MediaCity Magazine Apr|May 2016

APRIL MAY 2016 • ISSUE 16

M AG A Z I N E

MARILYN STOWE Senior Partner Stowe Family Law

AMY SINACOLA Making the birth day happy WIN a 4* holiday in Mallorca and an A-list escape to Cannes PEOPLE | FASHION | SHOPPING | BEAUTY | FOOD | TRAVEL | HEALTH | INTERIORS

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Salutions Publications | Hello GIFT+HOME move to new premises on Ashley Road, Hale

Hell0 We’ve had a makeover! New paper, new size and new design. So, sit down with a cup of tea (or a glass of wine!) and enjoy your new-look magazine.

As always, there’s lots to read; from building your dream home with George Tsiantar’s bespoke architecture to April Stobart and Beetle-Juice, bringing the cocktail party to you. Plus much, much more in between.

Afternooon tea at Mottram Hall with theProfileClub

SALUTIONS HQ It’s all about the visits, awards, launches and lunches…

Beechwood models at The Viva Las Vegas ladies lunch (P88)

Tariq Iftikhar Films wins Filmmaker of the Year at The Asian Wedding Awards

It’s as busy as ever at Magazine HQ, with visits, launches and lunches, which included a trip to the north-east to HMS Trincomalee, the world’s oldest warship still afloat today, in Hartlepool’s historic quayside. Read more about this great day out on page 31.

The Asian Wedding Awards, now in its third year, was another huge success. Well done to all of the winners, especially Payal, who walked away with three awards – Caterer Of The Year, Wedding Planner Of The Year and the judges’ award for Outstanding Contribution, which went to the founder of Payal, Tarla Somaiya.

Beechwood Cancer Care Centre’s Viva Las Vegas Ladies Lunch was as spectacular as ever. The Palace Hotel saw models (and me!) and patients and supporters of Beechwood strutting their stuff on the catwalk with three hunky bare-chested male models. It’s a hard life, but someone’s got to do it...! Definitely one for next year’s diary!

November seems so far away, but we are busy planning our annual charity ball as we speak. So don’t forget to save the date – Saturday 12 November. Hosted by Key 103’s Darren Proctor and with live music by Smooth Edge, a great night for a great cause is guaranteed! Tickets are £79 or £750 for a table of 10. We are, once again, supporting Beechwood Cancer Care Centre and hoping to raise as much money as possible for the amazing and vital work they do. If you would like to be part of it, please get in touch by emailing info@salutions.co.uk. Various sponsorship packages are available.

Hope you like the new look!

A visit to HMS Trincomalee on Hartlepool’s historic quayside (P30)

Beverley April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Contents 67

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Paul King Claire King www.twistedgifted.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Catherine Reed Fay Wertheimer John Waddington Oliver Chesher Mark Kureishy GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Dr Jill Nash Beverley Uddin-Khandakar Helen Lawson e: beverley@salutions.co.uk Charlotte Batra Catherine Saunders GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Suzy Glaskie Salim Uddin-Khandakar Ben Postma-Tongue e: salim@salutions.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY OFFICE MANAGER Mike Browne Joanne Price PR Shots e: jo@salutions.co.uk Bigstockphoto.com 0161 445 2883 Press Loft Martin Hambleton SALES Raushan Kumar Selma Horsefield e: selma@salutions.co.uk DISTRIBUTION 0161 445 2883 Avanti

68

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.

Salutions Limited. 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 29

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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April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Contents

26

R EGU L A R S 1 7 17 79 81

Hello from the editor News and views Charlotte’s diary Ask the experts Education news

FA S H I O N & S H O P P I N G 20 23 59

Dressing for desk, drinks or dinner Neutral Colours

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 32 33 34 35 45

The total look with Sassoon Salon Beauty – Hit refresh!

Tried & Tested at Hob Salon Hale Holistic health coaching Five ways to maintain your weight loss

HOME & GARDEN 54 59 61 M AGA Z I N E

APRIL MAY 2016 • ISSUE 108

PEOPLE

M AGA Z I N E

APRIL MAY 2016 • ISSUE 45

Dressing for desk, drinks or dinner WIN a 4* holiday in Mallorca and an A-list escape to Cannes

MARK BOLER

Beechwood Cancer Care Centre

Back to the future with The Stanneylands

VIVA LAS VEGAS Ladies Lunch

MARILYN STOWE

Develop a passion for

Senior Partner Stowe Family Law

PASHA

GEORGE TSIANTAR Build your dream home

What’s on at THE ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE

WIN a 4* holiday in Mallorca and an A-list escape to Cannes

PEOPLE | FASHION | SHOPPING | BEAUTY | FOOD | TRAVEL | HEALTH | INTERIORS

Get set for summer Entertainment al fresco Lady Muck!

18 24 43 49 62 68

Marilyn Stowe Stowe Family Law LLP Jamie Lyon – Fixascuff Angela Gray – Beechwood Cancer Care Amy Sinacola – Happy Hypno Mama Mark Boler – The Mere and The Stanneylands April Stobart – Beetle-Juice

PEOPLE | FASHION | SHOPPING | BEAUTY | FOOD | TRAVEL | HEALTH | INTERIORS

FOOD & DRINK APRIL MAY 2016 • ISSUE 81

65 66

M AG A Z I N E APRIL MAY 2016 • ISSUE 16

MARK BOLER Back to the future with The Stanneylands

GEORGE TSIANTAR

M AG A Z I N E

APRIL STOBART

MARILYN STOWE

Beetle-Juice bring the cocktail party to you

Build your dream home

Senior Partner Stowe Family Law

67 71 73

Food review – Pasha, Withington Dining Guide – The Venetian / The Lead Station Namaste Nepal Dining Guide – Gaucho / Stanneylands / The Buttery Gino brings a taste of Italy to Euston Table for Two, with David Smith-Milne at Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar

AMY SINACOLA Making the birth day happy

SUZY GLASKIE Holistic Health Coach PEOPLE | FASHION | SHOPPING | BEAUTY | FOOD | TRAVEL | HEALTH | INTERIORS

ON THE COVER DIDSBURY MAGAZINE Tilly Stripe Dress Monsoon | prshots HALE&BOWDON MAGAZINE April Stobart Beetle-Juice

WIN a 4* holiday in Mallorca and an A-list escape to Cannes PEOPLE | FASHION | SHOPPING | BEAUTY | FOOD | TRAVEL | HEALTH | INTERIORS

BONUS SAPOR MAGAZINE Mark Boler The Mere and The Stanneylands MEDIACITY MAGAZINE Marilyn Stowe Stowe Family Law

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 26 30 89 90 92 93 96

Treasures of Chester HMS Trincomalee What’s on at The Royal Exchange Theatre What’s On Book, film & music reviews Gadget round-up Motoring news

COMPETITIONS 28 29

Win an A-list escape for two to Cannes Win a 4* holiday in Mallorca April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

5

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.

The firm specialises in all areas of family law, including divorce, children issues, finances, cohabitation disputes, grandparent’s rights, pre and post-nuptial Agreements. The firm has a Wills and Probate department which also deals with disputes over estates.

Divorce / Finances / Child Arrangement Orders / Cohabitation Disputes / Tracing Hidden Assets / Marital Agreements / Grandparents Rights / Wills / Probate

Marilyn Stowe: ‘First Class’ for family law.

The Legal 500

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

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

For more information contact chantal.wilkinson@stowefamilylaw.co.uk or call 0161 926 1410 Wilmslow Office 92 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5BB 01625 544900

Hale Office The Camellia Building, 38 Oxford Road, Hale, Cheshire WA14 2EB 0161 926 1410

www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk

www.marilynstowe.co.uk

Salutions Publications | Local News

Local news Didsbury Stroke Survivor’s ‘Before and After’ Resolution Run

A young stroke survivor from West Didsbury tackled the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 6 March at Heaton Park, just ten months into his recovery. This was the second time he’d entered this charity run, but his first time as a stroke survivor. raising funds for the charity that has supported him throughout his recovery. Will has been supported by the Stroke Association’s Information, Advice and Support Service. He’s also taking part in a variety of Stroke Association projects, including contributing to a creative writing book, titled What’s Your Story?

Will added: ‘When I took part in Will Martin, 42, took part in the Stroke Association’s 10km Resolution Run in March 2015, while training for the Great Manchester Run later that year. At the time, Will knew nothing about the health condition. Then, just 11 weeks after completing the charity event, he had a stroke.

Will was preparing for a day at work, as an acoustic consultant in a Manchester engineering company, when he collapsed. His partner called an ambulance and he was subsequently hospitalised at Salford Royal Hospital.

Will’s stroke had a significant cognitive and emotional impact, and left him unable to work for five months.

Will said: ‘I left hospital, but I was far from recovered. My stroke changed my personality and affected me emotionally. I also found multitasking and problem solving very difficult.’

Now, a year after his first Resolution Run, Will returned to Heaton Park to complete the race again, this time

the run in 2015, I didn’t have a care in the world and the event had no significance to me, other than to help me train for the Great Manchester Run. This time around, completing the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run meant so much more to me and I’ve raised vital funds for the charity to help others affected by stroke to get the support they need.

“I take part in park runs most weeks and have completed 30 in the last year, 19 since my stroke. I’m also planning to take part in the Berlin Marathon for the Stroke Association

in September, so this will help me to prepare!’

‘At least half of all strokes could be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control and exercising more. The money raised will help the charity fund vital research, support people affected and help prevent strokes.’

For more information about entering or volunteering at the next Resolution Run, visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution or email resolution@stroke.org.uk Visit stroke.org.uk for more information on how best to avoid risk of strokes.

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Local News

Seeing the last five years clearly

Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester marked its fifth anniversary this week with a celebratory party for staff and consultants. When the doors to the specialist hospital in Didsbury opened in February 2011, it was the first dedicated eye hospital in the area designed to deliver personalised care to every patient.

During its first five years, the Manchester hospital has treated over 10,000 patients and expanded their team to include 21 specialist ophthalmic surgeons.

The hospital team have also raised thousands of pounds for charity, including Optegra's corporate charity Fight For Sight and, most recently, as part of the Mission Christmas campaign in partnership with Key 103 FM. Its services are far-reaching, with NHS contracts covering 38 CCG's, which, with outreach clinics in Altrincham, Macclesfield and Wilmslow, is making eye treatments more accessible to patients who live outside the city centre. Today, Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester offers a range of treatments, including the Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT)

for macular degeneration as well as a range of options for vision correction.

Caroline McHugh, Hospital Director of Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester said: ‘Over the past five years we have been able to help so many local people to see more clearly: from correcting their short or long-sightedness; to lifting the cloudiness of cataracts, which can really impact on everyday living; to diagnosing and treating the most serious of eye conditions, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetesrelated problems. Latest research shows that across the UK, 90 per cent of

optometrists are seeing an increase in eye problems, so we are working closely with local healthcare professionals to support them, and their patients, through outreach clinics, NHS contracts and strong working relationships.

‘We are delighted that Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester has gone from strength to strength over the past five years, attracting exceptional surgeons and creating partnerships in the community which mean we can bring our specialist services to as wide a community as possible. We look forward to further developments in the years ahead.’

Stunning new facilities unveiled at West Didsbury CE Primary School Schoolchildren in West Didsbury are reaping the benefits of an 11-month project to build new premises for West Didsbury CE Primary School.

The scheme, undertaken by Conlon Construction for an undisclosed sum, has provided purpose-built premises for pupils, staff and local community groups.

The new-build has merged seamlessly with the refurbished 1990s section of the existing building, providing classrooms and a creative studio that reflect the school’s faith ethos while also providing facilities for the local community.

The project also included the complete demolition and removal of the dated and 8

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

degraded 1960s CLASP building (prefabricated) and three-storey residential block. The majority of the new school (located on Central Road, West Didsbury) has been built off-site using modular construction methods to ensure minimal disruption to local residents.

Providing much needed space, the project is the first phase of a seven-year plan to establish a 420-pupil primary school, with two reception forms to be added each year until 2022.

Head teacher, Matt Whitehead said: ‘The school has an excellent reputation for providing first-class education and these state-of-the-art facilities will bolster academic opportunities for generations to come. ‘This year we received 205 applications for just 30 places, so the expansion, by way of a new school, is much needed and we will now be able to offer that same academic, creative and spiritual development to a further 60 children each year.’

Salutions Publications | Local News

Namaste Nepal celebrates 10th Birthday

Over 300 guests celebrated with KC Chandra Kumar, owner of Namaste Nepal on Burton Road, in West Didsbury

Back in 2006, Chandra ventured out alone after having worked in some of Manchester’s finest Nepalese restaurants. A modest Chandra spoke, his voice tinged with emotion, about his roller coaster ride to success: ‘I’ve worked on Burton Road for over 30 years; many of the locals have become friends, as well as clients.

We’ve built the business on delivering quality food and great service at a fair price, and people just keep coming back. We’re constantly adding new creative dishes and our customers love it’ Chandra, who was joined by the Deputy Mayoress of Stockport, Councillor June Somekh, added ‘I’m thankful to everyone who’s supported us in the last decade and look forward to welcoming your readers to the restaurant.’

Afternoon Tea at Mottram Hall

Images Martin Hambleton

Mottram Hall recently played host to members of theProfileClub and clients of Marketing Profile

Barbara Hallwood, Emma Murray

Lissa Horton, Emma Murray, Jane Beeley

Guests enjoyed afternoon tea whilst hearing from theProfileClub member Tom Reece, from Natural Retreats, who described breath-

taking travel experiences. Maria Khan, representing the No 7 brand, was also present to offer invaluable make up tips. Established in 2011, by Barbara Hallwood, Managing Director of Marketing Profile, a PR and Marketing and Events company based in Hale, theProfileClub attracts senior executives from across the North West. Emma Murray, of Mottram Hall, introduced guests to the hotel’s outdoor spa area, which encompasses the UK’s first Alfresco ThermoSpace area.

Northern netball giants to create history at Netball Manchester Live

Northern netball giants, Manchester Thunder and Yorkshire Jets, are aiming to make sporting history when they face off at Netball Manchester Live on April 18th, at the Manchester Arena.

The two teams will play in a season-ending Roses clash, which is aiming to break the record for the highest attended domestic netball match ever held in the UK. The record is currently held by Netball London Live, held in March last year, which attracted a crowd of 6,033. Thunder and England Netball captain, Sara Bayman, has her eyes firmly set on the twin goals of beating her team’s Roses rivals in the Vitality Netball Superleague and topping the London attendance record. ‘This game

is going to be all about rivalry’, said Bayman.

‘It’s us against the Jets, the North West against Yorkshire, and the North against the South when it comes to breaking the attendance record. We want fans of both teams, and anyone across the region that just loves sport, to be there cheering and helping us make history.’ Manchester Live is part of a phenomenal programme of sports events taking place in the city throughout 2016. Tickets are available via www.netballmanchesterlive.com

Image: Sara Bayman, captain of Manchester Thunder at the Manchester Arena 2015 - Manchester Thunder v Hertfordshire Mavericks Superleague match

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Local News

Didsbury Open Gardens 2016

Since 2008, Didsbury Open Gardens has provided the perfect summer’s day out and raised thousands for charity. According to Maria Stripling, the event’s founder, this year promises to be all that and more…

Didsbury Open Gardens will take place on Sunday, 12 June 2016, with green-fingered locals opening their gates to visitors from 11.30 am to 5.30 pm. This year promises to be another wonderful day, showcasing gardens old and new, while giving hosts the opportunity to share their gardening expertise and beautiful planting schemes with the public.

As a special treat, many of the gardens will, for the first time ever, display the work of talented local artists, including sculpture, paintings, crafts, pottery and much more.

Expect other surprises as you stroll around Didsbury, meeting up with old friends over a cream tea and chatting to the garden hosts.

All details of the gardens on display are in the Open Gardens programme, which also serves as the entry ticket to all of the gardens.

created by the acclaimed designer, journalist and TV presenter, Dan Pearson, for the event. They are always looking for new gardens to open up and display their talents, alongside old favourites. If you’re local and you like gardening, then don’t be shy! Get in touch now and find out how you can be part of this truly lovely community event. Programmes at £5 each (admit one adult) go on sale at the beginning of May. For further info The event has become a highlight of the Didsbury and south Manchester calendar, raising more than £50,000 for local charities. They will be supporting St Ann’s Hospice as their main charity this year.

And, in addition to the numerous other charities that benefit from sales of tea and cakes, pottery and plants, they are also donating to the new Maggie's Centre, which opens at The Christie Hospital in April. The Centre will open its own garden,

visit didsburyopengardens.org

Authentic home-style Middle Eastern cuisine.

Family friendly | Great vegetarian menu | Ample free parking Bring your wine (No corkage charge) | Free delivery

Pasha 513 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 4BA. T: 0161 445 1196 www.pasha-restaurant.com 10

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

©Stephen Chambers RA ‘The Big Country, China’

Atelier Rose & Gray | Contemporary Fine Art Gallery & Art Consultancy | Royal Academicians | Turner Prize Winners Beech House | 1 Cambridge Road | Hale | Cheshire | WA15 9SY | Tel: 0161 928 4021 | E: chris@atelierrosegray.co.uk Atelier Rose and Gray Gallery are moving to: Hempfield Stables, Back Lane, Dunham Massey WA14 4SG

Tennis Triumph: Unbeatable Bowdon!

Bowdon Lawn Tennis club can proudly boast many rising stars amongst its young cohort. The conclusion to an exciting winter season saw the club triumph by taking the top positions in the Under-8 Aegon Winter League County Cup. to have coached such committed children for many years.

What am I most proud of? Their continued good sportsmanship and team spirit. This is just the beginning for our young players.’

Dominating the county final is no mean feat. The members of Bowdon Lawn Tennis Club will be hoping that this local achievement, coupled with the success of the British tennis team in winning the Davis Cup, will continue to promote tennis as an inclusive sport that players of all ages and abilities can enjoy.

Team Federer: (L-R): Sam Kilvert, Susanna Thompson, Joe Spencer, Jake Davies In a fiercely contested final, Team Nadal claimed a 12-4 victory over their friends and rivals, Team Federer, securing coveted first and second placings for the Elcho Road club. Noah Leary, Harry Matthews and Eva Senior also played an integral role in the success of both teams during the season. Head Coach, Emma Silcock said: ‘Both teams played with courage and determination.

Every player conjured up performances worthy of a young Andy Murray or Johanna Konta. I feel immensely privileged

Team Nadal (L-R): Matthew Hopley, Zach Thompson, Sebby Hooton, Andreas Stylianides April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Local News

Cheshire Young Farmers elect new Chairman and Chairlady

Richard Sheperd from Antrobus, Stretton, and Hannah Barton from Rainow, Macclesfield, have been newly elected onto the Cheshire Federation of Young Farmers Top Table in the last few weeks as the County Chairman and Chairlady, leading the way for the next year.

Hannah has been a keen member of Macclesfield Young Farmers for the past 11 years, taking part in everything from junior quizzes, debates, Cheshire Show Floats and entertainment competitions to name but a few.

She has been Macclesfield's Club Chairlady twice, once in 2011 and again in 2013. She was also crowned Cheshire Dairy Queen in 2010, showing her dedication to Young Farmers throughout the years before being elected now, aged 25, as County Chairlady. Richard has been a keen member of Stretton Young Farmers for the past 12 years, taking part in all events and club roles, including Chairman and Secretary, and also acting as the County Football Secretary for the past few years. Now, aged 27, he’s taking the reins as County Chairman.

No doubt Richard and Hannah will lead the county extremely well this year, with their enthusiasm, passion, energy and drive to take Cheshire YFC forward and get more people involved in this great rural youth organisation. Hannah said: ‘I am so excited for the year ahead. I’ll be encouraging all of our 700+ existing members, and more young people aged between 13-30, to get involved, whether they be from an agricultural or none agricultural background. I feel very honoured and privileged to have been elected, and hope to have a fun filled year.’ If you would like to get involved with your nearest Cheshire YFC club, then please visit www.cheshireyfc.co.uk or their Facebook or Twitter account, or email Coordinator@cheshireyfc.co.uk.

CREAMLINE LAUNCHES FRESH FRUIT & VEG DELIVERY SERVICE Trafford Park-based Creamline has launched a new online service (www.creamline.co.uk/fruit-and-veg) that connects the people of Manchester with their local market, delivering the fruit & veg you want, straight to your door.

