VIEW Wirral Home Edition 2011

VIEW

The Best Of Wirral

HOME EDITION 2011

www.viewwirral.com

Fabulous Homes Country Revival Kitchen Chic City Living

Regular Features Cool Schools Community News Good Times VIEW_Home11_cover.indd 1

Home E D I T I O N

Special Features

Christmas Party Guide Taste Of Autumn Club Wro 25/10/2011 18:52

R

F Merseyside’s Best Bar. Something to celebrate this Autumn.

2008 Wirral Best Bar Team of the Year

2009 Wirral Best Bar Team of the Year

2010 Wirral Best Bar Team of the Year

Bar

2010 Merseyside’s Best Bar

Loft

2011 Merseyside’s Best Bar

Lounge

The Wro | Northwest House | Grange Road | West Kirby | Wirral CH48 4DY e m a i l i n f o @ t h e - w ro . c o . u k t e le p h o n e 0 1 5 1 6 2 5 2 0 1 0 www.the-wro.co.uk | Bookings can be made via our website

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25/10/2011 18:52

VIEW

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Inside 40

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Welcome...

The Team Editor Paula Brown T: 07950 800 868 Email: paula@viewwirral.com Marketing & Promotions Manager Alison Hunter T: 07967 631 717 Email: alison@viewwirral.com Design & Art Direction Matt Ollerhead T: 07881 638 764 Email: matt@viewwirral.com

www.viewwirral.com © Strictly copyright all content View Magazine. Reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All

Autumn...the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness? Absolutely, but its also the season that thoughts turn to sprucing up our homes (and wardrobes) for the festive season and battening down the hatches for the onslaught of winter.

At its best, autumn conjures up images of long walks on a crisp, sunny afternoon and nights curled up in front of a warm fire arguing over the merits Olio versus Lulu in this of Nancy Dell’ year’s big dance-off (my money is on the Italian!!).

And if cosy nights in are what you are after, this is the edition for you. With tonnes of ideas and on-trend inspiration

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Cafe Culture

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Forget the Take-Away

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Xmas Dining Guide

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The Review - Nova

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Gemstone Hotlist

22

Country Revival

25

The Architects View

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Rustic Renaissance

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Super Showroom

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Cool Kitchen

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Marvellous Mayfair

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City Living

42

Changing Rooms

44

Embrace Autumn

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Cool Schools

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Lunch Break

54

Gorgeous Guide

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Business View

59

Career Ladder

60

Financial Matter

62

Business & Community

65

Relaxed Rentals

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Goodtimes

for your home, some great recipes and early Christmas present suggestions, settle down with a hot toddy and plan out the new season in style.

Finally, for fashion fiends we’ve got s latest arrivals to everything from Gok’ n frames for eyes, fashio new the super and even make-up tips from our friends at YSL – making sure you look every bit as stylish as your home this season!

Paula Brown Editor

prices included with this publication were correct at the time of print. All expressions and opinions demonstrated within this publication are those of the editor(s) including contributors.

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25/10/2011 19:46

Pick

of the season It has felt like autumn for a long time, but at least we have the right produce to enjoy it: apples, pears, blackberries, butternut squash, pumpkin, mushrooms and cauliflower give us that comfort factor we all crave.

So, if you’re getting organised for an outdoor feast for Hallowe’en or Bonfire Night, or perhaps just after an excuse to indulge on the sofa, this seasons recipes will make eating wherever you are a warming experience….

Apple and Berry Crumble Ingredients 4 large cooking apples, peeled, cored and cut into big chunks 1 tbsp water 3 tbsp sugar 225 g fresh or frozen blackberries, or mixed berries For the crumble: 170 g plain flour 75 g butter 75 g demerara sugar

Method Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4.

Put the apple chunks, water and sugar into a saucepan over a lowish heat and cook until the apples are soft and mushy; this should take about 10 minutes. While cooking, stir it every minute or so to prevent sticking.

Taste and add more sugar if it needs it.

Transfer the apple pulp into individual bowls or one big pie dish and allow to cool slightly. Stir the berries into the apples.

To make the crumble, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles very coarse breadcrumbs. However, if you rub it too much the crumble will not be crunchy. Combine with the sugar. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the slightly cooled apple and bake for 15 mins for small crumbles or 30-45 mins for larger crumbles. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

EDITORS TIP

Butternut Squash Soup Ingredients 1 large butternut squash 1 medium-large onion 500g potatoes Fresh coriander leaves (optional) 1 stock cube Knob of butter and 30ml olive oil 75ml double cream (optional) Pepper to taste

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If you choose to leave out the berries, add ½ tsp ground cinnamon or a few cloves to the apple. You can also add oats to the crumble, or nuts, such as chopped pecans, walnuts or nibbed almonds. If you want to use less sugar, you can cook eating apples instead of the cooking variety, although they have a slightly less fluffy texture.

1.Take the squash and chop off the stalk and flower. Peel with a potato peeler.

Chop in half and use a spoon to remove all seeds. Chop into 1 inch cubes

to coat with oil.

2. Add the oil and butter to a large pan.

Melt the butter on a low heat.

6. After 10 minutes check that the potato has started to soften. When it softens mix the stock with 1 litre of water and add to the pan.

3. Peel & chop the onion. Fry it gently in the pan, with the lid on, until it starts to soften.

4. Peel the potatoes and chop into slightly smaller cubes (about 2cm). Add to the onions, ensuring you stir them well

5. Add the butternut squash. Stir well then cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Add the cream and the coriander leaves (if using). Use an electric blender until smooth.

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Café Culture

As we welcome the latest edition to Heswall’s burgeoning cafe scene, we take a peek at what makes Stones a real gem...

Chatting to owner Jane Clague over a delicious cappuccino in the quirky and charming surroundings of her new venture, a delicatessen and coffee lounge, it’s hard not to be impressed with her obvious industry knowledge and endless enthusiasm for what she does.

The delicatessen offers homemade cakes positioned alongside delicious pates, scrumptious quiches, chutneys, oils to divine signature platters with locally sourced cheeses and of course a super selection of wines, boutique beers and traditional beverages.

With over 25 years of restaurant management within the industry it’s hardly surprising that Jane has managed to create a totally unique concept with the achingly charming Stones.

With this selection of gourmet delicacies, and a fabulous lunchtime takeaway service, exclusive hire and a sunny terrace on which to enjoy that obligatory autumn hot chocolate or cheeky wine – Stones is set to become a firm favourite for Heswall foodies and indeed anyone who appreciates the perfect coffee!

Nestled in a former sandstone cottage on Telegraph Road, Stones has managed to combine the very best of a relaxed coffee lounge with the decadence of a top end delicatessen.

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S OUT & ABOUT

easonal

Show-Stoppers ...at The

As we reluctantly step away from the gift that was our Indian summer and start to batten down the hatches for autumn, we can at least take some comfort from the fact that our beloved Wro Lounge has just launched a new seasonal menu to die for…..

ro Lounge

Editor – Paula Brown

At our sneak preview ‘tasting session’ in September, we were treated to some of the land mark dishes from the new Autumn menu. This inventive new offering combines creative flavours with a real hint of autumnal ‘warmth’ from comforting favourites such as the Slow Braised Lamb Shank with Red Wine and Rosemary Jus, to the indulgent home-made Chocolate Fudge Cake – this menu just oozes seasonal style!

To-Die-For Dinner Our firm favourite had to be the divine Pork Chops. Baked with Wild Mushrooms in a super-creamy Crème Fraiche sauce, this dish is tasty, hearty and delicious – all at the same time!

Delightful Desert As I am not the biggest fan of cooked fruit, I have to say the Apple Crumble was probably my least favourite option – until I tasted it! Head Chef Paula cleverly serves the delicious home-made pud with the most amazing Lancashire Cheese ice-cream. The flavour of the warm apples fused with the sweetness of the crumble and tanginess of the cheese is a superb combination – this has to be sampled!

WINE

MATCH

Herringbone Hills It has to be a Sauvignon , the perfect bedfellow for any Goats Cheese Dish. Try a top Wro favourite the Marlborough Sauvigon. Guava and mango give way to lively gooseberry and kiwi fruit with a little pineapple and grapefruit! £19.95 for a bottle £5.20 for a regular glass

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Luscious Lunch For the perfect Autumn lunch, why not try the delectable Warm Goat’s Cheese Salad. The sharp, creamy Goats Cheese blends beautifully with the Wro signature salad dressing and the side of crusty bread makes this a great choice for girlie lunches or a light bite.

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We chose our favourites from a selection of M&S Simply Food Heswall’s Indian Delights...

ction Indian Dip Sele

th ection perfect wi A tradtional sel ato and chilli, tom s... om ad popp ced nt raita and spi coriander and mi utney. mango ch

Forget the

Take-Away! lfrezi ChickenrryJa made with pieces

cu A fiery tomato inader icken breast, cor me of marinated ch th fla wi d he nis gar leaf and chilli ers. seared red pepp

Chicken Korma se with Pilau Ricerved

A mild creamy cur ry made with pie ces of marinated cha rgrilled chicken bre ast, toasted almonds, coconut, cardomom and mace.

If you are after something a little bit spicy to warm up any autumn evening then M&S Simply Food in Heswall have the answer....they have a superb range of Indian style ready meals, spice packs, accompaniaments, pickles and pastes.

They have gone to great lengths to be sure they have sourced the best and most authentic tasting ingredients to bring you meals bursting full of fresh flavours and natural goodness.

Good food with nothing to hide…

It really is as simple as that. Our ready meals not only make life easier, they’re all free from artificial colours, flavourings and hydrogenated fats.

i Rice

Basmat e flavoured with ati ric Aromatic basm mom. cumin and carda

Indian Starter Se lection A tempting select ion

of Indian style onion bahjis, han d wrapped vegeta ble samosas and vegeta ble pakoras.

M&S Sauc

These ready sauces es are inspired by the different reg ions of India, Madras from the South, Rogan Josh from the No rth West and Balti from the North or simply go for a traditional favour ite Tikka Masala.

ads

re Naan B e flat breads Indian styl Hand shaped in a claylined oven... d ade with flame bake Peshwari m icated choose from d dess an s na lta succulent su rlic and coriander. ga coconut or

M&S Spice Packs

Choose from Lam b Rogan Josh, Tikka Masala, Chicken Jalfrezi or Chick en Korma to create the perfect curry at home. These packs contain the perfec t blend of herbs and spices complete wi th a recipe to enjoy these Indian classic s.

Thai Jasmine Rice

This fluffy, slightly sticky rice is perfect with spicy thai curries, stir-fries and rich meaty stews.

Korma Paste

To create an authentic delicate creamy Korma curry.

WIN WIN WIN M&S Simply Food Heswall have given you the chance to sample their Indian ready meal selection, win a ‘takeaway’ meal for 4 with wine by simply emailing alison@viewwirral.com or log onto www. viewwirral.com. Closing date 31/11/11.

CHRISTMAS FOOD ORDERING SERVICE AVAILABLE NOW, IN STORE AT M&S SIMPLY FOOD HESWALL w w w. v i e w w i r r a l. c O m

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OUT & ABOUT

christmas Party guide 8

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XMAS GUIDE

The wro merseyside BeST christmas experience (it’s official!)

For the ultimate christmas celebration, head down to one of the fabulous wro venues this season.

From the show-stopping decorations (in situ from 26th november) to the supremely delicious festive menu, the wro simply is christmas! choose the loft for exclusive hire for a larger party, enjoy the decadence of the lounge for smaller parties or dance the night away in the buzzing Bar! its totally wro–Ho–Ho this christmas!

Wro

Christmas at the Wro Lunch 3 courses £17.95 (2 courses £15.95}

New Year’s Eve £49.95 Go for Glamour in the Lounge with the 4 Course Celebration Dinner with Canapés & Fizz on arrival. See in the New Year in Style from 8pm

Party till you drop at The Bar

Live Music with Amy Chalmers Band £5 per person / First drink plus nibbles Bookings can be made via our website or call 0151 625 2010 or email info@the-wro.co.uk www.the-wro.co.uk

Early Evening (must vocate by 7.45pm) 2 courses £16.95 Evening Menu 2 courses £21.95 3 courses £24.95

Visit our website to down ad the Christmas Mlo enu!

Portrait House

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XMAS GUIDE

107 Dining room Seasonal Sophistication For a cool and contemporary christmas celebration, look no further than Heswall’s finest, the delectable Dining room 107. with a superb christmas menu and service to match, this firm favourite is an excellent choice, whatever the occasion. a form favourite with the view team (we had our Xmas knees up here last year) you can be sure your party will be stylish, fun and very, very tasty!!

Starters chefs home made soup of the day served with a warm bread roll. (v) Festive prawn cocktail, atlantic prawns in a home made marie rose sauce on mixed lettuce leaves with sliced brown bread.

Home made chilli con carne topped with melted mature cheddar, spring onion, sour cream & tortilla chips for dipping. a salad of pear, stilton and walnuts with julienne of vegand seasonal salad leaves. (v) eggs Benedict, a lightly toasted muffin, with local ham, soft poached hen’s egg and creamy hollandaise sauce.

Spicy fish cakes served on salad leaves with balsamic and sweet chilli sauce.

Main Course Traditional christmas dinner, locally sourced hand carved turkey, served with all the trimmings, including roasted potatoes, pigs in blankets, seasonal vegetables and a tasty turkey gravy. an almond, chestnut and haloumi roast with spicy red wine jus, roasted potatoes and a medley of festive vegetables.(v)(n)

Home made slow cooked beef, guinness & mushroom casserole with a light puff pastry crust, creamed mashed potato and braised red cabbage.

Christmas Opening Times Friday 25th november to Saturday 24th December 12pm - 10pm

10oz char grilled gammon steak served with parsley sauce, fresh watercress and shoe string fries.

christmas Day 12pm - 2pm

Fresh loin of cod topped with a chorizo and herb crust served with rustic chips, rocket salad and lime wedge.

27th - 30th open as normal

Pan fried sea bass served with creamed mash potato, steamed mussels, Provençal sauce and freshly chopped basil.

new Years Day 12pm - 6.30pm

Desserts Traditional steamed christmas pudding with brandy sauce.

Two scoops of movenpick ice cream with a sugar curl. crème brulee flavoured with amaretto, caramelised to order, served with a crunchy amaretto biscuit. zesty lemon tart with raspberry ice cream. warmed chocolate yule log with clotted cream and strawberry coulis. cheese board and biscuits with grapes, celery sticks and caramelised onion. (£3.50 supplement)

Boxing Day 12pm - 6.30pm

new Years eve 12pm - 3pm, 5 - 9pm

a £10 deposit per person is required to confirm and secure booking - this is non-refundable.

During this busy period, time allocations will be enforced to ensure everyone enjoys their visit to 107. all tables choosing to dine off our christmas menu will be festively decorated.

