallipoli Day parade in Bury.

wreath, explained:

For the first time a wreath was laid at the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers annual Gallipoli Day Parade in memory of the men of The Zion Mule Corps, which served in the Dardanelles, and The Judeans (aka The Jewish Legion), the 38th, 39th and 40th Battalions of the Royal Fusiliers. The parade, which commemorates the action of the Lancashire Fusiliers, took place on 23rd April.

Colonel Martin Newman, who laid the

“The Zion Mule Corps, arguably the first all Jewish military formation since Josephus, served with great distinction at Gallipoli, transporting much needed ammunition, equipment, and rations to the front line, under heavy enemy bombardment.” The commanding officer, Colonel John Henry Patterson, a devout Protestant Zionist from Northern Ireland, went on to form the Jewish Battalions of the Royal Fusiliers which was awarded its own distinctive cap badge depicting a Menorah.

“The Fusiliers have a proud Jewish history.

FREE SPIRITS

In addition to the three active service and two training battalions of the Royal Fusiliers, the Lancashire Fusiliers was the regiment of choice for many Manchester and Salford Jews during two world wars. Lt Colonel Geoffrey Rothband of Didsbury commanded the 5th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers prior to its incorporation into the newly formed Royal Regiment of Fusiliers,” he continued.

The Regiment has hosted three We Were There Too events, highlighting Jewish life in The First World War, at its Museums in Bury and The Tower of London.

The parade formed up at castle Armoury prior to a service at The Parish Church after which wreaths were laid by The Colonel of The Regiment, The New Zealand High Commission and on behalf of The Judeans. Other guests included The Lord Lieutenant, The High Sheriff, Mayors of Bury, Salford and Rochdale, and senior military representatives.

A new social group for over-55 Jewish singles in Greater Manchester is up and running.

Driven to provide wider social opportunities in the area, four local women have formed a social group, with the aim of bringing together single Jewish people aged 55+. While a countrywide group for this purpose exists already, the ladies hoped to concentrate on the North of England – particularly Greater Manchester and with the hope that people from Leeds and Liverpool would also join.

After two social evenings with live music, the organisers were asked by attendees to keep providing events because the events were such a big hit, allowing people to meet new friends and socialise

with people they haven’t seen for a long time. The group created a committee consisting of four ladies and three men, entitled ‘The Free Spirits’.

The next event will be a quiz, taking place on 14th May, and in the future, the committee will be organising other social events and are encouraging attendees to provide ideas of activities they would like to take part in.

For information phone Marcia 07947 641 342 or Steven 07890 678 014

ALL PHOTOS: LAWRENCE PURCELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Local Holocaust Survivor Sits For Famous Artist

The world-renowned sculptor, Frances Segelman, sculpted a bust of Holocaust survivor and My Voice storyteller, Marianne Philipps. Most famous for her sculptures of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III, more recently Frances has turned to sculpting Holocaust survivors.

At the age of 99, facilitated by The Fed and Yad Vashem UK, Marianne made the journey from Manchester to London to sit for the sculpture. She was the first survivor from Manchester to be sculpted by Frances Segelman.

Marianne commented: “It was amazing, wonderful! A real one-off experience. that doesn’t come everyone’s way, so I am very lucky. We didn’t talk much as she had to concentrate while she was working, and I had enough sense not to talk either and let her focus.

“There were lots of photographers around, but I took no notice and stayed frozen. So many people were there, including the head of Yad Vashem UK. It was a fabulous trip and I enjoyed it very much.”

Respite Play-Group Success From The Fed

Recently The Fed hosted a hugely successful four-day Pesach play-group, Project Smile Play & Learn, holiday scheme for children with additional needs, in its children’s centre. The programme provided respite for parents preparing for Pesach and a chance to enjoy a little time together.

Meanwhile, the children received expert care and stimulation while playing with their friends in an environment specifically built for their enjoyment.

Fed staff were truly touched by feedback from parents: one young mother was dropping her child off for the first time and, understandably, expressed some worry. Another mother, who was close by, popped over to reassure her: “Don’t worry, the only

place I trust to leave my children is The Fed!”

Project Smile sessions are accessible to Jewish people across the religious spectrum with places offered by assessment.

Jewish Representative Council Hold Ceremony For Yom Hashoah

The Jewish Representative Council recently welcomed guests to the annual Yom Hashoah commemoration. Its Chair, Mark Adlestone, welcomed dignitaries who joined the community from across Greater Manchester in a ceremony at Bridgewater Hall choreographed by Hannah Goldstone and the council’s committee.

JRC thanked the survivors, their families and the artists who delivered an evening of powerful testimony and amazing performances in memory of the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust.

£100,000 Raised at First Focus Fundraiser

After only 18 months since its launch Focus, a charity providing housing and care for Jewish adults with additional needs, is supporting 36 participants. Three times the expected number of participants in the early stages of its development, Focus is also taking leaps and bounds in fundraising.

Raising £100,000 at its introductory fundraising event – held at South Manchester Synagogue, Bowdon – the charity has already earned almost 30% of its annual goal of £350,000. Tanya Farley, Focus Trustee and mother of a son with special needs, said: “We can only meet the needs of our members and their families with the community’s full support, so the event has given us a tremendous boost.”

Focus’s next fundraising event will be a sponsored cycle from Manchester to Liverpool on 9th July.

City Council Leader Invited To The Nicky

The Jewish Representative Council recently invited Manchester City Council Leader Bev Craig and Councillor Fiaz Riasat to visit The Nicky Alliance Centre. The pair got given a tour of the facilities including the art studio, the reminiscence room and hair salon. They also watched a model sedar led by Rabbi Daniel Walker.

“Facilitating political engagement for our affiliates and communal organisations remains a key priority,” commented representative Council Chief Executive, Marc Levy.

He added: “The reaction of Councillor Craig and her colleagues is indicative as to how the organisation continues to operate at the highest possible levels. As a representative body, it is a great source of pride that we are able to highlight this work.”

MDA Fundraiser For An Israel Blood Mobile

Over 120 guests gathered at a fundraiser hosted by Magen David Adom at Hale Hebrew Congregation. At the event, Speaker Sally Becker, a British Jewish Humanitarian Aid Worker, spoke about how she was able to help MDA UK evacuate 54 Ukrainian orphans in March 2022.

The fundraiser was in aid of MDA’s latest campaign to raise funds for a blood mobile in Israel. The blood mobile is intended to support blood drives to meet the capacity of a newly opened Marcus National Blood Services Centre in Ramala. The campaign has already made £70,000 in crowdfunding from the Manchester Jewish Community.

