JLife Manchester May-June 2024

Shavuot

Some savoury dairy recipes and insight on the festival. Starts page 10.

Spring Homestyle

Explore some bold colour options, get your garden in shape and much more in our spring homestyle extravaganza. Page 14.

Hale Village

We discover what’s been happening at the village, including some upcoming events and some new initiatives. Page 30.

The Yoms

Find out about all the events organised across the community for the Yoms this year. Page 39.

Father’s Day

Check out some crafts with the kids and nail the gift this year with some local experiences he’ll love. Starts page 43.

PUBLISHER

Elliot Landy

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Richard Shawcross

FEATURES EDITOR

Emily Stone

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Katerina Hough

DIGITAL MARKETING

Tracey Cleminson

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rob Clayton Photography

Tanya Duman Photography

Caroline White Photography

Lawrence Purcell Photography

Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post

Bury Council

YOUR REGULARFEATURES

JLife Meets…

Yoni Diller, a survivor of the Hamas attack on Nova Festival, recounts his harrowing experience. Page 28.

Dr Tal Sadeh discusses the higher risk of breast cancer in the Jewish community and urges people to get tested for the BRCA gene. Page 60.

Hugo de Burgh talks to us about his new book, To the River, set in Second World War Italy. Page 37

Chief Executive of Manchester Jewish Housing Association, David Mintz, talks us through the association’s new engagement programmes. Page 74.

Community

Check out the latest news, events, and simchas across the community. Starts page 9.

Sustainability

For Clean Air Month we take a look at some green developments around the city. Page 21.

Urban Gardens

Discover the healing power of green spaces in our city and which Manchester urban gardens are worth a visit. Page 26.

Spring Fashion & Beauty

Get ready to hit the sands with our beachwear recommendations and tackle your sensitive skin with a look at the ins and outs of skincare. Starts page 40.

PUBLISHER'S

Our May edition and Spring Homestyle is here, with home interior and garden ideas front and centre.

Talking of gardens, a recent RHS event at Depot Mayfield got us thinking about Manchester’s wonderful green spaces, we head over to Hale Village for our annual catch up, and with Shavuot on the horizon, we’ve some nice dairy treats to win! We continue to pray for all those in the midst of the war and campaign for all hostages to be freed,

Allanah-vann.com & Robcrawshawphoto.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Alexander Knight

Allanah Vann

David Mintz

Dr Sabir

Dr Tal Sadeh

Elaine Bermitz

Hale Civic Society

Hill’s Bakery

Hugo de Burgh

Julie Burniston

Marc Levy

Mark Lane Or Ribon

Rabbi Doniel Stern

Rabbi Greg Bank Yoni Diller

PUBLISHED BY: JLIFE LTD.

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TEL: 0845 052 2911

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Printing PMG Print Management

Competition

Win one of three one litre tubs of luxury ice cream from Prestwichbased ice cream parlour Glida worth £22 each! Page 50.

New Openings

Check the latest new retail and leisure hotspots across Manchester. Page 53.

Volunteer Week

In honour of Volunteer Week in June, we signpost some excellent Manchester charities looking for eager volunteers. Page 67.

some amazing community events and initiatives have taken and will take place around the Yoms; but also we must celebrate the many lovely Simchas loudly. Lots happening for Volunteer’s Week in June, plus Father’s Day, travel, fashion and skincare ideas with all the latest community and business news.

It’s a wrap for this one, but follow us on socials for the latest news and events.

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); Didsbury, Hale, Cheadle Hulme, Wilmslow); Tesco Extra (Altrincham, Bury, Handforth); Total Fitness; United Co-op (Altrincham, Unsworth); Whitefield Golf Club; WM Morrisons (Whitefield).

in to.

And the winner is… Congrats to Maxine Sacks, who won an overnight stay for two at Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa.

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

JOSHUA GLYNNE WAS RECENTLY CALLED UP!

FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAME TO PARTY WITH HIM ON HIS BIG DAY.

JOSHUA WAS ON TOP OF THE WORLD!

KING DAVID HIGH SCHOOL RECENTLY PERFORMED A SHOWSTOPPING RENDITION OF WE WILL ROCK YOU.

HE CELEBRATED HIS BAR MITZVAH AT HIS HOME IN SOUTH MANCHESTER.

THE JUKEBOX MUSICAL SHOWCASES QUEEN’S GREATEST HITS INCLUDING BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, KILLER QUEEN, AND ITS TITLE SONG WE WILL ROCK YOU.

THE SHOW WAS PERFORMED BY ITS YOUNG AND TALENTED CAST FOR FOUR NIGHTS AT MIDDLETON ARENA.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Jumping into Purim

Camp Simcha’s Manchester families jumped right into the Purim festivities with an unforgettable party at Airobounce Trampoline Park. Packed with wall-to-wall non-stop entertainment, Camp Simcha children and their siblings were in a haven of inflatable fun, bouncing on trampolines and striving for that hole-in-one in the ultraviolet, space-themed, crazy golf course.

There was plenty of enjoyment to be had by the adults also – with a game or two of pool releasing that competitive edge!

Seven-year-old Elliot Wood along with his mother, Shavana, from Prestwich, joined in the fun at this year’s Purim extravaganza. Elliot was diagnosed with a rare disorder of the immune and nervous system known as Chediak Higashi Syndrome, alongside several other conditions, including ocular albinism causing blindness.

Explaining how special the events are to both her and Elliot, Shavana said: “I barely saw Elliot all afternoon. The second we arrived he was off with his friends and the volunteers, some that he had met at the Camp Simcha retreat a few months ago.

“It was also great for me to spend quality time with other Camp Simcha mums who have now become good friends. We catch up with each other, and don’t just chat about the kids – we are able to natter and laugh about everyday happenings.”

Events Hosted at The Fed

The Fed recently hosted a free all-female event aimed at empowering women through education about how to thrive through menopause. Led by good friends Jude Moryoussef – a personal trainer and perito-post menopause wellness specialist, and Suzy Glaskie – a podcaster and functional medicine health coach, the session was jampacked with tips to help improve the lives of women during their middle to later years.

This isn’t all The Fed has had going on, as residents and staff at Beach House at Heathlands Village – a Fed-run care home providing specialist care for people living with dementia – welcomed two special visitors to their musical therapy session on Tuesday morning. They were joined by young musicians, Antony Szmierek and Mica Millar, both of whom are shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year at the Northern Music Awards, being held at Albert Hall, Manchester. Organised by the UK’s largest music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, the event – the first of its kind to celebrate Northern talent – is raising money to help the national charity to open new dedicated music therapy space in Greater Manchester.

Carry On Touring

This year’s Israel Tour will go ahead as scheduled for this summer with additional security measures in place. A UJIA spokesperson said: “Gap year participants have already returned to their programmes and this summer’s Israel Tours and next year’s gap year programmes are expected to go ahead. “We continue to work towards safe, secure, and meaningful Israel experiences for summer 2024.”

Free Workshops and 150th Event at Museum

Manchester Jewish Museum is to host a month of songwriting sessions led by music and theatre company, The Telling.

Exploring the power of music and song to tell stories, the three workshops in May are free to attend and will each be two hours long. They are open to anyone over the age of 18 and all levels of experience from beginner to seasoned musicians are welcome to attend. There’s no need to bring anything with you to the sessions but if you’d like to bring an instrument, you’d be more than welcome to. If you have any questions about the group, you can email Gemma at Gemma@manchesterjewishmuseum.com

Manchester Jewish Museum will also be hosting a 150th birthday celebration of its synagogue on 6th May, a bank holiday. Visitors are invited to a full day programme of new exhibitions, live performances, and activities for all ages all free of charge.

Marathon Runner Honours Grandparents

Noah Silver ran the Manchester Marathon to fundraise for Pancreatic Cancer UK after it claimed the lives of both his grandparents. His grandfather, Sidney passed on from the disease in 1989, whereas his grandmother recently passed away from the illness in 2022. Noah completed the race in under four hours and has so far raised a groundbreaking £1,600 for Pancreatic Cancer UK, he said: “In grandma’s case the investment in research over the intervening years allowed her to be treated and to live for seven years after contracting this awful disease. This meant she could share and enrich the lives of her eight grandchildren as well as attending many life events. This is why I’m fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer UK.”

Rescheduled Conference Announced

The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) has rescheduled its Trustees’ Conference in partnership with the Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) on 9th May. The event is aimed at all trustees of communal organisations, small, medium, and large to come together and learn from their peers and experts.

The Trustees’ Conference was originally intended to take place last year but was postponed due to the situation in Israel. Proceeding its London event, where over 70 chairs’, trustees’, and CEOs joined the event for an informative evening of learning, discussion, and networking, you can buy a ticket on its website for £55 per person or £35 for under 35s.

While usually aimed at Chairs, Trustees, aspiring Trustees, CEOs, and shul boards, in light of the atrocities of October 7th and the support its sector has received, the JLC extends its invitations to the Trustees’ Conference to all who are interested in being more involved in communal life. Encouraging those to join and find out more about the role of a trustee and the organisations that make up the sector.

Book Awards Seeks Authors and Illustrators

Green Bean Books and the Jewish Literary Foundation has launched its fourth annual Jewish Children’s Book Awards which awards Jewish unpublished authors and illustrators. The winner’s, one author and one illustrator, will receive a £1,000 prize and their work will be considered for publication by Green Bean Books. The Jewish Children’s Book Awards 2025 details a full submission criterion on its website which entails a drawing prompt for illustrators to rework an image in their own style, and for writers a guideline of 1,200 words and an age range of readers aged four to eight. All entrants must be aged 16 or over and must be submitted by 5pm on 28th October.

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY LONDON CALLING

The Friendship Circle took on London and later spread joy for Purim with a mega party.

machines, face painting and pizza.

It’s been a busy few months for The Friendship Circle. 20 of the charity’s members spent three unforgettable days touring London this spring.

A trip to the Houses of Parliament was a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of the members thanks to Mark Levy, Chief Executive of the Jewish Rep Council, who organised an exclusive behind the scenes tour.

In addition to a boat ride down the Thames, drinks at Sky Garden – enjoying stunning panoramic views across the capital – and a tour of the historic Tower of London, members also spent time shopping in Covent Garden and Camden Market. Last but not least, another highlight of the trip was a visit to Buckingham Palace where they witnessed the Changing of The Guard – and spotted King Charles being driven past!

The group also later also spread joy for Purim. Baking hamantashen is a firm favourite of the members, and the charity’s mega party was attended by over 120 people who enjoyed a rolling ice cream bar, candyfloss, arcade

As well as making packs for the elderly with GIFT, the organisation distributed hundreds of packs full of treats and goodies to both members and volunteers. And of course, the traditional megillah readings brought happiness to all those who joined!

BRAZIL VISIT

Heathland’s Village welcomed staff from a Brazilian Jewish care home, who were impressed with Heathland’s spirit.

PAULO’S RESIDENCIAL ISRAELITA ALBERT EINSTEIN; CARLA PATRICIA GROSSI PALACIO ALVES, THE BRAZILIAN HOME’S CARE COORDINATOR; AND LIANA MELO, MEDLOGIC PROJECT MANAGER.

Heathlands Village’s senior management team was delighted to host a delegation of counterparts from São Paulo’s Residencial Israelita Albert Einstein (Albert Einstein Jewish Home) and MedLogic UK on 9th April. The Albert Einstein is home to approximately 120 people and serves the Jewish community of about 25,000. MedLogic offers scientifically validated tools to improve the wellbeing of the elderly and optimise the positive cash flow of care homes.

Gideon Klaus, Vice Chairman of the British Israel Chamber of Commerce, introduced the British and Brazilian teams and facilitated the Albert Einstein and MedLogic visit to the UK, suggesting that the delegates from São Paulo prioritise a visit to The Fed run care home despite their packed schedule.

The Brazilian team – comprising General Manager Nivia Pires Collavitti, Care Coordinator Carla Patricia Grossi Palacio Alves, owner of MedLogic, Daniel Melo, and Project

Manager Liana Melo – was accompanied throughout their visit.

The Fed’s CEO, Mark Cunningham, and Director of Clinical Care, Karen Johnson, provided a comprehensive tour of the village’s facilities, including Willow Tree House, the activity centre, hairdressing salon, shop, and atrium. The teams discussed and compared their respective cultures and care delivery practices.

Asked what they took away from their visit, Pires Collavitti noted the strong similarities in their approach to caring for the elderly and the use of digital software for recording care, which allows more time for carer-resident contact.

“You can feel life is here. This place has ‘alma’ – soul – and you can feel the Jewish culture pervading everything.”

Following the meeting, Mark reflected on how positive it had been: “To host and meet colleagues from outside the UK who deliver a similar service to our own and to have an opportunity to share experiences, learning, and understanding.”

KAREN JOHNSON, FED DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL CARE; MARK CUNNINGHAM, FED CHIEF EXECUTIVE; DANIEL MELO, OWNER OF MEDLOGIC; GIDEON KLAUS, VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH ISRAEL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; NIVIA PIRES COLLAVITTI, GENERAL MANAGER OF SÃO

Dairy Delights

Cheesecake and sweet treats are Shavuot staples, but for those with less of a sweet tooth, here are two savoury dairy-heavy recipes to celebrate the festival with.

SpinachAndCheeseBorekas

Ingredients

1packageofpuffpastrydough,thawed 250gfrozenspinach,thawedanddrained 250gofcrumbledfetacheese 125gcupofshreddedmozzarellacheese 60gcupofgratedParmesancheese 1egg,beaten(foreggwash) Saltandpeppertotaste

CreamyMushroomAndLeekQuiche

Ingredients

1pre-madepiecrust 1tablespoonofoliveoil

1leek,thinlysliced 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced 4eggs1cupofheavycream 1cupofshreddedGruyerecheese Saltandpeppertotaste Freshchoppedparsleyforgarnish(optional)

Method 1. Preheatyourovento190Candlinea bakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.

2. Inamixingbowl,combinethespinach, feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and peppertotaste.

3. Rolloutthepuffpastrydoughandcut itintosquares.

4. Placeaspoonfulofthespinachandcheese mixtureontoeachsquareofdough.

5. Foldthedoughoverthefillingtoforma triangleandsealtheedgesbypressing themtogetherwithafork.

6. Placethefilledborekasontotheprepared bakingsheet.

7. Brushthetopsoftheborekaswiththe beateneggwash.

8. Bakeinthepreheatedovenfor15to20 minutes,oruntiltheborekasaregolden brownandcrispy.

Method

1. Preheatyourovento190C.

2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and mushrooms, and sauté until softened, about five to seven minutes. Seasonwithsaltandpeppertotaste.

3. Inamixingbowl,whisktogethertheeggsand heavycreamuntilwellcombined.

4. StirintheshreddedGruyerecheeseintothe eggmixture.

5. Placethepre-madepiecrustintoapiedish. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.

6. Spreadthesautéedleekandmushroommixture evenlyoverthebottomofthepiecrust.

7. Pourtheeggandcheesemixtureovertheleek andmushroomlayer.

8. Bakeinthepreheatedovenfor30to35 minutes,oruntilthequicheissetandgolden brownontop.

9. Allowthequichetocoolforafewminutes beforeslicing.

10. Garnishwithfreshchoppedparsleyif desired, then slice and serve.

Shavuot and Showerheads

Rabbi Doniel Stern shares some thoughts on desensitisation to pleasure around Shavuot.

With his piercing blue eyes and chiselled chin, companies were falling over themselves to have Avichai be ‘their’ model. Shortly after completing his army service in the elite Duvdevan unit, Avichai became ‘the’ male supermodel in Israel. Within a very short amount of time, the catwalks of Milan and New York heard about Avichai, and he started to get bookings from designers such as D&G and YSL.

Avichai was asked by a secular friend at one point if he was going to eat on Yom Kippur. “Why not?” he responded. The secular friend asked him how he could be so brazen. Avichai answered back: “You are a hypocrite; you fast on Yom Kippur yet you don't eat kosher or keep Shabbat. Either it is all true or none of it is.” He began searching for a more spiritual dimension to his life, and one of his last stops was at a Buddhist centre. The leader of the centre didn't know that he was a Jew, yet told him “My son, the only place where spiritual faith and intellectual knowledge come together is in Judaism. Go and study those books.”

I would like to focus on one of the arguments within that discussion of over three hours.

Avichai asked the Rabbi: “How can you live such a restricted lifestyle – you have zero pleasure?”

The Rabbi responded simply: “We have more physical pleasure in life than you do.” Avichai laughed and challenged him to demonstrate his point. The Rabbi asked: “What do you do when you pass a billboard featuring an immodest image?” In typical Jewish fashion, Avichai retorted “Nu, what do you do?” He said softly “I will try not to look. 99% of the time I will be successful but if I do glimpse at the image it will play on my mind for quite some time. Now your turn, would you look?” Avichai replied: “Yes.” The Rabbi queried: “Does it do anything for you?” Avichai laughed: “I'm surrounded by these things 24/7. It doesn’t impact me at all.”

