YM Liverpool July 2023

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of YM Liverpool!

First up this month, we bring you my interview with a Gartson lad who has done quite well for himself in the show business game.

One of the UK’s most cherished entertainers, Les Dennis got his start performing in working men’s clubs across Liverpool and the North West before going on to appear on a host of Saturday night TV staples throughout the ’80s and ’90s, including, of course, Family Fortunes

In recent years, Les has starred in a string of hit plays and musicals and I sat down with him to find out all about his latest show, 42nd Street, which is toe-tapping its way to the Empire this September, and to discuss his remarkable 50plus year career.

Elsewhere, fashion brand South Beach shares its must-have pieces for summer and Will Carr gives his verdict on Childwall’s new Mays Thai restaurant.

Property-wise, we highlight Persimmon Homes’ Summerhill Park development in Maghull and bring you news on a recently completed luxury apartment scheme.

Last but not least, our gardening expert Heather Marsh reveals which tree has her spellbound this month and Jon Atkinson explores the fast-growing trend for vegan/vegetarian wine.

Until next time!

LAWRENCE SAUNDERS

Editor: Lawrence Saunders [editor@ymliverpool.com]

Design: Marten Sealby

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There’s No

Garston-born Les Dennis is best known for his appearances on Madhouse, The Russ Abbot Show, Coronation Street and most famously, as host of ITV’s Family Fortunes.

In recent years, Les has starred in a string of hit plays and musicals on the West End and beyond. We caught up with him to find out about his latest show, the songand-dance spectacular 42nd Street, which is toe-tapping its way to the Empire this September, and discuss his remarkable career in show business

words lawrence saunders

The UK-wide tour for 42nd Street (choreographed by Bill Deamer & directed by Jonathan Church) got underway in May. How are you enjoying it so far?

We started in Leicester and we’re now at Sadler’s Wells in London. It’s going phenomenally well. Audiences are up on their feet at the end… nothing to do with me! The dancers are incredible and the musical is just what we need right now. It’s a joyful show.

In your role as Bert Barry, co-writer and producer of Pretty Lady (the show within the show), you form one half of a comedy double-act with Maggie Jones, played by Josefina Gabrielle. What’s it like performing alongside such a talented actress? Well, Josefina and I have worked as a kind of double act before. We were Amos and Roxie Hart in Chicago more than 20 years ago! It’s an absolute joy to be back working with her because she’s so brilliant. She’s three times Olivier Award-nominated and she should have won it. She worked with Hugh Jackman in Oklahoma! on the West End. She’s incredible. It’s very easy to be on stage with her and the chemistry works really well.

Are you looking forward to bringing 42nd Street here to your hometown of Liverpool in September?

I’m so excited. I remember when I was doing Art with John Duttine and Christopher Cazenove, and we were having a great time with the tour, I kept saying to them ‘Wait until we get to Liverpool’. We played the Playhouse and had such a wonderful time. It was a highlight for John and Chris, as well as me. So I’m looking forward to coming to Liverpool. Out of the rest of the cast, Sam Womack knows Liverpool well as she starred in ITV crime drama Liverpool 1. Michael Praed maybe not so well, but he loves a pint after the show so I’ll get him into Ma Egee’s (Ma Egerton’s).

Although most people know you for your TV work, you have appeared in a great number of plays and musicals in recent years.

another great company]. I seem to touch lucky with companies and not have any trouble.

You mention the Oldham Coliseum is closing and as you may know, here in Liverpool, the Epstein Theatre is sadly going the same way. Do you have any thoughts on the situation?

The Epstein is a lovely theatre which I sadly never got to perform at. When I was at school, I was invited to do a panto at the Neptune, as it was known back then, but I couldn’t because of exams. I remember thinking ‘I want to do that theatre’, and I didn’t get to. It’s an extraordinarily beautiful building. I don’t know what the plans are [for the theatre] but I’ll certainly be backing the petition to save it.

Going back to TV for a moment. Do you have fond memories of hosting Family Fortunes? How did it feel when you got offered the job?

It was incredible. I remember thinking, ‘Oh, I don’t think I can do this’. I nearly turned it down because I’d never done a game show. And you know, Dustin [Gee] had just died and I thought ‘Where is my career going?’. I didn’t know whether I could do it or not because I’d never worked with contestants before. But they gave me the first series of about 26 shows in three weeks, and I learnt my craft. Thankfully, the early shows weren’t as good as it got!

Do you come back home to Liverpool much when you’re not working?

I’ll actually be there soon as my 15-year-old daughter is doing a week’s work experience at the Royal Court, which is, again, one of my favourite theatres. I’m a patron of the venue and have done a number of shows there including Jigsy, Down the Dock Road and The Miracle Of Great Homer Street. I still have family in Maghull and my sister is in Knotty Ash. My niece, Jody McKnee, who is from Liverpool, is doing very well in the theatre world as well, and I’m always rooting for her.

Business…

Was becoming an actor something you were interested in from an early age?

I went to see Emrys James perform in Twelfth Night when I was at school and thought, ‘That’s what I want to do’. But I still haven’t done Shakespeare yet. I started my career in working men’s clubs and then variety [shows], summer seasons, and TV came along through The Russ Abbot Show, really. That was the route I went down but I always intended to try and learn the craft of acting. I did that by going to Oldham Coliseum and the Watermill Theatre in Newbury.

The Coliseum has actually just lost its Arts Council funding, which is infuriating because it’s such a great theatre and every town should have its [own] theatre. But anyway, I always wanted to get back to acting. I love being part of a company. When you go around the country doing stand-up on your own, it’s pretty lonely. This is a lovely company [42nd Street]. I’ve been very lucky – two years ago I worked with Michael Ball in Hairspray and we had a lovely company there, and I just did Spring and Port Wine at the Octagon in Bolton [with

I was born in Chesterton Street, Garston, and grew up in Speke. Being from Garston makes me a ‘Mud Man’ apparently, which I didn’t know until recently!