Customers can build their own box by clicking and choosing the items they fancy, which are then handpicked from Manchester’s Smithfield market, with the added bonus of free delivery, alongside your pint of milk and other daily Creamline essentials.

Helping take the hassle out of reaching your recommended five a day, the Creamline offering includes over 60 varieties of fresh fruit & veg, handpicked from the market each morning; connecting local people to local suppliers and making empty fridges and bare store cupboards a thing of the past.

The Great Kathmandu Tandoori Restaurant

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140-144 Burton Road, West Didsbury M20 1JQ

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

*(ex Bank Hols not valid with any other offer) just mention Salutions when booking!

Function room available for hire.

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April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Based in the heart of the village of Hale the experienced team at Blackstone are on hand for all your family law requirements. If you are looking for help with any legal family, child, financial or separation advice or for any other legal requirements, please call the team on 0161 929 0121 Blackstone Solicitors. Campaign House, 8 Cecil Road, Hale, Cheshire WA15 9PA

www.BlackstoneSolicitorsLtd.co.uk Telephone: 0161 929 0121

Salutions Publications | Local News

The Kirsty Club plans to remember Kirsty Howard

Family, friends and celebrity supporters of the late Kirsty Howard will celebrate her life at this year’s Great Manchester Run The Kirsty Club have assembled a starstudded line-up for the 10k run on Sunday May 22, on what is bound to be a poignant occasion for everyone who knew her. Brave Kirsty, who died last October aged 20, wore the No 1 running number with pride as she went round the course to loud cheers from spectators. Her absence from this year's run will be strongly felt, especially as she symbolised the unique fundraising nature of one of the biggest days in Manchester's sporting calendar.

Former Manchester United and England football captain Bryan Robson will represent The Kirsty Club as an honorary starter of the Great Manchester Run. The sporting legend took part in the first Great Manchester Run in 2003.

High profile supporters join family and friends of Kirsty Howard to announce plans to celebrate her life at the Great Manchester Run.

High profile supporters tackling the 10k course include actors Jack P Shepherd and Samia Ghadie, from Coronation Street, and former Corrie stars Richard Fleeshman and Scott Wright; singer Jake Quickenden; BBC Radio Manchester presenter Mike Sweeney and racing drivers Tom Ingram and Oliver Webb.

Kirsty, who was born with her heart back to front, inspired Kirsty’s Appeal, which, 10 years ago, reached its target of raising £5m for Francis House Children's Hospice, Didsbury, Greater Manchester, where she received respite care. The Kirsty Club, formed in 2006, has since raised a further £2.5m. You can support their fundraising at: www.thekirstyclub.com.

The Junior Great Manchester Run on Saturday, May 21, will also pay special tribute to Kirsty. Entrants will receive a No 1 for the back of their running tops the number Kirsty wore in every run since the event began in 2003. That number will then be officially retired as a mark of respect. Director of The Kirsty Club Phil Taylor said, "I am going to miss having my sidekick, Kirsty Howard alongside me on the starting line at the 2016 Great Manchester Run. We were together on the starting line since 2003 and I'm delighted that her elder sister Zoe Robinson has agreed to take her place this year and deputise for Kirsty as we celebrate her incredible life."

To enter the Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 22, go to www.greatrun.org/Manchester

From left, Bryan Robson with Phil Taylor, Director of The Kirsty Club, and Coronation Street actor Jack P Shepherd.

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Salutions Publications | Local News

Manchester Institute of Health & Performance opens its doors

A pioneering new facility, the first of its kind in the UK, which will revolutionise health and sports performance in Greater Manchester, has opened its doors.

Based within the heart of the East Manchester community, and the city’s Regeneration Hub, The Manchester Institute of Health & Performance is an £18 million purpose-built facility designed to create a world-class environment for diagnosis, education and research in health and performance.

The Manchester Institute of Health & Performance is the result of six years of planning and research by a partnership team of Manchester City Council, Sport England and City Football Group. As the

world’s largest private hospital group, and with a proven track record in delivering high quality healthcare in the region, HCA Healthcare UK have been brought on board to operate the facility. The Manchester Institute of Health & Performance will deliver programmes for the local community, amateur and grassroots sports, as well as for elite athletes, and will be supported and provided by a team of highly skilled and specialised consultants, sports injury specialists, nurses, physiotherapists and healthcare researchers.

Top sports teams that will collaborate with and benefit from the facility include Manchester City Football Club, Manchester City Women’s Football Club, British Cycling, GB Para Swimming, GB Taekwondo and English Squash and Racket Ball, which are all part of an ever-growing group of elite athletes based in East Manchester.

The Manchester Institute of Health & Performance also has a public health agenda that will help to investigate health and physical activity across Greater Manchester as part of the city’s Public Health Strategy. Key areas of work include collaborative research exploring heart disease, diabetes and obesity with local Universities, as well as a facility for the general public affected by, but not limited to, sports-related injuries which is currently accessed by patients either through self-funding or private health insurance.

This is the latest addition to the Etihad Campus: a world-class medical facility on our doorstep that echoes the commitment to enhancing the local community.

For more info visit www.mihp.co.uk

The A-List

The Asian Wedding Industry's finest and outstanding businesses were celebrated at the national Asian Wedding Awards recently. Top names in Asian Wedding businesses, from wedding planners, photographers, card makers, to the caterers, venue dressers, filmmakers, hair stylists, makeup artists and toastmasters, were joined by celebrities and dignitaries to celebrate and acknowledge the industry. Asian weddings contribute over £70 million per year to the local economy.

Local winners included The Cake Gallery, Payal Events, People To Places and The Sheridan Suite. Well done to all!

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April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

Salutions Publications | Charlotte’s Diary

Charlotte’s DIARY The Joy of Socks There are too many pleasures of sharing one’s house with teenage boys to list here.

Indeed, I wouldn’t know where to begin. I could start with banter at the breakfast table, or maybe the ability to spend hours ‘chilling’ on the sofa, strategically placed within easy reach of several remote controls and an endless supply of food and drink.

Their innate ability to relax and not let the stresses and strains of the outside world (ie. exams, driving test, etc.) consume their every waking moment is truly inspirational.

They also make cups of tea for me, bring their washing down when asked and tidy their rooms at least once a year; so, what’s not to like?

W

ell, it’s socks. Socks, socks, socks. I have been grappling with the sock thing for years. How, I asked my bachelor best friend, who had to donate a pair of socks to number one child on a recent walking holiday, do I ensure that everyone in the house has socks with no holes in them, that match and that I don’t have to spend hours pairing?

Why has nobody explained this to me? It should be in all antenatal classes and on the syllabus of Parent School, and instructions should be printed on every packet of socks, too.

Over the years, I have tried several solutions. I have bought socks with particular patterns for individuals; I have bought ultra pink socks for me,

to ensure nobody else would want to wear them; I have experimented with the same socks for all strategy and all to no avail. They all end up in a big pile, with me trying to match socks, throw away socks that are more holes than sock and finally ending up with an enormous group of lonely socks that will simply never find their match.com.

But, I am not someone who gives up easily. I decided that as part of my spring clean I would hold a sock amnesty, whereby every sock in the house would be brought to the dining room table and ‘be matched or thrown’, and result in a happy household where the residents all had lovely paired socks forever after!

Of course, this idea was ignored. I live with boys and they all just laughed at me.

But, I am determined and single minded, and I made it happen. By Sunday, there was not a sock in the house that had not been held up and scrutinized, with its fate in my hands and a decision made in moments.

The result? Boys with matching socks—Hurrah!—and a rubbish bin full of socks, plus a large pile of matched, but strangely unclaimed, socks placed close to the front door in case of emergencies. I am sure it will last at least...a week?

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | People

Marilyn STOWE

Marilyn Stowe is one of the country’s leading family law practitioners, and this has led to both professional and public acclaim. We caught up with her recently to find out more about this vitally important, and potentially fraught, area of the law.

‘Family law has been my passion for 30 years and in that time, I, and other colleagues in my firm, have acted for thousands of clients, both in this country and worldwide.

And, even though we cover all kinds of family law issues, nowadays we still find ourselves faced with situations that just wouldn’t have cropped up when we started.’

What kind of different situations do you find now; are they more reflective of societal changes?

‘Families with four parents or even more aren’t uncommon these days. Then there’s same sex marriage, surrogacy, living together, children routinely born before marriage, even inheritance issues when the newly deceased had three different families. All these new scenarios present their own challenges but it makes it a fascinating field of law to work in.’

Your reputation as an effective divorce lawyer is considerable. What do you do that sets you apart?

We started at the beginning

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‘People often tell me “you won’t have come across this before”, and when they do I smile. I have found that beneath the superficial differences, so many divorcing couples are much the same, no matter how important or well-known they may be, what they look like, or how wealthy or otherwise they are. This will be one of the most emotional and legally complex situations that they will ever find themselves in, and I’ve found that they will all act very similarly. They will all experience the same fears and concerns, the same stomach-churning anxieties, and they will all desperately want to come out the other side in the best position they possibly can.’

Salutions Publications | People

What’s your motivation for the several pro bono cases you’ve undertaken?

But doesn’t divorce always result in a ‘winner’ and a ‘loser’?

‘Surprisingly, more divorcing couples than you might think still care about their soon-to-be-ex on some level, and would much prefer to remain civil, keep their money and avoid a bloody battle in court.’

Surely, it must be more complicated when children are involved?

‘The parents amongst them almost always care deeply about the innocent youngsters caught in the slipstream of divorce. But goodwill does not necessarily equal understanding. What seems black and white to one spouse may be white and black to the other, but we understand that.’

The division of assets always seems problematic.

How do you manage that?

‘My team and I are always involved in this process but we can only do so much. Everyone has to play by the rules.

There is a duty of full, frank and honest disclosure in law, both to the court and to each other. So many people try to fudge or ignore that rule – and all they ultimately achieve is time wasted and a bigger bill. Arrogance, duplicity and dishonesty are a toxic mix. And, contrary to popular belief, it isn’t just a “man thing”. In one spectacular case, an ex-wife, the CEO of a company, failed to make full disclosure by not mentioning an investment that had tripled the value of her company. The settlement she had signed with her former husband was set aside and she found herself presented with the bill for both sides and the additional legal costs. Was it worth it? Go figure!’

‘It’s a privilege to help the genuinely needy, and when I can help, I will. We recently handled a case, pro bono, in which we obtained the release of a child's ashes from the undertaker for his bereaved mother when the father, who had killed the child, refused to consent to her having them.

She needed help in that terrible time and so we, of course, supplied it.’

Your firm grows from strength to strength, so will family law always remain central to you?

‘Perhaps Stowe Family Law is best known for the work we do in divorce, representing clients in contact and residence disputes as well as my own specialist field, the negotiation, and litigation, if necessary, of finances. We act for roughly equal numbers of men and women, tracking and valuing assets with the assistance of our in-house forensic accountants.

‘I’m not in the business of playing games. I prefer to deal with clients in a straight-up way which respects the other spouse. I am firm, where necessary, with the other side, of course, but also with my own clients, too. I am never afraid to advise when to settle, rather than roll the dice in court.

The general public votes with its feet and family law firms grow and thrive only because of their reputation, their ethos, and the service they deliver to their clients. And we’re always acutely aware of that.

‘We have grown consistently and now have nine offices across the country, including both Hale and Wilmslow, and a flagship office in Gray’s Inn, London. I think that speaks volumes about the public’s confidence in our services.

I’m very proud to be the Senior Partner of Stowe Family Law LLP.

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Women’s Fashion

Monochrome Dress £50 River Island riverisland.com Flash Block Printed Midi Dress Principles, by Ben de Lisi £55 Available in Debenhams Airtex Stripe Midi Dress £55 Top Shop topshop.com

Desk, drinks or dinner Steal the spotlight, whether you're dressing up for an important meeting, going to a ladies lunch or popping out for a meal with friends.

Tilly Stripe Dress £99 Monsoon uk.monsoon.co.uk Beige Sleeveless Patterned Dress £125 Betty Barclay bettybarclay.com Monochrome Circle Print Dress £119 Jeff Banks for Precis Petite Available in House of Fraser

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April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

Dress ÂŁ125 Betty Barclay bettybarclay.com April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Men’s Fashion

NEUTRAL COLOURS Buck the monochrome trend this spring and bring it on with cool khaki, stone, camel and dusky pink #3 #2

#1 #4

#7

#6 #5

#1 Matador Matte Tortoise Split Side Sunglasses £295 Oliver Goldsmith #2 Blue Harbour Luxury Oxford Shirt £39.50 Marks & Spencer #3 RJR. John Rocha Green T-shirt Available at Debenhams #4 Howick Tan Plaited Leather Belt £22 House of Fraser #5 Beige Chino Shorts £22 River Island #6 Khaki Stretch Skinny Chinos £20 Burton #7 Tan Leather Holdall £800 Hugo Boss hugoboss.com

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | People

RESTORE THE

Va-Va VOOM and value to your car with Fixascuff

We love our cars but most of us, unfortunately, just ‘don’t treat ‘em right!’ We’re not faithful in our care of them and when that negligence or carelessness causes them to lose their shiny sheen we become disenchanted with them.

And that leads to much bigger problems down the road; our cars lose significantly more value if they’re scratched or marked in any way than if they’re not. All for the want of a little affordable TLC that can be quickly and conveniently applied

by Fixascuff.

Jamie Lyon is the owner of Fixascuff, specialising in SMART repairs that will help you get the most value out of your car. SMART stands for Small Medium Area Repair Technique and it really is a smart and clever procedure to undertake if your car has sustained body or alloy wheel damage that falls within that description. So, that covers scratches and small dents, kerb scratches to alloy wheel rims and spokes, wheel arch dents and scratches, and pretty much everything else in between. They don’t undertake mechanical repairs, though, but can put you in contact with someone who does.

Using the latest, specially formulated paints and materials, factory finish paintwork can be restored to as good as new. The restored area is virtually undetectable and is completed in hours rather than days, thus providing significant cost savings and less inconvenience than traditional body shop rates. They’ll come to pick up your car from home or workplace, or even, where possible, carry out the repairs there. Their work is usually undertaken in a few hours and the car is then returned to its owner. For convenience alone, their service is second to none, but add to that their competitive rates and Fixascuff really do provide unmatchable quality and value for money.

What started as a hobby for Jamie, has now, five very successful years later, developed into a busy and expanding service. From a single workshop in Sale, they’re now about to open a second workshop in Oldham, which will enable them to service their extensive network more effectively.

Fixascuff work their magic from Bolton in the north, to Knutsford in the south, which is a huge area benefitting from their services.

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Salutions Publications | People

Their services have been employed by, not only car owners, but hirers returning rental cars, too.

In every instance, Fixascuff have saved car hirers a great deal of time and money by carrying out their SMART repairs to the hire car before the hirer has to return it. Again, Fixascuff’s versatility and flexibility provides a service that just isn’t available elsewhere.

Another area of great demand is the massive business of company fleet hire and leasing.

Fixascuff’s work is of such a high standard that it meets the requirements of the British Vehicle Leasing and Rental Association (BVLRA), who are the trading body for companies engaged in the leasing and renting of cars and commercial vehicles. It’s their guidelines that companies follow when returning or renewing their fleets and the standards of vehicle condition are set pretty high. Fixascuff meet all of the BVLRA’s Fair Wear and Tear Standards and now have contracts to maintain and repair company fleets.

The motor trade has historically had problems with trustworthiness, and for most of us, this has resulted in suspicion and scepticism about quoted prices for automotive work. Jamie can provide a fixed quote based on a couple of smartphone photos of the affected and damaged area that he asks his clients to send. He doesn’t undersell his services because he doesn’t have to; the legion of satisfied customer testimonials and the return business and referrals testify to that. His integrity is an essential part of his make-up and is highly valued and appreciated by his loyal customers.

Jamie loves his work, which is reflected in the very high standards he sets for himself and his company. He’s motivated by satisfying his customers, which he does by offering a service that can’t be matched for either convenience or solid value. So, if your car could do with an automotive Botox treatment, try Jamie and his Fixascuff team; guaranteed to eliminate your, and your car’s, worry frowns!

For more information go to fixascuff.co.uk e: enquiries@fixascuff.co.uk t: 07835059000 Words by Mark Kureishy

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Travel

Treasures OF CHESTER Jill Nash explores the 2,000-year-old Roman settlement, consistently voted one of Europe’s prettiest cities

S STAY

ituated in the heart of the city, a two-minute stroll from the medieval Cathedral, sits The Chester Grosvenor. An historical Grade II listed building, offering 68 bedrooms and 12 stylish suites, two award-winning restaurants, a decadent spa and all the perfect ingredients for a short weekend break.

The hotel boasts an array of awards and accolades, including ‘Best Hotel Restaurant’ at the European Hospitality Awards and, with inclusion in The Sunday Times’ ‘Top 100 Restaurants in the UK’, it’s not hard to see why.

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Housed in an historic building with a black and white timbered façade, this five red AA stars hotel is one of the city’s greatest landmarks, standing alongside the iconic Eastgate Clock. From the attentive, yet unobtrusive, service to the Georgian chandelier made of 28,000 pieces of crystal, The Chester Grosvenor offers the quintessential luxury English experience, but without the stuffiness.

Home to Michelin-starred restaurant, ‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor’, and one of the most extensive wine cellars in England, the hotel is a connoisseur’s haven.

It also houses a Parisian-style restaurant, La Brasserie, where the black leather sofas, sleek granite tabletops and hand-painted glass skylight all add to the feeling of French sophistication.

Salutions Publications | Travel

The first floor hosts an indulgent spa where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s small but intimate, and has five luxury treatment rooms, a peaceful relaxation area and a Thermal Suite featuring a Herb Sauna, Themed Shower, Ice Fountain, Crystal Steam Room, Salt Grotto and Foot Baths.

The period façade belies the modern elegance of the interior. All rooms and suites are individually decorated in contemporary colours and fabrics with traditionally styled furniture, some with four-poster beds. The rooms are incredibly spacious and some have views over the city streets below, where you can hear the wonderful street entertainers by day and subdued silence at night.

This hotel exudes charm and elegance.

The attentive service and experienced staff set this hotel apart. To book, and view current rates, visit www.chestergrosvenor.com DINE Taking ’afternoon tea‘ in Chester is essential. First created by the Duchess of Bedford in 1830, to stave off her mid-afternoon hunger pangs, afternoon tea was firmly established as a British staple in Victorian England; a light meal of tea (usually Darjeeling) and cakes, or sandwiches, was the perfect balance.

Tea has been served daily at The Chester Grosvenor since 1882, and many since its launch have enjoyed the tradition of ’taking tea’ there. While there are many venues across the city, the decadent surroundings of The Arkle Bar and Lounge are quite special. Indulge in sweet creations of French pastries and fancies, fresh scones with clotted cream and bite-sized hand made sandwiches cut perfectly.

Prices start from £32 per person, but if you want to indulge further opt for the Champagne Tea. ‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor’ offers contemporary dining in an atmosphere of chic sophistication. The award-winning restaurant has retained its Michelin star since 1990, has four AA rosettes and is recognised as one of the top 100 restaurants in the UK by The Sunday Times. The restaurant was also voted Best Hotel Restaurant at the European Hospitality Awards 2015.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through to Saturday, with a three-course gourmet menu for two starting at £150. The cellar is one of the most extensive in England, with over 1000 bins from all over the world. With such a wide selection available, the attentive resident Sommelier is always on hand to assist with friendly advice and recommendations.

ExPLORE Discovering Chester on foot is by far the best way to explore the sights and scenery. Wander around and you’ll find an eclectic mix of boutique shops in the Medieval Rows’ shopping galleries, and, in summer, take a boat cruise on the River Dee or spend a day at Chester Races.

A good way to get a sense of Chester's unique character is to walk the two-mile circuit along the walls that surround the historic centre. Originally built by the Romans around AD 70, the walls were substantially altered over the following centuries, but have retained their current position since around 1200. The tourist office's Walk Around Chester Walls leaflet is an excellent guide.

Of the many features along the walls, the most eye-catching is the prominent Eastgate, where you can see the most famous clock in England, after London's Big Ben, built for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.At the southeastern corner of the walls are the wishing steps, added in 1785. Local legend claims that if you can run up and down these uneven steps while holding your breath, then your wish will come true.

