Stockport Source Issue 10

issue ten

WELCOME ...to issue ten As we are a magazine that hits the streets every five weeks, issue ten marks our first birthday. 12 months ago we launched Stockport Source with a Rylan Clark interview, the man who was preparing to switch on the Merseyway Christmas lights. This year it’s Collabro, a altogether more up-market choice you might think but that probably won’t matter to the Stockport public. The big switch on has become the town centre’s busiest day of the year... by miles.

An astonishing 14,000 people flooded in last year, as Paul Taylor explains in his Lights round-up on page 5. True to form, The Old Town - under the auspices of the Portas Group - are putting on an alternative version in the market place, so check that out. Speaking of the market, when you’re buying your presents. There’s the Handmade Market (the 3rd Sunday of the month), the Vintage Village (2nd Sunday) and the next Record & Book Fair is on Sunday 7th December. Try not to buy everything online this year, if we keep some of our cash in the area, the area will benefit.

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News

Turning on the lights

6-7

Fashion

Classy cardigans

10-11

George Ezra

The boy with the No.1 album

12-13

Tom Yam

Poynton’s Thai expands

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The Christmas Do

How to survive the office party

16-17

Business Awards

Stockport’s best rewarded

18-19

Fringe Christmas

Plans for an alternative event

20

Education

Student accommodation

22-23

Travel

The coolest hotels in the Alps

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What’s On

Days out in November

31

Music

The best of the new releases

Stockport Office 0161 244 9896

Publishing Director Editor Advertising Photographer

Paul Taylor Paul Day Carole Jones Matt McNulty

07901 557788 07981 086684 07946 937393 07757 287285

paul@shoutmediauk.com paul.day@shoutmediauk.com carole.jones@shoutmediauk.com signol1000@ntlworld.com

Wilmslow Office 01625 541106 www.stockportsource.com @StockportSource Stockport Source

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news

LIVE STOCKPORT PREPARES FOR LAUNCH

THE STOCKPORT LINE-UP COLLABRO Winners of Britain’s Got Talent 2014 and specialising in musical theatre, the group’s debut album Stars was released in August and debuted at number one in the UK. They start a sellout UK tour with BGT runner up Lucy Kaye in January.

JERMAINE JACKMAN 19 year old winner of the voice 2014. He landed a £100,000 record contract and his first top 40 hit earlier this year and was mentored by Will I AM. He sings his own blend of Hip Hop, R&B and soul and his ambition is to play for the Prime Minister.

Panto Stars CHRISSIE ROCK, TED ROBBINS and CBBC’s GARY DAMER will be appearing at the Stockport Plaza in Cinderella which starts on 5th December.

BAILEY MC CONNELL 15 Year Old Singer Songwriter who made the semi finals of BGT 2014

O

ur older readers will remember it as Yates’ Wine Lodge while the younger ones might know it as Bambooza but as we went to press on this issue it was preparing for a new life as Live Stockport. This grand old building in the Market Place is being ressurected by Yacoub Naber who will operate it as a music and sports venue, offering live music three nights a week and showing major sporting events as they happen. “We’re speaking to promoters at the moment and we will aim to put on a major act at least once a month.

The idea is that we will put on local bands on a Thursday - there are a lot of very good bands in Stockport at the moment - and have a bigger act and probably a covers band over the weekend.”

We’ll report back in the next issue, when the venue is up and running.

NEW ATTRACTIONS IN STOCKPORT

I

t’s all change in Stockport’s museums over the next couple of weeks, with new exhibitions being set up at Stockport Story and The Hat Works. We covered the Saints and Sinners exhibition in our second issue and now that is being replaced by Keep The Home Fires Burning which will also run for a year at Stockport Story in the Market Square. The exhibition opens on 11th November and explores the impact of World War I on Stockport along with remarkable stories of courage bravery and sacrifice.

“Every family in Stockport was touched by the war in some way. Diaries, letters and personal objects collected specifically for this exhibition and displayed for the first time reveal remarkable stories of courage bravery and sacrifice.”

Over at The Hat Works, the Making Headway exhibition is being refreshed, with a brand new collection of hats going on show from 20th November. The new hats have been designed by the same 13 milliners behind the original creations, some of which are shown here at the St Mary’s Church catwalk show that originally launched Making Headway.

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HARRY MONDRYK The 17 year old made the semi Finals of BGT 20110 as one third of ReConnected and had two top 40 hits. Now signed to a major label his first solo single is expected in 2015 EVER YOUNG Ever Young are two boys and two girls who write their own songs and choreograph their own dance routines. Their new single Icy Blue is available on ITunes MR ZIP Famous for his single ‘Where’s my Keys, Where’s My Phone?” on Britain’s Got Talent, he’s sure to get the crowd going.

news

TRIPPING THE LIGHT FANTASTIC Our Big Cheese Paul Taylor has been to way more than his fair share of Christmas light switch-ons with Imagine FM. Here he examines the phenomena.