Finally, you’ve done seemingly everything there is to do in your career – from stand-up and TV to plays and panto – is there anything else you still want to try your hand at?

Shakespeare, definitely. I mean, I did a season at the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) playing my niece’s dad, which was a thrill. My mum would have been so proud to see two family members up there. But we were doing Restoration tragedy and comedy. I still want to play one of the clowns, maybe The Fool in King Lear, or even have a go at Malvolio in Twelfth Night. But Feste, who I saw Emrys James play all those years ago in Stratford, can be an old clown… so that would be nice!

42nd Street is at the Liverpool Empire from 4-9 September

JOHAN PERSSON

Audiences have been up on their feet at the end of 42nd Street... nothing to do with me!

This month in

words and pictures

At the beginning of July 1963, The Beatles recorded their fourth single ‘She Loves You’. Its distinctive ‘yeah, yeah, yeah’ refrain was a gift to newspaper headline writers across the country and outsold their previous two number ones to become the group’s first million-seller and the UK’s biggest-selling single of the decade.

Fast-forward 12 months and the band’s third album, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’, was in the number one spot – shifting enough copies to cover the significant costs associated with making the musical comedy of the same name.

In July 1965, The Beatles released the title track and single from their second film Help! John Lennon was commissioned to write the song for the movie and it signified a major shift in his songwriting style. Notoriously dismissive of much of the band’s output, John would later describe ‘Help!’ as one of his favourite Beatles’ tracks, telling Rolling Stone in 1970: “I meant it, it’s real. The lyric is as good now as it was then, it’s no different, you know. It makes me feel secure to know that I was that sensible or whatever – well, not sensible, but aware of myself.”

The Beatles performed the last of five highly controversial shows at the Nippon Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan on 2 July 1966. The venue was considered a national shrine to the country’s war dead and therefore, many thought it was an inappropriate setting for a rock and roll concert.

It was whilst confined to the Presidential Suite of the Tokyo Hilton that the band informed EMI via telegram that their next album would be titled Revolver

The group had originally wanted to name the album ‘Abracadabra’, but discovered that another band had already used the title. John suggested ‘Four Sides to the Circle’ as a response to Paul’s ‘Magic Circle’, whilst Ringo rather humorously proposed ‘After Geography’ – a play on The Rolling Stones’ ‘Aftermath’. They also considered other

names like ‘Bubble and Squeak’, ‘Beatles on Safari’, ‘Freewheelin’ Beatles’ and ‘Pendulum’, before finally plumping for Revolver

Just 10 days later, on 12 July 1966, The Beatles were awarded three prestigious Ivor Novello awards in recognition of their achievements during the previous year. ‘Yesterday’ was judged to be the most outstanding song of 1965 whilst ‘We Can Work It Out’ was the top-selling single, with ‘Help!’ the second-best selling.

Back in Liverpool, the world-famous Cavern club had struggled to stay afloat without regular performances from the Fab Four and sadly closed its doors in early 1966. Thankfully a new owner was quickly found and on 23 July 1966, it was officially reopened by none other than Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

The following July brought us an interesting Beatles’ first when producer George Martin, who had played an instrument on nearly a fifth of the band’s recorded output, was finally credited on a single –the Lennon-penned classic, ‘All You Need Is Love’.

We end this month’s trip down pop memory lane on 30 July 1969. When sorting the tracklisting for the Abbey Road medley, Paul McCartney decided ‘Her Majesty’ didn’t quite fit and told engineer John Kurlander to “throw it away”. John cut the 23-second song out but as he’d been explicitly told never to discard anything, picked it off the floor when Paul left the studio and stuck it onto the end of the tape.

A lacquer version of ‘Abbey Road’ was cut at Apple the next day, and the song was again kept in. Paul approved of the random ‘accident’, and so it remained on the final version.

“That was very much how things happened,” he explained in ‘Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now’. “Really, you know, the whole of our career was like that so it’s a fitting end”.

From the birth of a legendary Lennon tune to contentious concerts in the Far East, July has featured some landmark moments for the Fab Four

leslie priestley

Summerstyling

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Restaurant review Mays Thai

By

I arrived at Mays Thai Restaurant with an open mind and a rumbling stomach. Unlike most other types of Asian cuisine, Thai food has managed to pass me by and I’m not totally sure why. Perhaps it’s the availability and convenience of Chinese takeaways, or the popularity of Japanese sushi restaurants, that have made Thai too easy to overlook. Whatever the reason, I’m so glad Mays has shown me the error of my ways.

When you walk inside this Childwall eatery, you’re instantly gripped by its interior which tastefully combines modern and rustic styles – an emerald green colour scheme; wooden panels; flawless bar and bare brick lit by lamps hanging in wicker shades.

After being shown to our table by a friendly staff member, I was impressed when moments later the same waitress cared enough to run out and catch a customer who had left their property. It’s little things like that which elevate a place beyond the ordinary.

Food-wise, I started with one of the two dishes I’d heard of, Chicken Satay on a stick (£5.95), while my partner ordered the

Chicken Dumplings (£5.95). The dumplings were tender and paired with a sweet sauce which made each mouthful a magnificent treat for the palate. However, served with peanut and cucumber sauces, my chicken skewers had to be the star of the show. Surprisingly filling, they were delicious enough on their own, but dipped in the heavenly peanut sauce, took on a whole new dimension.

