Hale&Bowdon Magazine Dec|Jan 2015

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publication DEC/JAN 2015 • ISSUE 73

GRACE BEAUTY A heavenly haven in the heart of Hale SHAMEEM SAMPATH Leading the way

SUCCO The North’s first cold-pressed JUICE BAR

FASHION Local businesswomen work some magic in an LBD PEOPLE | FASHION | SHOPPING | BEAUTY | FOOD | TRAVEL | HEALTH | INTERIORS

Our new non-surgical clinic is now open on Hale high street.

At our Hale clinic we offer a complete range of non-surgical treatments, carried out by fully qualified people, using only clinically approved and regulated products.

• Dermal fillers • Dermaroller • Facial peels • Laser hair removal • Line & wrinkle treatment • Lip enhancement • Skin rejuvenation • Skin lifting & tightening • Thread vein removal

If you’d like to arrange a free appointment to discuss your skin concerns, call or visit:

0800 655 6406 www.transforminglives.co.uk

When you feel good, we feel good Farah Choudhry Laser Hair Removal

Transform Hale Clinic. 4 Century House, Ashley Road, Hale, Altrincham WA15 9SF

Established 2002

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The 100th issue of Didsbury Magazine

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Local businesswomen Suzanne, Amiee and Habiba at Neighbourhood

Image courtesy of Amara www.amara.com

Sacha Lord-Marchionne

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Editor’s letter Christmas WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL

Welcome to our Christmas issue. We’ve done the legwork for you, with our gift-guide selection on page 21 offering some brilliant ideas for your family, friends and even pets.

Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year, from planning your decorations and setting the scene for a festive feast, to relaxing with family and friends in your cosy home. So let the countdown begin – Christmas starts here.

This is an extra-special month for us, because one of our magazines - Didsbury Magazine - is 100-issues old. We celebrated at our charity Christmas Ball, but we wouldn’t be here without the support of our advertisers, readers, contributors, distributors, printers and the Salution’s Team. Thank you!

Enjoy the festive season and we’ll be back with you in 2015.

Beverley e: beverley@salutions.co.uk 1

Established 2002 01 EDITOR’S LETTER News from the editor

EVERY ISSUE…

77 FOOD REVIEW Croma Didsbury

05 / 06 / 07 / 09 / 10 / 11 NEWS What’s happening in the area

13 JACEY’S JOURNAL

78 SALUTIONS DINING GUIDE Eateries & bars in and around the area

83 TABLE FOR TWO

110

Jacey Normand reporting from BBC MediaCityUK

27

87 THE BUSINESS

28 INTERIORS

With Vikas Shah

Decorate your home and Spruce up the spare room

89 / 91 / 93 EDUCATION NEWS

35 GARDEN STYLE

News and achievements from the schools

All present and correct

105 EVER FALLEN IN LOVE…

36 WOMEN’S FASHION

A Midnight Clear

Work some black magic in an LBD

107 REVIEWS

38 MEN’S FASHION

Music, books and films

The bobble is back!

41 WIN NATURALLY

108 WHAT’S ON Prepare for some seasonal fun

107

Enjoy a healthy festive season

110 GADGETS

TRAVEL

The deep ravine of gadget land

66 Shangri-la Hotel at The Shard, London 67 Dubai - A city of endless experiences 68 JA Palm Tree Court Hotel - Dubai 70 Out & About - Dubai 71 Aquaventure Water Park at ATLANTIS the Palm 72 Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa - Dubai

112 MOTORS The new C4 Cactus 79 78

108

24 2

With Pavla Plhalova at Restaurant ONE EIGHTY

Established 2002

& THE

112

REST…

16 / 17 / 18 / 19 SPOTLIGHT Sacha Lord-Marchionne

21 THE VERY BEST OF CHRISTMAS Gift ideas for family and friends

32 COMPETITION

48 SUCCO JUICERY

75 JAMES ALEXANDER

The North’s first cold-pressed Juice Bar

Owner of Bourbon & Black

60 SHAMEEM SAMPATH

Cake Girl

Leading the way with experience, empathy and technology

81 SHEETAL PATEL 95 RICHARD ROBSON New headmaster at St. Bede’s

63 JO KABERRY

Win £100 of John Lewis vouchers

A snapshot of the work of a photographer

97 MATT WHITEHEAD

42 GRACE BEAUTY

64 PETER SALMON

A heavenly haven in the heart of Hale

Our man in the North

101 SHELLY VASDEV

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West Didsbury CE Primary School

Reach for the Stars UK

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CONTRIBUTORS GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN www.twistedgifted.com

ONLINE CONTENT Paul Adams

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Salim Uddin-Khandakar

EDITORIAL SUPPORT Steve Jones

SALES Michelle Atack

CONTRIBUTORS Anne Britt, Catherine Reed, Fay Wertheimer, John Waddington, Oliver Chesher, Philip Valentino, Mark Kureishy, Dr Jill Nash, Julie Neville, Helen Lawson, Charlotte Batra, Emma Roache

PHOTOGRAPHY PR Shots, Bigstockphoto.com, Press Loft, Likeawhale.com, Martin Hambleton and Jo Kaberry

OffICE MANAGER Jo Price E: jo@salutions.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 2883

This Magazine is published six times a year by Salutions Limited.

The contents may not be reprinted or reproduced without prior written permission. The publishers are not liable for statements made and opinions expressed. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher can take no responsibility for omissions and errors.

DISTRIBUTION Avanti

fIND US ON

The Old Bank, 99 Palatine Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 3JQ. Tel: 0161 445 2883 | E: info@salutions.co.uk visit us online www.salutions.co.uk 3

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Summer dates still available for 2015 !

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! ! ! ! throughout ! ! ! !2015 ! ! ! ! ! !

Dates May ! !! still ! ! available ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !

Please enquire our special wedding packages ! ! ! !to !find !out ! about ! !

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Wedding 25th January 10am-4pm ! ! ! Fayre! Sunday ! ! ! ! 2015 !

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We! ! have !specialist !suppliers ! you ! throughout the day from photographers and florists to entertainment companies, bridal gowns and classic cars. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Complimentary drink! on arrival.

Catwalk ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! shows ! featuring beautiful gowns and outfits. Tranquility Beauty! available bridal makeup and hair with mini demonstrations.

Our 2010 Brasserie open all day for light ! ! ! ! ! !to discuss ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! refreshments ! and informal lunches. ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

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LOCAL NEWS MANCHESTER’S TWEETING GIANT

SANTA RETURNS TO ALBERT SQUARE

Manchester’s biggest, most festive red resident will return to his station in front of Manchester Town Hall. Love him or loathe him, the giant Santa has become the city’s festive season icon, presiding over Albert Square’s Christmas Market throughout the festive season. Designed and made in France by Ove Arup, Manchester’s festive mascot is a thoroughly modern Santa, which means he will be tweeting Christmas messages through to the New Year. Follow him and keep up with Christmas in Manchester @MCRsanta

THE BEST – AWARD-WINNING MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET RETURNS Manchester’s world-famous Christmas Markets – brought to you by Manchester City Council – return for the 16th year in the UK’s capital of Christmas – and this year they come boasting new sites!

Beginning in 1999 with just a single site on St Ann’s Square, the Manchester Christmas Markets have grown each year to attract thousands of traders to fill more than 300 stalls across nine market sites – including Market Street and Cathedral Gardens for the first time. Manchester is currently undergoing a major transformation to improve transport across the city centre, which means the Christmas Markets have had the opportunity to expand to new sites,

while ensuring sites affected by the work – namely Exchange Square – still sparkle with festive spirit. An expansion to Cathedral Gardens has long been an ambition for the Manchester Christmas Markets and will be the new home of the beautifully crafted, 16m-high windmill. This will be part of the beautiful setting beneath the iconic National

Football Museum and the medieval cathedral, and will be the perfect place to sip a warming glühwein. Each market boasts the finest in gift ideas, including jewellery, ceramics, handmade toys, puppets, clocks, glassware, and a market favourite, the limited-edition Manchester Christmas Markets coffee and glühwein mugs. Food-lovers will once again be agog at the range of culinary delights on offer, including several vegetarian options. There will be a chance to sample traditional delights from across Europe, including glühwein, liqueur coffee, macaroons, pancakes and bratwurst, as well as many others.

TIME TO GET YOUR SKATES ON! Spinningfields will once again play host to the city centre’s only outdoor ice rink, with The Lawns and Hardman Square transformed into a festive hub of activity this winter until 4 January.

Back for its seventh successive year, the ice rink will set up home on The Lawns, giving the public the chance to enjoy skating under the stars. Open to the public seven days a week, from 10.30am until 9pm at weekends and 3.10pm until 9pm Monday to Friday,

the rink will also provide a viewing platform for those who would rather spectate than skate.

The ever-popular penguin skating supports will also be back to help the younger members of the family – although older siblings, parents and grandparents can all join in the fun.

Tickets start at £9 for adults, with discounts for student nights and family tickets, and there is no additional fee to book online.

Prior to the opening of the rink and until 14 November, there will be a limited number of early bird tickets available for £6 for every session throughout the season (30 per session), which can only be bought online.

Alex Cody - Running Coach/Personal Trainer www.runtofitness.co.uk 07735 171 779 enquiries@runtofitness.co.uk

With you every step of the way 5

LocaL News

DAF IS BACK AND LOOKING FOR RECRUITS

Didsbury Arts Festival is back with a new team and thrilling new challenges for audiences and artists, both locally and throughout the UK.

Following a year’s break, organisers have announced plans for a 2015 festival to take place from 20–28 June under the leadership of a new DAF Director, Daniel Williamson. Daniel replaces former DAF Director and founder, Maria Stripling.

Organisers now plan to appoint a paid Festival Co-ordinator to assist Daniel in the smooth running of the DAF programme and are inviting applications from enthusiastic and dynamic

individuals seeking to gain experience in events management. In addition, volunteers are sought to boost the festival team and help make DAF 2015 more successful than ever. Help is required across a variety of areas, but organisers are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in arts programming, project management, fundraising, marketing and website management. Individuals are also sought to engage with community groups and local businesses to promote their involvement in the 2015 festival programme.

Get in touch and let us know how you can help!

Contact Daniel Williamson, DAF Director, at info@didsburyartsfestival.org www.didsburyartsfestival.co.uk

OXFAM’S WENDY IS BRITAIN’S MOST EMPOWERING LEADER Didsbury Oxfam shop manager Wendy Elliott is Great Britain’s ‘most empowering leader’ – and that’s official!

Wendy, who runs the charity shop on Wilmslow Road, won the accolade in the Oxfam Values Awards, which recognise the achievements of the inspirational individuals within the charity. Wendy was nominated by colleagues and volunteers for the title. The awards, organised by the charity’s trading division for the first time this year, were held throughout Great Britain, making Wendy’s success all the more remarkable! Said Wendy: “I am absolutely delighted – and stunned – to have won this award. It’s such a great honour and I’d like to thank all the individuals who nominated me for the title. We are a dedicated, hard-working team at Didsbury Oxfam, so it’s lovely to have this recognition, which I believe reflects on all our efforts.” Emma Joy, Oxfam Area Manager, said: “I am thrilled for Wendy! It is a real accomplishment for her to be voted most empowering leader in the whole of the trading division. It doesn't surprise me; her enthusiasm and can-do attitude are infectious.”

“Lovely food and excellent service”

“Best curry in town” Trip Advisor 2014

Raj & Neil wish everyone a very Merry Christmas & Prosperous 2015 The Gurkha Grill Restaurant & Takeaway Award winning Nepalese cuisine. 194-196 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 1LH www.gurkhagrill.co.uk | info@gurkhagrill.co.uk | 0161 445 5444/3461 | Open 5pm till late Sun to Thurs & 5pm to 1am Fri & Sat 6

LocaL News

David Bellin, Sue Aldridge (Chamber of Commerce)

PRESTIGIOUS SUPPORT GROUP FOR ALTRINCHAM BUSINESSES Earlier this year a group of Altrincham businesses launched ‘Start-Up Business Services’ – an organisation aimed specifically at assisting start-ups but also providing support for local small businesses within the region.

Guest speaker Neil Clough from the last series of The Apprentice, gave a motivational speech to guests at an event at Altrincham Town Hall.

Since the launch, Start-Up Business Services has gone from strength to strength, achieving runner-up at the

Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Start-Up Business Services includes representatives from brands such as Santander, McHale Solicitors, Susan Leigh Therapy and social media company AltrinchamHQ. Commenting on the success of the group, founder David

Bellin said: “We are very pleased with how Start-Up Business Services is establishing itself in the Altrincham area. I am delighted to announce that Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce have now joined us as a Strategic Partner.

“I would encourage all start-

ups and local new businesses looking for support to come along and experience the services that are available through this group.” The Leader of Trafford, Sean Anstee also attended to support the evening www.startupbusinessservices.co.uk

MANCHESTER RETAILERS CO-OPERATE WITH FILM INDUSTRY

Independent business Jones And Co. Styling Opticians has been featured in a new film starring Jude Law, Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman.

Jones And Co.’s building in Manchester was selected

by Pinewood Films as the backdrop for the film’s opening scene with Jude Law. Tony Clarkson, Location Manager at Pinewood Films, said: “The building was originally home to the Bank Of England, so it is suitably grand, and we dressed it with American flags hanging from the flagpoles to recreate the exact look of a specific building on 5th Avenue, New York in the 1930s.”

Conor Heaney, Owner of

Jones And Co., said: “It was an amazing transformation. The film company built an intricate set with old New York-style streetside newspaper stands and coffee stands. They even removed a bus stop, parking signs and took up all the road markings.

There were hundreds of extras all in costume, and Jude Law and Colin Firth performed the opening scene right on our doorstep.”

The film is called Genius. It’s set in depression-era 1930s America and centres on the real-life relationship between literary giant Thomas Wolfe and renowned editor Max Perkins.

Genius will be released in 2015.

The Hale Kitchen and Bar 149 Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire WA14 2UW Tel: 0161 926 4670 | E: sasha@thehalekitchen.co.uk

SET MENU 2 courses

HALF PRICE Steak Night

from £13.95

EVERY THURSDAY

www.thehalekitchen.co.uk/wordpress www.facebook.com/thehalekitchen

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One new line. 15 new stops.

THE AIRPORT LINE HAS LANDED The Airport Line is now ready for boarding giving you a fast and easy connection from Manchester to the airport. So now you can MHW WR FKHFN LQ EHIRUH \RX 動 \

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Get ready for boarding. Visit metrolink.co.uk/airport

LocaL News

THE AIRPORT LINE HAS LANDED Cabin crew board the first tram at Metrolink’s new Airport stop ahead of its maiden voyage into Manchester city centre.

OUTSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHER WINS SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Altrincham-based photographer Martin Hambleton has just won Small Business of the Year at the Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Martin Hambleton started taking photographs when he was 14 years old, and in 2003 after a 12-year career in the teaching profession finally followed his lifelong ambition, left school and set up his own photography business focusing on wedding photography. Martin explains: “I have always been the creative type and have a real eye for detail.

I love capturing the moment on such a special day and then presenting a

couple with a wedding album they can treasure. As the wedding business developed I also found that my business expanded into family and lifestyle images, and more recently into commercial photography.

I love the diversity, and pride myself in always delivering a first-class job.

“I enjoy working in the north west and particularly around the Altrincham area, although I do sometimes work elsewhere. Regardless of the subject,

I am always thinking about how the photo will look, choosing the light and the best position. I truly love my work and the people I meet. Being recognised for my work and winning this award is a great honour. I thank everybody who nominated me together with the Chamber for their support.”

SELFRIDGES HOSTS BOUTIQUE ICE RINK FOR CHRISTMAS Selfridges Trafford Centre will again host one of the most luxurious boutique ice-rink experiences in the country.

The rink, which holds 120 skaters, is truly a winter wonderland taking its cue from Selfridges’ Christmas ‘Storytelling’ theme, featuring rich forest greens and sparkling gold to bring the magic of enchantment and fairytales to life. The bespoke covered ice

rink guarantees a great skate whatever the weather, while the hot drinks and food concession will ensure everyone stays warm and cosy. The ice rink will be open between 13 November and 4 January. Selfridges does not charge a booking fee for

tickets purchased online and is offering special deals for schools, colleges and groups.

See website for opening times, booking and directions http://intu.co.uk/trafford centre/events/selfridges-icerink or call 0161 629 1306.

The Great Kathmandu Tandoori Restaurant

Award winning Nepalese & Indian Cuisine Winners of the Hardens Observer Readers Choice for Indian Cuisine in the UK

140-144 Burton Road, West Didsbury M20 1JQ Open 7 days a week. Lunch 12 noon - 2.30pm & 6.00pm - Midnight

www.greatkathmandu.com | T: 0161 445 2145 or 0161 434 6413

Christm

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Bookings s NOW

being tak en.

Free 660ml beer with T/A orders over £30 Join us for Christmas lunch - see our Christmas set menu. Function room available for hire.

9

LocaL News

PINK FRIDAY LADIES’ LUNCH Thanks to the Altrincham Preparatory School Society, mums and friends enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Victors in Hale to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research, Breast Cancer Care and the Genesis Appeal.

Ladies were greeted on arrival with pink fizz or pink lemonade and canapes, followed by a lovely main course of salmon or ravioli and a gorgeous dessert. It was a lovely way to spend Friday lunchtime, raising £1,460, supported by Victor’s Eatery & Bar Hale.

LADIES’ FASHION LUNCH

Jayne Bessant, Chief Executive of St Ann's Hospice, Chelsea Norris from Key103 and Apprentice finalist Susan Ma

For many years the St Ann’s Hospice Ladies’ Fashion Lunch has been a key date in the diary for the women of Manchester. The lunch has raised more than £480,000 in a little over a decade for St Ann's Hospice, which provides free care for adults with life-limiting illnesses and their families and carers.

The event, at The Palace Hotel in Manchester, began with a drinks reception in the Tempus Bar, then moved into the Grand Room where a three-course lunch was served and the fashion show took place. There was also a chance to win some fantastic prizes in the raffle. Vet Sam Mundy told guests that her pet project is raising money for the charity close to her heart. She brought many of the 400-strong audience to tears with her emotional story of how Greater Manchester's largest hospice helped her late dad Mike after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Since his father’s death two years ago, Sam has been fundraising with family and friends by walking and running 2014km during this year. They have beaten their target by raising £12,000 and her inspiring efforts will reach a climax when she runs in the New York marathon in November. Former Apprentice star Susan Ma was also among the guest speakers, describing how she built up her beauty business from a market stall. The event was sponsored by Brewin Dolphin and featured a show by LK Bennett.

Julie Lynch, Ingrid Smillie, Pauline Harmstone, Stephanie Sheard, Francesca Smith, Ros Slocombe, City West Housing Trust and Sellick Partnership

MEEKS OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE WELL HEELED OF CHESHIRE The store, which is based on London Road stocks a wide range of world-renowned Ecco UK shoes for men and ladies, including golf shoes. Footwear by ultra prestigious brand Church’s, worn by celebrities such as George Clooney, Jude Law and David Beckham is also available at the store.

“We were looking for a shop in South Manchester and the shop had a good feel to it, and we like the village feel that Alderley Edge has” Said Owner John Meeks. “We are delighted to be one of only three shops outside London to stock Church’s shoes and felt that Cheshire would be the perfect market for this fine leather footwear.”

The shop specialises in comfort shoes and wider fitting shoes from a variety of iconic and respected brands, such as Gerry Weber, FitFlops, Gabor and the award winning Paul Green. www.meeksshoes.co.uk 10

LocaL News

TRANSFORM ANNOUNCES OPENING OF FIRST-EVER HIGH STREET NON-SURGICAL CLINIC Transform Cosmetic Surgery, the UK’s leading provider of non-surgical treatments and cosmetic surgery, has opened its first-ever non-surgical clinic on the high street, in Hale, Cheshire The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Trafford and Dr Hilary Jones, GP and ITV medical presenter, cut the ribbon at the new clinic on Ashley Road, declaring the doors officially open as residents and businesses looked on.

The clinic, at Unit 4, Century House, is open seven days a

week, with highly qualified skin specialists, nurse injectors and dermatologists. The clinic offers a full range of nonsurgical treatments, such as microdermabrasion, line and wrinkle smoothing treatments, and laser hair removal. It also boasts the latest ultrasound technology (ultherapy), which lifts, tones and tightens the skin. Transform champions tougher regulations on the non-surgical industry and is committed to providing the highest clinical standards and patient care. Visit www.transforminglives.co.uk.

TEAM GUSTO Mikey, Lewis and Tara of Gusto Didsbury abseiled 197 feet down the Bell Tower of The Trafford Centre recently. Tara and Mikey had a massive fear of heights, but conquered them all in a good cause. Team Gusto managed to raise £825 for The British Red Cross Mobility Scheme to help people who require wheelchairs etc to get mobile in the Manchester area, and would like to thank customers, family and friends for their kind donations. In December, Gusto is adding an optional £1 to customers’ bills for this worthy charity.

THE QUAYS PARTNERSHIP Manchester’s City Centre Cruises has joined The Quays Partnership, the team that promotes The Quays as a tourism destination in Britain.

The Partnership comprises the north west's best cultural, sporting and leisure destinations, including The Lowry, IWM North, part of Imperial War Museums, Emirates Old Trafford (home of Lancashire County Cricket Club), Manchester Cruises, Mersey Ferries and the Lowry Outlet. Also, included in the Partnership are The Old Trafford Lodge and The Copthorne Manchester, Salford and Trafford Councils, the Manchester Tourist Board, Marketing Manchester, and MediaCityUK. City Centre Cruises specialises in an exclusive cruising restaurant and a party boat. The two vessels are

named in tribute to two iconic figures who lived and worked in Manchester and Salford, LS Lowry and Emmeline Pankhurst, and have been in operation for over twenty-five years. The cruises are available all year round, providing unique venues to celebrate any occasion while discovering the world-famous historic Manchester Ship Canal and Bridgewater Canal. The Quays is a one-stop destination for entertainment, dining out, arts, culture and shopping!

For more information visit www.thequays.org.uk

l band k sousoul zz funfunk JaJazz band House Parties a speciality Residencies Weddings | Corporate Events | Private functions | Weddings | Bah Mitzvahs a speciality

www.smoothedgemusic.co.uk

Call Smooth Edge on 07891305876 or email:info@smoothedgemusic.co.uk 11

Choose Marilyn Stowe and her Cheshire team, part of the UK’s largest specialist family law firm Marilyn Stowe is the senior partner at Stowe Family Law leading her handpicked team of talented lawyers at the UK’s largest specialist family law firm.

Marilyn has handled more than 12,000 divorce cases over her 30-year career.

“A friend gave me the firm’s telephone number and said Marilyn was brilliant.

What an understatement!”

Former client

“Regarded as one of the most formidable and sought-after divorce lawyers in the UK.” The Times

Anthony Jones

Jane Gray

Kelly Parks

Nastassia Burton

Jennifer Wood

Nia Jones

If you need family law advice, early support can be essential. Stowe Family Law can help.

For more information contact Morna.Rose@stowefamilylaw.co.uk or call 0161 926 1410 92 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5BB The Camellia Building, 38 Oxford Road, Hale, Cheshire WA14 2EB www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk www.marilynstowe.co.uk

Kate Rayner

The

Jacey Normand Journal

This month I’ve been traversing the North of England in a bid to find out why our rail and motorway networks are so bad. It could be my toughest challenge to date, not least because I had to venture out on the one day of the year we experienced tornado force gales – but also because I’ve been filming it while eightand-a-half-months pregnant!