Just inside Southgate, known here as Bridgegate (as it's located at the northern end of the Old Dee Bridge), is the Bear & Billet pub, Chester's oldest timber-framed building, built in 1664, and once a tollgate into the city. Not to be missed is Chester Cathedral, originally a Benedictine abbey built on the remains of an earlier Saxon church dedicated to St Werburgh (the city's patron saint). It was shut down in 1540 during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries, but was reconsecrated as a cathedral the following year. Although the cathedral received a substantial Victorian facelift, the 12th-century cloister and its surrounding buildings are essentially unaltered and retain much of the structure from the early monastic years.

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Salutions Publications | Cannes competition

WIN AN A-LIST ESCAPE FOR TWO TO CANNES Renowned as a favourite destination of the international jet-set, Cannes is buzzing all year round and we’re offering our readers the chance to win a four-night break for two on the French Riviera, staying at Mimozas Resort, Cannes in Cannes-Mandelieu

You’ll find a host of attractions within easy reach of Mimozas Resort, including the beautiful village of La Napoule, with its quaint restaurants and stunning marina, and Mandelieu with its beachfront restaurants offering the finest Provençal cuisine and breathtaking views across the water to Isle Sainte Marguerite. Cannes itself is just a ten-minute drive away, with its famous Croisette seafront boulevard dotted with the stars’ handprints, or you can explore the Côte d’Azur and visit Grasse, Antibes, Nice, and Mougins, all within easy reach, whilst the charming principality of Monaco is just an hour away. Mimozas Resort offers a range of self-catering apartments, all with their own private balconies and fantastic views, plus separate sitting rooms and plenty of home comforts. Within the resort, you’ll find a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, hot tub, tennis court, football pitch and kids’ playground, with the region’s most famous golf course adjacent. The prize includes daily breakfast and dinner for two in the resort restaurant, as well as return airport transfers from Nice, but flights are not included.

To win simply answer this question: Q Where is Cannes?

Email your answer to winner@salutions.co.uk with CANNES in the subject field or send a postcard to CANNES Competition, Salutions, The Old Bank, 99 Palatine Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 3JQ. Closing date 8 May 2016.

For special offers at Mimozas Resort visit: www.mimozascannes.com Fly direct to Nice from Manchester or travel by car or train. Mimozas Resort and operator Splash Hotels would like to send you information and special offers. Please state if you do not wish to receive.

Terms and conditions: 1. The prize is a four-night break for two adults, sharing a one-bedroom apartment on a bed and breakfast basis at Mimozas Resort, Cannes. 2. The prize includes return airport transfers from Nice, and one three-course dinner for two in the resort, with one bottle of wine.

3. The prize is valid for travel before 1 November 2016, subject to availability and excluding bank holidays. 4. This prize cannot be combined with other offers and cannot be exchanged for cash. 5. The prize is non-transferable and the winner must travel. Children aged under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 6. Holiday insurance is not included in the prize. 7. Travel to Cannes is not included in the prize. 8. Winners must pay a daily city tax on check-in of €1.90 for guests aged over 16.

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Salutions Publications | Mallorca competition

WIN A 4* HOLIDAY IN MALLORCA We’ve teamed up with Jetsgoholidays.com to offer you the chance of winning a luxury one-week holiday for two adults, including flights, staying half board at the 4-star Fergus Resort in Calvia

Jetsgoholidays.com specialises exclusively in holidays from Manchester Airport direct to the sun and fun-filled island, which boasts some of best beaches in the world and the amazing cosmopolitan city of Palma. They’re proud to be different from other companies and their aim is to offer top quality holidays with a fantastic, relaxed and fun service. They also pride themselves on offering families the best possible prices during the school holidays. Fly out in style onboard a brand new state-of-the-art private charter jet from the convenience of Manchester Airport, with great afternoon flying times and a flight time of just 2 hours 30 minutes. Sit back and relax in style, with complimentary drinks and snacks, and ample legroom in luxurious leather seats. Whether you're looking for a self-catering break or an all-inclusive deal, they have a fantastic range of 3-5 star hotels for you to choose from – all recommended and handpicked by local experts on the island, who will also be there to welcome and look after you while in the resort. Your holiday includes a FREE 20kg hold baggage allowance, and you won't be charged any extra fees for paying with a credit card. Jetsgoholidays.com are fully financially protected for your peace of mind and you can secure your perfect Mallorca holiday with a deposit from just £75 per person!

The newly refurbished 4* Fergus Resort in Calvia, with three pools overlooking the Mediterranean is just one of the many top quality hotels on offer. The food reflects the vibe, too, with American specialties, late breakfasts and snacks. Not forgetting a full menu of cocktails and beverages.

To win a week of indulgence, simply answer this question: Q How much free hold luggage are you able to take on a jetsgoholidays.com holiday to Mallorca? A a) 2kg b) 20kg c) 200kg Email your answer to winner@salutions.co.uk with MALLORCA in the subject field or send a postcard to MALLORCA Competition, Salutions, The Old Bank, 99 Palatine Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 3JQ. Closing date 30 April 2016.

Click www.jetsgoholidays.com to check all the latest offers or call the experts free on 0800 368 9078 and book your perfect Mallorca holiday with the Mallorca specialists today.

Terms and conditions The prize, to be taken in June 2016, includes flights and hotel stay for two adults for 7 nights, staying on a half board basis.

No cash alternative. Jetsgo Holidays reserves the right to cancel or modify the prize at its own discretion. Entrants agree that by entering this competition their personal details may be stored and otherwise processed by jetsgoholidays.com for the purposes of administering the competition and for sending offers or other information. Editor’s decision is final, no prize exchange. For full T&C’s check the website.

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Hartlepool

HMS Trincomalee SAILING INTO THE PAST A visit to the North East gave me the double pleasure of learning about a proud chapter of our naval history and staying in a beautiful four-star hotel in the tranquil Tees Valley. History in comfort; what’s not to like?

Hartlepool’s historic quayside is home to HMS Trincomalee, a 46-gun frigate and the world’s oldest warship still afloat today. Since 2014, she has proudly been part of the heritage fleet of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, alongside HMS Victory and HMS Caroline.

She was built for the Royal Navy in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1817, shortly after the Napoleonic Wars, at a cost of £23,000, and was named after the 1782 Battle of Trincomalee, which was an apparent stalemate, off the coast of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), between the French and us. See, history’s not boring!

This majestic ship has, during the course of her distinguished service, provided hurricane relief in Bermuda, prevented an invasion of Cuba and patrolled the Pacific coast of North America. From there she patrolled the Pacific west coast of North America, before returning to home shores as a training vessel. She remained a sail training vessel until 1986, and then underwent a decade long restoration process in 1992.

Now the premier attraction at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, attracting thousands of visitors each year, HMS Trincomalee transports you back to a bygone era of heroism and hardship on the high seas. The gun deck, complete with cannons, the mess desk, with its recreated grub infested gruel-like meals and the hammock-lined mess desk have all been faithfully restored to accurately convey a realistic sense of how life on the ship must have been. Oh, and the (relatively) spacious officers mess and Captain’s quarters provide their own maritime Downton Abbey scenario!

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David McKnight, General Manager of HMS Trincomalee, said ‘I am proud to work on Trincomalee and visitors cannot help but be thrilled and inspired by visiting the world’s oldest warship still afloat today.’

He’s right; this is a great way to experience living history, and HMS Trincomalee provides a fabulous link to our immensely significant maritime past.

After all that history below decks, well, I know my place; it was time for some comfort more befitting my wannabe Captain status. Wynyard Hall, situated on the outskirts of Durham, is a striking four-star hotel. Here, I found contemporary comfort—3 elegant cottages and 19 bedrooms and suites; each with its own bespoke design, a lakeside Spa, where you can indulge in a variety of beauty and body treatments—and exquisite charm. Set in 150 acres of beautiful and historic landscape, Wynyard Hall is a truly tranquil escape. And, its two-AA rosette restaurant, The Wellington, offering an ever-changing menu of modern British food, ensures complete relaxation.

The hotel is within easy reach of nearby Durham, with its beautiful cathedral, and other popular northeast attractions, making it a perfect base for exploring the area.

It’s also great for just escaping, though.

I’m certainly glad to have had the opportunity to experience history in such an inspiring and informative way as HMS Trincomalee and Wynyard Hall, with its striking blend of old and contemporary comforts, was the perfect place to unwind from the (thought) of all that sail winching!

For more on HMS Trincomalee, visit hms-trincomalee.co.uk • T: 01429 223 193 E: visit@hms-trincomalee.co.uk www.heughbattery.com Find out more about Wynyard Hall at wynyardhall.co.uk

Idyllic escapes at The Warren…

Imagine waking up to stunning sea views and long, lazy days exploring the beautiful rural and coastal North Wales scenery.

F

or over 80 years, The Warren has been Abersoch’s ‘go to’ destination for countless families in search of quality time, relaxation, and a truly luxurious getaway.

As North Wales’ most exclusive holiday home address, The Warren is your idyllic escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Arrive at The Warren’s gates and a world of H[FOXVLYLW\ DQG RSXOHQFH LV DW \RXU À QJHUWLSV The Warren is your personal retreat offering peace, relaxation, and quality time with family and friends.

“It’s totally family-friendly and that is what has been the attraction for so many people.

The way I’d describe it to people is that it is its own little community. Everybody looks out for everybody else.”

(QMR\ WKH PRVW VHQVDWLRQDO À UVW FODVV IDFLOLWLHV From sports and activities, to leisure and dining, there’s something to suit all tastes.

Relax in your luxurious home-from-home lodge, which is constructed to the highest VSHFLÀ FDWLRQ DQG EHDXWLIXOO\ DSSRLQWHG ZLWK WKH À QHVW IXUQLVKLQJV (QMR\ D GD\ H[SORULQJ North Wales’ stunning scenery, golden sands, and dramatic Snowdonia National Park.

Or relax during long walks on the beautiful private beach, or head out to internationally recognised sailing waters from the boat launch ramp.

“It’s idyllic, It’s got one of the most beautiful coastlines and such clear water. There’s a colony of seals and there are dolphins. It’s great for water sports, sailing and boating.

The scenery is spectacular.”

There’s no doubt that The Warren offers you and your family everything you could ever need for idyllic escapes – time and time again.

7R À QG RXW PRUH DERXW HQGOHVV JHWDZD\V DW The Warren please call 01758 649352 or visit www.the-warren.co.uk

Salutions Publications | Health & Beauty

The total look with Sassoon Salon Torque | Spring Summer 2016 Collection Combining inspiration from Vidal’s iconic collaborations with the rising Parisian Ye-Ye fashion and jewellery designers of the ‘60s, TORQUE reinterprets the classic Space Age style and showcases beauty in simplicity to complete ’The Total Look.’ ’TORQUE demonstrates how the Sassoon design process remains as relevant and revolutionary today as it’s always been‘, says Mark Hayes, International Creative Director. ’Our precision cut and colour techniques, fused with innovative products, create a truly custom approach to every detail of hair.’

Top Tip ‘To maximise a polished, glossy finish ensure you blow-dry the hair in a downward direction and wrap the hair around the head shape to create a sleek, high-gloss shine’, says Bruce.

THE ICONIC CUT

In 1963, Vidal finessed hair down to its absolute basics and went on to create the world’s most iconic haircuts, including Nancy Kwan and the Asymmetric Geometric. The graphic lines inspire today’s TORQUE collection with the same purity, simplicity and utility in design. ‘Good design always remains in demand’, says Bruce Masefield, Sassoon UK Creative Director. ‘TORQUE highlights the beauty in simplicity and showcases undercutting as this season’s tailoring technique.’

EFFORTLESSLY DISHEVELLED Top Tip ‘What’s wrong is actually really right at the moment and this look is really easy to achieve’, says Bruce. ‘Add a small amount of Sassoon Professional Texture Refine evenly through your hair and mould into the desired shape.’

This season’s colour technique takes cues from the iconic jewellery house of Cartier as Sassoon translates intricate colour through an incredibly fine ‘slicing’ technique. ‘We use colour to complement the shape of the haircut and create different dimensions within one look’, says Edward Darley, Sassoon UK Colour Director. ‘Our colours have a natural looking, fibre-optic iridescence that give vibrancy and shine to a haircut.’

Top Tip Sweeping side fringes were seen in SS16 shows such as Fendi and Markus Lupfer. ‘This look works best on hair with very gentle natural movement and adds drama to the classic bob’, says Bruce

THE INSTANT UPDATE

The TORQUE collection showcases the NEW Prestige Colour Service ‘Fusion Highlights’. ‘The skilful blend of iridescent colours and innovative colour placement creates a customised highlight effect designed to fit your haircut, brighten your style and reveal your unique identity’, says Edward.

Unlock Hair’s Energy with NEW System Professional ENERGYCODE™ COMPLEX Re-energising and transforming hair to leave it visibly healthier and more responsive to styling

System Professional products are only available from a preferred salon. Book your ENERGYCODE™ Mapping at Sassoon Salon Manchester now.

With 40 years dedicated to the science of transformative hair care, System Professional scientists have now discovered that each person’s hair has its own energy profile that is as unique as a fingerprint, which determines its elasticity, fibre health and responsiveness. This personal ‘energy fingerprint’ is defined by the hair’s lipid level. Lipids, even though only 4% of the hair, have a uniquely active influence on the hair’s energy. They are the flexible glue that connects the keratin building blocks of hair, ensuring cuticle integrity and flexibility.

Your consultation begins with an individualised ENERGYCODE™ Mapping to determine your unique energy profile.

From this diagnosis, you will be prescribed a system of treatments that are tailored to your specific hair and scalp needs. Your unique care system is made up from a combination of products from the extensive System Professional care range.

This helps to ensure truly effective results by providing guests with a highly personalised care regime.

SASSOON SALON MANCHESTER 1 Marsden St, Manchester M2 1HW | Phone: 0161 827 7140

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April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

Beauty

Salutions Publications | Health & Beauty

Hit refresh!

DKNY Be Electric

Clarins

A limited edition collection that enlivens the senses and embraces the energy and excitement of New York City. It comes in retro bottles with pull off caps in the shape of the iconic Be Delicious apple. £37 Available nationwide

Multi-Active Night Cream has a rich moisturising texture enriched with nourishing organic shea butter that provides instant comfort. The calming fragrance, with notes of jasmine, freesia and heliotrope, help to soothe the mind. £44 House of Fraser

Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream leaves skin feeling silky-smooth with a radiant glow. The subtle fragrance, with notes of cherry and white lily, revive and refesh the skin. £42 House of Fraser

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence Origins PlantscriptionTM Powerful Lifting Neck & Décolleté Treatment

CRUSH

Formulated with a potent blend of natural anti-agers, this lightweight serum-like emulsion works to smooth skin’s texture and boost density. £52 Available nationwide

This silky, weightless moisture-enhancing treatment optimises skin’s capacity to retain hydration, leaving it soft, plump and youthful. £59.50 John Lewis

LOVINg gLOW

Origins Maskimizer Skin-Optimizing Mask Primer

Michael Kors

The first-ever mask primer to prep, prime and hydrate skin, leaving it more receptive to the high performance benefits of Origins masks. £18.50 Available nationwide

Newest limited edition fragrance Sexy Sunset conjures the warm, seductive confidence that’s signature to the Michael Kors woman. £39-£79 House of Fraser

CITRUS PULSE

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

33

Salutions Publications | Health & Beauty

HOB SALON HALE

Tried&Tested

Nothing cheers a girl up more than a bit of a pamper and getting her roots done! So, sporting an impressive looking cold sore, feeling a bit under the weather and more than a bit sorry for myself, I dutifully arrived at my appointment at HOB Salon in Hale.

I

HOB Salons 203 Ashley Road, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire, Manchester WA15 9SQ OPENING TIMES:Mon-Wed 9am-6pm | Thurs 9am-8pm Fri-Sat 9am-6pm | Sun 10am-5pm | Beauty Available. T: 0161 941 4777

was greeted by lots of smiles and an immediate offer of coffee. So far, so good. I was introduced to Suzi, the new Colour Director at the salon, and she saw straight away, what I had been avoiding in the mirror for a while – hair in drastic need of a bit of TLC! I had been quite pleased with myself, in recent months, in ‘successfully’ colouring my own hair.

Justifying the less than satisfactory results as a fabulous idea! Saving money and time, and it looking great’ish... Ok, so it will do until I can get it done properly.

Looking in the mirror with Suzi at the various shades of blonde, I was feeling anything but pleased with myself. It was no problem though; it would be rescued, and it would look fabulous! Great! Feeling better already.

We then spent some time looking at 34

my hair care routine and, at the end of the consultation, I had my own ‘energy code’ for a Personalised Care System, which identifies the perfect Wella products for keeping my hair looking its very best. Brilliant!

As I relaxed with my coffee, Ben, the new salon manager and my stylist for the afternoon, arrives to introduce himself and further reassure me that the ‘feel fabulous factor’ would soon be returned. He understood exactly what was needed, and made his suggestions without being pushy.

I was now looking forward to the transformation back to a normal person!

I spent a lovely few hours with Suzi and Ben, as they worked at colouring, conditioning, cutting and blow-drying my neglected locks. I learned that they both recently moved

up north to join the Hale team from one of the HOB salons in London, and were enjoying the bright lights of Manchester and life in Cheshire.

To say that I felt like a different person by the time they had finished is an understatement. I now had lovely ‘classy’ blonde tones and highlights, and the bounce had returned. I was thrilled. London’s loss is most certainly our gain with the new additions to the Hale Hob team.

Note to self: when it comes to my hair, I definitely need to leave it in the hands of the professionals!

The salon is currently offering 50% off a colour with Suzi, and cut and blow-dry with Ben. The offer ends 30th June so book in whilst you can!

Words by Jo Price

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

Salutions Publications | People

Suzy Glaskie PR CONSULTANT TO HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH Local businesswoman Suzy glaskie has left behind an award-winning career at the PR agency she founded, Peppermint Soda, for a new role in holistic health coaching.

The change was a long time coming, as she explains…

“I’ve always been passionate about natural health. Even amidst the manic pace of a PR agency, I used to have a therapy room upstairs at the office where I’d do reiki on people. I’d make herbal tinctures for the team at work and use Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT – also known as tapping) on anyone who wanted to overcome something holding them back. I’d also make my own soaps and grow my own greens: after I got my allotment five years ago, I’d flit between there and the office – leaving muddy footprints and driving our office cleaner round the bend.”

Suzy founded the agency in 2004 as a sole trader working out of her home. Her husband Jean-Philippe, who is now managing director of the agency, joined in 2007 and the pair led the agency to success and over 40 industry awards. Now a fully integrated creative, digital and PR agency with 25 employees, Peppermint Soda is the current holder of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ Outstanding Public Relations Consultancy Award.

The 45-year-old mother of three, who lives in Bowdon, set up her new practise, Peppermint Wellness, after graduating from the cutting-edge Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She recalls a seminal moment that really opened her eyes to the role of nutrition in the state of our health. For almost five years, one of her children underwent a merry-go-round of treatments for what was diagnosed as a chronic bowel disorder. “I was repeatedly told by his consultant, rather emphatically, that it had absolutely nothing to do with food. When I eventually looked at an alternative route via a naturopath, I discovered he had a condition called leaky gut and I followed their advice to cut gluten and sugar from his diet for four weeks. He improved after three days and, after three weeks, he was completely cured – with no medication whatsoever.”

Suzy is now eager to help others heal their gut – the source of so many health problems. Instead of fad diets or an overly restrictive lifestyle, Suzy supports her clients in integrating sustainable and life-transforming changes that create a positive ripple effect through other elements of their lives. She helps men, women, teenagers and children with a range of conditions and issues, including people who are: affected by stress, anxiety,

burn-out or low self-esteem; suffering from IBS, bloating or other digestive problems; struggling to manage their weight; battling Type 2 diabetes or who are prediabetic; affected by cravings for e.g. sugar or caffeine; wanting to boost their energy or looking to regain their work-life balance.

Suzy, who graduated with a first class degree in modern languages from University College London, is happy applying her skills in the corporate world, too: “Because I’ve racked up over two decades in a fast-paced industry and spent more hours sitting round a boardroom table than I care to remember, business owners trust me to understand the challenges they and their staff face. They know I’m not going to float in wearing a cloud of white chiffon and get them all to sit on the floor and chant! I understand, both as a managing director and on a personal level, the impact poor wellbeing has on performance. I’ve employed dozens of people over the years and appreciate how wellbeing ties into productivity – and a company’s bottom line. It’s a win–win for everyone.”