I

t’s nearly that time again, when we wait with anticipation to see who, or in some cases what, will be switching on our Christmas Lights.

It’s fair to say I have been involved in quite a lot of light switch-on events over the last few years (I reckon I’ll soon be in triple figures) and it’s been interesting to see what local communities, retailers or business groups do to celebrate this institution. What motivates us to wrap the kids up and drag them out sometimes in a blizzard, sheeting rain or even a -8° temperature (all of which I have experienced) and stand alongside hundreds of people waiting to celebrate the BIG switch on?

It could be an A-list star, a novelty act, a great singer, an X Factor loser, a Corrie celebrity, a laser light show, a dancing robot, animals, a choir, someone’s dad dressed as Santa or - the least favourite - someone from the council. Either

way, it works. We come out in droves and show our support for what signifies the start of the retailers’ most important trading season.

Christmas lights became popular back in Victorian times when it was deemed cool to light your trees with candles strapped to the branches. Thankfully, things have moved on and these days we have super bright LED lights that have made creations limitless, if you can think of it, they can build it, which is good as I don’t think the old candle thing would get through health and safety these days!

With more and more investment on lighting, theming (and reality TV shows), each year the expectation gets higher and the bar is raised.

In recent years many of the Stockport villages have taken a traditional approach including Wilmslow with a Victorian theme and Alderley with simple Family Fayre (and free food!). Bigger centres like Merseyway in Stockport have simply grown and grown. Two Years ago ‘Steps’ re-united to set the record crowd at 9,000 only for it to be smashed last year by Rylan Clark at 14,000. With two big screens added in for good measure this years could be even bigger with the winners of Britains Got Talent ‘Collabro’ along with the winner of the voice ‘Jermaine Jackman’.

Then of course there is the ‘Santa’ question; How do you use him and who is going to be him. Many centres do choose to simply ignore the big man as it could be deemed to be confusing for the kids, others have had more than one! (easily done when the rotary or round table sleigh arrives).

Overall there is a central bond that ties us all together. Even if there is no big stage or glittering stars, it’s about what works for your community. A night when the kids can go crazy and we can all sing along to Mariah’s All I Want For Christmas.

Many centres view it as a time to offer something back; whether it’s free food at Alderley or a spectacular free show. It’s a tradition that will run and run and hopefully continue to keep me ‘on my toes. So I’ll be off to unpack the plunger and the snow machines and hopefully you can join us at one of the offerings in the area.

Stockport Merseyway: Wednesday 12th November from 4.30pm Collabro, Jermain Jackman, Bailey McConnell

Light Up Bramhall: Saturday 6th December

Stockport Market Place:

Wilmslow: Saturday 28th November Santa and the Reindeer parade

Friday 28th November 7pm

Gatley: Saturday 6th December

Marple: Wednesday 10th December

Alderley Edge: Thursday 21st November from 6pm Denise Welch and Santa Wythenshawe: Saturday 15th November from 3.30pm Amelia Lily with Ever Young and Mr Zip

ALEX WINS BRAMHALLʼS GOT TALENT

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year old Alex Lees (pictured top right just after beng announced winner), who finished third in the competition last year, took first spot and the £500 prize this time around.

and Mr Zip from Britain’s Got Talent, who got the crowd rocking with the seminal ‘Where’s My Keys, Where’s My Phone’ Mr Zip also sang his new song ‘What Time Is It Mr Zip’.

Sponsored by Mosley Jarman and organised by the Bramhall Together Trust, nearly 50 contestants performed on the Imagine FM stage and drew another impressive crowd for Bramhall’s Got Talent 2014.

Despite the name, the competition is open to aspiring stars from acoss the region and it looks like Bramhall might have to up its game next year. The top three were: Alex Lees, age 14, from Duckinfield Lilly Hill, age 11 from Macclesfield Daisy Willock, age 20 from Cheadle Hulme

Singers, dance acts, magicians and martial arts experts showed off their talents and there were two special guest appearances; last year’s winner Henry Gallagher

photos courtesy of Ian Cartwright at Caramel Photography

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BUTTON IT!

Long Open Fronted Cardigan, £59.95 from Joules, Wilmslow

Maxi cardigan £48 from Next

Graphic Edge Cardigan - £49 from Debenhams

Nümph Akari Knit £64.95 from Eternal Envy, Heaton Moor & Stockport

Mustard cardigan £22 from Tu at Sainsburys 6

fashion

Navy zip cardigan, £45 from Twiggy for M&S

Starley Cardigan £49.95 from White Stuff

The temperature seems to have dropped 20° since our last issue, so here are some cardies you might want to think about

b.young Petra cardigan £59.99 from Modiste, Bramhall

Black maxi cardigan, £39 from Miss Selfridge Only Ava Cardigan £35 from Bank Fashion 7

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TOM YAM

THAI RESTAURANT

Tom Yam: Fountain Place, Poynton SK12 1QX 01625 879577 www.tomyam.co.uk

W

hen we brought you news of the newly-opened Tom Yam late last year Poynton was going through a metamorphosis. Waitrose had opened and the “shared space” road scheme was the talk of town planners across the country. We suggested “ Poynton is going a bit Didsbury.”