There’s a certain humour in pregnancy, which was highlighted by this assignment. As I clambered aboard the 7am TransPennine Express from Hull to Liverpool (one of the most overcrowded routes in the country) I anticipated an unpleasant sardine-like experience, swerving coffee splashes, newspaper stains and body odour, only to be met with countless offers of seats, even assistance on and off the train with my overnight bag and kit.

Don’t get me wrong, if I had to do this every day, the headline would have read ‘Commuter hell!’ Yet ironically, because of my condition, the overall journey was pretty pleasant and the whole experience has got me thinking how much better the world would be if we each took the time to be nicer to one another before we even arrived at the office.

On a day-to-day basis we’re met with infuriating challenges and many of us respond accordingly, imposing our moods on total strangers, even elbowing our way through stressful situations. In this instance, I wondered how a person with as little patience as me remained unusually unperturbed

by the hustle and bustle of blearyeyed commuters – normally I’d have given out at least one death stare or raised an eyebrow at someone’s lack of special awareness. Had my triumph in gaining a seat against adversity or that stranger’s act of kindness had such a positive impact on my day? As I tucked into a chocolate bar and sipped my cup of tea, I was certain there were lessons to be learned.

Sometimes, assignments pose challenges that are opportunities to think on a much deeper level.

Undoubtedly, the morning commute can be a nightmare however you choose to do it (my report for the BBC’s Inside Out show this week certainly highlights some of those perils). Yet somehow we need to work harder not to let this affect our feelings about the rest of the day.

As a journalist, I’m used to hitting deadlines or doing things to time.

It’s part of the thrill of the job and possibly what drew me towards it in the first place. After all, why feel a continual flow of pressure when you can take it in one big hit before moving onto something new?

After all, it doesn’t really matter how we reach our destinations, but when we do, if we feel positive and calm, it can only make us better at our job!

That said, it’s still an incredible feeling to simply take a moment, or make a conscious effort not to get dragged down by the rat race before facing a busy day. It’s quite ironic that it’s only just occurred to me after 14 years of working in news. All too often we’re consumed with how much we have to squeeze into a working day; it’s like running on a treadmill with no off button.

Jacey Normand Presenter/Reporter BBC1

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Celeb ra New Y te

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G a l

r

at The Bridgew ater Musicals Hall’s

Fri 16-Sun 18 January

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Featuring performances by Tommy Emmanuel, The Katona Twins, BBC Philharmonic & Craig Ogden, plus a host of guitar-related activities and family fun

Manchester Camerata Robert Ziegler conductor Maria Friedman & Damian Humbley soloists Wed 31 December 8.00pm A glamorous evening of favourite songs from the musicals featuring West End stars, plus entertainment from stilt walkers, magicians and a fire performer.

Box Office: 0161 907 9000 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

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Box Office: 0161 907 9000 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

What’s on at

THE N RTHERN The annual problem of enjoying all the festive fare on offer and still looking fit and fabulous has come round again. Luckily, the Northern has the solution lots of solutions in fact.

Fancy a go at tennis?

It’s never too late to learn and we have both adult and junior coaching sessions, which are open to non-members. For members, there's social tennis on Tuesday evenings, utilising our outdoor and newly resurfaced indoor courts, or you could work towards playing more competitively for one of the many teams.

For the very young players, our new mini tennis coach Ben Obong (above) will soon be introducing Tots Tennis.

Upstairs in the studio, there’s Zumba Kids with Becky for 4 to 10-year-olds, and on the squash courts, Lisa's Little Belters is held every Sunday morning for the same age range.

We have coaching for all ages and abilities, a social club night on Wednesdays, and some 20 men's, ladies' and junior league teams.

Top-quality squash is regularly on the agenda and the recent exhibition match between current World Champion Nick Matthew and the club's Head Coach Andy Whipp (a former World number 32) was a sell-out.

If you would like to join our database for information on future matches, email rackets@thenorthern.co.uk.

To see images: www.thenorthern.co.uk/about-the-club/gallery/squashexhibition-match-2014-nick-matthew-v-andy-whipp

The Northern's extensive racket facilities are complemented by an excellent gym and studio. Our team of personal trainers can offer sport-specific programmes or support for whatever your personal goal may be - a 10K race, half or full marathon, triathlon, or just to improve your fitness and keep up with the kids! (And of course, to fit back into your Christmas party gear in time for New Year!) The studio hosts a full programme of fitness classes of various types and degrees of toughness, and regular running club groups meet in Reception before setting out to pound the streets of Didsbury.

For full details go to: www.thenorthern.co.uk/fitness Squash was billed in Forbes Magazine as ‘the healthiest sport’ and the Northern boasts the best facilities in the area, with state-of-the-art LED lighting now installed on all six courts.

To see images of everything on offer at the Northern, go to the club website and look at our galleries.

www.thenorthern.co.uk

Membership offers: On production of this magazine, the Northern is offering either:

• Join in December 2014 for three months (Jan-March 2015), get December 2014 FREE. • Join in December 2014 for the whole of 2015 and get two months FREE (December 2014 and January 2015).

Terms and conditions apply: Full and Fitness & Health Memberships only. Studio classes are open to non-members on a pay-and-play basis, with frequent-user option. Non-member rates are available for tennis and squash coaching. Come along for a tour of our facilities, or contact us for a free trial – contact membership@thenorthern.co.uk and quote Salutions Magazine

15

YOUR CORE BUSINESSES ARE BASED IN MANCHESTER. WHY? I was born in Wythenshawe and brought up in Altrincham.

Manchester is the best city in the world. Most of the people are special, different, and down-to-earth – you don't get that vibe in any other city. We get so many offers to move our brands into different territories, eg. Ibiza or London, but we are both Mancs – we are happy here and it will always stay that way.

WERE YOU EDUCATED IN MANCHESTER? I wasn't necessarily educated, but I did attend a school in Manchester – The Manchester Grammar School. A great school, but it just wasn't for me. I was firmly on a course for immense failure!

I just lost interest after the first five minutes of walking through the huge gates. Contours, or the Latin for rabbit just didn't float my boat. How on earth I ever made it to the end, I’ve no idea. I don't think I ever fully completed one homework assignment!

The bus journey in was time spent copying other people’s answers! However, my art teacher, I think, took pity on me and spotted a lost soul. One day, he suggested I visit a club called The Hacienda. It was 1988 – I think that’s the year I woke up!

The truth can be told – I failed all my A levels because of The Hacienda, so no university would touch me with a barge pole. That worked both ways, because I didn't want to go to one!

WHY ARE YOUR EVENTS SO POPULAR? Sam and I take great pride in each event. Each one is thought out methodically. We also have a great team around us. There is no hierarchy in the office – we all just get on with it.

Sam deals more with the artists. I’m more logistics and making sure that Sam doesn't blow all our budget – which is a struggle!

There is a formula to the success of our events that we always follow, but I’m not giving it away! It'll be on my gravestone!

16

SORRY TO ASK, BUT YOU HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF HIGHPROFILE INCIDENTS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AT YOUR EVENTS. WHAT EFFECT DID THEY HAVE ON YOU AND HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH THEM? Yes, I’d rather talk about them than tiptoe around them.

People can learn from these incidents. Firstly, Parklife and Robert Hart. Why has the perpetrator not been caught and brought to justice?

70,000 people were there that day, so someone must be shielding him; but it has highlighted just how dangerous one punch can be, no matter where you are or who you are.

Nick Bonnie passed away after a Warehouse Project event. The full story is out now and it seems that he had been taking a cocktail of drugs both prior to and while at the event.

This was the worst few weeks of our lives. What must his parents have gone through? It was at this point we nearly gave everything up.

We do everything we can at each event – searching, drug sniffer dogs, police, paramedics – everything we can to make it a safe and enjoyable environment.

If the Government can't stop drugs getting into the country – or even prisons – we stand little chance, but we do everything we can.

We were just broken at this point. We called a press conference, with the intention of asking the press to spread the word on the dangers of takings drugs. The national press turned up with cameras and microphones. We were well out of our depth. I’ve no idea how we got through it.

WHAT DO YOU DO? Myself, along with my business partner Sam Kandel, are responsible for some of the biggest dance events in the country – The Warehouse Project, Parklife, Hideout, Kendal Calling to name a few.

17

18

YES! THANK YOU FOR BEING FRANK. SO HOW DO YOU LET YOUR HAIR DOWN? I have a very small but close set of friends – just a handful – and my mum!

That’s how I relax – just talking to them, with no agendas and no-one wanting a guest list or some other sort of angle. I don’t go clubbing.

I'd much rather go to dinner, and I'll never miss an episode of Corrie.

Depending on my mood there is usually music blasting throughout the house. I’ve had it piped into each room. The neighbours haven't complained – yet! I also love the gym.

It’s an hour away from the phone or emails.

LAST YEAR BRUNTWOOD CALLED YOU MR MANCHESTER AND YOUR TWITTER HANDLE (@sachawhp) WAS IN THE TOP 10 MOST INFLUENTIAL IN MANCHESTER. HOW DID THAT FEEL? Someone clearly made a terrible mistake.

YOU RECENTLY SAID YOU’RE THE HAPPIEST YOU’VE BEEN IN THREE YEARS. WHY? I really didn't like the venue The Warehouse Project was at in 2012/2013 – Victoria Warehouse.

It turned it from a passion to a job.

It just didn't feel right and came with too much baggage. In fact, to say I hated the place would be an understatement.

We listened to customer feedback and did a complete U-turn back to our spiritual home – Store Street. We're having fun again and the office is alive again.

YOU ARE CRITICAL OF VIP CLUBS. WHY? I’m not – I’m a member of some member-only clubs, but there are certain ones in Manchester that to be frank are crap!

They make me laugh. They call themselves VIP but then advertise everywhere, giving free entry and drinks deals. They aren't VIP – they’re just pretentious.

YOU DO A LOT OF CHARITY WORK. HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED? The charity I’m most passionate about is the Joshua Wilson Charity. Josh was the bravest person I’ve ever met, and his mum, Dawn, is an absolute inspiration. When they asked me to become the charity patron, it was one of the biggest honours I’ve ever had.

Through my interest with Josh, I’ve also become a trustee for Cash for Kids, which helps underprivileged kids across Manchester.

TELL US A COUPLE OF THINGS WE DON’T ALREADY KNOW ABOUT YOU. When I was younger, I set a test with my brother. He had to close his eyes and tell me if I'd placed a green or red grape in his mouth.

I actually placed a slug – and watched him chew it. It was one of the best days of my life.

I also think foie gras should be banned. If you don't know what it is – Google it!

Lesson in life: listen to your customer!

YOU BAN MAN BAGS AT YOUR EVENTS. IS THERE ANY REASON FOR THIS? They aren't right. I despise them.

They seem to be an integral part of the uniform for prize plonkers!

Photos: Sebastian Matthes / info@manox.net 19

Sunday Lunch

At the heart of Mottram Hall, the new Carrington Grill combines relaxed informality with elegance and style. We use locally sourced ingredients to create our menu and have introduced an extensive new wine list.

Sunday Lunch times 12.30-15.30

2 Courses 15.95 3 Courses 19.95 3 courses with an arrival glass of Prosecco ÂŁ25 To avoid disappointment, please ensure you pre-book your table

To book a table at the Carrington Grill, call

01626 828 135

Mottram Hall, Wilmslow Road, Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, SK10 4QT

gift guide

Christmas bunting £10, Lit wall moose head £28, wooden floor Lamp £120, Sherlock petite sofa in versatile mini check red £650, Cushions £12, Red knit shearling throw £35, Versatile check stirling charcoal and red drum £90 All available from NEXT www.next.co.uk

The very BEST of CHRISTMAS

21

gift guide

Forrest sofa (large) £1,385 and (medium) £1,269. Sabina dining chair £375. Santa Clara bench £369. Santa Clara Tahoe dining table £975.

Orchard 6 drawer chest £1,095. Bowmore footstool £689. All available from Arighi Bianchi www.arighibianchi.co.uk Prices correct at time of going to print. Sale starts Boxing Day.

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS LIVING ROOM

Don't stop at the Christmas tree - extend your Christmas decorations through the whole living room and soon your space will be flowing with cheer.

PRETTY CHRISTMAS MANTELS Make your home merrier with a pretty Christmas mantel.

Hanging decorations £3.75. Lantern fairy lights £18. Placemats (set of 4) £12.

Wooden tree £10. Votives £8 (each) Patchwork tree £12. Debenhams.

22

DECK THE HALL WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY tis the season to be jolly…

FOR A SMALL PLACE WITH LIMITED SPACE Indigo blue wooden Christmas tree from Sainsbury’s Home

Winter 2014 Christmas catalogue M&S

FINE JE WELLERY SINCE 1894

YOUR PERSONAL JEWELLER BY APPOINTMENT ONLY ”WHERE DIAMONDS COST LESS”

To reserve your private appointment at our showroom Tel: 0161 773 0000 Or you can email: enquiries@donnsjewellery.com

gift guide

what women want…

YVes saiNt LauReNt

aVeda

aRoMatHeRaPY associates

The Palette Collector Wild Edition is precious and distinguished. A harmony of 7 shades in addition to three brush applicators for the eyes, cheeks and lips to create a bespoke glamorous look. £69

Enbrightenment Brightening Correcting Crème is an intensely moisturising, organic shea butter cream. Containing ceramide 3 to help strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier and deliver velvety-complexion heaven! 50ml £45

Ultimate Bath Jewels For the first time, the entire multi-awardwinning collection of Bath & Shower Oils are presented together in one set, offering ten exquisite blends of the finest essential oils for the ultimate aromatherapy experience.

A truly precious gift. £55

The Touche Eclat Collector Wild Edition Applied beneath the eyebrows, on the cheekbones or in the corners of the eyes, Touche Eclat erases all signs of fatigue.

Available in one shade: N°1 - Luminous Radiance. £25

Stress-fix Body Crème is enriched with organically-derived plant oils and shea butter that luxuriously cocoon dry, dehydrated skin in soothing, softening and protecting 24-hour moisture. 200ml £36 www.aveda.co.uk

Bath Jewels Presented in a luxurious triangular box and comprising a trio of 7.5ml hero Bath & Shower Oil blends. The ideal gift for someone who deserves a bit of ‘me’ time. £28 www.aromatherapyassociates.com

baReMiNeRaLs

Opium Eau de parfum collector edition 2014 Opium is dedicated to women who push the boundaries of convention: they dare to explore the forbidden, to venture into the mysterious elsewhere. 50ml £67 www.yslbeauty.co.uk 24

The Big Top is a spectacle of colour for face, eyes and lips in creamy shades and versatile tones. And for the flawless finishing act, primers, brightener and finishing powder for true complexion perfection. £75

Touch up to glow Radiance-enhancing mighty minis for a flawless, soft-focus finish and star-studded glow any time you want to steal the show. Mini Illuminating Touch Up Veil & Brush Duo. £15 www.bareminerals.co.uk

gift guide

Pick up something special for the lady in your life toM foRd

8 Piece Lip Colour and 8 Piece nail Gift Box A personalised selection of 8 lip colours and 8 nail polishes presented in an elegant, black and gold Tom Ford box. £504

ted bakeR

PuRe & LigHt oRgaNic

Perfectly Polished Nail Polish Doll’s House £14 www.tedbaker.com

Essential Skin Face Oil Using only the highest quality organic ingredients Pure & Light Organic have created a revitalising Essential Facial Oil that naturally promotes collagen production, optimises healthy skin regeneration and balances the skins oil production. £55. www.pureandlightorganic.eu

sHaVata

skiNPeP

Brow Perfector £19.50 www.shavata.co.uk Private Blend Collection Set which includes 6 mini decanters of the top selling private blend fragrances. Presented in a luxurious private blend brown cross hatch box, decorated with a gold Tom Ford plaque. £220

LusH

Festive Cheer A glittering box of warming and spicy treats, bringing to mind relaxing evenings in front of the fire with a hot cup of eggnog. Contains Hot Toddy shower gel and Yog Nog soap £10.25

Patchouli Absolu reinvents one of his most beloved perfumery ingredients, patchouli, in a visionary new fragrance of alluring depth. Patchouli Absolu transforms the iconic raw material - famed for its rich and mysterious sensuality and its long history in perfumery - into a hypnotic, modern fragrance. 50ml £142 www.tomford.com

Festive Friends Take home this enchanting gift, which includes all four festive characters from Lush. Contains Butterbear bath bomb; The Christmas Hedgehog bubble bar; Dashing Santa bath bomb; The Christmas Penguin bubble bar. £14.50 www.lush.co.uk

Dark Circle Eraser As we come into party season, dark circles will be an office giveaway the morning after the night before!

Party-proof your peepers and banish eye bags, defeat dark circles and prepare to be amazed. £44.99 www.skinpep.com

PusH Makeup

Brows be Wow is a 24-hour wear gel brow product with buildable colour for fuller and more defined looking brows – upto 3 times darker, if required. Paraben and risk free for those who suffer with tint allergies. £13 push-makeup.com 25

gift guide CLICK STICK We’ve all been there; you gather your mates for that massive group Selfie, you are reaching for that button... And damn! You’ve just cropped yourself out! Designed to ease the strain of taking Selfies, thumbsUp!'s Click Stick will drastically change the way you take photos! Designed to work with iPhones and Androids, as easy as a flick of a switch. £19.99 www.menkind.co.uk SPIRIT BAUBLES These baubles don’t only look pretty, but they also double up as spirit flasks. Genius. Simply fill them with your favourite tipple, and you’ll have a constant flow of ‘good cheer’ to keep your spirits up when the family bickering kicks off. £7.99 www.thehut.com

MOSI & RUDE The Museum of Science & Industry Manchester (MOSI) is excited to launch an exclusive Manchester- centric collaboration with designers, RUDE. Taking inspiration from the Museum’s historic site and impressive collections the product range pays tribute to Manchester’s incredible inventions and inspiring innovators. Bold, eclectic and attention grabbing, there’s so much information to discover and make you smile! Mug £10 Tea towels £12 www.sciencemuseumshop.co.uk/mosi

Looking for something that little bit different?

TABLET COVERS A vibrant, young design house creating unique and exciting, on-trend covers to protect your Kindle, iPad or other tablet.

All under £20, wrapped in metallic foil bags with free UK delivery. www.lentedesigns.com

THE SOCIALITES 225 RANGE Offers users an alternative to traditional cigarettes. A smoker will consumer over 4,000 toxins and 60 harmful carcinogens per traditional cigarette, but with Socialites, you instead inhale a nicotine-infused water vapour that helps curb any withdrawal symptoms, whilst leaving you feeling satisfied.

Just £3.99 with a tasty range of flavours.

Socialites invites you to choose a safer, cheaper alternative, without compromising on your experience. www.socialiteszero.com

TURTLE MAT This Christmas Jumper Turtle Mat has highly absorbent tufts that will suck up snowy footprints so you can put your feet up this Christmas. www.turtlemat.co.uk £47.95

3 of the best for PETS…

REINDEER DOG JUMPER £8 Next 26

CAT BED £30 Next

DOGS SOFT TURKEY TOY Pets Inc. £3.50. www.wilko.com

gift guide

Guy time…

TOM FORD Conditioning Beard Oil. £40. www.tomford.com

From beard oil to days out, there’s plenty of choice for the gentlemen in your life

PAINTBALLING FOR TWO Have fun testing your skills of endurance, quick thinking, leadership and teamwork when you run around imaginative 'battle-fields'. £34 www.dontneedareason.co.uk

DOTCOMGIFTSHOP.COM Bakelite Tape Measure £8.95 Gentleman's Hip Flask £8.95 Vintage World Map Hard shell Glasses Case & Cleaning Cloth £4.95 Set Of 3 Juggling Balls £3.95 Vintage Playing Cards In A Tin £4.95 Retro Record Beverage Coaster £2.95 Table Tennis Set £9.95 www.dotcomgiftshop.com

TOUR OF OLD TRAFFORD Take a guided tour around the stadium, visit the players' dressing room and have your photograph taken at the entrance of the players' tunnel and in the dug out. £19 www.dontneedareason.co.uk

TED BAKER Claim to Flame Ted’s Grooming Room candle and cologne £18 Exclusively at Boots www.boots.com

MARKS & SPENCER Best of British Brown Leather Weekender £399 www.marks&spencer.com

JIMMY CHOO Jimmy Choo Man 100ml EDT £62 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

THREE OF THE BEST

Linea Weekend navy reindeer jumper £50 House of Fraser

3D elf Christmas jumper £12 Primark

Wrapping paper novelty sweater £26 Next 27

gift guide CANdLeS

Miley nine light £75 BHS

Decorate your home With 3 of the best…

Silver goblet tealight holder £27 House of Fraser

Embellished Hurricane vase, tealight holder £60 House of Fraser

WReAtHS

Mrytle wreath £40 Next Everlasting tree shaped wreath £39.95 House of Bath Snowy woodland spruce wreath £19.50 M&S Morris moose head £20 Next

MAKe A StAteMeNt

Polar bear head £18 Next

Felt stag head £15 Paperchase

RAiSe A gLASS

Lulu Champagne flutes £40 House of Fraser 28

Glass punch bowl £38 and Metropolitan tumblers (set of 4) £16 Next

iittala Ultima Thule White Wine Glass Set of 2 £29 www.occa-home.co.uk

SPRUCE UP THE SPARE ROOM Inviting guests provides the perfect excuse to update your spare room with new bed linen. All available from M&S.

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WINNER KITCHEN DESIGN OF THE YEAR 2014

‘‘

I wanted an open kitchen that integrated totally with the living space

’’

Old meets new in Michelle’s Victorian home with sash windows and original servant’s bells. Our design is a contemporary open kitchen with Corian worksurfaces and modern units complemented by thick walnut shelving, which display treasured objects and essential kitchen accessories.

We work closely with our clients to design and install their perfect kitchen. If you’d like to know more about how we work take a look at our website or call into one of our showrooms to discuss how we can make your kitchen dreams come true.

www.earleandginger.com 680 Wilmslow Road . Didsbury . M20 2DN . Tel: 0161 434 4354 8 Broomfield Lane . Hale . WA15 9AQ . Tel: 0161 222 4040

B E S P O K E D E S I G N , I N S TA L L AT I O N A N D F U L L P R O J E C T M A N A G E M E N T

I00N W £1 of

Is JohNcLheeWrs vou

to spend at

Time to get personal with your style at John Lewis Trafford

Experience your very own style profile, part of our new John Lewis Personal Styling service, which offers a choice of three levels of service: The Express appointment for the woman who is looking for a particular outfit for a specific occasion – a complimentary service.

The Style Experience for the woman who needs several outfits – a complimentary service.

The Personal profile is designed for the woman who wants to find out what colours and cuts suit her. This appointment lasts one hour and costs £125, which is fully redeemable if an Experience appointment is booked immediately afterwards and a minimum of £500 is spent in store. At the end of this enjoyable and useful process, you will leave with a style and colour profile that you can take with you every time you go shopping.

0161 491 4040 ext 4505 to book your appointment.

If you’re looking for expert help when choosing your Party outfit, who would you ask for?

A. A Neighbour | B. A Work Colleague | C. A John Lewis Personal Stylist.

Email your answer to johnlewis@salutions.co.uk or send a postcard to John Lewis Competition, Salutions Limited, The Old Bank, 99 Palatine Rd, Didsbury, M20 3JQ. Closing date 31st December 2014. See website for full terms and conditions. www.salutions.co.uk 32

N G I S DE E L A S

SAVE

25% BoConcept Manchester

MM2 Building

Presenting our best selling customisable sofa system CENOVA. Choose it with classic back cushions or as shown with plenty of loose ones, design it as a big corner sofa or a small 3-seater and in a wealth of fabrics and leathers.