When not helping people back to health, balance and wellbeing, Suzy is often giving her time to the Big Birthday Appeal, a charity she co-founded in 2001 to empower children to get involved with charity-giving and helping children who are less fortunate than they are.

So what does she find most rewarding about her new role as a health coach?

“I’d say it’s the excitement on a client’s face when they bounce in for an appointment and tell me they’ve not only lost three inches from their waist, but they no longer crave sugar, their skin has cleared up, they’re sleeping better, their brain is sharper and they’ve stopped shouting at their kids. Or when somebody is on course to suffer the awful consequences of Type 2 diabetes and then, through lifestyle changes alone, they reverse it and can look forward to a longer life of vibrant health. That doesn’t feel like work to me – it’s just a joy.”

Look out for Suzy’s advice columns on health and wellbeing in upcoming issues of Salutions Magazines and visit her website at www.peppermintwellness.co.uk.

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

35

Salutions Publications | Health & Beauty

Award winning eye care in the heart of Hale Barns State of the art technology in diagnosing symptoms from diabetes to glaucoma, dyslexia to cataracts.

Come and see for yourself

Cheshire Eye Care, 311 Hale Road | Hale Barns | Cheshire | WA15 8SS T: 0161 980 0860 | www.cheshireeyecare.co.uk

Handcrafted, luxury eyewear. Award winning Opticians: Adnan Undre | Colin Tonner | Anupam Chatterjee

10th Birthday

36

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

10km sponsored walk in aid of St Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospice

Friday 24th June 2016 Visit www.mmwalk.org.uk or call 0161 498 3631 Registered charity number 258085

RELAx...AND SMILE

Words by Mark Kureishy

A visit to the dentist is not high on most people’s lists of things to look forward to.

In fact, for most of us, it’s the appointment we dread most. Most of the reasons for this were formed when dental care was in its early formative days, but its hold on our minds and in the cultural landscape has proved to be pretty unshakeable. Today, thanks to dental practices like Manchester Dental, dentistry’s pole position as the bogeyman is very much outdated and certainly undeserved. and atmosphere. Introduced to his patients as Dr Zakir but thereafter preferring to be addressed as Nafees, he further reduces the traditional barrier between practitioner and patient that can so often hinder vital communication between the two.

Manchester Dental are right in the vanguard of transforming those outdated and unnecessary anxieties into positive and welcome ways of addressing vital dental care. And it all starts at the very beginning.

Entering into the practice’s reception area immediately sets the right tone.

It’s light and airy, with a TV screen on the wall and magazines on the table, but it’s the reception staff that set you at ease right away; they’re warm and sincere with their welcome and offers of drinks while you wait.

Reassurance is priceless, but Manchester Dental ensure that it’s delivered to all of their patients and by all of their team.

Dr Nafees Zakir is an experienced and highly regarded dental practitioner, so his dentistry speaks for itself. His personal interaction and communication skills, not something we always associate with dentists, though, are also of a similar order to his professional capabilities. He knows and understands patients’ anxieties, so first prepares his patients by creating a relaxed environment

Nafees recognises the importance of effective communication between himself and his patients, so before he even looks into a patient’s mouth, he’ll sit down with them at a small seating area within the surgery.

Situated by the surgery’s two large picture windows, this is where his patients explain their dental problems in a more naturalistic setting. Far better, surely, than doing this whilst lying prone on a dentist’s chair, with the dentist looming over us, as we futilely try to avert our eyes from the dental instruments arrayed around us?

Speaking of which, Manchester Dental’s surgeries are also designed to reassure and relax. The colours and decor are warm and the room is spacious and light, with overhead TV screens on the ceiling and large picture windows providing plenty of welcome distractions for the patient.

Clinically, their technology is stateof-the-art, and includes intra-oral cameras to better enable the dentist to see those hard-to-get problem areas and instantaneous digital x-ray imaging. All this technology enables Nafees and his clinical colleagues to

Just a few minutes from the Trafford Centre

evaluate and treat their patients in the most effective way possible. You might even find yourself wishing you could lie there just a little bit longer as your programme nears its end! good clinical dental expertise is ubiquitous today, but old anxieties and fears still persist; treating their patients’ dental problems whilst simultaneously alleviating their anxieties of the mind is what separates Manchester Dental from their competitors. Their excellence ensures their patients look forward to maintaining good dental health, even, dare I say it, to look forward to their next appointment with Nafees and his team?

E Y E S I G H T I S YO U R M O S T P R E C I O U S S E N S E .

TRUST THE EXPERTS.

There’s only one place to have your eyes cared for.

A state-of-the-art home for the UK’s most trusted eye care specialist.* Where our pioneering consultants deliver the full spectrum of eye health care and you will receive a more profound treatment experience. Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester can be found at One Didsbury Point, 2 The Avenue, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2EY.

Book your free consultation at optegra.com/manchester or call us on 0844 326 0011 CATARACT

| MEDICAL | LASER | LENS REPLACEMENT | EYELID SURGERY

*Source: Trustpilot 4th March 2016

Opera star sings praise of her “magic eyes.”

Paula Sides from Hebden Bridge is a successful and recognised soprano with the English Touring Opera, and has always struggled with long-distance vision. Her days of relying on contacts ended with an accident, and led to her choosing laser eye surgery from Optegra Eye Health Care, which she says has resulted in “magic eyes”.

Having worn glasses or contacts for 20 years, Paula relies on excellent vision for her work, to see the conductor and to read her fellow singers’ facial expressions. However work in London and travelling on the Victoria Line led ƚŽ ŚĞƌ ŐĞƫŶŐ ŵĞƚĂů ĚƵƐƚ ĐĂƵŐŚƚ ƵŶĚĞƌ her contact lens, which resulted in A&E ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ͕ Ă ƐĐƌĂƚĐŚĞĚ ĐŽƌŶĞĂ͕ ĂŶĚ Ă week in darkness.

Paula explains: ͞ ŌĞƌ Ă ǁŚŽůĞ ǁĞĞŬ ŝŶ ĚŝƐĐŽŵĨŽƌƚ͕ ĂŶĚ ŝŶ ĨĂĐƚ ŝŶ ĚĂƌŬŶĞƐƐ͕ /

knew that contacts were no longer an ŽƉƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ŵĞ͘ / ũƵƐƚ ĐŽƵůĚ ŶŽƚ ƌĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞŵ͘ / ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵ ŽƉĞƌĂ Ăƚ ůĞĂƐƚ ƚŚƌĞĞ ƟŵĞƐ Ă ǁĞĞŬ ĂŶĚ ŶĞǀĞƌ ŬŶĞǁ ŝĨ ƚŚĞLJ ǁĞƌĞ ŐŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ůĞƚ ŵĞ ĚŽǁŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ having this accident on the tube really ƚƌŝŐŐĞƌĞĚ ŵĞ ƚŽ ůŽŽŬ ŝŶƚŽ ĂůƚĞƌŶĂƟǀĞƐ͘͟ ,Ğƌ ĐůĞĂƌ ŽƉƟŽŶ ǁĂƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌ ůĂƐĞƌ ĞLJĞ ƐƵƌŐĞƌLJ͘ WĂƵůĂ ƐĂŝĚ͗ ͞/ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ůŽƚ ŽĨ ĚŽĐƚŽƌƐ ŝŶ ŵLJ ĨĂŵŝůLJ͕ ƐŽ ǁŚĞŶ / ĂƐŬĞĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŝŶ ƚŚŝŶŐ ǁĂƐ ƚŽ ŐĞƚ the best. They said, don’t seek out a deal but go for the best possible. These are ŵLJ ĞLJĞƐ ĂŌĞƌ Ăůů ĂŶĚ / ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ƌŝƐŬ ĂŶLJƚŚŝŶŐ͊ ŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶƚ ĂŌĞƌĐĂƌĞ͘ / ĨŽƵŶĚ Ăůů ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƐŽ ŵƵĐŚ ŵŽƌĞ͕ ǁŝƚŚ KƉƚĞŐƌĂ͘͟ ŌĞƌ ŵƵĐŚ ƌĞƐĞĂƌĐŚ ŽĨ ůŽĐĂů ŽƉƟŽŶƐ͕ WĂƵůĂ ŵĂĚĞ ƚŚĞ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶ ƚŽ ŚĂǀĞ > ^/< ůĂƐĞƌ ĞLJĞ ƐƵƌŐĞƌLJ Ăƚ KƉƚĞŐƌĂ͘

͞ / ǁĂƐ ŽǀĞƌǁŚĞůŵĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂī͕ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĐĞƉƟŽŶ ƚŽ ŶƵƌƐĞƐ ƚŽ ŵLJ consultant, they were all wonderful! dŚĞLJ ŐĂǀĞ ŵĞ ƐƵĐŚ ĐŽŶĮĚĞŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ / ĨĞůƚ ƐŽ ƌĞůĂdžĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƚŽƚĂůůLJ professional hands. They explained ĞǀĞƌLJƚŚŝŶŐ ƐŽ ĐůĞĂƌůLJ͕ ƐŚŽǁĞĚ ŵĞ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ǁĂƐ ŵŽƌĞ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ƚŚĂŶ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƉůĂĐĞƐ / ŚĂĚ ǀŝƐŝƚĞĚ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂŶƐǁĞƌĞĚ Ăůů ŵLJ ƋƵĞƐƟŽŶƐ͘ ͞dŚĞ ĚĂLJ ĂŌĞƌ ŵLJ ƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞ͕ / ĐŽƵůĚ ƐĞĞ ƐŽ ǁĞůů͕ ŝƚ ǁĂƐ ƌĞĂůůLJ ƐŽ ĐŽŽů͊ / ĐŽƵůĚ ƌĞĂĚ Ăƚ ůŽŶŐ ĚŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĮƌƐƚ ƟŵĞ ŝŶ ƚǁŽ ĚĞĐĂĚĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ ĞǀĞŶ ďĞƩĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ ϮϬͬϮϬ ǀŝƐŝŽŶ͘ /Ŷ ĨĂĐƚ ŵLJ ŚƵƐďĂŶĚ͕ ǁŚŽ ŚĂƐ ŶŽ ƉƌŽďůĞŵƐ ǁŝƚŚ ŚŝƐ ǀŝƐŝŽŶ͕ ĐĂŶ͛ƚ ƐĞĞ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ŵĞ͕ ĂŶĚ ŽŌĞŶ ĂƐŬƐ ŵĞ ƚŽ ƌĞĂĚ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ƚŽ Śŝŵ ǁŝƚŚ ŵLJ ͚ŵĂŐŝĐ ĞLJĞƐ͛͊͟ Paula’s surgeon explains the procedure she had: ͞ ŌĞƌ Ă ƚŚŽƌŽƵŐŚ ĞdžĂŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ͕ ǁĞ ĂĚǀŝƐĞĚ WĂƵůĂ ƚŽ ŚĂǀĞ > ^/< ůĂƐĞƌ ĞLJĞ ƐƵƌŐĞƌLJ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƵƐĞƐ ůĂƚĞƐƚ ĐŽŵƉƵƚĞƌ ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ ŝŶ Ă ĨĂƐƚ͕ ƉĂŝŶůĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞůLJ ďůĂĚĞͲĨƌĞĞ procedure. A laser is used to reshape the cornea, the front of the eye, to change its ĨŽĐƵƐŝŶŐ ƉŽǁĞƌ ƚŽ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ ƐŝŐŚƚ͘ /ƚ ĐĂŶ correct both long and short sighted vision to result in clearer, sharper vision – and, ĂƐ WĂƵůĂ ŝƐ ĞŶũŽLJŝŶŐ ʹ ŶŽ ŵŽƌĞ ŚĂƐƐůĞ ĨƌŽŵ ŐůĂƐƐĞƐ Žƌ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚƐ͘͟ If, like Paula, you would like to lose your glasses, call 0844 326 0011 or visit

optegra.com/manchester ƚŽ Ŭ Ă ĨƌĞĞ ĐŽŶƐƵůƚĂƟŽŶ͘

Free consultations for cosmetic surgery

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It gives you more confidence and a new lease on life.â&#x20AC;?

Facelift and fat transfer patient

With our free consultations, you can talk directly to a cosmetic surgeon and ask anything you like. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no charge and no pressure to take things further.

To book your appointment call us directly on

01625 241 302 and quote code RGYCOS.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I now feel I have the confidence I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have before.â&#x20AC;?

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:Nqt 1tpNNt¸ "AJJ`NqTN`L¸ WNqWXpN¸ 1 Â&#x192;Â&#x192; Â&#x160; :

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have never been able to confidently wear a bikini before, so couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to show off my new figureâ&#x20AC;?

Breast enlargement patient

SO MANY REASONS TO CHOOSE SPIRE REGENCY HOSPITAL IN MACCLESFIELD Spire Regency Hospital offers high quality private patient care, supported by the latest medical technology and some of the best local professional expertise in the country.

We offer fast access to ‘head to toe’ treatment, led by the consultant of your choice.

• • •

A

ll of our consultant surgeons, and specialist clinical staff, are at the top of their profession and passionate about what they do. And they have met the stringent standards that we demand from our team members and consultants. We always provide the very best available advice and support at every stage of our patients’ journeys because we recognise that reassurance is critically important to our patients’ wellbeing.

Here’s a sample of the specialist areas we cover: • • •

•

Orthopaedics – Hip, knee, shoulder, elbow and hand surgery are all available, as well as the very latest in spinal treatments.

Ophthalmology – We offer cataract removal and treatments for macular degeneration and refractive lens exchange.

General surgery – Gall bladder removal and hernia repair, haemorrhoidectomy, including the new virtually pain free Halo procedure, gastroscopy, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are all available at Spire Regency Hospital.

Gynaecology – Prolapse, hysterectomy and keyhole investigative surgery, laparoscopic reversal of sterilization, menstrual and heavy periods, menopause and HRT and ovarian cancer can all be treated at our hospital.

•

•

•

•

Urology – We offer treatments and procedures for vasectomy, circumcision, prostate and bladder cancer, incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Ear, nose and throat – Balloon sinuplasty, laryngoscopy, glue ear and tonsillectomy are all provided for by our expert ENT team.

Breast Screening – Mammography, clinical breast examination and ultrasound are available at the Spire Regency Hospital by our dedicated medical professionals.

Cosmetic and plastic surgery – Most cosmetic surgical procedures are available, such as breast enlargement, breast reduction, nose re-shaping, eyelid reduction, ear pinning, facial rejuvenation, facelift, tummy tuck and liposuction.

Physiotherapy – Treatment programmes to aid recovery from injury and surgery, and for back and neck pain, post-operative orthopaedics, upper and lower limb problems and mobility.

Diagnostic services – To support the work of the consultants, the hospital has its own pathology and radiology departments, including mobile MRI and CT scanning facilities and a Gold Standard DEXA scanner Rapid access bones and joints – Available for pre-booked consultant led appointments only. Treating conditions such as broken bones, fractures, sprains and strains, sports injuries, muscle damage.

Whether you have private medical insurance or want to fund your own treatment, our services are available to everyone. We work with all major private medical insurers and offer patients who are paying for their own treatment a guaranteed fixed price, confirmed in advance. Through our carefully chosen selected partner, you could be eligible for interest free finance or an alternative medical loan as a way to pay for your treatment. Zebra Health Finance* (previously known as First Medical Loans) helps to offer customers interest free finance (0% APR representative), if approved, for one-off private treatments. Loan decision are confirmed as swiftly as possible to allow for early commencement of patients’ treatment programmes.

For more information on how Spire Regency Hospital can get you back on track, please contact our Customer Services department on 01625 505406 or go to www.spirehealthcare.com/regency/ April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

41

Peace of mind for you and your family at all times

The Private GP & Night Doctor Service 4 24 hrs a day 4 7 days a week 4 Personal and confidential

4 Covering Hale, Wilmslow, Didsbury and their surrounding areas 4 Night and weekend home visits 4 Early or late same day appointments

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

Salutions Publications | People

Angela Gray BEECHWOOD CANCER CARE No one understands more than Beechwood Cancer Care the importance of getting the right kind of help and support when dealing with cancer. They are a small, but mighty, charity that works tirelessly to provide the help and support to those who need it.

Image Mike Browne | Words by Jo Price

T

o be part of a charity like Beechwood, you need to be a certain kind of person: caring, committed, determined, compassionate, and the list goes on. To be the fundraising manager for a charity like Beechwood, you need to be all of this and more. Angela Gray has been an integral part of the Beechwood family for nine years and, as anyone who knows her can attest, she works very hard with her team to keep the charity’s doors open for the patients and families who use and depend on their services.

Angela found herself in the charity sector after successfully winning a battle to keep the special care baby unit open at Trafford General, when it was under threat of closure, back in 1997. Angela set up the charity, Olivers Army, and lobbied parliament against their decision to close the ward that had saved and cared for her prematurely born baby, Oliver. With over 20,000 supporters behind her, she successfully overturned the decision with the threat of a ‘hands around the hospital’ protest on the day that Frank Dobson, the Health Secretary at the time, was due to visit the hospital.

Proving that she is a force to be reckoned with, Angela faces the challenges of helping to raise the £3000 per day that is needed to keep the centre running with the same kind of tenacity but a different kind of army. Behind her and colleague Lorraine Fairclough, the community and volunteer manager, are their army of around 250 ‘award winning’ volunteers, without whom, Angela knows Beechwood could not keep going.

Lorraine, and her team of volunteers all do their bit to bring Beechwood’s 12-month fundraising plan to life. No task is too great or too small. Their work was recognised by being awarded the ‘Queens Award’ for volunteers, equivalent to an MBE, in the centre’s Silver Jubilee Year, which is an incredible achievement and one that they are immensely proud of.

Angela describes the team at Beechwood as like a family, and that is what they become as soon as you walk through their doors. Patients and their families can access programmes designed to support patients and their carers through diagnosis, living with illness and moving on. These programmes include one to ones with a trained nurse therapist, counselling, complementary therapies, relaxation and group support.

Angela says: ‘Beechwood isn’t a ‘sexy’ charity, we don’t attract celebrity support, and we work hard for every penny, but the most rewarding part of my job is knowing that whether it is £5 or £5000, every penny makes a huge difference to someones life.’

I asked Angela what a typical day looks like. She laughed and said: ‘There is no typical day. I can go from being accountant to events planner and from PR manager to the marketing department, in just a morning. It’s part of what I love about my job.’ As a self-confessed control freak, Angela keeps all her many plates spinning with impressive organisational skills and a sense of humour.

‘I don’t know what would happen if I got run over by a bus, as most of it is in my head, but with lots of spreadsheets it works, and I am really lucky to have a great team that help me pull it all together. And, we always do.’

If you think that you could offer some time or specialist skills to Beechwood Cancer Care, you can contact Lorraine, their Community and Volunteer Manager, on 0161 476 0384 or email volunteering@beechwoodcancercare.co.uk April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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If you have a Knee problem, consult one of the UK’s leading Knee Specialists Consultations now available at 52 Alderley Road

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

The Knee Doc Consultant:

• US and UK trained Consultant Knee and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon who has worked with NBA and NFL 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 • Treats international, professional, elite sportspeople and weekend warriors playing many different sports

Treatments available:

• Bespoke Personalised Knee Replacement Surgery • Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery

• 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.

• Team Surgeon for GB Olympic Wrestling Team

• Sports Medicine Consultant for 2002 commonwealth games.

The Knee Doc... it’s all you need to know Consultations available at: • • • • • •

BMI Alexandra Hospital Cheadle 52 Alderley Road Ramsay Oaklands Hospital Salford Spire Hospital Manchester Spire Hale Clinic The Manchester Institute of Health and Performance

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For further information or to book a consultation:

• Telephone: 0161 445 4988

• Web: www.thekneedoc.co.uk

• Email: claire@thekneedoc.co.uk

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

Salutions Publications | Health & Beauty

Body Performance Training

BODY PERFORMANCE TRAINING Five Ways To Maintain Your Weight Loss In 2016 One of the most frequently asked questions is, ’How do I keep weight off long term?’

By taking a pro-active approach, you can maintain your weight loss and still live a happy, healthy life without feeling as if you’re depriving yourself.

Portion Control One of the biggest mistakes people make is eating big portions. If you're having a treat night, stick to one or two scoops of ice cream, instead of four or five. With everyday meals, make sure you have a larger portion of protein and veggies on your plate and eat to 80% full.

