YM Liverpool February 2022

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www.ymliverpool.com FEBRUARY 2022

Francis Rossi speaks to YM

Penthouse Valentine’s Day fashion Property in Focus Jon Atkinson on wine Casa Roni review

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ello and welcome to the February edition of YM Liverpool magazine!

First up this month we bring you my interview with one of British rock music’s most enduring stars, the irrepressible Francis Rossi.

The Status Quo frontman was in fantastic form as we chatted about the band’s new tour, memories of playing Liverpool and his Merseyside roots.

Next, I give my verdict on a recent night’s stay at one of the city’s swankiest apartments – a palatial penthouse located inside Moda, The Lexington.

Elsewhere on the property front, we shine the spotlight on a spacious five-bed family home in Mossley Hill.

Plus as it’s Valentine’s Day this month, Annie S shares her date night fashion picks, WineTime’s Jon Atkinson picks out some robust reds for you to try and VideOdyssey’s Andy Johnson selects a Quentin Tarantino penned tale of star-crossed lovers as his Movie of the Month.

Meanwhile, for our first restaurant review of 2022, Tom Beattie visited the latest addition to South Liverpool’s bustling food scene – Casa Roni on Mather Avenue.

Last but not least, our resident gardening expert Heather Marsh invites us all to get on board with The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative and the John Lewis interiors team has some original ideas for controlling clutter in the home.

Enjoy!

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LAWRENCE SAUNDERS Editor TERIOR NEWS | IN

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FEBRUARY 2022

Editor: Lawrence Saunders [editor@ymliverpool.com] Design: Marten Sealby

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Francis Rossi speaks to YM

Penthouse Day fashion Valentine’s Focus Property in n on wine Jon Atkinso Casa Roni review

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Worldwide record sales in excess of 118 million, more hit singles than any other band in UK chart history, the first act on stage at Live Aid…Status Quo are bonafide British rock royalty. Ahead of the band’s gig at the Philharmonic Hall next month, we caught up with lead singer, lead guitarist and sole continuous member Francis Rossi to discuss the new tour, memories of playing Liverpool and his Merseyside roots words lawrence saunders

Quo on stage at Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park 2019; (opposite) Status Quo – L-R: Richie Malone, John “Rhino” Edwards, Francis Rossi, Leon Cave, Andy Bown

Save for a brief pause in the mid-’80s, Status Quo had been touring pretty much non-stop since 1968 until COVID-19 happened. Do you still enjoy it?

There’s something about rock and roll... you wake up in the morning wherever you are, usually on a bus, and you know that you’re on stage at 9pm. No matter what, [the] show goes [ahead]. Someone’s feeling under the weather, someone’s hungover, something’s missing – ‘Yeah well, we’re going on at nine so you best find it!’. It’s always been that way.

Years ago, someone won a competition to be out on tour with us.

He was a big strapping lad, probably about six feet tall. I think he was due to be out for two weeks. After three days, the production manager brought him in and he was crying, saying ‘I can’t do this, I’ve never

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been away from home this long’. You realise that a lot of people cannot do that. Generally, people think ‘I’ll have a great time’ but I say ‘No you won’t!’. It’s what we’ve always done [but] I do miss being home and I always want to be at home.

Status Quo’s most recent record Backbone, released in September 2019, was the band’s highest-charting collection of original material since 1+9+8+2. Was it disappointing not to be able to get out there and perform tracks from the album due to the pandemic?

I have to be careful because I’m very cynical but they said ‘the album did so well’, for the time. I heard the other day that Adele had the biggest-selling album of the year at 600,000 pieces and I was like ‘what?’. The Bee Gees were doing a million a week on Saturday Night Fever. People are now saying ‘isn’t that great news... for today’. It’s like when people say ‘Christ, you look well… for your age!’. But yes, it was a disappointment and I think possibly by working it a little, people who were perhaps sceptical about it would have been won over.

[However] most of the people who come to see Status Quo, come to see the hits. We are in talks about doing a live television performance in a few weeks and I thought ‘Oh no, I’ve got to do Rockin’ [All Over the World] again’. But if you’d told me 40 years ago that we’d have a bunch of hits that people just want to hear, I would have done anything to have them.

As a Liverpool-based publication, we were interested to learn from your autobiography that your mother, Anne, was born in Crosby. Do you know much about that side of your family?

My mother and father met [on Merseyside] somewhere. My dad used to swim in something up there which he later found out was a sewage outlet! I’ve actually been talking to one of my cousins recently, Paul, who went to Merchant Taylors’ School. He’s been telling me stuff that I didn’t know about my maternal grandfather and the big house they lived in on Myers Road, Crosby.

I make jokes in shows about how everyone thinks I was taken to Italy (Francis’s father was of Italian descent) for my holidays but it was actually Liverpool! We went once [to Italy], but the rest of the time my dad stayed home and worked and my mother took us up to Crosby on the train. It was fabulous! I used to love the Ribble buses as well – much better than what we had in London. Happy memories.

Status Quo have of course played in Liverpool many times over the years – going right back to the early days of the band. Do you remember appearing at the Cavern Club in 1968?

Yes, I do. It’s funny because that was one of the venues, like the Olympia in Paris, that I would read about and think ‘wow, that’s

CHRISTIE GOODWIN; JAMES ECKERSLEY; TINA KORHONEN

When the ‘Out Out Quoing’ tour kicks off in Belfast on 27 February, it will have been almost two and a half years since the last Status Quo gig. Has it been strange being off the road for such a long time?

We haven’t been off this long since the band first started. We have a two-week rehearsal planned [ahead of the first gig] – which I don’t think is enough. Normally for every three weeks we’ve been off, we will put in a day’s rehearsal. I started practising a few weeks back – trying not to get my throat sore, remembering lyrics. I want to walk into rehearsals as if it’s not that long ago [since we played live]. It’s no good to me, or any of us individually, trying to brush up on anything whilst we’re with the band. It’s band rehearsal and we need to rehearse as if it’s a show – keeping it slick and seeing whether we can breathe.

As you can tell I’m not worried at all!

INTERVIEW

got to be great’. But when we got up there, we discovered it was a s***hole! I used to love playing the Liverpool Stadium though (now demolished venue located on Bixteth Street) – it was marvellous.

That was ‘the’ venue to play in Liverpool. We played there in 1972 with a band called Hackensack. During that period, we were all still young and pulling together. I’ve just watched that Beatles documentary and as much as some people find it tedious to watch, to me, you can see most of the time they’re messing about and then there’s a ‘moment’. How they were pulling together reminds me what [Status Quo] were like. When we were all together going for one goal, it was a fantastic time.

The band has a famously devoted following and each new generation brings with it yet more converts to the ‘mighty Quo’. Why do you think your music has endured through all these years and continues to attract new fans?

I love that and I appreciate that but I don’t think it’s as massively important as some people think or say it is. Lots and lots of people [in the world] like Status Quo and the other few billion don’t, and don’t even know who we are!

It is interesting that generationally [interest in the band] continues. I don’t know if it’s because [the music] is kind of simple and it’s based on shuffles. It’s very tribal in its way and the rhythmic thing of it is almost addictive.

Status Quo play shuffle in its most basic form and always will. There’s something [special] about the music, but I would say that wouldn’t I?!

Finally, are there any plans for a new Status Quo record?

I’d like to [make a new album] but I don’t really know. We don’t have plans right now and we’re getting old. Like I said before, even Adele, the biggest thing on the planet, she’s [only] done 600,000 units.