Please log on to our website to download our Free christmas Booking Pack including information about our christmas gift to you. www.107diningroom.co.uk

aTHena’S gorgeous greek-Style celebration! celebrate the festive season ‘greek Style’ at athenas and you can be sure you will be in for a night to remember. Superb, authentic, affordable cuisine all served in a buzzing atmosphere that is more zorba than Santa!, with special greek nights planned throughout the festive season, party ‘mediterranean’ style at this wonderful family run restaurant. Kala christougena!

athena

Starters

Main Courses

Desserts

mini cold meze (for 2 or more)

Chicken Souvla g/f Succulent , marinated, chargrilled chicken

Baklava chocolate Fudge cake

Afelia Pork fillet pieces ,slowly cooked in red wine, with bay and fragrant ground coriander seeds

DON’T WANT 3 COURSES ??

NO PROBLEM...JUST HAVE 2 !!

Whole Seabass g/f Simply chargrilled, served with dill scented steamed vegetables

ANY 2 COURSES main course + starter Or dessert

Homemade Soup of the Day Seafood Trio Baby Prawns, Smoked Salmon & Taramosalata Dolmades g/f slow cooked Stuffed vine leaves with minced lamb & flavoured rice Greek Salad g/f a house favourite with feta cheese and olives Calamari or Maridakia or Mussels ! all lightly fried and served with fresh salad & lemon Garlic Mushrooms g/f no explanation required, everyone loves them !

Nico’s Special Lamb Parcels g/f delicious minced lamb steak ‘patties’ wrapped in aubergine, roasted with feta cheese, served with a rustic tomato sauce.

Garlic Bread with or without cheese

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Chicken Ouzo g/f chicken breast in a cream sauce Felafel v our popular chick pea fritters with fresh coriander and lemon juice Pork Kebab g/f simply marinated & chargrilled Vegetable Moussaka v our own tasty recipe Swordfish Steak Oven roasted & served with dill scented vegetables

Sun to Thurs 2 courses - 13.95 / 3 courses -16.95 Fri & Sat 2 courses - 15.95 / 3 courses - 18.95 Available throughout December alternatively we can highly recommend our regular 4 course MEZE at 19.95 (please look at the menu on the meze Page)

To Book Please call: 0151 632 0400 25/10/2011 19:47

XMAS GUIDE

The courtyard Uber-cool christmas if super stylish surroundings, amazing staff and an eclectic take on christmas dining is your thing, then look no further than wirral’s latest ‘it’ place.

The courtyard combines all the glamour you would expect from a top city centre venue with the attention to detail you only get in a privately run venue.

global gourmet Offering Following suit from the hugely successful international tapas theme adopted since the launch back in summer, the festive dining offering is fresh, exciting and hugely inventive.

The international mix of chefs, from Spanish to chineses and Bangladeshi – ensure the food is not only authentic, its cooked with unsurpassed knowledge and total commitment.

Sure you can opt for tradition with the obligatory christmas dinner but our advice is to mix your choice with one of the fabulously mouth-watering international starters for a true flavour of courtyard style!

eclectic crowd with a superb all-day breakfast, the stunning (and ever-changing) Tapas choice, a host of events planned in the run up to the big-day and staff that just cannot do enough for you, its hardly surprising that this place has a buzz from morning until late. expect yummy mummies and breakfast buddies early doors followed by the business crowd and lunching ladies around lunchtime, making way for the beautiful people as the lights dim and the vibe hots up long into the night!

a courtyard christmas Starters Duck Roll a crispy spring roll, served with hoi sin sauce Calamari Tender squid fried in ligh t batter, served with a lem on mayonnaise Garlic Mushrooms Sautéed in garlic, cream and dry sherry Spiced Ham or Brie Cro quettes continental style fritters in crisp breadcrumbs, serv ed with cranberr y sauce Spiced Soup Spiced pumpkin / butternu t squash and chestnut, serv ed with rustic bread Goats Cheese Toasted artisan bread, grille d goats cheese served with a christmas chutney **** Roast Turkey Served with all the trimmin gs and sage and onion gravy Roast Beef Served with traditional trim mings, Yorkshire puds and beef and port gravy Spinach Nut Roast Served with mushroom gravy (Quorn roast also available) Salmon with Lemon and Parsley Served with hollandaise sauce **** Panna Cotta Flavoured with rum and coconut, accompanied with a strawberry salad.

Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding rich with cream and van illa Christmas Pudding Served with brandy sauce Sticky Toffee Pudding Served with custard Tiramisu coffee and mice Pies Shredded roast duck in

lunch £18.95 per head Dinner £24.95 per head

For reservations telephone 0151 651 1118.

The courtyard, 7-9 rosemount, Oxton, wirral, cH43 5Sg tel 0151 651 1118 email info@theoxtoncourtyard.co.uk.

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OUT & ABOUT

CLUB

ro!

Forget Club Med – move over Club Tropicana, Club Wro is what it’s all about!

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Whatever your passion, the inventive team at The Wro have more than likely got a club or an event to suit. From wine to walking and film to food, Sally, Howard and the team have created a whole host of ‘Wro Style’ groups to help you indulge your hobby and make new friends.

Most of us are now familiar with The Wro – Wirral (and Merseyside’s) official number one bar, the Wro charm goes way beyond great food, superb staff and fabulous surroundings. ‘We hope we have created a bit of a community here,’ commented owner Sally. ‘Our clubs are proving to be massively popular. I guess it’s because they allow you to socialise and maybe learn something or at least meet new people in a fun environment.’

And there really is something for everyone. With regular wine tasting nights, a monthly book and film club and curry club as well as special fashion, charity, local history and launch nights on offer you need never be stuck for something to do again!

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Here’s a quick glance at some of Club Wro’s finest…

Book Club

Join fellow readers at the monthly book club. This friendly, fun grou p has reviewed a wide range of titles from Nigel Slater’s Toast to the mos t recent, Willy Russell’s The Wrong Boy. All washed down with a glass of your favourite tipple and a sele ction of (often themed) nibbles and som e really great banter!

Wro On The Go ns most ing walk around one of the regio What could be better than a brac style. picturesque spots – doing it Wro h to look ledgeable guide and lovely lunc With bacon butties to start, a know for? forward to, what are you waiting

Wro Film Club If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Jonathon Ross, or just love a goo d movie, check out the next showing in the lovely Loft!

With half time interval, full table service, delicious snacks and of course the obligatory popcorn on offer, this is a cinema experience with a diffe rence!

Wro Curry Club iments and even ditional accompan c curries – with tra nti the au e dedicated ad -m for Home rry Club is perfect beer on hand! Cu ld co al ion dit tra more od night out. ne who loves a go curry foodies and anyo m each time for a ef Paula and her tea ch m fro h dis rry cu e!!

Expect a new ia than Argee Bhaje more Passage to Ind experience that is

WHAT’S ON AT THE WRO? Monday 31st October (Loft)

Screening Halloween - the original with Donald s Pleasance and Jamie Lee Curtis. £10 entry include l. interva the in food film, your first drink, popcorn and

Thursday 3rd November (Loft)

Gormet Curry Club. The last curry night of 2011 will go out with a bang! We intend having some real gourmet dishes for this grand Finale. Ticket is £20 and t includes pops, 3 starter, rice & bread and a desser drinks. of plus your first couple

Wednesday 16th November (Loft)

Wro Readers Club.

Wednesday 23rd November (Loft)

Film Club - Dr Zhivago

Hal’wroween Spooktacular!

Don’t miss th is year’s spooky fam ily party on Sunday 30th October fro m 5pm in the Bar!

ts, For details on all the Wro’s up and coming even go to www.the-wro.co.uk or sign up for the Wro newsletter. Just ask in any venue for details. w w w. v i e w w i r r a l. c O m

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THE REVIEW In this edition our editors review the latest addition to Heswall’s dining scene – the much talked about Nova restaurant...

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Sure, I had heard that the owners were a cool couple with an amazing shared pedigree in food and hospitality and feedback on the overall dining experience had been nothing other than exceptional, but I was keen to find out for myself if there really was anything ‘new’ about Nova…….

68 Pensby Road Heswall, Merseyside CH60 7RE 0151 342 9959

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From the moment you step inside the relaxed, contemporary interior, you kind of know you are in for a pretty special experience. The seats are wonderfully comfortable and although the interior is pretty bijou, it feels cosy without being too intimate.

After an effusive welcome from one half of the Nova team, the lovely Jana, we made our choices and settled down with a gorgeous bottle of Bordeaux.

Forget the stodgy pie with lumpy mash like Granny used to make and instead imagine an individual, melt-in-the-mouth pastry case, filled with the most divine beef mince reduction and an indulgent swirl of the fluffiest mash ever. Add to that a perfectly cooked chunk of fillet, served on the side with dreamy nips and tatties and you have the perfect mix of comfort food, fabulous flavours and clever execution. This has to be tried!

Within minutes we were presented with a truly delightful amuse bouche, which, it transpired was indicative of head chef and owner Moyo’s Scottish inspired background – delicious haggis served with toasted poppy seeds and homemade breadcrumbs.

In this edition we interview Moyo, Chef Patron of Heswall’s Nova restaurant – possibly the most passionate foodie ever!

Final Call Usually we shy away from dessert, and even though we were full to bursting (this menu really is hearty food at it’s best) we just had to share the much acclaimed Taste and Texture of Strawberries. This light, clever little offering really reawakens the palette and it bursting with flavour. The jelly was my favourite – not sure it will be on the autumn menu as Moyo is passionate about using seasonal ingredients, but whatever you chose I can guarantee it will not disappoint.

The rest of the meal did not disappoint either. Having recently returned from France, I opted for the Fois Gras which turned out to be a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The approach here, which was to become a recurring theme throughout the night, was a mixture of inventive fine dining twists, wonderfully hearty portions and immaculate presentation.

My guest opted for the classic scallops with pork belly; again this proved to be a real taste sensation and the scallops were cooked to a dreamy consistency –soft yet crisp and amazingly tasty.

As the restaurant began to fill up (the Early Doors menu is a massive hit) it was nice to see such an eclectic crowd from couples to girlies and groups of friends – all with one thing in common, fabulous taste!

The Main Event I had been waiting with a certain amount of anticipation for my main course. Recommended by Jana, the Cottage Pie, she promised, was ‘something else’. And it was.

Chef Shout

Finally, as we sat back to enjoy our coffee and the last of our excellent wine we tried to sum up what had been a truly memorable dining experience…..

Essentially if you want stunning, affordable, inventive yet hearty food, served in a super-relaxed environment Nova has to be the best Heswall has to offer. Whether you are a serious foodie, or are just looking for a local eatery that really does the business, I cannot recommend Nova hightly enough.

Where are you from, what is your background?

I was born in Nigeria but grew up in Scotland, so I guess you can see those influences in my cooking.

What or who inspired you to cook?

Not the traditional ‘my Mum or my Gran’ here. I just knew I wanted to get on and make a good career. I was really influenced by some of the great chefs I have worked with over the years; it was them who taught me that to be good, I needed to put my career above anything else, and I did.

Hey – nobody wants to give up their weekends forever, you have to love it!

What is the favourite dish to cook?

I don’t really have a favourite – it can be anything that makes my brain sing!

What is your food heaven?

Rice – it has to be the ultimate comfort food and you can do so much with it.

What is your food hell?

Oh it has to be onion, I can’t eat it cooked or raw. I love the smell of it cooking but hate the taste and texture.

What would you be if you weren’t a chef?

A Florist.

What influences you now?

Some of the amazing producers we have around here, and great chefs for that matter. Mark (Wilkinson) at Fraiche has been a bit of an inspiration to me.

He has helped a lot in terms of setting up the business and offering advice.

Describe your food in 4 sentences…

Its all about the flavour!

Creating confusion with infusions.

Using the very finest ingredients Perfection on a plate!

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E G N I T T H O T A R E C B E E L SOM  Helium party balloons for any occasion   Corporate Events   Product Launches   Helium gas supply   Personalised/Logo’d/ printed balloons supplied   Tableware and party sundries   7 day delivery 

“Balloons can transform a space or just make a simple statement such as I LOVE YOU...

At Something to Celebrate we specialise in simple or extravagant balloon design to suit your needs.

From 1 balloon to 1000... The sky’s the limit!!” ised Valentines Cluster - £25 inc delivery Personal l a i c Sp e

Call, pop in or visit our website...

We’re here to make you look good...!!

62 Seaview Road, Wallasey, Wirral, CH45 4LB T: 0151 630 5554

www.something-to-celebrate.net

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25/10/2011 15:04

Letts Journals

Free Filofax pen with Filofax organiser purchases*

Paperblanks Diaries & Notebooks

*while stocks last

Letts Diaries

Filofax Diaries & Accessories

Tel: 0151 625 4646 Le Bizz, 4 Banks Road, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 4HB

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25/10/2011 19:48

Gemstone Hotlist

Christmas 2011

We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend but

when it comes to coloured gemstones bold statement jewellery adds glitz and glamour to that little black dress and with a vast choice in colour and prices there is a stone to suit everyone.

From palest pastels to neon brights a coloured gemstone will definitely attract attention and in many instances will be a fraction of the cost of a similar size diamond. We have teamed up with our friends at Wirral’s leading jewellery boutique Krugers to bring

With the nights drawing in now

you the hottest gems for the festive season. The

is the time to start thinking of

Kruger team actually boast their very own, dedicated

Christmas gifts, with rich jewelled

gemstone expert, Gabor Kigyossy. Gabor joined

colours and sparkling cuts a unique piece of jewellery set with a stunning gemstone is just the

the team in 2005 and with his passion for coloured gemstones and a flair for contemporary designs he is responsible for many of the beautiful pieces currently on display in the Wallasey showroom.

gift to make Christmas 2011 extra special. Follow Gabor’s guide to the hottest colours for this year.

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Coming Soon 2011 sees the launch of Kruger Collectables, our first collectable piece will be a limited edition Christmas star.

Engraved with the date and presented in a beautiful gift box this sterling silver star will make an ideal gift to celebrate the festive season.

25/10/2011 19:48

If you are watching the pennies this Christmas take a look at these gemstones for great value gifts.

Pyrop Garnets ...are usually dark red, they have excellent durability making them suitable for all styles of jewellery.

Amethysts ...come in many different shades of purple with blue or magenta flashes. They are very affordable, however they can be slightly brittle so should be treated with care.

Tourmalines ...although available in a vast colour range grass and bottle green are the most affordable. Tourmalines are great stones for everyday wear.

Madeira Citrine ...(Treated quartz variety). The colour ranges from gold to burnt orange, well cut stones are really sparkly but they can be slightly brittle, making these stones perfect for a special occasion piece of jewellery.

Rutillated Quartz is created from fine golden titanium dioxide needles grown in to the host rock crystal, these gems are usually cut “en cabochon” but faceted stones are also available. They are hard and durable and a good idea for those wishing to create interesting, unusual jewellery.

If you are looking for something really special then take a look at these gemstones for an unforgettable gift.

Red spinels ...are a great substitute for the ever so rare and expensive rubies. They have very good hardness and durability with fantastic sparkle, making them suitable for every day wear.