Daniel Burger, Chief Executive of MDA UK said: “The Manchester MDA committee has undertaken a significant goal and I have no doubt it will reach its target to purchase a blood mobile, and in doing so, enable us to save more lives.”

Mix It Up

Elaine Bermitz explores the new Manchester-based Jewish dating service, JHub.

With two successful events already in place, J-Hub's Rabbi Eliezer Woolfson is optimistic about the organisation’s future. For his first event many young – and not so young –singles enjoyed a convivial Friday night at the Fairways Hotel in Prestwich. Guests ate a full Friday night meal and met up with others across all levels of faith and none at all.

The second event drew around 100 people to a buffet and dessert and to listen to the most remarkable journey of a Pentecostal couple from Leicester who, on the verge of becoming

ministers, realised that Christianity was not for them. Studying intently and questioning themselves honestly, they found they could only adhere to one religion – that of Orthodox Judaism.

Following their journey were a mixed group of people who will enhance their Jewish lives through J-Hub through upcoming events, whether it will be through learning Hebrew, going to Israel, or further social events planned.

“There will be a further consultation event to discuss an educational programme in the future," Rabbi Woolfson said. “In the meantime, it was nice to witness the start of a refreshing new group for all ages.”

To keep in touch visit the J-Hub website at Jhub.uk/#home

REAPING REWARDS

Community Shlicha, Or Ribon, discusses the forthcoming Shavuot festivities.

As a proud “Moshavnikit” (someone who grew up in a moshav – a small village with a communal agriculture and economic system) and later on moved to Kibbutz Malkiya on the border with Lebanon, and Kibbutz Gazit, in the Jezreel Valley –Shavuot is, without a doubt – my favourite holiday of the year.

Elsewhere in Israel, and all over the world, of course, observant families connect with the holiday celebration of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai by learning Torah throughout the night. Traditional and even secular families gather for dairy meals in a nod to Israelites’ abstaining from meat after receiving the Torah.

In Moshavim and Kibbutzim – most of them being more secular settlements – the focus on Shavuot is more on the other side of the holiday. Another name for Shavuot is ‘The Harvest holiday’, we celebrate the first fruits of the spring, the wheat harvest, and everything that was given to us from the earth – and with our hard work and sweat.

(ה וכק, םיליהת)

There’s a part of Tehillim that says: “Those who sow in tears will reap with joy” – those who put in the hard work will enjoy the fruits of their success.

In the Kibbutzim and Moshavim, one of the highest values is hard work. People get up early in the morning – going out to the

fields, working the land in the rain and in the heat, yes, even now in 2023.

On Shavuot we pause to share gratitude for the land, and for each other’s hard work that has paid off. We make a big communal dinner; we dance with the newborns of the year in our hands – the “bikurim” – new fruits of the year and sing and remember the value of hard work and patience.

Chag Sameach! May we always reap in joy the fruits of our sowing…

THE NICKY HELD A THREE-COURSE LUNCH FOR MEMBERS AND SPECIAL GUESTS AS PART OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II BEACON CELEBRATION. A SERVICE WAS HELD AT YESHURUN CHEADLE & GATLEY IN MEMORIAL OF THE DEE FAMILY WHO EXPERIENCED A TRAGIC LOSS OF THREE MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILY IN ISRAEL.

THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE DID A VIRTUAL WALK TO WALES WHICH COVERED THE 400-MILE JOURNEY THERE AND BACK!

THE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS ALL RECEIVED MEDALS AND TUCKED INTO A DELICIOUS CAKE TO CELEBRATE.

YESHURUN LAID THEIR TABLES BEAUTIFULLY IN PREPARATION FOR ITS COMMUNAL SEDER ON THE SECOND NIGHT OF PESACH.

THE STUDENTS ALSO HAD A MODEL SEDER.

BURY AND WHITEFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS HANDMADE MATZO IN A BAKERY WORKSHOP RUN BY RABBI SHMULI BROWN.

Factory Fresh

John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International and Manchester International Festival, tells all about the new venue’s debut.

A long time in the making, Factory International, a brand-new cultural space in the heart of Manchester, is set to open in June as the headquarters of the biannual Manchester International Festival (MIF).

exhibition of Yayoi Kusama’s inflatable sculptures will form a centrepiece of the festival and will be the first work to be presented in our new home. You, Me and the Balloons will take over the vast warehouse space, inviting audiences to take an exhilarating journey through Kusama's psychedelic creations. This will be the renowned Japanese contemporary artist’s largest ever immersive environment, featuring works that are over ten metres tall – including giant dolls, spectacular tendrilled landscapes and a vast constellation of polka-dot spheres and is indicative of the kind of creative ambition this new space makes possible.”

John

McGrath,

Artistic

Director

and Chief Executive of both Factory International and Manchester International Festival, explains what exactly makes this venue so special: “This new venue was born out of a festival of world-firsts, a festival of ambitious new works of scale and invention that premiere in Manchester before travelling the world, and the design of the building really speaks to that. Built with flexibility in mind, the building is based around large, open, adaptable spaces that can be constantly reconfigured, enabling artists to develop and create largescale artistic work of a kind not seen anywhere else in the world.”

Factory International begins a new era for MIF, allowing the festival to become more explosive than ever: “The new venue will of course begin a new chapter for the festival, opening up even more opportunities for artists to make their wildest dreams a reality. This year a major

The new venue will of course begin a new chapter for the festival, opening up even more opportunities for artists to make their wildest dreams a reality.”

MIF is only the beginning of the exciting events that are set to take place at the venue: “In October we are looking forward to presenting our official opening production Free Your Mind, a large-scale immersive performance based on The Matrix films presented across the building’s ultra-flexible spaces. This dramatic retelling through dance, music, and visual effects will bring together the visceral movement of Choreographer Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy with a powerful score from renowned Composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante, world-leading Designer Es Devlin’s large-scale stage sculptures and the work of the acclaimed

INSTALLATION VIEW OF YAYOI KUSAMA’S THE HOPE OF THE POLKA DOTS BURIED IN INFINITY WILL ETERNALLY COVER THE UNIVERSE.

PHOTO: TARNISH VISION

JOHN MCGRATH, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF FACTORY INTERNATIONAL AND MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL.

Before having a venue to call its own, MIF has worked with many iconic Manchester venues, including the Manchester Jewish Museum: “It has been one of the many privileges of the festival to work with and take up residency in many of the city’s vibrant cultural spaces from the magnificently refurbished Manchester Central Library to the young people’s castle of curiosity that is Contact, from the Manchester Jewish Museum’s beautifully transformed synagogue which launched its award winning extension at the 2021 festival to the National Football Museum which will make its festival debut this summer.”