A year on from that and there’s nothing to change our view there. Robinsons have completely overhauled the famous Farmers Arms; the award winning Bollington Brewing Company opened its third pub, The Cask Tavern, on Park Lane and a three-day music festival has just been held across a dozen venues in the village. So Poynton is continuing it’s surge and our return visit firmly established that Tom Yam is at the forefront of this momentum.

At some point during the past 12 months a beautifully conceived outdoor seating area has appeared, making the restaurant an absolute focal point at the junction and yet - because of the idiosyncrasies of the traffic scheme - it allows any diners choosing to sit outside to remain a comfortable distance from the traffic.

Not that this external area is the restaurant’s only improvement since our first review. A much more significant development has recently been unveiled to an invited assembly of local VIPs, namely, an entirely new floor. When owner Matt Quinn showed us around his restaurant last year, he allowed us a quick peek at the first floor, with the comment: “and if we do well, we can expand up here”. It would be not be understating things to say that the first floor was in a bit of a state and only the most optimistic of operators would prepare for opening a restaurant by speculating on how to further invest in it, but that is what Matt did and now, that is what Matt has done.

The Tom Yam website still makes the innocent claim “We have a capacity for 60 people inside, Thanks to this, you’ll always be able to enjoy a delicious meal at Tom Yam.” Well 60 people was the original configuration and, as it turned out, the success of the restaurant demanded an expansion so that walk-up customers could continue to be relatively confident of getting a table.

The first floor has added an extra 50 covers to the total, although the feature staircase that has been

Images of the newly opened first floor area at Tom Yam, with two views of the ground floor, far right. The bottom image shows the new staircase structure, halfway down the room

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eating

created on the ground floor has eaten up some seats from the original scheme. Whilst this would ordinarily be a mild annoyance, Matt and interior designer Anna Mitchel-Waring have turned it to something of an advantage. The large ground floor room is now broken up, allowing the creation of more cosy areas which will be further enhance with the introduction of banquette seating along the rear wall. To fit under the staircase itself, Matt is commissioning a bespoke wine cabinet which will be a significant feature in its own right.

Upstairs enjoys its own bar and banqueted alcove seating along both side of the room, making it easy for people to enjoy some privacy while maximising the space to its fullest.

Obviously, Tom Yam has done everything right since it opened its doors last year and the secret to its success is a simple marriage of very good food, lovely staff and a nice environment. In Poynton, Matt has enlarged the environment.

He now has his sights set on a new location for a second restaurant. You’ll just have to watch this space.

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BE PART OF OUR WINNING TEAM Stockport Source and Wilmslow Magazines have rapidly become the area’s leading lifestyle publications and our growth has meant we are now looking for another

SALESPERSON If you want to be your own boss, dictate your own income and work your own hours why not drop us a line?

info@shoutmediauk.com

partying

AN OFFICE PARTY GUIDE

I

f you work for a large or medium-sized company who bestow the gift of a Christmas party on its workforce, then the chances are it will be fully organised by now. If you haven’t been told what’s happening then we’d guess that a) the person responsible for it is keeping quiet because you lot will only moan about their choice of venue like you do every year, or b) it’s not been booked and you’ll be squashed into a pub or - worse case scenario - you’re having it in the office.

So regardless, you have to accept that the writing’s on the wall and at some point in December you’ll be expected to put on a brave face and make merry with your colleagues. Last issue we offered tips on organising such an event, this time around we will suggest ways of surviving it. And, because their space-filling contribution was surprisingly popular, we have again asked the “internet forum of semi-respectable people in mostly gainful employment” for some pointers.

Unfortunately most of their advice was how to avoid the event rather than survive it, but still...

Do get all of your charming stories to senior personnel out of the way during the meal. Then give them a wide berth. - Crunchie

Don’t start necking Jagerbombs before the starter has even arrived. - The Doctor Don’t be the first to leave, wait until you have a critical mass of early leavers and attach yourself to their group - Donkey Wan

These people hate each other

FAO middle management: Do buy a round of drinks for your team Do spend most of the night with them Don’t spend the night brown-nosing the senior management - Fuggah Do pay attention to the dress code. Women seem to put a lot of effort into dressing up for their Xmas Party. It doesn’t go down well if you turn up in the same T-shirt and jeans you’ve been wearing all day.

- Carlo Sartorial Don’t be the last person propping up the bar, ordering shots and growling at passers by. Or being put to bed by work colleagues. This will be talked about for years afterwards. - Crunchie

Do not become a sex fiend, or bring sexual references into conversations.

Avoid suggesting lap dancing bars to the director of Human Resources.Crunchie

Don’t discuss work and work politics... not until the boss has downed the first bottle of wine anyway - Donkey Wan Don’t leave before the raffle. If you win and you’re not there to collect your prize people will know you sneaked out early and they’ll give your weekend in Barcelona to some French bloke who’s only been there two months and you’ll also get slagged off by your missus. - Carlo Sartorial Do keep your composure, bite your lip if you have to.