Our professional interior design concepters help you to choose the right one for you and your home.

Visit our Manchester store to see more DESIGN SALE OFFERS including sofas, tables, chairs, home accessories and ex-displays.

109-117 Great Ancoats Street

Manchester M4 5AG

Book free interior design service now

Tel: 0161 228 7111

All present and correct “What’s the worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?”

A sea of eager hands shoot up in the air: it’s obviously easy to get it wrong!

You see, gardeners are a very peculiar breed – ask them to choose between receiving a stainless-steel trowel or a bottle of scent and there’s no competition; the trowel wins every time. But gardeners are also very particular – we know what we want, and what we don’t!

For years my husband used to buy me gardening books from a remaindered book shop – he figured that, as they were cheap, he could buy me lots of them and I’d be delighted – but how wrong he was. I would open the festive wrapping only to find The Expert Mushroom Grower, which would promptly find its way to the charity shop a week later.

So the lesson is – ask for what you want. Novel ideas include the useful a delivery of a ton of well-rotted compost made from Manchester Markets’ vegetable waste (www.fairfieldcompost.co.uk). Spread a layer around your plants and it will gradually be taken down by the worms, with no need to dig it in. Your plants will love you for it.

But enough of useful presents! I love a bit of bling in the garden, especially in terms of lighting solutions. So try solar-powered garlands of twinkling lights for stringing through a pergola, or floating tealight baubles to add a touch of magic to a water feature. www.crocus.com and www.livelaughlove.com have a good selection.

“I woke up on Christmas morning to find the biggest box I’d ever seen!” remembered Diane. “I was so excited I ripped off the wrapping only to find it was filled with hundreds of bulbs.

My husband had gone to the last day of the Christmas Markets and got a job-lot of bulbs at a knock-down price. Only trouble was, they were all on the point of rotting. There was nothing for it – I put the Christmas dinner in the oven and had to spend the next two days on my hands and knees digging the ruddy things in!” Oh dear.

Or even more useful – “What I really need is a man!” said Kath. “Yes, I’ll go along with that!” said Peter, perking up considerably. What I think (and hope) they both meant is that to have a ‘man-who-can’ to help in the garden for a day would be a wonderful present.

Just think of those difficult jobs that could be done without moaning or mishap - ladder work pruning climbers and trees, moving big shrubs, digging over compacted soil under trees etc.

All you have to do is ask around for a competent gardener and book them for a day.

Or why not buy a beautiful oversized terracotta pot as an unplanted focal point? You know the sort – it looks like an oil jar and would be stunning standing in the border surrounded by low planting.

Try www.potsandpithoi.com for pots to drool over. It might be an extravagance, but you’re so worth it!

Anne Britt is a garden designer.

For advice, designs and classes contact her at annebritt@btinternet.com

35

36

This party season work some black magic in an LBD in an interesting shape or fabric. Add a flash of colour with a bright clutch and pointy court shoes in neon shades

Colour Pop! WoMeN’S fASHioN

Local businesswomen Suzanne, Amiee and Habiba show us how to wear the trend in Neighbourhood, Spinningfields

WoMeN’S fASHioN

Suzanne Marilyn dress £90 by www.littleblackdress.co.uk Neon pink shoes £395 Jimmy Choo Blue glitter clutch £450 Jimmy Choo Harvey Nichols Manchester Amiee Black dress by Finders Keepers £125 Blue suede shoes £360 Jimmy Choo Mini patent bag £650 Jimmy Choo John and Pearl bracelet £40 Harvey Nichols Manchester Habiba Dress by Alice and Olivia £365 Stripey jewelled shoes £320 Sophia Webster Yellow clutch £630 Alexander Wang Arrow ring £59 / Arrow necklace £99 Michael Kors Makeup by Harpreet Pal Bansal at Trish McEvoy in Harvey Nichols Manchester. Photography: Jo Kaberry Location: Neighbourhood, Manchester Hair by Ben Gregory at Umberto Giannini at Harvey Nichols Manchester Tel: 0161 828 8840 for appointments Styling by Jessica Lowe

37

MeN’S fASHioN

The bobble is back!

As the temperatures drop, stop your bonce from turning blue in one of these knitted hats.

We’ve trawled the high street and the web to find a selection of bobble hats in a variety of yarns and designs to suit all tastes and budgets. You can thank us later!

2 3

1

WIN TER

8

WARMERS

4

7

5 6

1. Chunky knit patterned hat by Moncler, Flannels - £140 | 2. Alpaca striped bobble hat, Paul Smith, Harvey Nichols - £65 3. Aztec design hat, Jack Jones, www.getthelabel.com – £7.99 | 4. Fairisle pattern hat, Next – £12 5. Fairisle pattern hat, Howick – £15 | 6. Skier motif hat, Red Herring, Debenhams – £16 7. Merino wool, sustainable, British-made hat, www.origin68.com – £40 | 8. Tricolour cable hat, White Stuff – £19.95 38

2015 could be the healthiest year of your life. Let us introduce you to The Hale Plan The Hale Plan is an effective way to achieve a real boost to your health, lose weight and have that feel-good factor back in your life. The Hale Plan is an initial four-week programme that will provide you with a selection of three nutritionally balanced meals per day that both look great and taste delicious. These meals are prepared by a renowned chef.

No shopping, no planning, no counting calories. What could be simpler?

Following the initial four-week plan we offer a 5:2 programme for continuing benefit. Our team of mentors is available to support you along the way, highlighting the positive effects.

During the Festive period, many of us overindulge. This is where The Hale Plan comes in. It is not a diet, but a lifestyle choice to help you back on track in establishing much healthier eating patterns now and for the future.

Visit our website to hear what clients have to say. Join us today and start feeling better fast.

www.thehaleplan.co.uk | Tel: 0800 817 4820

HeALtH & BeAutY

Sassoon Professional launches EDIT HOLD and EDIT BODY

Christmas is coming and the team at Perfection are feeling very festive!

There's been lots going on recently and we have expanded our Perfection family, with new Senior Stylists Clare and Hannah! More will be starting in the new year too!

During the party season we are doing lots of ‘up-do's’(beautiful bouncy blow-dries), as well as sparkly festive manicures and pedicures!

For hair colours, we are being asked for lots of warm, glossy shades, whether these be copper tones or dark-chocolate browns. We are also updating the ombre technique for winter, where chestnut shiny hair is lightened at the tips and these are dipped in a deep berry colour.

Nails are seeing a touch of added sparkle, with our manicures being finished with matching coloured glitter!

We have also introduced the Vinylux range to the salon, which is produced by the makers of Shellac. It is a manicure that lasts for seven days, in the same gorgeous shades as the Shellac range, but it doesn’t need to be finished under the UV lamp!

To complete your party outfit with a final flutter, why not add beautiful lashes for added volume and length.

These can be a full set of semi-permanent eyelashes, which will last for four to six weeks, covering the entire festive period, or voluminous lashes added on a strip, which will last an evening or two. We have them all to offer!

Wishing all our lovely clients a very happy Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year Best wishes

Becky xx

Perfection Hair and Beauty 28 Park Road | Hale | WA15 9NN Tel: 0161 928 0526 | @perfectionhale 40

The Sassoon Professional EDIT line represents the next generation of styling products and formulas that give a high performance with effortless finish.

In an age of high definition where the selfie phenomenon is at a premium, the quest for looking camera-ready in our daily routine has never been more prevalent. Sassoon Professional has launched a new capsule collection of salon professional products designed to give an editorial feel to each cut and colour. This autumn, let us get you camera-ready. With 11 salons in the UK and in iconic cities around the world, Sassoon Salon is renowned for understated luxury and effortless sophistication.

EDIT BODY | AERATED BODIFYING MOUSSE 200ml £18.50

EDIT HOLD | REWORKABLE FINISHING SPRAY 400ml £15.35

THE PRODUCT A lightweight, deluxe, rich styling mousse for all hair types that gives body and lift to your look.

THE PRODUCT A finishing spray with a long-lasting yet flexible hold.

THE BENEFITS Flat, lifeless hair is a thing of the past, as this mousse enhances hair fullness while maintaining an airy texture. Creates body and lift, without stiffness. Leaves styles supremely soft yet set for hair that bounces.

THE BENEFITS Allows flexibility while maintaining a long-lasting hold. Reworkable formula that won’t weigh down or make smooth styles appear matt.

HOW TO USE Apply a palm-size amount of mousse evenly through the hair, blow-dry smooth for effortless body or tousle with a diffuser for texture.

All-day UV protection.

HOW TO USE Spray an even cloud of mist from a distance of 30cm for optimum effect. This finishing spray will lock in must-hold styles with a lustrous and natural shine.

Available at your nearest Sassoon Salon.

Sassoon Salon 1 Marsden Street, Manchester M2 1HW Phone: 0161 827 7140

HeALtH & BeAutY

Winning naturally with

Julie Neville ENJOY A HEALTHY FESTIVE SEASON

Punch is a drink often associated with the festive season, but this one is not your usual fruit punch, as it’s bursting with antioxidants to provide a real immune boost to see you through this busy and often stressful time of year.

WINTER BERRY PUNCH 350g of frozen or fresh mixed berries. Chunk of fresh root ginger. 4 cinnamon sticks

• • • • • • •

Put the berries in a saucepan.

Add 600ml of water.

Peel and bruise the ginger but leave in one piece.

Bring slowly to a simmer and continue to simmer for ten minutes.

Remove the ginger and strain the liquid through a sieve, pressing the fruit to extract all the juices.

Warm through if required.

Serve in mugs with cinnamon sticks as stirrers.

Fruits are one of the healthiest and most life-supporting of all food groups, but berries come top of the class in the health promotion tables. They are the richest source of protective antioxidants, which guard every cell in the body, warding off damage and disease, especially cancer. Adding ginger and cinnamon gives a boost to the circulation and lifts the spirits. So the party season is upon us – but so is the season of bugs and viruses! So I thought I would take this opportunity to give you a few tips to ward off the usual coughs and colds.

Colds and flu are viruses and the best way to avoid them is by maintaining a strong immune system. Cold symptoms are usually congestion and maybe a headache. Flu symptoms are much more severe and can include fever, aching joints, headache, nausea and exhaustion, and will generally require bed rest.

FOODS TO AVOID All refined sugars and carbohydrates, such as white bread, cakes and biscuits, plus alcohol, fatty foods and caffeine.

These all weaken the immune system making us more prone to infection.

It is a good idea to reduce your intake of mucus-forming foods while you have a cold, such as cheese, chocolate and full-fat dairy produce.

FOODS TO ADD TO YOUR DIET Maintaining your fluid intake is vital, so lots of water. Replace regular tea and coffee with herbal teas – echinacea is a good choice at this time of year.

Garlic and onions are antibacterial and antiseptic, so increase your intake of these. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

A high UMF manuka honey added to drinks and foods daily.

Liquorice is fantastic for the nervous system and antibacterial and antiviral too. It is also soothing to the throat.

USEFUL REMEDIES A good multivitamin daily Vitamin C has been shown to shorten the severity and duration of most colds.

Most people lack vitamin D which is required to maintain a healthy immune system.

JULIE’S HELPFUL TIPS Washing your hands regularly is the best way to prevent the spread of these nasty viruses. I also carry an antibacterial hand spray in my bag too, which I use throughout the day Make sure you rest until symptoms improve. If you feel up to it, gentle exercise will help, as will fresh air.

TOP PRODUCT: Comvita Manuka lozenges and lollipops – they not only soothe but boost the immune system too!

T: 0333 7000 018 (available in store hours)

WinNaturally has got bigger, brighter, better and moved to our new and improved store at First Floor, Halle Square, Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AB 41

On a crisp autumn day in Hale, with the golden leaves on the ground and pumpkins in the windows of the local boutiques and cafes, hidden away among it all on Park Road, is Grace Beauty Therapy. Upon entering you are welcomed by warm, soft colours, luxurious furnishings and the aroma of jasmine and ylang ylang organic candles, among a selection of organic and cosmeceutical products. It is instantly apparent that this is unlike any other salon. Once you step through the doors you won’t want to leave.

With the support of her family, salonowner Suzanne Winstanley launched the new venture eight months ago, no easy task for a new mum as many of us will know.

A beauty therapist for more than fifteen years, Suzanne is passionate about the experience clients visiting Grace have, and knew from the beginning what she wanted to achieve.

“I love being a beauty therapist and delivering a lasting experience and memory for all who come to us. With Grace I believe that simplicity is the key and that going back to basics to create a salon that is beauty through and through”.

After working in professional salons Suzanne realised she wanted to venture out on her own. She recalls: “It was around three years ago that I decided I wanted to step out on my own. I have 42

always been creative and I just knew that I could create something magical with Grace. One of the greatest things I’ve learned about beauty is that no one person is ever the same” Support from the local area and clients have been outstanding. “I was so thrilled to come across clients from five or six years ago, who have come here to find me, and the number of people from the local area, who have all fallen in love with the salon and it’s staff. It’s just so nice and it reminds you how good you must be.”

Suzanne knew immediately the kind of experience she wanted for her clients: “When designing the layout of the treatment rooms and nail stations, we were very careful about working with the space we have. I wanted it to feel like an intimate space where the client is completely at ease and

pampered, and where our personality could shine through, highlighting the warm presence and personal experience.”

Grace Beauty Therapy has been developed as a beauty salon that stands apart from others – one that truly knows its clients, offering a comfortable and restful environment from the moment you step through the door right through to the moment you leave.

Whilst also striving to maintain honest and superlative advice and customer service. Suzanne explains: “What is most important to me is that we are honest and we are never trying to be something we are not.”

With a range of services available such as waxing, facials, pedicures, tanning and manicures, Suzanne advises on some of the more popular treatments: “Our organic treatments

A heavenly haven in the heart of Hale such as manicures, facials and massages, are amongst our most popular treatments at the moment.

And often when people have just booked in for one treatment, they normally want to book a full day with us.

“One of the greatest things about beauty is trying new things. At the moment one of the treatments we are offering is LVL lashes. They lengthen and lift your lashes and can last up to six weeks.” When sourcing the best products to use in the salon, Suzanne was certain of one thing: “I wanted to be able to offer both organic and cosmeceutical options to our clients, whilst also doing our bit to contributing to the economy where we could by supporting British businesses to supply these products. We use products such as Pink boutique for our organic

treatments and product range, and Medik8 for those who prefer or suit the cosmeceutical range instead.”

Grace Beauty Therapy has become a gem find for the clients who have discovered it. Suzanne explains: “It’s fantastic to see the people who come here become regulars. I think it’s the ease of coming here, with the free parking and not being right in the heart of the village, it’s so convenient for people. Many of our clients particularly enjoy the luxury of only having to walk to the end of their street to get here.”

It is clear the entire team working for Suzanne are as passionate about the service and standards of the salon.

Eight months after the grand opening the salon is firmly established in the community and its success has spurred on Suzanne, as she excitedly admits: “I am really happy with what we have

created here at Grace and we will continue to develop the business to ensure our clients continue to get the best possible treatments” Grace Beauty Therapy has some fantastic winter packages available that would make fantastic Christmas gifts. To find out more contact Grace on 0161 928 5855.

Grace Beauty Therapy 30A Park Road Hale Cheshire WA15 9NN Tel: 0161 928 5855 Email: info@grace-hale.co.uk @GraceBeautyHale www.grace-hale.co.uk

By Emma Roche 43

ONE YEAR ON – SUCCESS FOR BRIT WHO RETURNED HOME FOR REVOLUTIONARY EYE TREATMENT British woman Ann Heath, who now lives in the States, travelled across the Atlantic a year ago for treatment at Optegra Manchester Eye Hospital. In fact, she was returning to the hospital destination that she had trained as a nurse many years before in search of a solution for her own medical needs. One year on, the treatment, which is not yet available in the States, has delivered beyond all her expectations.

Ann, aged 75 and originally from Preston, was diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 15 years ago even though she had no symptoms at that point. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss for older people worldwide, and is characterised by abnormal growth of blood vessels in the macula (back of the eye), which distort vision and scar the back of the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to the rapid deterioration of visual acuity and blindness.

Towards the end of 2012, Ann, a retired nurse who specialised in eye health, was continuing her daily checks when on 12 December she knew straight away that something was wrong.

She explains:

“Every day I checked my eyes by using an Amsler Grid, which involves confirming that the lines on the grid look straight without any distortion or gaps. On 12 December 2012 the lines were not straight any more, but were wiggly and fuzzy and I knew I had to run straight to the hospital.”

She immediately saw her eye specialists in the States who confirmed that her previously ‘Dry’ AMD had progressed to ‘Wet’ AMD, the more serious form of the condition. She needed urgent treatment and began 44

receiving five-weekly anti-VEGF injections into her eye.

Unhappy with this as an invasive and unpleasant form of treatment, her brother, who lives in Preston, informed Ann that Optegra Manchester Eye Hospital was launching a new treatment for Wet AMD, called Oraya Therapy.

Oraya Therapy™ Stereotactic Radiotherapy for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a non-invasive treatment intended as a one-time outpatient procedure to reduce the need for routine antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections into the eye.

Mr Sajjad Mahmood, MA, MB, BCHIR, FRCOPHTH, consultant ophthalmologist at Optegra Manchester Eye Hospital, said: "Modern anti-VEGF injection treatments have been very successful at preventing loss of vision, but patients are often anxious about having repeated eye injections. With Oraya Therapy, it is great to be able to offer patients the possibility of maintaining their vision while reducing their need for injections."

FIRST PATIENT EXPERIENCE Eager to be one of the first patients, Ann went about making arrangements and flew to the UK especially for treatment. She says: “I knew I was something of a guinea pig and that this was a relatively new treatment, but I also knew that I did not want to have injections in my eye every five weeks for the rest of my life!

“If it worked and I could stop having injections, that would be completely worth it. I knew that having AMD at this level meant I could at some point go blind and so I was desperate to find a solution. “I suppose that working as a nurse for so many years, and particularly specialising in eyes, I have been in the operating room and seen so many eye procedures that I did not feel

The experts in eye care Optegra consultations now available at Wilmslow Health Optegra consultations now available in Didsbury, Centre – ask your doctor or call us for more details.

Wilmslow and Altrincham Vision experts Laser eye surgery Clarivu™ Total Vision Correction

Medical experts Cataracts, Dry eye Macular degeneration Glaucoma & Retinal

Cosmetic experts Hooded eyelids Eyelid lifts & Bags Blemish & Cyst removal

Optegra Eye Hospitals

0808 163 8984

optegra.com

09:15

fearful. I think my knowledge and experience gave me faith that these top surgeons could help me. Of course, I admit I was naturally a little apprehensive.

“There was some comfort and irony in coming back to Manchester though – as all those years ago I had carried out my medical training at the old Withington Hospital and graduated in 1960. Optegra Manchester Eye Hospital has been built on the very site of that old hospital!

So after all those years of training and then working in eye health, it was like coming home, to be back at the site of the original hospital in search for a solution for my own eyes.”

Ann was treated by AMD expert and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Optegra Manchester Eye Hospital, Mr Mahmood. As she was one of the first patients, she had experts who had designed and manufactured the new treatment in the operating room.

One year on, Ann is delighted with the outcome. She says: “This treatment has really stood up to the test of time and I have been so lucky that I have not needed even one injection since I had Oraya – a procedure that was completely painless and so fast.”

Mr Mahmood said:

“We are delighted that Ann’s treatment has been such a success – especially as she travelled thousands of miles to come to Optegra Manchester. Oraya Therapy is a new option that is really making a great difference for people with Wet AMD, by reducing or – as in Ann’s case – completely stopping the need for monthly injections in the eye, which of course is not a pleasant experience for anyone.”

For further information on Oraya or a consultation please visit www.optegra.com or call 0800 358 0825.

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HeALtH & BeAutY

Everyone’s welcome at Virgin Active – young or old, fit or unfit.

We set out to create a health club that’s different from all the rest. We love helping our members to be active, but we’re not uptight or overly serious about it. That’s the way we do things around here.

Here at Virgin Active Didsbury, we’re creating a gamechanging new club with our upcoming refurbishment starting in late November. As well as existing luxuries, such as red-hot classes, awesome innovations and heated pools, we’re now starting to serve a range of fantastic, fresh facilities to offer you a whole new level of refinement.

From an innovative gym floor, to upgraded lounge facilities and spruced-up studios, we are doing everything we can to make sure you put some more wow into your workout.

So come and work up a sweat in style with our newly refurbished studio and gym floor spaces. All fully refreshed and featuring the finest equipment, they’ll make sure you have the determination to get the most out of your workout.

Alternatively, try The Grid – to be launched in January 2015. The Grid will push you. It will pull and squat you; it’ll lunge, bend and twist you, and it will move you the way you were meant to. You will be able to choose from four new intense classes: Grid Active, Grid Lean, Grid Strong and Grid Fit. Every intense class is based around flexibility and motion. Every instructor will get the best out of you.

We’ll teach you to move – the tough way. It’s all part of your Virgin Active membership.

So step inside and you’ll experience a health club that’s actively different from all the rest.

You’ll be encouraged, inspired, and made to feel right at home.

Come and try out our brand-new facilities - just contact Jordan Dyson on 0161 249 5600 or email jordan.dyson@virginactive.co.uk 46

The Proactive Physiotherapy Clinic:

prevention through Pilates Zarah Ashraf’s Proactive Physiotherapy Clinic in Didsbury is a welcome relief for those of us suffering the stresses and strains of modern life.

Zarah Ashraf MCSP.,HPC

T

he relentless demands of today’s work environment, which might typically find us hunched over a keyboard for the whole day, is not really what our bodies were designed for. We spend most of our waking hours in sedentary repose, which is not best practice for a trouble-free spine and the avoidance of associated future musculoskeletal problems.

So, given that the nature of work is constant, how should we best manage to take good care of ourselves and, in particular, the core muscles that are key to long-term trouble-free mobility and wellbeing?

Zarah’s firm belief, formed through experience, is that preventative rehabilitation is the most effective way to keep future problems at bay.

As the leading provider of specialist Pilates-based rehabilitation in the area, her clinic is well placed to help us successfully overcome the challenges to our health and wellbeing that the modern world presents.

Pilates has been proven to strengthen the body’s core muscle groups, and Zarah’s concentration on that field of physiotherapy has provided many successful outcomes for her patients.

Bolton-born Zarah has always been active and has a keen interest in all sports; she plays netball and is a regular runner too. From a very early age her close contact with athletes and, in particular, her observations of the injuries they suffered, motivated her to become a physiotherapist. She would always want to run onto the pitch to help when someone was injured, confirming that she had the necessary empathy to complement her practical skills.

Zarah studied at the University of Salford and then went on to gain her Diploma of Orthopaedic Medicine at Liverpool University. From there she went on to gain experience in London and Liverpool before opening her Didsbury clinic last year.

She has accrued a great deal of expertise and experience in preventative rehabilitation physiotherapy programmes such as Pilates (the ancient Chinese art of cupping, which mobilises blood flow to better aid healing) and acupuncture. All her programmes are tailored to meet the very specific needs of each patient, and the clinic most definitely places the patient at the heart of its operations.