Status Quo play Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 5 March 2022

I used to love playing the Liverpool Stadium – it was marvellous.

That was ‘the’ venue to play in Liverpool.

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NEWS

EXPERIENCE A JOURNEY THROUGH SPACE AND THE UNIVERSE AT LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL Spectacular immersive art experience takes over city landmark EXPLORE THE AWE-INSPIRING wonders of the universe this February half term as ‘Space, The Universe and Everything’, transforms the inside of Liverpool Cathedral.

Surrounding visitors with an extraordinary display of lights, projections and sound as they journey through the vast splendour of Liverpool Cathedral, the breathtaking installation will come to life every evening, after dark, between Friday 18 – Sunday 27 February.

Combining the dazzling projections of sculptor, Peter Walker, with the beautiful atmospheric sounds of composer, David Harper, ‘Space, The Universe and Everything’ is the work of Luxmuralis, the same awardwinning artistic collaboration behind Liverpool Cathedral’s acclaimed ‘Angel Wings’ and ‘Peace Doves’.

Peter Walker, artistic director of Luxmuralis, explains: “Visitors will have the chance to lose themselves in the wonders of space, as they are transported from the first step on the moon to the edge of the universe and back again, in just one night.

“It really will be an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, as Liverpool Cathedral’s stunning Gothic architecture comes alive with light and sound, becoming a canvas for a magnificent son-et-lumière exploration of space, time and the universe.

It’s going to be incredible!”

‘Space, The Universe and Everything’ runs from Friday 18–Sunday 27 February with shows starting every 15 minutes between 6pm-8pm. Tickets must be booked in advance at ticketquarter.co.uk.

Admission is free for children under 3

AFRICA OYÉ SET TO RETURN FOLLOWING TWO-YEAR HIATUS Music festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary in Sefton Park this summer ONE OF THE REGION’S MOST BEAUTIFUL GREEN SPACES will once again be filled with the music and culture of Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora, for two free days of live music, DJs and dance, as well as workshops, food stalls and a range of traders in the Oyé Village.

Beginning in 1992 as a series of gigs in the city centre, Africa Oyé has evolved into one of Liverpool’s most beloved annual events, attracting artists and attendees from across the globe.

Paul Duhaney, artistic director of Africa Oyé, says: “We want to make 2022 a really special year for Africa Oyé.

“Not only are we returning after two years without a festival, the year also marks our 30th anniversary and we have a programme of multi-arts events under the ‘Oyé 30’ banner; working with organisations and partners that we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with these past three decades.

“We’ve had so many lovely messages of support during the pandemic, and our audience have been supporting us by buying

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merchandise and donating via our website to help keep Oyé free. We know how much the festival was missed over the last two years and we can’t wait to be back.”

Now a cornerstone of the festival, The Oyé Active Zone heads into its second decade of providing festival-goers with free workshops across the whole weekend, suitable for all ages, while the ever-popular DJ stages Trenchtown and Freetown are also confirmed to return.

The first of the main stage artists are set to be revealed soon with news on the festival’s Oyé Introduces programme which sees up-andcoming local talent showcased on the line-up alongside the international heavyweights.

This year’s Africa Oyé festival will take place on 18 & 19 June from 12:30pm til 9:30pm both days. Entrance is free

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Party dress £25.19, South Beach @ Zalando

Satin PJ set £30, Pretty Little Thing

Striped wrap dress £59.99, Mango

the

look of love Annie S shares her Valentine’s inspired fashion picks

Sequin feather bag £54, Uterqüe

PJ eye mask set £35, M&S Boutique

Leather highheel boots £119, Zara

Midi dress £111, Uterqüe

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FASHION

Classic heels £34.99, RAID @ Zalando

Cotton trench coat £49.99, Bershka

Knot asymmetric dress £49.99, Mango

Sequinned shoulder bag £27.99, Zara

Cocktail dress £94.99, Never Fully Dressed @ Zalando

Set of 9 heart rings £12.99, Bershka

Zebra print jumper £14, George at ASDA

Zebra print PJs £16, George at ASDA

Heart embroidered robe £22, Pretty Little Thing

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reserve now R E N T A L

H O M E S

W I T H

S T A T E - O F - T H E - A R T

Find out more @moda_thelexington

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A M E N I T I E S

NO DEPOSITS

MODA ISN’T JUST A PLACE OF RESIDENCE BUT ALSO A W E L C O M I N G C O M M U N I T Y. SASHA R, RESIDENT 5* REVIEW

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PROPERTY

in focus

Spacious fivebed family home on Booker Avenue £850,000

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To arrange a viewing, contact Kate Frost at Latham Frost on 0151 203 3378; kate@lathamfrost.com YM Liverpool

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MATT ELSON PHOTOGRAPHY

SITUATED IN THE HIGHLY DESIRABLE SUBURB of Mossley Hill, on first glance from the road this property may appear compact, but inside the accommodation is deceptively expansive.

A large tiled entrance hall with an impressive feature wooden staircase offers access to three reception rooms – each one bigger than the last – the kitchen, a generous WC and an understairs cupboard.

The third reception room is the focal point of the ground floor – a generous living space set over two levels which is perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

The large kitchen is modern and bright and features two built-in ovens, an induction hob, a breakfast bar, ample storage and dining space and also has direct access to the rear garden.

Onto the first floor and the main staircase gives way to a double landing, one with access to the rooms at the front of the house and another to the accommodation at the rear.

The front landing opens onto the master suite, main bathroom and bedrooms three and four, and also provides access to the loft space.

The impressive master suite boasts solid wooden flooring, a generous en suite shower room and walk-in closet/dressing room.

Elsewhere, the main bathroom is spacious, with an attractive freestanding bath, vanity unit and wall mounted vertical chrome radiator.

Heading back downstairs and outside there is a large garden with a paved area running the width of the property, providing fantastic outside entertaining space.

ADVERTORIAL

Tax year end: Financial tasks to complete before 5 April

A

t the start of the pandemic, practical necessity and looking after our loved ones became everyone’s utmost priorities. But as the vaccine rollout and booster program continues, we can and should turn our attention to the important longer-term matters such as our personal financial planning and thinking about our investments.

Keeping this in mind, listed below are four key tasks you should be considering in the run-up to the end of the tax year on 5 April.

Make the most of your ISA allowance

ISAs can be a great way of making your money work harder for you, as any money you put into them is free of any further liability to Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax – so no tax on your interest, no tax on withdrawals and no tax on the profits. You can put up to £20,000 per person into an ISA this tax year (ending 5 April).

They’re also a great way to start investing in stocks and shares – because, as well as giving you all these tax benefits, they’re very simple.

One of the few downsides is you can’t carry forwards any ISA allowance you don’t use in a single tax year – so use it or lose it before 5 April!

Pay what you can into your pension

Generally speaking, a pension is a tax-efficient way of saving for your retirement and due to greater choice and flexibility, it’s a more attractive option for retirement savers than ever before.

It’s worth thinking about topping up your pension as much as you can before the end of this tax year (5 April) and using any unused allowances from previous tax years, as it’s possible the government could change the tax allowances available to you – so you should use them whilst you can!

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Use your gifting allowances to avoid unnecessary IHT

– or even valuable items such as jewellery or antiques, which is where people often fall foul of the tax. There’s a tax-free allowance of £12,300 for this year, then after that, the rate is dependent on the level of income tax you pay – 10% for basic-rate taxpayers and 20% for higher-rate payers (and 18% and 28% respectively if you’re selling a property).