Bespoke gemstone jewellery can start from as little as £150 for a design in silver, so even if you have a limited budget please call in to view our current selection or call us on 0151 639 4431 to arrange a free design consultation and create your perfect Christmas gift.

Purple sapphires ...exist in all shades of purple from light lavender to mauve. They are the second hardest natural gemstone after diamonds which makes them excellent for everyday wear.

Tsavorites ...are a very bright and sparkly green garnet variety from East Africa. They are generally clearer than emeralds and more durable for everyday wear.

Spessartite garnets ...range from glowing orange hues in fanta to dark reddish orange. Bright and sparkly, like most garnets, their hardness and durability makes them suitable for any type of jewellery.

Grossularite garnets ...are the golden variety of the garnet group.

Beautiful and sparkly when really well cut the only downfall is that it is rarely available in larger sizes.

Because our jewellery is handmade on the premises we can create a unique design to suit your budget and are always delighted to talk through any ideas and design preferences you may have.

Just arrived...

Kruger Jewellers 34 Seaview Road, Wallasey, Wirral CH45 4LA Telephone: 0151 639 4431 Email: info@krugerjewellers.com Web: www.krugerjewellers.com

Wirral’s most exquisite hand made designer jewellery

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FASHION

Sainsbury’s Upton has been Gok’d!

The new debut collection from Gok Wan for TU has landed at Sainsbury’s Upton.

If you’ve been in Sainsbury’s Upton recently you will have seen the fabulous new range from Gok Wan – Gok for TU! The collection which hit Upton earlier this month reflects Gok’s philosophy of making women feel confident, stylish and positive about their bodies, whatever their budget, size or shape.

Speaking about the launch of his collection Gok Wan said “I am so unbelievably excited that women across the Wirral will be able to access my debut collection. I want women to flirt, flaunt and celebrate their curves.”

Geraldine Higgins, Sainsbury’s Head of Womenswear Buying said, “Since announcing our partnership with Gok earlier this year we’ve been overwhelmed with positive reactions from our customers and colleagues. Everyone across the Wirral can now be Gok’d!”

Gok for TU is a capsule collection that combines key basics with strong statement pieces – all designed with shape enhancing properties. The colour pallet reflects the autumn season; rich red, teal and terracotta are mixed with statement black. Two signature prints – Cherry Blossom and Oriental Floral – decorate garments inside and out.

Sainsbury’s in Upton is one of 200 stores nationwide to be lucky enough to get Gok’d! So come on ladies what you waiting for?!

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25/10/2011 19:48

Steps The Ultimate Tour

27 February 2012 £32.50

4 April 2012 £35.00

Alan Carr

Radio City Live

25 - 26 October £30.00

2 December £25.00/£30.00/£70.00

Spexy Beast

Carnival Du Vampires Rock The Greatest Rock Show on Earth!

29 October £15.00/£28.50

Tinie Tempah

The Stars From The Commitments 16 March 2012

Ft. Jessie J, Dappy, Matt Cardle, Pixie Lott & more!

£39.00/£42.50

3 December

Disney On Ice Presents

Kasabian

21 - 25 March 2012

The Saturdays

Princesses & Heroes

£26.50/£32.50

OUT SOLD

4 December £30.00

Weekday £13.00 - £35.50 Weekend £18.50 - £35.50

Lee Evans

QUOFEST 2011

The Four Tops & The Temptations

2 - 4 November £30.00

6 December £37.50

27 March 2012 £40.00

31 October

with Special Guests Tavares & The Crystals

Status Quo, Roy Wood & Kim Wilde

Roadrunner TWO

WWE Presents RAW

TWO ECHO DEVELOPMENT WORK B

2 7 November

Duran Duran

2 Joe Bonamassa

2

All You Need Is Now Tour

£25.00/ £35.00/£45.00/£60.00

10 December £30.00/£40.00/£55.00

WWE Presents Smackdown

Paul McCartney

28 March 2012

£30.00/£40.00/£50.00

Bringing you closer to the enterainment

Bringing you closer to the enterainment

2

8 November TWO TWO

On the Run

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

£25.00/ £35.00/£45.00/£60.00

20 December £50.00/£75.00/£95.00

Arctic Monkeys

One Direction

Plus Very Special Guests The Vaccines

15 January 2012 £19.50/£27.50

OUT SOLD

4-5 February 2012

£35.00/£42.50/ £65.00

Bill Bailey

Dandelion Mind

TWO

TWO ECHO DEVELOPMENT WORK B

Street Cheer National Championships & UKCA Winter Open Championships

Olly Murs

£10.00/£15.00 on day

£30.00

World Netball Series

The Wanted

20th Anniversary Tour: Waking Up The Neighbours

28 November £39.50

TWO ECHO DEVELOPMENT WORK B

IL DIVO

2 8 April 2012

£29.50/£45.00/£65.00 2

Diversity

11TWO April 2012 TWO

14 November £29.50

Bryan Adams

£15.00 - £27.50 Family Tickets £50.00 -£78.00 TWO

£29.50

Competitors from England, Australia, Jamaica, New Zealand & South Africa 25 - 27 November £6.00 - £28.80

3 April 2012

Creative by Robin Cooke, June 22 2010

9 November

20 November

Reach To The Stars!

£21.50/£29.50

19 February 2012

Bringing you closer to the enterainment

Bringing you closer to the enterainment

£20.00 Tiered Seats/ £35.00 Floor Seats

24TWO FebruaryTWO 2012 £19.50/£27.50

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

2 March 2012

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

Blink 182

Creative by Robin Cooke, June 22 2010

12 July 2012

£29.50

£33.19

JLS

Michael McIntyre

30 November £51.00/£76.00/£91.00

14 - 15 March 2012 £25.00/£32.50

£35.00

The 4th Dimension Tour

TWO

22 - 24 November 2012

SCAN THIS WITH A QR CODE READER APP!

TWO ECHO DEVELOPMENT WORK B

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW! WWW.ECHOARENA.COM/SIGNUP

2

2

2

NOW THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT...

Bringing you closer to the enterainment

Bringing you closer to the enterainment

2

All ticket purchases are subject to a ‘per ticket’ booking fee and a handling fee. Tickets are subject to availability.

TWO

Creative by Robin Cooke, June 22 2010

26 April 2012

2

George Michael

Symphonica: The Orchestral Tour

2

2

2012 Premier League Darts

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

TWO

www.viewwirral.cOm 2

2

2

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Creative by Robin Cooke, June 22 2010

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25/10/2011 19:48

Country Revival For this, our special ‘Homes’ edition we have been allowed to take a peek at one of West Wirral’s most exquisite redevelopment projects.

This ‘labour of love’ which is home to well known local couple Bob Owens and Bernie Dunleavey, represents a triumphant collaboration between this visionary couple and some of the regions most talented design, build and restoration experts…

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Bob and Bernie first stumbled upon the rather tired and gloomy looking Hill Farm a couple of years ago. The landmark property, which sits alongside the main Thurstaton crossroads (now roundabout) dates back to the late 1800’s and originally stood in around 100 acres of working farmland. The site was still home to herds of cattle and pigs until just a few years ago when it was bequeathed (in the absence of any living relatives), by its former owner, to a loyal farmworker and favoured charity.

The couple could immediately see the potential of the property, with Bernie claiming an almost ‘Love at First Sight’ moment. They took a huge risk and put in an offer, knowing that if they failed to get the planning permission they needed,

the property could become a bit of a white elephant.

With one failed attempt at planning behind them, the couple decided to enlist the help of acclaimed local architects, Stephen and Sally Bromilow.

Husband and wife team, the Bromilows could immediately see the potential of the property and helped Bob and Bernie realise their dream of creating a unique family home.

The key thing for Bernie and Bob was the absolute need to increase the size of the property significantly – by an additional 50% to be precise. Undaunted, the Bromilow’s set about negotiating the complex planning system for them and 12 weeks later received the green light to move forward with the re-development.

Unique Retreat Such a special building demanded a special approach. Together, the Owens and their architects created a stunningly sympathetic design for the extension of the property; building on the existing style to create a seamless link between the old and the new, whilst giving the family everything they wanted from a dream home.

The Owen’s drafted in a team of specialist craftsmen to help with some of the more detailed aspects of the project – no detail was left to chance and the whole project was sympathetically extended and restored by utilising a clever mix of state-of-theart technology and age old techniques.

As the whole dwelling was constructed using local sandstone, the new gable wall was re-built using existing materials and all of the external cladding was finished using local, reclaimed stone. The painstaking and highly skilled job was fulfilled by Barnston based stone masons Stone Heaven.

John O’Grady and his team are true artisans and specialise in reclaiming stone and re-working it as well as all aspects of architectural stonemasonry.

Even the stunning new fireplace in the main living area was built from reclaimed stone, and what a magnificent centrepiece it makes.

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Wonderful Windows The windows and doors also played a huge part in this projects – it was essential the new units reflected the age and character of the property whilst keeping up with modern day standards.

Liverpool based specialists M and R joinery were appointed as the key contractors for this aspect of the development because of their unrivalled expertise in the field. The team, who have worked on a number of high profile historic projects across the UK, including a stint working alongside TV’s Sarah Beeny on her popular restoration programme, are sash window and doors specialist, so Hill Farm was just their type of project.

The existing windows were old and fairly innocuous brown UPVC units which really did not sit well with the character of the building. The M and R team made all the windows and door to measure and designed them to be 100% in keeping with the style of the house.

The final box sash windows represent the finest you can buy, combining historic detail with modern day standards for quality and style to last. Completed with a high quality factory paint finish (Bernie chose Farrow and Ball Bone, which the team matched perfectly) every item was sprayed prior to installation for the ultimate finish and efficiency.

The Finishing Touches As the owner of super-stylish homes and fashion mecca, The Front Room in West Kirby, Bernie really came into her own when adding those all important finishing touches to the house.

From the stunning tumbled limestone floor (Dijon – by Mandarin Stone) to the exquisite bespoke kitchen fitted by Bobby himself, the final look is nothing less than magnificent.

Growing up on The Kings Road in London meant

Bob Owens Hill Farm, Thurstaston Road, Thurstaston, Wirral CH61 0HQ M: 07703 101559 T: 0151 648 0693 bob@oddevelopments.co.uk

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Bernie was submerged in a melting pot of different influences all of which have impacted on her own unique style. From Vivienne Westwood to her life-time love affair with the Designers Guild Shop, Bernie’s terrific eye for style and obsession for detail can be seen throughout the house.

With show-stopping lanterns, super-cool cushions and stunning objet d’art throughout the comfortable somewhat ‘French’ inspired interior, its no wonder that Bernie, Bob, their family and of course Gorgeous George (the to-die-for dog) plan on making Hill Farm ‘home’ for years to come.

oddevelopments design&build

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25/10/2011 19:49

When we were approached by Bob and Bernie to look at the extension and refurbishment of their Thurstaston farmhouse, Hill Farm, we thought what an exciting and interesting project to be involved with, and what a fantastic opportunity to work on a local historic landmark.

When, at our first meeting they told us they wanted to more than double the size of the existing property, as well as construct a large double garage in the extensive grounds, we thought it may be tricky to achieve, but we were well up for the challenge.

They had been advised previously, that Planning Permission would not be granted for their proposals, however, their vision and determination meant that they were undeterred, and so asked Bromilow Architects Ltd. to step in and help them achieve their dream.

We were very pleased that a previous client had recommended us to them, and were sure that we could negotiate the complex Planning system for them.

Hill farm is located within the Greenbelt, and so we had to call on our previous experience of achieving greenbelt approvals to help us out. As a practice we also have a very good working relationship with Wirral Borough Council Planning Department,

and so lots of pre-application discussions were had with them.

Some encouraging, and some not so, but we remained focused on achieving Bob & Bernie’s vision.

We needed to approach the design of the proposal differently than a standard house extension, which Planning Policy usually requires to be set back from the main existing house. Due to the large increase, we felt that the building should not look like it had been extended, but appear to be a larger version of it’s original self, and remain looking like the stone farmhouse that it always had been for 200 years.

We worked through this design approach alongside Bob and Bernie during our design sessions with them in their sunny garden.

We always have initial design and briefing sessions with clients very much involved, usually around their dining table during the early stages of a project, with pencils, marker pens, and lots of tracing paper! These enjoyable sessions help us to get to know clients better, we learn what their likes and dislikes are, their style and tastes become evident early on. This method enables clients to have a bigger input into the design process, and feel more involved. It also prevents abortive design work, which sometimes happens when initial concepts are drawn back in the office

The Architects View

....we remained focused on achieving Bob & Bernie’s vision.

without the client being there.

Because of the large additions that were required, we needed to call on our knowledge of the recently updated Permitted Development legislation. This is when limited development is permitted without the requirement for Full Planning Approval. This small allowance, as well as the main Greenbelt policy for house extensions, enabled us to achieve the large additions required.

We were delighted when the Planning Approvals came through after a very smooth consultation process, and Bob & Bernie were thrilled that they could now make a start on the building work.

A very considered and well thought through solution, time invested during the crucial design process and an indepth knowledge of Planning Policy and Processes are what have made this a very successful project.

Great clients who knew what they wanted to achieve, had the confidence to pursue it and who were receptive to the design process made this project a joy to work on.

Together, we have created a fabulous family home which is both modern and contemporary, yet retains the essential character that makes this historical farmhouse the landmark building that it is.

WWW.VIEWWIRRAL.COM

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25/10/2011 19:49

get Helping you t of the most ou y. your propert we ur ideas and to discuss yo Call us now ty. ali into a re u make them can help yo 5 0942 T: 0151 62 itects.co.uk omilowarch br e@ E: offic itects.co.uk omilowarch W: www.br

Reclaimed stone beautifully reworked or preserved by dedicated artisans using ecologically sound methods and materials

Sash Window Specialists Bespoke Doors Staircases

Manufacturing Facility & Head Office Unit H2 Prescot Trading Centre Oliver Lyme Road, Prescot, Merseyside L34 2SH Tel: 0151 426 8435 Fax: 0151 426 8435 info@mandrjoineryservices.co.uk

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J O’Grady’s, Station Road, Barnston, Wirral CH61 1DG

0151 648 6486 www.stoneheaven.co.uk

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25/10/2011 19:49

Bloomsbury Bed linen - Double Duvet with 2 Pillowcases - linea at House of Fraser £80.00

Floral lampshade m&S

angel Heart / Urbane £3.00

Doorstop / inspirations £5.99

cushion - gordale £7.95 Filigree Hurricane ethereal by linea House of Fraser £20.00

ceramic table lamp by linea House of Fraser £35.00

Flowers - m&S Simply Food Heswall £4.00 per bunch.

Rustic Renaissance /red checked Heart - inspirations £1.99

ceramic table lamp by linea House of Fraser £35.00

Heart lantern - inspirations £6.49 metal Heart - inspirations £9.99

HOme Picture - inspirations £4.99 Tea cosy - gordale £7.99

metal Jug - inspirations £10.50

Kilner Jars - gordale £8.99

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Blinds By Windowshades Showcasing our Blinds and Awnings, with a stunning array of natural, textured weaves, sumptuous fabrics and bold statement colours, our window treatments offer an exciting source of inspiration for interiors and exteriors.