In between courses, I wandered upstairs and caught a glimpse of the additional seating area. Styled like an authentic Thai home, the room boasts a full wall mural and an exposed beam roof that had me staring in awe. Seemingly reserved for larger groups, the hidden gem made me want to organise a works’ do, just so I could come back and admire it.

For mains, I went for the other Thai meal I was previously aware of, Chicken Pad Thai (£9.95), whilst my partner couldn’t resist the Chicken Massaman Curry (£9.95) and a side of Jasmine Rice (£2.95). I’d ordered my meal spicy, which I thought I’d come to regret until I saw the spices and crushed peanuts came on a separate side dish. I added the spice to my taste and when I lifted the fork of coiled glass noodles, spring onions, shoots and chicken to my mouth, I knew a new food love affair had begun.

The curry was mild and creamy with coriander and cumin giving it a rich and warm taste. Meanwhile, the potatoes and cashews informed the flavour and added to the texture. My partner spooned it onto her dish of subtly fragrant rice, the two pairing

perfectly. I greedily stole the last of the bowl after I had finished my own main.

It’s hard to put your finger on what makes Mays so special. Is it the enthusiasm of the staff and their love of creating amazing food? The sense of care you feel throughout the whole dining experience? Or maybe it’s the feeling of passion you sense the moment you walk in that crescendos when you take your first delicious bite.

It took the owners months of hard work to get Mays right, and as we exited with beaming smiles spread across our faces, I think they knew they’d achieved their goal.

What makes Mays so special? The feeling of passion you sense the moment you walk in that crescendos when you take your first delicious bite.

VIEW FOOD PHOTOS @YM_LIVERPOOL

Will Carr | Thai | ££ | 4 Childwall Abbey Road, L16 0JN

Childbirth injuries –Consult the legal experts

Dan Griffiths Head of Medical Negligence Paul Crowley & Co

In 2022, a study of over 60,000 pre-term deliveries in the UK showed that birth trauma occurred in 30.9% of births. Childbirth is often one of the most beautiful and rewarding moments in a person’s life, but when things go wrong it can be devastating, causing lifelong physical and psychological harm for you and your family

Here at Paul Crowley & Co solicitors, we know how difficult it can be to suffer as a result of medical negligence. Dan Griffiths, Head of Medical Negligence, guides you through what injuries can lead to a claim and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

What kinds of injury can occur as a result of negligence during childbirth?

Medical negligence can lead to a wide range of different injuries, both to the parent and the baby. Some of the most common birth injuries to the child include:

• Brain injuries

• Cerebral Palsy/Erb’s Palsy

• Stillbirth

• Broken bones

• Shoulder dystocia

• Strep B

Some of the most common birth injuries for the parent are:

• Perineal tears

• Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH)

• Ruptured uterus

If you or your family have suffered injuries as a result of sub-standard medical care and are wondering if you could be eligible to make a claim, call Paul Crowley & Co solicitors to speak to one of our friendly team of medical

negligence experts. We are here to advise you throughout the legal process to ensure you can get the compensation you are owed.

How to bring a successful birth injury claim:

Medical negligence claims can arise from any injury suffered by you or your child as a result of negligent care from a professional such as a doctor or midwife. In order to be successful in bringing a claim for medical negligence, you need to be able to prove:

1) The healthcare professional breached their duty of care towards you.

2) As a result of this breach of duty, you or your child suffered harm.

How do I know if my injury has been caused by medical negligence?

Unfortunately, birth injuries are fairly common although they do not always occur as a result of negligent care. However, you may be eligible to make a claim if a medical professional:

• Delayed making a diagnosis or made an incorrect diagnosis

• Failed to provide a c-section or episiotomy when suitable

• Failed to obtain proper consent for a procedure

• Failed to give you adequate treatment after you have suffered a birth injury

How much compensation could I claim for a birth injury?

The level of compensation you are entitled to will depend on the circumstances and severity of your case. You will be awarded “general damages” for the pain and suffering you went through, and “special damages” to compensate you for other losses. These could include:

• Past and future loss of earnings

• Expenses such as travel, rehabilitation, or care

• An award for any adaptive equipment needed

• An award to cover further medical expenses like revision surgeries

In the most severe cases, negligent treatment during childbirth could be fatal to the parent. When this occurs, a surviving spouse is also entitled to a bereavement award under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.

It is difficult to estimate how much a medical negligence case will be worth as compensation is calculated based on your individual circumstances. Therefore, if you have suffered a childbirth injury and think you could be eligible for compensation, call Paul Crowley & Co solicitors today to speak to one of our friendly team of child birth injury lawyers.

For a free no obligation chat with one of our Medical Negligence Solicitors call us now on 0151 264 7363. www.paulcrowley.co.uk

PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER ALMOST 600 AFFORDABLE NEW HOMES

Castle Green Partnerships and Torus will work across four North West sites

ALMOST 600 NEW affordable homes will be provided across the North West as part of a seven-year deal between Castle Green Partnerships and Torus.

The partnership will see more than £142 million invested in building affordable homes across Cheshire at Daresbury, Crewe and Congleton and the popular Thornton area of Sefton in the Liverpool City Region.

There are 589 homes planned under the deal, including a mix of affordable rent and Shared Ownership properties.

They will be built across four sites – Flowers Lane, Crewe; Bridgewater View, Daresbury; Viking Way, Congleton and Orchard Place, Thornton – all due for completion by 2030.

Eoin O’Donnell, partnerships director for Castle Green Partnerships, part of Castle Green Homes, says: “We’re proud to have

established strong links with Torus to deliver much-needed high quality affordable homes over the coming years.

“Our business is based upon developing close working relationships with our partners, using the synergies that collaboration brings to produce positive outcomes, resulting in delivery of great homes in attractive places to live.”