It’s possible the government will increase CGT in the future, to be more closely aligned with income tax rates – so it’s worth making the most of this year’s allowances and current rates if you can.

grandchildren up to £3,000 a year and it will be deducted from your total estate if you die.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us at Rhodes Brook Financial if you wish to have a no obligation chat regarding how you can make the most of your financial situation before the tax year-end.

Unfortunately, too many families are still getting a tax shock when their parents or grandparents die, as the government received a whopping £5.2 billion in Inheritance Tax in 2019/20 (HMRC, 2020).

One of the easiest, and potentially rewarding, ways to reduce a future Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill, is to give some of your wealth away during your lifetime and use your gifting allowance before 5 April. Both you and your partner or spouse can each pay your children or

Don’t fall into the CGT trap

Capital Gains Tax (or CGT) is one of the most complex taxes to understand, so it’s no shock that people fall into the trap of paying unnecessarily or end up being fined for not paying when they should.

This is also made worse by the myth that only the very wealthy are likely to have to pay it.

You’re liable for CGT when you sell an asset at a profit. This could be anything from a second home to stocks and shares

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

RBF Logo Blue Print.pdf 1 26/06/2018 11:52:12

Rhodes Brook Financial Limited is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

RHODES BROOK FINANCIAL LIMITED Suite 18, 1st Floor, Oriel Chambers Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L2 8TD 0151 428 5174 / nora.murtagh@sjpp.co.uk / rhodesbrook.co.uk

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FILM

VIDEODYSSEY’S

MOVIE OF THE MONTH

True Romance Andy Johnson revisits an oft-overlooked classic which helped launch the career of a legendary filmmaker

STUART PRICE; PHIL SHACKLADY

When you’re tired of relationships, try a romance Star-crossed lovers on the run with a suitcase of cocaine following a murderous rampage – critics write the plot off as an adrenalinefuelled adolescent fantasy.

But the sparks of rage and burning desire for vengeance towards anyone who has harmed your loved one, surely speaks to the heart of the human condition.

“Amid the chaos of that day... All I could hear was the thunder of gunshots and all I could smell was violence in the air.

I’m amazed my thoughts were so clear and true. Three words went through my mind endlessly, repeating themselves like a broken record... “you’re so cool, you’re so cool, you’re so cool.”

Alabama’s poetic prayer, dancing above Hans Zimmer’s sublime score, is something special to play at least once a year. It reels me back to those tender teenage years, taking True Romance home from my first job, at Apollo Video.

The black magnetic spool played out this hyper surreal adventure, where the protagonist’s movie dreams project onto his life. I was hooked. The exact same tape holds pride of place in my collection, after saving it from oblivion when the shop, on Balls Road, Birkenhead, finally closed its doors.

Each scene triggers a visceral response and is a masterclass in creating cinematic tension. The neon drenched shootout at Drexl’s whorehouse is typical of director Tony Scott’s style and sets the tone for the rest of the film.

True Romance is Quentin Tarantino’s first script and he describes it as his most ‘autobiographical.’ He said: “True Romance is my most personal script because the character of Clarence was me at the time I wrote it. He works in a comic shop – I was working in a video store.

“When my friends from that time see True Romance, they get melancholy; it brings back a certain time for us. It was weird when I first watched the movie, because it was like watching a big budget version of my home movies or memories.”

Quentin used the $50,000 from selling the story to make Reservoir Dogs, which was released to instant acclaim in 1992. So when True Romance entered pre-production a year later, the cream of Hollywood was clamouring to play Tarantino’s unique characters and roll their tongues through his textured dialogue.

Whenever recommending this to a first time viewer, I love to watch the incredulity at the dazzling cast ripple across their face.

Half the original trailer is a gunshot ricochet roll call of iconic ’90s names: Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken,

Brad Pitt, Dennis Hopper, James Gandolfini, Val Kilmer, Michael Rapaport and Samuel L. Jackson.

Describing his eagerness to step into the shoes of Drexl Spivey, Gary Oldman said: “Tony Scott sat me down with this fantastic script.

“He said ‘I’m not very good at explaining the story, but there’s this character I want you to play and he’s a pimp. He’s a white guy, who thinks he’s a black guy’ and I said... ‘ok I’ll do it.’

“Quentin’s got this imagination that can take you anywhere. His characters are people we’ve seen before, but he takes them somewhere else.”

You could observe that Tarantino put as much of himself into the character of Drexl, as he did Clarence and was probing the pitfalls of cultural appropriation, 30 years before it left the world of academia and entered the realm of internet outrage.

The Sicilian scene, a dramatic face off between Hopper and Walken, understandably raises all kinds of issues for new audiences. But redemption for Clarence’s father comes in the form of self sacrifice. He knows pouring vitriol on the history of Walken’s race will lead to his death.

Brad Pitt’s Stoner Supreme Floyd steals the show from his sofa, surviving the wrath of the mob, simply by telling the truth and directing them to the final Mexican standoff.

True Romance was a beacon for my formative years. When my chance came to travel across America, there was only one route to take. Following Clarence and Alabama’s footsteps, buying a beaten up purple Dodge from Detroit and driving to LA on a pilgrimage to see Tarantino. That trip led me to meet the man himself and have my True Romance screenplay signed.

But that’s a story for another time. Call in to the video shop at one of our upcoming VideOdyssey events and I’ll happily tell you all about it.

True Romance is one of those hard to find films (not available on streaming services) - so if you want us to hook you up with a VHS copy and a private cinema screening... send us a napkin love note and we’ll be yours forever.

Andy

Be kind, rewind!

INSTAGRAM.COM/VIDEODYSSEY | FACEBOOK.COM/VIDEODYSSEYARCADE VIDEODYSSEY/TOXTETH TV, WINDSOR ST, L8 1XE

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Life at the Top Lawrence Saunders takes you inside a palatial penthouse apartment at Moda, The Lexington

REVIEW

It was clear no expense had been spared in order to make this apartment rank amongst Liverpool’s most sought-after homes.

SITUATED ON THE 33RD FLOOR of this state-of-the-art, buildto-rent development at Princes Dock is a collection of opulent penthouse apartments.

The team at Moda, The Lexington recently welcomed my wife, two young children and I for an evening’s stay at number 3303 – one of the two-bedroom units which offer panoramic views of the city’s north end.

Entering into a spacious open plan living area with floor to ceiling windows, it was clear no expense had been spared in order to make this apartment rank amongst Liverpool’s most sought-after homes.

Taking stock of the property for the first time, eyes were immediately drawn to the bespoke handleless kitchen with Calacatta

Gold worktops, giant QLED 4K television and luxury rainfall showers.

Pop up USB charging ports in the breakfast bar, Quooker boiling water tap and smart lighting system were more subtle, yet no less impressive features.

Whilst my wife and I were busy running the rule over things, our two-year-old son was busy just plain running – taking full advantage of the apartment’s generous square footage.

Before he did any serious damage to the plush fixtures and fittings, we decided it might be wise to make use of one of Moda, The Lexington’s many amenities.

A quick call to the concierge team and the cinema room on the 17th floor was ours to enjoy. Kitted out with an enormous screen YM Liverpool

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REVIEW

Sitting and watching the world go by from our lofty vantage point proved to be a surprisingly soothing experience.

and rows of cosy armchairs, half an hour of Paw Patrol suitably subdued our tearaway toddler ahead of bathtime.