The Rabbi gazed into Avichai’s piercing blue eyes: “That proves my point. At 24 years old, at the peak of your drive for physical pleasure, something that G-d made with tremendous beauty does nothing for you. Shocking, yet I maintain a tremendously powerful sensitivity for such pleasure.”

I like to compare this to a shower. When you open all of the holes on the showerhead, the pressure is relatively low. However when only the central holes are open, the pressure is incredible. Our Loving Father in heaven created us to have maximum pleasure. He gave us a system through the Torah that closes many avenues of gratification, but it is precisely this that allows us to retain the sensitivity for immense pleasure.

The Shavuot celebration of receiving of the Torah has many dimensions. The Torah gives us the ability to build a stunning relationship with the One Above. The Torah provides the tools to successfully navigate a physical world, while building a spiritual eternity. And even on a superficial level, it gives us the ability to maximise physical pleasure, eternally.

Today, Avichai dresses like a penguin, sporting a long silver beard and curly payot. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife and many kids, spending his days immersed in Torah study, living the life G-d has in mind for all; a life of intense pleasure.

AVRIL AND ANTHONY BLASEBALK CELEBRATED THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

LEO NADLER WAS CALLED UP AT WHITEFIELD SHUL.

HIS FAMILY WAS THERE TO SUPPORT HIM ON THE BIG DAY.

SHLO ROTHSTEIN AND AVIVA ROSENBAUM HELD THEIR ENGAGEMENT PARTY AT MANCHESTER MACCABI.

SHIFRA BROWN HAD HER BAT MITZVAH AT STENECOURT SHUL.

OHR YERUSHALAYIM WELCOMED JOSHUA SABBA TO CELEBRATE HIS BAR MITZVAH.

TALIA KAYE DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY AT HER BAT MITZVAH PARTY AT YOUNG LUBAVITCH.

YOUNG LUBAVITCH ALSO HOSTED JACOB KREBBS’ PARTY, AFTER HE WAS CALLED UP AT OHR YERUSHALAYIM.

GABI WALKER AND EVE MILLER HELD THEIR ENGAGEMENT PARTY AT STENECOURT SHUL, AFTER A ROMANTIC ENGAGEMENT IN NEW YORK.

Colour Scheme

Bring bright and bold colours into your home for spring with these nifty interior design tricks.

Using bold colour in our homes can be daunting, but unless we want our living room to look like an airport lounge, sometimes we just have to bite the bullet and take a risk. Thankfully, there are known tips and tricks to incorporate bright and bold colours into your home so you can choose whichever method works best for your space.

Accent

If you want to ease yourself into a colourful home, start by using colour in your accent pieces. This can be anything from brightly coloured cushions, vases, candles, or tableware. Because these small elements are interchangeable you can experiment with which colours suit your home and when you don’t like them anymore you can just swap them out!

Colour blocking

Choose one large space to paint but keep it simple with a block colour. Kitchen cabinets, bookcases, side tables and stair rails are a great opportunity to try your hand at adding a pop of bold colour, just make sure that the rest of your space is neutral, so the colour doesn’t overwhelm it.

Pictures and patterns

If you’re worried about having a bright colour looking out of place to the rest of its surroundings, having a colour anchor in the room such as statement picture, will ensure your choice of colour is consistent in the room. This can also be done with wallpaper patterns which allow you to have a small dose of bold colour without the commitment of colour blocking.

Get technical

Don’t trust your natural intuition to choose a colour? Then don’t leave it up to chance, look to the colour wheel! Find which colours compliment your chosen shade (opposite to yours on the colour wheel) or which will be analogous to create a harmonious palate (the two either side of your shade on the colour wheel). If you still don’t know which colours you like, Designer Noz Nozawa advises home decorators to go for a walk and be mindful which colours attract their attention and trigger their sense of natural beauty, incorporating these colours in your home will lift your mood and create calm.

PHOTO: ANYDAY MODERN AT JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS SPRING SUMMER HOME COLLECTION 2024

PHOTO: ROAMING BY NEXT HOME SPRING SUMMER COLLECTION 2024

PHOTO: NEW BLOOM BY B&M SPRING SUMMER HOME COLLECTION 2024

PHOTO: THE LEMON GROVE BY FURNITURE VILLAGE 2024

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Begin Anew

Interior

Working on projects across the London, Sydney, Melbourne, and Tokyo Allanah Vann’s personal style of eclectic yet refined homes shines through in her personal portfolio, effortlessly make each space feel detail-orientated without becoming over designed. After the long winter our homes need a rethink. Their purpose has changed from somewhere to keep us cosy and warm from the cold to a place which feels fresh, decluttered, and lets the light in. Allanah gives us some tips to transform your home for the spring and summer season.

Spring Clean

Allanah says: “Start with a sring clean, there are fewer joys than sorting out that cupboard that’s been overflowing for months. I particularly love to declutter the bathroom; it will instantly make the space feel more calming.” Before you can transform your interior it’s advisable to see it at its best. This will let you assess how much space you have to work with; in your decluttering you might reveal a new beauty spot of your home which you’ve overlooked.

Colour Palate

Each season has its own associated colours, Allanah says: “Bring in the spring colours! You

might not be able to justify a new pink range oven but try styling a tablecloth with a bright spring print, colourful cutlery, or glassware.” Swap out and match your home accessories to the bright colours you find outside and bring the outdoors in. Adore the colour of the blossom tree in the park? Find some new throw pillows which remind you of it! Can’t get enough of the clear blue sky? Buy some new towels which will make you feel wrapped up in it.

Florals

If you’re ever in doubt, Allanah advises: “Decorate with flowers, explore your garden (or a friends) and bring in some long stems of forsythia or blossom, they look beautifully architectural and more unusual than a bunch of daffodils.” Flowers bring a burst of colour in the home which you can swap and change when you get bored. What’s more, they make your home look elegant and timeless for almost no effort or maintenance.

Picture This

Allanah says: “Try experimenting with artwork. A decorative, colourful frame can elevate even the simplest scribble. Try framing your children’s drawings, a gorgeous piece of fabric, a photo you love in black and white, or perhaps a charity shop find.” If you want to find your personal homestyle having something on the walls which says something unique about you is a great way to start. Even the smallest details like postcards or vinyl covers tell a story about you, so get them hung up! Pinterest has some great inspiration for gallery wall layouts which will look like a professional did it for you.

Allanah-vann.com

Green Shoots

Gardener’s

World Presenter, Mark Lane, offers some advice to those prepping their

Spring is here and after a chilly winter, your garden is probably crying out for attention! Laying out a garden and getting your planting right can be a tricky task for those less experienced with a trowel, so we turned to Gardener’s World Presenter Mark Lane to let us know where to start: “When it comes to gardening there is a lot of information out there on what to plant and grow in April and May, but sometimes that information can be a little tricky to navigate,” Mark said. “I always recommend growing what you like, so if that’s edibles grow only what you intend to and want to eat. When it comes to ornamental plants, i.e. those that flower or have some other decorative element such as leaf colour, stem colour or overall architectural shape, the choice is wide and ultimately yours. Yet, there are some easy-to-grow plants that can be planted and will reward you with flowers in abundance.”

Plants which you can collect seeds from are a great investment: “Sunflowers and cosmos are some of the easiest plants to grow. They’re annuals, so they will only last for one year, but you can collect the seeds from the plants in late autumn and then sow them the following spring, which means free plants! Cosmos is so prolific that you can cut bucket loads throughout summer for indoor vases and still have enough outside so you have something lovely to look at.”

Of course, knowing which plants you want in your garden is only half the battle. You also need

to find the best spot to plant them: “First, you need to pick the ideal spot. In gardening, we talk about ‘right plant, right place’. In other words, we put plants or sow seeds in areas of the garden that suit only those conditions. For example, there is no point in growing a sun-loving plant in full shade, as it will not flower well and will struggle throughout the year.

“For the sunflowers and cosmos, you need a sunny, sheltered position, ideally an area of the garden that gets six to eight hours a day. You will need to work over the soil. This means lightly forking over the soil loosening the particles and removing any weeds. If you’re new to gardening and haven’t grown anything in this spot before and you’ve no idea what it was like last year, then just assume that any greenery coming through the soil is a weed. Next, gently brush over the soil surface with your hand and aim for a level area."

Getting the seeds in the ground properly is arguably the most important part: “Make a hole in the soil with your finger, down to the first knuckle and place two seeds inside the hole. Cover the hole with the compost. When shoots are coming through, you’ll need to remove one of the seedlings. The reason for sowing two seeds into each hole is to ensure that at least one comes up. Gently tug at the weaker-looking seedling by holding onto the leaves and not the stems.”

Three Tips

Gardening should be fun and for the majority of the time, it is. My top three pieces of advice for those of you getting started with gardening are the following:

1. Sow and grow only what you like. It’s your garden, so express yourself!

2. Keep things simple. Perhaps grow three different varieties of plants at the start. Learn about their growing conditions and watch and note how they grow. Once you feel happy with those three plants, then perhaps add another three the following year.

3. Save your seed from this year’s flowers. It’s free and great fun, and you may end up with a whole outdoor space filled with sunflowers and cosmos the following year.

The Right Path

Transform your home’s exterior with Classic Stone Driveways this summer. As a locally owned company with many years of experience, Classic Stone Driveways can help you to install a new driveway, pathway, patio, and more while providing you with expert help and advice along the way. All the work is carried out with minimum fuss and disruption, and you can rest assured that everything will be left clean and tidy at the end of the job.

Its resin-bound product range is perfect for driveways, patios, paths and several more of your outdoor improvement needs; it uses a wide range of dried aggregates which are made of 100% natural stone, sourced meticulously from the finest quarries across the UK and Europe. These aggregates are thoroughly mixed with specialist resins in a forced-action mixer which ensures that every particle of aggregate is fully coated with resin. Resulting in a smooth and completely bound surface which has all the beauty of coloured gravel or crushed stone without the fuss of loose gravel. Once you have your new driveway, patio or path, the curing times will enable you to walk on the surface in approximately four hours and drive your car on the area in approximately 24 hours.

Why choose resin for your new patio?

Traditionally, patios in the UK are paved; a form which requires extensive cleaning and weeding as well as plenty of sunshine to keep it looking fresh – a time consuming task and dependent on the UKs unpredictable wet weather. Resin patios are extremely popular due to their smooth surface and permeability, attractive and elegant finish, and low maintenance upkeep, creating

an ideal alternative to traditional block paving, gravel, and tarmac counterparts. With a resin patio you have the freedom to create your own design, texture, and colour to suit your unique needs, and because they are UV resistant, they can withstand the sun and won’t change colour. A common worry with poor UK weather is flooding, but due to their permeable surface resin patios eliminate flooding and stagnant water worries because they allow for water or rain to pass straight through.

If you’re already in love with the idea of a resin patio, why not consider a resin pathway or driveway? The smooth surface and permeability make them safe underfoot, protecting you and your family from slippery surfaces. Classic Stone Driveways is Manchester’s top choice to install resin paths, offering a complete service. The team will survey the area and offer advice to help you select the best material and colour for your property before installation. With over a decade of experience in the installation of many types of paths throughout Greater Manchester, a five-year guarantee, and a 24/7 showroom, you can be sure you’re making an informed decision. Call 0161 917 2477 for a free quote today or visit Classicstonedriveways.co.uk to view the range and read its five star Google reviews.

Easy Being Green

This Clean Air Month during May we take a look at some green developments around the city.

Improvements have been happening all around Manchester to make the air we breathe cleaner and the world we live in greener! In celebration of Clean Air Month this year two momentous projects have taken place in Manchester, Bury Housing Services’ tree planting and the on-going developments in The Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s sustainable public transport system.

Bury Housing Services is working with City of Trees, the community forest for Greater Manchester, to plant more trees in Chesham. These will complement the solar panels which have been installed on a number of properties on the estate, to provide tenants with warmer, healthier and cheaper homes. The scheme meant that some trees had to removed – however, they have been replaced by five trees for every one lost.

Estimates show that the solar panels and extra trees will cut carbon emissions by nearly 500 tonnes over the next 25 years. Councillor Clare Cummins, cabinet member for housing services, said: “This is a win-win for everyone. Tenants’ homes are better insulated, and their fuel bills are reduced, while greenhouse gases are cut and local neighbourhoods are greener.”

Bury is also being connected by the new Bee Network buses which are all 100% electric vehicles! Not only has Manchester has made a commitment to clean air by using EVs, but it has also aimed to make public transport more efficient and accessible meaning less energy used per traveller.

The Bee Network is Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated, accessible, and affordable ‘London-style’ transport system,

which will change the way people travel across the city region. It launched with the successful implementation of the first phase of bus franchising across Wigan, Bolton, and parts of Bury and Salford.

Reports published weekly show that Bee Network bus services continue to be more reliable than before bus franchising and are outperforming services elsewhere in Greater Manchester. Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, Vernon Everitt – who visited the depot to mark the electrification completion, alongside representatives from First Bus, said: “These state-of-the-art vehicles will provide better and cleaner journeys for all bus passengers. Our ambitions for a fully electric bus fleet will help make Greater Manchester a greener and healthier place for everyone.”

Since its launch, there are currently 50 new zero emission buses, with more on their way for summer this year and around 120 others in January 2025 – with more still to follow – as Greater Manchester strives to deliver a fully electric bus fleet by 2032. Data available for the

first 50 vehicles currently in service shows they have travelled 925,000 miles, equating to a saving of 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Planting new trees on the Chesham estate are (from left) Gary from Landscape Engineering; Fiona Hill, Home Energy Abbie Saul from City of Trees.

PHOTOS: TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER

PHOTO: BURY COUNCIL

Peachy Keen

Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2024 is Peach Fuzz! Check out these top products for incorporating this delicate hue into your home.

Beckenham Three-Seater Chaise Sofa | £3,781

The Beckenham sofa has a simple, classic square arm design and raised legs that gives it a modern twist. Though it is available in 170 luxurious fabrics, the peach colour allows you to create a timeless, trendy style in your home. Even better, the sofa is handmade here in the UK so the quality of the design shines through.

Darlingsofchelsea.co.uk

Crochet Storage Basket | £25

Add some handmade style to your spring decor and keep all your bits and bobs in this chunky crochet basket. Made with sturdy upcycled textile yarn in a pretty shade of peachy pink, so not only is it stylish but it’s sustainable and eco-conscious too. The basket has two handles which make it easy to carry it around with you and it is machine washable so would be perfect in a bathroom, bedroom, or child’s room to store toiletries, makeup, or toys.

Folksy.com

Cosette Wallpaper in Dogwood | £125

If you’re redecorating and looking for a stylish and fresh wallpaper, this design – named Cosette – is perfect. Cosette is a delicate set of illustrations featuring bamboo birdcages, morning glory vines and tiny birds flying free. This gorgeous design could look stunning in an entryway, a child’s room, dining room, or kitchen nook. It is sure to brighten any space it touches. This design is digitally printed on a matt non-woven paper which is sponge able and has a good lightfastness rating.

Lyricpapers.com

Ca’Pietra California Peach Cotto Tile | Price varies

Emulating the deep luxe of real onyx, this California porcelain will bring highend luxury into any home, in a choice of beautiful high-gloss tones. The Cotto shade is best for the Peach Fuzz trend. Made if an ingenious blend of recycled stone materials made in a carbon-neutral factory, these tiles are highly durable and yet natural in effect. The rich playful tones are softened by the tumbled finish, with its lightly rounded edges and irresistibly tactile feel. Truly a tile made for the future!

Capietra.com

Esme Tangerine Bistro Set | £99

Bring a bit of colour into your garden with the bright table and chair set. Light and easily portable, putting them away due to sudden April showers will be a breeze, and the vibrant colour will brighten up even the greyest day.

Dobbies.com

Smart Moves

Hestia Smart Living provides ingenious home automation solutions, bringing your home into the 21st century.

While turning on the lights in your home using only your voice was once the subject of science fiction, with wireless technology and clever home installations, it is now a reality. Hestia Smart Living, based in Cheshire, provides a number of home solutions allowing you to control your home environment with just the touch of a button, or even the sound of your voice.

The business was founded by Pasha Melli as he perceived a gap in the market of smart home installation: “I was a project manager with a company developing luxury houses,” Pasha recounted. “I came across companies providing smart lighting and home cinema, and I noticed that they didn’t have a good engineering background. I have the engineering background so I thought: ‘Maybe, I could set up a company like that.’ I quit my job as a project manager and opened Hestia in October 2015.”