Castle Green has offices in St Asaph and Preston Brook, with developments across North Wales, Cheshire, and the Liverpool City Region.

Partnering with Torus, a major provider of affordable homes in the North West, supports Castle Green’s expansion from its North Wales heartland.

REMEDIATION WORKS NEAR COMPLETION AT FESTIVAL GARDENS

EVERTON STADIUM TO SPONSOR YM AWARDS CATEGORY

Arena will be one of the most environmentallyfriendly football stadia ever built

EVERTON STADIUM WILL SPONSOR the coveted ‘Business Leader of the Year’ category at this year’s YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards.

Work to fit-out the £500 million, 52,888-capacity arena at Bramley-Moore Dock is well underway, with Everton FC expecting handover from Laing O’Rourke during the 2024/25 season.

The stadium will include a 13,000-capacity ‘home end’ and offer a “revolutionary re-set” of traditional football hospitality via its ‘ALL’ concept, with a wide selection of social spaces from pubs, bars and high-street style restaurants through to personal and fine-dining experiences.

Everton Stadium joins the category sponsors for the prestigious YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2023, which will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 30 November.

Alongside the esteemed ‘Business Leader of the Year’ title, accolades will be handed out across a diverse range of categories including Property Developer of the Year, Best Affordable Housing Scheme, Residential Property Agency of the Year, Young Business Leader of the Year and LCR Business of the Year.

For more information about this year’s YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, email awards@ ymliverpool.com or call 0151 316 0210

WORK TO REMEDIATE

22 acres of the city’s Festival Gardens site is nearing completion after a complex two-year excavation programme.

This mammoth job saw the derelict land – which hadn’t been touched for 25 years – completely excavated, removing more than 380,000 cubic metres of soil and waste.

Now that remediation is nearing completion, Liverpool City Council is seeking to appoint a multidisciplinary consultant team to help it prepare a development brief for the residential-led redevelopment of Festival Gardens.

The brief will set out the council’s aspirations to create a “thriving, sustainable, healthy and inclusive new neighbourhood for South Liverpool with a strong identity and sense of community”.

Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool’s cabinet member for growth and economy, says: “The work undertaken to reach this milestone should not be underestimated, but our focus has been on getting everything right as we need to future-proof this land and make sure it’s fit for purpose for generations to come.

“We look forward to moving on to the next phase and taking a step closer to this game-changing development.”

Almost 400,000 cubic metres of soil and waste has been removed

Chris Bowen, managing director of Torus Developments with Eoin O’Donnell, partnerships director at Castle Green Partnerships at Bridgwater View, Daresbury

LOCATED JUST 10 MILES from the centre of Liverpool and only a few short minutes from schools, shops and amenities, Persimmon Homes’ new Summerhill Park development is perfectly situated for anyone seeking an ideal work/life balance in Merseyside.

Phase 1 of the scheme features a choice of two, three, four and five bedroom homes (£187,995 to £379,995) – all incorporating a modern open plan kitchen/dining room, downstairs WC and family bathroom.

One of the main draws of Summerhill Park is ease of access when it comes to travelling in the local area. Maghull train station is just a few minutes drive away, and operates regular direct links to Liverpool’s Moorfields station.

Though the bright lights of the city are within easy reach, the scheme is also ideally situated for families of all ages. There are several schools less than a mile from the development – Summerhill Primary School, Northway Primary School and Deyes High School, all rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. You’ll find a number of nurseries in the vicinity too, and for further education, there’s Deyes Sixth Form, as well as several colleges in Crosby and Sefton.

With the addition of scenic countryside and sandy beaches nearby, Summerhill Park has much to offer first-time buyers, growing families and downsizers.

For existing homeowners, Persimmon will also take your old house off you in part exchange and make you an offer within seven days.

For more information on Summerhill Park call 0151 305 7191 or visit persimmonhomes.com

Kitchen showroom

Bespoke worktops add finishing touch at Hygge Kitchens’ new retail space

LIVERPOOL STONE SPECIALISTS Ferry & Sons has recently fitted a variety of high-quality work surfaces at a brand new kitchen showroom on Derby Lane, Bootle.

The family-run firm was brought in by Hygge Kitchens to install elegant slabs of Calacatta Gold quartz, Iron Flux quartz, Compac Ice Ink quartz and Azzurro granite.

Jennifer Merchant, co-owner of Hygge, says Ferry & Sons was chosen for the project due to its “customer-centric ethos which very much aligns with our own”.

She adds: “After speaking to a number of different companies about fitting out the showroom, we were very impressed by how friendly the team at Ferry & Sons was, and how much time they had for us.”

Jennifer and fellow co-owner Matthew Douglas worked in kitchen showrooms across the North West for more than a decade before deciding to launch their own enterprise.

Whilst Hygge has been trading since October 2022, the opening of the new showroom on 9 July will take the business to the next level –allowing customers to interact with a range of kitchens from trusted brands including Blossom Avenue, which is exclusive to Hygge in the Liverpool area.

Discovering

vegan and vegetarian

wines

I’VE READ THAT THE INEXORABLE RISE in the popularity of veganism has slowed a little of late. It’s not that people have given up on it, but there is often something of a premium to be paid for vegan products and times are hard. Cards on the table, I am neither vegan nor vegetarian but that’s not to say that I don’t enjoy the occasional dish from time to time. But when it comes to wine, whether a bottle is vegan or vegetarian is not something that enters into my thinking. From a commercial perspective, however, we cannot ignore it and it’s perhaps surprising that more wineries have not looked to promote their vegan/vegetarian credentials on their bottles, but there are clues if you know what to look for!

You could be forgiven for wondering why all wines aren’t vegan, let alone vegetarian, after all, isn’t it just made from fermented grapes?