Boasting porcelain tiles, brushed nickel brassware and underfloor heating, the master bedroom’s en suite would have been a luxurious oasis of calm, were it not for the pandemonium taking place in the tub.

Settling the children down for sleep, lights were visible in the near distance illuminating construction workers at Everton FC’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. With short-term tenancies of three months available at Moda, The Lexington, this penthouse would make the ultimate pre-match pad for one lucky Toffee.

Not that you need to be an Evertonian to enjoy the cityscape – far from it. My wife and I found just sitting and watching the world go by from our lofty vantage point to be a surprisingly soothing experience.

For those wanting to take things to the next level, quite literally, a viewing platform on the 34th floor offers unobstructed views of Liverpool’s Three Graces and beyond.

Whilst my son didn’t fully appreciate the vista, or the near sub zero temperatures, one can imagine that come summertime tenants will be clambouring for a spot up there – particularly given the raft of exciting future events resident engagement manager Kevin Essery has planned.

The idea that the building’s communal areas are a genuine extension of one’s apartment was a key takeaway from our brief stay.

Having the option to enjoy a movie night with friends in the cinema room or a family meal in the private dining space are more than mere headline-grabbing add-ons – they are very much central to the rental experience at Moda, The Lexington.

It would however be remiss of me to end this piece without bringing attention back to the star of the show, the simply stunning penthouse apartment which anyone would be lucky to call home.

For more information on the penthouse apartments available at Moda, The Lexington visit www.modaliving.com

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ADVERTORIAL

Wanting a divorce – Consult the legal experts

Emma Underwood Solicitor, Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors

For many people, when a marriage breaks down, filing for a divorce can seem like a daunting prospect; anxiety over the welfare of the children, the marital home or your future finances. At Paul Crowley & Co, our solicitors have empathy with our clients, and we understand the emotions that you are feeling. We will support you through the whole process. Emma Underwood, Solicitor from Paul Crowley & Co’s experienced family law team will guide you through all the legal aspects of getting a divorce There are 5 possible grounds for a divorce

abuse • Domestic inappropriate relationship with • An someone else isolation • Social and alcohol abuse • Drug of support • Lack gaming/social media • Excessive • Debt or financial recklessness

1 Adultery You can rely on adultery if your partner has had sexual intercourse with someone of the opposite sex. This ground does therefore not apply to same sex marriages. Under current law if your partner had sexual intercourse with someone of the same gender, you can’t rely on adultery.

You must file for a divorce within six months of finding out about the adultery, and it must be the innocent party who petitions for divorce.

3 Desertion You can rely on desertion if your partner has left you without consent or good reason, as long as you haven’t lived together for more than six months in the past two and a half years.

You can only apply for a divorce after 12 months of marriage.

The Petitioner (the person applying for a divorce) must prove the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship using 1 of 5 possible grounds for divorce.

2 Unreasonable behaviour This is the most common ground used when petitioning for a divorce and involves a partner behaving in a way which means their spouse cannot reasonably be expected to live with them.

The behaviour must have occurred at least once in the six months leading up to filing for divorce and could include, but is not limited to:

4 Living apart for more than two years (with consent) This ground can be used if you and your spouse have been living apart for more than two years and you both agree to use this reason for your divorce. You can be considered to be living apart even if living in the same household, provided you don’t share household chores, meals or a bed.

5 Living apart for more than five years (without consent) If you and your spouse have been living apart for over five years, you can rely on this ground even if your ex-partner doesn’t consent.

The Court will serve divorce papers on the respondent. Failing this, you will need to prove that you did everything you could to find them and attempt to serve the papers.

How long does a divorce take?

If you and your partner agree on one of the five grounds, getting a divorce can take between four to six months.

It will take longer if you can’t agree on this and any separate issues with property or children can delay the process further. At Paul Crowley & Co solicitors, our divorce specialists will provide you with regular updates to keep you informed on what will happen and how long it will take during each step.

How much is a divorce and who pays the fees?

Both parties can choose to instruct a solicitor to help them fill in the divorce petition and negotiate a consent order to agree on the couple’s finances. The petitioner will also need to pay a £593 fee for the application, if the petitioner is on a low income or working, they may be entitled to Help with Fees for the court fee. We offer a fixed fee divorce and our Family Team will be happy to assist on advising of the costs of the same.

Paul Crowley & Co… on your side

Our family law team will prevent any costly delays and negotiate a successful settlement on your behalf.

If you would like to speak with Emma, please call our Family Law team on 0151 264 7363 www.paulcrowley.co.uk

Trees maketh the world!

Heather Marsh encourages us to plant a tree and help tackle the climate crisis

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YM Liverpool

We often barely notice the mature trees which line our city streets and gardens. Many are treated with such disregard – perhaps due to a lack of understanding of the vital role they play in our global ecosystem. The more mature a tree, the greater the benefits, yet all too often established specimens are either butchered or raised to the ground on a whim in favour of a sunnier patio or a maintenance-free garden. Don’t get me wrong, a mature tree needs to be looked after and tree surgeons, if you need one, don’t come cheap. Sadly though, far too many mature trees are lost without any consideration, it’s just out with the chain saw.

Preservation is obviously not the only answer, replenishing and replanting is equally as important and a way of us all contributing to a greener planet which will positively benefit future generations to come.

MARK NAZH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

WITH THE WEATHER STILL COLD, wet and gloomy most days, getting out in the garden can be hard – even when you know there are jobs to be done. Top of my list at present is to plant out several young trees that I’ve had sitting in pots since late last summer. I know the best time to do it is during the dormant months between October and March, but I just couldn’t get myself going.

That was before I learned of the latest tree planting initiative set up to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Marking almost 70 years on the throne, The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) invites us all to ‘plant a tree for the jubilee’.

Whilst the QGC will encourage the planting of trees in order to “create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the nation”, essentially it’s a chance to enhance our environment and tackle climate change. Trees and plants of course play a vital role in regulating our climate, by absorbing carbon dioxide and then releasing oxygen. Air pollution kills nearly 40,000 people every year in the UK and for that reason, trees planted in urban environments are fundamental to our health. Planting and growing trees can act as the natural brakes on climate change and is a positive way in which we can all do our bit to help save the planet. To inspire and launch the scheme, The Queen herself has already planted a copper beech sapling at Balmoral and hopes that the nation is going to join in and get their hands dirty.

I’ve always appreciated the presence of trees; they fascinate me and fill me with such awe and wonder. I think it’s high time we should be treating the world’s largest and oldest living structures with more respect – doing everything we can to protect them and replenishing the ones we have lost.

GARDENING

7 TREES TO CONSIDER A selection of trees you may consider planting – suggested by an expert from the QGC, the Woodland Trust and myself. For more information on the QGC, visit www.queensgreencaopy.org.

Oak The UK’s most common tree, the classic oak is truly a magnificent species. Not suited for small gardens, be sure to pick a spot with plenty of space. Characteristically the oak produces acorns. Planting these in pots and watching them grow is a lovely way of getting children involved and helping them to understand how trees help reduce our carbon footprint.

Apple Whether it’s an eating or a cooking apple, a Bramley Seedling or a Golden Delicious (the latter being self-fertile), there is an apple tree to suit every garden. There’s nothing quite like picking an apple off a tree you have grown yourself and you can also look forward to a stunning display of blossom in the spring as well.

Hawthorn This native tree tolerates most soils and in my book, its breathtaking show of blossom is its best asset. Leaves appear before flowers in May/June before red berries replace them from late August.