Call for a home visit on:

0151 343 1144

Unit 11, Claremont Buildings, Old Clatterbridge Road, Bebington, Wirral CH63 4JB

or visit our showroom - opening hours: Mon - Fri 9-5 and Saturdays 10-4.

% OFF

"

"

10

www.blindsbywindowshades.info

until the end of November 2011*

C o n t e m p o r a r y a n d d e s i g n le d h o m e a n d g i f t w a re f o r a l l .

We a i m t o b r i n g y o u u n i q u e g i f t s a n d h o m e w a re f ro m l o c a l i n d e p e n d e n t a r t i s t s a s w e l l a s c o m p a n i e s f ro m a l l o v e r t h e w o r l d .

U r b a n e , 7 T h e R o w , M a r k e t S t re e t , H o y l a k e , W i r r a l , M e r s e y s i d e C H 4 7 3 B B t : 0 1 5 1 6 3 2 0 5 4 8

WWW.URBANEHOYLAKE.CO.UK * n o t t o b e u s e d o n a n y s a le i t e m s

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VIEW_w

WE DESIGN,

SUPPLY, FIT

& INSTALL JUST CALL...

Wirral Wetrooms specialise in bespoke wetrooms and bathrooms Wirral Wetrooms is Wirral’s leading designer, supplier and installer of bespoke wetrooms.

Wetroom installations introduce a sense of spaciousness and style.

We can create a room tailor-made to your requirements.

Wirral Wetrooms will transform your bathroom into your own personal haven.

Wirral Wetrooms have a reputation for providing top class service visit our website to read just a few testimonials from satisfied customers:

www.wirralwetroom.co.uk 5 Thingwall Road, Irby, Wirral, CH61 3UA | Tel 0151 648 5564 | Fax 0151 648 1033 | Open Mon to Sat 8.30am to 5pm w w w. v i e w w i r r a l. c o m

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Super Style

Super Showroom Celebrating 40 years in business this coming year, mother and daughter design team Vanessa and Dominique are delighted that James James Kitchens is still the Wirral’s premier kitchen showroom. The girls have continued to transform this long established business into one of the industries most acclaimed kitchen showrooms and they have received recognition for their designs and achievements nationwide.

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Award Winning Approach Fresh from Dominique’s 2010 victory at the KBB Review Kitchen Designer of The Year and the Neff Master Partner Design Awards, the team have gone on to be shortlisted for best UK showroom at this years Neff Master Partner Awards – one of the industry’s highest accolades.

And when you step inside their recently refurbished showroom, its easy to see why….

Showroom Showcase Super-sleek lines and stunning displays sit exquisitely alongside state-of-theart appliances and fabulous, on-trend accessories. Each display has been

Alongside the comprehensive design and installation service, the team also offer all aspects of building work, plumbing, electrics and even design services including everything from bespoke lighting to complimentary wallpapers and tiles.

‘We understand that a kitchen is a big investment,’ commented Dominique, ‘so we use our 40 years experience to guide your clients through the whole process, with many clients wanting us to design whole kitchen and dining areas, so getting it right is absolutely critical for the whole family.’

Bespoke Designs – For any Budget With such a superb showroom, cutting-edge brands and award winning designs, it is easy to see why many potential clients assume that a James James kitchen would simply be out of their budget. Dominique says that this is a common misconception, when in reality the team can create a beautiful kitchen for most budgets and are used to working closely with clients to achieve just this.

‘We really love the challenge of meeting clients requirements and creating original and functional spaces in budget’ said Dominique.

‘We can create a really stunning kitchen from around £10,000 upwards, and we won’t be knowingly undersold on quality or price!’

So what is next for our dream team?

beautifully presented, allowing clients to match the styles effortlessly with their own design ideas and lifestyle needs. Every inch of the bright airy space oozes designer style and leading edge quality; and when combined with the design talent and outstanding customer service levels across the business, it’s easy to see why James James is fast becoming one of the UK’s leading kitchen design specialists.

With further showroom developments promised for 2012 and an ever changing range of stunning kitchens, accessories and appliances on offer, there really has never been a better opportunity to have your kitchen designed by the UK’s best design talent and installed by their team of time served installation experts.

TOP

TRENDS Top UK Kitchen supremo Dominique McLaughlin shares her top 3 trends for this seasons most stylish kitchens...

Neff Slide-Away oven Neff recently launched its innovative sliding oven door system that has taken the kitchen industry by storm. This unique door facility fits smoothly under the oven to give you plenty of room, as well as better access to the oven’s interior - ensuring an easy and flexible approach to your cooking needs.

Pull-out larder.

No kitchen is complete without this full height pull-out larder in chrome. By opening the door of your larder, the internal mechanism rolls the internal shelving forward providing excellent access to all your kitchen ingredients.

No more bending and lifting required!

Franke Rolux Pull-out tap with LED lights.

This new single lever tap from Franke is a stunning design piece. The pull-out nozzle allows ease of use and rinsing whilst the LED lights give it a futuristic edge!

Brand Leaders With kitchen designs to suit every taste and style, James James sells an impressive selection of contemporary German kitchen brands including Rational and Alno, as well as their own bespoke traditional ranges.

Customers can choose from a vast range of kitchen collections. w w w. v i e w w i r r a l. c O m

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Stylish Kitchens By Design Dominique McLaughlin - UK Design Award for Kitchens 2010

19-21 Grange Road | West Kirby | Wirral CH48 4DY | Tel: 0151 625 9329 | Fax: 0151 625 9459 vanessa@jamesjameskitchens.com | www.jamesjameskitchens.com

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Herdy mugs - Urbane £10.50 each

Joseph Joseph Hands On Salad Bowl - Urbane £30.00

Hot Oven glove and Brew cosy gordale £3.75 & £5.99 Baloona Stool - Urbane £92.00

Joseph Joseph advance index chopping oard Set - Urbane £44.00

Cool Kitchen

Hot ideas for a cafetiere m&S

Joseph Joseph nest of 6 Bowls Urbane £18.00

icona by Delonghi Kettle - House of Fraser £74.99

Kmix by Kenwood Boutique Toaster - House of Fraser £44.99

Plastic Utensils m&S

Storage Jars -coffee m&S Storage Jars Sugar m&S

Taylor’s eye witness Sloping coloured Knife Block - Urbane £30.00

Storage Jars - Tea m&S

Universal Knife Block - Urbane £28.50 Knives not included

vinatge red Scales gordale £29.99 w w w. v i e w w i r r a l. c O m

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The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it Oscar Wilde

W

hy not take time out and discover House of Hilbre’s fine selection of antique and modern jewellery and silverware.

O

ur varied stock enables customers to purchase gifts for weddings, retirement, christening or perhaps something special for a loved one.

£ R

emodelling unwanted items has become hugely popular, whilst repairs and valuations are a significant part of House of Hilbre.

W

ith dedicated personal attention by the proprietor and friendly staff you can be assured of a warm welcome in our comfortable and elegant surroundings.

House of Hilbre is the ultimate choice for personal service, value and tradition. We look forward to seeing you over a cup of freshly brewed coffee without obligation.

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142 Banks Road • West Kirby • Wirral • Merseyside • CH48 OQB Tel: 0151 625 3334 Fax: 0151 625 3334 m a g a z i n e H Om ma e g2a0z1i 1n e

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HOME

Marvelous

Mayfair In this edition, we have teamed up with one of Wirral’s most established and respected kitchen design and installation experts in the form of Mayfair Kitchens in Bebington. We have picked their brains to help bring you a run down on the latest trends, some top tips and ideas for THE most important room in the house…..

Hot Trends Open plan, contemporary kitchens have been with us for some time now and this trend is gaining momentum. Once a private place, the 2011 kitchen is a public space where people can socialise and entertain with friends and family.

Breakfast bars and islands will continue to make centre stage, as will sleek and streamlined kitchens.

Handless kitchen units will grow in popularity, especially curved units and matt worktops are set to be very much en vogue this year.

For those of us who love a retro feel, the shabby chic look is still a popular choice and the traditional shaker style option can now be found in a variety of more modern finishes.

When it comes to colour, white and ivory kitchens will remain popular, but this year has also seen an increase 36

in stronger colours that make a real impact. Bold, vibrant colours found in hi-gloss units, glass splashbacks, and worktops, offer infinite options for creating a truly individual kitchen.

Green is seen as a rising star in kitchens, but blue, particularly pale blue where it conveys a 1950’s look with a modern feel is said to be a growing favourite.

Granite and solid wood worktops will continue to be popular for those that can afford it, but there are a growing number of alternatives in the form of engineered stone and composites. For flooring, ceramic tiles, high quality vinyl flooring, and natural stone are good options, but reclaimed wooden flooring could well lead the way.

It’s the heart of the home and these days more likely to double as a living area, meeting place or in my case a work space….. it is no longer acceptable to have a functional kitchen, they need to be fabulous!. Creating the perfect multi-functional masterpiece can be daunting – so much choice from traditional to technical; retro to radical, your kitchen needs to work for you on a personal and practical level.

Quality Counts The quality of units, worktops and appliances vary wildly, but it is always worth investing in quality to get a superb finish and a kitchen that will last – we have kitchens we installed over 25 years ago that still look great and function efficiently.

As master dealers for both Aga and Neff, we have the benefit of working with the best in the business, but we can also advise on other leading brands to work within your particular scheme.

Finally – fitting is a key element for consideration. All of our fitters are craftsmen who have been employed with the company for a minimum of 10 years – they know their art and it shows!

Designed For Life Here at Mayfair. We believe the design is the first key element to achieve.

Its ironic but a poorly designed kitchen and a well designed kitchen generally cost about the same.

You should spend as much time as necessary working with your designer to work out an aesthetically pleasing and practical layout which suits you, your family and your house.

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For inspirational ideas for your kitchen visit our showroom today or view our collections online.

Charles Yorke Hacker Prentice Aga Neff

Mayfair House, The Village, Bebington, Cheshire CH63 7PW Phone: 0151 644 9100 Fax: 0151 643 1041 Email: quality@mayfairkitchens.co.uk

www.mayfairkitchens.co.uk

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on

HOME

trend

if you follow all the latest fashion trends with your outfits, why not do the same with your home? cool interior design allows homeowners to really show their style, and a badly designed bathroom can do as much damage to your reputation as a well-designed one can enhance it. So don’t take any chances, follow the Bespoke Bathroom guide to the latest designer bathroom trends and make sure you stay a leader not a loser in the style stakes.

Designer Bathroom Trend 1:

muscular aches and pains so

ways to give your existing bathroom

Freestanding Baths

are also ideal for the day after

a new look. The professionally-

you danced the night away (or

qualified bathroom designers at

Make an instant style statement

drunkenly fell off your Monolo

Bespoke can help you to visualise

in your bathroom with a gorgeous

Blahniks and sprained your ankle!).

every single aspect of your

freestanding bath. Nothing screams

Designer Bathroom Trend 3:

bathroom including luxury bathroom

‘classy’ more than one of these luxury items, especially an original

Overflow Baths

Victorian bath with clawed feet.

To get a real look of envy from your

Alternatively, the top bathroom

girlfriends, install a fabulous overflow

manufacturers have all reproduced

bath, and instantly create a

their own more contemporary

designer bathroom to die for. These

versions, allowing you to make a

either have special filters for the

real style statement. Check out

water to flow down at the top, or

the amazing designer range at

have a separate outer bath so the

Bespoke’s West Kirby showroom.

water can go over the top of the

These beautiful baths take bathing

one you’re in. Sheer heaven, and

to a whole new level!

the best way to recreate the effects

Designer Bathroom Trend 2:

of a spa at home.

Sauna Showers

Designer Bathroom Trend 4:

Nothing earns an impressed raised

Luxurious Flooring

eyebrow more than a home

Take luxury to a whole new level

sauna in a stylish contemporary

and give your bathroom a real

or traditional wooden design.

Hollywood feel by choosing show

Bathrooms are instantly transformed

stopping tiles and floor coverings.

into a pamper zone where you can sweat out the toxins accumulated at during your busy social lives, lose weight and gain more energy.

Saunas are also great for easing

Of course, designer bathroom tiles, surfaces and floors are one of the most important aspects of a new

tiles, surfaces and mosaics

Designer Bathroom Trend 5:

Impress with Bespoke Brands!

If you love designer labels, why not take designer style all the way and create a truly remarkable bathroom experience. Bespoke Bathrooms stock some of the worlds leading designer bathroom brands and are Wirral’s exclusive stockists of leading brands including the iconic Villeroy and Boch and Burgbad ranges.

So, if you are looking for the ultimate designer bathroom or kitchen, let Bespoke Bathrooms and Kitchens help you turn your designer dreams into reality.

bathroom, and one of the best . . . the

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Indulge Relax Create Visit Wirral’s most exclusive Kitchen and Bathroom showroom today to see the regions widest range of exclusive designer brands, including Villeroy & Boch, Jacuzzi, Aqata and Burgbad.

Receive a free planning consultation and professional CAD design and start turning your designer dreams into reality

Designed for living.

92a Liverpool Road North, Maghull, Liverpool L31 2HN T: 0151531 1597 F: 0151 520 1953 E: bespokebathrooms@btconnect.com www.bespoke-bathrooms.co.uk

102 Banks Road, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0RE T: 0151 625 1119 F: 0151 625 1156 E: bespokebathrooms@btconnect.com www.bespoke-bathrooms.co.uk

. . . the next generation of showering

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City Living

One Park West – a jewel in Grosvenor’s crown With the cloud of economic stringency hanging overhead there could be an investor’s silver lining shimmering just over the water in the striking form of Grosvenor Development’s award-winning residential development - One Park West.

The Argentinian Architect Cesar Pelli, best known for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpa and Canary Wharf Tower in London’s docklands. He worked with the master plan of Liverpool’s giant Paradise Project to create a design that fitted with the proposal for the rest of the site. One Park West is the first Pelli designed building in the UK outside London. And the developer with the vision? Grosvenor Developments.

“We wanted to create a modern, striking building. A memorable place to live, with exceptional views on a wonderful park. I hope it will become part of the heritage of this amazing city.”

Cesar Pelli - Architect With an investment of £1 billion and 8 years of hard work Grosvenor’s Liverpool One was opened in 2008 – the state-ofthe art , crowning glory of a City celebrating its well-earned title of Capital of Culture.

At the heart of this, Europe’s largest City Centre regeneration project, lies One Park West, the landmark residential building neatly embraced by a stunning retail centre, the beautiful Chavasse Park, the business district and the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront.

And there’s no shortage of people wanting a piece of the investment action. Apartment sales that continue to buck the national trend coupled with a phenomenally buoyant rental market have more than justified the confidence of Grosvenor Developments, a company known for the highly selective nature of its investments.