Well, there is actually a process often used in winemaking called ‘fining’; this is a technique which involves passing an agent through the wine to clarify it. If you have seen freshly fermented wine, you will know that it is generally cloudy. This is because of the proteins suspended within. The fining agent attracts these proteins, forming miniscule clumps – very small, but heavy enough for them to fall to the bottom of the tank so that the clarified wine above can be racked off into a different tank. This is often a precursor to filtration depending on how clear and bright a wine the winemaker is looking to achieve.

It is the nature of these fining agents that determines whether a wine is vegan or vegetarian. Historically, they were universally derived from animals and many still are. Albumen (from egg whites),

WineTime’s Jon Atkinson explores this fast-growing market and recommends four bottles for you to try

casein (from milk) and isinglass (derived from fish) are three of the most commonly used today. There is a clay-derived substance called bentonite that is increasingly used these days which naturally ticks the box for vegan/vegetarian drinkers – begging the question as to why all wines aren’t using it? Basically, it’s very easy to use too much which isn’t really an issue with traditional agents, but excess bentonite can destabilise the balance of tartaric acid, causing the formation of crystals after the wine has been bottled.

Some, but in truth not many, wines are labelled as vegan – my suspicion is that as with organic production, many winemakers like to practice it when they can, but don’t want to commit to certification for

Las Perdices ‘Chac Chac’ Mendoza Malbec 2021 (vegetarian)

those occasions (vintages) when mother nature throws a curveball. However, there are other things that you can look for; it is increasingly popular to bottle wines without fining or filtration (both processes improve clarity, but inevitably remove a little character) and whilst they don’t all declare this on the (back) label, many do. This seems to be more popular with reds than whites, with some reds so opaque in nature anyway, that you might not even notice. We do seem to be increasingly accepting of a little haziness – as seen in the inexorable rise in popularity of craft beer, so I anticipate more whites in this vein too.

Here are four vegan/vegetarian recommendations that give a reasonable overview of the quality that is on offer right now…

Viña Las Perdices (the partridges) story started with Juan Carlos Muñoz who emigrated from Andalucía, Spain in the early 1950s to grow vines. It was his two sons Juan and Nicolás who in 2004, decided to take the next step and build their own winery in the highly regarded Agrelo district within Mendoza, Argentina’s pre-eminent wine-growing region. Their estate has grown over the years and now stands at 93 hectares planted with 17 different grape varieties with Malbec, inevitably, being the most significant! This fine example is a fragrant red with aromas of blueberry and damson with hints of menthol and herb. The palate is full and rounded with juicy, spicy dark fruit and shows finegrained tannins. Chac Chac is the mating call of the resident partridges! £10.50

Lou Miranda Estate ‘Leone’ Barossa Valley Shiraz 2018 (vegan)

Francesco ‘Pop’ Miranda emigrated to Griffith, NSW in 1938 and then followed his dream of owning his own winery, moving to Roland Flat near Lyndoch in South Australia’s Barossa Valley. His son Lou, and his wife Val, took over and built on this and today the winery is run by their three daughters, Lisa (GM), Angela (winemaker) and Victoria (marketing). Their 100 acres of vineyard spread across four separate blocks would be sizeable by European standards but in Australia they are very much a ‘boutique’ winery! This Shiraz was blended predominantly from two vineyard sites and was harvested relatively early. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks took just over a fortnight and maturation in American oak for two years allowed the tannins to soften and mature. This is drinking very well already but could be comfortably kept for another 5-10 years. It has a deep purple-ruby appearance, and the nose is classic Barossa Shiraz with abundant plum and bramble fruit with touches of clove and spice with underlying chocolate and coffee notes. The palate is rich and generous with plum, liquorice, chocolate and spice characteristics.

A fifth generation family owned and run Bodega established in 1870 by Anastasio Eguren in the historic town of Laguardia. They moved to their present location just outside the town in 1989 and it is as spectacular a winery as you will find anywhere – surrounded by 130 hectares of vineyards against the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Cantabria. It still comes as a surprise to many that Rioja can be white, or indeed Rosé, such is the dominance of red wine in this most famous of Spanish wine regions. However, Ugarte are somewhat specialists, producing no less than six different Rioja Blancos, with this delightfully summery example being the only one not to spend time in oak. If I’m honest, unoaked white Rioja is all too often a bit meh, but this is the real deal – a mix of five varieties – three traditional and two ‘international’ – taking advantage of the recent expansion of the list of permitted varieties. Greater than the sum of its parts? Hell yeah! £9.50

Domaine Ferrandière IGP Pays d’Oc Chardonnay 2022 (vegan)

Located in between Corbières and Minervois, this estate lies in the drained Etang de Marseillette (lagoon of Marseillette) where the soil is enriched by the underlying layers of sediments and salt. Its saline soils are resistant to phylloxera and they can therefore be planted with ungrafted varieties. The methods of cultivation are specific to this place, notably the flooding of the vines in winter and spring. Its exceptional microclimate, with hot days and cool nights in summer, despite having an altitude of only 20 metres, make it possible to cultivate no fewer than 18 grape varieties from the south of France as well as others from further afield. The estate is farmed sustainably and is certified by HVE3, producing wines classified as AOP Languedoc and IGP Pays d’Oc. This delicious Chardonnay is clean, fresh and full of vitality. No oak allows plenty of citrus and green apple fruit to shine through in this beautifully ‘food-friendly’ white. £10.25

Eguren Ugarte Rioja Blanco 2022 (vegan)

Liverpool business raises £125,000 for charity with star-studded bash

Liberty X, Shola Ama & Gok Wan performed at show-stopping Sedulo celebrity ball

Pop group Liberty X teamed up with Shola Ama and Gok Wan to help the Sedulo Foundation raise £125,000 for young people in the North West. Funds raised at the Sedulo Foundation Colour Ball, which was hosted by soap royalty Sally Lindsay and attended by stars such as Claire Sweeney, Denise Welch and boxing legend David Haye, will support youth organisations in the region as well as charitable projects aiming to increase the life chances of youngsters facing disadvantages.