And always remember that these people are not your mates, they are potential competitors and in some cases backstabbers. - Crunchie Of course, some people are just miseries: This year the free drink is limited to wine with dinner, so I’ll be leaving straight after that, with a bottle under each arm - Armitage Shanks

Business of the Year (Over £5m)

Business Person of the Year

Best International Trade Company

Dave Meredith of NatWest Bank with the winning Allied Bakeries team and Chelsea Norris

Andrew Baggott of Clarke Nicklin with winner Alasdair Gleed of DJS Research

Andrew Bellamy of MAN Diesel with winners Paul Darlington of Hughes Safety Showers

The Award for Developing Young People

Employer of the Year

Business of the Year (£1-5m)

Darren Ashcroft from Ashcroft Creative Design with winners Cheshire Scaffolds

Debbie Fennell of Stockport College with Nicola Ryan and Kerry Rands of Rowlinson Knitwear

Tony Jones of Orbit Developments with winners DJS Research

Business of the Year (Up to £1m)

Most Promising Young Business

Lorraine Lockie, Gorvins Solicitors with Jo RowboNick Pendlebury from Leemic with Suresh Raje Urs tham & Cathy Bates from winners Essential Personnel and Srini Sundaram from winners Indian Tiffin Room

Independent Retailer of the Year Paul Harrison with winners Lord of the Pies

Most Innovative Business

Young Business Person of the Year

Best Not for Profit Organisation

Richard Higginson, Marketing Stockport & Peter Smith from the winning Innova Design Solution

Scott Herbert of Clarke Nicklin with winner Nick Rose from Midshire Business Systems

Sean Hickey of Inspired Recruitment with the winning Borough Care Team

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AWARDS CELEBRATE THE BEST OF STOCKPORT

T

his year’s Stockport Business Awards proved to be a resounding success as they recognised the achievements of the town’s biggest and brightest companies.

Over 340 of Stockport’s leading business figures attended the event at the Hallmark Hotel to celebrate the 2014 winners and help to raise money for this year’s chosen charity The Together Trust.

Andrew Baggott, MD of Clarke Nicklin Chartered Accountants, sponsors and organisers of the Awards, said:

business

“After the success of the previous two years the Stockport business community has really embraced the awards. The event was really exciting and with a record number of entries we knew we had a shortlist to be proud of. The event quickly sold out so we were expecting another great night and we weren’t disappointed!”

The Stockport Business Awards is an event for businesses by business; Clarke Nicklin are main organisers, with Gorvins Solicitors, Orbit Developments and NatWest being headline sponsors of the event since its inception in 2012.

Cllr Sue Derbyshire with Melissa Johnson, collecting the special recognition award on behalf of Tom Hogg

The Special Recognition Award Tom Hogg, co-founder, CDL Sponsored by SMBC Tom Hogg is a Stockport businessman who has created a thriving group of companies that have enjoyed tremendous national success. A true entrepreneur, Tom founded CDL in 1977 with his wife Jessica, initially running the IT company out of their front room.

From these humble beginnings, Tom went on to win a major corporate contract to implement an international IT system for Brother. In the late 1970s, he spotted the opportunity to transform the insurance sector through technology and this has remained the core focus of the company ever since.

Today, CDL is a multi-million pound business, whose customers are amongst the most efficient and profitable in the industry.

Indeed, anyone who has ever purchased their car insurance online or over the phone will have interacted with CDL’s software at some point, and the company remains at the forefront of innovation using telematics and mobile technology.

This success has seen CDL grow to employ a workforce of over 470 skilled people, creating a range of skilled IT jobs, with employment opportunities including apprenticeships, graduate placements and experienced people.

Beyond this, Tom has remained committed to investing in Stockport, for example, establishing the CDL Fund in partnership with Forever Manchester, and supporting a range of community initiatives through this. He continues to look ahead to the future, last year launching an ambitious construction project to expand the company’s headquarters and create a state-of-the-art business campus at Kings Reach. It looks set to provide the platform for success for many years to come.

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events

THE STOCKPORT OLD TOWN F

A

t the end of August there was a definite buzz in the air around Stockport Old Town as the first ever Fringe Festival took place over three days. Supported by Stockport’s Portas Pilot, the event attracted thousands of people to the area, not just from around Stockport but from all over the North West, to experience an eclectic mix of live music, dance, comedy, street theatre and specialist markets.

Joe Barratt from Seven Miles Out Arts Centre, one of the organisers of the Fringe Festival, said “We got great positive feedback from the Festival. The family friendly atmosphere at Foodie Friday and the Sunday Festival of Markets brought a smile to everyone’s faces and there was a real sense of community which is what we need in Stockport Old Town to bring everyone together.