Factory International is also working on a range of training programmes designed to inspire the next generation and encourage future creators: “As well as presenting world-class work, we hope also to become a training ground for the next generation of creators. Our ambition through Factory International is to invite younger and upand-coming artists, particularly those most underrepresented, to aspire to scale and try things out. And through the Factory Academy, we are striving to become a major training centre for local people, equipping them with the skills needed for careers in the creative industries and helping to build the technicians, producers and other creative talent that will bring the future to life.

“We are currently working with six artists based in the North, all at pivotal stages in their career, to scale up their ambition through our Factory Fellows programme – providing insight into how we make work with artists. We have also

offered ten musicians and music professionals financial and artistic support as part of our Factory Sounds programme. Factory Academy is already delivering a range of training opportunities including paid internships, training academies and work experience programmes. Upcoming initiatives include a Producer Pathways course created which will create 20 learning placements and ten living wage paid apprenticeship roles which will provide unrivalled hands-on access to industry experience, and Future Cultural Leaders, where students will work alongside industry leaders, receiving one-to-one support and mentoring to learn the skills needed to be the cultural leaders of tomorrow.”

Factoryinternational.org

JLIFE’S FRONT COVER STORY IN MAY 2022 PREVIEWED THE NEW SPACE.

Writer Sabrina Mahfouz – directed by the legendary Danny Boyle.”

PHOTO: YAYOI KUSAMA

PHOTO: MERLIN NADJ-TORMA

NEW PLAY ‘ALL RIGHT. GOOD NIGHT.’ IN PERFORMANCE.

A Musical Tribute

In the exquisite surroundings of the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), a 600 plus audience was treated to performances by some of the world’s finest Chazanut, accompanied by musicians from the Northern Chamber Orchestra, in honour of a man who selflessly put the spiritual welfare of others first for over forty years.

In addition, he was the head of a dynasty of musicians unlike many in the musical world: his sons, nephews, grandchildren, and grandnephews all came together to sing with Chazan Israel Nachman, a young global superstar among 21st century Chazanim. Two separate choirs, the Jewish Male Voice Choir and the Sameach Choir contributed to the wide variety of cantorial music, some familiar from the Yomim Tovim, and others specially arranged by Tim Dempsey, whose experience as a Choir Master and Composer was honed by his leadership of the Whitefield Synagogue Choir for almost 20 years.

Concert Committee Chairman Mr Avram Bishop explained the reason for this heartfelt tribute to Phillip Rose, saying

that he had, for forty years supported, led, and engaged with the congregation of the synagogue services at Heathlands Village: "His love of the congregants knew no bounds… He was always ready to help any resident who came through the doors, making space, putting on their tallit and welcoming them.

"His home was full of music, but his particular love was for Chazanut and therefore Tim Dempsey's arrangements of some of the pieces would have provided special delight." It certainly did to the audience, many of whom were moved to tears and, occasionally, radiant smiles at the way in which this tribute to Phillip Rose was conducted.

The second half of the concert began with a lively Niggun accompanied by the Sameach Choir which reverberated around the hall, followed by two beautiful, accompanied pieces by Shimon Craimer. Three traditional pieces sung by Chazan Nachman – in which he encouraged the male part of the audience to join him –preceded his grandson and grandnephew’s penultimate contribution 'T'filas Chuppah' which would have brought tears to his eyes.

Mr Bernard Yaffe, Chairman of The

Fed, gave a vote of thanks to all who had participated in this outstanding tribute to a beloved member of Manchester's community and to the RNCM for their particularly exacting expertise in the arrangement of the event.

Talking to one of the organisers afterwards I learned that the Northern Chamber Orchestra had not come into contact with Jewish cantorial music before and had made several adjustments to accommodate it. If so, it didn’t show, and many present echoed the committee’s wish that similar events would be held in the future.

Elaine Bermitz recaps the Phillip Rose Memorial Concert which took place on 26th March.

It was July 2006 when I left home for Gateshead Yeshiva at age 17. I relished the experience and felt like a true grown-up. However, I always found that Friday nights after the meal were challenging – I missed my family at that warm and cosy time of the week. Being honest, I never shared my secret as I felt it would be a blow to my inflated ego. The years passed, I moved to Jerusalem to continue my studies, and unfortunately the Friday night loneliness came along with me. Exactly 12 years ago, things changed when I got engaged. I remember that first Friday night back in Yeshiva after our engagement; the loneliness hit and I took out a letter that Sephy had written from under my pillow. I can still feel the closeness and warmth that enveloped me as I read it again and again. My loneliness left. Forever.

Pesach has Matzah, Sukkot has the Sukka, Lulav and Etrog, Shavuot has …? The only real thing we seem to do aside from the annual cheesecake fress is to stay up on Shavuot evening, learning Torah. Why?

King Louis XIV once had a discussion with the famous 17th century Roman Catholic philosopher and mathematician,

The Letter

Blaise Pascal. The king asked for evidence of the supernatural, and Pascal responded: "The Jews, Your Majesty, the Jews!" Jewish history simply doesn't comply with the rest of history; it does not make sense. Mark Twain, an agnostic and a selfacknowledged sceptic, penned this in 1899 in Harper's Magazine: "The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendour, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away. The Greek and Roman followed, made a vast noise and they are gone. Other peoples have sprung up, and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out and they sit in twilight now or have vanished. The Jew saw them all, beat them all... All things are mortal, but the Jew.”

In His Torah, G-d promises that we will be eternal. However, He seemed to make this promise impossible for Himself to keep. The Japanese have been here for over 2,600 years. What was their model for success? Firstly, there are over 125 million of them. Do we have the same strength in numbers? Absolutely not. We have around 15 million – less than 0.2% of the world’s population –the Torah says we will be few in number. Maybe Japan’s longevity comes from being situated in the middle of nowhere. The Mongols tried twice to invade in 1274 and 1281. Both times they were stopped by typhoons. So G-d places our homeland in the middle of… everywhere – Israel is the meeting point of three continents and has four countries along its borders, all of whom want to wipe us off the face of the planet.

G-d predicts that we will be exiled, dispersed, and always hated. I recently heard a recording from a bar in Arizona, where those present were singing Ali-G’s hit single “Throw the Jew Down the Well” with such gusto. I know that I would hate it if they sung: “Throw the midget down the well” – at 5’3” I’m not sure how I would get out. They would never sing about any other race or religion. But it is fine to sing about the Jew.

And by some miracle we survive. Nevertheless, we would expect this surviving Jew to be lying on the floor, bleeding from every orifice, waiting to be kicked in the head again… yet the Jews are a Light Among the Nations. Not just with over a quarter of the Nobel Prizes, incredible inventions, and academic achievements, but also because of the unified and absolute system of morality they bring to the world, authored by none other than the One above.