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Guy Butler Interview Three years on we speak to Guy Butler, Projects Director for Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, to discover what lay behind the almost crystal ball vision that has led to the development’s resounding success.

How long have you been in property and what, in a nutshell has it taught you? I have been in property for 15 years and time and again, the old cliché of location location location rings true now, in testing financial times, more than ever.

How does the completed Liverpool One and One Park West development rate in terms of Grosvenor’s perceived legacy? The project is an exemplar for urban regeneration and communities, and therefore it is used worldwide as an example of what can be achieved and what should be achieved by the company around the world. It is Grosvenor at it’s highest level.

Liverpool has the greatest number of listed buildings outside London - what does your development add to that? Urban grain is about a mix of old and new buildings sitting together in harmony! By selecting over 30 of the world’s best architects to work on Liverpool ONE means that the projects sits comfortably with the existing built environment.

How does it make you feel to be part of Liverpool’s renaissance? Proud and attached - so much so I intend to stay in Liverpool for long after the end of the project!

How do outside investors view Liverpool now?

In the same light they look at other cities outside of London. They did not do this before.

What would be your top three reasons for investing in Liverpool and more particularly One Park West right now?

1. Demand from tenants. An independent report was issued in the last few days saying there is a shortage in the 100’s of city centre apartments to rent.

2. Quality of stock. Grosvenor built the space to a good quality standard and specification, and Laing O’Rourke built it well. It will last!

3. Price. The space is currently cheaper than you can build it for. What is there not to like!

Pretentious though it may sound, do you feel that your predominance of individual investors at One Park West as oppose to block investment contribute to the existing eclectic international mix that Liverpool already thrives on? We did not allow block investors to buy in OPW because we wanted a good mix, but also, we wanted to give the building the best chance of success in terms of management, payment of service charge, maintenance and so on. The fact we end up with nice people living here is a by product which is great to have!

STOP PRESS

ced a e FM has announ ic Ju n tio a st io d for Liverpool ra part of their plans s a st e W rk Pa One as well £1.1m move to 30 full time staff ve o m ill w n tio sta on the expansion. The senters to a unit re p nd a rs e uc d ining the as freelance pro ng The Strand, jo lo a g in ld ui b e test th first floor of as Grosvenor’s la re o St le yc C nt Gia 24 hour gym and nt. commercial tena

Location, Location.

One Park West is one of the most popular addresses in Liverpool City Centre. With stunning views over the waterfront, the park or the city, it sits in a prime location where residents can take advantage of everything a buzzing cosmopolitan city has to offer.

Attention grabbing details in the studio, one, two and three bed apartments include contemporary kitchens with high gloss finish and touch-open cabinet doors, Hansgrohe Raindance showers, chrome fittings, ceramic tiling and stone shelving.

Secure parking, security cameras, video entry phone from which you can call the concierge on duty 24/7, all contribute to making it a safe and relaxing haven in the midst of what is now hailed as one of the most vibrant cities in the country.

Whether you’re partying, dining quietly at one of Liverpool’s fine restaurants, taking in a show or a concert or simply relaxing with a glass of something on the private residents’ terrace watching the world, and the boats, come and go, One Park West represents a quality of city living second to none.

And with the beautiful Chavasse Park on your doorstep and a superbly equipped gym in the building, the picture is complete.

And what better way to see for yourself than to visit one of the stunning show apartments designed by Wirral’s international interior designers Kingston Shaw Interiors, featured in Andrew Martin’s top 100 designers worldwide.

For sales and lettings call Kingston Shaw Residential on 0151 232 3333 or sales@oneparkwest.co.uk.

Visit our website www. oneparkwest.co.uk

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Changing Creative Rooms Curtain with The Creative Curtain Company

Image courtesy of Zoffany - Perian Tulip Wallpaper

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çCole & Son - Fornasetti Collection Room Settings - Tema e Variazioni 77-1001

inside cushions, art, glistening tie backs all grabble for your attention and it’s hard not to be swept away into a world of contemporary style with a very vintage twist, in this elegant visually appealing shop.

The friendly and personal service provided by Kim and Pat is outstanding and each design is individual to client’s bespoke tastes. with an in house work room all sewing and fitting is completed onsite so that the girls can personally oversea every job and ensure it is right for each client. The

Nestled away in the delightful village of Oxton lies one of the Wirral’s best kept secrets........

êèTie backs and Poles – Wemyss and Houles – Erolia detail and tr. Eolia

The creative curtain company is celebrating its third birthday this October and what an exquisite array of curtain fabrics, wallpapers and other fresh and unique splendours for the home are hidden inside. we all have our own individual tastes when it comes to how we style our interiors but inspiration is never far to find at Kim and Pat’s beautiful shop.

From the moment you step

girls make the perfect team with Kim being the artistic one and Pat providing the practical oversight.

Strong european influences throughout their lives have given the girls an enviable portfolio. From designing every single detail of a stunning london apartment refurbishment to high end property developments in manchester, all working to a budget, the girls have demonstrated passion and attention to detail in everything they do.

They offer beautiful high end fabrics and materials which rival anything else out there.

This and their unique style and intellect in interior design mean you can be assured you are getting the very best.

The girls also have some fabulous unusual wallpaper, wall art and cushions in store, so why resist any longer, pop down to see the girls and be inspired by a range of culture and high end fabrics which includes influences from around the world and make sure your home reflects your unique style.

The Creative Curtain Company are also suppliers of the following brands: Cole&Son, Casamance, Camengo, Sahco and Pierre Frey.

T

E

CREATIVE CURTAIN C COMPANY • In house work room - All sewing, fitting and upholstery is completed onsite • All work is personally overseen to ensure every job is completed to the highest standard • Beautiful shop with stunning materials and unique designs.

0151 651 2010

56 Christchurch Road, Oxton Village, Wirral, CH43 5SF enquiries@creativecurtaincompany.co.uk www.creativecurtaincompany.co.uk

Image courtesy of Andrew Martin

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GARDENING

Embrace Autumn...

A

With...

has Now the summer a finally drawn to a close, October is t star fantastic time to arden preparing your g mn utu for the coming a ion it months. In this ed ble dgea the super-knowle ale d experts from Gor stic nta offer up some fa to help and advice garden make sure your season! is ready for the 44

Shades of Autumn Whilst the summer may grab all of the headlines for its lush vegetation and bright, vibrant flowers, you’d be forgiven for thinking that autumn can be a little, well, drab. But you would be wrong; autumn can also offer up its own unique, beautiful colour pallet and through some clever planting you can really begin to embrace this. Head to Gordale for an amazing selection of deciduous trees and shrubs such as acers. They provide brilliant autumn colours from bark, berries and foliage whilst plants such as skimmias can also add some dramatic colour. For a dash of vibrancy Gordale recommend cyclamens, which come in both white and pink shades – the contrast against the autumn shades will look stunning.

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Luscious Lawns!

The centre piece of any brilliant garden is a brilliant lawn, and to ensure that your lawn is looking in tip-top condition next spring, it’s important to start caring for it as early as now. The lawn experts at Gordale suggest that you start to mow less frequently and raise the height of the grass as the growth rate of the grass begins to decrease.

Make sure that you rake out any thatch, prick over the ground and dress with “clean” weed-free topsoil. After raking out dead grass and moss that has built up over the summer months, the team recommend applying a high-potassium autumn lawn feed which will release the correct balance of essential nutrients to your lawn during the harsh winter months.

Chim Chiminea!

As October starts to close the gap between Summer and Autumn, memories of long balmy evenings fade like the suntans they attracted and our thoughts turn to bonfires, fireworks and cosy nights in.

Large Tibor Range £109.99

If, like me, you love a good excuse for a party then Halloween will probably feature pretty prominently on your social calendar.

An outdoor party is always a great gettogether, a chance to get wrapped up in hats and scarves whilst enjoying some delicious seasonal food.

Scotts Lawn Builder from £8.99

Evergreen Autumn 2 in 1 Lawn Food and Moss Killer £21.99 per bag Both available at Gordale

Gordale Dates for Your Diary!

Free talks with Horticulturist

Karen Richards Make a Bonsai

Autumn Leaves Vector

by DragonArt Used by tribesmen in Mexico, chimineas are the perfect way to enjoy the sounds and smells of a real fire outdoors without the sometimes messy side effects! As the terracotta body of the chiminea warms up, it kicks out a lovely even heat, and as a centrepiece to your seating ensures everyone feels the benefit. We normally burn wood on ours, but old newspaper and dry garden debris works just as well.

So plan your outdoor fun properly and head into Autumn/Winter with a sense of excitement and if you haven’t already got one, invest in a chiminea or fire-pit from the spellbinding selection at Gordale and experience the warmth of this marvellous invention for yourself.

Wednesday 2nd November 11am and 2pm

Christmas All Aglow Wednesday 23rd November 11am and 2pm

Bring your Garden Indoors Wednesday 30th November 11am and 2pm Chimenea Logs 10 KG £6.75

Dinner & Demonstration

First Day of Christmas Thursday 1st December 6.00pm start £20 - Booking is essential

Small Colonial Rocals Range £59.99

Dinner & Demonstration

All in the Detail Thursday 8th December 6.00 pm start £20 - Booking is essential

BUY ONE REGULAR CUP OF TEA OR COFFEE AND GET ONE FREE

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COOL SCHOOLS

Promoting Choice in Education IN ASSOCIATION WITH

CLASS ACT

We take at look at the very latest developments happening at Wirral’s only

dedicated Sixth Form College. Designed to enhance the learning opportunities for students from across the region, the College has recently undergone stage

one of a major refurbishment - breathing new life into the already impressive site and adding state-of-the art facilities across the board.

During the summer break, staff and contractors were busy transforming a variety of areas across the college campus in readiness for the new student intake this autumn.

Working against tight deadlines the team, headed by dedicated Director of Finance Karen Wiggins, worked around the clock to create stunning new learning environments across the college.

CLASSROOM STYLE During our tour, we were treated to a sneak preview of a selection of the new classroom areas, taking in a super new Science lab, media suite and art facility along the way. The old classrooms have been totally transformed with new desks, chairs, whiteboards and state-of-the-art AV equipment which would be the envy of any city centre office suite. ‘We have really tried to creat an adult, work focussed space, ‘ commented Karen. ‘We aim to provide the very best resources for our students and the new classrooms will form just part of a general overhaul across the campus.’

But it was no mean feat.

Alongside many ‘unseen’ but essential projects such as a new heating system and roof, windows were replaced across the college and the gym was completely resurfaced with new robust flooring able to withstand not just sporting activities but open days and exam time in this multi-use space.

As the new term fast approached, Karen said the Premises Team worked wonders getting the site ‘fit for purpose’ again once the contactors had left and students returned to a new and improved college with more facilities than ever.

TECHNOLOGY CENTRAL Nationally acclaimed for their commitment to technology, the college continued its commitment to investment within this area by creating a number of brand new technology areas. A dedicated CAD suite was added to the Design Technology department and a cross-subject media suite was launched complete with 40+ MACS for students use.

The much used Learning Curve – a hybrid Library, Technology, Homework and Study centre was re-designed to add more floor space, allowing a bank of new MACS to be installed and increasing the overall supervised study area significantly.

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A NOTE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL,

KATHRYN PODMORE.....

As Principal I often get asked, why Birkenhead Sixth Form? What makes it special and why should I /my son / my daughter consider it as a next step. There are so many reasons to join us, but here are my thoughts.......

Birkenhead Sixth Form is one of the best colleges for students aged 16 - 19 on the Wirral and not just because of the fantastic results, superb facilities and amazing tutors but also because of the outstanding student experience offered to students who choose to come here.

At Birkenhead Sixth Form, we aim to provide you with full support from the very start of your application journey, through to helping you choose the right courses and helping you decide what you want to do after college. With our fantastic student support team including; liaison guides, learning mentors, personal tutors and the college counsellor there will always be someone on hand to help you with any queries, concerns or worries you may have.

Whatever your qualifications we are certain that we can help you find the right courses and we will make sure that your programme will give you the best chances of success. We offer a wide range of courses from A levels and BTEC’s through to GCSE’s and Foundation programmes, so there really is something for everyone.

At Birkenhead Sixth Form you will be treated as a young adult and we will encourage you to take increasing responsibility for your personal and academic life. At all times we will offer you our maximum support. We will obviously place great emphasis on helping you to achieve the examination success for which you are aiming and we will also encourage you to develop fully your own interests and career ambitions.

Alongside your studies we also like to encourage students to take part in enrichment activities such as dance, sport, volunteering projects and D of E. The student union will also hold a number of events throughout the year including fundraisers, college parties and performances which means that there is a fantastic social side to college life!

We look forward to receiving your application and to welcoming you into our College community.

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COOL SCHOOLS

STUDENT VOICE As she embarks on her second year at Wirral’s only dedicated Sixth Form College, we catch up with A2 student Amelia Hannah from Heswall and find out how she has coped with the transition from school to college and her plans for the future......

So Amelia what made you chose Birkenhead Sixth Form as your next step?

I had always planned to carry on at school, it seemed like the natural thing to do, but I came to an open day here at the Sixth Form and I just knew this was the place for me.

The main problem with my school Sixth Form was that my subject choices were quite restricted, but here I could chose my perfect combination so that was a real plus.

More than anything I realised that I wanted to feel more like a young adult and move away from a traditional school environment.

Here, we are given a lot of support but also treated like adults so have to learn how to motivate ourselves too.

mutual respect and I know I can go to my tutors for anything at all.

So what is the extracurricular offering like?

Fab! I have done loads of stuff this year. As part of the BE-More initiative that the college run I have done quite a bit of volunteering. It’s been great as I have managed to link it with my career plans and its been so rewarding.

What have you loved most about your first year here?

Well after I got over my initial nerves, I really embraced the independence the Sixth Form gives you. The timetables are really well planned so its easy to make best use of your time and the facilities are just fantastic. I’ve made a lot of new friends and the whole experience has really helped me to grow personally.

How are you getting on with your studies?

Well I’ve made great progress and smashed all my targets, so I guess that is good! I’m pretty academic, I got an A*, 8 A’S and 2 B’s at GCSE, so hopefully I will get the grades I need for university.

I really love the tutor system, we have regular meetings and personal interview days every term to help track our progress and there is always additional help on hand should we need it. It was a bit weird calling tutors by the first names at the beginning – so different from school, but I think helps builds

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There is all sorts of things on offer from sport and dance to D of E, so you can really enhance the social side of your time here if you want too also.

Finally, if you had to sum up Birkenhead Sixth Form, how would you describe it??

Total independence and freedom to learn in your own way, yet totally supportive and really really friendly. I love it!

So what is next for Amelia?

Well obviously I have to keep working hard this year, get my grades then hopefully I will be going to University to study Physiotherapy – that is my plan anyway!

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HEADS UP In this edition our editor catches up with Steven Dool, Head teacher at Neston High School. She finds out a bit more about his background, what makes him tick and why he left dreams of football stardom behind to teach!