Incorporate Exercise Into Your Daily Routine You don't necessarily have to go to the gym; it can be as simple as going for a 30-minute walk before breakfast each morning, or doing a home 15-minute bodyweight HIIT circuit.

Whatever it is, make sure you can maintain it long term. If working out five days a week doesn't suit you, plan ahead and find ways to get fit by incorporating it into your daily activities. If you have a staircase at work, use 15 minutes out of your lunch break to jog up and down it. If this isn't an option, do a couple of laps around the outside of the office building.

Know Your Weaknesses Let's be honest, we’re only human and we all have our weaknesses. If you are someone that has struggled with emotional or binge eating, it is important to understand the reasons why you did that. If you are just having a day where all you can think about is a biscuit, go ahead and treat yourself, but try and find the best treat available (like a cube of dark chocolate). While it's important to treat yourself here and there, you don't want to start using that as an excuse each time you feel bored or unhappy. If you crave sweets when you are stressed, try to replace them with something like high-grade dark chocolate. If you realise you are actually just bored, go for a walk, meet up with friends or do a home workout.

Eat Breakfast Eating breakfast really does set you up for the rest of the day.

If you skip it, or eat an emptycalorie breakfast, you are basically setting yourself up for a day of bad eating habits.

For example, if you eat a sugary breakfast, like a donut or breakfast biscuit, then you will more

than likely experience a sugar crash not long after and will probably get very hungry, very quickly. If you skip breakfast, then hello moods! If you eat a nutrient dense and filling breakfast, you’ll feel better and will be in the right mindset to eat better for the rest of the day. You won't feel as though you have let yourself down as soon as you start.

Don't Quit!

It's perfectly normal to fall off the bandwagon once in a while, but what separates those that keep hitting their weight-loss goals and those that don't? They get back on it! If you have had a setback, whether it be an injury of just a lack of motivation – don't let it get you down! The worst thing you can do is throw in the towel because you think you’ve ruined your efforts.

Remember, one unhealthy meal will not ruin months of hard work.

Living healthy is a lifestyle change! Find something that works for you and keeps you motivated to keep making progress on your goals this year.

To contact Ben: email bodyperformancetraining@hotmail.co.uk. For more information and lifestyle ideas head to www.facebook.com/bodyperformancetraining @benpostma on Twitter or @bodyperformancetraining on Instagram.

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Health & Beauty

Local girl’s brave 250km trek after tragic death of her brother Here at Virgin Active, we recognise it’s hard enough getting everyone dressed and fed in the morning, let alone planning physical activity for them all. We’ve got your back.

At Virgin Active, you can drop the kids at crèche or swim lessons whilst you have some wellearned me-time. With summer coming up, make sure your little ones are safe in the water with our Swim Starz swim programme.

Kids love to splash around and we make sure they enjoy every second learning basic water skills. From blowing bubbles to floating along, three to five year olds grow in confidence and aquatic ability. Following the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) Duckling award scheme, our mini-ceremonies mark achievements and applaud success. Then, when it’s time to move onto the next stage, we give lots of support and encouragement.

From five-years-old, kids progress to the ASA’s Learn to Swim Programme, which includes nationally recognised FUNdamental skills that help children become confident, capable and safe in water. Swim Starz get the chance to shine at our regional and national galas. We hold end of term parties too, so everyone’s happy.

Your little one is in safe hands at Virgin Active – we’re the UK’s largest private swim school, teaching over 20,000 children each week. All Swim Starz instructors are Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) or ASA Level 2 qualified.

Take the plunge and give your child a skill for life.

For more information, contact Virgin Active Didsbury on 0161 249 5600 46

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

Vaila Whittaker is facing a gruelling challenge of travelling 250km from Norway to Sweden in memory of her brother, Matthew Rustigini, who died unexpectedly when he was aged just 25 years old.

Vaila, who had to interrupt her University studies to cope with her brother’s tragic death said, ‘Matt had depression which he hid from his friends and family. He pretended he was fine. I think he was ashamed, but he shouldn’t have been. I am doing The Husky Challenge in memory of my brother (he loved dogs) and also for the many others who are suffering today. I’m supporting Manchester Mind as they enable people in the community to feel important again.’

The six-day charity challenge aims to raise £4,000 for Manchester Mind, which helps thousands of young people and adults with mental health issues every year.

Setting off from Manchester to Norway, brave Vaila will travel overland with her pack of six husky dogs, camping in -25 temperatures, before reaching her final destination in Sweden one week later.

Vaila has worked tirelessly over the last year raising awareness of mental health issues by hosting information stalls, and used her creativity to generate donations by selling bespoke hand-painted glasses. Her campaign also inspired local pubs, shops, cafes and youth groups to get involved by organising collections. Vaila added, ‘There’s still a huge stigma attached to mental health issues, especially for young men. This must change - talking to someone could mean life or death’.

To donate to Vaila’s cause please visit www.justgiving.com/huskychallenge2016 and for more info visit www.manchestermind.org

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...OR REDISCOVER ALL OF LIFE’S PLEASURES BY USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY W E U N D E R S TA N D H O W YO U F E E L The idea of using a hearing aid can be disconcerting.

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TA K E A F R E E H E A R I N G T E S T We all know how easy it is to put things off. But, if you think it’s time for some help then we would welcome the opportunity to test your hearing. %X 2SVXL ;IWX ,IEVMRK [I LEZI LMKLP] UYEPM½IH KVEHYEXI Audiologists able to give you a full assessment. There is no cost and it is entirely up to you whether you would like further help.

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For more information go to: www.nwhearing.co.uk or email: info@nwhearing.co.uk North West Hearing The Beeches Consulting Centre, The Alexandra Hospital Complex, Mill Lane, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 2PY

Salutions Publications | People

Making the Birth Day Happy HAPPY HYPNO MAMA Having a baby is definitely one of nature’s most miraculous acts and, therefore, should be a source of never-ending wonder and unmitigated joy. Alas, modern life, with its ceaseless pressures and seemingly endless capacity to promote anxieties, has somewhat intruded into the birthing process and made it, for some, at least, an event to be nervous and wary of. And, that, of course, is the exact opposite of how we should be feeling at this special time.

Words by Mark Kureishy | Image Mike Browne

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my Sinacola’s hypno-birthing therapy service, Happy Hypno Mama, aims to return expectant parents to a more positive and natural state of mind, and prepare the mother-to-be for, not only a safe and healthy birth, but one that will be forever connected with only positive and happy memories.

A mother of two young children herself, Amy has been a nurse for over 20 years, and for the last decade has been a specialist haematology (blood cancer) Macmillan nurse. Like most nurses, Amy has a refreshingly pragmatic attitude to life, which, allied to her caring, supportive and empathetic nature, makes her ideally qualified to deliver a service that focuses on making such a natural process as ‘natural’ as possible. And, she’s in the very unusual position of being involved with people at both ends of the life cycle. She’s seen and experienced both the wonderful and, inevitably, the terrible possibilities that life encompasses. Amy’s experiences have certainly shaped her view about the importance of starting the life cycle in the most beneficial and positive way possible, for both the parents and the newly born baby.

She experienced hypno-birthing therapy herself with her own daughters, and her positive

experiences have convinced her of its natural and long-lasting benefits.

The therapy, ideally undertaken by both partners, usually consists of four blocks of two and a half hours length in the antenatal period preceding the due date. Amy’s aim is to retrain our minds to transform negative pre-conceptions into positives, and in the process return us to a more natural state of consciousness regarding the birthing process.

Our body’s have an innate natural instinct towards birth but cultural practices have over laid those instincts with irrational fears and anxieties, which have ultimately served only to load unnecessary and unproductive stress onto the process.

Stress is, of course, an ever-present part of life and, in the appropriate conditions, is vital to real life. But, unnecessary stress is neither useful nor desirable when giving birth.

Stress releases adrenaline, which is scientifically proven to slow down the muscles in the uterus, thus slowing down labour. Again, this harks back to our primal condition when, in the absence of today’s modern technology, innate natural instincts, such as adrenaline fuelled ‘fight or flight’, kept us alive in vulnerable circumstances.

Amy is sensitive and nurturing but she’s equally pragmatic, and it’s for that very reason she believes so passionately in the benefits of hypno-birthing therapy. If we know that unnecessary stress will burden and delay the birth of our babies, which, in turn, could potentially lead to other physical and psychological problems, why wouldn’t we want to reduce, or even eliminate, that stress?

It’s just common sense, isn’t it?

We’ve been around, as a species, for a long time and birth is as natural and inevitable as every other aspect of our lives. Amy Sinacola knows, perhaps more than most, that life is rarely straightforward, and nothing about it should ever be taken for granted. Making the best possible preparations for our baby’s entrance into this life is what we all strive to do; she believes that returning to our instincts and trusting our bodies is the best way to achieve this. Amy wants us to trust ourselves.

For more information go to happyhypnomama.co.uk | e: happyhypnomama@gmail.com | t: 07739 727 974 April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | People

A Design for Living BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME WITH GEORGE TSIANTAR’S BESPOKE ARCHITECTURE Words by Mark Kureishy

Image by Mike Browne

An Englishman’s home is his castle, goes the old maxim, but it doesn’t say that they all have to look the same. Expressing our individuality through our homes has always been important to us, something george Tsiantar understands very well. He’s spent all his professional life perfecting the art of designing and building houses that reflect the dreams, aspirations and individual identity of his clients.

G

rand dreams beget grand designs that require expert interpretation and implementation; Tsiantar Architects Limited provide that bridge from dreaming to designing, and then on to building. George Tsiantar firmly believes that with his skills dreams can be realised. As an award-winning architect of 30 years’ experience, he has pursued the art of transforming dreams into reality; architecture is his bedrock but there’s an unmistakeable trace of alchemy in his designs.

Born of a French mother and British Maltese father, he was schooled at St Ambrose, in Hale Barns. He went on to study architecture at Manchester Owens University (now the Manchester School of Architecture) and in 1985, secured a commission to design and build an apartment development for John Dempsey. Dempsey was a pioneer in

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April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

the luxury home markets of north Cheshire; building the first raft of luxury developments that now populate the environs of Hale, Bowdon, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and Prestbury.

George worked with Dempsey for several years as his architect, site agent and project manager, and he gained a huge amount of experience in the construction industry.

George and John Dempsey took their vision to America, designing and building similar properties in the States.

On his return from the USA, George joined forces with Paul Danson and Bob Booth, setting up the Building a Theme Company. This saw him involved in a varied range of projects focusing on the design and construction of shopping centre food courts throughout the world, and especially ‘The Orient’ in the Trafford Centre. Other commissions included the building of a life-size replica

Salutions Publications | People

of Coronation Street in Blackpool’s Sandcastle and the extension and refurbishment of Mere Golf and Country Club. Deciding that ‘real’ building was what he really wanted to do, George reinvigorated his practice and quickly won commissions to build luxury homes and apartments. And, that’s what he’s been concentrating on since 1997 under Tsiantar Architects Limited.

He’s won four consecutive awards for ‘The Best Luxury Single Dwelling’ in the North West, which is more than any other architectural practice. His houses, all individual commissions and not built on speculative ‘off-plan’ ie built for a developer or client unknown, carry recognisable marks of individuality. George attributes this to an attention to detail that is not easily replicated or found in ready-made houses.

This tailored service that is George’s hallmark, designs the home around you and your family, elevating the property above that provided by speculative developments.

The added value of the design skills provided by the seven years of training for the architects at Tsiantar Architects Limited, supported by the construction knowledge of Architectural Technicians that make up the practice, ensure that not only can your dream home be realised but that the potential nightmares of the construction process are avoided.

As for ‘value for money’, in the scheme of things, an architect’s fees make up a mere fraction of the cost of building a new home, yet it still intimidates clients when

High Trees, Hale ‘george's interpretation of our needs was stunning. His hand drawing was one of the most poignant moments of the design process, so when he unveiled the drawings we didn't change a thing; we built the drawing!’

they’re deciding how to proceed with their move into their ‘dream’ home. Some others, perhaps through a lack of confidence and understanding, will opt for the luxury developer’s design; a ‘dream’ home that is somebody else’s idea of a ‘dream’ home, and was built with a generic everyman in mind.

Yet, in every other aspect of our lives, we value individuality and proudly proclaim our sense of self.

Reinforcing that sense of self and providing a home that will, in every respect, promote harmony and wellbeing is exactly what George Tsiantar and his renowned practice offers: the opportunity to live in a home that you’ve been intrinsically involved in designing. Every step of the way; from its appearance to its functionality, and to its relationship with you as its occupant, George encourages his clients to become as involved in the process as they possibly can. Guided by his professional experience and creative eye, his clients really can realise their ambitions.

And all for the same price, or less, as an off-the-peg house from a developer who has added in his profit margins?

George Tsiantar is a talented architect, as his portfolio and unique series of awards amply demonstrate, but his real gift is his ability to visualise and make real what others can only imagine. He perfectly embodies the marriage of science and art that all great design and architecture requires; gravity and physics are always present in any building, but George hides them from view, leaving us to marvel at his beautiful buildings.

Winton Road, Bowdon ‘We’ve worked with george and his team for 8 years now, which has included a 7000sqft new-build Victorian style house with a contemporary twist.

It's always a pleasure dealing with everybody at Tsiantar; we’d highly recommend them.’

The Boundary, Bowdon ‘george made what could have been a very complicated and costly project manageable and rewarding by offering imaginative designs and practical solutions, which created a dream home that exceeded our expectations.’

To see George’s award winning designs and begin your journey to craft your home with his lifetime of experience, go to www.tsiantar.com | Tsiantar Architects Limited, 4 Springfield Road, Altrincham, Cheshire. WA14 1HE | Tel: 0161 928 0034 | Fax: 0161 928 0048 April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Home & Garden

GET SET FOR

SUMMER Transform your garden into a magical haven by adding some simple outdoor accessories

Lanna Garden Column Black Cluster £238.22 utedesign.com.au

Virginia Casa Lanterns £29-£116 kensingtondesigns.com

Personalised Metal Family Tree by Wild Ink £150 notonthehighstreet.com

Cacoon Double For 2 People Natural White £312 houseology.com

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Yellow Outdoor Chill Chair £45 BHS

Esschert's Garden Glass Church Mirror, 140cm £79 achica.com

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338 Manchester Road, Altrincham

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www.kkcentre.co.uk.

Salutions Publications | Home & Garden

Keller Kitchens SINCE 1986

Words by Fay Wertheimer

Park up, walk into the Keller Kitchen Centre and you’ll be immediately inspired by this 30 years old firm’s pristine displays of Dutch Keller kitchens and affordable, cutting-edge Rational masterpieces from Germany. There’s no rush. Joint managing directors Geoff Sharpe and Danil Sugakov offer experience, integrity and standards of customercare extending way past your guarantee expiry. Above all, they understand your need to browse. You see, your kitchen is the focal point of your home.

Images Mike Browne

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t Keller Kitchens since 1986, Geoff explains: ‘We listen. We want you to buy what you want from us, not what we want to sell you. We’re neither price-driven nor pressurising. You must feel OK about your choices. Over the years, we’ve designed and delivered one dream kitchen a week to customers, who, are so satisfied, they return to us for refurbishments, upgrades and brand-new kitchens when they relocate.’

60-year-old Sharpe and 31-year-old Sugakov’s unique multi-generational approach combines the tried and tested with the latest in 21st century techno-skills to plan and create your ideal, durable medium to top-of-the-range kitchen. Former project manager Danil states: ‘We can take your scheme from start to finish and attend to the structural and decorative details required, too. The turnaround from placing the order to the start of installation is six weeks. Instant hot water taps and coffee-machines can be retrofitted. Our kitchens range in price from just under £10,000 to whatever you will!’

Look round their three Rational and four Keller kitchen layouts. Try the handle-less Keller and Rational drawers and cupboards, the Neff ‘slide and hide’ oven doors, the Blanco and Franke taps, and retractable downdraft extractors. On show, you’ll find worktops in Silestone quartz, Corian, laminates and granite. And, colour-wise, you are spoilt for choice. Keller offers nine standard and 1,950 non-standard colours, plus wood finishes, and Rational provides 28 standard and up to 4,000 non-standard colours.

Most reassuring, is the informed advice of Sharpe and Sugakov. They aim to help you realise your aspirational kitchen at a common-sense price, however long it takes.

Customer Christine Hyde was so impressed by the company, its products, professionalism and attention to detail; she’s joined the Keller Kitchen Centre team!

Feel free to call, pop in or email Keller Kitchen Centre; a warm welcome is guaranteed.

Keller Kitchen Centre 338 Manchester Road, Altrincham WA14 5NH Opening times: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm Sundays & evenings by appointment Geoff Sharpe | e: geoff@kkcentre.co.uk | t: 07973708955 Danil Sugakov | e: danil@kkcentre.co.uk | t: 07515936534 0161 962 7261 | www.kkcentre.co.uk www.kellerkitchencentre.co.uk April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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LUXURY Carpets & Rugs We supply and install the widest range of Luxury Flooring solutions throughout the United Kingdom

To order a wide range of Custom Rugs, Faux Silk Carpets, Natural flooring, contemporary and traditional carpets, contact us and we will help you choose the right flooring solution.

Tel: +44 (0) 1625 250 965 | info@fluffyflooring.com | www.fluffyflooring.com Apex House, Stanley Green Trading estate, Duke Avenue, Cheadle SK8 6RX

Salutions Publications | Home & Garden

ENTERTAINMENT

AL FRESCO Halogen Patio Heater £135.99 BHS

No matter what time of year, it’s never too early to start planning and dreaming about transforming your garden into the perfect outdoor living area.

LED Milky Globe Outdoor Light String (20 Lights) £55 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk

Palmera Square Table and 4 Lounge Chairs £1090 (was £1575) barkerandstonehouse.co.uk

Kate Spade New York 'Raise a Glass' Gold Ice Bucket £45 katespade.co.uk

Kate Spade New York 'Raise A Glass' Pitcher - Gold £44 katespade.co.uk

Polka Dot 4 Person Hamper with Cool Bag £46 BHS

Garden Skittles Set £42 Laura Ashley

Set of 4 Handcrafted Tonal Wine Glasses £16 Next

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Home & Garden

Grow your own

STYLE Everyone makes mistakes, right? Drinking tequila shots on an empty stomach, the cute bartender’s, not mine. Waking up next to a troll I swear was the spitting image of Idris Elba the night before and, my all-time favourite, drunk dialling the Ex, only to realise I had, in fact, drunk dialled his father. Damn him for naming his son after him!

You name the embarrassing mistake, I’ve done it. My mum is so very proud.

B

By Catherine Saunders. Follow Lady Muck on Twitter @LadyMuckStyle

ut, for some reason, old friends who have known me for years, and witnessed these mistakes first-hand, weirdly think I’ve been successfully growing stuff from Day One. They couldn’t be more wrong.

Take the first time I tried to grow carrots. I’d set aside a whole raised bed for them, made sure the soil was nice and sandy and remembered not to dig in any manure, which they hate. I took my two dozen carrot seeds and sowed them 18” apart, plenty of room for bunches to grow, I thought. I tended them over the coming weeks. I watered, I weeded, I watched and I waited. Then came that special Sunday, when I took Lord Muck by the hand and invited him to help me dig up our sweet and succulent crop. So, there I was, scrabbling around in the earth, desperately hunting for the bunch of carrots beneath each seed sown, only to pull up one solitary carrot beneath each sowing. One carrot? One single carrot? 24 carrots, my entire crop? What the...? Only to learn, from Lord Muck, in between his hysterical bursts of laughter, that carrots, apparently,

don’t grow in bunches like the ones I buy in Waitrose. Who knew?

Then there was the time I killed Toby, Ted, Tim and their 12 cherry tomato siblings. I’d known them from birth, watched them burst into life and tended them lovingly. Once they were big enough, it was time to leave their sunny windowsill. Alas, they didn’t last long on my patio. You see, I’d been worried about the wicked white fly covering their ickle leaves, Toby’s in particular, well, he always was my favourite. So, I reached into the greenhouse for the organic pest spray, grabbed the bottle and gave them all a generous coating. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of another bottle clearly labelled ‘organic pest spray’. My jaw dropped. I looked down at the bottle in my hand...oh...my...God... nooo...! I’d grabbed the ‘organic weed killer spray’ instead. Cue much sprinting to and from the water butt, pouring dozens of watering cans over them to wash off the weed killer.