Liberty X, who now tour with Dancing on Ice star Michelle Heaton and fellow original band members Jessica Taylor and Kelli Young, brought the

roof down with a headline set which included hits such as ‘Just A Little’, ‘Got to Have Your Love’ and ‘A Night to Remember’.

Shola Ama opened the Manchester show with her famous version of ‘You Might Need Somebody’, while TV personalities Dr. Ranj and Seema Malhotra partied late into the night following a DJ set from TV fashion guru Gok Wan.

The Sedulo Foundation is the charitable arm of Sedulo Group, one of the UK’s leading financial advisory companies with offices in Liverpool, London, Manchester and Leeds.

The foundation has already helped over 2,500 young people through projects to provide back to school essentials as well as

working to end period poverty by providing sanitary products. The business also leads an annual Christmas toy appeal from its offices throughout the country.

Paul Cheetham-Karcz, founder of Sedulo and the Sedulo Foundation, says: “It was a true honour and privilege to be involved with such an inspirational initiative from the Sedulo Foundation.

“The vital funds raised this evening will go a long, long way to help and inspire young people across the North West.

“I am proud that some of the biggest names in entertainment, media and sport attended to raise vital funds.

“By helping disadvantaged children and young people in these regions, I believe we can motivate the talent of tomorrow to fulfil their potential and aim higher.

“I am proud of the work already achieved by the Sedulo Foundation and the Colour Ball will help us reach even more young people in the long-term.”

Gok Wan took to the decks to the delight of the crowd, including Claire Sweeney (below)

INDOOR ADVENTURE PARK TO OPEN AT CLAYTON SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE

THE UK’S “FIRST AND BIGGEST indoor adventure park group” has announced Liverpool as the location for its newest opening.

Flip Out, which describes itself as the “fastest-growing family entertainment centre globally”, will launch at Clayton Square Shopping Centre at the end of July.

The third Flip Out indoor adventure park to open this year, Flip Out Liverpool will be the first to offer brand new attraction ‘The Floor is Fire’, which is inspired by the smash-hit Netflix series, Floor is Lava

‘The Floor is Fire’ will pit families and friends against each other, as they navigate an obstacle course, clambering on top of and moving between objects above the “lava” – with the goal to reach the exit without falling in.

Other attractions include laser quest, Ninja Tag and an interactive

football pitch, as well as more traditional pastimes such as roller skating, bumper cars and soft play. Food-wise, a Flip Out Diner will be offering up pizza, burgers and hot dogs. Costa Coffee will also be available on-site for the grown-ups.

Rich Beese, co-owner of Flip Out, says: “We are so excited to be bringing the fun-filled, adrenaline-pumping Flip Out experience to Liverpool. We can’t wait to open the doors at the end of July and start welcoming families and friends from Liverpool to enjoy all of the Flip Out activities.

“From bumper cars to ‘The Floor is Fire’, the range of activities will provide kids of all ages with hours of fun – and we open just in time for the summer holidays!”

PC&CO CONQUER ANFIELD ABSEIL IN AID OF CHARITY

MUSEUM OF LIVERPOOL SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARD

Pier Head venue will be visited by undercover judges during the summer holidays

THE MUSEUM OF LIVERPOOL has been shortlisted for the Kids in Museums’ Family Friendly Museum Award.

The popular attraction is vying for a win against two London-based museums, Horniman Museum and Gardens and National Maritime Museum in the Best Large Museum category.

Kate Johnson, head of Museum of Liverpool, says: “Welcoming families and making their visit as fun as possible is so important to us that it was built into the original design of the museum, which opened in 2011.

“From a dedicated children’s gallery and displays at child’s eye level, to changing rooms and space for buggies, being a welcoming, accommodating and enjoyable place for all our visitors is crucial to us.

“A Kids in Museums’ Family Friendly Award is a particularly special recognition because families are such an important voice on the jury, so we’re proud to even make the shortlist.”

Kids in Museums has run an annual award since 2004 and is the only museum award to be judged by families.

Over the summer holidays, the museum will be visited by undercover family judges who will assess the shortlisted museums against a set of guidelines on what makes a great museum visit for all ages.

Their experiences will decide a winner for each museum category and an overall winner of the Family Friendly Museum Award 2023. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.

PAUL CROWLEY & CO

SOLICITORS recently took on a hair-raising challenge at Anfield Stadium in support of Radio City’s ‘Cash for Kids’.

After climbing to the top of the Main Stand roof, members of the firm’s crime, conveyancing, personal injury, family and admin departments bravely abseiled down to the floor below.

At the time of going to press, PC&Co had raised more than £5,000 for ‘Cash for Kids’, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in local communities who are affected by poverty, illness and neglect.

To kick-start the ‘Cash for Kids’ fundraising, Hayley and Sofia, part of PC&Co’s 13-strong abseil team, organised a successful ‘bring and buy’ cake sale.

The Anfield-based company has long been a keen supporter of both local and national charities, and recently raised vital funds for the Liverpool 6 Community Centre with a ‘Dress Down Friday’.

The centre supports people who are finding it difficult to make ends meet and provides local families with essential food and non-food items.

PC&Co would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has kindly donated and supported its fundraising events.

Staff members braved 100ft descent from roof of famous stadium

Flip Out Liverpool will offer families a “plethora of fun-packed experiences”

What will you discover?