Silver Birch An elegant medium sized tree with fine light branches and a distinctive white/silver papery bark. Super easy to grow, the silver birch tolerates cold weather and is very easy to maintain and keep under control.

Poplar The colourful variety I grow does produce fluffy catkins which can litter your garden when they fall like a burst duvet, but it’s well worth it.

Scots Pine This evergreen native is associated with biodiversity and is found all over the UK. An easy tree to grow which can thrive in even the poorest of soils. It can live for up to 300 years as well – you really are planting for the future with this one!

PAGE TURNERS

Three must-read books on trees

The Man Who Planted Trees

by Jean Giono I only just rediscovered this after my mother telling me about it years ago.

A slim volume written in the 1950s, this book was ahead of its time with its message inspiring readers to rediscover the harmonies of the countryside and prevent its wilful destruction. The author’s hope was to instigate a worldwide reforestation programme that would rejuvenate the earth – how fitting for our times and very much worth a read.

Sycamore This poor tree gets such a bad press for being so common and widespread but it deserves to be recognised if only for its sustainability, tolerating a wide range of landscapes and thriving in urban environments.

As we lose ash trees to dieback disease, the sycamore is a worthy replacement and can help fill those gaps.

Giant Oak

Meetings With Remarkable Trees by Thomas Pakenham This book has amazing photographs of trees from all over the world, from huge ancient native trees to the more exotic specimens, written in a way that gives us a real sense of reverence.

One for the coffee table.

At the Edge of the Orchard

by Tracy Chevalier I’m currently engrossed in this novel about settler life in 19th Century Ohio – a time when planting apple trees was the only way of making your claim for land. It also includes a fascinating section on the discovery of the giant sequoias – the world’s largest trees.

UNTIL NEXT TIME, HAPPY GARDENING | HEATHERMARSHYM@GMAIL.COM

YM Liverpool

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Liverpool’s iconic Bullring is the place to be, and is just a stone’s throw away from all universities and Liverpool One shopping centre.

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YM Liverpool

Find out more

FOOD

RECIPE of the month Grilled salmon niçoise with pickled tomatoes

PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes + pickling COOKING TIME: 20 minutes Serves 4 INGREDIENTS • 750g pack new potatoes, larger potatoes halved • 300g pack fine green beans, trimmed • 4 British Blacktail Free Range Medium Eggs • 75ml Aspall Organic White Wine Vinegar • 1 tbsp clear honey • ½ tsp fine salt • 270g pack cherry tomatoes, halved • 3 tarragon sprigs, gently crushed in your hands • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 clove garlic, crushed • 4 x 120g Scottish salmon fillets COOK’S TIP

• ½ tbsp Dijon mustard • 100g pack baby leaf and herb salad

METHOD 1P reheat the grill to high (about 260ºC).

Put the potatoes in a pan, cover with cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 8 minutes. Add the beans and cook for another 3 minutes; drain in a colander.

Bring a second pan of water to the boil, simmer the eggs for 7 minutes, then drain, cool and peel.

2M eanwhile, whisk together the vinegar, honey and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the tomatoes and tarragon sprigs and leave to quick-pickle for 10 minutes.

3M ix 1 tbsp oil with the garlic in a mixing bowl. Arrange the salmon fillets on a large foil-lined baking tray. Brush the tops with a little of the garlic oil; season. Toss the hot potatoes in the remaining garlic oil (set the beans aside); season and spread on the tray.

Grill for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are golden and the salmon is cooked through and opaque.

4F or the dressing, scoop 1½ tbsp of the pickling vinegar into a jar and add the remaining 3 tbsp oil and the mustard.

Season, screw on the lid and shake to emulsify. Add a splash more vinegar if liked.

Don’t throw away the pickling liquor. You can use it in dressings or to pickle more veggies – radishes and cucumbers work well.

5D rain the tomatoes of their pickling liquor and discard the tarragon sprigs. Slice the boiled eggs. Arrange the salad leaves over a large plate or platter and top with the beans and potatoes. Flake over the salmon in large chunks (leaving the skin on the tray) and add the tomatoes and eggs. Drizzle with the dressing and add a grinding of black pepper to serve.

THOUSANDS OF RECIPES CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.WAITROSE.COM/RECIPES

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ADVERTORIAL

Liverpool firm ‘showing possibilities’ to developers by planting almost 50,000 trees in Amazon rainforest RWinvest has partnered with One Tree Planted – a non-profit organisation focused on global reforestation

L

eading Liverpool investment house RWinvest has ecosystems by planting trees in the Amazon rainforest. planted almost 50,000 trees in the Amazon rainforest “The recent COP 26 summit in Glasgow highlighted the as part of its commitment to a sustainable future in the urgent need for action against climate change and by leading construction industry. the way in eco-friendly construction, particularly in the North The firm partnered with Legacie Developments on the West region, RWinvest is showing the possibilities of a more groundbreaking ELEMENT – The Quarter residential scheme, in environmentally conscious lifestyle. which they bid to plant 100 trees for every unit sold in the new “The popularity of ELEMENT – The Quarter shows how many eco-development. people are making more eco-friendly investment decisions and RWinvest set out to plant 45,000 trees to reforest the we hope that developments like this will pave the way for the Amazon but have smashed that target, having already planted future of the UK construction industry.”

49,900 trees as its work continues to offset carbon emissions in So far, a total of £51,467.18 ($69,500) has been donated by the industry.

RWinvest to One Tree Planted, a non-profit ELEMENT – The Quarter is a pioneering ecoorganisation that aims to restore forests and development on Low Hill and boasts a range of support biodiversity around the world. sophisticated eco-friendly features and lowAshley Lamontagne, forest campaign carbon technologies, including a heat and manager at One Tree Planted, adds: “We are rainwater recycling system, solar panels and thankful for the support of business partners energy-efficient lighting. like RWinvest, who are passionate about Award-winning firm RWinvest, which making a positive impact on the environment. specialises in buy-to-let investments on “The trees we will plant in the Amazon prominent residential developments, has led the Rainforest will have lasting benefits for people, RWinvest director international sales drive on the project comprising habitat, and climate.”

Michael Gledhill 316 residential apartments plus purpose-built RWinvest worked with One Tree Planted accommodation for 141 students and commercial units throughout 2021 to help plant trees within the world’s – which is being jointly delivered by Nexus Residential and largest rainforest ecosystem, the Amazon rainforest. Home to Legacie Developments. almost 30% of the plant and animal species on earth, and a key Michael Gledhill, director at RWinvest, says: “We are proud to carbon sink, protecting and restoring the Amazon is of the be involved in the reforestation of one of the world’s most vital utmost importance.

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YM Liverpool

FOOD

Restaurant review

Casa Roni

By Tom Beattie |

Italian |

Located in Liverpool’s leafy south-end suburbs, Allerton’s Casa Roni finds itself at the beating heart of its community and, with its wide-ranging menu and homely atmosphere, is fast making an impression.

It is impossible not to be impressed by the transformation of the Mather Avenue building that now plays host to Casa Roni.

With its smart and contemporary exposed red brick features and vaulted ceiling, it’s a far cry from its former life as a bank.

Greeted by Paulo and Antonia, my guest and I were immediately struck by the warmth of Casa Roni’s welcome. Chatty and inviting, we were seated right away with our drinks order taken quickly.

With such an array of competition in South Liverpool, the restaurant will naturally feel a need to embed itself within the area and become a staple for families, couples and larger groups, all of whom one feels would quickly feel well catered for here.