And all of this was promised and predestined, together with the guarantee of our eternality. As Twain concluded: “What is the secret of his immortality?"

Looking back at our history, one may feel down – no other nation has endured what we have. It was at this time of year during the 11th and 12th centuries that Europe lost between 30 to 50% of its Jewish community at the hands of the crusader mobs. We feel victimised as Jews. We feel lonely.

So on Shavuot night after the meal, we open up that letter from our loving Father in heaven and we relive the connection created over 3,000 years ago. When we study the Torah and inculcate its values into our own lives, we connect with an Eternal Being, becoming eternal ourselves, regardless of what we have challenging our survival. It is then that we are enveloped with that closeness and warmth, and the loneliness leaves. Forever.

Rabbi Doniel Stern discusses the significance of Shavuot to Jewish identity.

DAIRY

delights

Wow your relatives with two of our favourite delicious dairy recipes for Shavuot.

NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE

Cheesecake is a must for Shavuot, but the process of baking one can be both timeconsuming and tricky. Our no-bake recipe is an easy option that will have anyone who tries it demanding the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

For the base:

• 225g plain digestive biscuits

• 85g unsalted butter, melted

• 50g caster sugar

For the filling:

• 500ml double cream

• 450g cream cheese

• 175g icing sugar

•1 tbsp vanilla extract

METHOD

1. Take a rolling pin and crush the biscuits until they resemble breadcrumbs.

2. Mix with sugar and combine with melted butter.

3. Lay the mixture in the bottom of a well-greased 25cm round cake tin and use the bottom of a clean glass to achieve a flat surface.

4. Leave to set in fridge for 20 minutes.

5. Next, whip the double cream until it forms stiff peaks.

6. In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

7. Fold in the whipped cream slowly, taking care not to over-mix.

8. Spread filling evenly over the biscuit base in the cake tin.

9. Leave in fridge for two hours to set.

TRES LECHES CAKE

Shavuot is all about the dairy, so why not take that to the max with this delicious cake featuring three different kinds of milk plus double cream!

INGREDIENTS

• 100 ml whole milk

• 1 can evaporated milk

• 200 ml sweetened condensed milk

METHOD

• 300ml double cream

• 4 eggs

• 70g icing sugar

• 200g caster sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 200g self-rising flour

• Ground cinnamon for decoration

1. Heat oven to 180°C and grease and line a 20cm square cake tin.

2. Separate the eggs, and whisk whites, adding in 150g of caster sugar a spoonful at a time.

3. In a separate bowl whisk the egg yolks, the remaining caster sugar, and vanilla extract until foamy. Then fold the flour, baking powder, and whole milk until combined.

4. Gently and gradually combine the egg whites with the rest of the mixture until smooth.

5. Pour the mixture into the cake tin and bake for 45 minutes.

6. Mix together the evaporated and condensed milk with 50ml of the cream.

7. Leave cake to cool for 10 minutes then remove from the tin.

8. Poke holes in the surface of the cake and pour over half of the milk mixture.

9. Wait five minutes and pour over the remaining milk mixture.

10. Whip the remaining double cream and icing sugar into whipped cream and spread over the top of the cake. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve in square slices.

Wishing our customers a lovely Yom Tov 43-45 LEICESTER ROAD, SALFORD M7 4AS 0161 792 1652

At Shavuot, there’s only one place for cheesecake in Manchester...

The Girls Here come

Maccabi’s Dancing Strictly returns on 14th June 2023 to the Heys Theatre, Heys School, Prestwich, Manchester.

Helena Williams

Reason for competing:

My fiancee has already won Strictly, we`re getting married in November and I don’t want him to show me up during our first dance.

One word to describe me: Outgoing!

Dalia Warwick

Reason for competing: I want to prove that its never too late to do something you love.

One word to describe me: Lucky!

Nikki Behar

Reason for competing: For a good cause - And to prove I can do it - attempt to dance!!!

One word to describe me: Enthusiastic!

Carolien Lesser

Reason for competing:

To prove that it's never too late to learn to dance or to attempt something new and just to embarrass my kids!

One word to describe me: Busy!

Sophie Behar

Reason for competing: I wanted to do Strictly as I’ve wanted to do it for years, to learn how to dance, get fit and have fun!

One word to describe me: Vivacious!

Nikki Benzaquen

Reason for competing: I want to be involved because I love dancing and want to learn how to do it properly.

One word to describe me: Bubbly!

Natasha Goldstone

Reason for competing:

I have chosen to participate because I would like to have something exciting outside of being a full time working mum. Dancing, singing and acting has been a big part of my life, so this is a perfect opportunity to test myself and join the ballroom.

One word to describe me: Vivacious!

Tanya Farley

Reason for competing:

A number of friends had told me

I would really enjoy the Maccabi’s Dancing strictly challenge, as a middle-aged mum of four I just thought it’s now or never – Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway’ as the saying goes!

One word to describe me: Whirlwind!

For tickets and further information please call Maccabi on 0161 492 0040 or email adam.jackson@manchestermaccabi.org.uk

Community Heart of the

ROYAL SING SONG

Preparations

to mark His Majesty the King’s coronation are well underway for a special celebration at Belong Morris Feinmann’s Didsbury home.

Elderly people residing at Belong Morris Feinmann care village are busy rehearsing for their performance of a lifetime – with a little help from Manchester choir master extraordinaire, Dan McDwyer.

Newly formed last month, The Tomforte Community Choir meets weekly to practise their harmonies ahead of the royal event on 6th May which will see the ensemble, many of whom are living with dementia, perform for fellow residents, family, and friends as part of the coronation festivities programme.

The dementia specialist enlisted the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) alumnus after being inspired by his work with Ariana Grande, Emeli Sandé, and Katherine Jenkins, along with musical direction of thriving community projects focusing on singing for mental health and wellbeing: Manchester Proud Chorus, Altrincham Garrick Show Choir, and The Choir Project – Northenden Choir.

Angela Luckett, Religious and Cultural Coordinator at Belong Morris Feinmann, shares more: “I think our customers are the most engaged I’ve ever seen. Many may not recall the previous week’s rehearsal but when they come, everything just clicks; they remember what we’re doing, the words and the melodies. Thanks to our new best friend, Dan, dementia leaves the room for an hour – it's remarkable.”

Dan McDwyer, Musical Director of The Tomforte Community Choir, explains: “This goes further than a sing-along: we’re

creating a choir who are performers. By using less-familiar songs, our singers have really got to work hard and actively use their brains to learn new melodies to make a beautiful sound, rather than simply repeating songs they already know.”

TOGETHER AGAIN

Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester held its annual iftar in partnership with Khizra Mosque for the first time in three years.