But I knew it was too late. My babies were dead. I burst into tears and had to turn to the Bombay Sapphire for solace. The next

morning, I found their 15 little corpses, crumpled and scorched, staring up at me reproachfully. What a terrible mother.

You see, we all make mistakes when we start out. Much like the dating game.

And, to all you ladies out there, a tad embarrassed about your emerging greenfingered interest, don’t be. And if not having a clue is putting you off having a go at growing some stuff this year, again, don’t be. Like me, just remember to laugh at your cock-ups, use them as great dinner party stories and pour another glass as you regale your guests.

Right, must dash. Got to try and work out how to delete that 2am voicemail I left, telling my boss exactly what I think of him...

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | People

BACK TO THE FUTURE With Mark Boler and The Mere as they return The Stanneylands Hotel to its rightful position The Stanneylands Hotel, in Wilmslow, occupies a unique place in the minds and memories of many of a certain vintage. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a hotel, like any other hotel; it had a cache and alluring glamour that simply wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t available anywhere else then.

It was the place to go and, yes, be seen at, too, but unlike other similar places, it was also very reassuring and welcoming.

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Salutions Publications | People

Images Mike Browne

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owadays, there’s no lack of choice in fine dining or luxurious hotel rooms, but that certainly wasn’t the case in The Stanneylands’ earlier heyday.

Times and tastes inevitably move on, though, and The Stanneylands became isolated, slowly sinking like a sandbar facing the encroaching tidal waves of newer and brighter alternative hotels and restaurants.

Rescue and revival, though, is at hand; Mark Boler and The Mere, having recently acquired the hotel are determined to return it back to its former glory. Mark is, along with Gary Corbett, the owner of The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, and he sees The Stanneylands as, not only a perfect complementary addition to the fabulous facilities offered by The Mere brand, but as a personal mission to restore the grand old lady to her former glory. He vividly remembers what The Stanneylands once was and, most importantly, what it meant to its guests and visitors. Its iconic cultural status, currently only available as a memory, is something that he’s determined to provide in the present.

Mark’s vision and desire is backed up by a track record that bears scrutiny with any other hotelier in the land, as his successes with The Mere and, previously, Hawkstone Park can so spectacularly attest. Brought up to be self-sufficient and resilient, and armed with a familial characteristic that places a high value on pleasing others, Mark is the perfect embodiment of an innovative and successful customer service led businessman. He may have come into the hotel business by dint of family history, but he’s certainly made it his own since.

Mark’s father, Stephen Boler, first acquired The Mere in 1984. He had made his fortune in a variety of business ventures, ranging from tyres and exhausts to kitchens and bathrooms, and was clearly possessed of those twin characteristics of resilience and entrepreneurial vision.

Mark, too, is similarly endowed, as the father ensured that the son recognised that visions and dreams had to be reinforced with hard work and perseverance if success was to follow.

After schooling, Mark immersed himself in learning the art of business; both within his father’s group of companies and outside, too. Customer service is one of his great strengths and so, when The Mere passed into his

control in 1994, it was a perfect fit. The years since have seen Gary Corbett becoming co-owner, and the transformation from a golf and country club to what is now one of the region’s leading resort destinations.

The Mere Golf Resort and Spa’s success is a very clear demonstration of Mark’s skills and vision made real.

His ambition for The Stanneylands centres on making the hotel and its restaurant a destination for guests seeking great customer service and excellent food that reflects a tradition of fine English service. So, Sunday lunches and afternoon teas, of course, but Englishness is reflected further afield, too, and curries are appropriately afforded their place in the restaurant’s menu. Mark believes that award-winning cuisine that also comfortingly reassures, too, is very much lacking in the current dining scene, so they’re aiming to fulfil that desire at The Stanneylands.

Twenty first century customer service standards and high quality English drinking and dining and hospitality may not currently be perceived as natural bed fellows at the moment, but Mark Boler wants to change that misconception.

His desire is for the hotel to become a focal point, as it once was, for the area and its local residents. It’s a place that can be accessed on foot and it’s ideally located for easy access from anywhere within the region. The Mere’s renowned commitment to the very highest standards of customer service will be replicated at The Stanneylands, too, as they aim to make the brand seamlessly identifiable across their two properties. The Stanneylands will complement The Mere; as a Country House boutique hotel, it will offer a different experience to The Mere but with no difference or falling off in value or satisfaction.

Going back in time to secure the future is often hazardous; nostalgia and sentiment can overcome modern realities and the result often ends up being disappointingly unsatisfactory. Mark Boler’s vision, though, is clear: let’s bring back what was once valued, but is now sadly lost and missed, and transform it into something that we can enjoy today. He may not have the DeLorean, but Mark Boler doesn’t need it: his mission is grounded in reality and experience, and a burning ambition to get it right. The Stanneylands’ reputation and its future success deserve that ambition.

Words by Mark Kureishy

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Food & Drink

Develop a passion for

PASHA As a resident of Upper North Didsbury (OK, so strictly speaking we are in Withington; I’m just trying to nudge the price of my house up) and a keen eater of food and drinker of wine, I love being able to amble over to a good local restaurant.

And Pasha, on Wilmslow Road, just opposite The Red Lion pub, is a place I would class as just that, a good local restaurant.

Walking in the place feels comfortable, like you know you’re going to be taken care of. It’s not too big and is cosy enough to enjoy an intimate meal for two or a meal with your ten best friends. And then the aroma hits you. Fresh, spicy, exciting scents that you know are going to make their way onto your plate pretty soon.

This was a good start.

This is a BYO place (bring your own bottle) meaning there was no delay in cracking open the bottle of Pinot Noir we’d brought with us. If you forget to bring some, there is a local shop across the road called Iffy’s that sells a random and, occasionally, magnificent selection of wines. Honest.

But let’s get back to the food. We were served a selection of starters from the comprehensive menu and began to tuck in. A big fan of all things aubergine, I always go for the Baba Ghanouj but the waiter recommended we ‘upgrade’ this choice to their very own Pasha Baba with added walnuts. Put this together with the Merguez lamb sausage with paprika and fennel and we were away.

Words by Helen Lawson

A small plate of pretty little pickles packed such a punch they sent my taste buds into shock, but my plus one loved them and finished them off.

For the main course we kept it simple. Good old lamb, chicken and keftah kebabs served alongside mujaddarah rice, which is cooked with lentils and topped with crispy fried onion, and a portion of houmous.

Tender, tasty and honest. That’s the word that kept coming back to me as I was eating. This food is down to earth, honest and has stood the test of time from its North African and Middle Eastern roots.

The team behind Pasha are hugely passionate about the food they serve and it shows. If you’re in Didsbury, jump on a 42 bus or get your daily step count up by walking up and come and see what this place is about.

If you’re further afield come for a visit. Withington is increasingly where it’s at, and Pasha is absolutely worth a visit.

PASHA 513 Wilmslow Road | Withington Manchester M20 4BA | Tel: 0161 445 1196 www.pasha-restaurant.com April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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DINING GUIDE To get your business featured contact the Sales Team on 0161 445 2883 or email info@salutions.co.uk

THE VENETIAN

THE LEAD STATION

NAMASTE NEPAL

Heaton Mersey

Chorlton

Didsbury

A new Italian restaurant with a twist!

A Chorlton institution, The Lead Station, has been serving up honest and innovative food and drink since 1995.

Namaste Nepal prides itself on fusing fresh herbs and spices to create authentic Nepalese & Indian dishes at reasonable prices.

In that time, they've earned themselves a reputation for consistent, quality, seasonal cooking and great drinks; whether it’s sitting down for a Sunday roast or popping in for a glass of wine, you'll always find a welcome seat at The Lead.

Originally launched in 2005, the recent refurbishment has softened the interior of this popular Burton Road favourite that is ten years-old and still going strong.

Nicola Charnock and her Venice-born partner, Paulo Pop, have brought the success of their Ramsbottom restaurant to the Heatons, combining their love of Italian food and all things nutritiously wholesome. By day they offer a healthy deli-style menu, and by night they serve traditional Italian small plates and amazing pizzas from wood fired ovens.

The deli menu board changes daily and the delicious salads, soups and juices are getting rave reviews. Nicola makes full use of her degree in nutrition to ensure that she offers her customers organic food that is flavoursome and healthy. The evening menu enables you to share a number of dishes, and the desserts are not to be overlooked.

The Stawberry panna cotta is the best I have ever tasted.

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Their glorious food is created by the restaurant's duo of head chefs who have 30 years of Lead Station experience between them! This is a close-knit team that values their community and suppliers above all else.

House specials include Momacha’s for starters: minced lamb marinated in traditional Nepalese spices, then coated in batter and steamed. Or Namaste Chewla: pieces of meat prepared in the clay oven and marinated in traditional Nepalese spices with onions, green chillies, garlic and ginger – not for the faint-hearted – but heavenly.

Have a pint of Cobra to hand!

Visit on a Thursday evening to enjoy nonintrusive live music and half price prosecco!

Hence, cracking breakfasts, magnificent lunches and excellent dinners are served up seven days a week. From eggs Benedict with a bloody mary, to Posh Shepherd's Pie and a pint of craft beer, The Lead Station serves up simple quality from dawn till dusk...

The Venetian 464 Didsbury Road, Heaton Mersey SK4 3BS

The Lead Station 99 Beech Road, Manchester M21 9EQ

Namaste Nepal 164-166 Burton Road Manchester M20 1LH

Tel: 0161 714 4200 venetian-hideaway.co.uk

Tel: 0161 881 5559 theleadstation.co.uk

Tel: 0161 445 9060 Namaste-nepal.co.uk

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

A look at Trip Advisor shows the restaurant consistently achieving 4.5 to 5 star reviews. If you’ve never been, go!

Excellent Nepalese food at very reasonable prices.

DINING GUIDE To get your business featured contact the Sales Team on 0161 445 2883 or email info@salutions.co.uk

GAUCHO

STANNEYLANDS

THE BUTTERY

Manchester

Wilmslow

Levenshulme

Gaucho’s ‘Feel Good’ menu offers the chance to elevate your lunch to the kind of decadence and indulgence that makes you want to shout with joy and then swiftly take a nap!

The award winning 4 Star Stanneylands Country House Hotel, Cheshire, is located in tranquil countryside in the heart of the county.

The Buttery, on Levenshulme’s Albert Road, focuses on good food, good drink and good company.

The ‘Feel Good’ lunch ensures diners can make healthy feel-good choices that taste delicious. With a selection of fresh and high quality dishes that make up three satisfying courses, Gaucho will lead their guests into a haven of health and well-being.

Diners can kick-start their meal with a subtly spicy green boost juice, filled with refreshing coconut water, passion fruit, spinach, mint and a hint of zesty green chilli.

For starters, a fragrant watermelon salad or tuna tartare followed by Gaucho’s juicy rump steak served with a delicate side of ginger dressed mixed greens or a salmon, poached egg and quinoa main. At just £23 for two courses or £26 for three courses, lunchtime is the perfect time to eat at Gaucho.

With two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, our award winning chefs use only the finest fresh ingredients to prepare the very highest standards of cuisine. Whether you require a romantic table for two, private dining, a corporate occasion or a light bite, The Stanneylands fits the bill.

Sunday lunch at The Stanneylands Hotel is renowned in the area, featuring four courses of classic dishes from the region, many served with a twist. Enjoy The Stanneylands’ traditional Afternoon Tea, a must for that special occasion, with finger cut sandwiches, homemade fresh scones, clotted cream, fruit preserve and delicate cakes. Or, for an extra little bit of indulgence, we also offer Champagne Afternoon Tea for that really special treat.

The food is made from scratch, from local suppliers sourcing organic produce wherever possible.

An ever-changing range of mains, pies, small plates and desserts means you can always try something different.

They cook their meat in the most sustainable way by using the whole animal. They do this by never using prime cuts in their main menu and ticking off the remaining cuts in their weekly specials.

Vegetarian and vegan customers are not overlooked, though, with several options for both available at all times.

The same principle applies to the drinks menu, with a carefully selected range of wines, craft beers and damn fine coffee!

Open Mon 17:00 - 23:00 Tues - Thurs 10:00 - 23:00 Fri - Sat 10:00 - 00:00 and Sun 12:00 - 22:00

Gaucho Manchester 2A St Mary's St, Manchester M3 2LB

The Stanneylands Stanneylands Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 4EY

The Buttery 30 Albert Road, Levenshulme M19 2FP

Tel: 0161 833 4333 www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk

Tel: 01625 525225 www.stanneylands.co.uk

Tel: 0161 248 7990

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | People

Beetle-Juice MIX UP THE VW & VODKA* TO BRING THE COCKTAIL PARTY* TO YOU (*OTHER SPIRITS AND PARTIES ARE AVAILABLE, TOO!) For some reason, Volkswagen’s iconic camper vans from the 60s and the 70s gladden the heart; who knew the Germans had it in them to produce such a thing to make us smile so? They evoke memories and images of summers past and fun, fun, fun as beach boys and bikini girls hit the surf. OK, it might only have been North Wales or Cornwall, and not Malibu or Maui, but the VW vans were common to all.

And, they do just look great!

Beetle-Juice are available for hire for any events.

Please go to beetle-juice.co.uk for more information or email April at april@beetle-juice.co.uk Beetle-Juice will be at Tabley Point-to-Point on 10 April and The Paddock’s Spring Open Day, in Ramsbottom, on 24 April. Go along and be ‘wowed’ by ‘Skyla’ and Beetle-Juice’s infectious cocktail of good fun and great times.

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April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

Salutions Publications | People

A

pril Stobart thought so, too, and, along with some enterprising partners in London, has converted one of these classical beauties into a cocktail bar...can this story get any better?

But, before we lose ourselves in a heady win-win cocktail of martinis, mojitos and manual gear changes, let’s first meet April.

You may think the name rings a bell, well; chances are you’ve spent a large portion of your life staring at it as you follow the considerate and polite driver of the articulated lorry in front. Eddie Stobart has been in the family for many generations, with her father, William, now the head of the well-known logistics firm. So, she’s certainly always been connected to motors of one sort or another! April was born and raised in Cumbria. After graduating in Management Studies from the University of Nottingham, she came to live in city-centre Manchester, as her father had re-located the company’s headquarters to Warrington.

She went straight into work; first at Stobart Biomass, a division of the family business, and then in their Human Resources department in the city centre. She stayed within the Stobart organisation for four years, gaining a good overview of the business and lots of valuable experience in organisational and people management skills, too.

Fiercely independent, April was always conscious of making her own mark on the world. She had always worked in pubs and bars; first in Cumbria and then in Nottingham during her student days, and had, by now, acquired a considerable amount of management experience in that environment, too. A season in Val Thorens, where she worked six days a week, provided the answer she was seeking; she loved the vibrant energy, atmosphere and fun that successful bars generate. And, she was under no illusions about how much hard work this would require.

She’d seen VW camper van bars whilst on holiday in Thailand, and thought that they could be successful in the UK, too. Whilst trawling the internet for information on how to convert the vans into bars, she came across BeetleJuice. Founded in Surrey by brothers, Jonny and Julian, and their friend, Harry, the relatively young company had rapidly expanded their operations in London and were seeking the right franchise partners to take the message (and the VWs and cocktails) on the road. This was a perfect fit for April’s ambitions and, so, beautiful ‘Skyla’ made her way up to the North West.

Hailing originally from Northern Ireland, well, after her birth in Germany, of course, ‘Skyla’ had come perilously close to the scrap heap before eventual rescue and refurbishment. She was then acquired and converted to a bar by the Beetle-Juice boys, and is now restored to an even higher standard than new. She could certainly give both Heidi Klum and Claudia Schiffer a run for their money as Germany’s most beautiful export!

And now, we have the opportunity to meet her, as she makes her way from garden parties to fetes, and from corporate events to weddings, and every other possible party permutation along the way.

April and her crew will be accompanying ‘Skyla’ as she parties across the region; she’s completely self-contained, with her own on-board bar, lights and, of course, sound system! And, because she’s nifty and mobile, she can park up and very quickly begin the festivities just about anywhere. She’s partied on lawns, and in marquees and tepees; on the driveways of houses, and in car parks; in indoor spaces and concourses, too, and she’s even managed to squeeze her gleaming wing mirrors through the, admittedly wider than average, front doors of a house!

Cocktails are Beetle-Juice’s speciality but ‘Skyla’ can be hired to provide whatever beverages the party organiser desires. Fun, though, is not optional and always accompanies April and ‘Skyla’ wherever they go!

Beetle-Juice are guaranteed to draw admiring crowds and appreciative imbibers wherever they go; ‘Skyla’ has a ‘wow’ factor bar none, and April and her team of mixologists and professional bar tenders know exactly how to get the party swinging.

Now, who wants to try that VW cocktail I was experimenting with earlier?

Words by Mark Kureishy

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Food & Drink

GINO brings a taste of Italy to Euston

Called ‘Gino D’Acampo – My Restaurant’, the new venue follows the hugely successful launch, only two months ago, of Gino’s restaurant in Corn Exchange.

T

he 150-cover restaurant includes a cocktail bar, an eat-at kitchen bar and a dining area that extends onto the station’s mezzanine terrace, overlooking the main concourse. The design has a true Mediterranean feel, its use of white marble, washed woods and trademark green leather reflecting Gino’s passion for his homeland of Southern Italy.

Gino’s mission, underpinning the new restaurant, is to serve real Italian food as it should be, while keeping this offering affordable for everyone. No compromises are made, ensuring the use of well sourced, seasonal and artisan ingredients, and utilising his vast range of contacts across the diverse regions of Italy.

The day-to-evening menu is packed full of favourites from Gino’s books and TV programmes. Opening from 7am until 11pm most evenings, Gino D’Acampo - My Restaurant is the perfect place for breakfast meetings, lunch, dinner or an after-work drink. The service is Italian and very efficient for those in a rush. The restaurant has been designed with the needs of a traveller in mind, equipped with mobile charging points, free wifi and washrooms for the exclusive use of customers.

Gino D’Acampo made his first move into premium casual dining when he teamed up with friend and business partner Steven Walker, founder of Individual Restaurants.

Now, Individual Restaurants and Gino have teamed up with SSP, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in worldwide travel locations, to provide Gino’s delicious

and authentic Italian dishes in the travel sector. This complements their ambition to open in prime UK and international locations.

Gino says of the new venture: ’After a year of planning, I cannot wait to welcome guests to My Restaurant at Euston Station. I want to give commuters and local residents a proper taste of Italy. I am so excited to be part of the new food landscape in Euston and every effort has been made to make sure our guests have a truly authentic Italian experience.’

Simon Smith, CEO of SSP UK, added: ‘Gino D’Acampo – My Restaurant at Euston is set to become a must-visit destination for those looking for a bite to eat or a drink on their way home, as well as those who live and work in the area. We’re delighted to be working with Gino and his team to bring authentic Italian cuisine to one of London’s most important stations.’

Hamish Kiernan, Director of Retail at Network Rail said; ‘We are pleased to welcome Gino D’Acampo – My Restaurant to Euston Station. It will not only cater for the 71 million travellers who use the station every year but will also provide more choice for the thousands of office workers and local people who use the station but are not travelling.’

Travelling down to the capital and returning home has just become so much more appetising for us northern commuters. Ciao grazie, Gino!

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | People

TABLE FOR TWO...

With David Smith-Milne, at Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar at the Corn Exchange Our overheated housing market is a constant source of anxiety and hand wringing; nobody appears to have any practical ideas about how to resolve myriad problems around the critical shortage of affordable housing. David Smith-Milne though, is making a positive contribution to the debate, as I found out over lunch in the cosy environs of Salvi’s at the Corn Exchange.

S

alvi’s manager, Giorgio, recommended the soffietti as a starter; it’s the best piece of advice that we’d both received in a long time!

It certainly got us talking.

David was born in 1975, in Johannesburg, South Africa, to English parents. The family returned to the UK three years after David’s arrival, and settled in a council house in Runcorn.

David worked for his electrician father’s business all through his summer holidays, an experience that shaped his entrepreneurial skills. He was also imbued with a strong sense of right and wrong, which informs him to this day.

Once again, Giorgio made the right call as I tucked into a succulent sea bream and David opted for the recommended cavatelli marea. When you do find yourself in Salvi’s, listen to Giorgio!