It is impossible not to be impressed by Casa Roni’s exposed red brick features and vaulted ceiling – a far cry from its former life as a bank.

££ |

510 Mather Avenue, L19 4UG

Keen to sample as much of what Casa Roni had to offer, my guest and I ordered a starter each, alongside our main courses.

Spoilt for choice, we eventually plumped for the halloumi fries (£6.95) and the polpette meatballs in a tomato sauce (£6.45) to start, which we planned to share.

It quickly became clear that Casa Roni was not doing things by halves. With generous portion sizes and clear attention to detail, both dishes were a sign of things to come and arrived beautifully arranged and full of flavour.

After a quick break between courses, our main dishes arrived. Struck by Casa Roni’s stacked menu, which includes everything from grill dishes to Italian staples such as wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta, we were keen to find out whether offering such a breadth of options would prove a tad too ambitious for a newly opened eatery.

Thankfully, we could not have been more impressed with our mains.

My guest was presented with a masterfullycrafted dish consisting of a tender lamb shank (£16.95), doused in a rich and hearty gravy and served on a bed of homely mashed potato.

For myself, it was the equally memorable calzone carne (£14.45), filled with chicken, ham, pepperoni, mushrooms and mozzarella and topped with bolognese sauce.

Understandably perhaps, a break beckoned before a final flourish in the form

of a homemade, indulgent sticky toffee pudding each!

A closer inspection of the restaurant’s mission statement on its website outlines that their produce is derived from all across Italy’s 20 regions – even down to the flour used in its bread – something that becomes obvious upon sampling their food.

Leaving with a fond goodbye from Casa Roni’s committed front of house staff, we vowed it would not be long before our next visit. I have a feeling we won’t be the last diners to leave the Allerton eatery planning a swift return!

The freshness and the attention to detail that went into every dish, coupled with the excellent service throughout, gave my guest and I every confidence that Casa Roni is well on its way to carving itself a niche in South Liverpool’s bustling food scene.

VIEW FOOD PHOTOS @YM_LIVERPOOL

YM Liverpool

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store& order

When it comes to controlling the clutter, think smart with these original ideas. Sometimes it’s not what you have, but how you use it…

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YM Liverpool

HOME

TOP PICKS

JUST WHAT MAKES A WELL-ORGANISED HOME? Does yours feel like it has some ground to make up? Perhaps it’s time to step away from the plastic storage tubs and think a little more creatively, designing solutions that reflect your household and its many different activities and life stages. Try these ideas for starters…

Glass Bar Cart

£20

£299

Oak TV Stand Sideboard

n TURN YOUR HALLWAY INTO A GRAB-AND-GO STATION Create an organised station for outdoor gear using smart modular shelving, like the String range – it’s been around since 1949 for a reason. Allocate a bay for each person and use drawers and trays for sports kit, school bags, keys, dog leads, toys and more. Add hooks to keep coats and even scooters in check.

If space is tight, create a similar look with a narrow bench with wall hooks and a shelf above. Stash baskets underneath – one for each member of your household (pets included). And make sure you do a regular edit, especially as seasons change, storing winter gear elsewhere and freeing up space for sunglasses and sun hats. n WORK SMALL WONDERS WITH TOYS Make use of wall space with a pretty and practical peg rail, which can be used to hang toys, instruments and decorative items. Repurpose a doll’s house as a mini library, and keep small toys, puzzles, paints and crayons in clip-top kitchen storage jars for easy identification.

Invest in a piece that will out-last a playroom, such as a sideboard with both cupboard and drawer space to store books and media if the room becomes a teenage den. A well-organised home continues to evolve to meet the needs of its household – and that’s the real key to keeping calm and on top of the clutter.

Seagrass basket

£599

Bamboo laundry basket £60

Coat Stand £60

2-seater oak bench £499

YM Liverpool

27

HOME

n CREATE A CORNER FOR ARTS AND CRAFTS When the crafting bug hits, be organised and ready to go with a dedicated crafting zone. Use curtain poles, towel rings and butcher’s hooks to hang fabrics, scissors and yarns (if you have kids, keep any dangerous kit higher up). Reusable cotton vegetable bags provide inexpensive accessible storage, as does a large basket, which is home to rolls of paper.

Fed up of having to tidy away mid project? Try using a large tray to gather your materials and work in progress on, which can slide under the sofa when it’s time to pause the creative energy. Again, baskets are a must – try keeping one for each project, making it easy to pick up and craft.

n BE SMART WITH DAILY ESSENTIALS Use simple storage and household items in unexpected ways to keep things neat and tidy. Group and store make-up essentials, such as brushes, lipsticks and eye shadows, in clear glass kitchen storage jars for at-a-glance identification. Need a solution for your jewellery?

Arrange a series of decorative bowls on a chic tray for easy, everyday access to favourite pieces. Fed up of towels and clutter spoiling the look of your spa-like bathroom? Fit in a sleek and minimal coat stand to hang roves, towels and other bathroom accessories.

Remember, the key to keeping everyday bits organised is to put everything back in its place once finished with. You’ll also need to edit regularly and clean anything that’s open, such as the bowls. And don’t be tempted to buy any storage before you’ve worked out what you need to store, otherwise, you’ll be dazzled by the range of storage tubs and baskets without addressing the organisational problem your home has.

n TRY A FLEXIBLE FRIEND Not just for drinks paraphernalia, easily transportable trolleys work well in a host of unexpected scenarios and are great for a temporary organisational fix. Need to control the working-from-home clutter?

Load up a trolley with stationery and supplies for a portable office that can be wheeled away when work is done. Use jars and bowls to keep small items tidy. You can also stash your printer on one too.

Lack storage by the side of your bed? An elegant trolley makes a stylish alternative to a bedside table, and can often make the most of a narrow alcove. Use on-trend brass, which pairs beautifully with softer shades such as blush and flax. Make sure you edit regularly though to avoid it becoming your new dumping ground.

Indoors or out, a trolley is a great way to keep your planting kit to hand, making a mini potting station on wheels. Use canisters for trowels, forks and dibbers and decorative bowls for string. Make it look stylish and it will look at home in the corner of your kitchen, ready to wheel out when the sun shines and you fancy doing a little potting on.

BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM

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YM Liverpool

WINE

Hearty reds for chilly evenings

WineTime’s Jon Atkinson recommends some robust reds for us to savour this February

HOW MANY OF YOU MADE New Year’s (drinking) resolutions I wonder? Ignoring ‘dry January’ for obvious reasons, a couple of suggestions might be to drink less but better, i.e. spend the same amount of money on wine, but on fewer bottles. There is less of a tendency to guzzle better quality wines as

they should have more about them - meaning you will be more inclined to savour them.

Another could be to be more adventurous in your drinking – nobody knows for sure how many different grape varieties there are, but at least 8,000 is a commonly held opinion! Admittedly most of these would fall

Lou Miranda Estate ‘Leone’ Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016

into the obscure category, but safe to say that there is a lot more than Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc waiting to stimulate your palates!