Returning from the pandemic, the iftar by the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester proved to be The Forum's largest ever attendance with over 50

attendees. The Forum’s Muslim Co-Chair, Mohammed Amin, welcomed the guests while Jewish Co-Chair Councillor, Heather Fletcher, was compere for the evening. The event hosted four speakers, Diane Hawkins, Azfal Khan, Sajjad Amin, and Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen and after the formal speeches the guests were treated to a delicious meal provided by Khizra Mosque.

Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen spoke about fasting in Judaism. She reflected that, unlike Islam, Judaism does not have a month of fasting. Instead, Jews fast on solemn festivals. Of these, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of the first month of the Jewish calendar is the most important, with a 25-hour fasting that, like Islam, excludes both eating and drinking, as well as some other activities.

Jackie Harrison, a Jewish member of the Forum’s Executive Committee said: "This was a wonderful evening of unity and friendship with delicious food and hospitality from Khizra Mosque."

Jackie’s mother rarely talked about what had happened during the war. It was only after her uncle and aunt had died that Jackie inherited an archive of material relating to the family back in Germany. Jackie’s mother had managed to get out of Berlin in 1936, following her brother and sister who had already escaped. But Jackie’s grandparents had remained.

One night, on a whim, Jackie searched her grandparents’ names on the web. What she found felt like a sign: four days earlier two Stolpersteine (stumble stones) had been laid in their names outside the house in Berlin where they had once lived. Each listed their name, year of birth, date of deportation to Theresienstadt, and date of their murder by the Nazis.

“The book is about me getting to know these grandparents that I never knew,” Jackie explained. “It was a gradual realisation in childhood that they had not met a normal death. A lot of my generation were brought up in the aftershock of the Second World War and the Holocaust, and our parents wanted a new life and to just start again, so it wasn’t talked about. When I found out about these memorials to my grandparents, that was really the trigger that set the whole thing off. Writing the book was also kind of one in the eye for the Nazis.

BACK TO LIFE

They tried to annihilate them, but this book brings the memory of them back to life.”

Having found out about the stones dedicated to her grandparents after a spur of the moment search – only days after they were placed – was quite the coincidence for Jackie: “I’ve never been someone who believes in some great cosmic order, but I think things do happen at certain times, and I can’t really explain it. All I know is that it did happen, and it was a coincidence. Things are sometimes in the ether and there are times when things are meant to come to the surface. I’m not really a judge of that, all I know is that it’s happened.”

Though this story is deeply personal to Jackie, there are a few things that she would like readers to take away from reading her book: “One thing that I would like to impress on people is that there is evidence when you start digging. Because the Nazis did a lot to obliterate the people they were annihilating. They gave them numbers, made the men take the name Israel and the women Sara as a way of dehumanising them. It’s important to bring back their humanity and see them as people. They’re not only identified by being victims of the Nazis, I want people to see that they were human beings who had normal lives that ended horribly, but that was just the end,

there was a normality before that. And also to show that you can find the evidence, the Nazis were maniacs at keeping records.”

The Memory Keeper is available from all major book retailers.

We sit down with author Jackie Kohnstamm to discuss her deeply personal book, The Memory Keeper.

At Swan’s Events, we are in the business of hosting special events including Bar/Bat Mitzvahs & Simchas.

At our Whitefield venue our clients have the power to personalise every aspect of their event.

From decor to banqueting packages we are here to serve!

Dreams Come True

Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh

Hotel & Spa offers the perfect location for your big day.

When planning a big celebration such as a wedding or Bar Mitzvah, making sure that your venue has everything you need is absolutely essential. Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh is a unique venue ready to make your day one you won’t forget.

The hotel itself is set inside a beautiful 700-year-old country manor house, providing a gorgeous backdrop for photos. The building retains many of its original features, including turrets, porticos, and a vast staircase, offering an atmosphere worthy of the historical setting. However, you don’t have to worry about the venue being outdated, as the hotel was completely refurbished in 2020.

This gorgeous location particularly excels at weddings. Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh offers bespoke wedding packages allowing you to have your day exactly the way you want it, without the high price tag.

The Pendle Suite is the largest of the hotel's exceptional event spaces, able to accommodate up to 300 people. This ballroom boasts a large dance floor and stage allowing you and your guests to dance the night away.

For more intimate events, the Towneley Suite is ideal for those wanting to celebrate with up to 120 guests. Its private bar leads to a glamorous outdoor location for reception drinks and envy-inducing photographs. This beautiful suite with windows on three sides is flooded with natural daylight making it the perfect picturesque location for your dream wedding.

The Dunklaw and Garden Room is able to accommodate over 50 people for ceremonies and up to 60 people for banquets. This gorgeous space is part of the original building and feature a stunning fireplace and mirror, creating an elegant and stylish atmosphere for your event.”

With 175 bedrooms, indoor heated pool and gym facilities and beauty rooms offering a range of treatments, your stay really will be a dream come true.

Accorhotels.com Call for more information on 0125 430 3400

GLAM ROCK

Eurovision this year after being internally selected by Israeli broadcaster KAN back in July 2022. Her song Unicorn is an anthem of self-empowerment and features some lyrics in Hebrew. Noa can be seen showing off some impressive dance moves in the official music video for the song and we can only hope that we’ll get to see these live during the semi-finals (and hopefully finals!).

Käärijä | Cha Cha Cha | Finland

Mae Muller | I Wrote a Song | UK

The UK’s pick for Eurovision this year is Mae Muller performing I Wrote a Song. With the UK’s stellar result in the competition last year, we can hope that this year will be an equally impressive performance, especially with the competition taking place on our home turf. This up-tempo break-up song entered the UK top 40 at number 30, making it a promising contender for this year’s competition.

Tvorchi | Heart of Steel | Ukraine

Heart of Steel is joint host Ukraine’s entry this year, coming from duo act Tvorchi. The pair wrote the song to reflect the resilience of Ukraine’s people throughout the war with Russia, and even added a verse in Ukrainian after they won the Eurovision spot, following a televised competition from inside a bomb shelter. Far from being overly sentimental, the song packs a punch, is full of swagger, and has a good chance of being this year’s winner.

Noa Kirel | Unicorn | Israel

Noa Kirel was the first artist picked for

Eurovision wouldn’t be Eurovision without a slightly more out-there performance, and Finland’s Käärijä provides that in spades with Cha Cha Cha. With neon latex costumes, energetic choreography, and a surprisingly catchy beat, this is Euro-pop at its finest. While the lyrics are in Finnish, the song is fittingly about shaking off stress and letting loose on the dancefloor. This number is sure to be one of the biggest spectacles of the semi-finals so keep your eyes peel for it.