“Lots of people came to the Fringe every day and said they’d like to see alternative events like this in The Old Town more often. That’s why we decided to put a seasonal twist on the event and organise the Festive Fringe which will take place from Friday 28th November to Sunday 30th November to herald the start of the countdown to Christmas.”

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events

N FESTIVE FRINGE WEEKEND Friday 28th November The success of Foodie Friday in the Market Place, every last Friday of the month, which now regularly attracts over 700 people to eat, drink and enjoy live entertainment has proven that there is a real appetite for cultural events that bring the community together in Stockport Old Town. At this especially Festive Foodie Friday there will a Christmas lights switch on lead by the panto stars from Cinderella at The Plaza and live music to get everyone rocking around the Christmas tree. Wrap up warm as there will be outside entertainment with fire jugglers from Circus House demonstrating their skills and lighting up the night sky. Foodie Friday starts at 6pm, the lights switch on will be at 7pm and the entertainment will continue until around 9pm.

Over in Seven Miles Out Art Centre on the Market Place, there is another chance to enjoy an evening of traditional Irish music with first-class musicians whipping up a frenzy of fiddle and flute. During the Fringe Festival the Irish music night proved so popular, people were up their feet dancing a jig fuelled by a glass or two of Stockport Old Town which was a limited edition bottled beer supplied exclusively for the Festival by Robinsons Brewery. This time there will be another exclusive bottled beer called Stockport Old Town Festive courtesy of Robinsons who are the headline sponsor of the Festive Fringe.

Saturday 29th November Bring the family down to Stockport Market to pick up all your Christmas shopping essentials. There will be a festive feel with live music in and around the Market Square to get you into the mood. In Seven Miles Out Arts Centre there will be a range of free ‘Crafty Christmas’ art workshops with some great ideas for giving a personal touch to your cards and presents this year.

The workshops are suitable for all ages so why not see how creative you can be?

In the evening it’s the return of the popular Mojo Bravo Comedy Night showcasing up and coming names on the comedy circuit. Over the last few months Mojo Bravo have established a great night at Seven Miles Out with hilarious Edinburgh Preview shows from Lost Voice Guy, Chris Turner and Danny McLoughlin. Vikki Stone appeared fresh from the Fringe with her sell-out show and almost brought the false ceiling down in the intimate venue with her saucy comic songs.

Sunday 30th November The Fringe Festival of Markets proved a great success with the specialist markets joining forces with the regular indoor market to offer everything under the one glass roof of the Victorian Market Hall. The ‘Festive’ Festival of Markets is a great opportunity to get stocked up for Christmas where you can find unique gift ideas from The Handmade Market, The Teenage Market, Vintage Village and Stockport Indoor Market.

Animating this unique shopping experience will be the performers from Circus House who will be providing some eye-popping entertainment in the form of a Victorian theatrical circus show inside the Market Hall complete with acrobatics, illusions and trapeze.

Circus House proved massively popular at the Fringe Festival with their jawdropping performances and have-a-go workshops attracting young and old alike. There will be another chance to get involved with free circus skills workshops running throughout the day.

The Market Square will also feature the spectacular sellotape sculptures made by Brin Morris of the Artism Art Society who will be giving them a festive theme. Sunday’s event will also have live music and entertainment in the Market Square with quality food and drink on offer so that you can make a full day of it.

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education

STUDENTS SQUEEZED AS ACCOMODATION BECOMES SCARCE

T

he vast majority of students who plan to start at University next year will still be mulling over their destination of choice. Some will be determined to study close to their home town, others may want to spend three years in London but most will still be vaccinating between three or four options.

The grand tour of Open Days has finished. Prospective students have sat in lecture theatres and been told what a marvellous course this is and what a wonderful university we are but, as well as the question of academic excellence, the student may also want to seriously consider where they are going to live.

The importance of this question has been highlighted by the recent revelation that some Universities are suffering from a chronic shortage of accommodation and resorting to putting bunk beds into single rooms, with students unaware of the arrangements until they arrived.

The shortage can be explained by the fact that the Government have removed the limit on the number of places Universities can offer. As such an extra 30,000 students have turned up to start their courses this year - the maximum increase allowed for 2014 - but as of next year the limit will be removed entirely.

is in Southampton, an inconvenience the University are mitigating by giving each student £550 towards transport costs.

So while it is obviously very important to check how your prospective University is planning on coping with the even greater influx of students next year, bear in mind that the flipside of this issue is that there are some very impressive student accommodations under development, to the extent that you might be tempted to consider a University that wasn’t originally on your radar Last year the University of Salford began the construction of a new £81m student accommodation complex as part of a multi-million pound investment programme to redevelop the campus. The apartments at the heart of the campus will provide 1,367 modern study bedrooms with en suite facilities.

Each apartment will have its own kitchen and lounge and the complex will contain a cinema, gym, TV and games room, group study lounges, onsite shops, restaurants and cafés. It will be open to students next year.

Major new developments have also been announced in Newcastle and Aberdeen but these will not come to fruition before 2016.