She has built up a reputation for successful and effective courses of treatment through her expertise and, in no small part, her warm and engaging personality. While working in Liverpool she successfully treated Hollyoaks actor Ashley Dawson and he duly recommended her to professional dancers James and Orla Jordan from Strictly Come Dancing. She’s also treated Bryan Ferry and happily concedes that she didn’t know who he was at the time – her experience belies her youth!

Zarah Ashraf’s Proactive Physiotherapy Clinic can provide information, advice and successful treatment for the improvement and maintenance of long-term health and wellbeing through effective use of rehabilitationbased therapy.

The Proactive Physiotherapy Clinic 90a Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2PN www.oneproactivephysio.com T: 0161 438 0851 Open: Monday - Friday 8am - 9pm Saturday 8am - 2pm Sunday 8am - 2pm

By Mark Kureishy 47

SUCCO CLEANSING PACKAGES 1 day beginner course £50 3 day intermediate course £100 5 day advanced course £150 48

SUCCO Juicery Bright and welcoming, Hale's trend-setting Succo Juicery offers you, your family and friends a simple way to improve and maintain your health and wellbeing. Just pop into the North’s first cold-pressed juice bar and savour Succo’s organic juices, salads, soups and cakes. Nature will do the rest. If your concern is weight loss, skin improvement, poor sleep, low energy or vitamin deficiency and you are basically in good condition, you will find cleansing with Succo juices beneficial. Hale's discerning community has already demonstrated its approval. Consequently, 27-year-old international business graduates Perri and Habiba Awan, who launched their seven-day-a-week eatery on 28 February, are opening in Manchester city centre early next year.

COLD-PRESSED JUICES Many drinks are prepared at the counter while you wait. But key to Succo's astounding success are its cold-pressed juices, processed and bottled in ultra-hygienic conditions in situ beneath the store.

The solid produce is shredded to pulp and then hydraulically pressed in order to extract all the juice. This is neither oxygenated nor heated so, unlike mass-produced, heat-extracted vegetable and fruit beverages, Succo’s products remain ’live’ with enzymes, vitamins and trace elements.

Nutritional potency and efficiency are retained.

Perri says: “We do not pasteurise our juices – they are ‘live’, and with proper refrigeration they will maintain their nutritional stability and taste crisp for 72 hours after being pressed.”

FOOD IS A FAMILY AFFAIR Leaving university at the height of the recession, Hale-bred Perri and Leedsborn Habiba worked in their respective families’ eateries - the Shere Khan and Zouk - before marrying in 2012 and looking for a venture of their own.

Holidaying in LA, health-conscious Habiba and Perri recognised a gap in the UK market for organic food outlets and juiceries. For six months, they travelled coast-to-coast researching the US’s raw foods industry to ensure juicing was a viable business proposition in all climates. Their hunch

was confirmed. The rest is history.

After all, for Perri, juicing had already borne fruit. In the run-up to his marriage to Habiba, juicing had helped the former 17½-stoner shed more than three stones. He recalls: “Seeing a pal lose weight juicing, I went for it too. I hated it initially but haven‘t looked back, or regained the eight pounds I lost in those first three days.”

TRAILBLAzING Habiba adds: “Health is the way forward, and juicing is effective both externally and internally. I foresee juice bars replacing coffee bars as the ‘in‘ venues to sit, chat and chill with your laptop.” She continues: “I’ve witnessed transformations. Customers who are wary of trying our veg-only drinks, invariably end up loving them. And after only two weeks one lady’s skin was visibly rejuvenated and her hair revitalised. She felt so much better.”

FUNNY Perri left Habiba at home to try out their first commercial juicer. He returned to find his ceiling, his floor and his distraught wife covered in pulp. She vowed she’d never touch that machine again!

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Succo’s menu of innovative, homedevised fresh juices, smoothies, soups, cakes and kids’ specials is enticing and

intriguing. Youngsters, who refuse their ‘greens’ at home, happily gulp down Succo’s ‘Popeye Power’ unaware that their favourite fresh apple, orange and lemon drink is laced with iron-rich spinach. Seniors opt for carrot juice and Succo‘s ‘Mean Green’ mélange of jalapeño, spinach, ginger celery, cucumber, romaine, coriander, broccoli, spirulina and lemon. And if you’re considering a de-tox, Succo’s cleansing packages are available in-store and online, ready for delivery locally, regionally and nationwide.

As a meeting place, Succo ticks the boxes too. Settle into the green leather snug and watch the world go by. Finish off with a bullet-proof, toxin-free coffee topped with almond or coconut milk or butter, and if you‘re a dog-owner, claim your Succo doggie treat!

The Awans’ bid to raise UK awareness of healthy, good-quality raw food starts here in Hale. It’s tasty,nutritious, adventurous and fun - try it.

• • • •

Succo produces 100 litres of juices per hour in-house.

Each Succo bottle contains 2lbs of raw vegetables and fruits.

Juices comprise five to eight vegetables and fruits.

Alkaline juices can help prevent cancers and benefit both cancer and diabetes patients.

By Fay Wertheimer

POP into SUCCO JUICERY. On the corner of Broomfield Lane and Victoria Road, Hale, Cheshire WQ15 9AG Monday to Friday: 8am till 6pm | Saturday: 10am till 5pm | Sunday: 11am till 4pm Email drink@succojuicery.com | www. succocleanse.com | www.succojuicery.com | Telephone 0161 222 0086 49

UPPER LIMB SURGICAL SPECIALISTS

Len Funk Consultant Shoulder Surgeon T. 01625 545 071

Mike Hayton Consultant Hand & Wrist Specialist T. 0845 838 7766

Healthy enjoyment of snow sports Don’t let minor injury ruin your holiday According to the Ski Club of Great Britain (www.skiclub.co.uk) there’s been an increase in the number of people who intend to go skiing within the next few years.

Research conducted by the Ski Club suggests that an improvement in the economy and consistently good snowfall in the past two seasons are driving this decision.

Several million people head to the slopes each year to either ski or snowboard, and thankfully, the only thing most people return with is a suntan. However, the odd few are not so lucky and so here’s some advice on what to do, if you’re unfortunate enough to sustain one of these common injuries.

SHOULDER INJURY – THE ‘QUIET’ FRACTURE Len Funk

CY Ng Consultant Hand & Peripheral Nerve Surgeon T. 0161 495 7766

Nick Phillips Consultant Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon T. 0161 495 7745

Matt Ravenscroft Consultant Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon T. 0161 495 6803

Most impact injuries to the shoulder and upper arm result in a dislocation, a fracture, damage to the rotator cuff (the cuff of muscle and soft tissue that hold the shoulder together), or a ligament sprain. Some of these injuries need immediate treatment but others respond well to physiotherapy (and/or surgery) in the immediate post-trip period.

On occasion an injury does not appear to respond to treatment – an example of this is an undisplaced greater tuberosity fracture. In this situation, a person will probably complain of ongoing pain in the shoulder - not helped by a course of active physiotherapy and with an x-ray failing to show an obvious cause for the pain. The recommended treatment plan for someone with shoulder pain that is not settling after three weeks and where there is a history of an impact injury to the area (eg. heavy fall) is: • •

Adam Watts Consultant Elbow, Hand & Upper Limb Surgeon T. 01625 545 073 50

•

Referral for an ultrasound or MRI scan (which will better identify any small fractures) An injection into the joint to aid pain relief and reduce inflammation Resting of the injured limb, followed by gentle physiotherapy as the pain settles.

SKIER’S THUMB Mike Hayton Skier’s thumb is very common and usually occurs as a result of a fall when skiing. There are two main reasons for the injury: •

The first occurs when the thumb gets caught up in the ski pole strap

•

The second happens when, upon hitting the semisoft snow, the thumb is bent backwards and side ways.

Pain is the first thing that’s noticed on the inside of the thumb just further along from the webspace. The thumb may also feel floppy and unable to pinch against the index finger tip.

This is an injury that can await treatment until you get home; the thumb will be fine if a bandage or splint is used for support in the short term.

A small operation is usually required to rectify the problem, followed by the wearing of a removable splint for about six weeks afterwards - but with exercises to mobilise the thumb generally starting within two weeks, so as to avoid stiffness.

LOWER LIMB SURGICAL SPECIALISTS

Sanjay Anand Consultant Knee Surgeon T. 0161 495 6803

Tim Board Consultant Hip & Knee Surgeon T. 07713 451339 SKIING KNEE INJURIES – HOW TO TELL IF YOU’VE DONE SOMETHING SERIOUS! Sanjay Anand Advances in equipment technology have reduced the number of ankle or leg fractures caused by skiing but significant knee injury remains a very common problem (c.30-40% of all ski injuries).

Learning to fall safely may provide a simple method to prevent knee injury; falling forwards, or to the side is much safer than falling backwards (as the knee is not forced into hyper-flexion).

If you do fall don’t try to stop your slide, as your ski may suddenly catch in the snow and cause a twisting injury to your knee.

OrthTeam are a group of 12 superspecialist consultants who are highly experienced in the care and surgical management of people with orthopaedic problems associated with the shoulder, hand and arm, hip, knee, foot and ankle. The consultants’ superspecialist status has been gained as a result of intensive training and clinical experience in specialist Centres of Excellence both in the UK and abroad.

It is rewarded by invitations to speak at international conferences and requests to treat elite athletes from a spectrum

TO HELP DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS KNEE INJURY, ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: 1. Did you hear a tear or a pop in the knee as you fell?

2. Did your knee swell up straight away? (due to bleeding in the knee) 3. Did you find it difficult to stand or walk?

4. Were you unable to continue skiing?

5. Did you think you had done some thing serious?

If you answered yes to two or more, there is a chance you have sustained a significant injury. Once diagnosed, treatment commences initially with ‘prehabilitation’ - to reduce swelling and regain full range of movement of the knee – after which the ligament may be reconstructed with keyhole surgery. of different sports. OrthTeam consultants treat a wide range of upper and lower limb problems, including those associated with long-term wear (eg. arthritis) and short-term acute sports-related injury.

Tel: 0800 328 2975 Fax: 0161 667 4499 Emergency: 07732 247 247 Email: info@orthteam.com www.orthteam.com Twitter: @OrthT

Jon Borrill Consultant Knee Surgeon T. 0161 495 7726

Tim Clough Consultant Foot & Ankle Surgeon T. 0161 495 7028

Adam Hoad-Reddick Consultant Hip & Knee Surgeon T. 0161 904 0434

Philip Turner Consultant Knee Surgeon T. 0161 495 6869 51

If you have a Knee problem, consult one of the UK’s leading Knee Specialists Consultations now available at The new Spire Clinic in Hale The Knee Doc Consultant: • US and UK trained Consultant Knee and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon who has worked with NBA and MFL teams • Professor Faculty of Engineering, Science and Sports, University of Bolton • Honorary clinical lecturer at the University of Manchester • International and national speaker on knee problems and sports injuries

Knee problem?

For quick effective treatment contact the kneedoc... it’s all you need to know.

• Treats international, professional, elite sportspeople and weekend warriors playing many different sports

Treatments available:

• Team Surgeon for GB Olympic Wrestling Team

• Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery

• Sports Medicine Consultant for 2002 commonwealth games.

• Ligament reconstruction (anterior cruciate ligament, ACL) • Minimally Invasive Personalised Knee Replacement Surgery - which can allow you to leave hospital rapidly, often within 2-3 days and the surgery is designed specifically to your knee using the latest cutting edge technological innovations • State of the art Arthritis treatments available.

The Knee Doc... it’s all you need to know Consultations available at: • BMI Alexandra Hospital Cheadle • Bridgewater Hospital Manchester • Ramsay Oaklands Hospital Salford

Contact details: For further information or to book a consultation:

• Telephone: 0161 445 4988

• Spire Hospital Manchester

• Web: www.thekneedoc.co.uk

• Spire Hale Clinic

• Email: claire@thekneedoc.co.uk

Professor Sanjiv Jari, Consultant Knee, Lower Limb & Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon

Professor Sanjiv Jari explains: Total knee replacements are a common orthopaedic operation carried out for arthritic knee joints causing pain, loss of function, leading to disruption to patients’ quality of life. Total knee replacements have been around for over 30-40 years, with most of the advances being in implant design, so as to concentrate on increasing how long a total knee replacement will last.

Traditional knee replacements utilise normal x-rays from which some measurements can be made. At the time of the operation, cutting blocks are used to prepare the knee for a knee replacement, based on estimate of best fit and an estimate of correction of deformity during the procedure itself.

This is currently the most common way to perform a total knee replacement and is a very successful method of undertaking the surgery, generally.

However, new technology is gearing towards making the patient the centre of advances in knee replacements.

NEW

developments in knee replacement surgery: Personalised knee replacements

Extensive research has been carried out by knee implant manufacturers to produce personalised knee replacement solutions, specific to the patient’s individual anatomy.

The important aspect of a knee replacement is to ensure that the alignment is mechanically correct. If the alignment is incorrect, the knee can wear out more quickly. This would be similar to putting tyres onto a car where the alignment is off. The tyres will wear out more quickly due to uneven wear.

This is where a personalised knee replacement is ideal as it allows for more accurate alignment.

Professor Jari now routinely uses a novel technique of personalised or customised knee replacements as he understands that both patients and their individual anatomy are unique.

This technique involves the patient undergoing a preoperative CT or MRI scan, depending on the implant being used. The images from the scans are sent to the prosthesis manufacturer in the USA. From the images, computerised technology is utilised to create a 3D model of the patients’ unique knee anatomy from which the optimal size of the implants needed is calculated and pre-existing deformities are defined and corrections built in to the specifically designed cutting blocks.

Specific customised cutting blocks are then created, unique to that patient and their anatomy / deformity, which are sent back to the surgeon for use at the time of the operation. The process has a lead time of around 5 to 6 weeks from the time of the scan.

The result is that there is no requirement for estimation at the time of surgery, with more specific and accurate personalised bone cuts being made, which have been predetermined prior to the operation. The use of these personalised blocks also means that the cavity of the bones do not need to be breached, as is routinely undertaken in the traditional method. Not breaching the bone cavity has the effect of reducing potential complications from surgery that can be associated with knee replacements such as heart and lung complications, which occasionally occur.

The personalisation of the knee replacement does not affect the surgeon’s ability to still modify and adjust the implants at the time of the operation if necessary. As the bone canal is not breached with the personalised knee replacements, the procedure is less invasive and potentially can have fewer complications.

Find out more at www.thekneedoc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 4988

When the personalised knee replacement is combined with Professor Jari’s rapid recovery and pain relief protocols, which includes effective combined pain relief using minimal opiods (which can cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness), cryotherapy, immediate rehabilitation and walking on the day of the operation, this usually leads to a more pleasant patient experience, with a shorter hospital stay.

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The Private GP & Night Doctor Service

• 24 hrs a day - 7 days a week • Personal and confidential • Covering Hale, Wilmslow, Didsbury and their surrounding areas • Night and weekend home visits • Early or late same day appointments • • •

Registration fee from £15 per month plus consultation fees You can remain with your NHS GP Additional surgery in Hale opening soon

“Peace of mind fo and your far you ily, at all timem s”

If this service is of interest to you or your family, please contact us to register.

Dr Bruce Jobling

T: 0161 980 2626 | Info@ThePrivateGP.co.uk | www.NightDoctor.co.uk The Surgery, 96 Church Road, Gatley, Cheshire, SK8 4NQ

Spire Cheshire Hospital 0845 602 2500 BMI The Alexandra Hospital 0161 428 3656

Place your feet in our hands

BMI The Highfield Hospital 01706 655121 Bridgewater Hospital 0161 227 0000

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year The Manchester Foot & Ankle Clinic

52 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, open seven days a week, 7am-10pm, by appointment only.

To make an appointment with Mr Pillai at 52 Alderley Road, Wilmslow call 01625 545 036 or 07592 994 404 / mail appointments52AR@hcahealthcare.co.uk Visit us online at www.52alderleyroad.co.uk / www.manchesterfootandankleclinic.com

54

Q&A FOOT AND ANKLE PROBLEMS

with Richard Samarji and Lauren Robinson Are you experiencing giving way or pain in the ankle on walking or playing sports?

Richard says Giving way of the ankle may mean that the ligaments on the outside of the ankle have been torn. If the ankle continues to give way despite physiotherapy, x-rays and scans can be done to investigate it and an operation to repair the ligaments can be performed to stabilise the ankle. I had one patient who had giving way of the ankle for 20 years but returned to rugby and sports after her ligaments were repaired even after such a long time.

Pain in the ankle may be due to scar tissue stuck in the joint, and if physiotherapy does not help settle it down then injection or keyhole surgery to trim it out may be needed.

Lauren says It is important to differentiate between a true giving way due to instability as mentioned above, or a giving way due to problems with muscle strengthen or proprioception.

Proprioception (sometimes called joint position sense) is one of the components that make up balance. It is the ability of your brain to be able to sense the joint position without having to look at it. This is done with nerve input from sensors within the ligaments, muscles and skin around that joint. If your proprioception is damaged through injury and scarring around the joint, your reaction to something like going over on your ankle is slower, so instead of being able to correct position quickly, you are more likely to fully go over on it.

It is common for proprioception to remain a problem long after an injury through incomplete rehab, as it takes 56

Richard Samarji MCh FRCSEd FRCS(Orth) Foot, Ankle, Knee, Trauma, Sports injury & Hand Surgery Lauren Robinson Physiotherapist Marple Physiotherapy

time and practice to restore. Often, people are too keen to return to sport early, and if there is no lingering pain, they forget to fully restore their proprioception.

What is a bunion?

Richard says Wearing wider fitting shoes that accommodate the foot would be the first thing to do. If the bunion continues to cause pain despite changes to footwear, an operation to realign the foot back to normal can be done.

Lauren says Bunions often have a genetic component, so are not always footwear-related. Interestingly, they manifest themselves much less in barefoot populations. They can be mild and pain-free if the foot biomechanics are optimal. Physiotherapy is limited, but can help to strengthen the small muscles of the foot to support the natural foot arches and therefore reduce pressure on the bunion. This can reduce the load on it, by stopping the foot rolling over to it as much.

Orthotics can also be helpful to reduce the pressure, and therefore slow the progression and help with the pain. Wearing heels does increase the pressure on the forefoot and therefore can increase the pain and deformity.

What is a bunionette?

Richard says A bunionette is just like a bunion but on the outer side of the foot. The treatments are exactly the same as for a bunion and that is to try wider shoes, and if that does not work, an operation to realign the bone can be done.

Have things changed a lot in the treatment of foot and ankle problems?

Richard says In the past 10 to 15 years things have improved a lot in foot and ankle surgery. We use a lot more keyhole surgery now, particularly around the ankle to cure people of pain that we would have been unable to do 15 years ago. We have also become a lot better at ligament repairs and that has helped people get back to sports.

Where bunions are concerned, the operations are much better now because the bones can be fixed securely so you do not necessarily need a plaster on your foot and the operation can often be done through much smaller incisions. The bone cuts are also a lot better now than they used to be and that means that the mechanics of the foot are better maintained or even improved. Overall though, it is best to try the simple things first, and when dealing with sports injuries, you need to work closely with a good physiotherapist to get the best result.

Lauren says Advances in surgery and physio– surgeon communication have meant rehab is beginning much earlier.

Patients are being immobilised for shorter times, and are being allowed to return to sport quicker as they are being managed better, so they don’t lose large amounts of strength or get very stiff by long periods in plaster.

The new removable boots are great to allow gentle safe movement when indicated to prevent stiffness.

The following Surgeons are members of Manchester Orthopaedic Group:

What about aching feet?

Richard says People often get aching under the balls of the feet and around the heel. Insoles and cushioning are very effective for this, but it is important to check there is no underlying arthritis that can also be a cause of some aching in the foot.

Lauren says Aching feet are common, but can be reduced by adjusting footwear. Some people find shoes that rock or have wobble-type technology help as they keep the muscles and joints moving when standing. It is good to plan your footwear, ie. if you walk to work or to get a train, wear good trainers or walking shoes and then change into smart shoes when you get there.

Do high-heeled shoes cause foot problems?

Spinal Surgeons Vik Kapoor – MBBS MS(Orth) FRCS(Tr&Orth) Spinal Surgery

Mike O’Connor – MB ChB FRCS(Tr&Orth) Hip & Knee Replacements, Arthroscopy & Trauma

Brian David Todd – MB ChB FRCS(Orth) Spinal Surgery

Arun Kumar – FRCS(Tr & Orth), Dip Sports & Exercise Medicine, FRCS, MSc (Trauma), MS Orth Lower limb surgery, Hip and Knee replacement, Sports Injury, Arthroscopic Surgery of Hip & Knee

Upper Limb Surgeons Jochen Fischer – MD FRCS (Tr&Orth) All aspects of shoulder, elbow, wrist & hand surgery including arthroscopy, arthroplasty and trauma Steve Royle – MB ChB MD FRCS(Orth) Hand, wrist & elbow surgery, including fractures, soft tissue & sports injuries Mohammad Waseem – BSc MB ChB FRCS(Tr&Orth) Comprehensive Upper Limb & Trauma.

Hand, Wrist, Elbow & Shoulder.

Steven Kershaw – MB ChB(Manc) FRCS(Eng) FRCS(Tr&Orth) Primary hip & knee replacements, knee arthroscopy, foot & ankle surgery & trauma Simon Ghalayini – MB ChB FRCS(Tr&Orth) Lower limb surgery including Hip & Knee Replacement and Arthroscopy of the Knee Sanat Shah – MB BS MS(Orth) MCh, FRCS(Orth) Hip & Knee Replacement, Revision, Re-surfacing, Arthroscopy & Trauma

Richard says Fashionable shoes do cause discomfort.

Worn every day they can cause problems with bunions, crowding of the toes and aching under the forefoot.

It is best to wear sensible shoes most of the time during the day and reserve wearing fashionable shoes for when you are going out.

Mark Webber – BSc, MB ChB, FRCS Arthroscopic Procedures to Upper Limb

Lauren says The effects of high heels reach much further than just the feet as described above; they change your knee, hip and lower back positions, and can cause problems right up to the shoulder, neck or even jaw. The key is variation, so try not to spend hours on end standing or walking in heels. Walk in good shoes, preferably those that lace up and give your foot some support, then change into your heels. Wherever possible reduce the height of the heel to minimise the effects.

Depending on your feet, completely flat shoes, such as the ballet pump type, can also be a problem. You need to find what is right for your feet.

Richard Samarji – MCh FRCSEd FRCS(Orth) Foot, Ankle, Knee, Trauma, Sports injury & Hand Surgery

Amer Shoaib – BSc(Hons) LMSSA FRCS(Orth) Specialist Foot & Ankle Assessment & Treatment, Limb Deformities & Trauma

Pankaj Sharma – MBBS FRCS(Orth) Knee Replacement, ACL Reconstruction & Arthroscopy, Sports Injury & Trauma

www.manchesterorthopaedicgroup.co.uk

Lower Limb Surgeons David Bamford – MB,ChB,FRCS,FRCS(Orth) Total Hip Replacement, Revision Hip Surgery & Hip Arthroscopy, Total Knee Replacement & Knee Arthroscopy

Simon Reuben – MB ChB FRCS(Tr&Orth) Hip & Knee Surgery, Trauma David Johnson – BSc(Hons) MB ChB FRCS(Tr&Orth) MPhil Knee Replacement, ACL Reconstruction & Arthroscopy, Sports Injury & Trauma

Tahir Mahmud – BSc(Hons), MBBS, FRCS(Tr&Orth) Lower limb surgery including Hip & Knee Replacement, Knee Arthroscopy & Trauma

Manchester Orthopaedic Group Manor Lodge, Mill Lane, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 2NT Tel: 0845 437 9663 Tel: 0161 495 7783 Fax: 0161 610 1755 Email: info@manchesterorthopaedicgroup.co.uk 57

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58

Diagnostic & Rehab Services (DRS)

PUT AN END TO WAITING AND WORRYING All patients can now secure faster, affordable access to diagnostic medical procedures thanks to the range of services provided by Didsbury-based Diagnostic and Rehab Services (DRS).