And so, to this month’s recommendations – suitably robust reds to enjoy with a hearty meal during these long, dank winter evenings…

Lucale IGP Puglia Primitivo Appassimento 2020 Made by the extremely driven & talented Giuseppe Bino

This fabulous, family-owned & run estate was founded by the Miranda family who emigrated from southern Italy in 1938. Today it is run by the 3rd generation, sisters Lisa, Angela and Victoria Miranda who each have their own area of

at Masseria Borgo dei Trulli in Maruggio on Puglia’s Ionian coast, this is our best-selling Primitivo by some distance. This increasingly popular variety is arguably better-known as California’s Zinfandel or, if you really want to go off the beaten track, Croatia’s Crljenak

expertise within the business. Leone is their

Kaštelanski (props if you can pronounce that one!).

grandmother’s maiden name and was chosen for

Appassimento is a method of air-drying late-

their estate range to honour a family tradition of

harvested grapes predominantly associated with

winemaking dating back to the beginning of the

Amarone. The idea is that by allowing the grapes to

last century. This is classic Barossa valley Shiraz

dry out, the sugar to juice ratio is increased resulting

– rich in spicy mulberry, plum and blackberry

in richer, more concentrated (& more alcoholic!) wine.

aromas – a lush, full-bodied mouth full with

This Primitivo doesn’t disappoint on any of those

warming, dark fruit flavours that linger long on

counts; a voluptuous, full-bodied red with

the palate! £16.50

concentrated, brambly fruitiness. £10.75

Domaine de Mourchon ‘Tradition’ Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2018

Valle Secreto ‘First Edition’ Cachapoal Carmenère 2019

If you prefer your reds more savoury than fruity then you

Chile is regarded by many observers as one of the most

could do a lot worse than consider this excellent

exciting countries from a wine-making perspective,

Grenache-based red from the highly regarded

largely on account of its vast span of latitude and

Commune of Séguret to the north-west of Mont

the resulting variations in ‘terroir’. Valle Secreto is

Ventoux. Founded by Scot Walter McKinlay in 1998

a comparatively new, boutique winery established

with a state-of-the-art winery added a couple of

in the upper reaches of the Cachapoal Valley. First

years later, this 20-hectare estate is regarded as

Edition was their first ‘label’ with this Carmenère

one of the very best in the region. Predominantly

proving the most popular. Originally from

Grenache with some Syrah and a small amount of

Bordeaux, Carmenère was believed to be virtually

Carignan, this is a classic southern Rhône blend

extinct until a visiting French ampelographist

that delivers pronounced Tapenade aromas with

‘re-discovered’ it. The wine has a vivid ruby

underlying spicy red & black fruit. The palate is full

appearance with aromas of spicy red berries and

and savoury with a generous mouthfeel and gentle

a richly fruit-driven palate with ripe, finely grained

tannins – an iron fist in a velvet glove! £12.95

tannins coming through on the finish. £14.50

TO CLICK & COLLECT ANY OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS OR TO VIEW THE REST OF OUR RANGE PLEASE VISIT WWW.WINETIMEWINES.CO.UK

YM Liverpool

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ADVERTORIAL

Why RLB360 is the perfect place to propose this Valentine’s Day Stunning views and historical significance make this the ideal spot to pop the question

I

f you’re thinking about proposing to your significant other on Valentine’s Day and are still yet to come up with the perfect plan, one Liverpool attraction has all the answers.

A jewel in the city’s crowning Three Graces, the Royal Liver Building has been the fascination of everyone from historians and tourists to locals and in-love couples alike thanks to the stunning architecture, unrivalled views and charming historical significance.

Since RLB360, which has been nominated to defend its title as the Liverpool City Region ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’, opened in 2019 – more than 30 different couples have made an offer of marriage against the backdrop of the incredible Liver Birds – with the first being between childhood sweethearts Lauren Holloway and Jake Dawson in August 2019.

Visitors can marvel at the history and architecture on display inside the city favourite while going behind the Jake Dawson proposing scenes, learning about the to Lauren Holloway Royal Liver Building clocks at RLB360 and viewing an exceptional digital projection show.

The light, sound and digital effect display has been installed inside the historic clock tower, set to the backdrop of the ticking of the original mechanisms, bringing the history of the Royal Liver Building to life with a captivating tale of Liverpool’s past and how a city full of culture, sport, history and music has made its mark on the world and evolved into the place you see today.

The RLB360 visitor centre is free to enter, regardless of whether people tour the building, and you can spend time learning about the history of the Royal Liver Building while viewing historic displays and an archive gallery here too.

Romanticists looking to book a special one-of-a-kind guided tour can enquire at www.rlb360.com/contact-us Even if you’re not proposing it’s a sensational place to take your loved ones, family or friends, and tickets can be booked at www.rlb360.com/times-prices

Olympian Bianca Walkden at the stunning RLB360 attraction while love is in the air.

Chris Devaney (inset)

Couples visiting the attraction on Valentine’s Day will be given their own time slot before being swept off their feet by knowledgeable tour guides at Liverpool’s go-to proposal venue, where they can also get close to the Liver Birds by going onto the roof after watching a thrilling digital projection show.

Chris Devaney, RLB360 operations manager, says: “If you want to get down on one knee this Valentine’s Day, RLB360 is truly one of the most spectacular spots you could wish for.

“A deeply romantic and personal journey around the wonderful Royal Liver Building is sure to put you in the mood and couples will even be able to cap off the whole experience with our special ‘Crowning Moment’ vodka or the affectionately-named Bella and Bertie gins after the tour.”

Every guest at RLB360 is provided with a guided tour around the attraction, which has welcomed more than 40,000 visitors from across the world over the past couple of years – despite being closed when required throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

YM Liverpool

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YM LIVERPOOL CLASSIFIEDS • YM LIVERPOOL CLASSIFIEDS • YM LIVERPOOL CLASSIFIEDS • YM LIVERPOOL CLASSIFIEDS

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PERSONAL ATTENTION OF Mr. Richard Jenkins • Ms. Shannon Jenkins Mr. attention Richard Jenkins Jnr •Jenkins Mr. •Ryan Jenkins PeRSonaL oF Mr. Richard Ms. Shannon Jenkins• Mr. Barry Jenkins • Mr. Richard Jenkins Jnr • Mr. Ryan Jenkins • Mr. Barry Jenkins

PeRSonaL attention oF Mr. Richard Jenkins • M • Mr. Richard Jenkins Jnr • Mr. Ryan Jenkins • Mr

Richard & Shannon Jenkins Fune Richard & Shannon JenkinsJenkins Funeral directors Richard & Shannon Funeral (Formerly of B. Jenkins &Formerly Sons) Richard Directors and Shannon Jenkins Funeral directors are your local, trusted, of B. Jenkins & of B. Jenkins & 1LG Sons – Customer independent funeral directors. in being the heart of Road 3 Allerton Formerly Road, Liverpool, L18 parking at rearWe of believe building in atAuckland 3 allertonthe Road, Liverpool, community, providing a first class 24 hour service and building strong 3 allerton Road, Liverpool, L18 1LG Call: 0151 318 4660 Email: shannon@rsjfunerals.co.uk Customer parking at rear of building in Au

Customer parking at rear of building in Auckland Roadeverlasting relations with you and your family at this very difficult time. call: 0151 318 4660 email: shannon@ WE HAVE NO CONNECTION WITH ANY OTHER COMPANIES OF SIMILAR NAME

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call: 0151 318 4660 email: shannon@rsjfunerals.co.uk

Aerial Repairs & Installation

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ofparking services Customer at including rear of building in Auckland Road Made-to-measure call: 0151 318and 4660 email: shannon@rsjfunerals.co.uk ready-made:

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• Handmade Bath Bombs • Soaps • Bath Salts • Home Fragrance Products • Gift Boxes • Wedding Favours • Cruelty-Free • Vegan Friendly Tel: 07534 892961 • www.fresh-fox.com @FreshFoxUK @freshfoxuk 32

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Our team will professionally measure, make, and fit any window design you would like, to the highest standard.