Because this announcement was sprung on the Universities, many have not been in a position to accommodate the extra numbers and it is clearly a problem that will take some time to overcome.

A BBC report found the universities of Bristol, Aberdeen and Winchester were particularly badly affected. At Aberdeen, up to 300 were sent to hotels while at Winchester over 150 were without places in halls of residence at the start of term. These people have now been housed, although some of the accommodation

Artist impressions of the £81m development at the University of Salford

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travel

HOTEL NEVAÏ VERBIER, SWITZERLAND Situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters, Verbier is surrounded by more than 400 kilometers of slopes for skiers of all levels. Its boutiques, restaurants and world-famous après-ski social life make this gorgeous village one of the most exclusive and exciting European ski destinations, with Hotel Nevaï at the center of trendsetting.

The stylish Alpine resort’s 33 rooms—with southfacing balconies and two spectacular Penthouse Suites—are each equipped with luxurious amenities, such as Egyptian cotton bedding, Elemis bath products, and magnificent views of the Alps. Without leaving the grounds, guests can enjoy the perfect evening: dinner at the Nevaï Restaurant—featuring an open kitchen, flawless bar, and live DJ—followed by a digestif or glass of champagne at the cozy Nevaï Bar, before finally heading to the dance floor at the famous Farm Club—the place to see and be seen in Verbier for over forty years.

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HOTEL ZHERO ISCHGL/KAPPL, AUSTRIA Why go to the Alps? For the fresh air, the panoramic views, and the rush of adrenaline that comes with careering down the slopes? Or for the aftermath of those mountain adventures: sitting by a fireplace, drink in hand, preparing to head out for dinner or the sauna? Experience the best of both worlds at Hotel Zhero - Ischgl/Kappl.

Incorporating Tyrolean tradition and upscale, innovative architecture, the hotel combines smart contemporary design with the comfort of home.

Stay in one of 78 rooms and suites, including nine junior suites and four penthouses with private butler service, and dine at Zhero Open Grill, Kappl’s first a la carte restaurant, where executive chef Klaus Brunmayr serves a mix of regional and international cuisine. The nearby Ischgl resort beckons with 38 kilometers of pristine powder and its infamous après-ski parties.

GO SKI

travel

The Summer’s over so while we’re featuring knitwear in our fashion pages, here we’re showing off at some of the most stylish places to base yourself if you’re planning a skiiing trip in Europe this Winter.

All hotels can be booked via: www.designhotels.com/holidays_away

HOTEL DES TROIS VALLÉES COURCHEVEL, FRANCE The first post-war hotel on Courchevel, Hotel des Trois Vallées (meaning three valleys hotel) is situated at the foot of the resort’s world-class ski slopes. At the time of its construction in the 1950s, post-war modernists contemplated a new way of mountain living—this landmark hotel came to epitomize just that. With its recent renovation, this spirit of Hotel des Trois Vallées has been carefully preserved, including most of the hotel’s original furniture by the likes of Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouvé, and Pierre Paulin. These iconic designs greet guests at a lobby that opens out to the bar and dining room that serves traditional cuisine. The spa, with sauna, Turkish bath, and a large Jacuzzi, is awash in natural materials and is a great showcase of modernist mountain design

COPPERHILL MOUNTAIN LODGE, ÅRE, SWEDEN On the very top of Sweden’s picturesque Mount Förberget, more than 730 meters above sea level, rests an idyllic getaway. With the warmth of a mom-and-pop operation and the thrilling custom design of master architect Peter Bohlin, the Copperhill Mountain Lodge is a gem in Sweden’s snowy mountains. Known for his work on the iconic Apple stores, Bohlin has succeeded in making the hotel’s 112 earth-toned guestrooms feel lustrous and comfortable as well as invitingly private. Guests can take in 360-degree views of the Jämtland mountains through large bay windows. The summer season in the Nordic wilderness offers a chance to experience the crisp air and spectacular bright nights whilst enjoying strolls and hikes in the mountains and lush forests. In winter, Åre’s renowned Alpine ski area, the largest in Scandinavia, is just beyond the doorstep, and ski-in/ski-out access makes exploring everything as simple as strapping on a pair of skis.

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homes

• • • • • • • • • •

5 bedrooms dressing room 3 bathrooms reception rooms study breakfast kitchen utility room cloakroom & separate w.c. double garage EPC rating D

NORTHWOOD, TOWERS ROAD, POYNTON

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orthwood stands at the head of a long gated driveway off one of Poynton’s most sought after roads. A private road close to the village centre and yet a quiet setting bordering open countryside and close to footpaths and bridleways leading into the Peak Park This fine bespoke house stands within nearly half an acre of Italianate landscaped gardens and was built only 12 years ago. The impressive portico entrance opens via double doors to an entrance vestibule with a superb herringbone oak block floored hallway beyond featuring a galleried landing and a splayed oak staircase.