With access to an array of diagnostic procedures across the UK, the team at DRS can organise appointments with minimal waiting times with results returned quickly and efficiently. And you don’t have to have private medical insurance to access the service.

Jennifer Foulkes, DRS Director, explains: “At DRS we can offer appointments quickly and at a location of choice. We have worked with and built strong links with hospitals across the UK over a long period of time, which enables us to offer access to some of the latest diagnostic treatments available.

“Someone may have had an initial consultation with their GP and been referred on for a diagnostic medical procedure, but it can take up to eight weeks for that appointment to come through. If you are in pain or need to get back to work, or are just anxious about the diagnosis, you may want that procedure sooner rather than later, and that’s exactly where we can help.”

The range of services available includes imaging and scanning, physical and psychological rehabilitation through access to physiotherapists, and services such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness; others include pain management, occupational therapy assessments and surgery and injections treatments.

HIGHLY TRAINED EXPERTS DRS has a team of highly trained experts who are able to access the range of services available to suit the individual.

Jennifer continued: “We pride ourselves on providing a good-quality service that is really tailored to individuals’ needs.

We have extensive access to many different hospitals, which means waiting times are significantly reduced and treatments can take place at a location that suits patients. We also offer our services at incredibly competitive prices so patients don’t have to worry about any major costs.”

FAST DIAGNOSTIC TREATMENT Individuals needing fast diagnostic treatments can access DRS and the team also offer a similar service to lawyers, GPs and medico-legal companies, as well as other medical specialists who require further diagnostic treatments or opinions.

Jennifer added: “It might be that a legal team need more details of an injury, or require another scan or image to be taken; they may even just need another opinion. And, while we don’t compile medical reports, we can organise appointments swiftly so that companies can be more efficient, improve the quality of service for their clients and, more importantly, put their clients’ minds at rest.”

Find out more about Diagnostic & Rehab Services by visiting

www.legal-drs.co.uk

or call 0161 434 5700 and 0161 408 5702 59

Shameem Sampath: The story of orthopaedic knee surgeon Shameem Sampath’s journey to his state-of-the-art Bluespot Knee Clinic in Hale is definitely not of the ‘common’ or ‘garden’ variety that we might usually associate with the medical profession.

It was thought that the batch of vaccine that was used on him had degenerated in the Caribbean heat, thus losing its efficacy, and by the time the vaccine was administered it had been rendered useless.

His life and medical career have been significantly shaped and influenced by the polio that afflicted him as a 17-yearold and the subsequent life-changing effect it has had on him.

He was confined to a hospital bed for three months, which required him to be physically turned over every two hours.

This daily routine followed a painful and dangerous operation to fuse his spine; it was while suffering from this pain that he decided to become a doctor and, because of the specific nature of his own condition, he determined to become an orthopaedic surgeon. As he puts it, he ‘knows what it’s like to suffer pain and have no hope in life’; he wanted to do something to alleviate the similar suffering of others.

He was born in colonial Trinidad in 1955, in the coastal city of San Fernando. His family had arrived from British India as indentured labourers over 175 years ago and had, through sheer hard work and a sense of belonging to their new community, forged a secure life for themselves in this other outpost of the British Empire.

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Shameem excelled at his studies, especially his real love – mathematics – and got the country’s highest score in that year’s 11-plus examinations.

He won a scholarship to the city’s best secondary school and again achieved top grades in his Cambridge International GCE O and A levels.

He was well on his way to a career in mathematics, which was against type in his enlarged family that numbered at least 25 others working in the medical professions. He jokes that this was an early indicator of his ‘black sheep’ status!

After his convalescence he resumed his studies with typical gusto and, after successfully completing his A levels, left for Kingston, Jamaica, to begin his medical studies at the University of the West Indies. At first, he disliked the banal process of having to learn, store and recall huge amounts of information, but eventually got to like it more when practical applications became apparent.

He then began assisting the orthopaedic surgeons in the hospital and found that he loved doing this work; clearly, aptitude and empathy serendipitously came together and laid the foundations for his future success.

Then, his life took an unexpected and unplanned change of direction. Polio was still universally prevalent in the 1960s and blighted many children’s lives at that time. Concerted efforts to eradicate the disease included largescale vaccination programmes of whole populations at a time; Shameem himself had been vaccinated in one of these programmes but, nevertheless, contracted the disease halfway through his A levels.

After graduating from Kingston in 1980, he completed his postgraduate surgical studies at the Royal College of Surgeons in London and then underwent more specialist orthopaedic training at Oxford, Harvard and Liverpool. His fellowship at Harvard centred on knee surgery and it was in this area that he began to specialise. Unfortunately, this period also coincided with the end of his marriage and his ex-wife’s return to Ireland with their only daughter.

Shameem determined to stay as practicably close to his daughter as possible and so returned from Harvard to live and work in Blackpool. He enjoyed his time there; his career was progressing at the hospital, he could get to Ireland relatively quickly to see his daughter and he travelled to salsa classes in Liverpool – after all, he is, as he himself reminds me, a Trinidadian!

His continuous striving for excellence, which is itself driven by his desire to better aid his patients, led him to investigate new technological advances in knee surgery. He had written his first computer programme for knee surgery in 1990 and had a good understanding of how computer technology could be practically applied to his field.

The German company Aesculap were able to meet his requirements and develop technology that was both practical and accurate to a high degree.

He has been using their computer-aided surgical systems since 2005 and is now considered one of the leading practitioners in this field; his Bluespot clinic in Hale is one of only a handful offering this uniquely accurate service in the UK. Shameem Sampath has overcome formidable obstacles in his storied life but it is those very same challenges that have formed him. His principled ethos that values patients’ needs above all other considerations, plus his committed and skilful utilisation of technological advances, will continue to ensure greater successful outcomes for his patients.

By Mark Kureishy

website: www.Bluespot.com email: Mr.Sampath@Bluespot.com phone: 0800 121 8008 Facebook: The Bluespot Knee Clinic Twitter: @BluespotKnee

leading the way with experience, empathy and technology

61

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Advertise with us in 2015 You’ll be in good company 62

A

snapshot of

the work of a photographer As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and photographer Joanne Kaberry’s portfolio also includes over 20 years’ experience in fashion, interior design and graphic design. So it was only natural for photography to be the next step.

During a short period of illness, Joanne found herself craving the right creative outlet that also wasn’t too demanding. “I now do portraits, events, weddings, and commercial photography. I also have my own greetings card range, and artwork,” she says.

It began by Joanne experimenting with a co-operative subject. “I started photographing flowers every time I had some in the house,” she remembers. “To my surprise I actually got some good shots and I was hooked.

I'm fascinated by the beauty of flowers and like to capture it on camera.”

Although it takes years to learn the techniques of editing and the requirements of a professional photographer, Joanne is adamant that anyone can take a great picture, especially with the range of inexpensive cameras most people now own. “There have been occasions when I've been out taking photos with friends, and their photos often look better than mine on the LCD panel! It takes time to set up a shot in manual, meanwhile your amateur friends are clicking away to their hearts content and I just look like I'm dithering around,” she says.

However, after time studying commercial photography at Stockport College, Joanne learned to edit images to a high standard and transform an image beyond its original state.

o.uk www.jk-photography.c

As for the debate between Canon and Nikon, Joanne assures that blowing your budget on an expensive camera isn’t necessary: “It’s all down to what level you’re at and what you can afford, so don't worry too much about which brand of equipment is better.

“Images are very powerful tools; they can speak volumes about you and your business.

So it's important to work with someone who understands you and your market, as this can massively boost sales.

The wrong image can give out the wrong message and have an adverse effect on your business.”

One standout memory for Joanne is a breathtaking moment on a flight from South America after living there for two years. She recalls: “It was a beautiful morning, not a cloud in the sky and the morning sun poured out over the scenery. I saw the most spectacular view of the Andes going on for miles and miles. I took a photo with a fairly basic compact camera and the picture was stunning.”

Finding the right photographer for your wedding is something most brides-to-be can worry about, but Joanne explains there are many elements that go into creating a special wedding photo: “The most important thing is to capture some real emotion between the couple.

This is what people want for posterity – some kind of imagery that portrays real love. Capturing real emotion between two people can make for a really powerful image, so it's always exciting for me to do a wedding.”

Joanne Kaberry is currently offering portrait sessions for a single person for £90 (this includes two digital copies).

By Emma Roche 63

Peter Salmon:

Burnley-born Peter Salmon has had, by any standard, a stellar media career. It’s seen him rise from The BBC's General Trainee Scheme in 1981 to being talked about as a future Director General of the corporation. In the intervening 35 years he’s left his considerable imprint on not only the BBC, but Channel 4 and Granada Television too. He co-founded Sport Relief, his teams produced the BBC's coverage of both the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games and the London 2012 Olympics, returned Match of the Day to its rightful home at the Beeb and, perhaps his finest moment, was Executive Producer on Wallace and Gromit’s ‘The Wrong Trousers’!

Impressive but, all joking aside, his real crowning achievement thus far has been his fantastically successful stewardship of the BBC’s migration of several of its major broadcasting and digital arms to its new home at BBC North in MediaCityUK, and it’s on this subject that Peter first spoke: “Moving major departments from London to Salford was a huge challenge but it's paid off - BBC Breakfast every morning on BBC One, from the north west and performing better than ever and really reflecting the whole nation better, or Radio 6Music, posting its best-ever audience figures off the back of our 6Music Manchester Festival.

We've got stronger since we moved and MediaCityUK is now the BBC’s second-biggest creative hub.”

I asked him if he was surprised by the degree of scepticism from the predominantly London-based media towards the northward move and their pessimistic forecasts for its future: “Nothing surprises me any longer I read some pieces about our teams having to be trained to use trams or their special office chairs - it just made 64

us all chuckle, but BBC North is now a successful and thriving base. We delivered all the amazing interactivity from the London 2012 Olympics from Salford while BBC Sport was simultaneously going through the biggest move in its history. We’re now planning for the 2016 Rio Olympics, and next year Children In Need moves its headquarters here, so even Pudsey’s joining us!”

The BBC’s unique method of funding through the TV licence is facing new challenges and threats that could undermine the organisation’s unique position in global media. I asked Peter for his thoughts on this: “To survive, the BBC has to get closer to its audience - most licencefee-payers live outside London, so our content, our talent and our people should reflect that and, at just £2.80 a week, the licence fee is still good value for money - compared to a satellite subscription or even a football season ticket.

Programmes like EastEnders, Strictly, Sherlock, Doctor Who and Match of the Day can be watched

by everyone, and world-beating innovations like our BBCiPlayer have seen support for the licence fee grow.

It’s the most effective way to pay for these much-loved services.”

Given the diversity of his roles within the media, I asked him if he considered himself to be a bureaucrat or a creative artist, or perhaps a hybrid of the two: “I am a bit of a hybrid. I think about content and ideas all the time and I love watching the telly and listening to the radio. I also genuinely like leading big teams and seeing if I can get even more creativity out of them. Years ago - from Channel 4 and Granada TV to the BBC I just stumbled into the right job. Now I am on a mission that makes me more passionate.”

I finished by asking Peter about the past, his time spent in Didsbury, and if any future plans might include a return here: “I love Didsbury - my kids went to Beaver Road and Parrs Wood School too. We were very happy – it’s very green, has loads of cafes and pubs, plus a great cheese and brilliant fish shop.

our man

in the North

What could be better? But you move on and take those memories with you.

I am, though, so chuffed that many of our new staff now live all over south Manchester. It's a lovely place.”

MediaCityUK is proving to be a great asset to our region and this is in no small part due to our own creative industry and our historical ability to adapt to new technologies and really grasp the mettle. The BBC’s acknowledgement of the world outside the M25 was long overdue.

Nevertheless, we should recognise and applaud their wholehearted commitment and contribution to MediaCityUK and BBC North’s unparalleled success.

Selecting Peter Salmon to spearhead this venture was a real sign of intent that the Corporation was determined to get it right and continue their fine record of broadcasting excellence.

The return of the native has been remarkable and we sincerely hope Peter Salmon’s great work in our region continues a while longer. Well, at least until they summon him for the top job!

By Mark Kureishy 65

TRAVEL

Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London A new level of luxury Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, opened its first property in the UK earlier this year. London’s first elevated luxury hotel occupies levels 34 to 52 of the iconic building, The Shard.

Bringing a new level of service to London, Shangri-La’s distinct Asian-inspired service is embodied throughout the hotel, from the private butlers on hand 24 hours a day in all suites, to the doormen welcoming guests into the lobby at the ground floor entrance on St Thomas Street.

The 202 guestrooms offer a luxurious home away from home.

Due to the distinct design of The Shard, each room is unique and features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning city views, complimentary high-speed Internet access, Acqua Di Parma bathroom amenities and mirrors with an integrated television.

66

High-end technology sits comfortably alongside subtle luxury with features including automatic climate control that complements the building’s integrated sun-shielding and the patented, body-contouring Shangri-La Bed. The hotel's 17 spacious suites are among the finest in the city. The three Signature Suites, including the Westminster Suite, the London Suite and the Shangri-La Suite, offer the ultimate indulgence and have uninterrupted views across London’s landmarks.

A large selection of rooms and suites offer a unique standalone bathtub overlooking the city from floor-to-ceiling windows. Additional touches include binoculars in all rooms and suites, extensive pillow menu, iPod docking stations, Nespresso machines and a Chinese tea set.

A stunning infinity Skypool is open on floor 52 making it the highest pool in Western Europe. Facing west across the City, the heated pool features stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and Westminster. And if you want to stay active there is a fully equipped gym with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance training machines, and free weights.

Ting Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and presents a modern European menu using the best of British, locally-sourced ingredients with subtle Asian influences. Signature dishes include Welsh Lamb from the Rhug Estate – glazed with mirin, sake and soy sauce and served with root vegetables and Kentish apples.

Láng, located on the ground floor is the hotel’s patisserie and artisan deli showcasing a selection of Shangri-La signature cakes alongside savouries such as soups, salads, sandwiches and seasonal hampers, with an option to eat-in or take-away.

VERDICT The Shangri-La is a stunning hotel in a great location with wonderful views and incredibly helpful and friendly staff. The room was luxurious and quiet and a great place to relax and unwind. This is a real treat for any occasion.

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London 31 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9QU, United Kingdom www.shangri-la.com 0207 234 8000

TRAVEL

DUBAI A cIty of enDless experIences For decades, Dubai has bridged the gap between east and west. A geographical epicentre, the city is within an eighthour flight time from 90 per cent of all countries in the world, assigning Dubai a ‘central hub’ status that is perfect for trade. However, it is far more than a port. Luxury shopping is a pastime that is already cemented here, thanks to mega-venues such as the Dubai Mall, which boasts the largest number of luxury brands under one roof, anywhere in the world.

By day, Dubai is a thriving metropolis offering some of the most extraordinary experiences, but as the sun sets, shimmering lights lend a new hue to the futuristic scene and the city takes on an entirely different look.

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

It is at this moment that Dubai’s architectural landscape truly comes into its own. The ingenious design poured into each distinctive building can be fully appreciated at night when the spectacular show begins. Bright colour transforms the scene as the towers of Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and those lining the main roads are illuminated.

In a city surrounded by desert, Ski Dubai is one of the city’s top attractions.

It is a virtual winter wonderland in the heart of the Mall of the Emirates where visitors can shop for designer shoes one minute, and be on the slopes 15 minutes later.

With real snow created daily, resortstandard equipment and a 400-metre incline, visitors can enjoy an experience that is as close to reality as an indoor complex can possibly allow.

The Burj Khalifa skyscraper is a worldclass destination and the magnificent centrepiece of Downtown Dubai.

Hotels, must-see shopping destinations and a world of entertainment options surround the world’s tallest building.

You can set sail in a traditional Abra and enjoy a breathtaking show of sights and sounds from the largest performing fountain on the Burj Lake, and get up close and personal to the iconic Burj Khalifa.

With an incredible variety of culinary choice, beautiful 5 star hotels, sun, sea, sand, luxury shopping and a Ruler who strives for excellence, what isn’t there to like about Dubai?

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TRAVEL

This Dubai beachfront family hotel is part of the award-winning JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort. Just steps from the sea, 208 spacious low-rise one and two-bedroom suites as well as junior suites with private balconies or terraces overlook the beautiful gardens.

In addition to the palm-lined beach, spa and four swimming pools, there are several restaurants, excellent sporting facilities and children’s entertainment clubs. The family beach resort’s most exclusive suites with personalised luxury benefits can be found in The Residence.

The warmth of the distinctive architecture and decoration in the 68

lobby is matched by the warm greeting you will receive at the reception before you are taken by chauffeur-driven caddy to your spacious suite or junior suite.

Each suite has a large dine-out balcony or private terrace.

The suites also include tea and coffeemaking facilities, a mini-bar, a personal safe, and satellite television. The beautiful bathrooms add to the whole experience, as they offer separate showers, designer baths and his and her vanity units.

From your suite you walk past streams, waterfalls and ponds – all enclosed in the lush gardens. This five-star luxurious family beach resort offers everything you need for a stay of exceptional luxury accommodation in Dubai.

GREAT HOTEL CHOICE FOR FAMILIES All suites and junior suites of JA Palm Tree Court, whether garden view or beachfront, can accommodate two adults and two children under 16 years, or three adults. There is a private beach stretching over 800 metres that blends with the stunning waters of the Gulf.

DINING White Orchid is an award-winning Asian fusion restaurant combining the best delicacies of China, Japan and Thailand, with Teppenyaki tables that experiment with the flavours of the Far East – the perfect setting for a romantic meal or a special occasion.

La Fontana Overlooking one of the resort’s swimming pools, serves a generous breakfast buffet,

TRAVEL

JA pAlM tree coUrt JA RESORTS and HOTELS It all started with Jebel Ali Hotel. Situated on a stretch of fine white sand overlooking the pearl-rich waters of the Gulf, this hotel helped pioneer the tourism industry in Dubai, attracting visitors from far and wide long before Dubai became a must-see destination.

Mediterranean cuisine, international dishes and a variety of themed dinner buffets, either indoors or on the large outdoor terrace.

La Traviata Good, honestly prepared Italian food. Ease into the carefree spirit of Bella Italia at the Aperitivo Bar and tempt your taste buds with the distinctive flavours of fresh home cooked food within the intimate wood interiors and outdoor terrace.

SPORTS and LEISURE Enjoy a game of tennis, work out in the state-of-the-art gym, or play a friendly match of soccer.

As Dubai’s only true resort, JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort offers a vast array of leisure and recreational facilities that are sure to keep everyone amused.

LOCATION Just a 40-minute drive from Dubai’s city centre and international airport.

A complimentary shuttle bus to the city centre is available every day.

The resort is adjacent to the Jebel Ali Free Zone, while Dubai Media and Internet Cities, Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall are approximately 20 minutes away.

Abu Dhabi International Airport can be reached within 50 minutes.

VERDICT Even though the hotel has been around a few years, it is very well kept and refurbished and our room was cleaned twice a day. It was a pleasant walk to and from the pool, beach and hotel lobby, with peacocks wandering all over the grounds and myriad fish in the

stream. We visited in mid-August when the temperature reached 47 degrees, which meant it was difficult to walk anywhere for any period of time, so much of our time was spent in the sea or the pool – which is an issue I’m happy to deal with any day of the week!

We will most definitely return.

JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort PO Box 9255 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 814 5555 Fax: +971 4 883 5543 Email: jagr@jaresorts.com

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar 69

TRAVEL

OUT and ABOUT IN DUBAI

BATEAUX DUBAI The perfect sightseeing experience

After more than ten years of cruising along Dubai Creek, Bateaux Dubai Luxury Dinner Cruise has established itself as a desirable dining destination for local residents and a must-do excursion for all visitors to Dubai.

With an antireflective glass enclosure guests are treated to unobstructed views from all seats, and the hi-tech air-conditioning system ensures maximum comfort, while a top-end sound system delivers a superb acoustic experience.

The cruise lasts from 8.30pm – 11pm and includes a delicious three-course meal from a varied menu. There isn't any commentary about the sights, but detailed information is provided on the tables. www.bateauxdubai.com 70

RIVINGTON GRILL Souk al Bahar

A casual dining concept originating in London, this was successfully transported to the Middle East four years ago at the famous Souk al Bahar Downtown location, the cosmopolitan district of Dubai.

Rivington Grill has become a household name, well known for fresh, seasonal produce, great staff, and an unbeatable positioning, with the Burj Khalifa just metres away. It has all the necessary ingredients for an exceptional dining experience.

There is an extensive menu, including a specials board with Pie of the Day to a varied selection of seafood and a good choice of steaks. We went for the steak, which was delicious. It’s not cheap but the service is excellent, the staff friendly and the restaurant is in a nice setting.

RONDA LOCATELLI ATLANTIS The Palm, Dubai

The heart of this Italian restaurant is undoubtedly the wood-fired brick oven, which will entice you with the aromas of fresh breads, handmade pizzas and al forno dishes as soon as you walk through the door.

And that’s before you’ve even sampled the antipasti and delicate pastas from a family-style menu, reinforcing the sense of tradition and homeliness.

This is a very nice air-conditioned restaurant, serving reasonably priced authentic Italian cuisine.

You can expect to pay £45 for a fillet steak.

Rest assured you will be spoilt by the courteous waiters while you taste a variety of Italian dishes the restaurant has to offer.

www.rivingtongrill.ae

www.atlantisthepalm.com

TRAVEL

AQUAVENTURE WATERPARK at ATLANTIS, The Palm, Dubai

The ultimate day out for all the family Awe-inspiring water slides, a recordbreaking zip-line circuit and non-stop water play are the signature elements of Aquaventure Waterpark.

Aquaventure is the largest and most dynamic water-themed attraction in Dubai and the number one Waterpark in the Middle East and Europe.

It rises from the Arabian Gulf with 11 thrilling waterslides, a river ride with tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white water chargers. Guests are propelled through the lushly landscaped waterscape, never having to leave their inner tubes, as innovative

water escalators carry participants up slide towers and down through rapids.

Aquaventure’s newest attraction, the daring Tower of Poseidon, is filled with record-breaking rides. These include two six-person rafting adventures and two dual racing rides allowing friends to compete for thrills.

Poseidon’s Revenge, with two terrifying trapdoors, and Slitherine, the world’s first dual waterslides within a waterslide, are pegged on the daring end of the scale. There are also six-person rafting adventures Aquaconda and

Zoomerango, which include the world's largest waterslide tube and a massive vertical wall that allow guests to experience weightlessness.

Splashers, a water adventure for children under 1.2 metres, features elaborate water games, slides and structures, providing a world of thrills and lots of water spills.

If that isn’t enough, there is the inviting beauty of 1.4 kilometres of white beach and the balmy waters of the Arabian Gulf, which host myriad watersports, including kayaking and pedalos.

AQUAVENTURE is located at ATLANTIS The Palm on Crescent Road, The Palm, Dubai. www.atlantisthepalm.com

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TRAVEL

ROOMS All 446 luxurious and spacious guest rooms have either a spectacular view across the Arabian Gulf or overlook the landscaped gardens.