From the ‘what’s’ of the world around us to the ‘why’s’ of the human body, Eureka! Science + Discovery challenges visitors to look at the ordinary every-day and see the extraordinary!

Eureka! Science + Discovery is a brand-new attraction, housed in the Seacombe Ferry Terminal building, that has been created with and for children and young people aged 0-14. If you’re familiar with our sister site in Halifax you’ll recognise our unique blend of creative, hands-on learning combined with cutting edge 21st century technology that has resulted in an engaging and fun-filled family day out and discovery experience!

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) – how do they influence and shape our lives?

Explore the ginormous digestive system in Bodies, investigate the Amazing Inventions shed in Nature and marvel at our supersize cat ‘Luna’ in Homes; there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy for hours! If you don’t manage to see everything in just one day – fear not! A standard entry ticket is automatically an Annual Pass, meaning that you can book a revisit for free, any number of times for a full year (so all those rainy days are sorted!)

Throughout the year, we’ll also be rolling out activities and events during all the school holidays. So, there’ll always be something fresh and exciting! MakeCreate, our making and tinkering space, will be programmed with supervised workshops that encourage creativity and allow participants to get hands-on! Permission to get messy? Granted! Talks and presentations will also be hosted in our Science Theatre on scheduled dates throughout the year.

Over on the other side of the ferry terminal, we have the Discovery Café – a spot to refuel and energise when curious minds need a break! We have a varied selection of food, drink and snacks on offer and a comfortable space for grownups to grab a brew. Gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Next door to Discovery Café is The Burrow, designed to inspire the under-7’s featuring objects, activities and play areas themed around local nature and

our environment (there’s even an adorable Wood Mouse nest with a slide!). Your Annual Pass will also cover your entry into The Burrow, as well as additional activities.

#EurekaDiscover. Please check our website and social media for opening hours and for what’s on! On-site parking is available. Multiple bus stops outside with regular connections to Woodside, New Brighton and Wallasey. www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

SCAN ME

Welsh tourist attraction popular with Liverpudlians reopens

Prior to its closure in 2019, thousands made the trek from Liverpool every year to visit the Snowdon Mountain Railway

Snowdon Mountain Railway trains have returned to the summit of Wales’ highest mountain for the first time since 2019.

Hafod Eryri, the popular summit visitor centre, has also re-opened its doors to the public after a historic upgrade to the track.

Prior to its closure in 2019, the attraction was visited by thousands of Liverpudlians who made the trek over to the Welsh beauty spot every year.

Snowdon Mountain Railway trains had not run to the summit for over three years, originally due to COVID-19, before upper mountain track upgrades began.

The work was a first for the famous peak, with over 1,000 metres of track being relayed in a successful refurbishment of the popular tourist attraction.

While Snowdon Mountain Railway opened its doors for the 2023 season on 1 April, the service has only travelled three-quarters of the distance to the summit, ending at Clogwyn Station.

But due to enhancements to the line, Snowdon Mountain Railway returned to the top with much fanfare on 24 June, with Hafod Eryri also reopening to the public.

Vince Hughes, commercial manager at Snowdon

Mountain Railway, is excited for a busy 2023 season after a “historic and successful undertaking”.

He says: “We are extremely excited to once again offer our visitors the full journey to the summit of Snowdon, and to welcome passengers and walkers back to Hafod Eryri.

“We are particularly pleased to welcome back the people of Liverpool who love this attraction. Snowdon Mountain Railway is visited by thousands of Scousers every year.

“With over 1,000 metres of line relayed for the enhancement and long-term improvement of the Snowdon Mountain Railway service, this was a historic and successful undertaking.

“Our operations and commercial teams have worked incredibly hard in preparation for our trains returning to the summit, and we are looking forward to a busy few months ahead.

“This is a massively exciting time for Snowdon Mountain Railway and we have plenty to look forward to!”

The Snowdon Mountain Railway runs for 4.7 miles from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon and is the only rack and pinion railway in the UK. It is a seasonal attraction which operates from April until the end of October.

The of the magicelder

THERE’S ONE TREE that can be seen growing prolifically all over the UK in woodlands and hedgerows and for me, it defines summer in the countryside like nothing else. The Sambucus nigra, more commonly known as the elderberry or elderflower tree, is gnarled and scruffy-looking most of the year. You wouldn’t normally give it a second glance, but right now, covered in frothy, creamycoloured flowers, the elder is truly a sight to behold. Seen growing as both a tree and bush, the elder has been revered since ancient times as a tree that brings protection. Our tree, which we inherited with the house, must be at least 30 years old. It grows right outside our bedroom window, almost reaching the guttering. According to folklore, an elder planted near your home will keep the devil at bay. When the weather has been as warm as it has been lately, I throw open the bedroom window to be met with the heavenly sweet fragrance of the elderflower blossom. I think there may be some truth in it after all.

n ALL ABOUT THE ELDER

• Elder wood is great for whittling and carving, and with the branches being hollow there’s a long tradition of musical pipes and whistles being made from it

• The elders’ Latin name Sambucus comes from the Greek word ‘sambuke’, which is a lyre-type instrument made from the wood

• The Anglo-Saxons favoured the elder to make bellows to help light fires and made dyes using the berries and bark

• Elder was traditionally planted near dairies because it was believed it stopped milk from turning sour and kept flies away

n GROWING ELDER YOURSELF (IT HAPPENS TO US ALL)

Elder is renowned for being hardy. A native tree preferring moist welldrained soil and grown in full to partial shade.

Here are some varieties to consider:

Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland gold’ is medium-sized and is typical of the common variety with clusters of creamy flowers and blackberries in late summer.