Smart homes are becoming more and more popular as modern consumers are increasingly demanding products to streamline daily life, which a smart home has in spades due to its interconnectivity and flexible style of use. Pasha explained the various ways in which smart technology can be implemented throughout the home: “When I started the company, it was a smart home company. A smart home in general means when you have different parts of the house connected to each other and you can control them. They can also perform some functions automatically, learning and adapting to your routines. That can encompass the lighting, heating, the audio-visual aspects such as speakers, but also blind and curtain controls. You can even control the swimming pool if you have one!”

Hestia has developed as a brand since the early days: “The smart home controls became the basis of the company, and we became very good

at the lighting controls and focused on that more than anything else. At some point I thought: ‘We are already doing the lighting control; we can also do the lighting design as well.’ So we started offering the lighting design service, which has been quite successful. Then I started offering an all-in-one solution. I get on board and design it, manage the installation, and commission it.”

One of the products Hestia is seeing increasing demand for is home cinemas, and its little wonder why. Picture relaxing at home watching the latest blockbuster or high stakes sporting event on a cinema size screen, with

Picture relaxing at home watching the latest blockbuster or high stakes sporting event on a cinema size screen.

surround sound audio: “We began to offer a home cinema project with the same approach. We do the design and produce some CGI images of what the room will look like, then we do the technical part, which is the speakers, projector, everything else like that, and then we offer the installation. This service has become very successful because usually one company will do the furniture, one will do the technical part, and another will do the design. We do everything under one umbrella, which is very common in London, but less so in the North. Last year, we started doing more interior design

as well. Now as a company we offer interior design and automation as part of our service, which is particularly useful for the home cinemas.”

Hestia is able to help both new build and existing properties, thought the process looks a little different for each. The products are also available at various price points, so you can find an option which suits your budget: “With a new build we basically have a blank canvas. We send multiple options to the client, and they choose what they like more, and based on that we learn their taste. So, we design something

which matches that. When we do this, we also add some questions in terms of: ‘What are you going to use this for? How many people will use it? Will you be using gaming consoles or watching movies with the family? We then follow up with some ideas in terms of different designs and prices. After that, we start choosing fabrics and other details of the design, and then 10 to 12 weeks later the cinema room is ready to use.

“For existing buildings, that is something we are still able to do, but there is less freedom. It is the same process, but we work around the available space and design something based on that. We’ll go see the space first, do the survey, and then tell them what we can achieve there.”

With us the client only has to deal with one contractor. We have two departments under one roof that deals with design and installations.

This all-in-one service is what makes Hestia stand out, meaning that clients only need to deal with a single point of contact throughout the design and installation phases, rather than being passed through multiple contractors as is usually the case: “With us the client only has to deal with one contractor. We have two departments under one roof that deals with design and installations, and those departments work with each other and make sure everything is connected, so that we’re delivering exactly what the client wants seamlessly. We don’t just design something which is practically science fiction and then hand it off to the contractors to try and do. Because we have a good track record of being involved in these sorts of houses, we know exactly how to provide what our clients want and exceed their expectations.”

Hestiasl.com

Urban Oasis

Julie Burniston looks at the healing power of green spaces in our city.

Manchester’s green spaces play a pivotal role in enriching the lives of its residents, serving as sanctuaries of nature amid a bustling city landscape. These green spaces, ranging from expansive parks to quaint community gardens, provide much-needed opportunities for relaxation and recreation, contributing to the overall wellbeing of the population.

Take, for example, the sprawling Heaton Park. Spanning over 600 acres and offering a diverse range of landscapes, from serene woodlands to picturesque lakes, it’s a place where people can escape the stress of everyday life and immerse themselves in the tranquillity of nature by taking a leisurely stroll along winding pathways, picnicking on lush green lawns, or simply enjoying the beauty of seasonal blooms in the park's meticulously maintained gardens.

Similarly, smaller urban green spaces such as St. John's Gardens and Sackville Gardens provide intimate retreats within the city centre, where locals and visitors alike can find solace amid lush foliage, vibrant flowerbeds, and tranquil water features.

Community-led initiatives further enhance the city's green landscape, fostering a sense of pride among residents. Projects such as Hulme Community Garden Centre and Crumpsall Park Community Garden not only provide opportunities for gardening and horticultural activities, but also serve as vibrant hubs for social interaction.

The recent RHS Urban Show at Mayfield Depot underscored Manchester’s commitment to urban greenery. A celebration of gardening, sustainability, and bringing people together, with famous city spots turning into green oases for a while, it really got people excited about gardening in their own neighbourhoods. While visitors may have found a newfound appreciation for the beauty of nature and a determination to nurture and protect it in their own environments, green

spaces are not merely luxuries. Instead, they are an essential component of urban life, offering a multitude of mental, physical, and social benefits.

Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces elevates mood, reduces feelings of anxiety and depression, and fosters a sense of overall wellbeing. Additionally, green spaces allow the mind to rest and recharge, thereby improving concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Green spaces in urban areas also offer significant physical health benefits. They encourage outdoor activities which improve cardiovascular health and combat sedentary lifestyles and also act as natural air purifiers, reducing air pollution and lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses. Exposure to green spaces also strengthens the immune system by introducing beneficial microorganisms found in soil and vegetation, while sunlight exposure stimulates vitamin D production, essential for overall health.

Discover more about the benefits of urban green spaces and find out how you can make a difference in your neighbourhood by logging onto: Rhs.org.uk/get-involved

Our top five green urban spaces in Manchester

Heaton Park: Spanning 600 acres, this expansive park offers landscaped gardens, woodlands, and lakes.

Wythenshawe Park: Set in 109 hectares, this park features open parkland, historic woodlands, herbaceous borders, and the Grade II listed Wythenshawe Hall.

Debdale Park: Located south of Gorton Lower Reservoir, this park offers recreational facilities, ornamental gardens, wooded areas, and a refurbished community room.

Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden: Situated in Didsbury, this Victorian garden boasts rockeries, ponds, and a walled garden amidst picturesque surroundings.

St. John's Gardens: A peaceful green space in central Manchester, offering benches and picnic tables for relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

A Message of Resilience

Yoni Diller, a survivor of Hamas’ attack on Nova Festival, recounts his harrowing experience.

When Yoni Diller, and 3,000 other attendees, headed out to Nova Festival, he had no idea of the horror that would unfold the next day. On the morning of 7th October Hamas attacked the festival, killing 260 people, and taking many others hostage. Yoni thankfully managed to escape the slaughter: “On October 7th I headed out to the Nova Festival with a friend; really looking forward to it. We arrived at around 4am. At 6am we went to the main stage to dance. At 6.30am when the sun is rising, we start to see rockets everywhere. Dozens of rockets flying overhead. Immediately we understood that something was happened, and we wanted to take cover, but because there was an open space, there wasn’t anywhere to take cover. So we went to the camp, start going towards our car, together with hundreds of people. There were 3,000 people trying to get out.”

Despite the rockets, it wasn’t immediately clear to the attendees that the situation was as serious as it was: “Some people are panicking, some people are less panicking. No one knew that there was a terrorist group coming in. We just fled. The main road, traffic was stuck, so we decided to take the other road. On that road we saw a car coming towards us, and I see this injured girl inside trying to get out. Myself and some other people tried to help her. She was shot in her left knee, we tired to help and gave her some water. A short time later we heard gunfire coming from the north, so we headed east.”

The decision to head east likely saved the lives of both Yoni and his companions: “My instinct was that we’d seen an injured girl from the south, heard gunshots from the north, and there were missiles coming from the west. At some point, bullets were flying over my head and we took cover. We walked for five hours through the desert with no food or water, like an Exodus.

We arrived at a small town called Patish, where people gave us food and water, and let us charge our phones.”

It was in the days after the attack that Yoni truly began to realise the full effect of the experience: “I went through hell, but I wasn’t really aware of it until more time had passed. The day after October 7th, I went to the army to join my friends. My mentor asked where I’d been, and I told him I was at the Nova festival and successfully survived it. He told me nicely that it’s better that I take a bit of time off and he would call me when he needs me. He never called; it was basically a nice excuse for me not to participate and to take care of my mental health.”

Since October 7th Yoni has spoken to many publications and at several events about his experience: “What really helped me out was speaking to international press. It all started by sharing the story, and sharing it makes me feel better because it gives me a sense of purpose. I was invited to be part of a special delegating to the US, meeting politicians, to tell the story and explain what really happened. While in the US I postponed my flight for a week and visited six college campuses. Columbia, NYU, Yale, Princeton, Harvard, and MIT. I went to give a lecture and combat antisemitism, as well as conveying a message of resilience.”

For facing the growing antisemitism since October 7th, Yoni had this to say: “I think that combatting antisemitism is something that can’t be done fully. It’s always been there, but there are certain times in history when it just wakes up. In these times, that’s when you have to be strongest in terms of being more united. You have to tell people what really happened and stop false accusations.”

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

SCRATCH PERFORMANCE

Manchester Jewish Museum has revealed the return of Synagogue Scratch, an artistic programme celebrating Jewish works-in-progress.

This month, Manchester Jewish Museum’s Synagogue Scratch season returns with four performances celebrating new Jewish works-inprogress.

Following on from the very successful 2023 inaugural edition, this year’s programme spans multiple genres, with shows ranging from poetry and talks to theatre plays and vocal recitals. As a nod to this year’s 150th anniversary of the museum’s Spanish and Portuguese synagogue, all performances include a bit of Sephardi flavour.

The aim of this project is to support new Jewish art and offer a platform to upand-coming and more established Jewish artists at all stages of their work-in-progress to share their work with the museum’s diverse communities. Audiences will have the opportunity to be the first people to see a project up on its feet, before it becomes a bestseller. Manchester Jewish Museum’s Creative Producer, Elysia Lukoszevieze, who worked on developing this season of events says: "In a very special year for the museum, our synagogue’s 150th Anniversary, we are extremely excited to celebrate new works of performance, music, and poetry in our ‘Synagogue Scratch’ season this spring. I’m so proud to be offering our unique and beautiful space to these artists and supporting them to develop their crafts. I really look forward to welcoming our audiences to experience these events for the very first time."

On 9th May, the museum will welcome a multi-genre vocalist Hannah Rachel for a mesmerising vocal recital, exploring the ancient tradition of cantillation (the art of vocalising the Torah) and its influences across jazz, popular and contemporary classical genres. Together with a small ensemble of instrumentalists from Klezmorim of Manchester, led by Dan Mawson, Hannah will explore the influence of this Jewish tradition on artists including Amy Winehouse, George Gershwin, and Maurice Ravel.

From there, the genre will change again. On 26th May, the museum will host an intimate evening of poetry and discussion with “The Manchester Minyanaires”. According to orthodox Jewish law, a Minyan (quorum) of ten men is required to pray together, read from the Torah and say the anniversary mourning prayers. There are no rules for women speaking poems, so Aviva Dautch, Jill Abram, and Kitty Martin come together to share their poetry and talk about their Jewish-Mancunian roots. Finally, for the season’s finale, on 30th May, audiences will be invited to watch ‘Into the Melting Pot’, a concert play developed by groundbreaking theatre and music company The Telling.

The story takes place in 1492 Spain, where a Jewish woman is being forced to leave her country and set sail for an uncertain future. She tunes into the voices of a community of Jewish, Christian and Muslim women from across the

Manchesterjewishmuseum.com

Spanish peninsula. Played out to a soundtrack of plaintive Sephardic songs and lively medieval music, the concert play echoes down the ages to the personal stories of people affected by politics and war today.

Hale & Hearty

We explore all the attractions that Hale has to offer, including some upcoming events and the latest openings.

Nestled in the heart of Manchester’s Cheshire parts, Hale Village stands out as a vibrant destination brimming with charm and excitement. From its lively festivals to its eclectic bars and eateries, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant neighbourhood.

Hale's allure extends beyond its contemporary charm to its rich historical tapestry, adding depth and character to its modern ambiance. Echoes of its storied past can be seen in the architectural marvels and winding streets that weave through the village. Dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, Hale's roots run deep, with its true prosperity emerging in the 15th century. This historical significance culminated in the separation of Hale and Hale Barns in 1616, marking a pivotal moment in the village's evolution. Despite its centuries-old heritage, Hale seamlessly blends its historical legacy with a vibrant present, offering visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. It's this harmonious fusion of past and present that continues to captivate visitors and locals alike, making Hale a timeless destination worth exploring.

One of the highlights of the summer calendar is the Hale Carnival, set to take place on 20th and 21st July. This eagerly anticipated event promises a day of fun for the whole family, with free entry until 4pm! Visitors can groove to live music

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At

We

Stunning Detached Family Home in Bowdon

Situated in a private road adjacent to Bowdon Shul, this handsome Victorian home is tucked away in a prestigious tranquil setting just off The Firs in large incredibly private south facing gardens of over half an acre. Internal accommodation: 5800 sq ft over three main living levels plus converted basements; a versatile layout perfect for those with a growing family.

Modernised, yet retaining many original features and high ceilings, with 4 large living spaces, 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.

Altrincham Town Centre and Hale Village and some of the area’s best schools are on the doorstep. Asking price: £2.85m.

Viewing is a must. For further information or a personal appointment contact Michael Groves on 07802 941 411 or 0161 929 8980 michael@cartergroves.co.uk in complete confidence.

Prime Location

Accountants for Entrepreneurs

Being based in Hale certainly makes us more attractive as a career destination for finance professionals than other suburbs of Greater Manchester and even the city centre. Some of our staff have even chosen to relocate to the area because they know it’s not only a great place to work but a great place to live and bring up a family.

We’re already well known among entrepreneurs living in the area and other company directors who operate businesses elsewhere in the region, which is where we have established our reputation over the years.

During the past 12 months, we’ve definitely noticed an increase in the number of international companies selecting us

CHOOSE US IN 2024

Murray Patt, Founder of Alexander Knight & Co based his accountancy practice in Hale to tap in to the area’s top professional financial talent, company director client and its international accessibility.

for tax and accounting work that needs to be undertaken for their UK subsidiaries. Our client base now includes businesses headquartered in Canada, USA, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Switzerland, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Clients like the fact that they don’t have the hassle of getting into Manchester city centre from the airport and all the issues that come with it including: the commute, parking problems and the unproductive time spent in traffic.

Frankly, there’s nowhere handier for locally living entrepreneurs than our Grade A office in Hale with ample free parking. It’s easily accessible by all other methods of transport

We are the accountants for entrepreneurs operating locally, nationally and internationally.

If you are a company director and you want to ensure that you - and your business - minimise your tax obligations in accordance with UK legislation then contact us now.

Our client base includes companies based in the UK and those in other countries who have subsidiaries here in the UK. It’s easy to contact us and ask us to review your current accounting arrangements. Also, if you are an experienced accountant looking for a career move, speak to me about the opportunities we are creating in 2024.

I’m always happy to meet up with company directors who want to get more from their relationship with their accountant - either in Hale where we are based - or elsewhere!

Speak to Murray Patt about Alexander Knight & Co becoming your accountants.

Call him now on (0161) 980 8788 or email murray@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk

too. It’s a two-minute walk from the local train station and five minutes away from the motorway network and Metrolink.

The food and drink scene in Hale is also good, with plenty of independent outlets offering great choice and quality. I’ll always meet a business owner in Hale for lunch anytime!

If you want a to chat to us about any financial advice or tax matters for you or your business, don’t delay. We are the accountants for entrepreneurs!!

Alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk

Accountants for entrepreneurs

Address: Westgate House, 44 Hale Road Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2EX

www.alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk

Local Heroes

Explore some of the characterful businesses which make up Hale Village’s thriving high street.

Carter Groves

A Hale fixture for over 30 years, Carter Groves offers an intimate knowledge of the housing market in Hale, Bowdon, Hale Barns, and Altrincham. One of the stand-out properties under the agent care at the moment is a handsome Victorian property opposite Bowden Shul. The home is modernised yet retains the charm of the house’s original features and high ceilings, encompassing four large living spaces, six bedrooms, and five bathrooms inside. On the market for £2.85 million, it must be seen to be believed.

Cartergroves.co.uk

Optimyze Health

With a comprehensive range of services and treatments, Optimyze is a premier eye care provider in Cheshire. Director and service-lead, Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Arun Sachdev, has more than 10 years’ experience in both NHS and private practice. He also specialises in treating potentially sight-threatening retinal conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Optimyze offers a pioneering Light Therapy treatment for macular degeneration using photo biomodulation, halting progression and potentially improving vision with dry macular degeneration.

A new Knutsford clinic will be opening in May.

Optimyzehealth.co.uk

Summerhill Health

Summerhill Health, situated in Hale, is a private clinic specialising in GP services, women’s health, and menopause care. Led by Dr Natalie Summerhill, their devoted team is dedicated to delivering evidence-based treatments and comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

The clinic provides a diverse range of services, including menopause consultations, contraception, smear tests, HPV vaccines, treatment for menstrual disorders, postnatal reviews, and more. Additionally, they offer on-site blood tests and have recently introduced Trucheck, an innovative cancer screening service derived from a simple blood draw. This groundbreaking diagnostic tool is engineered for early cancer detection in asymptomatic individuals, screening for over 70 different types of cancer.