Modern and fresh, the beautifully furnished rooms and suites offer the most comfortable lounge areas and superb bathrooms, creating a sense of contemporary luxury and warm Arabian style. All Grand Club suites are lavishly proportioned and enjoy magnificent views towards the beach, the Arabian Gulf, the Palm Jumeirah or the lively Marina Walk.For the true pinnacle of comfort you can stay in the Presidential, Royal or Penthouse suite, with large terraces, ideal for entertaining, and breathtaking views that extend across the azure Gulf.

POOL and BEACH There’s a choice of two pools with surrounding landscaped gardens and the Horizon pool, located on the mezzanine level with extravagant views of the azure gulf. Lovers of the sun, sand and sea can enjoy a large private beach.

RESTAURANTS and BARS ‘Mind the gap’ is a truly authentic representation of British taste – an English pub, modelled on the worldfamous London underground. With a bar modelled from a life-size train carriage, and authentic archway dining areas, this is a lively meeting place in the style of the Metropolitan line. It’s located on the lower level of the hotel podium, where you can enjoy a wide range of internationally sourced wines and beers as well as traditional pub grub!

AL BASHA - Lebanese Restaurant Beirut is often referred to as the Paris of the Middle East, and the food on offer at Al Basha is of the same magnitude. Offering a wide range of classic and contemporary Middle Eastern and Lebanese dishes, this

DUBAI TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Long, wide, sandy beaches, lapped by the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf are on your doorstep, with The Palm Jumeirah just five minutes drive from the hotel.

Wild Wadi, Dubai’s largest water theme park, offers the tallest and fastest water rides outside north America. Attractions include Flood River, Lazy River Wave Pool, and many others just a ten-minute drive from the hotel.

Arabic restaurant is a cultural and culinary experience, set alongside the pool. Daily entertainment includes Arabic singers and a belly dancer – for a true taste of the region.

LUCIANO’S – Italian Restaurant Set alongside the garden pool, offers traditional Italian food in an atmosphere that is unmistakeably European. Family friendly, Luciano’s is open for lunch and dinner, with the option of inside or alfresco dining on the picturesque terrace.

SPORTS and LEISURE There are four floodlit tennis courts and two squash courts, as well as a fitness gym, beach football and beach volleyball.

Take a taxi to your chosen golf course.

Emirates Golf Course is a ten-minute drive away, but the Creek and Jebel Ali Golf Courses are close by.

Mall of the Emirates is the largest entertainment, shopping and leisure complex in the Middle East, with an amazing real snow Ski Slope only a ten-minute drive from the hotel.

VERDICT The hotel is conveniently situated at Dubai Marina and only three minutes away from The Walk Dubai, a bustling waterfront promenade in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) with a comprehensive retail mix of family casual dining, cafes, boutiques, well-known brands and local coffee shops along a cobblestone boulevard in Dubai’s beach resort district. We visited mid-August when temperatures reached 47 degrees, which made it impossible to walk anywhere, so we didn’t make The Walk.

The hotel is undergoing major refurbishment, so I would have preferred to visit once complete.

However, our rooms had already been refurbished and were extremely bright and comfortable with an Arabian touch.

Given its location, I’m sure that once the hotel’s refurbishment programme is complete, the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, is somewhere I will return.

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

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HABtoor GrAnD BeAcH resort & spA A touch of Arabia Situated on Dubai’s world-famous Jumeirah Beach and adjacent to the magnificent Dubai Marina, the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa – a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – occupies one of Dubai’s most enchanting beachside locations. It’s perfect for business and leisure travellers alike, featuring three pools (including a kids’ pool with water slide), a variety of indoor and alfresco dining outlets, superb fitness and spa facilities, as well as a Convention and Banqueting Centre.

Welcome to a paradise of perfect vistas, where lush landscapes meet warm waters of the Arabian Gulf, framed by a pristine beach and clear blue skies.

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Evans of Didsbury, Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury

Ring: 0161 445 2404 • Fax: 0161 445 2589

Evans Orders

now being taken

for Christmas for Copas Turkeys and also this year Caldecott Turkeys, both free range and traditional whites.

Also free-range Geese, large Cheshire Capons and fresh farm Ducks.

Christmas at Evans of DiDsbury

FRESH FISH Our usual extensive range of fresh fish and seafood can also be pre-ordered for your collection Christmas week.

MerryChristmas Opening Times Monday 22nd December: 8.00 - 5.30pm | Tuesday 23rd December: 8.00 - 5.30pm Wednesday 24th December: 7.30 - 4.00pm | Thursday 25th, Friday 26th December - CLOSED Saturday 27th December: 9.00 - 4.00pm

Bourbon & Black You’d have to be a genuine bourbon fan to name your restaurant Bourbon & Black. “We are genuine bourbon fanatics!” explains James Alexander, owner of the recently launched open-fired kitchen and bourbon bar in Didsbury.

James prides himself on the fabulous bourbon shelf, displaying the finest whiskeys your hard-earned money can buy. “It’s our pride and joy. We have an eclectic range of limited-edition, old favourites and even some rye and Tennessee cousins gate-crashing the party,” adds James.

So, why bourbon? Says James: “It’s fantastic in cocktails – we’ve yet to meet a bartender who doesn’t like it (and neither has Fred Minnick, author of Whiskey Women). Unlike clear spirits, bourbon brings life, aroma and colour to a cocktail. Barrels give it character, not just its caramel and fresh oak aroma but so much more.

Bourbon supports other industries and keeps providing succulent flavours long after it leaves the barrel. Ever had Scotch, Tequila or Tobasco? The chances are it came from a recycled charred oak bourbon barrel.”

This place is ultra-trendy, and the rustic walls work well with the finer furnishings, making this hip but homely. The old Casa Tapas site in Didsbury village is just cool no two ways about it!

Ever wondered why Don Draper from Mad Men kicks back with an Old Fashioned, or why Carrie Bradshaw and her Sex in the City ladies like to catch up over a round of Manhattans?

The answer is at Bourbon & Black!

BLACK So what’s with the black? Let’s get one thing right – it’s charred not burnt! As James says: “Black is for our charcoal. Our kitchen and menu will tap into your primitive side with our focus on cooking over an open fire and the smoking methods our ancestors mastered. Our theatre kitchen is our pièce de résistance! If it’s meat, bird, fish or veg that gets your mouth watering, rest assured we’ve got it covered. While our bar takes its inspiration from across the pond, our menu is inspired by seasonal and home-grown produce.”

James, a former student at William Hulme, adds: “Black is for William Black. He was the bartender who invented the Manhattan cocktail in the 1860s – possibly the most famous drink in the world in its time.

“Black is for Black Ace. If we were a sound, we’d be the sound of this prohibition-era blues singer of Whiskey and Women. Whiskey has always been associated with masculinity, but women love whiskey too. Trust us! Black is timeless. Johnny Cash wore black because he wanted to know if people could see what he was about, without the need for sparkly attire. There were no illusions about the man in black – and this is a theme that underpins Bourbon & Black.”

There you have it.

Bourbon and Black.

Cheers!

Bourbon & Black 704 Wilmslow Road Didsbury M20 2DW 0161 448 0383 www.bourbonandblack.co.uk 75

WITH NO-COST E X T R A S, YO U R MEETING IS EVEN MORE OF AN EXPERIENCE! A FR E E SPA T R E AT M E NT F O R T H E O R GA N I SER .

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FOOD REVIEW

CROMA

Great menu and fantastic service Nobody wants to see an empty unit on Didsbury High Street, so when Gourmet Burger Kitchen closed its doors I worried it would stay empty for a while. After all, it’s a big and slightly awkward space and it would take some imagination to warm it up.

Thankfully, one of my old Chorlton haunts, Croma, has moved into town and a jolly nice job they’ve made of it too.

Croma is white, very white – white walls and white tables; it’s white, white, white. Crucially, it is also warm. They’ve added texture to the walls with a tastefully worn-looking bookshelf and vintage glass bottles. These must be awkward to dust, but they look beautiful. The day I went along it was sunny, filling the restaurant with such light it felt wonderful to be in there.

It was Friday lunchtime and the place was buzzing. I was hungry.

By Helen Lawson

It was time to order. For starters we shared the mushroom bruschetta.

Pan-fried field, oyster and Paris mushrooms in garlic butter on ciabatta.

Just enough garlic, just enough seasoning and just enough oil, I just wish I had ordered two. The next starter was Buffalo Mozzarella salad. This was a little lean on mozzarella – just two pieces – but the basil-infused olive oil was so good it was almost drinkable.

For good measure I tried the garlic prawns that were flashed up with Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce.

Onto the pizzas and I wanted to try something new from the menu, so I went for the Greek. No tomato base, but with sun-blushed toms, feta and olives – all things I love. This was really different. The base puffed up without the tomato sauce to keep it down, which made it feel all the more filling.

My lunch guest had the Fungi de Bosco.

She just couldn’t get enough of those mushrooms. Neither could I, so I pinched a slice. This beauty of a pizza has a drizzle of truffle oil to finish it off.

Yum! I was starting to feel a bit full by now, but I looked at the dessert menu just for you. Whenever I see Affogato on the menu I can’t even think of anything else, so it was vanilla ice cream drowned in hot espresso and amaretto for me. Amazing! My lunch guest had the Eton Mess and was quiet for 12 minutes, which tells me it must have been lovely.

Croma is warm and bright, with a great menu and fantastic service. Lunch with friends, dinner with loved ones, or every member of your family around the table – no-one will be disappointed.

It’s just consistently good, and this is good news for Didsbury.

Croma Didsbury, 651a Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6QZ 0161 445 6944 | www.cromapizza.co.uk/restaurants/didsbury 77

dining guide Hale KitcHen Hale

People of Hale, you are lucky people.

You have so many wonderful restaurants and bars to enjoy. A recent visit to Hale Kitchen had me looking in estate agents’ windows on the high street! I thoroughly enjoyed their choice of classic starters and plumped for deliciously sweet scallops with pancetta and lentils. My dinner guest chose the chicken liver pâté, which was silky and flavoursome.

It was one of those menus where you wanted every single dish. Sadly, that wasn’t an option. I chose the herbcrusted rack of lamb that came with the largest potato rosti I’ve ever seen. My dinner guest went for the rib-eye steak, as it was her birthday. All were cooked to perfection and beautifully presented.

Dessert: thankfully, they do a ‘kitchen taster’ plate with a little bit of everything. What a winner. Now, if anyone would like to buy me a house in Hale that would be lovely.

www.thehalekitchen.co.uk 149 Ashley Rd | Hale | Altrincham | WA14 2UW Tel: 0161 926 4670 thehalekitchen TheHaleKitchen 78

neigHbourHood eatery and bar Manchester

SoutHern eleVen Manchester

Head to Southern Eleven, Manchester’s original American barbecue restaurant, for home-comfort favourites straight from the Eleven Southern States. These include hickory-smoked pulled pork, beef brisket, fried chicken, baby back and belly ribs – all slow-cooked in their Oklahoman wood-burning ovens and served with a selection of home-made barbecue sauces and sides. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, Tuesday is the day for you – all-you-can-eat chicken and ribs are served from noon until 10pm for only £14.95 per person, including one free bottle of beer in the offer. Open from noon seven days a week.

A New York eatery and bar inspired by Manhattan’s definitive neighbourhoods is honing its unique take on casual fine dining, luxury ingredients and industrial chic aesthetics on Spinningfield’s The Avenue North. The team at Neighbourhood Eatery and Bar have produced a Manhattan execution of international cuisine. Neighbourhood's flavours and ingredients are determined by the borough's diverse gastronomic experience and distinct European flourish. Brunch, lunch and dinner are served daily, and there is an impressive cocktail, champagne and wine selection.

The restaurant also offers a unique Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea with the choice of traditional sandwiches and cakes or Neighbourhood favourites, including mini-burgers, hot dogs and lobster tacos. The venue is dressed to a standard suitable for the Hatter himself, with giant teacups, grassy tables and playing cards. Open from noon seven days a week. www.neighbourhoodrestaurant.co.uk The Avenue North | Spinningfields | Manchester | M3 3BT Tel: 0161 832 6334 neighbourhoodrestaurant @neighbourhood4

www.southern11.co.uk 3 Hardman Street | Spinningfields | Manchester | M3 3EB Tel: 0161 843 0482 southerneleven @southerneleven

To get your business featured call call Michelle or Joanne on 0161 445 2883 or email info@salutions.co.uk

dining guide alderley edge braSSerie The Alderley Edge Hotel

The Alderley Edge Hotel has long been a jewel in the Cheshire crown. The beautiful hotel and grounds boast the renowned Alderley Edge Hotel Restaurant. The Alderley Edge Hotel Brasserie has a more casual atmosphere with its retro-diner style.

The menu reflects the relaxed dining experience with some old favourites, such as Cheshire Lamb hotpot, Alderley burger and triple-cooked chips, rump steak, and a pumpkin risotto as a vegetarian option. The dishes were served with a fine dining twist. I opted for the rump steak, which was beautifully presented and accompanied by the best chips I have ever tasted! My dinner guest went for the Market Catch Fish of the day, which was sea bass, and again beautifully presented. The service was impeccable and no different to what you would expect in the fine-dining restaurant. Certainly a hidden gem, right on our doorstep.

www.alderleyedgehotel.com Macclesfield Road | Alderley Edge | Cheshire SK9 7BJ |Tel: 01625 583 033 Hotel.AlderleyEdge alderleyhotel

cHaopHraya Manchester

Chaophraya Manchester has the enviable position of being right in the heart of things. Minutes away from King Street, it was the perfect venue to go for a birthday lunch. You are instantly impressed by the opulence and we could not have asked for a warmer welcome. We were offered the impressive sunken seated dining table, but opted for a table in the centre of the busy restaurant. Chaophraya offers a two-course menu, which at £13.95 is great value for its incredible food, all beautifully presented. My dinner guests were seasoned Thai food experts and opted to ‘go hot’, much to the delight of the waitress. They were not disappointed! Being more conservative I opted for the classic Thai green curry, which was plenty hot enough and the flavours were incredible. Chaophraya is the perfect choice for setting you up for an afternoon of Christmas shopping or to relax after hitting the January sales!

Enjoy! www.chaophraya.co.uk 19 Chapel Walks | Off Cross Street Manchester | M2 1HN | Tel: 0161 832 8342 chaophrayathai Chaophrayathai

Volta Didsbury

If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s quirky and beautiful, serving great quality food and drinks, head over to Volta in West Didsbury. With its oldfashioned cabinets sourced from car boots and e-bay it certainly brings a feel of the Northern Quarter closer to home. Dishes include an array of delicious ‘small plates’, from Spiced Tomato Lamb Meatballs with Yoghurt and Quail Egg, to Smoked Feta, Beetroot, Hazelnuts and Dill. Before 7pm Tuesdays to Fridays you can treat yourself to three dishes for the price of two. If you fancy a pudding, you’re spoilt for choice. There’s Treacle Tart with clotted cream, as well as the famous Great Cheese Board. If your choice of wine is exclusive, you can just have a glass or a small carafe without committing to the bottle.

Not only does Volta have great wine, there’s also a fabulous menu of cocktails and craft beers. Located on Burton Road, Volta is effortlessly cool.

The bar staff are friendly and perfectly attentive. What’s wonderful is that it’s truly independent.

www.voltafoodanddrink.co.uk Burton Road | West Didsbury | M20 2LN Tel: 0161 448 8887 voltafoodanddrink voltamanchester

To get your business featured call call Michelle or Joanne on 0161 445 2883 or email info@salutions.co.uk

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FOOD&DRINK

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FOOD&DRINK

cake girl

I really enjoyed creating the birthday cake for Didsbury Magazines 100th issue. I have always loved the magazines.

Who are you and What do you do?

I am Sheetal, also known as Cake Girl!

I am a grafter that gets to do what I like all day and night. I have always loved baking and once I’d discovered my creative side, I knew that I wanted to open my own shop and work for myself. hoW did you make this a business?

It was completely accidental. I feel so lucky to be able to do something that I love that has now turned into a successful business.

What inspires you?

My customers – they have the ideas – I just create them.

What is your most creative creation?

It is still a dream that has not been created yet. There are so many that I am proud of. I just really enjoy what I do.

hoW do our readers contact you?

Call into our Fog Lane shop at anytime.

We’re open until 2am. You can order online, via Instagram – Cakeawaymcr, Just Eat or call me directly.

so, you can make a cake to reflect virtually anything?

Yes, if you have an idea and I can picture it – it’s done! I have been asked to make cakes in the shape of anything from shoes, handbags and football boots to Finding Nemo and Jurassic Park dinosaur scenes.

do you have any special offers?

Well it is Christmas and the time for sharing so yes, there will be many!

Just call in and see what we have on offer!

I haven’t come across anything that I have not been able to create yet and there have certainly been some challenges!

cake aWay 244 fog lane | didsbury | m20 6el t. 0161 445 0800 www.cakeawaymanchesteronline.co.uk 81

FOOD&DRINK

Merry and a prosperous 2015

from the staff and management at croma didsbury 651a Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6QZ tel: 0161 445 6944

Do you know the next Master Chef?

Treat them to a cookery class at our state of the art cookery school.

Choose from our menu of gift vouchers – it’s the perfect recipe for a perfect Christmas gift.

GIFT VOUCHERS

Buy online now

www.thecheshirecookeryschool.com 82

Call 0161 928 5120 / 0161 928 5261 Norman Road, Altrincham WA14 4EP

Table for two...

...with Pavla Plhalova at Restaurant ONE EIGHTY, Handforth Pavla Plhalova, from the Czech Republic but currently living and working as an au pair in Didsbury, joined me at Restaurant ONE EIGHTY in the Pinewood on Wilmslow Hotel in Handforth. Executive Head Chef Colin Starkey’s herb garden, set amid the hotel’s lushly verdant lawns, provided a warm autumnal backdrop for our lunch in the welcoming modern dining room.

Giovanni Fabbri, who has been associated with the hotel for the past 42 years, was our generous and knowledgeable host and we were very happy to be guided by his informed menu choices. So as we began our delicious journey with applewood smoked scallops and a Cheshire blue brûlée, Pavla recounted how she came to be an au pair in Manchester.

Born and raised in Vyskov, which is in historical Moravia in the Czech Republic, Pavla had narrowly missed out on a university place. Wanting to make the most of her free year before reapplying again, she decided to travel and gain valuable experience; England seemed to offer the best opportunities and appeared to be the complete opposite, in geography and cultural diversity, to her own land-locked monocultural country.

Giovanni’s faultless recommendation of cod with langoustine over seaweed and a tender pork fillet and collar proved to be perfect accompaniment

to Pavla’s quest for new sensations.

Leaving her family of mum, dad, a brother and a sister behind in her tiny home town, she arrived in Manchester, which is similar in size to Prague, and settled in with her welcoming host family in Didsbury.

That was nearly two years ago, and Pavla has happily extended her stay with her family here; she’s enjoyed her time in Didsbury, in part, due to the lovely family she works for, but also because of her willingness to work hard and embrace the many new opportunities this new life and culture have offered her.

She’s extremely fond of our often maligned city and has found us to be extremely warm and friendly, though she is a little perplexed by our extreme politeness, such as when we apologise when someone bumps into us! This, she says, would never happen in her country and people in her home town are a little more reserved upon first meeting a stranger. Even our weather

has failed to dent her optimistic outlook on the city and, when pressed, her only negative observation is about the number of homeless people she sees sleeping on the streets. To her credit, Pavla’s astute observations indicate an acute awareness of her environment.

As we wound down with a richly satisfying bread and butter pudding with salted caramel ice cream, we turned to Pavla’s future plans. Vibrant Manchester has pretty much ruined any possibility of her going back to Vyskov and, so it would seem, Pavla will extend her travels a while longer and continue to make the most of the life ahead of her. We wish her luck on her journey. our thanks to giovanni fabbri, and all at restaurant one eighty, for their generous hospitality. pinewood-hotel.co.uk For reservations please call 01625 529211.

By Mark Kureishy 83

titletext

Sort your life out Throughout all the usual hustle and bustle that the festive time brings, we would encourage you to find a quiet moment to revisit your financial plans and reassess the objectives for both yourself and your family for 2015 and beyond. changes in legislation Over the past few months there has been huge publicity surrounding the many pension changes and new legislation. These are huge changes in legislation that could have altered the effectiveness of any financial strategy you may have in place. It is important to understand what they mean to you and what actions may be required.

Many people have no idea what pension provision they have, often forgetting about plans previously made.

Even if you are not quite ready to retire, it is important to understand what income you might be able to generate from your existing pension(s) and to consider if this is enough to fulfil all your aspirations in your retirement.

It has been well documented that the biggest regrets of over-50-year-olds is not having planned enough for retirement! By reviewing and assessing your pension plan(s) you are able to see your projected values at your stated retirement date. This will help you assess how near you are to being able to retire and enable you to rectify any shortfall. interest rates With interest rates being historically low, your cash deposits may not be receiving a good return.

Reviewing where your savings are held may help your money work harder for you. In addition, with the increase in the NISA allowance to £15,000 on 1 July 2014 you are now able to put a higher amount into savings without paying any income tax on the interest. mortgages One of the largest outgoings from most households’ budgets is the mortgage repayments. With interest rates at an all-time low you should review the rate you are paying, or perhaps consider a fixed-rate deal – or maybe become mortgage-free sooner! protection Many parents have already recognised the importance of protecting loved ones through the purchase of critical illness or life cover, but without reviewing this they may find themselves inadequately protected. As with any other policy it should be reviewed to ascertain its effectiveness to achieve objectives and be cost-competitive.

Often, considerable savings can be made in this area.

Wills It’s surprising how few people have actually made a will, and if they have they are often out of date. A will is simply a legal document ensuring that when you die your wishes are acted

The value of investments can go down as well as up. Past performance is no indicator of future returns.

This article is correct when going to press and does not constitute advice. Kellands (Hale) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It is your responsibility to ensure you keep up with the monthly payments on your mortgage, otherwise your home may be at risk.

upon, meaning those you would like to benefit from the proceeds of your pensions, investments, savings and protection actually do so. Your loved ones will then have the peace of mind knowing that they will receive any legacies in a timely manner. So dusting off the policy documents can seem a daunting task but a good place to start! if you would like to discuss any of this article, or have any other queries, please call the team on 0161 9298838.

Kellands Chartered Financial Planners provide a full advisory service for private and corporate clients on pensions, tax planning, investments and mortgages. please note: The Autumn Statement, which will be announced 3 December, is likely to be the date on which further details on the pension changes emerge.

Therefore, we would strongly suggest waiting until the legislation is passed before making decisions on the basis of it. if you would like a copy of this autumn statement please email hale@kelland.co.uk

kellands (hale) limited.

24 Victoria Road, Hale, Altrincham WA15 9AD

0161 929 8838 hale@kelland.co.uk www.kelland-hale.co.uk

85

Are you finding the future tricky to predict?

Contact our family team and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help you cut out the guesswork.

Get in touch

family@slaterheelis.co.uk 0161 835 3681 @FamilyLawNW

www.slaterheelis.co.uk

TheBusiness vikas shah is a serial entrepreneur who started his first business almost 20 years ago. he is an adviser to businesses around the world, president of a leading entrepreneur’s network, and visiting professor of entrepreneurship on one of the world’s most prestigious mba programmes.

i’m thinking of giving up my job and going for it. any pitfalls i should consider?