Loreen | Tattoo | Sweden

Sweden’s entry is the current bookmakers’ favourite for this years’ winner, but that doesn’t mean it’s a sure thing. The song’s current odds are down to its popularity – it entered the Swedish charts right at number one after it debuted at Melodifestivalen and has swept across mainland Europe since. The performance was so successful that it doubles as the song’s official music video, featuring some spectacular lighting that we can only hope will be replicated in Liverpool.

If this rundown has got you raring to watch Eurovision, then you’re in luck because a

massive watch party will be taking place in Cheetham Hill food market GRUB on 13th May. You can catch the final live, surrounded by free-flowing drinks and Eurovision inspired eats. GRUB will be using this party to fundraise for Ukraine, with tombola, donation points, pay-per karaoke, and several more fun fundraising activities taking place throughout the evening.

Eurovisionworld.com

Ahead of Eurovision over in Liverpool this month we give our pick of some of the entries to watch out for. And if you haven’t got a ticket for the big night, you can get involved at one of the fan zones in the area, there’ll never be a dull moment...

PHOTO: ANT CLAUSEN, MARKETING LIVERPOOL

PHOTO: EUROVISION.TV

PHOTO: ANT CLAUSEN, MARKETING LIVERPOOL

MAE MULLER IS UK’S ENTRY

Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum on Oxford Road is one of the UK’s largest university museums, featuring around 4.5 million objects across a wide range of subjects such as Egypt and Sudan, Archaeology, Earth Sciences, Entomology, Living Cultures, Zoology, and many more. It’s easy to get lost among this incredible collection and one day may not be enough to see everything!

A particular highlight is the museum’s Vivarium, which is recognised worldwide for its conservation work. Visit a range of amphibians and reptiles, including many critically endangered species. It is unusual for a museum to care for live animals, making this area a must-see when you visit. Museum.manchester.ac.uk

Memories to Muse

more recent conflicts in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Afghanistan.

You can even check out a shooting simulator made to emulate the Annual Combat Marksmanship Test. The experience uses authentic replica firearms as well as high-quality screens and graphics to put you literally in the firing range.

Fusiliermuseum.com

Science and Industry Museum

First opening in 1969, the Science and Industry Museum on Liverpool Road is the place to go if you want to explore the inventions and discoveries that began their life in Manchester. The museum itself sits on a heritage site comprising five listed buildings, two of them, the original terminus of the world’s first inter-city railway and the characteristic 1830 warehouse, are Grade I listed.

National Football Museum

Since Manchester is home to two of the country’s biggest football teams, it’s no surprise that the National Football Museum resides here. The museum was established and made available to the public in 2001, originally at Preston North End’s ground, and houses an extensive range of footballrelated artifacts and documents, known as the Football Heritage Collection in its current Medieval Quarter location.

There are over 40,000 items housed in the museum’s Resource Centre and around 2,500 are on display at the museum at any one time. The location is also home to a robust programme of exhibitions throughout the year, exploring cultural and creative themes that truly represent the role of football in society and our lives.

Nationalfootballmuseum.com

The venue is also the host of the Manchester Science Festival, which brings science to life for people of all ages, attracting the best scientists from Manchester and beyond to showcase current research.

Scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk

The Fusilier Museum

This lesser-known museum sits in the heart of Bury and recounts the history of the XX Lancashire Fusiliers (LF) and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (RFF). The museum is made up of two main galleries, one for each regiment. The LF gallery tells the story of the 20th Regiment of Foot and the Lancashire Fusiliers from 1688 to 1968, when they then became part of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. The RRF gallery continues the story for the regiment right up to the present day with a closer look at

Manchester Jewish Museum

The Manchester Jewish Museum first opened in 1984 and is housed inside a beautiful a Grade II listed former Spanish and Portuguese synagogue in Cheetham Hill, which has been sitting in the area since 1874. Fresh from a £6 million redevelopment and extension the site features a gallery, vegetarian café, shop and learning studio and kitchen, as well as a restored synagogue described by Historic England as “one of the highlights of Victorian Gothic architecture in the country.”

The museum holds over 31,000 items in its collection, documenting the story of Jewish migration and settlement in Manchester. Also, worth checking out is the exciting cultural events diary including music acts and plays.

Manchesterjewishmuseum.com

In honour of International Museums Day on 18th May we look what Manchester’s scene has to offer.

Your home i s w her e y ou f ee l t he most c omf or t able and the happies t It is t he place y ou k now t he bes t. If you want to st ay li v ing comfor t abl y at home, Home Ins t ead ® can help make t ha t possible.

Your home i s w her e y ou f ee l t he most c omf or t able and the happies t. It is t he place y ou k now t he bes t. If you want to st ay li v ing comfor t abl y at home, Home Ins t ead ® can help make t ha t possible.

Home Help

Home Help

Companionship

Companionship

Per sonal C are

Per sonal C are

Dementia C are

Dementia C are

A dementia diagnosis is something many families fear as they see their loved ones get older. There are a whole host of symptoms, including memory loss, mood changes, and problems with reasoning and communication. The most common diagnosis is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are over a hundred conditions classed as dementia, such as dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s dementia. While a diagnosis might be expected, it can be difficult knowing who to turn to for support.

Organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK do a great job explaining the support that is available and pointing people in the right direction. But it can be overwhelming receiving so many leaflets and being directed to countless websites. Home Instead can act as a single source of advice for families facing the challenges of dementia. But not only that, when you get in touch, you can rest assured that you’re speaking to someone who has already helped so many people in the same position as you.

With the right support in place, the best place to receive dementia care is your own home. We offer free consultations with a care manager trained to give you advice and devise a care plan tailored to you. The training our care professionals receive is City & Guilds assured, and they are wellequipped to not only provide practical day-

DEMENTIA Dealing with

to-day support, but also support somebody emotionally as a source of comfort.

We always introduce care professionals to the client and their family before they provide any care; we never send a stranger to the front door. Continuity is critical to providing exceptional care, so we ensure our clients see the same care professionals every visit. It helps both parties bond and develop a strong relationship, particularly since they’re matched according to personality traits and shared interests. A strong, lasting relationship doesn’t only mean care visits being more enjoyable; care professionals can also pick up on any changes that they see in the client and flag any health concerns.

Of course, as needs change the care plan must reflect that. Perhaps the dementia has progressed and an hour a day isn’t enough? We review care plans on a regular basis and discuss suggested changes with the client and their family. There’s a lot to be gained from speaking to us shortly after a diagnosis, even if care isn’t needed at that point. We can help you plan for the future so that introducing care doesn’t have to be rushed and is stress-free.

As a local business, we can signpost families to helpful organisations in the area which we work closely with. This includes support groups like the Alzheimer’s Society’s singing groups and Dignifying Dementia in Prestwich. There are countless families facing the same challenges as you,

and groups like this are a chance to share tips and understand you aren’t the only one in these circumstances.