The clinic operates a subscription-free GP service with flexible appointment options, including same-day in-clinic and telephone consultations, as well as home visits.

Summerhillhealth.co.uk

Hills Bakery

A Hale fixture since 1912, Hill’s Bakery is family-run business steeped in history and community spirit. Founded by Owner Janet Hill’s grandmother, the bakery has been a beacon of traditional confectionery delights in the area for generations.

This long history doesn’t stop the bakery from switching things up, however. It’s Sandwich Season at Hill’s, with the bakery rolling out two new bagel varieties: smoked salmon, cream cheese and caper and pastrami with Swiss cheese and mustard mayo. If those aren’t enough to tempt you, call in to try the new takeaway range, including new salads and to-go wraps.

Janet is not content to rest on her laurels, so keep your eyes peeled for future new editions to the menu. Stop in at Hill's Bakery in Hale, where tradition meets innovation, and every bite tells a story.

Hillsbakeryhale.co.uk

Built for Success

A Hale Village fixture for the past decade, Heritage Construction offers homeowners reliable, quality construction services with a personal touch.

undertaken reflects Heritage's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

Family business Heritage Construction is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of its Hale office in June. Originally established in 2012, Heritage has become synonymous with quality construction services and personalised customer relationships.

What really makes Heritage stand out is its in-person approach. Customers can always expect a warm reception at the office, where faceto-face discussions about their projects foster a friendly and trusting rapport, and with a team of thirty professionals looking after the full project in-house, Heritage is a well-equipped one-stopshop to handle all aspects of building projects, providing a comprehensive service tailored to each client's needs.

Taking pride in offering a unique one-stop construction service is the company mantra, where projects receive meticulous attention from the qualified and dedicated team. Aside from home builds and extensions, Heritage has forged partnerships with various corporate clients, developers, local authorities, housing trusts, and educational institutions across the UK. These collaborations underscore Heritage's commitment to delivering excellence in every project it undertakes.

Heritage’s success with both businesses and families speaks volumes about the team’s ability to deliver quality results consistently.

The company's flexibility is evident in its ability to undertake new build projects through traditional contracts or the design and build form, depending on your preferences. From initial land purchase to planning stages,

construction, and fit-out programmes, Heritage ensures a seamless process guided by the client's vision and requirements. Notable contributions include striving to meet the high standards demanded by modern living while achieving Decent Homes Standards.

Heritage's commitment to quality extends beyond construction to encompass civil engineering, landscaping, and maintenance.

This multifunctional approach not only streamlines the project process but also ensures that every aspect is handled with precision and professionalism. Where homeowners are looking at extending or converting the loft or basement, they can be sure that they are in the best hands.

In the realm of design and build projects, Heritage has left an indelible mark with a diverse portfolio including factory production facilities, industrial units, shops, offices, housing, and educational training facilities. Each project

Central to Heritage's ethos is its mission to complete projects on time and to the highest standards. This dedication has earned the team a stellar reputation in the industry, with satisfied clients returning and new ones joining the everexpanding roster.

As the business looks towards the future, its commitment to excellence remains unwavering. With a focus on building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional results, Heritage Construction continues to be a beacon of quality and reliability in Hale and beyond for many more decades to come.

Heritagegroupltd.co.uk

Bridge Role

Rabbi Maxim Cohen, of Hale Mortgages, explains more on what bridging loans are and what you need to know.

“In every difficulty lies opportunity.” Indeed, since the famous “mini-budget” of Liz Truss sent the markets into turmoil and with interest rates rising… difficulty is a very apt way to describe the past 12 to 18 months. This is especially true for homeowners and smaller landlords. On the other hand, it has been a real time of opportunities for investors to buy properties “below market value” and build up their portfolios. The use of bridging loans has become more frequent – they are a means to an end but as always it is important to understand what they are and what are the risks.

So, what is a bridging loan? A bridging loan serves as a short-term financing option, often used to bridge the gap between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an existing one. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Valuation: A valuation of the property being used as security for the loan is conducted to determine its market value. This valuation helps the lender assess

the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and the amount they're willing to lend.

2. Offer and Terms: If the application is approved, the lender provides a loan offer outlining the terms and conditions, including the interest rate, loan amount, fees, and repayment schedule.

3. Legal Process: Legal documentation is prepared and signed by both parties, including the loan agreement, mortgage deed (if applicable), and any other relevant contracts.

4. Funding: Once all documentation is in order, the funds are released to the borrower. In some cases, the lender may provide the funds in stages, depending on the purpose of the loan.

Importance of an exit strategy

An exit strategy is crucial when taking out a bridging loan because it outlines how the borrower plans to repay the loan. Without a clear and viable exit strategy, borrowers’ risk being unable to repay the loan on time, leading to potential financial difficulties

and even the loss of the secured property. Common exit strategies include:

1. Sale of Property: If the purpose of the bridging loan is to purchase a property, the borrower typically plans to sell another property to repay the loan once it's sold.

2. Refinancing: Borrowers may intend to refinance the bridging loan with a traditional mortgage once they meet the eligibility criteria, such as improving their credit score or fulfilling certain lending requirements.

Having a well-defined exit strategy not only mitigates the risk for the borrower but also provides assurance to the lender, increasing the likelihood of loan approval and favourable terms.

For more information on bridging loans, speak to Maxim Cohen on 0161 773 3106 or email maxim@maximcohen.com

performances, immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Kidchella, and indulge their taste buds at the Foodie Village, offering a tantalising array of culinary delights. Thrillseekers can also enjoy the funfair and rides, while car enthusiasts can marvel at the display of supercars. With amazing bars, gift stalls, crafts, and captivating animal displays, an event not to be missed.

But the excitement doesn't end there. On 5th May, Hale plays host to the Hale Fest, a celebration of food and drink that promises a gastronomic adventure for the whole family. Organised by Hale Civic Society, for a nominal entrance fee of £3 (with under-fours entering free), visitors can sample a wide range of delectable treats, from gourmet street food to artisanal beverages. The event is a follow-up to the Royal Knees-Up the society put on for the King’s coronation last year, which was such a success that Hale Fest was born. With live entertainment adding to the festive atmosphere, Hale Fest is the perfect opportunity to savour the flavours of the region while soaking in the vibrant ambiance of the festival. Making a return at the festival will be Hale Beer, a beer first brewed in 1999, 25 years ago for the millennium. In honour of the 25th anniversary, the beer will make a triumphant return to the village at Mamacitas, debuting during the festival.

Also available at the festival will be The King’s Walk, a small fundraising activity which

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will allow you to take a short walk and make a donation which will benefit The Christie Foundation, in honour of the King and the Duchess of Cambridge’s recent cancer diagnoses.

Hale Fest isn’t all that the civic society has been up to, as preparations are underway to mark the 80th D-Day with something truly memorable, though the specific details are under wraps for now. For local history month the society will also be highlighting the local train station, which will be 164 years old, be creating a soft drink linked to the station and Leopold Hartley Grindon, whose writings

about Hale led to it led to the creation of the town as we know it today. Talking about the station, the old fence which has been a blight on the train station for the past 20 years has been replaced by a picturesque white picket fence, thanks to the perseverance of Society Founder Denise Laver.

Adding to the allure of the Village’s many services and retailers is its ever-evolving culinary scene and exciting new bars. Mamacitas, the neighbourhood’s newest pop-up bar, officially opened its doors in April, and it promises to be a hotspot for locals and visitors alike. Located on the site of the old JoJo Maman Bébé, opposite Westgate, this trendy bar offers a chic setting to unwind and socialize. Open from Thursday to Saturday until the end of May, Mamacitas invites patrons to sip on expertly crafted cocktails and soak in the lively atmosphere of Hale's nightlife scene before enjoying some excellent cuisine at one of the many fine restaurants.

With a packed-out calendar, delicious eateries, and a bustling high street, Hale is the place to be this summer. Janet Hill, Owner of one of the local high street staples, Hill’s Bakery explains what makes Hale so special for businesses: “My business is 112 years old this September and we are very proud to still be trading, albeit in very different circumstances. There is a real sense of community in Hale. We like having old and new customers, regulars who have supported us for years and new faces; people who have moved into the area either to live or work.”

Courage is Grace

We chat with author Hugo de Burgh,

about his new novel To the River, recounting a story of courage and altruism in Second World War Italy.

Set in Second World War Italy where Nazi troops are massacring whole villages in retaliation for help being given to even a single fugitive, To the River is the new novel by Hugo de Burgh. Outside a pretty country town is a prison camp of six hundred British, Commonwealth and American soldiers seething with hatred for Italians. A young widow Lucia does a deal with escapee FitzGerald, allowing the prisoners to escape into the hills or make their way out of Nazi occupied Italy. FitzGerald himself moves from farm to farm until his contempt for Italians turns into admiration for the impoverished people who risk everything to succour a stranger.

Hugo was Walt Disney Chair of Media and Communications at Schwarzman College of International Relations, Tsinghua University, until 2022 and has published a number of books, though this is his first foray into fiction: “I’ve always wanted to write books, but like many people, one has to earn one’s living,” Hugo tells us. “I ended up writing books which were connected with my job as a university professor, rather than the books I really wanted to write, like To the River.”

The story within the novel is based on several true accounts from people Hugo has met throughout his life: “My parents were soldiers who met in Italy in 1944. My mother was a British Intelligence officer who had worked with refugees from Germany and Central Europe, investigating the atrocities the Nazis were doing. She

was posted to Italy, where she met my father. Therefore, I knew about this story all my life, though when I was younger, I didn’t take it very seriously. By the 1980s my father had passed away, and some of the lads who had been in the prison camp with him, invited me to go and meet them for lunch in London. They told me their stories about how they had escaped with my father and been helped by these Italian villagers.

I’ve always wanted to write books, but like many people, one has to earn one’s living.

“I also worked for Channel 4 for some time, and I was sent to America to interview a man called Samuel Oliner, a Jewish refugee. As a young boy, his entire family had been saved by some Poles. He became a professor of Psychology in the United States, where he studied the motivations of the rescuers. He spent most of his professional life trying to understand what the difference was for these few people who risked all to help others in pain.”

It is this question of altruism which drives the main theme of the book: “The main theme of the story is the ability of some people to be courageously altruistic, and to help when nobody else is. To help others when it is the worst thing to do for themselves and their families. It’s Samuel Oliner’s theme, which I have tried to present in different context in the novel.”

To get your own copy of To the River visit Hugodeburgh.com/book/to-the-river/

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT STRATEGY

Former MP, Luciana Berger, shared her sadness at the tragic deaths of four close friends at the latest JAMH event.

Spectacular community leader and former MP Luciana Berger gave an exclusive interview to JAMH Chair Dr Sandi Mann as part of a recent intimate charity dinner in Manchester.

Former MP Ivan Lewis opened the evening with a passionate introduction, explaining the vital work that JAMH has done to create a system of preventative measures in response to a series of teenage suicides in the Manchester Jewish community. Luciana disclosed in interview: “I’ve lost four people to suicide and there’s still this issue of stigma and discrimination when it comes to mental health.”

Luciana shared that the war in Israel impacted her in a way she “never could have imagined” as she struggled to work for several weeks following the devastating events. She also “had to come off social media completely for an extended period of time.”

The interview applauded Luciana’s resilience during her time in the Labour party and her ultimate exit following the findings of the Human Rights Commission that Labour was guilty of “harassing and intimidating its Jewish members.”

Luciana shines a light on what lead to her walk out and her return to Labour to tackle our Mental Health crisis.

“The Labour party left me, I didn't leave the Labour party,” she stated, and that “the party in my mind has returned to the party that I knew

and joined – it has rooted out people that were so horrific and are no longer members of the party’. She also provided a fascinating insight into Keir Starmer’s joint priorities and her confidence in the future of the party under the current leader.

Her passion for preventative treatments of mental health problems was highlighted when Luciana told the 60 guests about her work in developing Labour’s incoming mental health strategy. “Everyone in this room will be affected by their own mental health or someone around them and a report just out in the last week from the Mental Health Foundation said that it’s costing our country £300 billion a year,” said Luciana. “There's so much more we can and should be doing in our communities, in our workplaces and places of education to keep people well that we're not doing at the moment.” Through her leadership of the strategy, Labour has already committed to: “Increase the mental health workforce in this country to 8,500, to introduce mental health hubs in every single community and to provide additional mental health support in every secondary school in this country.”

Dr Mann also applauded the ex-MP's intrinsic involvement with vital organisations such as the Union of Jewish Students and the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists and chair of the maternal Mental Health Alliance.

Following the interview, there was a greatly needed appeal for the charity presented by trustee Rabbi Benjy Rickman, with reference to his own family tragedy and the vital support received in their time of crisis.

Dinner guest, counsellor Ruth Benson said:

"It was a really wonderful evening hearing about the wonderful work JAMH is doing, Luciana was a lively and interesting speaker, great company, super food and all in a good cause."

Gabby Witkin, counsellor, said: "This was an incredible opportunity to hear, from the person who has the opportunity to improve the mental healthcare for this country, facilitated by the charity determined to improve it in our community. It was wonderful to link with likeminded people for such a vital cause."

In order to continue the level and quality of care JAMH offers, the organisation needs support. So far, they have given professional counselling to over 750 in the Manchester Jewish community. JAMH are incredibly grateful to Luciana and the attention she brought to the rising issues we as a community are facing, and to those who attended and generously donated their time and money. To donate please go to Tinyurl.com/supportjamh

For more information on this or on any other matter, JAMH can be contacted by email at admin@jamh.org.uk, on social media @JAMHMcr, or via our website: Jamh.org.uk. If you are in need of support please call 07510 204 844.

Days to Remember

Ahead of the Yoms, we find out about events which have been organised across the community to commemorate Israel’s national days.

Each spring the Yoms stand as a reminder of Jewish and Israeli history, and there’s no doubt that, given the ongoing war in Gaza, this year’s events will be particularly poignant. The UJIA is organising several events to honour the Yoms, and Yom Hashoah Manchester has put together the Yom Hashoah commemorations. Here are all the details for those who want to attend.

Yom Hashoah Manchester 7th May | 8pm | Manchester Venue

Yom Hashoah Manchester is a unique gathering allowing the community to come together to remember and honour the victims of the Holocaust. Through powerful stories, exhibits, and thought-provoking discussions, the event aims to ensure that the memory of this dark chapter in history never fades. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of an event that will leave a lasting impact on your heart and mind.

Yomhashoahmanchester.org.uk/tickets

Yom Hazikaron Tekes | 12th May 6.45pm to 7.30pm | North Manchester Venue

Israel’s official remembrance day, Yom Hazikaron, will be observed in Manchester with a special art gallery and ceremony organised by UJIA. This year, the ceremony will commemorate Israel’s fallen soldiers, those killed on October 7th, and all victims of terror. Ben Shapiro, Chair of programs, UJIA

Manchester, said: "In Israel, sirens will sound, traffic will come to a standstill. The least we can do is join together to remember and pay tribute to all of Israel’s victims of terror and all of those who have lost their lives in Israel wars since the formation of the modern state in 1948."

Ujia.org/event/yh -tekes

Yom Ha'atzmaut Bazaar and Family Fun Day | 14th May | 11am to 6pm | Manchester Maccabi

The Yom Ha'atzmaut Bazaar will be taking place at Manchester Maccabi from 11am to 6pm. A fun activity for the whole family, you’ll be able to purchase artisan goods such as jewellery, wooden gifts, and more, with 15% of the proceeds from the day being donated to UJIA. Come hungry as coffee, cakes, and brunch will be available between 11am and 2pm. Also taking place at Manchester Maccabi, the Yom Ha’atzmaut Family Fun

child, with adults and children under one going free. Also taking place from 3.30pm is a Family Fun Day! Look forward to face painting, a bouncy castle, music, youth movement activities, a photo booth, delicious food, and more! The event will cost £5 per child, with adults and children under one going free.

Yom Ha'atzmaut Business Breakfast | 16th May | 8am to 10am | Central Manchester Venue

B-ICC and UJIA are holding a joint Business Breakfast at a yet to be disclosed Central Manchester location. The breakfast will feature guest speaker Gadi Ezra, Former Director of Israel’s National Public Diplomacy Unit and

Pool Perfect

Take your poolside and beachwear outfits to the next level with these summer holiday essentials for the girls.

Black Tropical and Patchwork Print Swimdress with Gold Trim | Bonmarché | £28

Tired of having to select from the same old options for a swimming costume or bikini? Try out a swim dress like this one from Bonmarché which has extra coverage over the legs, a hidden tummy control underlayer for extra support, and a flared skirt to achieve a beautiful hourglass figure. Simply add some sandals for a perfect day by the poolside.