The flooring extends into a cloakroom with a w.c. and, to the left of the hall, a well proportioned formal dining room. The principal rooms all have double doors from the hall and there is a Neville Johnson fitted study to the front, again with herringbone oak flooring. The double length drawing room lies off to the right of the hall, has a dual aspect and a deep fireplace recess with a stone finish fireplace and a living flame gas fire. French doors open to the westerly facing rear gardens. A door leads through to the family room with walnut finish flooring, two doors flanking the staircase leading though from the main hall and French doors open to the rear garden and terracing. The contemporary breakfast kitchen has sleek finish cupboards with granite tops, an appliance garage and a central

island, integrated stainless steel finish Bosch and Neff appliances and a utility room lies off, again with fitted appliances and internal access to the double garage with twin electrically controlled doors. On the first floor the galleried landing has an oak balustrade and a study area to the front. The master bedroom has a well appointed bathroom with an over bath shower and beyond the bedroom is a large fitted dressing room with cupboards and drawers finished in limed oak.

The guest bedroom has en-suite access to the house bathroom with a separate shower, double ended bath and a door from the landing. Bedroom 3 has fitted wardrobes and ‘Jack & Jill’ access to an en-suite shower room shared with bedroom 4, also a double with fitted wardrobes. The 5th bedroom forms an attractive nursery or single bedroom. A substantial ‘Slingsby’ style pull down staircase with a handrail gives access to the second floor games room/study or cinema room.

The gardens are superbly landscaped with a dwarf walled lawned garden and deep rear terrace for the evening sun and alfresco dining. A lower features box hedges, a pond and a hidden garden store. There are gated side paths and a profusion of specimen trees, shrubs and bushes.

Guide Price £920,000 Contact: Jean Pilkington at Savills Wilmslow 01625 417454

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homes

• 5 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • 4 reception rooms • kitchen opening into orangery living room • oak panelled hall • 2 cloakrooms • utility room • double garage • carport • workshop/store • carriage driveway • half acre gardens

11, PRESTBURY ROAD, WILMSLOW

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etherfield is a distinguished 1920’s bespoke built family residence with a magnificent facade with stone banding, brick quoins and an impressive stone pediment supported by Doric columns. The elegance of the exterior is reflected within, especially in the two large principal reception rooms and the oak panelled hall with its oak staircase and balustrade. There is a wonderful fusion of old and new, with the rear of the house having a contemporary kitchen opening to an orangery style living area overlooking the rear gardens and leading onto a large raised deck area, perfect for outdoor entertaining.

The grounds are well established and offer plenty of privacy from the road, with two lawn areas to the rear, one with an ornamental feature, backing onto farmland and the Bollin valley. The large double garage was built for the best cars of the day with an inspection pit, a deep covered car port/wash area and a workshop/ store alongside.

There is another Versailles style oak floor, a bay with a window seat, a dual aspect and a carved chimney piece with a marble inner & a service hatch is accessed from the inner hall via a servery. To the rear of the hall is an inner hall area, also panelled, with a cloakroom off and access to the servery. The family sitting room lies to the rear right and has a marble fireplace and two sets of French doors opening into the orangery living room off the kitchen. The music room/snug has an oak floor, a fireplace and fitted housekeepers cupboard. A door leads through to the rear hall with a utility room and a cloakroom with a w.c. A useful boot/shoe storage area lies alongside. The kitchen has been recently upgraded and has light oak cupboards, a Rangemaster range cooker and integrated applianc-

es. The kitchen opens directly into the garden living room/orangery with French doors to the raised deck, under floor heating and triple Velux window lights.

Off the first floor landing there is a master bedroom suite with fitted wardrobes, a dressing recess, fitted furniture and an en-suite bathroom with a Jacuzzi bath, twin wash basins and a separate shower cubicle.

The guest suite, like all the principal bedrooms, has a dual aspect & fitted wardrobes & furniture. The ensuite bathroom has an over bath shower and bidet.

The third bedroom also has fitted wardrobes and an en-suite shower room with a second access from the hall, serving the fourth bedroom, also with fitted wardrobes and shelving. The fitted fifth bedroom is smaller and is currently used as a study.

The impressive entrance has an oak front door with leaded & stained glass panels and opens to the impressive panelled hall with its oak floor and oak staircase leading up to the landing. To the right is the drawing room with its oak Versailles style flooring, carved chimney piece and dual aspect with French doors to the side. The formal dining room lies across the hall and could comfortably seat 12 for dinner.

Guide Price £1,500,000 Contact: Jean Pilkington at Savills Wilmslow 01625 417454

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OCTOBER - NOVEMBER EXHIBITIONS 11th Nov 2014 - 15th Nov 2015 Keep the Home Fires Burning Stories from World War I An exhibition exploring the impact of World War I on Stockport and the remarkable stories of courage bravery and sacrifice and featuring diaries, letters and stories of people from Stockport who went to fight in the war.

The exhibition had been curated in collaboration with the Stockport Local Heritage Library.