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Beauty’ is a very attractive variety which I’ve just planted myself after spotting one in a neighbour’s garden. The foliage is almost black (hence the name) and with fragrant pale pink flowers, this dramatic specimen plant definitely stands out from the crowd.

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is a very similar variety with foliage of a deep plum colour turning red in autumn.

Sambucus nigra ‘Marginata’ is a variegated elder with distinctive yellow-margined dark green leaves. Expect small creamy flowerheads in spring followed by black fruit in late summer.

As the common names of the elder suggest, the tree is probably most renowned for its flowers and berries. There’s nothing more thirst quenching on a hot summer’s day than a glass of elderflower cordial. Made from freshly picked flowerheads, these can also be made into champagne tea, jellies and even dipped into sweet batter and eaten as fritters. The elderberries that follow the delightful blossom are also delicious transformed into wine and jams. Since the days of the druids, elderberries have been used as a remedy for all kinds of ailments

Heather Marsh on why she’s spellbound by this elegant ancient tree and its multitude of uses

and around 400 BCE, Greek physician Hippocrates called the elder tree his “medicine chest”.

Packed with vitamin C and phytochemicals, elderberries have proven antiviral properties and are an excellent way to boost your immune system. However, before we go any further, I must stress that all parts of the elder are toxic if eaten raw. Cooking the flowerheads and berries removes this danger but the branches, bark and leaves should never be eaten, raw or cooked.

n ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL

Why not make the most of this lovely weather we’ve been having by harvesting some elderflower blossoms and giving this easy recipe (right) a try?

If you haven’t a tree of your own, you won’t have to look far for an elder as most

Elderflower cordial

INGREDIENTS

A wide basket or trough to put your flowerheads

2 1l sterilised glass bottles with screw-on caps

20 freshly picked elderflower heads

2 unwaxed lemons

1.8kg caster sugar

75g citric acid

METHOD

1. Put the water and sugar in a large pan and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.

hedgerows will have a bush ripe for the picking! Early morning or early evening on a dry day are good times to go. Avoid picking elderflowers from trees that are on a busy road though, as they can be covered in dust and grime and polluted with fumes. Also, flowerheads that are growing at knee height where dogs, cats and other animals may have roamed should be left well alone.

n WHAT TO PICK

Select the best and freshest open flowers you can, cutting them from the stem as close as possible. Next, shake the flowerheads gently to dislodge any insects. Don’t wash the flowers first as this affects the fragrance and can weaken the flavour. As a guide, you’ll need about 20 good-sized flowerheads to make roughly two litres of cordial. When you have made this recipe a few times you’ll get an idea of how many flowerheads to use, and the strength of taste you prefer.

2. Next, add the zest of the lemons to a large bowl with the elderflower heads. Slice the lemons and put them in the bowl.

3. Pour the boiling syrup over the flowers and lemons and stir in the citric acid. Cover with a clean cloth and leave for 24 hours.

4. Finally, strain the cordial through a sieve or muslin and then pour it into prepared sterilised bottles with tops and it’s ready to drink. The cordial will keep well in the fridge for several weeks.

This delicately fragrant drink can be enjoyed in all kinds of different ways. I love it simply diluted with sparkling mineral water or with some white wine or gin. Ice cubes made from cordial are great also – try adding a couple to a glass of prosecco or Champagne.

Elderflower fritters are divine as well – especially eaten with a generous dollop of cream that has, you guessed it, been infused with elderflower syrup.

RECIPE

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To find out how we can assist you, contact Andy on 07450 471880 or email afcleaningresources@gmail.com

MAJOR NORTH LIVERPOOL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT REACHES PRACTICAL COMPLETION

NEXUS RESIDENTIAL and Legacie

Developments have reached practical completion on a significant North Liverpool property scheme.

City Residence Apartments is a joint venture between Nexus and Legacie comprising 78 one and two-bedroom units across four newly built blocks.

Located on Lemon Street in Kirkdale, upper-floor apartments offer views of Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront and overlook the site of Everton FC’s forthcoming Bramley Moore Dock stadium.

Institutional lender Together, which has worked with Nexus and Legacie on a number of other schemes, has delivered a multimillion-pound funding facility for the project.

The development was promoted by international sales agent, RWInvest, which successfully pre-sold all new homes off-plan.

Michael Gledhill, managing director of Nexus Residential, says: “It’s fantastic the homes on Lemon Street are already fully occupied and this development perfectly illustrates how the Liverpool rental market remains incredibly strong.

“There is a real need for affordable luxury in the city and we have guaranteed these standards with Lemon Street, in an ideal gateway location to reach all areas of the city.

“This has been a major investment which created jobs and regenerated an area of a

former brownfield site with quality new homes.

“City Residence Apartments has completed at an exciting time for the north of Liverpool and we are proud to deliver a luxury development in this location.”

John Morley, CEO of Legacie Developments, adds: “Legacie Developments is delighted to once more deliver luxury living in Liverpool.

“This has been an exciting partnership with Nexus Residential and, alongside Together, this investment has helped us bring new life to an important part of a key Liverpool regeneration zone.

“It is a brilliant feeling to hand over keys to new tenants after completing on a development of the highest quality.”

All 78 units at City Residence Apartments in Kirkdale have been sold off-plan

FLIP OUT LIVERPOOL

The UK’s no 1 indoor adventure park is coming to Clayton Square Shopping Centre this July.

With 3 floors filled with attractions for the whole family to enjoy, you'll be spoiled for choice. We're the ultimate indoor adventure park in Liverpool!

Activities include >

BATTLE CANNON ARENA >> Laser Quest >> Bumper Cars

Interactive Football >> Roller Rink >> Soft Play

> Let’s Have Some Fun!

To find out more about Flip Out Liverpool, go to www.flipout.co.uk