Bonmarche.co.uk

Squiggle Print Kaftan | Monsoon | £59

Spending a day by the pool, going for a trip to the beach, or just want to cover up your costume to walk around the hotel, this kaftan can do it all. Delightfully bold in pattern and colour this swimwear cover-up makes a great summer dress on its own and gives you excellent coverage away from the water.

Monsoon.co.uk

Linen V Neck Sleeveless Jumpsuit | Celtic & Co. | £145

Summer fashion doesn’t have to mean summer dresses only. With the Celtic & Co. jumpsuit you can add a timeless piece of classic style to your suitcase, the light fabric will still keep you cool in the summer sun while giving you greater coverage on your legs. Plus, you won’t have to worry about any shock Marylin moments on a windy beach!

Celticandco.com

Giovanna x Regatta Floral Change Robe | Avenue 85 | £65

Planning on doing some water sports at the beach?

Everyone who has just been surfing or paddle boarding knows the worst part is when you’ve just finished, changing out of your swimming costume without a changing room to duck in. With this change robe, not only will it help you transition out of your wet garments, but it’s also lined with quick drying fabric to keep you warm and dry.

Avenue85.co.uk

Round Cat Eye Sunglasses | M&S | £15

Protect your eyes from the glare with these cat eye sunglasses and give your features a flattering lift. Taking any outfit from casual to chic, their curved shape will flatter almost any face shape. A classic and timeless shape of frame which you can get in one of three colours, sand, brown mix, and black.

Marksandspencer.com

AISH UK CELEBRATED THE OFFICIAL OPENING SUNDAY OF ITS NEW PREMISES IN PRESTWICH WITH A BRUNCH FILLED WITH PLENTY OF SWEET TREATS INCLUDING WAFFLES AND CANDY FLOSS.

KING DAVID PRIMARY SCHOOL RECENTLY HOSTED A SEDER FOR ITS RECEPTION CLASS! OWNER OF BRACKMANS CAFÉ AND BAKERY, ANDREW ADDLEMAN ENJOYS HIS HAMENTASCHEN ON PURIM MORNING!

SIX MONTHS FROM OCTOBER 7TH MANCHESTER NORTH-WEST FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GATHERED IN

NEWLANDS CARE HOME HELD A SEDER LED BY RABBI ARNOLD SAUNDERS WITH THE MAYOR OF SALFORD, AND CHILDREN FROM THE CRAVENWOOD PRIMARY ACADEMY AND KING DAVID PRIMARY.

DAD’S DAY

16th June

Finding the perfect gift for dad can be stressful, but this year you can say goodbye to boring socks and bars of chocolate and give him an experience that will truly make him smile, as compiled by Julie Burniston.

Getting crafty…

Discerning dads will love Manchester's Craft Beer Tour. For just £40 you can sign him (and yourself!) up for a taste-filled adventure through the city's microbreweries and craft beer houses. With expert guides leading the way, enjoy tasting sessions at four venues, sampling at least ten unique craft beers with a talk on each drink at every venue.

Visitmanchester.com/listing/craft-beer-tourmanchester/38624101/

Pitch perfect…

Whether he’s United or City fan, a tour of his favourite team’s hallowed ground is sure to bring a smile to dad’s face. He can explore the changing rooms, press rooms, and pitches as he steps into the shoes (or should we say boots!) of his favourite footie stars. Mancity.com/tours

Visitmanchester.com/listing/old-trafford-tour-%26museum/8572101/

The great escape…

Looking for an exciting Father's Day adventure to truly test the grey matter? Escape Hunt Manchester, located at the Corn Exchange offers a thrilling 5-star escape room experience that dad will love! With adrenaline-packed missions, it's your job to race against the ticking clock, solve puzzles, and escape the room. Choose from multiple themed rooms, including Alice in Puzzleland, Blackbeard’s Treasure, Fourth Samurai, Last Viking, and World’s Collide. For those who love exploring Manchester, Escape Hunt also offers a City Hunt experience – an escape room with no doors and a treasure hunt with more challenges. Can you save the future from its past? It's up to you! Alternatively, step into Alice's shoes and help the White Rabbit search the streets of Manchester for the lost citizens of Wonderland before it's off with his head. After your adventure, relax and celebrate Dad's special day at the on-site bar with drinks for you and your team. Cornexchangemanchester.co.uk/activities/escape-hunt-escaperoom-manchester/

Bowl him over…

Cricket-loving dads will adore Sixes Cricket in The Corn Exchange, Cathedral Street. Here, he can fulfil his dream of taking to the crease against some of the world's greatest bowlers thanks to the high-tech batting nets at this exciting venue. There are a range of package options available, which include food and drink, so maybe it’s the perfect time for the whole family to get behind dad and go up against him in his favourite sport.

Sixescricket.com

Step up to the oche …

If darts is more your dad’s thing, an unforgettable experience awaits at Flight Club Manchester! This venue is all about bringing people together for Social Darts – a supercharged game of darts – while adding delicious food and drinks into the mix to create an experience like no other. The venue's impressive décor combines the heritage of the British pub with the fun of the fairground, featuring lights that dance to the music, fairground horses, stained glass windows, and a unique nod to Manchester’s heritage. With 14 oches (darts playing areas) to choose from, there's plenty of room for dad and the family to go head-to-head at the throw line or simply relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere at the bar. Plus, with a mouth-watering menu and delicious signature cocktails, Flight Club Manchester is the perfect venue to make Dad's Father's Day celebration extra special!

Flightclubdarts.com

Music to his ears…

Is your dad mad for The Smiths? Does he fancy himself as another Gallagher brother? Perhaps he was/still is a Joy Division fanatic? Whichever band floats his boats, dig out his best band T-shirt and thrill him with a tour tailored to his heroes. Founded by Craig Gill, the drummer of Inspiral Carpets, Manchester Music Tours offers a one-of-a-kind way to delve into the history and legacy of Manchester’s music scene.

Manchestermusictours.com

the character, Superman embodies Jewishness often being compared to Moses as both figures were orphaned at birth then raised by nonJewish families before finding their hidden strength to save their peers. What’s more, the hero’s Kryptonian birth name, Kal-el, bares the ‘el’ suffix in Hebrew used to denote Elohim, or Yahweh, Jehovah, or God, as can be seen in the names Michael or Raphael. These influences from Seigel and Shuster’s heritage were deeply embedded in the characters original design before they sold the concept to DC Comics in March 1938 for $130 (worth £2,700 now). Not only did they shape the inspirational character for years to come, but they also paved the way for numerous other Jewish creators who would follow in their footsteps such as Bob Kane who introduced Batman in 1939 and Jack Kirby who co-created characters such as Iron Man, Thor, and the Black Panther in the 1960s.

Check out where to go on Free Comic Book Day here: Thepopverse.com/free-comicbook-day-2024

The oldest and largest English-language daily broadsheet newspaper in Israel, not to mention the most read English news website in Israel, The Jerusalem Post, has a new News Editor.

Founded in 1932, the paper has retained its prominence as Israel’s leading English-language news outlet, and it today hosts high-profile conferences featuring world-renowned speakers from the government and business sectors. In 1996, the paper launched JPost.com, reaching millions more readers across the globe.

We caught up with Alex Winston, son of Mandy and Richard, who grew up in Leeds before leaving for Israel 13 years ago, where he has since married to Donna (Nee Turnberg) who he met at Manchester University and started a family in Jerusalem. His daughter Isabella is three and his son Jesse was born just days after the Hamas attack. Alex is forging a career at The Post where he is now the News Editor.

Hi Alex! Can you tell us about life in the newsroom?

Hello! So, I’d been working at The Jerusalem Post for about three years until 2021, then I worked for a few nongovernmental organisations and did some other media work before I came back in 2023. The News Editor role had been amalgamated into other roles but now they’ve decided to bring it back as its own separate role.

When I was gone, I was doing interesting

News Just In

Alex Winston tells us about his new role as News Editor at the Jerusalem Post.

work but there wasn’t quite the professional satisfaction I got when I was at the Post. I’ve never found it anywhere else where you go home with a real sense of pride in what we’ve done. We have a very dynamic newsroom, constantly in touch with reporters and dealing with breaking news, there’s always a lot to offer especially in the past six months.

Obviously, the weeks after October 7th everybody in the country was in a national shock. A lot of sad stories come out all the time, it can be a lot to deal with, or for anybody to deal with. But whatever comes out, whatever the news is, we have a duty to keep readers informed and we deal with that in the best way we can.

How did the Jewish community help shape you?

I am convinced, and nobody will convince me otherwise, that I am from the greatest city in the world. I love Leeds with all my heart and I’m so proud to come from there. There are two things that I would say have made me who I am today, one is growing up in a northern city, in a northern culture, and being Jewish is the other.

The truth is, I grew up in a Jewish household and community, but I didn’t grow up in a particularly Zionist household. It was important to us, but it wasn’t like we came to Israel every year. So, I didn’t actually come to Israel for the first time until I was 16 – it was a real turning point in my life. I had the choice, I could either go with Leeds Grammar School to South America for a month, visiting Uruguay,

Argentina, and Chile or I had the opportunity to come to Israel for the first time with a Jewish youth group.

It was incredible, I just couldn’t believe it, it was such a different culture with so much history, which I just fell in love with. If I hadn’t come on that trip who knows where I would be now, everything could have been different.

What are your future goals and ambitions?

Definitely I would want to stay here in Israel, if anything because the weather is so much better! In a warmer climate, you’re just a little bit happier.

I want to be doing this role for many years to come – I don’t envisage doing anything else for a long time because I enjoy it so much and I really believe it’s worthwhile. I’m really excited as well to see what changes happen around here and to see how we continue to stay on top of the news.

PHOTO: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST

Summer Days

Fill your summer days with exciting events happening all around Manchester.

EVENTS

Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle | Manchester Palace Theatre | 15th to 18th May

From the creators of West End hit, The Play That Goes Wrong and its highly acclaimed TV series, The Goes Wrong Show, two of the original cast members Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer return with Mischief’s riotous new play. Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle will attempt hilarious feats of mentalism which spiral into chaos as he attempts to read your mind… Atgtickets.com

Disney In Concert: The Sound of Magic | The Bridgewater Hall | 4th June

Celebrating 100 years of Disney, Disney In concert: The Sound of Magic makes its way to Manchester in its UK tour after its successful debut at the London Coliseum last year. Take a magic carpet ride through The Walt Disney Company’s most memorable song, score, and movie moments including pieces from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, Aladdin, Frozen, and The Lion King. Bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Ed Gamble: Hot Diggity Dog | Manchester Opera House | 29th May

You know him from Mock The Week, Live at The Apollo, Taskmaster or the popular food podcast, Off Menu, Ed Gamble is touring his solo stand up show, Hot Diggity Dog. In his stand up special you can be sure to hear some classic ranting and raving in eye-wateringly funny anecdotes. Atgtickets.com

The Eagles | Co-op Live | 31st May to 8th June

The Eagles will be performing an exclusive UK residency in Manchester as a part of their Long Goodbye tour. Performing for five nights at Co-op Live, this will be a last chance for fans to see The Eagles in the UK. Performing their greatest hits, The Eagles will also be joined by special guests Steely Dan, commemorating their own over 50-year career. Cooplive.com

Family Escape Room: The Library of Enchantment | Z-Arts | until 20th July

Step inside a living story with The Library of Enchantment

Family Escape Room, can you help capture Billi the bookwork and put the chaos right before the Library Inspector arrives?

Full of seafaring adventures, time travelling tricks, and a pesky old bookworm, this family friendly escape room is great for birthdays, special occasions, or just for a bit of fun.

Z-arts.org/events

The South Manchester Food Festival 2024 | Wythenshawe Park and Gardens | 18th to 19th May

New for Spring 2024, The South Manchester Food Festival is a day out the whole family can enjoy with a dazzling array of food stalls and exciting entertainment over the weekend. You can expect, live cooking demos, live music, artisan markets, a street food arena, independent bars with a full ale house, and free kids activities including a funfair and inflatable park. Southmanchesterfoodfestival.com

MADE WITH LOVE

To show dad you care this Father’s Day, nothing says a heartfelt ‘I love you’ more than a handmade card. Here are three cards with increasing levels of difficulty that even the youngest members of the family can make, maybe just leave the scissor wielding to an adult!

Easy: Beneath all the chaos is love

For this card you will need:

Washi tape

Coloured pencils

A piece of plain card

Scissors (optional)

Get the family together to make a nice Father’s Day card for dad!

Fold in half your piece of plain card to make a regular greetings card shape and write your message inside.

On the front in block letters (make them really thick) write a simple message, such as I heart U, then cover the block letters with washi tape. You can either tear the washi tape or use scissors for a more precise line.

Now you can go crazy and scribble all over the page, making sure to go over the tape and to leave no white space on the page.

Once satisfied, carefully peel off the washi tape to reveal your white letters!

Medium: Five things I love about you

For this card you will need:

Coloured pens

A piece of card (coloured, patterned, or plain)

Scissors

Your hand

Trace a single line all the way around your hand on a piece of card and cut around the shape with scissors.

Decorate your card and inside each finger, write a quality you love about your dad, (some examples could be ‘kind’, ‘funny’, or ‘cuddly’).

Advanced: There’s nothing like a good cuppa

For this card you will need:

A piece of card (coloured, plain, or patterned)

Coloured pens

Scissors

A tea bag (with a string attached and your dad’s favourite brand!)

Some tape (either washi or sticky will do fine)

On a piece of card draw a basic mug shape and cut it out, being careful around the corners or having an adult do this for you.

Write your Father’s Day message on the front of the mug, whatever you’d like to say to your dad on his special day!

Then on the opposite side, get a tea bag (which has a string attached) and tape the string down on the card, making sure there’s a little leftover for the tag to drape over the front. Now you’ve gifted your dad a great card and a good cuppa!

And Relax!

What better way to spend your me time than by kicking your feet up with a great selection of books, films, and TV to enjoy.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz | TV | Sky Atlantic | 2nd May

Lali, a Slovakian Jew, who, in 1942, is deported to Auschwitz. Shortly after his arrival Lali is made one of the Tätowierers (tattooists), charged to ink identification numbers onto fellow prisoners’ arms. One day he meets Gita when tattooing her prisoner number on her arm, leading to a love that defies the horrors around them. So begins a courageous and unforgettable story, which around 60 years later Lali, now in his 80s, recounts to aspiring writer, Heather Morris. This sixpart series is an unmissable feat of artistry and hope.

Eurovision Song Contest | BBC One and BBC iPlayer | 7th May

Eurovision returns to our screens at 8pm on 7th May! After Loreen won last year’s competition with her song Tattoo, becoming the first woman to win the contest twice, this year’s host will be Malmo, Sweden. The UK entrant for this year is Years & Years singer, Olly Alexander who will be performing his 80s inspired song, Dizzy. He has described the song to press as being about “feeling such an intense swell of emotion for someone they totally turn your world upside down and inside out.” Let’s hope it’s a crowd pleaser!

The Midnight Feast | Lucy Foley | HarperCollins | Book | 6th June

Guests gather for the unveiling of The Manor Hotel, the new jewel on the Dorset coastline. Champagne is flowing, the guestlist is sparkling, and the sun is setting on an unforgettable summer solstice. But under the cloak of celebration, something dark is stirring. Built in the shadows of an ancient wood, The Manor has a secret history. Now old friends and enemies are creeping out of the shadows, and soon they will discover what other deadly secrets come out at night.

The Beach Boys | Documentary | Disney+ | 24th May

A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come. The documentary traces the band from humble family beginnings and features never-before-seen footage and all-new interviews with Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, plus other group members and luminaries in the music business.

Bridgerton | TV | Netflix | 16th May

The immensely popular Netflix series, Bridgerton, is back for its third season and finds Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) has finally given up on her long-held crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) after hearing his disparaging words about her last season. She has, however, decided it’s time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from her mother and sisters. But lacking in confidence, Penelope’s attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly. Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger. But he’s disheartened to realize that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder. To win her back, Colin offers to mentor Penelope to give her confidence to find a husband.

Sweet Treat

Prestwich-based ice cream parlour Glida is offering readers the opportunity to win one of three one litre tubs of luxury ice cream.

Glida is your gateway into a world of exquisite gelato flavours, each one a masterpiece of taste and texture. The wide selection, all crafted in-house, promises a fresh and unforgettable journey into the realm of sweet indulgence. From Ben Katzav, the owner of popular Prestwich restaurant Mozzarella, Glida – named after the Hebrew word for ice cream – is the UK’s first Kosher ice cream parlour with a certification from Manchester Beis Din Kashrus.

Some of the flavour highlights include Chocolate and Pretzel, Pistachio (Ben’s

personal favourite), and Vanilla and Oreo. Unique seasonal flavours like Iron Bru or Malabi Gin are also on offer, as well as delicious Belgian waffles, crepes, frozen yogurt, bio yogurt, and a selection of flavours of Parve sorbet ice cream suitable for vegans. With Shavuot just around the corner, there’s no better time to pay Glida a visit and indulge in its dairy delights. In honour of the festival Ben is giving away three one litre tubs of luxury Glida ice cream, worth £22.