Educated in Aberdeen at The Kincorth Academy, Steven Dool left school with dreams of becoming a professional footballer. The ‘sports mad’ always kept up his game playing semi-professionally in the South of England whilst studying for an apprentiship in engineering.

Driven by his passion for coaching, he left engineering to pursue a career in teaching, studying in Chester before taking up his first post at Hilbre High School, joining Neston as Deputy Head in xxxx.

He has been in post as Head teacher for five years...........

So Mr Dool, why teaching?

Well my coaching days really made me aware of the immense amount of satisfaction you can get out of helping young people achieve their potential. I really do feel quite honoured that I am in a position to influence young peoples’ lives, it really is so rewarding.

More than anything though I think it has to be the variety the job offers – every day truly is different and I have to say something makes me smile every day!

What do you think is the ‘Neston’ difference?

There really is a very special buzz about this school – its a special place. Obviously we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality care and guidance to our students whilst challenging them every day to strive for their aspirations.

There is a real focus on the individual here, in fact our most recent OFSTED stated that ‘every child really does matter’ which really does reflect our ethos. Neston students are something else. They have a really strong affinity to the school and a close bond with teachers, and our staff are all highly experienced, well qualified and passionate about what they do.

How do you measure success?

We have really tried to foster a culture of success here at Neston, by equipping students with everything they need to fulfil their own individual potential. Our exam results are excellent and students are going on to a range of superb destinations in both higher education, training and the workplace.

Alongside that we have launched a number of special initiatives aimed at personal development, in particular the 360 Degree People initiative, helping students to identify their own strengths and weaknesses and develop new social, practical and interpersonal skills to help them alongside their academic journey.

What is your ethos on good leadership?

A good leader can look to and anticipate the future whilst encouraging a community to ‘come with them’ amd achieve the best possible outcomes. I think it is critical to set a clear vision and direction whilst listening to those around you and instilling confidence at every level. Ultimately, a good leader is only as good as his team, and mine have to be amongst the best.

What do you do for fun?

Well I don’t know whether you can consider it fun, but I am a Liverpool season ticket holder. I still love all sports, particularly football, but this role is not just a job, it’s a way of life and my family are very much involved in many aspects of school life.

Quick Fire Four Good book or great film?

Film - All time favourite, what else...Braveheart!

Late Night or Lie In? Late night, bit of a night owl really Football or rugby? ...and golf and tennis and skiing – any sport whatsoever!

Hot holiday or cold?

Cold I think. Love skiing and think I’m just about young enough to still enjoy it!

DID YOU KNOW?

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‘My other great passion is outdoor pursuits,’ said Paul. ‘I am heavily involved with the college’s D of E programme and it is a big part of my life.

Lunch

Break 50

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SLOOHCS LOOC

In this edition our editor dines with Birkenhead Sixth Form IT Tutor, Paul Moore, at the stunning new Courtyard Bar in the heart of Oxton Village. Opting for a delicious selection of the much talked about international tapas, the pair enjoyed a fabulous ‘Lunch-Break’ at this remarkable new venue....... down for a good natter about Paul’s background, what had drawn him to teaching and what he really loved about his role at the Sixth Form....

As this was my first visit, I have to say I was extremely keen to check out the much talked about funky interior, not to mention the inventive menu of home-made tapas. I was, however, equally excited to meet Paul Moore, part of the award winning IT team at Birkenhead Sixth form and by all accounts, an allaction guy who has been making a real impact at Wirral’s top Sixth Form destination.

As the lovely Dawn guided us to our seats in the stylish conservatory, I have to say I was bowled over by the super-stylish interior – complete with faux snakeskin sofa’s, funky wallpaper and fabulous furniture throughout.

Tapas With A Tale Having studied the menu for some time (it really is something else), we made our choices, fish, in the form of home-made crab cakes, meat with the comforting belly pork and most intriguingly, the Spanish style scouse – all served with usual tapas style accompaniments of delicious breads and patatas bravas.

Once we had ordered, we settled

‘My original plan was to go into law, ‘said Paul. ‘I studied Politics at Liverpool University, but changed my mind and ended up working in travel marketing for a while. I knew pretty quickly that it wasn’t for me and as I had always been involved with youth work, I found myself leaning towards a career in teaching.’

Finally, four years after graduating, Paul took the brave step of returning to college to study for an extended PGSE in IT. Once he had gained his teaching qualification his first post was with the College and he really has not looked back since.

‘Well I come from Wirral and had really good things about the Sixth Form,’ said Paul.’My time as a scout leader and my involvement with D of E meant I knew I would be comfortable working with older students and I definitely made the right decision.

With a growing reputation for IT excellence the college has invested thousands in new technology across all departments.

‘IT really is seen as a central core subject at The Sixth Form,’ commented Paul. ‘Our students have access to some of the best facilities in the region, with industry standard equipment and programmes across all subject areas.’

All students enjoy remote access enabling them to log in from anywhere and access files and programmes to help with their studies. With superb results (amongst the highest in the UK for A* grades), it seems Paul and his colleagues are creating a culture of success that is emanating across the college.

But it’s not just technology that makes Paul tick.

‘My other great passion is outdoor pursuits,’ said Paul. ‘I am heavily involved with the college’s D of E programme and it is a big part of my life.

Indeed Paul, his fellow instructors and a group of students have just returned from an expedition in Snowdonia where they endured four days of tough terrain walking and camping.

‘I loved it,’ said Paul, and the students got so much out of it too.’

Judging by Pauls’ appetite for the delicious tapas, this is a guy who loves his food as much as anything – hey after 4 days of walking in the wilds, he must need all the energy he can get!

With huge thankyou to John, Jason and the team at the wonderful Oxton Courtyard. To book your slice of tapas heaven, call the team today on 0151 651 1118

To find out more about Birkenhead Sixth Form College go to: www.bsfc.ac.uk w w w. v i e w w i r r a l. c o m

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With more choice than any other sixth form college on Wirral....

Make Birkenhead Sixth Form the ďŹ rst choice for your next move....

Visit us at www.bsfc.ac.uk facebook.com/birkenheadsixthform twitter.com/bsfc

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25/10/2011 19:53 13:39

SLOOHCS LOOC

11 13:39

The Dry Clean Difference

Mason Mclean is an independent dry cleaner and launderer with a difference!

ialist lso a spec Shaun is a e th BDMA ember of t affiliate m nagemen mage Ma ric (British Da b fa s e d vi n) and pro nce Associatio the insura to s e ic rv se n tio ra f resto manner o scuing all re ry st u d in d floods. er fires an textiles aft s of l example re unusua ring Some mo o ently rest clude rec s, g his work in ru rsian anners, Pe Masonic B a and hanel bag vintage C arrot! p d e ff u ld st 100 year o

It is owned and operated by Shaun Mason who has previously been Managing Director of luxury cleaner Jeeves of Belgravia in London and in addition ran the specialist operations for Johnsons nationwide.

Shaun’s passion for and knowledge of cleaning extends over 15 years and he has put an experienced team together at his first store on Telegraph Road in Heswall who will professionally tackle any problem put before them in an educated and informed manner, and in addition employ the best in class techniques to ensure all your fabrics have the best of care.

Manager Victoria Amos and her assistant Lyn Bassnett have over 20 years experience and pride themselves in how garments are all hand finished and presented back to customers in a first class condition.

Mason McLean’s wide range of services includes but is not limited to, wedding dress cleaning, suede’s and leathers, handbag restoration as well as conventional dry cleaning and laundering of business suits, day dresses, bed linen and duvets.

They also offer a convenient collection and delivery service which includes taking down and re-hanging curtains.

Shaun hopes to expand his operation over the next few years throughout the Wirral, North Wales and Cheshire but will also deal with postal work from all over the UK and indeed overseas.

October sees Shaun opening a new store in West Kirby on Station Parade.

So if your cleaning needs are just a refresh and quality press of your work suits and shirts or the cleaning and preservation of a couture dress Mason McLean would be delighted to be of service.

Finest Dry Cleaners and Launderers N

EW

AT

S

ST TO A W TI RE ES O O T N P K PA EN IR R

BY AD IN E, G

STATION PARADE, WEST KIRBY 61 Telegraph & Road, Heswall 61 TELEGRAPH ROAD, HESWALL

Tel: 0151 342 4977 TEL: 0151 342 4977 www.masonmclean.co.uk

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Road Test - Luscious Lashes!

Well, they say the eyes have it and with that in mind, we have teamed up with the super-knowledgeable team at the House of Fraser YSL counter to take a look at the latest super lash-lengthening mascaras and give you our verdict on how you can make your eyes stand out from the crowd this season!

Shocking Gives extreme volume instantly, it has new brush technology with multi directional bristles which means you get maximum load on the brush. Shocking gives a false lash effect with outrageous volume!

Singulier This one has a spiral brush which gives a more seperate eyelash effect, for a powerful dramatisation of your look. A mascara that dares everything – volume, length and extreme curves and sculpts the lashes creating a base effect liner for a look that is unique yet irresistible.

Exagerated lashes dramatic styling.

Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils This mascara gives luxurious buildable volume and fans of the luxurious doe eyed look no longer need false eye lashes. Voted best mascara on Gok’s How to Look Good Naked it is the No 1 mascara in the industry. Your eyes will look intense and glamorous.

Sharon & Gill from YSL at House of Fraser Birkenhead are always on hand to give you tips and techniques for smokey eyes, the number one YSL’s look for Christmas. With a full range of mascara, eyeliners, gel eyeliners and eyeshadows available. Call in and see Sharon & Gill and let them show you the beauty must haves from YSL this Christmas.

Take.....

The Holistic Approach

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Melanie Wright has been a practising Osteopath in Heswall since 1988, launching the Holistic Centre in its present position back in 1994. The centre now has 4 Osteopaths along with a whole host of other complementary therapists.

Bone health is one of Melanie’s specialist areas both from an Osteopathic and a Public Health Nutrition perspective. With an ageing population Osteopenia and Osteoporosis (reduced bone mass and increased risk of low trauma fracturesespecially to the hip, wrist and spine) are becoming much more of a problem.

Weight bearing exercise and a healthy varied diet are very important.

found that vitamin D helps to prevent falls in older people which is obviously the reason why many fracture bones in the first place! Vitamin D is predominantly synthesised in the skin and as such we need exposure to a certain wavelength of UV-B (sunshine) which is not available at certain times of the year in northern latitudes such as the UK. This means that dietary intake becomes more important.

Foods high in vitamin D include eggs (especially the yolk), kale, spinach, oily fish, dairy produce, fortified cereals and margarine. Calcium rich foods include dairy products (cheese, milk, yoghurt), mackerel, dark and leafy vegetables, spinach, soybeans, tofu.

A diet containing adequate calcium, magnesium and vitamin D is vital to help maintain bone health. We need vitamin D in order to be able to absorb the calcium that we take in our food. It has also been

For further information or an appointment to discuss and assess your general nutritional status or bone health then please contact Melanie at the Holistic Centre.

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Heswall Osteopathy and Holistic Centre 4 Milner Road, Heswall, Wirral, CH60 5RZ

Heswall Osteopathy and Holistic Centre is one of the leading Osteopathic Centres on the Wirral. Established in 1994 by Melanie Wright we now have four Osteopathic practitioners (three female and one male) who offer the full range of osteopathic techniques (structural, cranial and veterinary osteopathy).

In addition the centre offers an extensive range of complementary therapies that can be tailored to meet your requirements.

Osteopathy aims to improve mobility, relax muscular patterns, restore joint function and improve drainage to areas whose function has been compromised.

Osteopathy Chiropody Physiotherapy Acupuncture Swedish/ holistic massage Nutritional therapy Hypnotherapy and Counselling Sports massage Infant massage lessons/courses Reiki

Further information can be obtained by ringing our reception on 0151 342 7272 www.heswallosteopathy.co.uk Centre is open until 8pm three nights per week.

So what is NLP?

Alison Blackler from 2minds explains 2minds are passionate about you believing in yourself and having the life that you want and deserve. Alison Blackler believes personal growth and development is the key to leading an enriched life. Her vivaciousness and natural ability to engage people has now reached many We offer personal performance coaching combined with Neuro Linguistic Programming and Hypnosis. A powerful combination and we will tailor sessions for you and your needs to assisting you to remove the barriers that keep you from achieving your dreams in all or any areas of your life

Alison Blackler, Director

“Discover the life you’ve always dreamed of.” www.2mindsnlp.co.uk

Do you believe in yourself? Are you good enough?

Do you lack motivation, determination, clarity?

Are struggling to feel happy? Are you in the right relationship? Are you seeking love? Do you lack confidence? Are you struggling with bad habits? Is your weight a problem. 2minds offers a holistic, focused solution so that you can create significant, permanent changes We offer a completely different experience. It differs from other therapies because it works more on how people think rather than what they think. It is not necessary to “tell your story” or know why or when the problem started. The other difference is that we work with both the unconscious and conscious minds, where other therapies are more focused on conscious thoughts. What we do is to teach you how to take responsibility of your life and encourage you to have the world the way they want it

So what is Neuro Linguistic Programming?

There are many different ways of explaining Neuro Linguistic Programming or NLP, the easiest being, think of your brain as a computer, the software is the unconscious mind which runs to the best of its ability but not always generating the desired results. NLP re-programmes your unconscious mind, therefore the software, freeing you from unwanted beliefs, limiting decisions and negative emotions like anger, sadness, fear, hurt and guilt Alison says that meeting someone for the first time is “inspiring, there is so much hope and potential. It is always a privilege to be there at the start of a journey”

Take action and contact us Alison Blacker is a highly skilled and experienced Master Practitioner of NLP, Hypnosis, Time Line Therapy and Personal Performance Coach. All sessions are private and confidential. Take a look at the website for further information and dare to invest in yourself like never before.

Why not give Alison a call on 07703 599246 for an informal chat. We offer a 1:1, initial consultation so that sessions can be tailored to all your specific needs. Our clinic is on the Wirral.

Take action right now and make a life changing decision today.

Start to imagine how much better for life could be without your fear or phobia call 07703 599246. w w w. v i e w w i r r a l. c o m

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Fabulous Frames

Get the latest couture frames for that on-trend look this season

Posh, Jennifer, Rhianna and Jay Z – they’re all at it. What you wear on your eyes is now as important as what you wear everywhere else and our very own Wirral super-specs specialist has the lot.

With classic designer frames from the likes of Chanel and RayBan to uber-cool Californian chic from the catwalk’s favourite Oliver Peoples, Harris Opticians has designer style by the bucket load.

From stunning Chopard numbers to the quintessentially British Ted Baker collection, you can find the latest collections at unbeatable prices with a superb clinical service to match.

WIN A pair of designer frames to the value of £150,

simply email alison@viewwirral.com or log onto www.viewwirral.com and leave us your details.

Closing date 12th December 2011.

For all the latest designer frames and an unmatched clinical service, make Harris your first stop for eyewear heaven.