After leaving Culcheth School, David went on to Newcastle University, to study Countryside Management and Economics. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme had exposed him to the Forestry Commission, where estate management appealed to him. It was to be the first of two significant moments in his life where he felt like an outsider.

He worked throughout his student days to support himself, as opposed to most of his peers, many of whose families had land estates numbered in hundreds of thousands of acres, as opposed to his father’s recent purchase of two and a half acres of Shropshire scrubland.

Though he eventually found his own comfort zone there, he decided that estate management was not for him.

He graduated into a depressed job market, so spent two years labouring in far-flung corners of the land for his

father’s company. An implied understanding that he would eventually succeed his father was broken by this experience, as David realised he wanted to do something else with his life. He was simultaneously trying to manage playing guitar in his band, Swam, and building a home life with his future wife, Jude, in Fallowfield. Something had to give.

Enrolment on an Enterprise scheme for unemployed graduates provided the wake-up call and, realising that his communication and thinking skills were being wasted, newly besuited, he strode out into a new world of work.

He eventually landed up at KPMG, where his second significant epiphany occurred. David quickly realised that, though equal to his peers, it was their network of contacts, built up over a lifetime of the same shared environment that really sealed deals.

He resolved to build his own network and be his own boss. Which is where he is now. He’s the founder and

MD of housing provider, PlaceFirst.

They refurbish and renew old, neglected and desolate housing stock that has become a blight on the community.

Transforming row upon row of empty, often derelict houses into homes worth living in, all of their developments stand comparison with equivalent new-build private for-sale housing. PlaceFirst are also responsible landlords, with competitive rents aimed at families who are in work, but caught in the gap between social housing and first time home ownership. With his own young family playing such a major role in his life, rental housing that families will want to call home, and falls within their affordability range, drives David’s motivation.

As we said ciao to Giorgio and his excellent team, I reflected on our conversation. David’s been extremely successful, but it’s his solid grounding and sincere desire to make a difference to the lives of the families who call his houses ‘home’ that marks him out.

The profit-making motive doesn’t often produce much tangible good for the greater commonwealth of man, but when it does, as in David Smith-Milne’s case, we should celebrate it resoundly.

Our thanks to Giorgio and his team at Salvi’s for their gracious hospitality.

Go to salvismanchester.co.uk for more information and reservations.

Go to placefirst.co.uk for more on how David Smith-Milne and his team are turning houses into homes.

Words by Mark Kureishy

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Private Dining AT ARTISAN MANCHESTER Thanks to its cool industrial-style design and spacious interior, Artisan Restaurant & Bar has three hidden gem, private dining/event spaces for your choosing The Gallery, The Studio and The Drawing Room.

The new Gallery Private Dining Room

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ll three offer a welcome refuge from the bustling bar and restaurant, while still allowing guests to enjoy simple rustic dishes in the relaxed and creative vibe associated with Artisan. The latest addition is The Gallery, a stunning new private dining room. It is the ideal place to make a special occasion even more memorable for your very own select group. The Gallery private dining room can seat 30 people at the table or hold 50 for a more informal seated and standing event.

This will complement the existing Studio private dining room, which boasts a bespoke artwork from legendary cartoonist Tony Husband. Incorporated within the large, recently completed mural, entitled `Partysan` are a mixture of characters who enjoy visiting Artisan, many of whom are in the public eye such as Clint Boon, Rowetta, Chris Gascoyne, Steph McGovern, Naga Munchetty, John Robb, Justin Moorhouse, Ian Puleston-Davies, The Cult’s Billy Duffy...& more. The Studio holds 24 seated and 40 standing. The downstairs Drawing Room bar is yet another perfect party/launch venue for 90 to 120, depending on whether the outdoor terrace is utilised, or 39 for a seated/formal event. www.artisan.uk.com

Salutions Publications | Business & Finance

IT’S A TAXING BUSINESS...

April 6 marks the start of the new financial tax year, making this the ideal time also to spring clean your finances.

This is always a good time to take a look at your budget planning and update this in line with your savings, investments and retirement objectives. Yet again, there are many expected and previously announced budget changes you should be aware of, which will affect both your personal and business finances.

Down to Business! All small business owners should be aware of the upcoming major tax changes for 2016/2017.

Running any small, successful business takes a huge amount of time and effort. You may be so busy trying to run your business that you lose touch with the changing financial landscape, which may have a serious impact on when and how to extract profits tax efficiently.

All small business owners or contractors, who pay themselves with a combination of salary and dividends, will be affected from April 2016. There will be new legislative changes that will replace the old ‘dividend tax’ credit system. There is also a raft of wide ranging changes to levels of interest that can be paid

to an individual, tax free, as well as new limits on tax efficient pension contributions.

With all of these tax changes afoot, it is important that any existing strategy you have in place be given a thorough review!

To accurately calculate your objectives, Kellands has many tools to enable clients to fully understand their current and future monetary position.

For example, our cash flow modelling system provides us with a way of generating a graphical, financial planning forecast, which enables a more accurate forecast of funding future events and how they might impact on the financial budget. Future investments selected can then be accurately measured against these specific later life objectives.

So, ensure you understand any tax changes and how they could impact on your objectives for 2016, and beyond.

Kellands Chartered Financial Planners provides a full advisory service for private & corporate clients on Tax Planning, investments, pensions & mortgages. Please call the team.

Kellands (Hale) Limited.

24 Victoria Road, Hale, Altrincham WA15 9AD

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

The value of investments can go down as well as up.

Past performance is no indicator of future returns. It is your responsibility to ensure you keep up with the monthly payments on your mortgage, otherwise your home may be at risk. This article is correct at time of print, and does not constitute advice. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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SPRING CLEANING FOR YOUR FINANCES Successful people are often so busy in their professional lives that they have little time to deal with their financial affairs. Simply ending up with large amounts of beautifully filed, but meaningless, paperwork.

Our Bin Bag Approach solves this.

Give us ALL of your financial paperwork in a bin bag and we will organise it for FREE. Any unnecessary paperwork will be securely shredded and the important documents returned to you in a smart new file.

We are also offering an Exploratory Discussion, at our expense, to anyone taking up our Bin Bag Approach; where you can start to understand how our unique financial planning approach, The Quantum Programme, might be of benefit to you. The programme has been designed for busy people to help them make the most of their finances and to build on their success.

Make your money work as hard as you do. Today.

Foresight Independent Financial Planning Ltd. 161 Ashley Road | Hale | Altrincham | Cheshire WA15 9SD

0161 926 9350 | hello@foresight-ifp.co.uk | www.foresight-ifp.co.uk

Salutions Publications | Ask the experts

ASK THE EXPERTS Property is moving so fast, how can I get my house move on track?

Janine runs The HomeScout, a home finding service for Manchester and Trafford, and can research, view and shortlist properties that meet your requirements. www.thehomescout.co.uk @The_HomeScout

Guy Kelland of Kellands Chartered Financial Planners. Experts in financial planning.

You need to be in the best possible position to be attractive to sellers when making an offer on a property.

Make sure your mortgage is agreed and your property is on the market.

Get your deposit and fees together, so there are no surprises or delays and be prepared to negotiate on your offer if you've found 'the house'.

I'm thinking of moving to an area unknown to me; what things should I be looking at?

Should I compromise when viewing prospective properties?

Research is essential. Check your commute and travel options. If you have children, research catchment areas and Ofsted reports on local schools. Check online market review information to find out if house prices have been increasing.

Finally, drive around the area at different times to get a feel for how busy or quiet it is and what shops and amenities are available.

You may have to make some compromises to get your desired property. However, be realistic; if you don't have the time (or money) for large-scale improvement work, be honest with yourself and don't buy a full-scale modernisation project! But, do think sensibly; do you really need space that eightseat dining table if there are only two of you, and everything else is perfect with the house?

How big does your estate need to be before you pay Inheritance Tax?

What is the taxable difference between a pension and an ISA?

Can I leave my pension savings to my family?

Currently, each individual has an allowance of £325,000 before inheritance tax is payable. Married couples and civil partners are entitled to double the allowance to £650,000 before tax is payable.

This is known as the Nil Rate Band.

Any assets in an estate above this amount incur an IHT charge of 40%.

Pension funds pay no UK tax on income or capital gains which accrue within the fund. This is the same exemption treatment that savers enjoy within an ISA. The main initial difference is that pension funds are boosted at the outset with an additional tax relief – therefore savers enjoy an increased fund value from the onset.

If your money remains invested in a pension, it can be passed on to your nominated beneficiary when you die, potentially tax-free before 75, but taxable after that.

We strongly urge individuals to seek specialist advice on all financial matters mentioned in these articles.

What would you say were the top three elements to consider when planning a new kitchen?

Tracy Mackey is the Retail Director at truKitchen Wilmslow.

Email: tracy@trukitchen.co.uk

Think about the end goal

Visualise it

First, consider your main objective for the new kitchen space. Does it need to integrate with other areas of the home? What lifestyle needs should the space meet? How will the space be used on a daily basis?

What do you want your kitchen space to do for you that it doesn’t currently do? Come up with a wish list of everything you want.

Do your research – use interior decor books, magazines and online blogs to gather inspiration.

Pinterest is great, too. Collecting photos of the styles you like can really help when it comes to briefing a designer; a picture can often clearly communicate what you may struggle to capture in words alone.

Work with a professional Kitchen designer Working with an experienced kitchen designer is well worth the investment. They will have all of the tools and technology to help you visualise your space. And, because they are used to dealing with a multitude of tradespeople, their expertise can really save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

The advice given by our experts is in no way intended to replace professional advice and is only a guideline in response to individual reader comments. Unfortunately, due to a high volume of queries, our experts are unable to engage in any direct correspondence.

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Education

77%

OF A LEVEL STUDENTS GAINED A*-B GRADES IN 2015

A WIDE VARIETY OF ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

OF STUDENTS GAINED A PLACE AT THEIR FIRST CHOICE UNIVERSITY DESTINATION ATION

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE www.grange.org.uk to find out mo more re about us or to arrange a visit call Visit www.grange.org.uk School) or 01606 74007 (Senior S 01606 77447 (Junior School) School chool and Sixth Form) or email admissions @grange.org.uk 80

VALUE ADDED ON AVERAGE OF OVER HALF A GRADE SUBJECT, PER SUBJEC T, ATT PER PUPIL A A LEVEL JUNIOR SCHOOL AVERAGE VERAGE CLASS SIZE

95%

86%

GAINED A*-A A ATT A LEVEL LEVE IN 2015

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Education

Education news Manchester High School Balance Week

In March, Balance Week at Manchester High School for Girls introduced its 700-plus students and staff to the potential long-term benefits of non-academic activities in an academic environment. To promote a healthy work-life mix, school deputy and pastoral head, Helen Jeys’ brainchild had girls enthusiastically swap their homework at lunchtime for 16 activities, including yoga, Pilates, Zumba, boot camp, knitting, hair and beauty, reading and drama sessions

Endorsed by Professor Caroline Meyer, a psychologist at Warwick University, the MHSG initiative is based on holistic, Aristotelian approaches to education that Helen Jeys holds dear, and knows are invaluable for girls’ future mental health.

Religion and philosophy specialist, Jeys, adds: ’We want students to flourish and reach their potential. Time out and taking one’s foot off the pedal are vital.

We aim to give girls the tools to handle the stresses and anxieties of modern day life. If school encourages ‘me’ time, the message will filter through. Universities and future employers look for wellrounded youngsters with a healthy work and play balance. Our students are aspirational and hard working. They’re also teenagers with common peer and media pressures. Being pro-active and

trying new things will help them realise that life’s about more than just work and future employment. Fun counts, too.’

Reaction throughout the school was positive. Girls felt spoilt for choice. The most popular activities were Zumba and yoga, attended by over 150 pupils, aged from 11-18 years old. Moreover, as the week wore on, those feeling a tad guilty about attending to leisure, and not work, through their lunch-hour, admitted that sense of concern had vanished.

For sixth-former Sarah, Balance Week highlighted her own, and her peers’, constant focus on work and the added importance of looking outside that remit.

She commented: ’It’s easy to lose sight of maintaining your well-being when you’ve a lot of academic pressure. We need to try to strike a balance, to find new experiences. I loved the Clarins demonstration and will definitely incorporate it into my life. I’ll learn to step back; it is important for me.’

It’s clear that Balance Week, like Jeys’ three ‘Blowing your own Trumpet’ themed weeks, promises to become another Manchester High School for Girls’ fixture. It is also reassuring that this school, eighth in The Times’ rankings for the best A-level results nationwide, understands and believes the holistic approach to education is the way forward.

MHSG’s Balance Week activities

Yoga, Drama, Poetry, Zumba, Pilates, Clarins & Yves Saint Laurent Skincare, Relax and Read, Cake Off, Boot Camp, Personal Training, Hair Styling by Fibre, The Big Book Quiz, Music Zone, The Big Sing, Knitting Manchester High School for Girls. Grangethorpe Road, Manchester M14 6HS www.manchesterhigh.co.uk | T: 0161 224 0447 | E: administration@mhsg.manchester.sch.uk Words By Fay Wertheimer

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Salutions Publications | Education

Alderley Girls have the Edge AESG a the top chieved across rankings th the ISI e board in Ins Februa pection ry 2015

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April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

At AESG, we believe in giving girls aged 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18 the best possible opportunities to achieve success, in a secure, focussed and stable environment.

Early Years Taster Morning Wednesday 25 May, 9.30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11.30am Come and see our Nursery and Pre-School in action.

Contact us now to register for this event.

Visit www.aesg.co.uk or call 01625 583028 for more information.

Salutions Publications | Education

Catherine Mayer: Candid and in Manchester

Catherine Mayer, co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party (WEP), renowned journalist and author of that Prince Charles biography returned to her alma mater, Manchester High School for Girls, to deliver Manchester High’s inaugural Founders’ Lecture. Catherine gave a frank, honest insight into the British political system and explained how she and Sandi Toksvig came to found the country’s first feminist party, giving Westminster a much needed wake-up call in the process.

Helena Kilgour, 16 from Bowdon and Tali Fraser, 15 from Stockport

Coinciding with the announcement of WEP candidates for the May elections, Catherine discussed how the party plans to transform their passion for ‘doing politics differently’ into votes. ’We’re not exactly short on ambition.

We want nothing less than to deliver gender equality, both by winning seats and encouraging other parties to either work with us or just nick our policies.

We’re already having an impact, changing the debate and pushing key issues higher up the agenda. And, we’re not the only ones to have noticed this impact. Many national newspapers attributed Downing Street’s recent move on pay transparency to the rising support for the Women’s Equality Party‘, commented Catherine.

The audience on the night included current Manchester High pupils and their families, as well as students from other local schools and colleges, including

Xaverian College in Fallowfield and New Charter Academy in Ashton. Members of Manchester High’s alumnae community were present, as well as representatives from the WEP branches in Manchester, Stockport and Chester.

Claire Hewitt, Head Mistress of Manchester High School for Girls, said: ’Our Founders’ Lecture aims to bring distinguished speakers to school to engage our community in topical debates and, after hearing Catherine Mayer talk about female representation in UK politics, we’ve certainly done just that! ’Manchester High has a longstanding connection to the suffragette movement and the Pankhurst sisters. The work of Catherine and the Women’s Equality Party brings the feminism debate right up to date and we were thrilled to welcome her back to our school and the city of Manchester.’

MGS boys launch national website to give young people political voice

A student at The Manchester Grammar School is hoping to give young people across the UK a voice in politics after setting up his own website.

Year 10 pupil, Daniel Lawes, 14, from Didsbury, has launched the website www.teenpolitics.co.uk, as a platform for teenagers to assert their political views.

Daniel, along with James SullivanMcHale, 15, also from The Manchester Grammar School, was moved to set up the project because of the difficulty young people experience in having their voices heard in politics.

Daniel said: ’At a time when our views often get dismissed by MPs, when only 44% of 18-year-olds voted in the 2010 election and when young people’s voices often go unheard, it is evident that something is wrong. So, I set up the website with the aim of engaging young adults across the country about current affairs, our democratic rights and how parliament works.

’I hope teenagers who are as passionate as I am about certain issues will write articles and share their views with the rest of the UK. I hope that an additional result of the organisation will be that politicians start to listen to us when making decisions regarding our education and well-being.’

Before the website had even been launched, Daniel had many emails from teenagers across the country who wished to write articles and get involved. Local Manchester MPs and MEPs have also given their support to the website. ’The feedback has been astounding’, Daniel added. ’My ambition is that the website will continue to expand and reach out to thousands of teenagers across the UK. By doing so, we can establish a large voice and really communicate our opinions and feelings regarding current

issues in a way we have never been able to before. Hopefully, this will also allow me to communicate my views at the same time regarding issues I feel very strongly about, such as getting 16-year- olds the right to vote, modern day racism, hate crime, LGBT rights and social inequality.’

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Education

Record Results at The Ryleys SODFHV RĆŞHUHG

16 Manchester Grammar School places 8 Scholarships

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April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

01625 583241 theryleys.com

Salutions Publications | Education

Stockport Grammar School Awesome Art

Pupils at Stockport Grammar Junior School have been unleashing their creative sides to produce an array of awesome artwork. After reading Cinderella in class, Year Two pupils made their own version of Cinderella’s skirt by weaving strips of material through their homemade looms.

Visiting artist, Penny Aspinall, held sessions with Year Four pupils, during which they learned how to sketch their designs in pencil before tracing them onto sheets of clear plastic with a marker pen.

They then used different types of thread to stitch over their patterns to give them texture. When the designs were complete, pupils put another sheet of plastic on top and sealed the edges to complete their project.

Educational theatre company, Artful Playground, paid a visit to help pupils explore their musical sides. The group use music, dance and drama to help boost pupils’ confidence and increase their social interaction skills.

Accompaniment from an accordion, soprano saxophone and bass guitar helped bring a selection of fairy tales to life.

Reception pupils invited some very special guests into school to help them with an exciting art project. The children welcomed their grandparents, who were tasked with rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty to help produce an array of artwork.

Working together, the families made colourful paint handprints on canvas before decorating them with glitter, and writing their names on to create a treasured keepsake as a memento of their special day.

North Cestrian Trio of schools to battle it out in The Great Altrincham Bake Off

Students at North Cestrian School, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys and Altrincham Grammar School for Girls will go head-to-head in a battle to be crowned The Great Altrincham Bake Off champion..

North Cestrian launched the competition last year to celebrate the opening of its new food technology kitchens. This year, the school has extended the contest to students of Altrincham to encourage closer collaborations and build stronger links with other schools in the area.

Lee Bergin, headmaster at North Cestrian, said: ’Last year’s competition was a huge success in getting the children enthused about home baking, so we are delighted to be running it again! ’We’re really excited to widen the competition this year and get students from a number of schools involved.

We hope that the involvement of other schools will motivate and challenge our students even more, not least to

give teachers the opportunity to taste lots of fantastic cakes!’

Each school will carry out their own internal competition, open to years 7-10. Three grand finalists will be chosen to come face to face with their opponents, as their final bakes are scored on taste, texture and presentation by a panel of external judges on Wednesday, 6 July.

Emma King, food & nutrition teacher at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, commented on their involvement in the competition: ’Our year 10 students have already begun practising their bakes ahead of our first heat this week. A huge amount of thought and effort has gone into their creations, so I can’t wait to see the finished results!’

Lou Clutton, food technology teacher at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, said: ’We have heard of some fantastic entries from North Cestrian’s first heat, which took place last week, so this has certainly set the bar for our students! All of our entrants are very excited to get started with the internal heats and are going to great lengths to stand out!’

Teachers from North Cestrian School, Altrincham Grammar School for girls with their bake off competitors.

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Echoes of a Mountain Song

The Bridgewater Hall Coming Soon

Saturday 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday 24 April at The Bridgewater Hall Our series ends with a weekend of events celebrating the music and poetry of northern landscapes, including:

The Bridgewater Country Fayre and Folkfest Sunday 24 April from 2.00pm

Join us for an afternoon of traditional North Country culture with free live music, food stalls, fun and games. Free

Get Weaving!

A community opera by Alison Prince & Andrew Keeling Sunday 24 April 6.00-7.00pm We mark the anniversary of the mass trespass on Kinder Scout with a musical story exploring our right to freedom of imagination and raising important questions about how we live today. ÂŁ5

Russell Watson Songs from the Heart Friday 15 April 7.30pm Box Office: 0161 907 9000 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Box Office: 0161 907 9000 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Charity

Beechwood models L-R: Kirsty Cooke, Julie Brammar, Beverley Uddin-Khandakar, and Gary Rafferty.