COMPETITION

To be in with a chance of winning one of

What is Ben’s favourite flavour of ice cream?

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: 21st June 2024

Terms and conditions apply: One entry per person. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in JLife Magazine and Glida’s databases to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. Publisher’s decision is final, prize flavour subject to availability.

A Taste of Honey

JLife’s Elaine Bermitz reviews the new production of A Taste of Honey at Royal Exchange Manchester.

One of the first of the kitchen sink dramas which changed the direction of British theatre in the late 50s, Shelagh Delaney’s A Taste of Honey was revived recently at the Royal Exchange Theatre a few miles from where it was set in Salford when it was first shown.

The story of poverty, unmarried pregnancy, homosexuality, racial discrimination, and temporary homelessness was powerfully acted and, while dismal, demonstrated the strength of the characters.

Jo, played brilliantly by Rowan Robinson reluctantly follows her unreliable mother (Jill Halfpenny) from temporary home to temporary home but gets pregnant by Jimmy, a black sailor, who runs off, leaving her to fend for herself. Her mother also plans to desert her for a younger richer lover. However, she is joined by Geoff, a gay art student who both cares for and wants to protect her.

While she moans and rejects her alcoholic mother's taunts and advice, Jo wants independence but can’t manage for herself, never having experienced any love

she doesn’t know how to prepare for a child herself. Her mother simply taunts her or allows her hoped to be husband to do so. While Geoff prepares her food, buys her a book on childcare, encourages her to rest and take care of her appearance she remains in denial, finding herself a job as a singer in a pub. Geoff persists in taking care of her and arranges for a crib to be made for the baby even though she alienates him whenever she can. In the absence of anyone else he makes life in her freezing basement tolerable, while her mother leaves her alone for Christmas, running off with her wealthy boyfriend.

In the next scene Jo discovers that her mother has married her boyfriend, revealing something that Jo has long feared – that her father was suffering from mental health issues.

Geoff has been thrown out of his flat as his landlady has discovered that he is gay, and he stays with and looks after Jo. He also contacts Jo's mother as the baby is now nearly due and she returns offering her daughter help and money, which Peter takes back, refusing to give Jo a home. Although Jo and

Geoff seem happy Jo thinks she will have a black baby, and begins a diatribe against everything bad that has happened to her in her life. Her mother enters and causes Geoff to leave, however, when she too realises that the baby will be black, she leaves so Jo is left alone, singing the song that Geoff has left her to remember.

It’s a play dripping with shame: of being black, unmarried, gay, even of being poor. But it is not despairing. Jo is the squat, determined daughter of a feeble unreliable mother, who will not allow herself be intimidated, and who is used to and expects neglect, but she challenges her mother’s taunts, giving as good as she gets and while she knows Geoff is not attracted to her she does appreciate his care.

Salford seventy years on has transformed into a modern attractive place to live but the play shows the harsh side of life there in clear delineation. Its themes are still present seventy years onward and will probably still be so at its centenary.

three one litre tubs of luxury ice cream from Glida, simple answer the following question:

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital is looking forward to brightening its walls with two new artworks created by Camp Simcha’s 21-strong Manchester Bat Mitzvah programme.

The girls met for a Purim-themed volunteering session, where they created the two canvases and also packed 120 Mishloach Manot for family members supported locally by the charity.

Michal Black, Manchester Community Relationship Manager for Camp Simcha, which helps families with seriously ill children, said the girls worked really hard to get the canvases looking just right: “The art works were specifically requested by the hospital; one was a welcome sign for the play therapy team to place at the entrance to their department – with the word ‘welcome’ written in difference languages.

“The second piece was a motivational and calming display designed for Galaxy House, the mental health unit for children and young people.”

BIGGER PICTURE

Camp Simcha’s Bat Mitzvah programme spreads joy at the hospital providing two new art pieces.

Group participant Shifra Brown, from Salford, who celebrated her own Bat Mitzvah last month, said she enjoyed volunteering her time to help children who might be struggling: “It was fun packing the Mishloach Manot and then we painted the canvases which said welcome in numerous languages and the word ‘relax’ decorated in butterflies to enhance the hospitals.

“It was such an enjoyable experience, especially knowing that people who are sick or struggling will benefit from our efforts.”

IN THE LIMELIGHT

North Manchester Ladies Jewish Drama Group put on a rousing production called Chitty Chitty Balagan.

The North Manchester Ladies Jewish Drama Group proudly brought to the stage Chitty Chitty Balagan, a unique production inspired by the classic tale of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Directed by Marilyn Bar-Ilan with musical direction by Lisa Jacobs and choreography by Sara Shipman, the show ran from 3rd March to 5th March at the North Manchester Co-op Academy.

The production was a vibrant celebration of the talent in our community exclusively featuring and intended for ladies and girls ranging in age from eight to 80 and from a wide range of religious backgrounds. It offered a rare and wonderful opportunity for participants to engage in the arts, many of whom have never had the chance to perform in front of an audience: “I’ve always dreamt of being on stage since I was a little girl,” one adult cast member told us.

"Chitty Chitty Balagan" was not just a theatrical event; it was a six-month journey of

growth and connection. It was written with the purpose of creating a vehicle to include big song and dance numbers, for the large cast size. Lyrics were ‘koshered’ and the dance sequences made suitable for a range of abilities.

Throughout the rehearsal process, performers built confidence and forged lasting friendships, transforming the stage into a place where the magic of community truly came to life.

Each night, the drama group supported a different charity, reinforcing the production's message of giving back. JAMH (Jewish Action for Mental Health), Lev Simcha, and Chai Cancer Care all benefitted. As the show received high praise from the three nights of packed audiences, who were captivated by the reimagined storyline, the performances, and the overall truly cross-communal and ‘achdut’ spirit of the event.

“I had the chance to meet people and learn something new; it made it such fun,” said Shari, aged 11. While Kayla, also aged 11, commented: “It was great getting to know people from other schools and taking part kept me busy.”

New Faces

There are plenty of new places to try breathing

Medlock Canteen | Deansgate Square | Open Now

mates. With every essential espresso drink on the menu, Blank Street also offers delicious drinks of their own creation such as the blueberry matcha latte, the cherry cold brew latte, or the white chocolate matcha. Keep your eyes peeled for new seasonal additions too!

Blankstreet.com

The

Mezz | AO Arena | Open Now

The Mezz is AO Arena’s new VIP bar and restaurant so now you can enjoy a luxurious dining experience before taking your seat with the best view in the arena. The Mezz allows you to enjoy the ultimate VIP experience from arrival to encore, you can expect a fully serviced cloak room, early access via VIP entrances, and interval access. Whether you want to treat yourself or add some glitz and glamour to a special occasion, a night at The Mezz will make you feel like you’re the star of the show.

Mezz.vipfanportal.com

Double Zero | City Centre | Open Now

Chorlton’s favourite pizza place has opened its doors to central Manchester, known for its excellent Neapolitan-style pizza, boasting soft dough with chewy crusts and delicious flavour. Double Zero’s dough is made fresh on-site every day, stretched by hand, and topped with authentic Italian ingredients. Pizzeriadoublezero.com

A creative combination of American diner and Parisian bistro, Medlock Canteen offers great food in a casual yet stylish setting. Taking you from morning to evening, there’s a menu for every meal of the day with great cocktails to match. What’s more, taking the American diner theme from principle to practice, there’s even free refills on filter coffee all day long.

Medlockcanteen.com

PRINTWORKS | City Centre | Open Now

With all the scaffolding finally removed from Manchester Printworks, its £21 million refurbishment has been completed with breathtaking results. The 1,500 sq. metre screens across the digital ceiling can be seen throughout the day and night displaying fantastic AI video, what’s more there are also interactive gaming screens which are free to view and show brilliant content daily.

Printworks-manchester.com

The Lamb of Tartary | Northern Quarter | Open Now

Setting up shop in the former Cottonopolis site, top chef Shaun Moffat and the team behind the Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats (one of the top 50 gastropubs in the UK) have teamed up together to start The Lamb of Tartary. Just five minutes from Piccadilly Station, this gastropub may just become your new favourite spot for a good bite. Keep an eye on its website for music events, bottomless brunches, and surprising events such as its recent chess evening.

Lamboftartary.co.uk

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

BREAKING BREAD

Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester recently brought several communities together for an iftar.

Getting together to eat at the end of a day of fasting during Ramadan, community iftars are open to people of all faiths and none have become a positive feature of our diverse society.

The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester has held an iftar every year since 2013, except when the pandemic made that impossible. This year the meal was in Salford Civic Centre on 17th March, with 45 people attending, including Muslims, Jews, Christians, and people of no faith.

Forum Co-Chair Cllr Heather Fletcher was Master of Ceremonies. The Forum’s CoFounder, Afzal Khan CBE, MP for Manchester Gorton, welcomed the guests. He noted that nearly 19 years had gone by since he and the late Henry Guterman MBE founded the Forum, during which it had held 147 events.

Graham Gordon who is the newest member of the Forum’s Executive Committee spoke about fasting in Judaism. He also shared his family’s South African connections – his late uncle, Rabbi Cyril Harris, was Chief Rabbi of

South Africa and a friend of Nelson Mandela. Rizwan lqbal, CEO of Salaam Festival, who was attending for the first time, explained fasting in Islam. He reminded the guests that the revelation of the Quran had commenced during the month of Ramadan, and then he read out the first verses to be revealed.

Forum Co-Chair Mohammed Amin gave the vote of thanks, to the speakers and the caterers, he reminded the guests how by attending such events they are helping to build a cohesive community, one person at a time.

The Muslims were led in prayer by Forum Executive Member Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar. Islam has no priesthood, and any adult Muslim male can lead prayers. After the formalities were completed, all of the guests shared a delicious vegetarian curry, with kosher food being

provided for those guests who had requested it.

Robert Kanter who is Jewish said: “The Forum iftar was an enriching and enjoyable experience. The various talks emphasised the theme of fasting from different perspectives while also looking at commonalities and lessons which people from all faith backgrounds or none could draw inspiration and ideas from.

At this challenging time, with wider events in the Middle East, the event was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with people on a human level and to carry forward positive commitments to strengthening our bonds in the region.”

Alderman Nilofar Siddiqi, who is Muslim, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the iftar. All the speeches were very good, and I had interesting chats with Jewish people I met.”

BIG WEEK AHEAD

Jewish Women’s Week has been a major annual event in the fundraising calendar since 1947 and the organisation is truly grateful for the continued support it receives each year from around the country, in particular in Manchester.

Originally set up as the only Home Office authorised door-to-door collection, JWW ¬– a brand in its own right – has continued to evolve and keep pace with technology.

Many supporters now receive their campaign information by email from collectors or by post saving precious time walking the roads and knocking on doors and widening the network for support.

This year, the campaign is even more vital than ever. WIZO, as a first responder and the largest social welfare organisation in Israel, immediately stepped up after October 7th to provide practical and emotional support for the displaced and vulnerable.

Funds raised will go towards WIZO’s emergency campaign providing increased specialised psychological therapy programmes, including animal, music, and art therapy for a nation in deep trauma. Time is of the essence to heal the emotional wounds of the current war while continuing to help those in WIZO’s care.

As the organisation provides this extra emergency support, it must maintain its 800 existing programmes and projects including two women’s shelters, a violent

men’s hotline, 177 day care centres, youth villages and vocational schools for children at risk many of whom have been written off mainstream education, as well as centres for girls at high risk of abuse, and hundreds of projects and programmes to ensure the protection, education, and empowerment of all.

Look out for your 2024 letter on your doorstep in the next few weeks. Donations can be made online at Wizouk.org, by post or by calling the Leeds office on 0113 268 4773. Or emailing the Manchester office on manchester@wizouk.org.

By Benyamin Katzav

YESHURUN CHEADLE & GATLEY'S GUILD HOSTED A PURIM EVENT AND SEDER.

THEY HAD A BOUNCY CASTLE!

THE EYFS CLASS AT BURY AND WHITEFIELD JEWISH PRIMARY GOT THE CHANCE TO BRING THEIR ADULT TO SCHOOL FOR THE MORNING.

It’s an interesting thing, the fact that each year, at Passover we read the same words over and over again, we tell the same stories and we sing the same songs. And as we grow older, we see new meanings or get to sharpen the sense that was always there.

Thoughts haunt me, and words that once were just that – words – come to have a whole new, real, chilling meaning.

“In each and every generation a person is obliged to regard himself as if he had come out of Egypt. For it is written: ‘And you shall tell your son that day: it is on account of what G-d did for me when I came out of Egypt.’”

I never quite understood these words. We sing of freedom, and I – who was born and raised in the strong, Jewish state of Israel, have never known anything but freedom.

With Marc Levy, Chief Executive of the Jewish Representative Council

In a few weeks, we will be embarking on Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut.

When writing about how the community is currently feeling, I am struck by a phrase repeated during our regular engagement with the Community Security Trust (CST). They inform politicians how they work to protect our community but also the Jewish way of life.

This means enjoying our age-old traditions with the ability to safely carry on our lives. This includes the forthcoming events that acknowledge and remember past tragedies along with joyously marking Israeli Independence. This year it is more important than ever we make the event to attend the

NEVER IS NOW

Or Ribon, UJIA/JAFI Community Shlicha, discusses the Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza.

But this year, while I, and the rest of us gathered around the Seder Plate, as free people, my friends – Omer and Nevo, and with them 131 of our people, are held by those who seek to put us down. Once again we call, heartbroken but hopeful – let our people go!

Like every year – we told the story of Pesach, but we also told the story of today.

In our generation, we still see ourselves as if we were slaves in Egypt, and with it, I want to ask you one thing – please, as we move towards Shavuot and the Yoms, see yourself as if your father, your sister, your children – continue to sing for freedom and miracles – have faith, that sooner than later – we will have it, once again.

Ujia.org/programmes-manchester

OUR COMMUNITY

Three Days to

Remember

three “Yoms”. I would like to commend the Yom Hashoah Committee for their invaluable work along with UJIA who are leading on Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. The JRC are privileged to be linked with all three events.

We hold the mantra of “Never Again” close to our hearts and we will once again make this declaration on Yom Hashoah. As we endure an unprecedented surge in hate crime targeting our community, we need to memorialise the victims of the Holocaust while recognising our precious survivors.

It is also imperative that we show gratitude to the brave soldiers of the IDF alongside the victims of terrorism during Yom Hazikaron.

This is always a poignant ceremony but it holds enormous significance post 7th October. At the time of writing, the IDF has just announced that 600 soldiers have been killed since the terror attack. We will always preserve their memory along with all the tragic victims of terrorism.

Finally, Yom Ha’atzamaut will be a celebration that we are so blessed to have a wonderful Jewish homeland. It is something previous generations were not fortunate enough to enjoy and we will recognise Israel’s vibrant democracy and unrivalled beauty even during this dark time.

Jewishmanchester.org

BUSINESS NEWS

Locally and in Israel

B-ICC Business Trip to Israel

The British-Israel Chamber of Commerce is set to undertake a Fact-Finding Solidarity Trip to Israel between 20th to 22nd May. The trip will include a packed-out itinerary as well as three nights B&B at the Hotel Brown JLM Mamilla in Jerusalem, a minibus, professional tour guide, light lunches, and entry fees. Highlights of the itinerary include a meeting with a member of the Knesset, a visit to the Western Wall, and a meeting at the residence of the British Ambassador.

The organisations also has two upcoming meeting including one on 10th May featuring a presentation by former Director of Israel’s National Public Diplomacy Unit and Human Rights Attorney Gadi Ezra, and another on 16th May with former Home Secretary Suella Braverman. More information from Nigel Tobias nigeltobias.me.com

Camp Simcha Announces New CEO

Camp Simcha has announced Daniel Gillis will be its new Chief Executive. Daniel has held a number of positions at the charity since joining in 2010, including his current role as Head of Services and Deputy Chief Executive.

Making the announcement, Simon Johnson, Chair of Camp Simcha said: “Daniel was the outstanding candidate who emerged from a very talented field of applicants. His passion for, knowledge of, and commitment to Camp Simcha is unquestioned. He has a compassionate and enthusiastic nature, and we are delighted to see how he grew into the role of Deputy CEO and how he continued to grow through this rigorous recruitment process.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to accept the position of CEO at Camp Simcha,” said Daniel. “It is both an honour and a privilege to step into this pivotal role within our vital community charity. Having witnessed firsthand the profound impact our services have had on the lives of seriously ill children and their families; I am deeply committed to our mission. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our dedicated staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters – all collectively striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we support.”