Call 0151 428 7992 to arrange an appointment

NEWS

BOOTLE-BASED CHARITY ANNOUNCES RETURN OF WALK FOR AUTISM FUNDRAISER Campaign raised more than £621,000 in 2021 – its most successful year to date THE TEAM AT BOOTLE-BASED Autism Initiatives is dusting off its trainers once more for its annual fundraising campaign Walk for Autism, which returns this March.

The charity hopes to make it the biggest one yet in its five-year history when participants from up and down the country walk 10,000 steps per day for the eight days between 26 March and World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April.

Last year, the campaign’s participants collectively walked over 194 million steps and raised more than £621,000, making it the charity’s most successful year to date.

The money raised goes towards helping individuals with autism while supporting

autism projects in the UK & Ireland that encourage the pursuit of specialist interests, promote physical activity and help autistic adults and children learn and develop daily.

For this year’s theme of ‘We Walk for Autism’, Walk for Autism is encouraging people to do their walking with friends and family. Walkers can sign up on the charity’s website and begin their fundraising straight away, with the charity providing helpful tips

on the fun and varied ways to raise money.

Walk for Autism is a campaign led by charity Autism Initiatives Group, which has been working to improve the lives of autistic people and their families across the UK and Ireland for almost 50 years.

You can get involved by visiting the website at www.walkforautism.co.uk/register/walkfor-autism-2022/registrationform

PAUL CROWLEY & CO’S ANGELS THE LIVERPOOL PLINTH NEW SCULPTURE SEARCH IS ON Callout for artists who want their work displayed at city landmark ESTABLISHED IN 2018, The Liverpool Plinth is located at the Grade IIlisted Liverpool Parish Church, the Church of Our Lady and Saint Nicholas, and is managed by Liverpool BID Company and dot-art.

Part of the Public Art Strategy in place in Liverpool’s Commercial District, The Liverpool Plinth is the Northern response to Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth. Celebrating and platforming Northern sculptors, it is free to submit a proposal. The selected artist receives £1,000.

Since its inception, the project has brought public art into the city centre, exploring diverse issues including disability, mental health, climate change and heritage. Previous artists whose work has been displayed on The Liverpool Plinth include Tony Heaton with Gold Lamé, Sam Shendi with Split Decision, Gail Dooley with Tidal Shame and Faith Bebbington with Jimmy.

The Open Call for 2022 closes on 1 April at midnight. More details and how to apply can be found here: www.dot-art.co.uk

Quick-thinking staff help avert tragedy at solicitors offices PAUL CROWLEY & CO STAFF Tracy Irwin, Hayley Keegan, Libby O’Donohue and Michelle Roche reacted swiftly to save a man’s life in December.

Tracy, who was dealing with a client at reception, observed a gentleman who did not look too well and asked if he needed any help. He informed her that he had type 1 diabetes. Tracy then asked Libby to call for an ambulance.

Tracy and Libby took the gentleman into a side room as he was complaining of chest pains. Experienced first aider Michelle intervened and called a paramedic relative of hers as the man’s condition steadily worsened.

The gentleman began to turn purple and fell to the office floor. Hayley called the ambulance a second and third time before the paramedics arrived and immediately began CPR as the man was unresponsive and had stopped breathing. He had suffered a heart attack and on the last attempt at CPR he gave out a loud shout, which reassured everyone he was alive.

The paramedics informed Paul Crowley’s staff members that if they had not dialled 999 and done what they did, it’s unlikely the man would have survived.

Hayley contacted the man in hospital, his chest was sore from broken ribs received during CPR but he was recovering well. He said he remembered sitting with the girls but little else thereafter. He was very lucky and what could have turned out to be a tragic event was averted by the quick thinking of the girls.

Well done to all the staff at Paul Crowley and the paramedics who helped to save the man’s life.

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NEWS

BERKELEY SHAW APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF RESIDENTIAL SALES

Karen Parks with Berkeley Shaw managing director, John Baybut

High-profile hire is part of estate agent’s plans to expand reach across the region LEADING MERSEYSIDE ESTATE AGENT, Berkeley Shaw, has appointed Karen Parks as head of residential sales.

Karen has a wealth of experience in property sales having spent more than two decades working in North Sefton for Michael Moon, Entwistle Green and Wainwright Edwards before opening her own agency in Formby.

In her new role, Karen will undertake all valuations in Hightown, Formby, Ainsdale and Southport, as well as overseeing the

running of Berkeley Shaw’s Formby branch – located on School Lane, opposite Waitrose.

Speaking on her appointment, Karen said: “I’m really looking forward to getting started with Berkeley Shaw. The company has built an effective business model over the many years they have been in operation, with an outstanding reputation for delivering for their clients.”

John Baybut, Berkeley Shaw managing director, added: “We are thrilled to have Karen

join our team to lead our residential sales.

“Together we have developed a leading plan which will make Berkeley Shaw the leading agent in the area. Karen’s expertise and contacts within the area are going to be a significant asset to us.”

The appointment follows a series of announcements from Berkeley Shaw as it aims to expand its reach across the region. In Ocotber 2021, the company completed a merger with Keppie Massie Residential.

LIVERPOOL’S DAM HEALTH REACHES ONE MILLION IN-CLINIC TESTS AS IT PREPARES FOR 2022 EXPANSION Company started from a Rose Lane laboratory with just a handful of employees LIVERPOOL-BASED DAM HEALTH enters 2022 as one of the region’s success stories from last year, with over one million government-approved in-clinic PCR and antigen tests now conducted across the UK within the public and private sector.

Having began in COVID-19 testing, this year will see DAM Health expand further in the wider world of medical diagnostics, heralding a pivotal period of change.

Led by Professor Frank Joseph, DAM Health’s medical director, the company started from its first laboratory on Rose Lane with just a handful of employees in November 2020 and now employs over 1,000 staff. This thriving workforce continues to rise by the

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day across more than 100 clinics and 12 labs in the UK and internationally.

With its HQ based at The Spine in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, the next 12 months will see DAM Health aim to become a leading centre of medical science and innovation, working with the next generation of scientific and medical minds through some bold initiatives.

These initiatives include the Student Excellence Award with the Pandemic Institute and the virtual COVID-19 lab with Manchester-based tech firm Credersi.

Professor Joseph says: “2021 was truly a remarkable year for DAM Health and we now aim to realise some major ambitions in 2022

Professor Frank Joseph, medical director at DAM Health

and become a bastion of medical excellence.

“Reaching one million in-clinic tests is incredible – from all our customers who have travelled and been able to see loved ones again around the world to us helping business sectors recover and large scale events and sports happen again – it’s a remarkable moment.”

SCAN ME

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Sh ow on ap vi art ew m no ent w s

DREAM BIG Wake up to this view every day!

Tobacco Warehouse presents stylish, Titanic-sized apartments in an iconic building on Liverpool’s Stanley Dock.

• Duplex apartments with waterside & city views • Sizes from 980 - 2,700 sq ft (91 - 250 sq m) • Original architectural features • The ultimate in dockside living • Adjacent to the award-winning Titanic Hotel Visit our stunning Tobacco Warehouse show apartments to experience the ultimate in dockside living. To arrange a viewing, or for more information, contact our sole sales agent Logic Estates on +44 151 920 2404 or email info@logicestates.co.uk

www.TobaccoWarehouse.co.uk 36

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