8 Banks Road, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 4HB. Tel: 0151 625 7742 175-177 Telegraph Road, Heswall, Wirral CH60 7SE. Tel: 0151 342 4130

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The Look

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BUSINESS

Business Northwood Open Day Northwood Lettings in Heswall recently hosted a free event and invited landlords to come and ask about the ins and outs of letting a property. On hand for advice, queries and tips was a property management lawyer, mortgage advisor, tax advisor and of course the Northwood Team, for what can sometimes be a

benefits of all these specialists being

Vote of confidence for Lees Solicitors

under one roof at the same time. If you

Jon Bloor and the Business Law team

Jon commented ‘ We were really

would like more information or have

recently advised Voluntary and

pleased to be able to help VCA Wirral

any questions about your property or

Community Action Wirral on the

with such a worthwhile project.

becoming a landlord, give them a

regulatory and compliance aspects of

call on 0151 348 4527 or pop in to 78

their new website www.wirralwell.org, a

Telegraph Road, Heswall ..... the kettle is

new one stop shop, online information

always on!

resource for wellbeing, health and social

minefield of information.

Over the course of the day there was a steady stream of landlords and prospective landlords that reaped the

care services for Wirral residents. As well as providing legal documentation for the site, the team will also be providing compliance training for the volunteers who will operate the site.

Karen Livesey, Business Development Manager at VCA Wirral said ‘The service we received from Jon and the team at Lees Solicitors was fantastic. There was always someone on hand to answer our questions and help us through this very complicated and specialist area. We certainly look forward to working with

Sites like this provide a fantastic channel for voluntary and not-for-profit organisations to provide services to their local communities. However, it is really important to make sure that you have addressed all of the legal issues and put in place appropriate user terms and conditions and privacy policies.

Businesses are subject to ever increasing regulation in areas like cookies and Data Protection and, in particular, anyone who operates a website incorporating “user generated content” will need to consider how they address the risks of liability for any content which is defamatory or infringes copyright.’

them again in the future.’

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career

BUSINESS

My Career Ladder

Subject: Sean Marley Position: Managing Director Lime Pictures

Describe your school days. Were you the ‘perfect prefect’ or a rebel without a cause??

I loved my days at school, I went to St Anselm’s in Birkenhead. I was very sporty so was always running playing football or triplejumping!

Did you go on to college?

Yes – York University to do a chemistry degree, perfect for a career in media!

What was your very first job?

Very first job was stacking supermarket shelves at 16 but post degree, my first job was a Trainee Sales Exec at Metro Radio in Newcastle.

What was your next step up the ladder?

I moved to Radio City to continue on the sales path before being persuaded back to Newcastle and making the switch to the creative side of the business. That step was a huge risk but paved the way for my future career.

How did you get into the world of media?

Although my chemistry degree wasn’t the ideal preparation for media, my days at University allowed me to get involved in music and entertainment and trying to make it work commercially so that whet my appetite for the industry. The sales job in radio was my route through to it.

What has been your most embarrassing moment at work?

I’m not that embarrassed by it but judging by the comments I’ve had, maybe I should be..... the moment that TOWIE was announced as the winner of the BAFTA recently. Little did I know but the world was watching me full screen having an excited hug with Amy Childs – YouTube it and you’ll see what I mean.

What has been your greatest achievement?

I’m lucky enough to have been associated with winning many great awards but when I was 21 I made a speech revealing my ambition of becoming MD of Radio City by age 30 – and I just made it!

What is your recipe for success?

Surround yourself with people who are better than you in their specialist areas and allow them to make decisions.

Quick Fire Five Hot holiday or cold? Hot Dinner or lunch? Dinner Footy or Rugby? Footy Late night or lie In? Both – one followed by the other Good book or great film? Good book

What do you love most about your current role?

Variety...within 10 minutes the other day I agreed terms on a deal with a vajazzle company and then negotiated a multimillion pound deal with a broadcaster!

If you were not a media guru, what would be your alternative dream career?

Not sure about the guru bit but my other passion is horse racing and I’d like to be involved in the breeding side of that industry.

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BUSINESS

Finance Sponsored by:

...with Business Growth Accountants, Woods Squared Strategy ~ Accountancy ~ Tax

Award Winning Accountants Shine

2008 as it is great to be recognised for doing

We sympathise completely with this

something different on a consistent basis

viewpoint and we have seen a massive shift

within our industry. We have been very

in the approach that banks in particular are now

Wirral business growth accountants

careful to develop our profile as more than

taking with their lending decisions compared

Woods Squared named as winners of Most

just accountants and hopefully this and

to 3 or 4 years ago but we do happen to agree

Innovative Sole Practitioner at the 2020

other awards that we have won and are

with the banks on this one – sorry!

Group Innovation Awards 2011.

currently shortlisted for will continue to help

It is our experience that banks are looking

us get that message across.”

to lend but unfortunately the majority of

Conference in The Hilton Birmingham

To celebrate their win, Woods Squared are

business owners that are approaching them

Metropole in Birmingham, Wirral based

offering the first 20 businesses to contact

with their lending requests are not providing

Woods Squared were named as the Most

them before the end of November the

them with sufficient information that allows

Innovative Sole Practitioner.

chance to test drive their new £1000

them to say yes. We are lucky to currently

diagnostic review service for free. Designed

have a 100% success rate when helping our

to identify, and then help close, the gap

clients in this area and our 3 golden tips to

between what a business is worth today and

help any business in this area are:

what the business owners needs or wants it

1. Make sure that you have up-to-date

to be worth in the future.

management information showing what

For more information on Woods Squared’s

you are currently doing as a business.

services or to enquire about the free

2. Prepare forecasts to identify the funding

business diagnostic review please email

gap needed and what the additional

info@woods-squared.co.uk or call the

funding being requested will be used for.

On 13 October at the 13th Annual 2020

Woods Squared team on 0151 649 8456.

2020 is the largest voluntary membership

SME Funding – Does it Actually Exist?

organisation in the UK with over 1,200

As Business Growth Accountants one of the

firms ranging from national firms through

most frequent conversations we have with

to sole practitioners and is specifically

small and medium sized business owners is

designed to encourage accountancy firms

about funding. The things covered most

to develop into marketing, adding value

often include talking about ways to help

and management techniques to maximise

businesses manage their day-to-day cash

profitability in the long term.

flow, discussing the various options available

The award celebrates success and

to businesses that have got behind on

achievement across the accounting

their liabilities or a business that is looking

profession with particular emphasis on

to secure funding so it can grow and take

innovation and creativity.

advantage of the current opportunities that

Accepting the award from Peter Shilton MBE

are available.

OBE, Gordon Gilchrist and Chris Frederiksen

No matter which of these it is the common

of 2020 with his team, Woods Squared

point that we always end up coming back

founder Alan Woods said:

to is that no matter what the banks and

“It is a fantastic achievement being named once again as the Most Innovative Sole Practitioner after having won it before in

other funding organisations say it is the perception of the business owners that people are not lending.

3. Tailor the information being provided to the particular bank or lending organisation that you are speaking to – what one bank may want to see may not be the same as another.

The first point of contact for any business owner looking to access finance for their business should be their professional adviser as they should have the contacts and expertise that is needed to help you to position your proposition in the best way to the most appropriate funders.

If anyone needs help or wants to find out more then please contact us for a free initial no obligation discussion about the options available to you.

FOLLOW US! facebook.com/woodssquared twitter.com/#!/woodssquared linkedin.com/in/woodssquared

Woods Squared Limited 49 Hamilton Square Birkenhead Wirral CH41 5AR Telephone 0151 649 8456 Facsimile 0151 649 8453 E-mail info@woods-squared.co.uk Website www.woods-squared.co.uk 60

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LEGAL

Sharing the family home with elderly relatives These days we are all well aware of the costs involved when it comes to long term care. For many of us the thought of spending our final days in a residential care home has little appeal, not only because of the costs involved but also because we want to remain in our own homes where we are close to friends, family and loved ones.

For this reason, many people choose to live with elderly relatives in order to provide care for them in their home environment for as long as possible.

Children may move into their parents’ homes or vice versa; or a new home may be purchased for the family to share.

Many parents will wish to contribute financially when they live with their children which may be through providing a property to live in, paying a share of the purchase price or paying for refurbishments.

Whichever route the family choose to go down, there are a number of issues to be considered before a final decision is taken.

Deliberate deprivation of assets Everyone requiring care in England & Wales is required to fund the cost of that care if they have capital assets over a certain value.

If the Local Authority are able to show that assets have been given away to avoid paying for care then they may be able to claim the gifted assets to contribute towards the care costs.

It is important show an alternative reason for making a gift of assets, for example the payment of money to children for the provision of care provided by them.

Seeking professional advice prior to moving in with elderly parents or starting to care for them at home is the best way to avoid any financial pitfalls.

Shared ownership If the ownership of a property is shared between elderly parents and children who live together, the best way to record how the property is owned is through a Deed of Trust.

This document records the share of the property owned by each party.

This will avoid any dispute with the Local Authority as to how much of the property is available for them to recover to pay for care home fees.

Gifts with reservation of benefit Some parents choose to gift their properties to their children and continue to live at home so that they can be cared for by their children.

For inheritance tax purposes, this is known as a “gift with reservation of benefit”. This means that the value of the gifted asset will still be included as part of the persons estate for tax purposes on their death.

James Wallace, solicitor, says “The rules concerning inheritance tax and care fees are completely different and it is important that clients understand how the rules operate.

It is not always possible to achieve a solution that is beneficial for both tax planning and care fee planning and often a balance needs to be struck between the two”.

If you wish to discuss any of the issues mentioned above, please contact James Wallace at Lees Solicitors LLP, 90/92 Telegraph Road, Heswall – 0151 342 6273 or email jww@lees.co.uk

For Individuals Court of Protection Family Law Residential Conveyancing Wills, Trusts and Estates

For Business Commercial Property Corporate & Commercial Dispute Resolution Employment Law

Injury and Negligence Accident and Personal Injury Clinical Negligence

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Sponsored By

Business and Community

Chamber of Business & community

Wirral Lawyers roll up their sleeves for charity

Benefit Night for The Huntington’s Disease Association

Nikola Farmer and Julia Hurlbut, of Lees Solicitors LLP, were among a team of volunteers from the company who spent a day helping out at Wallasey charity Stick n Step. The lawyers spent the day weeding, pruning, wood staining and painting at the charity’s HQ, where they also created dozens of football sized Christmas decorations in preparation for later in the year.

Stick n Step supports children with cerebral palsy and their families across the Northwest. Their specialist therapy sessions, which have enjoyed considerable success, give the children coping mechanisms and techniques to manage their disability. Lees Solicitors, which has offices in Birkenhead, Heswall and West Kirby, have worked with a number of clients who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Fiona Kemp, Principal in Lees’ Clinical Negligence Department, said: “We work across all areas of law for both businesses and individuals but our clinical negligence and court of protection departments have real experience of

Adam Coyne will be trekking The Great Wall of China in May 2012 to raise funds for The Huntington’s Disease Association.

Adam a long standing Greasby resident was diagnosed with the condition 7 years ago and has decided to take up a positive challenge to raise awareness to the condition and to hopefully assist in finding a cure.

He will be holding a benefit night on Friday 25th November in Royden Hall Frankby. If anyone would like to enquire about tickets or is interested in corporate

the issues around cerebral palsy so we really appreciate the

sponsorship please call Adam direct on 07790 560 457. You

amazing work done by Stick n Step.

will make a difference !

“They are now one of our nominated charities and we’re looking forward to helping them in the future and are busy planning similar volunteer days.”

Lees Solicitors is a progressive legal firm based on the Wirral in three convenient locations: Birkenhead, Heswall and West Kirby. Lees provide a comprehensive range of services to both individuals and businesses.

Work Related Learning at Sainsburys Upton Sainsbury’s Upton Store has already been Highly Commended for their working partnership with the Wirral Special Schools, and has now expanded this opportunity to more young people from the Special Schools. The store is now working with 3 of the Wirral Special schools Foxfields, Meadowside & Clare Mount Specialist Sport College offering each school one day a week use of their

lees at Stick n Step pictured nikola Farmer and Julia Hurlbut 2011

training room and shop floor experience for Post 16 pupils.

“This is a fantastic opportunity that schools and pupils are extremely grateful for. The support they are receiving from the Sainsbury’s staff involved is excellent” Katherine Magnall, work related learning co-ordinator commented.

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Santa Dash

Bigger and Better than ever.

Grab your Santa suits guys and limber up – the popular West Kirby Santa Dash is back for a second year and it looks set to be bigger than ever.

Drawing on the experts behind the worldfamous Liverpool Santa Dash, the event, which is organised by the West Kirby Chamber of Business, forms the culmination of the town’s pre-Christmas build up.

Taking place on Sunday 18th December, participants can register / pick up packs from Le Bizz on Banks Road or any of The Wro’s and it looks as though around 500 runners will be hitting the beach and Marine lake in this years festive dash.

When? Sunday 18th Dec Where? West Kirby Beach How? Pick up a registration form from Le Bizz Or The Wro

Happy 1st Birthday Urbane!

Contemporary gift shop, Urbane is set

launched their own website

to celebrate their 1st Birthday, a year

www.urbanehoylake.co.uk .

of trading in their much loved home of Hoylake. Phil and Houston moved to Hoylake five years ago and love

Dry Clean Development...

Mason McLean is a specialist Dry Cleaning and Laundry operation which opened in Heswall in 2010. Since then it has gained a reputation for high standards of cleaning and garment finishing drawing customers from right across the Wirral and beyond!

Shaun Mason, owner of Mason Mclean has

the community feel of the village, the social aspect and wanted to give back to the community in helping Hoylake become a successful busy seaside town.

Both Phil and Houston have a real passion for design led, contemporary home and giftware so they found premises, decided on what to stock and opened their doors in October 2010...and they have gone from strength to strength. They have also

Phil and Houston met on a youth exchange between Wirral Borough Council and Hong Kong Commission on Youth. Phil spent 14 years at Vauxhalls and then decided to branch out on his own. Houston is a housing manager for a Chinese Housing Association in Liverpool.

So to celebrate their 1st birthday Phil and Houston invited friends, family, customers old and new to join them for celebratory weekend. See the pics in Goodtimes at the back of the magazine. Happy Birthday!!

now decided to expand operations and during October will open a new location conveniently sited on Station Parade in West Kirby. Shaun commented “It will offer all the services as the main store in Heswall ranging from standard day wear such as business suits and dresses to suedes, leathers, wedding dresses and many other specialist items including our exclusive and unique handbag cleaning service which is becoming ever more popular with the Wirral? fashion conscious ladies!” w w w. v i e w w i r r a l. c O m

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25/10/2011 19:54

RED HOT RENTALS

Rental Price ⁄ £925 pcm

No of Bedrooms ⁄ 4

Rental Price ⁄ £775 pcm No of Bedrooms ⁄ 3

Address ⁄ 1 Brearley Close, Bidston

Address ⁄ 9 Oakland Drive, Upton

Description ⁄ An executive detached modern property on a popular

Description ⁄ An extended much improved modern semi detached

sought after development giving easy access to all local centres and motorways for major centres. The property offers spacious well planned accommodation comprising of entrance hall, cloakroom/ WC, lounge, dining room, study, fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room with built in oven/hob and extractor hood with a good range of wall and base units. To the first floor there are 4 double bedrooms, the master bedroom benefitting from an en suite shower room and modern family bathroom. Externally there is a brick built garage, driveway parking and access to the rear enclosed private gardens and shed. MUST BE VIEWED.

house with the benefit of gas central heating and double glazing in a quiet established residential area convenient for local amenities. The property accommodation is comprised of entrance porch, entrance hall, quality ground floor shower room, lounge, extended dining room, fitted kitchen, 3 double bedrooms and modern bathroom over the bath. There is also a garage, additional parking and good sized gardens. MUST BE VIEWED.