Skylab Teams Up with Padel Programme

Skylab, a Manchester-base Sports Technology business has announced that LTA Padel has selected its Game Intelligence product and Performance Analysis services to enhance the brand’s high-performance programme and achieve the best possible outcomes both on and off the tennis court. This partnership is a significant step forward for the sport in Great Britain, as it enables key decision-makers, coaches, and players to make informed decisions, draw accurate conclusions, and avoid misinterpretations.

The technology gives robust performance data, which makes it possible to analyse the opposition in detail. Coaches couldn't answer their players' key performance questions quickly and provides insights into the technical and tactical aspects of the game, as well as the physical demands required for elite-level performance. This allows practitioners to understand and predict the future performance of their players, enabling them to make data-informed decisions.

Israeli Tech Launches in Europe

Insightec, a global healthcare company dedicated to using acoustic energy to transform patient care, today announced the CE approval and European launch of Exablate Prime, a significant enhancement to the Exablate Neuro platform. Based on customer input and feedback, Exablate Prime is the culmination of over 10 years of significant research and development designed to increase precision, efficiency, and experience of the surgeon –and the patient.

Like its predecessor, Exablate Prime enables incisionless neurosurgery as an outpatient procedure to provide relief to people living with movement disorders, such as essential tremor and Parkinson's disease. New improvements include an enriched user interface and enhancements to optimize productivity.

"Our unwavering commitment to enhancing patient care through innovative technology led us to develop Exablate Prime," said Maurice R. Ferre, M.D., CEO and chairman of the board of Insightec. "Although Exablate Neuro has revolutionized the field of neurosurgery, Exablate Prime takes it to entirely new levels, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We couldn't be more proud of the end result, the future of incisionless neurosurgery."

"With European countries supporting focused ultrasound as a viable treatment option for essential tremor, Exablate Prime is truly exciting," commented Giuseppe Carbone, vice president of Insightec Europe. "We are confident it will make even more of a positive impact to empower Europeans living with essential tremor and Parkinson's disease – as well as their physicians."

Mobile Game Business Teams Up with Dr. Phil

Supertreat Gmbh, a Playtika studio and the powerhouse behind fan-favorite mobile game Solitaire Grand Harvest, the highest grossing Solitaire game in the U.S, has announced a first-of-its kind, fully-integrated partnership with Dr. Phil McGraw and his new venture, Merit Street Media's TV network. Recognising the need for accessible and enjoyable stress relief solutions, Dr. Phil has endorsed the age-old classic game of solitaire as a good way to relax.

Dr. Phil said: "In the midst of our fast-paced lives, I recognize the need for moments of entertainment and self-indulgence. For me, diving into Solitaire Grand Harvest offers a blissful escape from the daily grind, allowing me to revel in pure fun. It's a pleasure to collaborate once more with Playtika, this time on Merit Street, as we introduce these cherished games to fresh audiences. Brace yourselves for a blast of entertainment while you kick back and recharge."

From the everyday to the some day

Leading geneticist, Dr Tal Sadeh, discusses the higher risk of breast cancer in the Jewish community, and urges people to get tested through the NHS’s new scheme.

While many readers may know Dr Tal Sadeh from his private luxury aesthetics business, DR.S Clinic in Prestwich, he is also a leading geneticist, having worked on genetic studies for 10 years and also taken part in several projects within the NHS. Tal specialises in breast cancer and has worked extensively with CR UK. Through this work, he focused on finding the genetic causes for cancer and finding new drugs which can target genetic conditions. He also created a programme which detects gene mutations, which is currently used in the NHS.

The Jewish community is at a much higher risk for developing cancer due to a genetic mutation, and Tal explains why: “We all have certain genes in our body, and some genes have mutations, where they’re not functioning properly. When we have children, half the DNA comes from the mother and half from the father. In the Jewish community, we’re very close-kit, so our genetic pool has actually not grown as wide as the general population. That has left us 10 times more likely to have the faulty gene which causes breast cancer, BRCA. The general population has a one in 400 chance, but in the Jewish community –specifically Ashkenazi Jewish – it’s one in 40.”

The NHS is now offering a free test for the faulty BRCA gene to anyone who has a Jewish grandparent. If you wish to take the test, you

Better Safe Than Sorry

can speak to your GP, contact the NHS directly, or approach a number of charities such as Jnetics, and a test kit will be sent to your house. The test itself is simple to prepare, requiring you just to give a saliva sample and then post it back, much like the popular ancestry DNA kits available by post. Within a few weeks a genetic counsellor will contact you with the results and well as providing your GP with a copy. Should the test show that you do have the mutated gene, there are treatment options available to prevent the mutation from causing you to develop cancer.

Taking such a test can be a daunting prospect for some people, but Tal has some advice to offer to those who are unsure: “Speak to your GP. Speak to your friends and neighbours in the community. So many people have lost someone, or know someone who has, and just being able to actually prevent it and save lives is incredible. Prevention is better than a cure and the aim of the NHS is to reduce the prevalence of breast cancer nationally. Knowledge is power when it comes to anything to do with genetics, and knowing this from an early stage is amazing. It’s not only about you as an individual, it’s about your whole family. It’s about your daughters, and granddaughters, and every generation after you as well, because it’s genetically inherited.”

What might hold up UK rate cuts this summer?

Alan Kinnaird, Business Development Manager at Walker Crips Investment Management comments that the G7 economies will likely follow suit in Switzerland’s rate cut decision if inflation doesn’t spike off the back of oil price increases. Plus, two investment picks worth watching.

“The last few weeks have been somewhat confusing for investors following the Swiss National Bank’s unexpected decision to cut its base rate from 1.75% to 1.50%. The rate cut received a lot of attention in Europe as a consensus emerged among commentators that the Swiss may have fired the starting gun on interest rate cuts.

“Many are now hoping there will be rate cuts across the US, Europe and the UK, with some starting possibly in June of this year. It hasn’t just been the Swiss cutting interest rates early either. There were five official interest rate cuts across emerging markets in March of this year.

higher and creating a knock-on effect.

“One of the key factors for the Fed and the BoE will be whether they can afford to cut rates this summer, given the simmering tensions in the Middle East. The oil price will be the deciding factor as any sustained rise can quickly lead to higher inflation across all product categories.

Source: Trading economics, 05/04/2024

“In the current environment, there are two investment picks worth considering. The first is UK Treasury 0.125% 30/01/2026; this UK Government-backed bond can be bought below its redemption value of £100 (currently £92.98) and held to redemption at £100 in around 18 months. The resulting capital gain of £7.02 is free of capital gains tax for an individual and these offer a relatively low risk when compared to equities.

“While inflation is clearly on a downward trend within the G7, the Federal Reserve and Bank of England have clearly indicated that rates will only be cut if the economic data supports such a move. The current political risk in the Middle East could easily spill over again into major trading routes including the Red Sea, sending oil prices

“Individuals that pay income tax at the ‘higher rate’ and/or ‘additional higher rate’ on their income can still generate a relatively high tax-free return from short-dated UK Government Bonds (Gilts). This is simply due to the fact certain UK Gilts can be bought below their redemption value of £100 and, when held to redemption, there is a tax-free capital gain available for an individual.

“The other investment is SPDR S&P Dividend Aristocrats ETF, currently valued at $128.48 – this tracks a yield-weighted index of dividend-paying companies from the S&P 500 Composite Index, which have increased dividends for at least twenty consecutive years. When looking at the performance of this ETF, it is important to do so on a total return basis (income and capital growth). The dividend element is an important part of its overall return strategy.

If you would like more information or a brochure

, please contact me on the details below

“While some of the constituents are fairly mature US companies, the fact that each company has paid a rising dividend for twenty-plus years certainly results in an appealing basket of shares.”

Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invested. The rates of return quoted are for illustrative purposes only and not guaranteed and are based on current legislation and rates of taxation.

Travel in Style

The journey doesn’t have to be a drain on the holiday! With luxury transportation experiences, hopping from place to place can be the highlight.

Going away on holiday and exploring new parts of the world is always a thrill! But many of us have found ourselves standing in an airport, waiting for a flight, wishing for the ability to teleport to our destination. Travelling is often the worst part of going away, but what if you could make it another part of the amazing experience of your holiday? Below we explore some transport options which make the journey just as good as the destination.

Luxury rail travel

Rail travel isn’t all strikes and cancellations! Multi-day rail journeys on sleeper trains allow you to relax and watch the world go by from your own cabin. Perhaps the most famous name in luxury long distance rail travel is the Orient Express.

The Orient Express is a long-distance passenger train service created in 1883 by the Belgian company Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits that operated until 2009. The train travelled the length of Europe, travelling mostly Paris to Istanbul. The service has a reputation for luxury and is high profile enough to have featured in dozens of pieces of media, including Dracula, the James Bond classic From Russia, With Love, and of course, Agatha Christie’s famous Murder on the Orient Express.

Those who want to experience this famous journey themselves are in luck, because as of next year, the routes will be re-opening courtesy of Accor. The service will invite travellers to experience the legendary journey aboard 17 original Orient Express cars dating back to the

1920s and 1930s, adorned with exceptional décor – a set of cars formerly known as the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express, reimagined by architect Maxime d’Angeac.

The suites will allow you to forget you’re even on a train. During the day, the sofa and settee invite you to relax and enjoy the views. When it’s time for “the Great Transformation” (also known as the passage to the “night” room configuration), a 2 x 1.40m bed invites travellers for a night of deep sleep. Discreet and surprisingly comfortable, the bathroom with sliding doors is adorned with marble and the toilets and dressing room complete the beautiful layout.

The Orient Express route famously terminates in Istanbul, a vibrant city full of dazzling sights. Not to be missed is the celebrated Blue Mosque, an easily spotted iconic feature of the city’s skyline, which is worth getting a closer look at. While you’re in the city, don’t forget to freshen up on your haggling skills at the Grand Bazaar, before heading a bit further afield to the ruins of Troy.

Cruises

Cruises are the epitome of a loaded travel experience. With cruise ships containing every amenity most hotels have, and often quite a lot more, you’ll barely even notice you’re on the move.

While it’s true that many cruises start off with a flight to sunnier climes, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Luxury cruises can be connected around the UK.

With a plethora of things to do, cruise ships from large providers such as Royal Caribbean are more like floating cities than vehicles. From skydiving simulators, to dodgems, to the sea’s largest viewing platform, even on days without a stop scheduled, you’ll be far from bored.

Not to mention a huge variety of food and drink, entertainment and casinos available for the evenings. Most cruise ships have a large range of restaurants available, so no need to worry about eating the same thing every day! You might even spot some familiar high street favourites on occasion.

Heading out from Southampton can see you on a nine night getaway to Rome, exploring La Coruna, Málaga, Barcelona, and Marseille along the way, before finally reaching the Eternal City. While you’re there make sure to check out some of the city’s famous sights such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, St Peter’s Basilica, or for a darker look at the city’s history, the Castel Sant’Angelo.

Private jet

Flying can be more of a pleasure and less of a hassle in a private jet. They best part is you don’t need to be uber-rich to own one. Chartering a private jet is easier than you think and can be done in the UK for as little as £6,000 depending on where you want to fly from and to. Several other factors also affect the cost of chartering a flight, including aircraft type and size refuelling costs, airport landing and handling fees, crew

salaries, passenger taxes, repositioning costs, and amount of luggage. However, if you aren’t too fixed on a specific destination, an empty leg charter is often the cheapest way to fly by private jet. This is when a jet is booked for a one-way trip and is scheduled to return home without any passengers, allowing seats to be booked at a significant discount. Globeair.com is a great resource to keep an eye on to check out upcoming empty leg flight’s which are available.

So, what are the advantages of flying private? Everything is under your control. Choose from a range of private jets to find the perfect aircraft for your trip, fly from the time and place that suits you, with private terminals and lounges so you don’t have to queue or struggle for a seat. No to mention that the on-board environment is a far cry from a commercial airline, with extra space, large seats, sofas, and even beds, as well as luxury dining and tech.

IN PREPARATION FOR SPRING, MEMBERS OF THE NICKY HAVE BEEN DECORATING PLANT POTS DURING THEIR ART ROOM ACTIVITIES AND PLANTING SPRING FLOWERS.

YESHURUN CHEADLE & GATLEY'S GUILD HELD A SUCCESSFUL COFFEE MORNING AT THE HOME OF JENNIFER & ELI COHEN, CELEBRATING ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY.

MEMBERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND STAFF ALSO ENTERED INTO THE SPIRIT OF PURIM BY DRESSING UP FOR THE OCCASION; THEY WERE ENTERTAINED BY AN ELVIS IMPERSONATOR WHILE THEY ENJOYED HAMANTASCHEN AND SPECIAL PURIM TREATS.

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AND WHITEFIELD JEWISH PRIMARY SCHOOL RECENTLY HELD A MUSIC EVENING PERFORMANCE TO FUNDRAISE FOR

ITS THEME WAS A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS AND HALF OF THE PROCEEDS WENT TO POSITIVE ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME (PADS).

THE THEME WAS TO REMEMBER THOSE PAST MEMBERS WHO WORKED TIRELESSLY

THE GUILD. A SPECIAL TRIBUTE WAS PAID TO ESTELLE NEWGROSH, WHO IS STILL BAKING

LOOKING AFTER THE SHUL'S SILVER AFTER 40 YEARS.

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Community Spirit

At the core of every community lies the spirit of volunteering, the dedication of individuals coming together to make a difference. In Manchester, this thrives through the Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN), an organisation committed to connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities.

JVN goes beyond matchmaking; it serves as encouragement and direction for people looking for their ideal volunteer roles within the Jewish community and the wider charity sector. By offering support, advice, and training, JVN empowers volunteers on their journey to make a positive difference in the world.

Over the past twelve months, JVN Manchester has been instrumental in making volunteering more accessible and impactful. From engaging volunteers and volunteer managers to fostering connections, JVN works across all aspects of the community.

One notable event from last November was the Volunteer Managers Forum held at Heathlands Village. Led by Rachelle Lazarus, Charity Engagement & Volunteer Manager at JVN, the forum provided a platform for discussions on the importance of volunteering for current and future generations. With insights from the NCVO’s ‘Time Well Spent’

volunteering survey and a keynote speech by Sheni Ravji-Smith from NHS GM Integrated Care, attendees explored strategies for maintaining good mental wellbeing among staff and volunteers.

In March, JVN Manchester partnered with Outreach and the Jewish Volunteer Network to host a pop-up volunteer recruitment day. The event aimed to bolster the number of Jewish volunteers supporting Outreach Community & Residential Services across Radcliffe, Prestwich, Whitefield, and Bury. Rebecca Mickler who runs JVN Manchester, shared her enjoyment about the event, saying: “JVN were excited to hold our latest Pop-Up Volunteering Hub at the Outreach Café on 12th March. The event was an opportunity to meet people who were interested in learning more about Outreach and

We hear from some of the JVN’s volunteers and find out about the good work the organisation has done through the last year.

their volunteering roles. Over a cuppa and a chat, we spoke with prospective volunteers and are looking forward to hearing more about the connections made on the day.”

Testimonials from both charity partners and volunteers underscore the profound impact of volunteering and using JVN as a volunteering platform. Gerry Singer, North West Head of Operations at Chai Cancer Care, commended Margot for her warmth and efficiency in volunteering at the reception desk. She said: “Margot started volunteering for us in October 2023. She is a warm, friendly and extremely efficient. Margot is one of our volunteers who helps out on our reception desk at different times during the week. She is very welcoming when our clients arrive, puts them at their ease and offers a hot drink whilst they are waiting. Margot also answers our main line, as well as helping out with administrative tasks if needed. She has been a real asset and we are so thrilled to have her on board as a volunteer." Margot says about JVN and her volunteering role: "JVN is so special, as a platform for many Jewish Volunteers to find ways of giving and contributing and feeling good! I absolutely love my voluntary role at Chai Cancer Care. To be part of this exceptional charity is truly a privilege.”

But the volunteering journey doesn't end there. Whether you're curious about volunteering for the first time or eager to reengage with a cause close to your heart, JVN invites you to explore opportunities on the website at Jvn.org.uk/manchesteropps or for personalised support, please email Rebecca on manchester@jvn.org.uk to arrange an appointment.

Lend a Hand

In honour of Volunteer Week in June, we signpost some excellent Manchester charities looking for eager volunteers.

Volunteering is the heartbeat of communities, and we celebrate this spirit of giving back during Volunteer Week. This annual event, from 3rd to 9th June, highlights the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the country. From lending a helping hand to those in need to fostering a sense of togetherness, volunteering embodies the essence of compassion and solidarity.

In Manchester, a city known for its resilience and community spirit, Volunteer Week takes on special significance. As one of the UK's most vibrant cultural hubs, Manchester boasts a rich tapestry of charitable organisations spanning various causes. Whether you're passionate about environmental conservation, social justice, or supporting vulnerable populations, there's a volunteering opportunity in Manchester to match your interests and skills.

Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN)

JVN connects volunteers with opportunities to contribute their time and skills to a variety of charitable initiatives, including those focused on education, social welfare, and community development. Volunteers can engage in projects ranging from tutoring and mentoring to assisting with administrative tasks and event coordination, all aimed at making a positive impact on Manchester's diverse communities. Jvn.org.uk

Jewish Action for Mental Health (JAMH)

The Friendship Circle

Dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs, The Friendship Circle offers volunteer opportunities for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Volunteers can engage in one-on-one friendships, assist with recreational activities, or participate in fundraising events to support programmes and services tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Friendshipcircle.co.uk

The Mustard Tree

Dedicated to combatting poverty and homelessness, The Mustard Tree offers a range of volunteering opportunities, from serving meals to organising donation drives. Volunteers can contribute by assisting in the community kitchen, sorting and distributing clothing and household items, or providing support in their charity shops.

initiatives in the community. Whether you have lived experience with mental health challenges or simply wish to lend a listening ear, there are numerous ways to get involved with Manchester Mind.

Manchestermind.org

Barnabus Manchester

Dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, Barnabus provides essential services such as hot meals, clothing, and shelter. Volunteers can assist with meal preparation and service, participate in outreach efforts to engage with rough sleepers, or offer their skills in areas like counselling and advocacy.

Barnabus.org

Forever Manchester

As a charity focused on strengthening communities and grassroots initiatives, Forever Manchester welcomes volunteers eager to make a positive difference at the local level. Whether it's organising community events, assisting with fundraising campaigns, or supporting small-scale projects, volunteers play a vital role in fostering connectivity and resilience across Manchester neighbourhoods.

Forevermanchester.com

The Fed

JAMH focuses on promoting mental health awareness and providing support to the Jewish community in Manchester. Volunteers can participate in educational workshops, outreach initiatives, and peer support programs aimed at destigmatising mental health issues and fostering a supportive environment. Jamh.org.uk

Mustardtree.org.uk

Manchester Mind

Mental health awareness and support are at the forefront of Manchester Mind's mission. Volunteers play a crucial role in facilitating support groups, participating in fundraising events, and promoting mental well-being

Social care charity The Fed’s volunteers are from a range of backgrounds, ages and with a variety of skills and interests and can support people in the community who are lonely, need shopping or help with medical appointments. At Heathlands Village, volunteers can help in the café or the shop, or even entertain the troops!

Thefed.org.uk

Skin Deep

skin a

Looking after your skin so you can look good and feel great is the passion of Mediskin Clinic’s owner Bryanna Curzon. The new clinic in Whitefield is making people feel comfortable in their own skin with a range of facials and treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, luxury facials, and LED phototherapy using only the best technology on the market, the Focus Dual.

You can transform your skin’s appearance with the Focus Dual, offering unrivalled results for non-surgical skin tightening and giving skin back its snap. The Focus Dual uses a unique combination of two of the latest clinically proven technologies for non-surgical skin lifting, firming, and tightening of the face and body: Radiofrequency Microneedling (RFM) and High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).

The radiofrequency energy, directs heat to the more superficial dermis and epidermis, simulating the production of collagen and elastin. The heat zones created helps with collagen induction, which begins to remodel and strengthen collagen cells to tighten the skin. By inducing thermal trauma to stimulate neocollagenesis (collagen production) in deep layers of the skin, creates stronger, firmer, and more lifted skin to help with concerns such as wrinkles and laxity.

Unlike other devices, the Focus Dual truly uses super fine ‘micro’ needles for safe, precise, and more comfortable treatments. With the Focus Dual Bryanna can treat all skin types through the ability to adjust not only needle depth but also the power of radio frequency energy delivered in your treatment. This technology enables effective treatments suitable to your different skin concerns, for all skin types.

At Mediskin, Bryanna uses non-insulated needles. Non-insulated microneedles emit Radiofrequency energy over their entire surface area allowing both the upper and lower layers of the skin to be heated all at once. Non inaugurated needles are believed to give better results due to the increased heating. With the Medical CE certified Focus Dual system, you will achieve incredible results, and you can be confident that treatments are carried out to the highest safety standards, with minimal discomfort.

The clinic is above MADE Salon on Bury New Road Whitefield, Contact Bryanna on Instagram @mediskin_mcr or call 0787 179 9433

The Focus

Dual can treat:

• Ageing skin (Wrinkles and fine lines, including smoker lines and pigmentation)

• Acne and surgical scars

• Loose, sagging and crepey skin (this includes lax skin around the eyebrow)

• Stretch marks

• Uneven skin tone and texture

• Milia (bumps on the skin)

• Large pores

• Loss of facial volume

• Dull and lacklustre skin

• Fat reduction

• Body sculpting including jawline definition

Sue's story

A career you've built for over twenty years. A job you're truly proud of. But Dad is needing more support and care than you're able to provide, and your siblings aren't able to fill in the gaps either. This is the reality for Sue. Like many family caregivers across the UK, she is living the reality of seeing her parent needing more companionship and help in the home. She's doing her best to juggle a busy workload, her exciting new role as a Grandma and her time with her husband, but she can't go on like this. Home

Companionship

Per sonal C are

Per sonal C are

Dementia C are

Dementia C are

When it comes to men's health, focusing on specific areas can lead to significant improvements in overall wellbeing. At Hilton House Medical, we emphasise three key pillars to empower men across the UK in achieving optimal health.

Cardiovascular health is crucial, given that heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality among men. Prioritising regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercises and strength training, helps maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart function. Additionally, promoting heart-healthy eating habits, including a diet rich in fruits, vegetables,

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Maximising Men's Health: Focus Areas for Wellbeing

whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats and sodium intake, can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.

Prostate health is another critical concern for men, with conditions like prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affecting many as they age. Encouraging regular prostate screenings and discussions about risk factors and symptoms are essential for early detection and management. Providing information about lifestyle factors that may influence prostate health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and incorporating foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, can also support overall prostate wellbeing. Addressing mental wellbeing is paramount for men's overall health. Men are often less likely to seek help for mental

health issues, making awareness and support crucial. Encouraging open conversations about stress management, coping strategies, and seeking professional help when needed can help reduce stigma and improve mental resilience. Promoting activities that support mental wellbeing, such as mindfulness practices, hobbies, and social connections, can also play a significant role in maintaining emotional health.

By focusing on these key areas –cardiovascular health, prostate health, and mental wellbeing – men can take proactive steps to enhance their overall health and quality of life. Hilton House Medical is committed to providing personalised guidance and support to empower men in prioritising their health and wellbeing.

Hiltonhousemedical.co.uk

With Dr Sabir at Hilton House Medical

Skincare SOS

Achieving the flawless skin you’ve always dreamed of is possible if you know where your skins’ problem areas are and how to target them. Too often we buy skincare products without knowing the ingredients and their effects, or how products will react with one another, which could be preventing us from achieving the clear skin we’re aiming for.

Dryness

Emollients work by targeting the outermost layer of skin, called the stratum corneum, which needs about 20% to 30% water content to function at its best. If the water content drops too low, the skin cells start to dry out and shrivel up, causing small cracks to open up in the skin. Emollients can help by filling the spaces between cracks, smoothing rough and flaky skin. Because emollients tend to be light oils, water can’t easily cross through, so when they’re spread in a layer over the skin, they help keep water on the inside from escaping, preventing it from drying out further. Emollients also work well with plenty of other skincare ingredients, especially other moisturising agents.

Textured Skin

Niacinamide visibly minimises enlarged or lax pores, improves uneven skin tone, and strengthens a weakened skin surface. By boosting collagen production, Niacinamide can improve skin texture removing little bumps which typically form on the forehead, chin, or around the nose, and give a smoother complexion. Just make sure you don’t use other acidic skincare ingredients, like hyaluronic acid typically found in hydrating skincare products, alongside niacinamide products as this can cause irritation. Instead, try pairing with a ceramide to strengthen and maintain your skin barrier!

Dullness

Vitamin C is great for brightening dull skin and lifting dark spots such as acne scars. Since vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it protects the skin from irritation and inflammation. When used in combination with SPF it can boost its efficiency in protecting your skin from sun damage. As always check what you can pair with vitamin C before adding it into your routine, vitamin C is a PH-sensitive ingredient so you’ll want to use products with a stabilised PH (you can find this out by checking for ‘PH-balanced’ on product labels) to achieve optimal results. Check out products with vitamin E to pair with vitamin C for a great antioxidant duo!

JOG ON

Running is a love-hate form of exercise; gaining hardcore fans who gather expensive gear, or friends of those same people to who the words, ‘I’m just going to go for a quick run’, sounds like a form of torture. Whether you like it or not it’s undeniable that running is one of the easiest exercises to train for, all you need is a route and a pair of trainers to get started. And if that’s not enough of a structured plan for you to get going, there are plenty of free resources about it to help you.

Couch to 5K

Developed by the NHS, Couch to 5K is a nineweek running plan aimed at absolute beginners. Written by new runner Josh Clark, who wanted to get his 50-something mum off the sofa and running too, the plan involves three runs per week with rest days in between and a new schedule each week.

Couch to 5K is a plan which uses intervals training, a method for running which means you run for a few minutes and then walk for a few minutes and alternate between the two. The week one plan for Couch to 5K has you running for just one minute at a time before taking a rest to walk for a minute and a half –an easily accessible start for everyone. What’s more, Couch to 5K even has a podcast and app companion which you can find on the NHS website and in the app store respectively.

On the Run

There is plenty of media out there to answer all your questions, podcasts such as Run Buzz Running Podcast (an informative podcast which covers the technique and science behind

running) or The Strength Running Podcast (which features running advice from Coach, Jason Fitzgerald) are great places to start.

Or if you’re more visual, then get in the mindset by consuming life stories of runners and famous races such as the Barkley Marathons, an ultramarathon trail race held in Tennessee known for its inspiring stories and peculiarities in its rules, such as having to collect book pages corresponding to entrants’ race number on each lap of its circuit.

If you want to use running as a form of selfcare or mindful time, then check out running meditations which you can listen to while you run on Headspace or YouTube.

Race Day

Having a clear goal in mind is the best way to see results and what better way to get started with running than once a week to work or aiming towards entering a race with friends to keep you accountable. Training is the key for a race day, so follow a plan which will prepare you properly for the big day as you increase your intensity. Here are some local runs coming up in the area.

Tatton Park 5K and 10K | 11th May and 8th June

Great Manchester Run | 26th May

The Ultra Loop | 1st June

Bury 10K | 15th September

Manchester Half Marathon | 13th October

Global Running Day is on 5th June, so it’s time to warm up and get involved.

COUSINS, TALIA AND SOPHIA MARKS RECENTLY CELEBRATED A JOINT BAT MITZVAH!

EVERYONE WAS TREATED TO A HOLIDAY WITH THEIR TROPICAL THEMED PARTY.

SOPHIA CELEBRATED WITH HER PROUD SISTER DAHLIA MARKS.

AND WITH HER MUM, DEBBIE, DAD, MICHAEL, AND SISTER, DAHLIA.

TALIA WAS JOINED BY EXTENDED FAMILY, SANDRA AND ANTHONY MARKS, HARVEY MARKS, NATHAN VOSK, BEV COSK, RON AND DENISE VOSK, MADDY, STEPHEN, SADIE AND PEARL FOX.

THE PAIR DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY AMONG FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

House Style

David Mintz, Chief Executive of Manchester Jewish Housing Association talks us through the association’s new engagement programmes.

In a bid to infuse Jewish ethos, values, and content into the lives of its tenants, the Manchester Jewish Housing Association (MJHA) has unveiled a series of innovative engagement programmes at its sheltered housing accommodation, Gan Eden, located in Salford.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in maintaining a vibrant and inclusive community where residents can connect, celebrate, and embrace their cultural heritage. Among the initiatives introduced are regular meetings with

tenants to discuss matters close to their hearts, special events commemorating Jewish holidays, and communal gatherings designed to foster a sense of belonging.

According to David Mintz, Chief Executive of MJHA: "The Jewish calendar allows many opportunities for communal togetherness, and our residents are all part of the wider MJHA family, and so it is our pleasure and privilege to be able to celebrate key events with them and to spend time getting to know them.

"The feedback that we received to our initial renewed efforts at communal outreach to celebrate Rosh Hashanah was that many of our residents welcomed more traditional Jewish content and programmes. We have carefully built on this theme, keeping in touch with

our residents with monthly newsletters reporting on progress and communal activities."

Examples of the initiatives implemented include the delivery of honey cake to residents to mark Rosh Hashanah, a Chanukah party complete with festive mince pies and donuts, and a Friday Night Kiddush programme where members of the board join residents monthly to make Kiddush, serve chicken soup, and share challah.

"The Friday Night Kiddush has been

our residents and answer any questions. Recent events have been unsettling, but the organisation is doing an excellent job of keeping our community safe.”

Most recently, on Purim, tenants were treated to a reading of the Megillah by volunteer Aryeh Hassell and his family, accompanied by Brackman's Hamantaschen, further enhancing the festive spirit within the community, as David explains: "The response from our residents has been overwhelmingly positive. These programmes not only celebrate

really well received by our residents and allows us an opportunity to interact with our residents in a familiar and relaxed setting," commented Phil Geller, Chair of the MJHA.

Jane Blank, Vice Chair of the MJHA, who helped to organise the Shabbat activity, remarked on the Friday Night Kiddush, saying: "It is a superb evening, and it is so nice to see so many smiling faces and a lovely atmosphere. It is a feeling that stays with you."

At the tenant meetings, topical issues are covered, and recently, MJHA arranged for Jonny Basger, a representative of CST, to provide a security briefing in light of recent events in Israel. David added: "We are very grateful to CST for its input and for taking the time to come and meet

our shared heritage but also strengthen the bonds within our community. We are committed to continuing to enrich the lives of our tenants and providing them with opportunities for meaningful engagement."

MJHA's dedication to enhancing the living experience at Gan Eden underscores its mission to continue to offer supportive and inclusive environments for all residents. As the programmes continue to evolve, they are set to become an integral part of the fabric of communal life within the MJHA community.

For further information about MJHA and its initiatives, visit Mjha.org.uk or contact 0161 740 0001.

ORDINARY HEROES

Rabbi Greg Bank, of Yeshurun Cheadle & Gatley Synagogue, highlights the bravery of ordinary people living in the midst of an extraordinary situation.

It almost seems a paradoxical to mention the words ‘ordinary’ and ‘heroes’ in the same breath as are not all heroes extraordinary? Yet, ordinary life in Israel is a paradox because it’s filled with ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

1. Rabbi Dorron and Shelly Perez’s recently heard that their missing son had been killed in Gaza. He was one of the 240 hostages and his body has not been returned. On October 7th their other son was also injured and was scheduled to get married a week later. As he recovered the family felt it was correct to proceed with the wedding. Their belief was that nothing should stop a Jewish family from being created and they were able to rejoice with one son while being filled with pain for another son.

2. When Yair Avinoam (himself an ordinary hero) responded under fire to terrorist infiltration into Sderot, he noticed a car with two deceased adults in the front. In the back was a young four-year-old that he pulled out the car. This young hero immediately made him aware that her little baby sibling was also in the car and that he could not be seen because she had hidden him. This brave four-year-old saved her baby brother’s life.

3. Elad Keidar is a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri. He spent many hours in the safe room with family waiting to be saved as terrorists roamed the kibbutz. Unfortunately, both his parents were killed on October 7th

CLASSIFIEDS

and their home was burnt. He was back to work on the Kibbutz itself shortly after the attack. They were joined by President Herzog, who pressed the button on the printing press, and the business is back at full function.

4. When the Jerusalem fire department heard that there was a young boy sitting shiva for his mother killed on October 7th and that he had been displaced from his home, the team rocked up at the shiva house. They also heard how much the lad loved fire engines, so they

Y UJIA Shaliach, Sahar Sazgar discuss Shlichut, fostering a love of Israel

“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)

As a Shaliach that spends most of his time with the young generation of the Jewish community, my primar y responsibility is to educate. The real challenge of my Shlichut is the understanding that my role is not just to educate towards a cer tain formal behaviour, but also to enhance and promote a par ticular feeling – ‘ahavat ha’aretz’, love of countr y 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 ser vice, ‘ahavat ha’aretz’ had been an instrument al value that

shaped my growing up process. During trips throughout Israel, know ever y mountain and ever y road, and stories and traditions, have alw an integral par t of my life. The unde that Israel is my home always motiva enhance my knowledge of the uniq that formed my identity. As the unde and knowledge advances, a strong follows.

Still, the challenge remains: ho educate young people who don’t li to love Israel and have these passiona towards the Jewish state? Some argue unconditional love is achieved once accept the occasional negativities. I have the privilege to educate the Jewish generation to love Israel. I do explaining the facts. The fact that Is per fect countr y, it’s young and still learning. At the same time, the Jewish accomplished so many achievements last 71 years, a fact that shouldn’t be granted.