Stockport Story, SK1 1ES Suitable for all ages. Free admission Contact: 0161 218 1460 Until May 2015 Making Headway - The Exhibition Amazing exhibition of a brand new collection of couture hats created with inspiration from Stockport museum collections by the best up and coming millinery talents in the country!

After 20th November a brand new collection of hats will be on display, again created by the 13 Making Headway Milliners Hat Works, Wellington Road South, Stockport SK3 0EU Admission free 10:00 - 17:00 Until 26th October The Event Horizon The Event Horizon’ is an exhibition that aims to be diverse, engaging, friendly and fun. A group of artists striving for the furthest horizons bring to Seven Miles Out a diverse collection of landscape photography, 3D art and sculpture, ceramics, paintings, computer generated animations and popular science.

Seven Miles Out, Market Place Admission Free

EVENTS Every Tuesday Second-hand Tuesdays Tuesdays in the market have been themed for second hand, antiques, collectables and bric-a-brac with the general public invited to set up shop.

For just £7.50 per day you can have: • a marquee for cover, a table and parking Turn up on the day between 7am and 8am. You must stay until at least 3pm.

All goods must be second hand. All electrical goods must display a valid

PAT test sticker.

Stockport Market, Market Place£7.50 Saturday 25th - Sunday 26th Oct Medieval Viking Market An authentic medieval market plus - on the Sunday - re-enactors, longboats, vikings, knights, street entertainers and much more. www.stockportvikings.weebly.com Stockport Market Place Saturday 25th October Jewellery and Craft Fair Felted bags, mohair scarves, paintings, silver jewellery, woodturning, unique letter frames, personalised prints, hairbands, cards, keepsakes, paper craft, bookmarks, calendars, gemstone jewellery, paper craft items, hand knitted items, brooches, blankets, ribbon craft, bespoke jewellery, painted glass, scarves, soft toys, tooth fairy pillows, pottery, badges, medieval style jewellery, African art, jute bags, glass beads, ceramics, buttons, bunting, hair grips, clocks and much more.

Stockport Town Hall Ballroom 10am - 3pm FREE

11.30am to 12.30pm Suitable for ages 7 -11 Stockport Story Museum, 30 Market Place £3 - Booking essential Tuesday 28th October Arts, Crafts, Coffee and Cake Morning Organised by Stockport MIND the event is to raise awareness of mental health issues as well as having fun and hopefully raising some money in the process. There will be arts and crafts activities for the children Dialstone Lane Methodist Church 10am - 1pm Tuesday 28th October Introduction to Jewellery Making This workshop will introduce you to the basics of jewellery making, allowing you to create beautiful pieces in your own design. Also available on the day will be all the materials to make a matching necklace.

Bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee provided.

Suitable for ages 14+ £15 per person plus cost of materials to be paid on the day (bring cash, up to

what’s on

including a kids fancy dress competition and music and entertainment from ImagineFM, Gates open 5.30pm Main display 8.15pm £7 on the gate. www.cheadlesbigbang.com Sunday 2th November Festival of Remembrance 2005 brought the reintroduction after a thirteen year absence of The North West Festival of Remembrance and after the resounding success of this show the Festival of Remembrance has been staged each November at the Plaza in Stockport. The concert will feature songs and big band numbers from the War periods and will include the standards and representatives from many of the Services that saw conflict.

2pm £13.25 Stockport Plaza Wednesday 12th November Merseyway Lights switch-on A night of solid entertainment at which Collabro will flick the switch. See the news pages for more details

Saturday 8th Nov Pastel Painting Workshop Artist Paul Pigram will be running a series of Summer Workshops at Stockport Art Gallery throughout October and November 2014 The workshops are ideally suited for both beginners and experienced artists.

Students will be guided through the process and techniques of the medium. The workshops will be limited to 10/12 people to ensure one to one tuition.

All materials will be supplied for the day including pastel card and Unison pastels.

10am - 4pm Full day workshop: : £35 per person.

Stockport Art Gallery

Sunday 26th October Art in the Pak - Harvest theme Join in the fun and get involved in the Harvest Themed Art Session. No need to book, just turn up.

Reddish Vale Country Park 1pm-3pm Tuesday 28th October Gruesome Wounds Visit the Museum to discover about injuries and cures from pre-history weapons. Make your own fake wound and cure!

Sessions from: 10am to 11am and

£15) Booking essential Contact: 0161 474 2399 Hat Works, Wellington Road South 10am - 3pm Friday 31st October Foodie Friday Food and entertainment in and around the Market Hall. Fully Hallowe’en themed so dress the part!

6pm-9pm Satuday 1st November The Cheadle Big Bang A charity bonfire and firework bonanza

Thursday 18th December The Ragdolls Jersey Boys Tribute A musical journey through the career of one of the most successful bands of all time - Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The boys will take you back to where it all began, recreating hits such as “Stil of the Night”, “Oh Carol” “Teenager in Love” and “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” Cheshire Conference Centre at Edgeley Park £28 - includes a three course meal 0161 286 8891 or email sales@cheshireconferencecentre.co.uk

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