Dealing with what comes following a dementia diagnosis doesn’t have to be a stressful time. Get in touch with Home Instead and we can introduce another pair of safe hands to support your loved one, and help you continue enjoying the time you spend together.

Homeinstead.co.uk/bury

kevin.winch@homeinstead.co.uk

0161 796 2988 (Bury)

0161 870 1136 (Altrincham)

0161 884 0562 (South Manchester)

Home Instead helps families understand dementia after facing diagnosis, creating a unique care plan with a personal and friendly experience.

Hampton Court Palace | London England

Just under an hour from London, Hampton Court Palace is Henry VIII’s former home after his marriage to Anne Boleyn. Originally built by his councillor and member of the clergy, Thomas Wolsey, the building of the palace began in 1514. Still in possession of the crown, Hampton Court Palace is a symbol of Tudor History and marvellously maintained for any history buffs. Attractions include the Tudor Kitchens, the Great Hall, and the fountain in the courtyard which used to flow with wine for King Henry’s courtiers. Hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace

Chateau De Versailles | Versailles France

The Chateau De Versailles is the decadent home of The Sun King, Louis XIV. Originally a hunting lodge for Louis XIII built in 1623, the palace was expanded from 1661 to 1715 to the 2,300 roomed palace it is today. Attractions at Versailles include the 2,000-acre gardens displaying fountain shows throughout the day, the King’s Private Apartments, Marie-Antoinette’s Private Chambers, and the Hall of Mirrors which contains 578 mirrors facing 17 windows, creating a perfectly sunlight room. Just under an hour outside of Paris, Versailles is a pinnacle of European royal history. En.chateauversailles.fr

Neuschwanstein Castle | Schwangau Germany

The castle which inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and artwork from

renowned artist, Andy Warhol, lies just 45 minutes outside of Munich. Just like its Disney counterpart, Neuschwanstein appears to be sitting atop a mountain as if by magic. Commissioned by Ludwig II, remembered by history as Mad King Ludwig for his ambitious architectural antics, Neuschwanstein is no exception. Situated over 3,000 ft above sea level, the castle began construction in 1869 and was completed with many contemporary technological advancements like hot water, a battery powered bell system for servants, and telephone lines.

Neuschwanstein.de/englisch

The Tower of London | London England

The Tower of London, home to the crown jewels and an iconic building in England’s history. Situated in the borough of Tower Hamlets, The Tower is a 30-minute tube ride from Central London. The oldest part of the structure dates back to William The Conqueror in 1078 with other expansions taking place up until 1399. The Palace also

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

THE TOWER OF LONDON

THE HOFBURG

KING OF THE CASTLE

In honour of King Charles III’s

and rebuilding happening throughout its use. Visit the oldest section of the castle, St Margaret’s Chapel, hear the one o’clock gun, which used to be fired for ship’s crews to tell the time, and visit the Honours of Scotland, some of the oldest crown jewels in Britain. You can also take part in the site’s immersive experience Fight for the Castle, an exhibition telling the dramatic story of Edinburgh Castle during the Wars of Independence.

Edinburghcastle.scot

functioned as a prison from 1100 until 1952 with historical figures such as Sir Walter Raleigh, Lady Jane Grey, and Elizabeth I held prisoner there. The Tower is also home to historical mysteries such as the unsolved disappearance of the imprisoned Princes in the Tower in the 1480s.

Hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london

The Hofburg| Vienna | Austria

Formerly the residence of the Austrian line of the imperial dynasty, the Habsburgs, today the Hofburg remains at the centre of Viennese arts, culture, and politics. Positioned in the city centre the palace is easily accessible to those visiting Vienna. See the Sisi Museum, a homage to the celebrated Empress Elisabeth, overlook the Spanish Riding School and its world-famous Lipizzaners, displaying the highest standard of horse-riding art, and walk through The Imperial Apartments to uncover what royal life was like for Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elizabeth.

Wien.info/en

Edinburgh Castle | Edinburgh Scotland

Edinburgh Castle has an unmissable presence over Edinburgh’s city centre, the castle was occupied from as early as the 11th century to the 17th century with extensions

coronation, here are our picks of royal hotspots in Europe.

CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES

EDINBURGH CASTLE

PHOTO: MYRABELLA

PHOTO: DANIEL KRAFT

NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE

BOOK IT IN!

In honour of Children’s Book Week taking place in May, JLife picks some inspirational children’s books to inspire change.

Returning for its 104th year, Every Child A Reader Children’s Book Week has chosen Read Books. Spark Change as its 2023 theme, drawing on the influence books have to inspire positive change. These stories will last a lifetime with the young ones in your life.

Little People, BIG DREAMS series

Maria Isabel Sánchez | Frances Lincoln Publishers

With over 150 titles, the Little People, BIG DREAMS series creates autobiographies of inspirational famous figures for children. With books on every interest from sports players and scientists to artists and historical figures there’s a life story to inspire everyone. Their ever-expanding repertoire includes stories from Michelle Obama, Frida Kahlo, Alan Turing, and Jane Austen.

Littlepeoplebigdreams.com

The WorrySaurus

Rachel Bright | Hachette Children's Group

Inspiring children to be open about their mental health, The Worrysaurus follows the story of a little dinosaur who struggles with overthinking. Showing children it’s ok to worry, the Worrysaurus overcomes his worries by thinking of advice his mother gave him. With playful illustration by Chris Chatterton and easy to read, rhyming verses on each page Rachel Bright’s book is a positive reminder the Worrysaurus in us all can be soothed.

Waterstones.com

The Cones books series

Chris Madeley | Fisher King Publishing

The Cones books are a series by Chris Madeley which teach children about how to stay safe while playing near roads, railway stations, and building sites. It also features books on sustainability topics like the production of clean energy and the effects of air pollution on our health. Through friendly traffic cone characters, illustrated by Zara Hussain, children can understand how to spark change in their lives and have a safe, environmentally friendly future.

Theconesbooks.co.uk

Mix It Up Hervé Tullet | Chronicle Books

Spark positive change in your child’s life by encouraging creativity. Hervé Tullet’s Mix

It Up breaks the mould of picture books by inviting readers to press, shake, and tilt the book to mix the colours on the page together to see what they create on the next. One of a series, Tullet’s latest book, Tap Tap Tap, explores the mode of dance – perfect for aspiring young performers. With these inventive and interactive storybooks children can explore the endless and exciting world of paint, colour, and touch – without the mess!