VIVA LAS VEGAS Hundreds of women enjoyed a Vegas-style ladies’ lunch and fashion show to help raise money for Beechwood Cancer Care Centre.

Images courtesy of; VIPPhotoBooth & Crescent Imaging

T

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L-R: Mike Toolan, Kirsty Cooke, Lee Boardman and Angela Gray

he Viva Las Vegas Ladies Lunch, which was held at The Palace Hotel, Manchester on Friday, March 18, saw four brave Beechwood models take to the stage to take part in the fashion show with the professional models. Cancer survivors Beverley Uddin-Khandakar and Julie Brammar, Kirsty Cooke, who has been given a terminal cancer diagnosis and Gary Rafferty, who’s 43-year-old wife Kirstie passed away last year with a brain tumour, all strutted their stuff to rapturous applause.

The day was hosted by Key 103’s breakfast show presenter Mike Toolan and Beechwood patron and actor Lee Boardman also attended and spoke about his family experiences of cancer.

He said: “I have lost two sisters and my dad to cancer and it was a very dark time for my family. Cancer is the ultimate leveller, it has been an awful experience but sadly one many people have been through. “Beechwood is a fantastic place, and events like this really help to raise so much money, and I would like to thank everyone for helping Beechwood help so many people and their families.”

The event, sponsored by Brown Shipley private banking, Pareto financial services and Eventures, venue dressers, included a drinks reception, three-course meal, shopping, raffle, entertainment from singer Russell Shaun, a burlesque show

by Cirque and fashion show by Fizz Fashion and Selfridges, Manchester. Last year the event raised in excess of £30,000 – which provided ten and a half days of Beechwood services for more than 120 people and it is hoped this year that figure will be exceeded, with the final totals still being counted up.

Beechwood Cancer Care Centre supports people from across the North West with every aspect of their journey with cancer and life limiting illness. The staff and volunteers at Beechwood help patients and their families through the shock of diagnosis and each year the charity supports more than 2,000 people. Fundraising manager at Beechwood Cancer Care Centre, Angela Gray, said: “I would like to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support, the event would not be possible without them. It is amazing to see the courage of our Beechwood models and how support for them radiated through the room. There was not a dry eye! People realise it could so easily happen to them and I would like to thank everyone who attended.”

For more information on Beechwood go to www.beechwoodcancercare.co.uk or if you would like to fundraise email fundraising@beechwoodcancercare.co.uk April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

Salutions Publications | Entertainment

THE ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE Winner of The Stage’s Regional Theatre of the Year 2016, the Royal Exchange Theatre is one of the UK’s leading producing theatres. Situated in the heart of Manchester and set in the glass domes and towering columns of the Grade II listed old Cotton Exchange building, the Royal Exchange is the largest theatre-in-the-round in the country, seating up to 750 people on three levels. Its programme is inspired by the world’s greatest stories and a record number of people experienced their work in the last year, as they continue to do more and more, both on and offstage, to speak to the most diverse audiences in Manchester and beyond.

Following their epic production of King Lear, with Don Warrington, which runs until 7 May, Rebecca Gatward directs the first of five Exchange World Premieres: a new adaptation of Sarah Waters’ captivating novel, The Night Watch. Moving backwards through the devastation of the London Blitz, the threads of five lives are knitted together in a compelling adaptation by Hattie Naylor, which plays in the theatre from 19 May–18 June.

In The Studio, winner of a Judges Award in the 2013 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, Bird, by Katherine Chandler, arrives from 8-25 June.

This beautifully poetic play is a story of two girls, and about growing up outside a family, but inside the fiercest of friendships.

The table tennis tables of a Manchester social club provide the setting for Howard Jacobson’s hilarious coming of age story, The Mighty Walzer, which is an homage to the Manchester of his youth. The world premiere of this impressive new adaptation runs from 30 June–30 July.

Coming up at the beginning of June, The Great Big Noise (with some quiet bits too) throws the Royal Exchange doors open to anybody aged 11 or under, as children stage a takeover of the theatre. With games, crafts, performances and workshops, and loads of different ways to get involved, a full programme of events will be announced very soon. Go to royalexchange.co.uk/greatbignoise for more on this.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved – with Open Exchange for artists and theatre makers, The Young Company, The Elders Company as well as the Theatre Café, a conversation club held in the Great Hall once a month.

As well as a full programme in the theatre and studio, the Royal Exchange has Family Friendly Flying Saucer events every Sunday, free entertainment on a Friday night at SFX, a craft shop, café, bar and restaurant.

Find out the full line up at royalexchange.co.uk, and make sure you visit very soon.

Royal Exchange Theatre | St Ann’s Square. Manchester M2 7DH | Tel 0161 833 9833 April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Entertainment

WHAT’S ON The spring months see some new and exciting productions in theatres, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring Pixie Lott, and Tom the Musical. Favorites such as Tell Me on a Sunday are on stage again and new versions of TV classics, such as Heartbeat, are here for the first time, whilst the wonderful Mamma Mia returns to the city in May. Words by Catherine Reed

DRAMA King Lear Royal Exchange

Fri 1 April – Thu 7 May Shakespeare’s brutal portrait of one man’s unwinding sanity takes us from the heart of power to the cold and barren world of the outsider. It pitches Lear against his children, against nature and even against the universe itself. Michael Buffong and the Talawa Theatre Company return to the Royal Exchange with Don Warrington, following their groundbreaking production of All My Sons.

Bad Jews The Lowry

Tue 5 – Sat 9 April Joshua Harmon’s savage comedy about family, faith, and legacy follows three cousins and their battle over a family heirloom. Grandfather Poppy has died and a priceless family heirloom, a necklace, has to go to someone, but who? A sell-out at London’s St James Theatre and Arts Theatre, this hilariously funny play is described by the Washington Post as ’The funniest play of the year‘.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s The Lowry

Tue 12 – Sat 16 April

Pixie Lott stars as Holly Golightly in this new stage adaptation of Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The novella has been adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize winning Finalist and Tony and Olivier Award-winning playwright, Richard Greenberg, and contains memorable songs from the era, as well as original music by Grant Olding (One Man, Two Guvnors). The play is set in New York in 1943, where Fred, played by Matt Barber, a young writer from Louisiana, meets Holly Golightly, a charming, vivacious and 90

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

utterly elusive good-time girl. Everyone falls in love with Holly, including Fred. There aren’t many songs, as this is definitely a play with music and not a musical, but the couple of songs that Pixie performs are really beautiful.

Selling fast!

The James Plays The Lowry

Sat 23 & Sun 24 April The James Plays are a modern cycle of history plays by award-winning playwright Rona Munro. This vividly imagined trilogy brings to life three generations of Stuart kings who ruled Scotland in the tumultuous fifteenth century. Each play stands alone as a unique vision of a country tussling with its past and future; viewed together they create a complex and compelling narrative on Scottish culture and nationhood.

Heartbeat Opera House

Mon 25 – Sat 30 April For the first time ever, ITV’s popular Sunday evening 60s police drama, Heartbeat, comes to the stage starring members of the TV cast. With the use of video footage and a clever set, the stage show recreates the atmosphere of the 1960s rural Yorkshire settings. Well-known characters, including David Stockwell, Gina Ward and PC Geoff Younger, feature in this stage production with a brand new script.

The Night Watch Royal Exchange

Thu 19 May – Sat 18 June Sarah Walters’ tale of illicit love and everyday heroism is set in the late 1940s. Calm has returned to London and five people are recovering from the chaos of war. In scenes set in a quiet dating agency, a drab cinema

and a prison cell, the stories of these five lives begin to intertwine, and we uncover the desire and regret that has bound them together. Oliviernominated playwright, Hattie Naylor, creates a thrilling and theatrically inventive adaptation of a great modern novel.

MUSICALS End of the Rainbow Opera House

Tue 3 – Sat 7 May

Lisa Maxwell stars as Judy Garland, as she makes her explosive London come back at the height of the swinging sixties. This fiercely funny and emotionally charged play finds the once-glittering star sparring with her new fiancé, her devoted accompanist, and her own demons.

The show is filled with Garland’s legendary tenacity, razor-sharp wit and once-in-a-generation voice, and features songs such as The Man That Got Away, Come Rain Or Come Shine and, of course, Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Gary Wilmot and Sam Attwater also star in this new production.

Jackie the Musical Opera House

Tue 17 – Sat 21 May

Cut to a time before mobiles, online dating and Facebook, when teenage girls waited with bated breath by the letterbox for their weekly issue of Jackie Magazine. In Jackie The Musical, we are taken back to those heady days, and discover the story of a recent divorcée who seeks advice once more from the pages of her old Jackie annuals. The quizzes, the fashion tips, the first-date advice and the Cathy and Claire problem pages are all eagerly devoured by our plucky heroine as she revisits the dizzy world

Salutions Publications | Entertainment

Tom The Musical

The James Plays

NDT2

Laila

of the teen bible. The sound track is a mix of classic 70s idols, such as Donny Osmond, David Cassidy and Marc Bolan.

Tell Me On A Sunday Palace Theatre

Tue 10 – Sat 24 June

Jodie Prenger stars in this iconic musical charting the romantic misadventures of an English girl in New York during the 80s. The show features a wonderful, original score, including the chart-topping Take That Look Off Your Face. After the interval, Jodie will take part in an on-stage ’in conversation with‘, and an audience Q&A session.

Mamma Mia Palace Theatre

Tue 10 – Sat 24 June Set on a Greek island paradise, this story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Mamma Mia has been thrilling audiences all around the world and it’s a brilliant feel-good show for all ages.

Tom The Musical The Lowry

Wed 25 – Sat 28 May Kit Orton stars as Tom Jones in this fabulous production focusing on the early years of his career. We step back in time to the dance halls, working men’s clubs and recording studios of the ’60s where Tom was formed. This inspirational story of self-belief and determination is performed live on stage by a talented cast of actors and musicians featuring hits of the era, including Ghost Riders in the Sky, Spanish Harlem and Lucille, and ending with some of the classic hits: It’s Not Unusual, Delilah and Green, Green Grass of Home.

Laila: The Musical The Lowry

Tue 31 May – Sat 4 June From the creators of acclaimed award-winning musical, Britain’s Got Bhangra, comes a new contemporary musical, Laila. Director and writer Pravesh Kumar, music composer Sumeet Chopra and lyricist Dougal Irvine have come together for a retelling of the greatest eastern love story, Laila Majnu.

DANCE NDT2 The Lowry

Tue 19 & Wed 20 April Artistically directed by award-winning choreographer Paul Lightfoot, NDT2 presents 18 international dancers aged 18-23. There are six fresh and exciting pieces in this mixed repertoire of work, all easily accessible to everyone. The company will delight you with their athletic, funny and stunning performances and the final piece, cacti, is truly wonderful.

ExHIBITIONS & EVENTS After Hours in The Galleries The Lowry

Sat 7 May & Sat 4 June

On the first Saturday of every month, The Lowry keeps the doors to the Galleries open for some fun afterhours activities with music, drinks, special events and art from 5pm to 7.30pm.

Week 53 The Lowry

work in a series of spaces, including areas of The Lowry normally off-limits to the public. Week 53 challenges convention and celebrates creativity.

Find out more at week53festival.co.uk.

FAMILY The Cat in the Hat The Lowry Mon 11 – Wed 13 April Based on the much-loved book by Dr Seuss, this show is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for children aged 3+.

My First Ballet Palace Theatre

Sat 23 – Sun 24 April My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty is an enchanting version of the fairy tale ballet created especially for children aged 3+. From Aurora’s christening in the grand hall of the palace, to her jubilant wedding celebrations, the popular fairy tale comes alive on stage. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous music, this is the perfect introduction to ballet.

Tiddler The Lowry

Tue 24 – Sun 29 May Four of Julia Donaldson’s stories are brought to the stage and woven together with live music, puppetry and a whole host of fabulous characters from Tiddler, The Smartest Giant in Town, A Squash and a Squeeze, and Monkey Puzzle. Great fun for young children and their families.

Thu 28 April – Sun 8 May Week 53 is a festival of innovative and provocative national and international

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Reviews

By John Waddington

FILMS Alice Through The Looking Glass Director: James Bobin

Mia Wasikowska and Johnny Depp return in the sequel to Disney’s hit, Alice in Wonderland. Muppets director James Bobin takes over from Tim Burton as director of Disney’s eagerly anticipated second film inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic stories. Most of the original team are back, plus some new characters.

BOOKS

•

The Sky Over Lima Juan Gómez Bárcena

x-Men: Apocalypse Director: Bryan Singer

Humankind faces destruction at the hands of an immortal mutant in this climax to the latest X-Men trilogy.

Awakening after thousands of years, invincible Apocalypse recruits a team of fellow mutants, including dispirited Magneto, to establish a new world order. Only a team of young X-Men, led by Raven and Professor X, stand in their way.

The Angry Birds Movie Director: Clay Kaytis, Fergal Reilly

The video game phenomenon hits the big screen with this stupid, but hilarious spin-off animation. Jason Sudeikis leads the top-notch voice cast as flock leader, Red, with Bill Hader as the commander of the evil porcine interlopers who arrive on the flightless birds’ island idyll, sparking all-out war.

The Sky Over Lima is Juan Gómez Bárcena’s debut novel, following his 2012 short story collection, The Sleeping. Set against a backdrop of bohemian taverns and social unrest in Peru at the turn of the twentieth century, The Sky Over Lima is a fictionalised account of the remarkable story of how two rich Peruvian would-be poets became the inspiration for a Nobel Prize-winning poet’s best-loved work.

A Country Road, a Tree Jo Baker

When war breaks out in Europe, in 1939, a young unknown writer (actually Samuel Beckett) journeys from his home in neutral Ireland to conflict-ridden Paris and is drawn into the madness. From the bestselling author of Longbourn, this stunning new novel shows how a man’s life and his extraordinary literary gift are permanently shaped in the forge of war.

At the Edge of Summer Jessica Brockmole

The acclaimed author of Letters from Skye returns with an extraordinary story of an unshakeable friendship facing separation in war. This is a sweet and moving love story, told with sensitivity, about the pain of loss and the joy of rediscovery, in which childhood sweethearts meet again under traumatic circumstances.

MUSIC Bonnie Raitt Dig In Deep

An absolute stalwart of contemporary American country and blues, Bonnie Raitt has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was one of only three women to make Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Guitarists list. High praise indeed.

With Dig in Deep, she presents a mixture of covers and original compositions, all in the soulful, homely style for which she is known and loved.

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PJ Harvey

James

The Hope Six Demolition Project

Girl At The End Of The World

Taking inspiration from time spent in Kosovo and Afghanistan with filmmaker and long-term collaborator Seamus Murphy, the recording of PJ Harvey’s ninth album was something of an ‘art project’, with sessions taking place within a purpose-built recording studio behind one-way glass in London’s Somerset House. Of course, this would mean diddly-squat if the music wasn’t up to scratch. Luckily, it is.

An undeniably popular band, and always a big draw at festivals and live shows, James, nevertheless, have never quite broken into the stratosphere of public consciousness, unlike others of their ilk, such as fellow Mancunians, Elbow. This new album doesn’t really do anything to change that state of affairs, which, despite some hummable tunes, lacks the vitality and conviction that they really need.

Gadgets

By John Waddington

Home gadgets, audio gadgets, computer gadgets, phone gadgets.

You name it; we’ve got it in this issue’s gadgets round up Dyson V6 Absolute No one plugs vacuum cleaners in these days. It’s all about cordlesswireless connectivity.

Wires are so last century.

So, in the spirit of uncluttered modernity, Dyson launches the V6 Absolute. If the V6 moniker puts you in mind of gas guzzling sports cars, then you’re on the right lines. This baby is powerful; it spins at a spectacular 110,000 rpm, there are 15 cyclones and the suction power reaches 100 ‘Air Watts’.

And yes, it will make your floors clean. £450 dyson.com

s Libratone Zipp Here’s an idea so good, it’s a wonder all speaker manufacturers aren’t doing it.

360° audio. The Libratone Zipp has a cylindrical speaker, meaning that your music sounds just as good, wherever you are in the room. There is no one correct place to site it. It makes so much sense, but how does the Zipp sound? Well, as you’d expect for a mid price unit, it won’t win any audiophile prizes, but the sleek Scandinavian design just about makes up for that. £233 libratone.com

t HP Star Wars Special Edition Notebook Star Wars fans are famous for being massive collector-heads. If it’s got The Force, they want it. Well, here’s something new to add to the collection. It’s a pretty bog-standard HP laptop with a low-powered Skylake processor, 6GB of RAM and a slow 1TB hard drive.

However, it does have a very natty Death Star inspired paint job, and comes bundled with all the old Star Wars memorabilia you could ever want. £495 store.hp.com

t Choetech 3 Coils Fast Wireless Charger As far as non-essential products go, a wireless charger for your phone has got to take the biscuit. For a start, the unit itself is not wireless - you have to plug it in, then plop your phone atop it. So, why not just plug your phone in?

Anyway, if for some reason you have to have one, you could do a lot worse than the 3 Coils Fast. It looks inoffensive and it charges your (Samsung) phone. Job done. £18.99 amazon.co.uk

s Arcam MusicBOOST If the sound output from your Apple iPhone 6 isn’t quite lighting your fire, maybe you should take a look at the Arcam MusicBoost. You slip your iPhone into its case-like chassis, and the Apple audio output is bypassed, with the Arcam’s dedicated digitalto-analogue convertors coming into play. In reality, this means a very slight improvement in sound quality, but it does double as a handy charger. £120 richersounds.com

s Pioneer xDP-100R There are a few high-resolution audio players on the market now, from the likes of Acoustic Research and Astell & Kern. The prices still tend to be very high though, and this could be a major selling point for the XDP-100R, which comes in at a featherweight £500. This model comes with Tidal, Spotify and Deezer pre-loaded, enabling you to stream directly from the wi-fi connection, as well as up to 432GB of internal storage. £499.99 amazon.co.uk April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

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Salutions Publications | Motoring

DUNE BUG It seems like they’re making ’crossover‘ or SUV versions of pretty much every car you can think of nowadays. Everything from small entry-level hatchbacks to big expensive coupes is getting the treatment - from pumped-up ride height and rugged body kits to complicated four-wheel drive systems and computerised handling options.

t’s got to the point today where you can buy a turbo V8 coupe (the insane BMW X6M) or even a luxury convertible (the new Range Rover Evoque convertible) that is capable of proper off-roading, although their owners seldom, if ever, put this to the test.

I

Words by Oliver Chesher

If you think about it, the car that might take the credit for starting this trend could be the Volkswagen Beetle.

Way back in the 1960s, the Baja Bug was a modified VW Beetle that was capable of serious all-terrain action.

First created to handle the beaches and deserts of Southern California, these freaky monsters had massive wheels, bouncy lifted suspension and more power.

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In homage to this trailblazing off-roader, Volkswagen has introduced for 2016, the new Beetle Dune.

Designed with recognisable 21st century crossover details, such as contrasting wheel arches and higher ground clearance, this new mode (in coupe and convertible versions) is a completely redesigned Beetle that evokes the spirit of adventure and go-anywhere character of the original Bajas.

April/May 2016 | salutions.co.uk

Unlike its ‘60s forbears, the 2016 Dune isn’t stripped out and souped-up like a racing beach buggy. Don’t expect it to have four-wheel drive or any extra traction control systems, because it isn’t really intended as a proper off-roader. It can handle bumpy dirt roads perfectly well, but VW lovers wanting to go mud plugging will have to look to the highly capable Tiguan, or its bigger brother, the Touareg, for that. But nobody buying the Beetle Dune will expect it to outperform a Land Rover, so it’s unfair to judge it on that basis.

As an exercise in style, it works a treat. It offers something a bit different, and I’m all for that. It’s much more interesting to look at than the Mini Countryman, and a lot less conservative than the Fiat 500X. And not only does it look great, but you can spec it to be every bit as fancy as its close relation, the Golf. You can even have 220 horsepower and a 400-watt Fender sound system if you so desire.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed ahead of the spring launch, but we expect it to start in the twenties, with a small, but justifiable premium, over the price of the standard Beetle.

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