First of all, congratulations!

Entrepreneurship is a courageous career choice, and I use that word quite deliberately. Running your own business is challenging, unbelievably hard work, at times lonely, and often stressful, but at the same time it’s potentially the most rewarding career you will ever have.

Like any career-move however, it’s important to be prepared. have a plan: Business doesn’t just happen – poor planning can be the death-knell of many young enterprises. Having a good business plan is essential. It forces you to think of all aspects of your future enterprise in a lot of detail, and it becomes your reference manual for your business. have the right support: You have to be supported. Networking is an important business skill, and getting out there to networking events can help you secure the mentors, advisers and support network that you will (believe me) draw on regularly for advice as you grow.

prepare yourself: Preparing your own world is hugely important. You need a clear understanding of your financial position (loans, mortgage and savings) and you must understand the things that are important to you such as your family, children and friends. Set clear parameters to protect these.

Entrepreneurship is not about taking risks like many think – it’s about taking calculated risks.

i really need to expand and grow.

What hr issues are ahead of me?

People are the absolute heart of any business. It doesn’t matter how visionary a business leader is; without the right people, their ideas will never be executed. Growing a business means protecting yourself (and your employees) with the right checks and balances. My advice would be to make sure you speak to a lawyer (they don’t have to be expensive!) and make sure you get contracts of employment tailored for your business. Alongside this they will help you create policies surrounding holidays, IT, company cars and any other items that are relevant to you.

There is a huge temptation to just go online and download pre-made templates, but HR issues are notoriously complex and spending some time and a little money early on getting things right can prevent pain and problems later.

an employee has texted in sick; the contract of employment states they must phone in. she is a good worker and team member; however, this isn’t good business practice. What’s the best way to handle this?

Precedents can be a dangerous thing!

I would suggest a softly-softly approach in this situation. When you have a moment, take your employee to one side and just explain that the company policy is that they need to phone in if they’re unwell. Tell them that while you understand they may not want to – it’s important, as they have to be fair to the company and to other team members, who are all required to do the same.

Policies need buy-in to be effective, and that means being very transparent about why they exist and reminding people they apply to everyone!

got a question? Email: vikas.shah@thoughtstrategy.com | www.thoughtstrategy.com

87

“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”

Joshua J. Marine

NEW PURPOSEBUILT JUNIOR SCHOOL OPENING IN SEPTEMBER 2015 Extra places available for girls in Years 5 and 6

2015 ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS To arrange a tour of the Monday 12th January 2015 Saturday 17th January 2015 School call 0161 224 1077 Means -tested bursaries now available Find out more by calling 0161 224 1077 from Year 5 Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL upwards 1

For Year 7 entry:

For Years 3-6 entry:

wgs.org

EDUCATION NEWS HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL opens mhsg neW siXth form centre

manchester high school for girls was proud to welcome her royal highness the princess royal to the school to officially open its new sixth form centre. dignitaries including the lord lieutenant and the rt Worshipful the lord mayor of manchester and her consort were in attendance at this special ceremony.

HRH The Princess Royal toured the impressive facilities of the Sixth Form Centre, which include the 120-seat Zochonis Lecture theatre, the Carole Nash Café Area, common room, ICT suite, three science laboratories, classrooms, workspaces and offices.

Her Royal Highness spent time talking to staff and A level and International Baccalaureate Diploma students before unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening of the building.

In a short speech The Princess Royal said she appreciated the opportunity to return to MHSG to see how well the School is continuing its traditions and its strengths. Her Royal Highness referred to her role as Patron of Women into Science and Engineering and expressed gratitude for the School’s consistent support of science subjects. She commented on the value of looking back and remembering why schools such as Manchester High were started and how well the current pupils respond to the strong traditions that were created and still remain important today.

Mrs Claire Hewitt, Headmistress at Manchester High School for Girls, said: “We were delighted and privileged to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to officially open our new Sixth Form Centre during our 140th anniversary year. When Manchester High was founded in 1874, it occupied two converted Victorian houses in Portland Terrace. The School has come a long way since those early days, and we continue to develop our purposebuilt state-of-the-art facilities to benefit successive generations of Manchester High students.”

Mrs Hewitt concluded: “On behalf of all members of the MHSG community, I should like to thank Her Royal Highness for sharing this occasion with us.”

A NEW HEADMASTER FOR STOCKPORT GRAMMAR JUNIORS September saw the arrival of a new Headmaster for Stockport Grammar Junior School. Mr Tim Wheeler joins SGS after six years’ service as Headmaster of Hereford Cathedral Junior School, and before that, Bilton Grange in Rugby.

Educated at Sheffield, Cambridge and Bath universities, Mr Wheeler also has a background as an Educational Consultant, specialising in strategic school improvement and development planning. Mr Wheeler told us: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my first weeks at the school and already feel very much at home here. The children were very excited to come back after the summer holiday, and in the early days they were all rushing up to say hello and tell me what they had been doing. It is great to be a part of such a friendly, happy school, and I am very much looking forward to leading Stockport Grammar Junior School over the years ahead.” Mr Wheeler joins the school following the retirement of Mr Larry Fairclough, who led the Junior School for 14 years.

89

EDUCATION

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FOUNDED IN 1487

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!"#$%&'()*+&(,-%./ Â&#x2021; :&1*+$"0#(+1(#)(/&(*+&)#1"%#)($4G-1(&) Â&#x2021; !#./$&"%-3#1"%#*1/$"0#&"K$/,"4&"( Â&#x2021; ;G()(1"%$"0#1*1%&4$*#/&)G-() Â&#x2021; LM*&--&"(#.1*$-$($&) Â&#x2021; ;K&/#HII#&M(/16*G//$*G-1/#1*($K$($&) Â&#x2021; LM(&")$K&#)*+,,-#2G)#/,G(&) Â&#x2021; NG/)1/$&)#1K1$-12-& Tel: 0161 456 9000

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NORTH CESTRIAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL WHERE INDIVIDUALS THRIVE North Cestrian has an ethos of high pastoral care, excellent facilities and class sizes of no more than 25 pupils.

Through an exciting and innovative curriculum, each individual has the opportunity to develop to their full potential.

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North Cestrian offers an excellent range of 16 GCSE subjects and 17 A Level subjects.

Open Events ARE BEING HELD on:

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Saturday 25 April 2015 11.00am - 1.00pm

Contact the School to book a guided tour.

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Call 0161 928 1856 "#!$%&'%()!*!9$#:9;)(<:!#$!+##,!*!9;$:#-'+!(#<$!-*..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "#!$%&'%()!* !9$#:9; 9 )(<: ( !#$!+##,!* $!+ !9;$:#-'+!(# #<$!-*..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =>?>!@AB!=CAB!%/*0.!#DD,);E:(;++'&'$,::)*##+F)#F<G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =>?>!@AB!=CA B!!%/*0.!#DD DD, D,);E:(;++'&'$,::)*# ##+F)#F<G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #$!10(0)!HHHF%(;++'3'$,:%)*##+F)#F<G! #$!10(0)! )!HHHF%(;++'3'$,:%)*##+F)#F<G G! Follow us

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Open WEEK:

Saturday 24 January 2015 11.00am - 1.00pm

@NorthCestrianGS

We are applying for Free School status from 2016

Apply now for September 2015 entry Like us on Facebook.com/NorthCestrian

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90

EDUCATION NEWS

NEW JUNIOR SCHOOL BUILDING FOR WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL construction work has commenced on a new purpose-built Junior school building and central hub at Withington girls’ school, costing £4.3million.

The leading independent school for girls aged 7 to 18 has commissioned a stateof-the-art Junior School to be built within the grounds of Withington's existing site in Fallowfield, Manchester.

The project will deliver a new suite of classrooms for younger pupils, enabling two-form rather than single-form entry in years 5 and 6. There will be a light and airy social hub with a new roofed courtyard area linking the Junior and Senior departments. The new building’s roof will also be capped by eco-friendly wildflower grass.

Due for completion in summer 2015 Withington's 125th anniversary year this latest investment follows a decade of improvements at the school.

The new Junior School and hub will be the largest single development in the School's history.

StocKport graMMar HoStS art coMpetition Fifty self-portraits submitted by pupils from ten local primary schools were displayed at the Final of Stockport Grammar School’s annual Year 5 Art Competition, which is open to all local primary schools. Judging the competition were renowned figurative artist Mark Demsteader and Stockport Grammar’s Head of Art and Design Richard Davies, who were both full of praise for the quality of the work being produced by all the finalists.

Before the winners were announced, the children admired each other’s work and took part in drawing and mono-printing workshops with the school’s own sixth-form artists.

Charlie Fitzgerald from Gorsey Bank Primary won the first prize of a £50 art voucher for her school and a watercolour painting set for herself, with Emma Guest from Torkington Primary School and Bjorn Dickson from The Ryleys being named as the two runners-up. Every finalist also took home a goody bag.

The event was kindly supported by leading wealth management company Brewin Dolphin as part of their community sponsorship programme.

HOCKEY GIRLS CROWNED COUNTY CHAMPIONS cheadle hulme school’s under-16 girls’ hockey team have become county champions, following undefeated play in the recent greater manchester schools’ tournament.

Victory in the competition progresses the team to the north west finals in November, where they’ll take on the best of the rest of the region. At the County Tournament, which took place at Altrincham Grammar School, CHS conceded just one goal in the four games they played. After the convincing 4-0 wins against the home side and Manchester High School for Girls, and the 3-0 win over Loreto, Sale Grammar provided sturdier opposition. The tense match against Sale saw the scoreline held at 1-1 until the last play of the game, where Cheadle Hulme School converted a penalty corner to secure the win. team coach mr Jamie henderson said: “The girls stepped up to the mark to play some excellent, fast-flowing, attacking hockey and thoroughly deserved to make it through to the next stage.”

91

Manchester High School for Girls An excellent educational experience for girls aged 4-18 We celebrated another year of superb results in 2014: 94.2% of A Level grades achieved were at A*, A or B, and 82% of GCSE grades were A* or A.

Dates for your diary 2015 Assessment for Reception Class Week Commencing 12 January 2015 Junior and Senior Entrance Examinations Tuesday 13 January 2015 For more information, please call 0161 224 0447 or to receive a prospectus visit www.manchesterhigh.co.uk/welcome â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available for girls aged 11 to 18.

Manchester High School for Girls Grangethorpe Road Manchester M14 6HS www.manchesterhigh.co.uk Twitter: @mhsg facebook.com/ManHighSG Charity registration no: 532295

EDUCATION NEWS

LEST WE FORGET the whole cheadle hulme school community gathered in a moment of commemoration at a very special remembrance day service.

The School’s 1,400 students, its staff, Old Waconians (former pupils), parents and local residents joined together to hear readings, lay wreaths and take part in a two minute silence, remembering all who have lost their lives in service of their country.

This year’s extended service was specially arranged as part of the School’s commemoration of the centenary of the First World War. Visitors were able to view the School’s First World War exhibition and learn about the School’s role as a military hospital during that time.

ANOTHER FIRST FOR THE GIRLS AT THE RYLEYS the ryleys school in alderley edge is excited to announce the appointment of its new head teacher, mrs claire hamilton - the first female head in the school's long and distinguished history.

Following a rigorous selection process and some very tough competition, Claire now hopes to continue the school's strong tradition of providing a

full and rounded education, instilling confidence, good manners and respect.

Claire has been at the school for over 17 years, rising to deputy head five years ago. Having stepped in as acting head earlier this year, she received the support of children, staff and parents in her application for the permanent position. www.theryleys.com

Mrs Claire Hamilton, new head teacher at The Ryleys School

A MESSAGE FROM LEE BERGIN, HEADMASTER OF NORTH CESTRIAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL

“here at north cestrian we recognise that every child is special and individual. each one will have dreams, talents, strengths, weaknesses and insecurities that are unique to them. yet every child essentially wants the same thing: to feel safe and happy and to grow as a person.

“We want to provide parents in the area with a greater choice of educational establishment and, as you may know, we are applying to become a non-selective, non-fee-paying academy from September 2016. As part of this vision, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys has agreed to support us in the application. In the meantime, North Cestrian remains a selective, fee-paying grammar school. Pupils on school roll at the point North Cestrian becomes a Free School will remain members of the school and will cease to pay fees.

“I firmly believe this is the right path for North Cestrian to retain its ethos, strengthen its academic performance

and grow as a school. It is still our aim to provide places for families who otherwise could not afford such an education, and benefit Altrincham as it faces a significant shortage of school places.

“The school will continue to build on its existing traditions and culture of excellence and I’m proud to work with a team that is as passionate as I am in helping each individual reach their potential. “Visit the school and you will be guaranteed a warm welcome and delighted by what we can offer. Meetings and taster days can be arranged to suit. Contact us on 0161 928 1856.” www.ncgs.co.uk 93

ST. BEDE'S COL L EGE !"#$%&%"'()*$%+#(,&-.(/012(345&#

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based assessment for those applying at 11+.

SATURDAY 17th JANUARY 2015

St. Bede’s College is a leading Catholic Co-educational Grammar School and we are proud of our pupils, their success and the unique ethos of the College.

We are delighted that our new Headmaster, Mr Robson, will be joining the College in January 2015 and sharing his exciting vision for the future of the school. Our 11+ assessment will take place on Saturday 17th January.

The one hour computer based test is designed to give a true indication of a candidate’s natural ability, without the need for three separate written papers.

Parents of prospective pupils can register their interest at the email address below. You are also welcome to visit the College at any time during the academic year for a personal tour to experience our family atmosphere for yourself.

To register, email moneill@stbedescollege.co.uk

St. Bede’s pupils exhibit: • ‘Excellent achievement, especially in examination success’ • ‘Excellent behaviour’ • ‘Excellent relationships between teachers and pupils’ (ISI Inspection Report)

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Year Five Taster Morning ~ Saturday 20th June Open Evening ~ Wednesday 1st July

Alexandra Park, Manchester M16 8HX 0161 226 3323 enquiries@stbedescollege.co.uk twitter: @stbedescollege

New head unveils

united vision for

St Bede’s

“If you look at the stunning red-brick Vaughan building at the front of St Bede’s College, that’s the tip of the iceberg; it’s about what happens inside the College that is unique, and once you experience that, I’m confident you will not want to send your children anywhere else.”

T

hose are not just the views of the new Headmaster at St Bede’s, but also of parents, staff, students and governors, and listening to them is high on Richard Robson’s ‘to do’ list. When he arrives at the college in January, from St Joseph’s – a similar 3–18 Catholic independent college in Reading – his objective is to learn about the college, make informed decisions and impart a clear vision for the future. “That’s how I see my leadership going forward – all of us tied in with the same vision,” said Mr Robson. The College has an excellent reputation for both academic achievement and pastoral care. Although Mr Robson is keen to oversee an increase in the school roll, he is confident that excellence will not be compromised.

“We’re going to focus on entry into year 7, year 9 and year 12, but we will continue to ensure every student in the school is known and valued by staff. We don’t want that to change,” added Mr Robson.

“The core values of the college won’t change either; that’s what attracts staff to stay for a long time and why parents send all their children and their children’s children here.”

Mr Robson says what St Bede’s offers is unique: “Education in a co-educational Catholic independent school is like no other. The three pillars of learning – academia, performing and creative arts and sports – enshrined within Christian values ensure students are not only well equipped for the challenges of 21st-century life but are also wellrounded and very capable individuals.”

The city of Manchester itself is also a draw. For Mr Robson it’s a vibrant and exciting place where he and his family can settle for many years to come.

But ultimately it’s St Bede’s College that is the main attraction and Mr Robson’s two young children will attend the Prep.

“St Bede’s provides academic rigour alongside consistent discipline in a caring and purposeful environment,” he said.

“But alongside that is an extra dimension: a close and supportive network of parents and pupils, past and present, who make St Bede’s unique. It helps pupils become successful and inspirational citizens.

This tangible and powerful ethos is what our staff, parents and students still talk about today.”

95

KARIM SHAKIR KHALIL QC ACTOR. BARRISTER. WACONIAN. Renowned for handling some of the UK’s most serious criminal cases, Old Waconian Karim Shakir Khalil QC believes his time at CHS helped shape his career. He enjoys the science involved in criminal cases, piecing together tiny bits of forensic evidence, and also believes that his appearance in several CHS Drama productions, including Sweeney Todd, taught him the art of giving a good performance in court.

At CHS, our core aim is to ensure that we thrive in providing a challenging, dynamic and relevant education for all our Waconians, through which they prepare for and undertake a positive role in their communities and the world.

“Not being afraid of failure is an attribute I gained from CHS – a kind of inner confidence.”

FOR DETAILS OF OUR NEXT OPEN DAY AND TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN BECOME A WACONIAN, VISIT

whatisawaconian.co.uk

Matt Whitehead: opening new educational doors in West Didsbury matt Whitehead’s in-tray has been steadily growing in the past year and achieving quite fearsome proportions, but matt’s exceptional career has well prepared him to take these upcoming challenges in his well-measured stride. as head teacher of the highly successful and therefore oversubscribed didsbury ce primary school, he’s currently tasked with not only maintaining the excellent standards he and his team have set themselves, but with overseeing the creation of a new sister school, West didsbury ce primary school.

Stockport born and schooled, Matt studied English and American Literature at Warwick University.

Initially set on a career in journalism, which was inspired by his lifelong love of literature, he made the diversion into teaching after working at children’s summer camps in France and finding the experience extremely rewarding. This experience, combined with the positivity of fellow students preparing for teaching, determined his future career.

After completing his PGCE at Warwick he returned to live and work in Manchester at a number of primary schools. An opportunity to take a sabbatical arose and he duly went globetrotting to broaden his horizons.

Hong Kong, Australia (where as a keen and talented footballer he even managed to get paid to play the game) and the United States were among his eventual destinations.

On his return to Manchester he resumed his teaching career and, nine years ago, succeeded to the headship

of Didsbury CE School, which he now leads with outstanding success. The school’s Christian ethos has universal appeal, as it promotes respect, tolerance and understanding for all faiths, and even the secular. Matt firmly believes that broadening pupils’ horizons in order to open up as many windows of opportunity as possible is very much part of a teacher’s role.

The children visit a diverse range of institutions, including churches, mosques and synagogues, to prepare themselves for the diverse world awaiting them.

His one-form entry school has always been oversubscribed and, combined with annual demographic increases, this has merely added to the acute and serious shortage of primary school places in south Manchester.

The arrival of Free Schools has allowed Didsbury CE to provide some muchneeded alleviation of this problem.

Their proposal for a sister two-form school in West Didsbury has been accepted by the Department for Education, and the new West Didsbury

CE Primary School is on schedule to open its doors in September 2015. It will have a 50/50 split of faith pupils and children from the local community, but it will share the highly successful ethos and practices of the current school. There is no doubt that more primary school places are desperately required and the new school will form part of the solution to that problem.

Quite a lot on his plate then, but Matt Whitehead’s career has always centred on teaching the child and ignoring the myriad distractions that teachers face. This focus on his pupils will surely enable him to provide yet another excellent school for our neighbourhood. www.didsbury-pri.manchester.sch.uk www.westdidsburyceprimary.co.uk https://twitter.com/DidsburySchool www.facebook.com/Didsbury CeFreeSchool phone: 0161 445 7144

By Mark Kureishy

97

!"#$%&'("#)*#+$,+&--&+$./'01+$2("113 A true adventure for boys with enquiring minds Visit us and find out what makes us special

matters For further information contact Kath Heathcote 0161 224 7201 ext 234 or k.heathcote@mgs.org

MGS.org @MGSmagic

SELECTION – the challenge for parents and schools

For any parent, choosing schools is an important but difficult decision. While selective education remains a highly popular choice at 11-plus, questions surround how schools assess for entry.

The 11-plus itself can be an intimidating experience. However, most importantly, is the potential of each child being assessed appropriately? Ideally, every individual should be assessed on the skills needed each day in the classroom, and yet this is not something an 11-plus exam does.

The pressure on children to perform in 11-plus exams has led to the growth of a tutoring industry that can have negative consequences. At a time when innate curiosity and drive should be fostered, tutoring can turn learning into a matter of repeating patterns by rote: the teacher's role is to spoon-feed and a pupil's to regurgitate. Significantly, a pupil coached in this way may pass a formulaic and standard 11-plus paper, but then struggle with the demands of working independently once the tutor is removed. A selection procedure that allows such practice is seriously flawed and is not looking after the best interests of the child.

The key to making positive decisions rests upon establishing the potential of a child to thrive in a particular school.

Each school has its own ethos, and a parent's choice is made easier once that ethos is understood and matched to their child's own interests and aptitudes. Visits to schools are essential, ideally taking place on a normal working day to see what approach is taken to learning. A better way for the parent, child and school to understand each other is for the child to spend time in the school being taught and assessed.

At my school, assessment days serve exactly this purpose. Boys spend a day with us, experiencing our teaching styles, the pace of lessons and the rhythm of the school day. They are taught material and concepts they will not have met before, and are then tested on what they have learned. The way each boy interacts in class is also observed and assessed, allowing a holistic view of the potential of every individual. Boys are hosted by our own pupils during break time and lunch; they eat in the school refectory and are able to take part in any of the lunchtime activities that form part of our vast extra-curricular programme. All this requires considerable investment of time, but it is well worth it. Our approach tells us much more about a boy than an entrance exam alone can do, and helps us to make betterinformed decisions. Crucially, it also helps every boy and his parents to make a well-informed choice. Spending time in lessons with teachers and at lunchtime with pupils reveals far more about a school than sitting in an examination room could ever do. michael strother Director of Admissions The Manchester Grammar School For more information contact Kath Heathcote (k.heathcote@mgs.org 0161 224 7201 ext 234)

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Come and visit - every day is an open day!

From age 3 in our Pre-School to Year 8, children are encouraged to express and develop their own character and grow as individuals. By the time they leave, they are fully equipped to embrace the opportunities presented at their chosen senior schools.

The best way to get a true feel of the family atmosphere and the wealth of experiences on offer is to come and visit.

Girls & Boys Preparatory School

Every day is an Open Day! Call 01625 583241 to make an appointment or visit www.theryleys.com for more information.

Ryleys Lane, Alderley Edge SK9 7UY www.theryleys.com

book the apprentice

for your next event neil clough Neil Clough is best known for winning the hearts of the nation and the respect of Britain’s titans during the 2013 series of the BBC’s The Apprentice. Now that the current series is well underway, he is regularly called upon for his comments and viewpoint. Originally from Warrington, Neil has come a long way since smashing all sales targets in The Apprentice arena.

Neil’s story is an inspirational and entertaining one.

His motivational style and experience is appealing to business, schools, universities and after-dinner events.

Neil is now available for speaker opportunities.

to book neil for your next event, contact Hale-based Marketing Profile on 0161 929 4004, or email barbara@marketingprofile.co.uk Marketing Profile has a wealth of experience in planning and managing events, with excellent links with venues across the north west. Talk to them to plan your next event.

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A NEW APPROACH TO KIDS COACHING THAT DELIvERS RESULTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. reacH For tHe StarS uK www.reachforthestarsuk.co.uk my Journey As a mother, I completely understand you can be challenged. My learning journey began when I embarked on a specialist coaching programme known as NLP Master Coach. Intrigued by the findings and captivated by the knowledge and incredible insight, along with the passion and drive of wanting to share these experiences, Reach For The Stars UK was born. the company The ethos and approach of Reach For The Stars UK are about empowering children with life skills and techniques to help them create brighter and successful futures through adapting to challenging situations that arise in day-to-day life. This will avail endless opportunities and develop emotional wellbeing. All children have the ability to succeed; they just need to know how.