Rental Price ⁄ £525 pcm No of Bedrooms ⁄ 2 Rental Price ⁄ £525 pcm No of Bedrooms ⁄ 2 Address ⁄ 1 The Ridings, Prenton Description ⁄ Forming part of a sought after development a most

attractive 2 bedroom ground floor apartment with double glazing and gas central heating throughout. The Ridings is a select development just off Beryl Road and is ideally located for easy access to all local centres. The accommodation is comprised of a common entrance hall, entrance vestibule, entrance hall, lounge/dining area, kitchen with split oven and hob and modern fitted units including washing machine.

Two bedrooms, modern bathroom with shower and private parking.

MUST BE VIEWED.

Address ⁄ 12 Town Lane, Little Neston Description ⁄ A modernised and improved mid terrace cottage in

sought after location of Little Neston. Located in part of Village Centre ideal for all amenities. The property benefits from gas central heating system and extensive double glazing. The property offers through lounge/dining room, fitted kitchen with oven and hob, bathroom with shower of the bath and 2 double bedrooms (one with fitted wardrobes) and rear yard. MUST BE VIEWED.

Rental Price ⁄ £700 pcm No of Bedrooms ⁄ 3 Address ⁄ 15 Glebe Road, Wallasey Description ⁄ An immaculate and tastefully modernised and Rental Price ⁄ £495 pcm No of Bedrooms ⁄ 2 Address ⁄ 6 Kenham Court, Salisbury Road, New Brighton Description ⁄ A modern gas centrally heated double glazed second

floor flat decorated throughout to an excellent standard. Located in a well established area convenient for all local amenities.

The property comprises of hall, L shaped lounge/dining room, fitted kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom with shower. Allocated parking. MUST BE VIEWED.

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extended, mature semi detached property in a well established and sought after location close to local amenities. This property offers spacious well laid out accommodation that has been decorated and finished throughout to a very high standard. The property benefits from GCH and DG. The property offers entrance vestibule, entrance hall, WC/cloakroom, lounge, dining room, luxury kitchen with built in appliances and breakfast room. To the first floor there are 3 bedrooms and bathroom comprising of roll top modern bath, walk in shower, basin and WC. Outside there is a rear courtyard area ideal for summer entertaining. The property is also partly furnished. AVAIL BEGIN DECEMBER

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25/10/2011 19:54

L-R: Deryck Highet Joanna Diamond-Jones Joanne Toller Victoria Pritchard

A GUIDE TO….

RELAXED RENTALS Why do I need an agent? Why do I need Northwood?

way and expect top source responsible,

prove to be a headache you just don’t

neighbourly and honest tenants from the

need.

word go.

If an issue becomes a really serious

In reality, it can often take months to find

problem and you have to involve the

a suitable tenant and even then there

law, you will then have the added

With rentals on the up and the ever

can still be problems. What if they decide

worry and expense of costly legal fees

increasing popularity of TV programmes

to take a holiday one month instead

for solicitors and any associated court

all extolling the ease of buying and

of paying their rent; or it’s the run up to

action.

managing a property to let, it is hardly

Christmas and they need extra cash??

surprising that many new landlords think

What if they are less than neighbourly

they will automatically find a ‘dream’

– the last thing you need is calls about

long-term tenant. Many fail to anticipate

nuisance behaviour or complaints from

any of the numerous problems and

the Police. Any one of these issues could

pitfalls they could encounter along the

This type of action can be hugely costly and when you add that to the possibility that rent may not be being received, landlords could potentially face a financial nightmare.

Case Study: Troublesome Tenants

initiated the usual procedure and the

property and so know knowledge about

tenants were issued with a Section 21

its condition internally.

in the February. This order required the

Even though Northwood have stringent

tenants to vacate the property by the

tenant vetting systems, with strict

end of June.

Platinum Package means Zero Cost

compliancy rules ,every now and then one ‘bad-apple’ can still slip through the net.

Unfortunately the tenants chose not to abide by the order and so further legal action had to be taken. After two

In late December of last year, the team

further court hearings, papers were finally

let a property to two new tenants on a

issued for bailiff action to be enforced.

fixed term assured short hold tenancy.

Eventually after four long months of

Almost immediately, the office started

wrangling, the tenants finally moved out.

to receive complaints from neighbours about anti-social behaviour and so

During this whole process, as a landlord, you would have no access to the

A complex tenant issue like the one we have illustrated can take months to resolve and would cost in excess of £2000 in legal fees. The Northwood Platinum Rental Scheme protects landlords against such occurrences and under the terms of the scheme, all fees would be covered.

The highly experienced Northwood team would also handle all of the legal side of the matter; fulfilling all court appearances, liaising with the solicitors and neighbours, ensuring the tenants are evicted swiftly and generally helping provide total peace of mind to you the client.

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25/10/2011 19:54

LEGAL

The workplace accident dilemma...

...will a claim put my job at risk?

Many businesses are struggling in the current financial climate and inevitably finding it hard to keep on top of health and safety, leaving their staff at increased exposure to an injury in the workplace.

accident solicitor who can

A specialist work claims solicitor

quickly organise rehabilitation

will be able to help you with all

care to help get that employee

of these things and ensure that

back to work before many of

you keep your job and are fully

the problems associated with

compensated , getting your

long term absence actually

life and finances back on track

“It is hardly surprising that we are

just good practice but simple

arise”

quickly and calmly while you just

seeing increasing numbers of

common sense.”

By law every employer must be

concentrate on getting better.

workplace accident claims” says

“If you are unfortunate enough

fully insured to cover an injury

RMNJ Solicitors is a firm

to suffer an accident and

claim you make. Employers

Accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, who

Ray London-Smith who heads up the accident claims team at

are injured at work it is almost

understand this and although

RMNJ Solicitors Birkenhead.

certain that this should not have

many people worry about the

are dedicated to fighting for

“Many businesses are struggling

happened and your employer

risk of getting sacked for making

the rights of injured people and

in the current financial climate

will be at fault.”

a claim, this is in fact very rare .

Ray is recognised by APIL as a

and inevitably finding it hard

But can making a claim actually put your job at risk?

By instructing a specialist

Senior Litigator. RMNJ’s specialist

solicitor early on, arrangements

work accident claims team are

can often be made for you to

happy to provide free initial

get private medical treatment

advice to accident victims and

such as physiotherapy so you

a full no win no fee service.

get back to work and start

Simply call 0151 647 0000.

to keep on top of health and safety ,leaving their staff at increased exposure to an injury in the workplace .”

This is often a worry but an experienced injury claims

What can staff realistically

solicitor like RMNJ can soon put

expect? he asks “Well all

your mind at rest. “An injury at

employers have to take

work doesn’t suddenly remove

sufficient steps to protect you

your employment rights” says

at work and to make sure that

Ray “ and often employers

the way they ask you to do your

are greatly assisted by the

job has been properly assessed

involvement of an experienced

as being safe. A lot of that is not

earning again before long term absence forces your employer to think about finishing you up on health grounds. You may also be eligible for interim payments to cover your mortgage, rent and the like.

www.rmnj.co.uk

Recommend a Friend If you have a friend or a family member who has been unfortunate enough to have had an accident recently…

Worth

£2a0sh0 C

W11

g ref: V

Quotin

Use this voucher to claim £100* cash when you recommend them to RMNJ and we take on their claim AND we’ll give them £100* cash too!

Just call us now on 0151 647 0000

Or simply fill in and post back to us at: RMNJ Solicitors, 63 Hamilton Square, Birkenhead CH41 5JF

✁

✁

I would like to recommend a friend or family member who may have a claim.

I confirm that I have read and agree to the terms.

I have told the person named below that I will receive £100* for my recommendation and they stand to receive £100* too!

Please send my £100 to: My Name ...............................................

My Address ........................................... ............................................................... ...............................................................

My Phone Number ...............................

Signed ................................................

✁ My friend/family member who would like to claim and receive £100 is: Name ....................................................

Address ................................................. ............................................................... ...............................................................

Phone .................................................... * Subject to acceptance and terms.

By signing this voucher you confirm that you have read and agree the above, that you have not recommended more than 3 friends in the last year you have not obtained client details by any unsolicited visit or call and that you undertake to abide by these terms and to the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct 2007 a copy of which is available on request or is available online at www.sra.org.uk.

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25/10/2011 19:54

Investing in inflationary times Iain Maclaverty from St James Place Wealth Management

Inflation can cause havoc for your personal finances as it erodes the real value of our money over time. Not surprisingly, research shows that as many as nine out of 10 people are worried about the effects it can have on their money (Source: Post Office Savings, June 2011)

Inflation ran at the Bank of England’s

looking far more healthy. On the

strong, while it offers diversification

intended target of 2 percent, the

back of those profits the outlook for

from equities.

sum of £100,000 would be worth

dividends is more positive. History

£67,297 in real terms 20 years later.

shows that returns on equities can

At 4 percent the real value would

beat inflation and dividends can

drop to £45,639, while at 5 percent

play an important part in this.

the original sum of £100,000 would be worth just £37,689 in 20 years’ time.

risk and returns. For instance, commodities (such as those linked

interest of 5.25 percent on their

to food inflation) might be bale to

savings in order to make a real return

play a role in a balanced portfolio,

on their money once CPI inflation

so it is worth seeking out funds

is taken into account. Higher rate

which invest in so-called ‘alternative

taxpayers are in an even worse

assets’. Another income producing

position, needing returns of 7 percent

asset, commercial property is also

to stop the value of their deposits

beginning to attract attention again.

being shrunk by inflation.

Returns are up 9.1 percent over

value of level income payments is eroded over a few years, it is important to find good and increasing sources of investment income.

In the current inflationary environment the yields from gilts in real terms offer few attractions.

Opportunities for attractive income still exist in the corporate bond market, however investors are having

problems for people about to retire because even a low level of inflation will seriously dent pensioners’ fixed

Diversification is also key in balancing

Basic rate taxpayers need to earn

In inflationary times, when the real

Inflation also brings particular

the 12 months to the end of June (Source: IPD UK Monthly Property Index Results, June 2011). Again history suggests that commercial property has a place in a portfolio and its long term track record is

incomes over a number of years.

Inflation and uncertainty go hand in hand, but it is even more marked given the current economic turmoil.

It is why investors are going to have to explore all the options to make the most from their savings and investment – and maybe taking a step up the risk ladder.

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact Iain MacLaverty, partner of the St James’s Place Partnership on 0151 632 2926, by email Iain.MacLaverty@sjpp.co.uk or visit www.iainmaclaverty.co.uk.

Pa rtn er s in M a n ag in g you r Wea lth

o y ll ca 26 t ntar ent. se ea 29 me em Pl 632 pli nag m a 51 co M 01 st a alth e e qu W re e to id gu

11

BUSINESS

Where suCCessFul Wealth ManageMent is siMPly Par For the Course

to be increasingly selective.

The key for investors is to hold a portfolio of funds which offers the flexibility to exploit the selective income opportunities from across the corporate bond spectrum.

One of the most efficient ways to beat inflation over the longer terms is to invest in the stock market and take advantage of the dividends paid by companies. After a couple of leaner years in the teeth of recession, the earnings of UK companies are

We have the knowledge to help you successfully secure and enhance your financial future by offering specialist solutions in a wide range of areas including: • Wealth Management • Inheritance Tax Planning

• Investment Planning • Retirement Planning

st. James’s Place is one of the uK’s leading Wealth Management groups - voted Best Wealth Manager 2008 and 2009 by readers of the investors Chronicle and Ft as well as Wealth Manager of the year 2007, 2008 and 2010 by readers of the Daily telegraph. if you would like to find out more about how our investment approach could work for you in the current market, or how Inheritance Tax is still affecting many people in the uK, then contact your local office below to receive a complimentary guide to Wealth Management, or arrange a consultation.

Iain MacLaverty Partner of the st. James’s Place Partnership

Tel: 0151 632 2926 iain.maclaverty@sjpp.co.uk www.iainmaclaverty.co.uk

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Ali Jagger Personal Wellness and Weight Loss Coach

Ali Jagger with Weight Loss Winner Iris O’Brien

Ali Jagger Personal Wellness and Weight Loss Coach and Sue France of Forward Ladies with the Forward Ladies

Forward Ladies Event at John Lewis The Hollyoakes Girls

Jorgie Porter

Hollyoakes Ball at Chester Racecourse

Sylvain Longchambon and Jennifer Metcalfe

The Hollyoakes Boys

Clare Ellison of Kirwans, Mariusz Holboy of The Olive Press, Mandy Molby Wirral Witches and Michelle Stevenson of Kirwans

Kirwans Ladies Lunch at The Olive Press

Comprehensive Care Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry

Call 0151 353 8943 VIEW_Home11_Inner.indd 68

Olive Press Sous Chef, Mariusz Holboy, with Hollyoaks actress Alex Fletcher

25/10/2011 19:54

Natalie Browns 18th

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25/10/2011 19:55

Brooke Vincent & Sacha Parkinson

Sarah Jayne Dunn

Adam Bell (Malmaison) Lorraine McCulloch

Malmaison Party Sinead Moynihan & Michelle Keegan

Tina O’Brien

Daniel Rennox and Sophie Brown

Alison Hunter & Odette McBride

Paula Brown & Alison Hunter

Paula Brown - Editor View Magazine 40th Birthday at The Wro Lounge

Daniel Rennox and Alison Hunter

Jeanie MacLeod & Paula

Paula & Sue Haunch Martin Malone Canter Levin & Berg Solicitors with Paula

Odette McBride & Sue Haunch

Paula with Daniel Rennox & Sally Boyd

Urbane’s 1st Birthday

Comprehensive Care Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry

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Call 0151 353 8943

Houston & Philip Smith Urbane Hoylake

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25/10/2011 19:55

JACK NICHOLSON

RUSSEL BRAND WARREN BEATTY

FAGEN OLIVER REED JAMES HEWITT COLIN FARRELL Rogues? rogue Coming Soon To West Kirby VIEW_Home11_cover.indd 3

25/10/2011 18:52

This fabulous award places us in the top 10% of Restaurants in the UK; not only that, we are also the only Hotel Restaurant in Merseyside with 3 AA Rosettes.

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25/10/2011 18:52