Waterstones.com

Charlie and Lola: I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato Lauren Child | Hachette Children's Group

Sometimes sparking positive change means tackling the mundane. Charlie and Lola’s classic story about fussy eating transforms negative associations with food by creating quirky stories behind the foods you think you don’t like. Lauren Child’s charming illustration captures the magic behind each one of Charlie’s tales to change Lola’s mind about eating tomatoes, peas, and mashed potatoes.

Waterstones.com

TAKING COUNCIL

Even before he and his family moved from St Annes to Manchester Mark Adlestone OBE DL was involved in communal affairs. His vision of Anglo-Jewry as one mutually enhancing unit became more of a possibility when, in the early 2000’s, he began to observe what was going on in the second largest Jewish community in the UK. Thirty thousand Jews, served by institutions which were largely unconnected apart from their membership to a Representative Council which was more inward than outward looking.

As the third generation Chairman of Beaverbrooks, a well-established high street jeweller, he was in a position to advise charitable institutions who began to seek his help in changing direction. Among those was Heathlands, one of the largest Jewish residential care homes in the UK, who sought amalgamation with The Fed, its sister social care organisation.

Having carefully examined the drawbacks and advantages of such a merger, the process he proposed became a reality through sale of assets, acquisition of funds and movement of personnel, reorganisation of services and restructuring of volunteers and trustees. None of this was done quickly or easily, but the plans which he proposed resulted in a

streamlined, efficient organisation, capable of adjusting to the upsurge in requirements for elderly Jewish care, which has been reflected in the wider society and continues to grow.

Exchanging his position at Heathlands for that of Patron – a role shared only with the late Lady Beryl Steinberg and the Chief Rabbi – he served as the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and was then involved in Beaverbooks’ centenary celebrations.

In the meantime, having become a Trustee of the Jewish Leadership Council, he was approached to Chair the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region. Another challenge, this time requiring an examination of the Rep Council’s current structure. Mark commissioned this by appointing Pat JonesGreenhalgh, formerly an interim CEO of Bury Council. In the light of this year long survey and his connections with the JLC and fellow advisor, now CEO, Marc Levy, whose experience of soft diplomacy among MPs left him with personal knowledge of in excess of 200 of the UK’s MPs, Mark considered the challenge of reorienting the JRC.

With a clear mandate by the Council and with the support of 12 handpicked people,

this new project began in 2022, having in mind that by 2025 a new partially appointed and partially elected executive would be required and that they would endeavour to support the entire community in a spirit of mutual help, financial assistance, and with connections to all the representatives in the wider community.

Working from the start with the newly formed Alliance of Charedi Representatives is an inspired step, when almost 40% of all Manchester Jews are in that community, and another is to understand the vital need for trustworthy communication between both arms of the faith. Neither can work without one another, but both can work together with respect, a point which the Charedi side of Manchester Jewry has taken firmly on board, attending quarterly meetings and seeking advice as to how to approach secular institutions.

By 2026, with continued good governance, the Council will sit firmly between the role of the JLC and the Board of Deputies, as facilitators, communicators, and stakeholders in a thriving, mutually supportive community, proud and secure within the wider community.

Elaine Bermitz sits down with Jewish Representative Council Chair Mark Adlestone to discuss the organisation’s direction.

“How do I look?” A close friend looks for your approval and wants you to sign off on their fashion sense. Yet, you know their style is off and it’s simply awful! The dilemma is do you tell them or not? You are a comrade and a confidant. You are not their Simon Cowell. Concluding that a lie for the greater good is best, you fib. A murmur of falsehood contaminates the air with your disingenuous compliment, but your friend feels uplifted by your endorsement.

Then comes the follow up: “Please be honest!” They say they want the truth. They insist that an honest judgement is important. Still, you know that the truth hurts…

Let’s return to Simon Cowell. The Britain’s Got Talent judge once told an underwhelming contestant: “It was dreadful, and I am saying that to be kind to you because you will never ever have a future in singing.”

Ouch! Doesn’t the truth sting? Simon, though, claims he was being kind. After all, vaccination needles also hurt but they protect us and so should the truth. The thing is that even if needles hurt, we could always try alleviating the pain. A good dentist will numb the gum and a skilled surgeon will insist on an equally skilled anaesthetist.

Babies & Bagels

For Parents in South Manchester

£6 per session

Lunch provided

10:30am at Hale Shule

Mums, Dads & Grandparents Come hang out with your babies (0-3yrs). Enjoy entertainers, music, crafts, baking, & more. Make friends & relationships that will last a lifetime!

To book, contact Rebbetzen Leanne 07715 870164 or Tova Levine 07946 114518

Parking on Premises Every Wed. morning!

UJIA Shaliach, Sahar Sazgar Shlichut, fostering a love of

Our dilemma between hurting with the truth or opting for a peaceful sugar-coating is debated in the Talmud. The sages Hillel and Shammai debate what one should tell a bride who doesn’t look her best on her wedding night. Hillel celebrates human feelings and is happy to let the truth slip aside. Shammai says we should say it like it is.

“For the Lord your G-d is bringing you to a good land, a land with brooks of water, fountains and depths, that emerge in valleys and mountains”

(Devarim 7:7)

I would like to focus on Shammai. He does not tell us to hurt the person. He simply says that we should not lie to distort reality. In reality, there is always some positivity.

As a Shaliach that spends most of his time with the young generation of the Jewish community, my primary responsibility is to educate. The real challenge of my Shlichut is the understanding that my role is not just to educate towards a certain formal behaviour, but also to enhance and promote a particular feeling – ‘ahavat ha’aretz’, love of country.

shaped my growing up process. During trips throughout know every mountain and and stories and traditions, an integral part of my life. that Israel is my home always enhance my knowledge that formed my identity. and knowledge advances, follows.

If we are honest, then we can find an objectively good feature in anyone. We may need to probe but it is there. If we seek the best in others, we will find good. It is not a cover up or a shallow compliment. A person who seeks good can bring out good and can share good. Once we are able to do so, then perhaps the person might even be on board with learning about some true improvements as well.

Currently, there is a community-wide project run by Seed and Gift, encouraging clean speech. The truth doesn’t have to hurt because in truth everyone has good in them. Let’s find it!

Yeshurun.org.uk

But how does one educate those feelings and more specifically, a love of Israel? As a young Israeli, a ‘chanich’ in a youth movement and a high school student who was extremely motivated before and during his army service, ‘ahavat ha’aretz’ had been an instrumental value that

Still, the challenge remains: educate young people who to love Israel and have these towards the Jewish state? unconditional love is achieved accept the occasional negativities. I have the privilege to Jewish generation to love explaining the facts. The perfect country, it’s young learning. At the same time, accomplished so many achievements last 71 years, a fact that granted.

Garage Management Paul and Rachel 0161 767 9922

Monday to Friday 8.15am-5.15pm Saturday 9am-1pm