"Everyone is a star and deserves the chance to shine.” Marilyn Monroe

This quote absolutely encapsulates the whole backbone of what Reach For The Stars UK can deliver. so, what is nlp coaching?

NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming. The mind is extremely powerful and the principles of NLP allow you to look at where you are, where you want to be and, more importantly, create strategies to help you get there.

What are the benefits of coaching?

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•

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Coaching allows children to explore ideas they would have previously thought of as daunting or unachievable.

It helps children to transform their perception of life and reach their full potential, preparing them for their 11+ exams, GCSEs and A levels, and sporting careers.

Life skills learnt as a child are a lifetime investment.

•

To develop emotional wellbeing, a feeling of happiness inspires to build inner confidence and selfesteem.

i've got a nine-year-old. how do i best prep them for entrance exams?

Workshops are running to focus on providing children with the essential skill set for 11+ exams. There are also one-to-one sessions available. my 13-year-old daughter does the very minimum at school – everything's boring. help! This can be resolved through one-to-one coaching to unravel why she feels this way and make changes. you've recently had a child yourself. how do you balance work and your personal life? My passion provides me with the energy to juggle work and my personal life. To wake to the smiles of a baby and the charismatic personality of an older one is so rewarding and fulfilling.

Discover and explore how Reach For The Stars UK can help you and your child learn.

Call Shelly Vasdev now on 07960 582 791 to find out more. email enquiries@reachforthestarsuk.co.uk visit www.reachforthestarsuk.co.uk 101

Knock-out event hits Manchester Manchester is to box clever with the sort of star-studded night of sport and entertainment, normally found only in Las Vegas.

Paul ‘Paulie’ Malignaggi

The heady eclectic mixture of professional boxing, live music and stage shows, coupled with the chance to mix with sport and TV glitterati, will be happening on 31st January 2015 when ‘Vegas Fight Night Comes To Manchester’. The perfect antidote to the New Year blues will take place at Manchester's Event City, with 3 local charities; Once Upon A Smile, Royal Manchester Childrens’ Hospital and CAFT (Childrens’ Adventure Farm Trust) poised to benefit.

twitter @Manchester_SEL @Jameslindemann Tickets are priced at £150 each and £1,500 for a table of 10, plus VAT. Sponsorship and Brochure Packages also available. the event is at event city, 7pm–3am on 31st January 2015.

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Local event organiser James Lindemann, who set up Manchester Sports and Entertainment Ltd in June 2014 after leaving his high-flying 15-year career as an executive headhunter, will follow his passion for producing and delivering sport and entertainment events.

James recalled: “I have always networked in other areas such as sport and entertainment, where I have continued to grow my list of contacts but kept them firmly in a little black book until the right opportunity presented itself. “I have been to Vegas many times and visited in May 2014 to watch Floyd Mayweather fight, and found myself networking and subsequently meeting some highly influential music and boxing moguls.

I kept in touch and visited them a few times over the summer and realised that with the right offering, M-SEL could grow into an organisation that delivers some really high-end events for the UK and potentially overseas.

“I have surrounded myself with event, media and business experts – the best in what they do – and we have a really strong team, sharing the same goals of delivering an excellent night for Manchester.” The Vegas fight night will be attended by pro boxer and award-winning pundit, Paul ‘Paulie’ Malignaggi, who is flying over from the States especially for the occasion.

He will open the event’s exclusive four professional boxing bouts, as the black-tie audience enjoy a delicious three-course meal.

The event itself will be hosted by Talk Sport's, Dom McGuinness and TV Presenter, Kirstie Beckman. Other well-known boxers confirmed to attend are Scott Quigg, Anthony Crolla, Tommy Coyle and Josh Warrington, as well as trainer Joe Gallagher. The night promises to be one of seamless fun, with Vegas-style showgirls and top magicians performing, and various celebrity guests from the likes of Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale in attendance.

Legends from Manchester United are also already confirmed, including Bryan Robson, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Dennis Irwin, Gary Pallister and Arthur Albiston. The location will later transform into a gaming palace and Viva Las Vegas-esque super club, with internationally renowned DJ Brandon Block spinning the tunes till the early hours. James said: "The event will be something that Manchester has never experienced before. We have so much going on under one roof and I'm hoping we will raise a lot of money for some very worthy local charities. “We also have some great corporate sponsors already confirmed, including BooHoo, Auction Finance, ATEL and the Morson Group, with more to be confirmed in the next few weeks.”

For more information on this event please call 0161 908 7559 or visit us at www.mcrsportsandentertainment.com

nortHern art Clark Art Ltd of Hale are the North’s leading art gallery and are national specialists in LS Lowry and northern investment art.

A wide range of work is always on display at our Hale gallery. We also give free valuations.

LS Lowry, Deans Mill, Swinton, pencil drawing, 11” x 15” artists include: LS Lowry, Helen Bradley, Theodore Major, Alan Lowndes, Braaq, Harold Riley, Harry Rutherford, John Thompson, William Turner, Adolphe Valette, Trevor Grimshaw, Sheila Fell, Ben Kelly, Liam Spencer, Fred Yates, Reg Gardner, Geoffrey Key, Peter Brook, Phil George, Stephen Campbell and many others.

our mixed Winter exhibition runs from 8th november 2014 – 28th February 2015 We are currently looking to buy original works

by LS Lowry and Harold Riley.

155 ashley road, hale, cheshire Wa14 2uW tel: 0161 929 5150 email: art@clark-art.co.uk opening times: tuesday to saturday 10am-5.30pm

www.clark-art.co.uk

Ever Fallen In Love... ...A MIDNIGHT CLEAR | Directed by Keith Gordon, 1992 | Ethan Hawke, Gary Sinise, Peter Berg

War films set at Christmas time have their own special resonance that emanates, perhaps, from the ironic contradictions of suffering and death at this most peaceful of times. The brief cessation of hostilities deludes us that peace is possible, if only we could but embrace the Yuletide spirit more firmly. Christmas, though, is fleeting and war is seemingly unending; its insatiable appetite for destruction demands to be fed and, sadly, the festive ceasefire comes to an abrupt halt and battle recommences.

A Midnight Clear captures this momentary lull in hostilities, and its fatally inevitable return, with a simple clarity that belies its brilliant storytelling. The film follows a squad of six young American soldiers on a reconnaissance mission during the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes during December 1944. They’ve been posted to an abandoned house in a forest clearing from which they are to report on an expected attack by the Germans. Snow is thick on the ground and all is eerily quiet as they settle into their isolated outpost.

It isn’t long before the Germans make their presence felt but instead of attacking, they call out from the dark night and urge the Americans to get a ‘good night’s sleep, kamerad’. This, of course, perplexes them, especially when they soon get attacked by

snowballs, and the two opposing sets of soldiers engage in a snowball fight!

This friendly contact continues over Christmas with the exchange of gifts and carol singing from a distance, until the two sides eventually embrace and the Germans explain their unusual behaviour.

They too are a small group, comprising older Russian-front veterans and boy conscripts. They know the war is all but over, but they also know their army is about to make one last desperate throw of the dice with a major offensive.

They don’t want to die in this attack and want to surrender, but of course, it’s not that straightforward.

Any surrender would have to look convincing, as though they had offered resistance before capitulating; any suggestion that they had acted otherwise would result in punitive reprisals

against their families back home in Germany. The Americans warily agree to help and a plan is devised that will make it appear as though a real skirmish had occurred before the Germans surrendered.

Alas, the war marches on, and the time of carolling and gifts comes to an abrupt end under the starlit sky.

The ensemble cast is uniformly good with fine performances from Hawke, Sinise and Berg before their ensuing fame, and the German-speaking actors reinforce the film’s realism.

The stillness of the snow-blanketed forests adds a mystical element to the Christmas time setting, which powerfully reinforces the final denouement of the senseless tragedy that unfolds. Happy Christmas, the war is (not) over.

Mark Kureishy wishes you all a peaceful time at Christmas – and beyond.

Ever Fallen In Love (With Something) and want to tell the world about it? Tell us, in 450 words, about a book, film, music or any piece of popular culture and we’ll help you spread the word. Email mark@salutions.co.uk 105

St Ann’s Hospice Festival Choir

Christmas music and carols for all to join in O Holy Night • Lullay • It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Ding Dong! Merrily on High • Carol of the Bells • Sleigh Ride and carols for audience

Friday 12th December 2014, 7.30pm The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester St Ann’s Hospice Festival Choir Anna-Clare Monk, soprano Corus Brass Ensemble Jeffrey Makinson, organ Christopher Ellis, piano John Pomphrey, conductor Sue Nicholls, presenter Transport from St Ann’s Hospice, Heald Green £6 return. Tel: 0161 498 3631

Tickets £20 - £27 (includes £2 fee*) Concessions available. Children half price. *Booking fees do not apply to tickets bought in person at the Box Office and paid by cash.

Telephone: 0161 907 9000

Registered charity number 258085

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Reviews IIIII

By John Waddington

MUSIC McBusted – McBusted What happens when you cross teen-sensation boy band McFly with preteen-sensation boy band Busted?

This is not a joke. You get McBusted. A true Frankenstein’s monster of pop. How they roped in Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo to co-write is anyone’s guess. The 90s pop punk legend Mark Hoppus (Blink 182) also makes an appearance.

Neil Young – Storytone

David Sylvian –

A bit of an odd one from Mr Young. The great man is working with a 92-piece orchestra and choir on Storytone, giving a very bombastic and almost film-like quality to what are essentially classic Young compositions. When it works, there are moments of real tenderness and beauty, but the schmultz meter does occasionally tip into the red.

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FILMS

Birdman – Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Michael Keaton plays a washed-up superhero actor in this breathtakingly original showbiz satire. Former Batman star Keaton gives a vanityfree, self-referential performance in Inarritu’s pitch-black comedy of desperation and hopelessness.

The Theory of Everything – Director: James Marsh The life-affirming, superbly acted true story of Stephen Hawking’s first marriage. At a Cambridge University party in 1963, brilliant yet socially awkward physics postgraduate Stephen Hawking meets literature student Jane Wilde. Adapted from Jane Hawking’s memoir, this is a deeply moving, nuanced drama.

Big Hero 6 – Directors: Don Hall, Chris Williams

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There’s a light that enters houses with no other house in sight In a unique collaboration with American Pulitzer Prizewinning poet Franz Wright, and top Austrian electronic artist Christian Fennesz, David Sylvian turns in a fabulous, understated new work. Using very sparse instrumentation to complement Wright’s rich, compelling voice, this manages to be a truly immersive listen.

BOOKS

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Daniel Galera – Blood-Drenched Beard Daniel Galera was born in Sao Paulo in 1979. He co-founded the influential publishing house Livros do Mal, and has translated David Foster Wallace, Zadie Smith and Irvine Welsh into Brazilian Portuguese. This is his English language debut, and very impressive it is too – dark, page-turning thriller with a sinister underbelly.

Sandip Roy – Don’t Let Him Know Moving from adolescent rooftop games to adult encounters in gay bars, from hair salons in Calcutta to McDonald’s drive-thrus in California, Don’t Let Him Know is a moving story about family and the sacrifices we make for those we love.

Scott Blackwood – See How Small A master of subtlety and lyrical precision, Blackwood has surpassed himself this time, with a haunting, beautiful, and enormously powerful new novel about the aftermath of a brutal murder. Scott Blackwood is the author of two previous books of fiction, In the Shadow of Our House and We Agreed to Meet Just Here, and the recipient of a Whiting Writers’ Award

A young robotics genius turns crime-fighter in Disney’s funpacked animated action comedy.

From the team behind Wreck-It Ralph and the record-breaking Frozen, this rib-ticklingly funny, thrill-packed adventure is Disney’s first animation to use Marvel Comics characters.

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christMas shows

IIIII

What’s

ON

Tinsel at the ready, glad rags dusted off – it’s time to sprinkle a little Christmas sparkle over the city’s theatres and venues and prepare for some seasonal fun and festive entertainment. The region is turned into a frozen landscape with ice rinks in Bolton, Manchester, MediaCityUK and the intu Trafford Centre and all the venues open their doors to pantos, Christmas specials or world-class family shows.

Alice in Wonderland Bolton Octagon 14 November – 10 January A new adaptation that remains true to the well-known and much-loved characters of Lewis Carroll’s classic story but with a few twists and additions to the tale. Lots of fun for children aged 5+ and their families.

Oldham Library 4–20 December Oldham Children’s Theatre present an explosive, comedy Christmas show packed with music, fun and dancing for all children under ten. They pride themselves on making big theatre for little people and all performances include a visit from Santa himself.

Cinderella

Music

Stockport Plaza 5 December – 3 January Ted Robbins, Governor of the children’s TV favourite The Slammer, stars in this panto favourite alongside Crissy Rock and Gary Damer.

Manchester Apollo 7/8 December

Sale Waterside 12 December – 3 January Roald Dahl’s wonderful story is adapted for the stage by David Wood, with music and songs by Olly Fox. Perfect for the under-10s.

The Christmas Elves and the Shoemaker

By Catherine Reed

Bombay Bicycle Club

James and the Giant Peach

Foxes Manchester Academy 7 December

Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott

Peter Pan Goes Wrong The Lowry 16 December – 11 January Terrific fun for all the family and a real laugh-out-loud comedy. Following its smash hit success with The Play That Went Wrong, Mischief Theatre Company brings its hilarious new spin on a family favourite to The Lowry for Christmas. In this production, everything that can go wrong does go wrong – expect slapstick, physical comedy, collapsing scenery, exquisitely timed stunts and a brilliant script from a highly talented cast.

Manchester Academy 12 December

Chrissie Hynde HMV Ritz 15 December

Inspiral Carpets HMV Ritz 19 December

John Cooper Clarke HMV Ritz 3 January

Queen and Adam Lambert Phones 4u Arena 21 January

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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Opera House 5 December – 4 January Priscilla Presley stars as the Wicked Queen joined by Warwick Davis and Tam Ryan in this year’s pantomime from the Opera House. There will be fabulous sets, lots of laughs, and of course lots of interactive fun.

The Lowry 17 December – 11 January Join the intrepid adventurers on their quest to find a bear wading through grass and rivers, and mud-singing and dancing as they go. This is a perfectly wonderful Christmas treat for young children and their families – book early.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time The Lowry 18 December – 10 January Based on the award-winning novel by Mark Haddon, this is a thrilling new stage play, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott. It’s a funny, insightful and thought-provoking piece of theatre from the National Theatre – something you’ll remember for a long time, and it runs at The Lowry as part of its first-ever UK tour.

Little Shop of Horrors Royal Exchange Theatre 5 December – 17 January Little Shop of Horrors is a kooky, hilarious sci-fi musical that’s been a cult film and an off-broadway sensation. It’s a fun, fast-moving show and director Derek Bond promises a gory treat for everyone aged 10+.

special events Lantern Magic Chester Zoo 4–23 December An unforgettable night-time journey through Chester Zoo – an enchanted illuminated trail leads to a spectacular display of animal lanterns. The ticket includes a free drink and you can join a lantern workshop and hang your Christmas wish on the Giant Wishing Tree. Best of all though, you get to experience the nocturnal sounds of the zoo after dark – very exciting stuff.

Chesterzoo.org/Christmas

coMedy Disney’s The Lion King

Hallé Christmas The Bridgewater Hall 23 December The Hallé will be performing Howard Blake’s beautiful score, which of course includes the classic Walking in the Air, alongside a big screening of The Snowman. Before this, the first half of the concert features an orchestral take on We’re Going on a Bear Hunt presented by Tom Redmond.

Musicals Shrek The Musical Palace Theatre 2 December – 11 January Direct from the West End, the comedy musical Shrek visits the Palace Theatre on its first tour of the UK. Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey set off to rescue Princess Fiona encountering a host of fairytale misfits along the way. The diminutive Lord Farquaad is a joy to behold and the show is brimming with fun and a must-see this Christmas.

Palace Theatre 17 January – 22 February The award-winning musical, based on the beloved animated film, returns to the Palace Theatre following its sellout run earlier this year. Featuring songs such as Circle of Life and Can You Feel the Love Tonight, this is the perfect high-energy musical to kick-start your New Year.

concerts Tatton Park Christmas Concerts Tatton Park 11–13 December The evening starts at 7pm with a walk through the white themed mansion and a warming winter drink followed by a concert at 8pm in the Tennant’s Hall.

Northern Chamber Orchestra and Choir 11 December

City of Chester Male Voice Choir 12 December

Roberts Bakery Band 13 December

One Man, Two Guvnors The Lowry 13–17 January This is the third visit to The Lowry for this wonderful play. If you haven’t seen it yet, you really ought to treat yourself to a ticket. It’s truly hilarious from start to finish and is undoubtedly one of the funniest nights you will ever spend in the theatre. Gavin Spokes stars as Francis, and the whole cast shine in this quite perfect comedy.

Lee Mack Manchester Apollo 9 - 14 and 20 December

Russell Howard Phones 4u Arena 20 December

Alun Cochrane The Lowry 17/18 January

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Gadgets

Now you know how Back to the Future’s Marty McFly felt when he was propelled kicking and screaming into 2015. We have arrived, and there are gadgets. t SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-QX30

s FUJIFILM X30

Unlike some rivals in its class, the X30 looks and feels like a serious camera, and its myriad of tweakable options put the photographer in control. Image quality is superb - comparing favourably with those from large sensor cameras. At the higher sensitivity settings, however, the smaller sensor size starts to restrict performance compared to models such as the Sony RX100 III and Canon G7 X. If you’re in the market for a mid-priced snapper, this is worth a look. £479 Jessops.com

The new compact sized DSC-QX30 camera brings the power and versatility of a 30x optical zoom lens to mobilephone photographers, eliminating the poor image quality commonly experienced when zooming using a smartphone camera. The 30x zoom is aided by image stabilisation to minimise camera shake throughout the zoom range, but there are some severe connectivity issues, meaning you could miss that perfect shot. £249 sony.co.uk

t KOBO AURA H2O

AMAZON FIRE TV This device is easy to use and works well, but it’s only of real interest if you have already invested in Amazon’s content services. If you are not an Amazon Prime customer, then you should think twice about this purchase.

The device is clearly aimed at Amazon customers, which is a shame, because Amazon are squeezing themselves out of the streaming TV race when they could be one of the main players. £79.99 Currys

By John Waddington

s

110

With its snazzy HD screen, subtle illumination and inviting home page, the Kobo Aura H2O is as user-friendly as e-readers get.

The advantage it has over other e-readers, or those printed paper things, is a resistance to water that makes it the ideal bath or beach companion. What it gains in the water-resistance stakes however, it loses in the weight and thickness stakes. It’s still thinner than War and Peace though. £139 argos.co.uk

s MASTER & DYNAMIC MH40 Premium materials, such as the anodised aluminium and lambskin in these top-end headphones, make them desirable even before you plug them in.

Their superior build quality and timeless style will ensure that they stick around long after their lower-quality but expensive rivals. What’s more, they sound pretty good too. £299 masterdynamic.com

s G-PAWS PET GPS

The G-Paws Pet GPS is like a sat nav for your pets, or a cat-nav if you will. It’s an ultralightweight weatherproof GPS recorder that you can easily attach to any sized collar thanks to the two soft silicone sleeves. Inside this tiny machine is a high-sensitivity multichannel GPS chip that allows you to track your pet’s every move, accurate to a couple of metres. Anyone with a roaming feline will rejoice at this little marvel. £49.95 g-paws.com

Local Services To advertise in the next issue please call 0161 445 2883

Private GP

& Night Doctor Dr Bruce Jobling

0161 980 2626

24 Hours | 7 Days “Peace of mind for you and your family, at all times”

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Competitions Terms & Conditions No purchase necessary. Employees of Salutions Limited and associated companies, promotional partners, their agents and families are not eligible to enter. Entries will be declared void if found mutilated, illegible, altered, reconstructed, forged or tampered with in any way. In the event of there being more claims than prizes available in any category, then prizes will be awarded to the earliest claimant. (Where applicable, as stated.) All entries are subject to scrutiny. Salutions Limited reserves the right to stop the promotion/ competition at any time at its own discretion. Winners must accept that their names may be announced on any Salutions related media, including web and print, and may be used for publicity purposes if required. Rules as published, when applicable to specific joint offers, product discounts etc. All prizes unclaimed remain the property of Salutions Limited. Persons under the age of 18 are not eligible to enter. The prize must be taken as offered and is not transferable. No cash or credit alternatives will be given. Editor’s decision is final. By entering a competition you agree to receive e-letters and mailshots from Salutions Limited.

We do not sell our database to third parties and are compliant with the Data Protection Act 1998. Should you wish NOT to receive such information, please state NO OFFERS. By entering the competition you agree to the above terms and conditions.

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motoring

GO YOUR OWN WAY Over the years I’ve abused the privilege of this page many times by eulogising the Citroën brand a little too much. My first car was a 2CV, and as an unashamed Francophile I do perhaps spend a disproportionate amount of time droning on to anyone who’ll listen about what a wonderful carmaker Citroën is. Bias aside though, the fact is that Citroën is a true trailblazer and always has been. From the 2CV, whose mid-20thcentury design famously allowed French farmers to transport eggs across a ploughed field while wearing a tall hat, and the ultra-chic DS with its movie star looks in the 50s and 60s, to the utterly spectacular Maserati collaboration the SM in the 70s, the brand still stands alone.

In today’s world of increasing homogeneity between brands, this manufacturer manages to make cars that are both affordable and truly different from the norm. What I love about Citroën is that its cars strike a perfect balance: they’re a laboratory for genuinely new ideas, they offer the real-world features that everyday people actually want, and they stand out as a truly alternative choice.

Take for example the new C4 Cactus. Its price range (just under £13K to just over £18K) puts it in the ‘C segment hatchback’ category – but what does that mean? Can you think of a direct competitor to compare it to? I can’t, and that’s exactly the point. What matters most is what the C4 Cactus’s target customer is actually looking for.

You’re either a Citroën person or you’re not, and the brand embraces that fact. Buyers who like to fit in or play it safe are not catered for, which gives the French designers real freedom to play with colours, surfaces and textures. But beneath the styling there’s that pragmatism that first characterised the 2CV as far back as 1948: who will use this car and what are their daily habits? In this case it’s the younger driver who expects at some point to clatter a pushchair or shopping trolley into the doors, hence the amazing ‘airbump’ technology that absorbs minor impacts and scratches.

112

By Oliver Chesher

The C4 Cactus buyer will be someone with real selfconfidence: they’re unlikely to be interested in a ‘prestige’ badge or thrusty horsepower-led conversations. They’re more interested in being able to express their own sense of fun with a wide choice of colours and finishes that are more ‘hello yellow’ than shrinking violet, and will enjoy the sofa-style seats and panoramic glazed roof far more than worrying about the 0-60 time.

In keeping with its predecessor’s slogan ‘Alive with technology’, the C4 Cactus doesn’t disappoint on that front either. Inside, there’s an impressive complement of gadgets for a car of this price range - a touch screen controls everything from entertainment to navigation – but there’s also the clever combination of weight reduction and lean-burning engines that gives up to 91mpg fuel economy and low CO2 emissions from 82g/km. In fact, it’s claimed that running costs will be 20% lower than conventional hatchbacks in its price range.

There are plenty of other cars out there that tick every rational, sensible, practical box. But this one does it with a style of its own.

www.salutions.co.uk

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