YM Liverpool June 2023

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of YM Liverpool!

First up this month we bring you an in-depth look at a major new exhibition recently launched at the Walker Art Gallery which showcases the remarkable work of an Irish artist best-known to Liverpudlians as simply, ‘photie man’.

Tom Wood has been photographing the people and places of Merseyside for the last 50 years – from matchdays at Anfield and Goodison Park to trips to Great Homer Street Market and bus journeys through the streets of Liverpool and beyond.

Photie Man: 50 Years of Tom Wood is the first significant retrospective of Tom’s work in Liverpool and I was lucky enough to grab a sneak preview in the company of its curator, Charlotte Keenan.

On the property front, we highlight a collection of new affordable homes in Kirkby and take a closer look at a stunning four-bedroom abode at Castle Green’s latest Merseyside development.

Meanwhile, Annie S shares her must-have summer fashion picks and the John Lewis team presents its top 10 Father’s Day gifts.

Plus Will Carr gives his verdict on recently opened Italian restaurant Pappa Pepinos and WineTime’s Jon Atkinson heads to South Africa for his latest selections.

Enjoy!

LAWRENCE SAUNDERS

Editor: Lawrence Saunders [editor@ymliverpool.com]

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A Snatch Out of Time

Embraced locally as ‘photie man’, Tom Wood has dedicated much of his career to the people and places of Merseyside – creating an intimate, diverse and knowing portrait of the area. A new major photographic exhibition is now underway at the Walker Art Gallery showcasing 50 years of the artist’s iconic work

From matchdays at Anfield and Goodison Park to trips to Great Homer Street Market and bus journeys through the streets of Liverpool – Photie Man: 50 Years of Tom Wood celebrates over half a century of work from the acclaimed Irish-born artist.

This captivating exhibition features vintage photographs that Wood started collecting whilst still at school, alongside never-before-seen images from a wide range of formats. Additionally, some of the artist’s experimental film work is included, from the 1980s to the present day.

A series of Wood’s most iconic photographs from the ’80s and ’90s feature, including those from ‘Looking for Love’ (1989) – a portrait of New Brighton’s Chelsea Reach nightclub – to the well-known bus photographs of ‘All Zones Off Peak’ (1998).

The exhibition also includes Wood’s ‘Irish Work’, made since the 1970s, together with recent landscape photography created around his current home in North Wales.

Today, photography is an established fine art form, but this wasn’t always the case – particularly during the first half of Wood’s career. Wood, who trained in painting in the early 1970s, first explored photography through experimental film and ‘found’ postcards. His self-taught approach means he photographs in an open manner, shooting quickly yet precisely. Wood’s work is not organised as a series of projects with a start and end date.

Instead, he works daily on an unfolding, diary-like recording of his observations and encounters. He spends many years returning to

particular places, to refine and distil the essence of the locations and the people in his photographs.

Tom Wood says: “I have had major retrospectives around the world – in China, France, London – but never in Liverpool, where I photographed every day for 25 years!

“I didn’t want a show for myself or my career, but rather to give the work back to the city where it belongs. I can’t think of a better venue for these photographs than the Walker Art Gallery.

“Many a time I would visit – after the markets, after the football –to walk around the galleries and unwind.

“The energy of Liverpool and its people has informed all this work – it was everywhere I went, everywhere I looked. All I was doing was tapping into that. It has been a real labour of love.”

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: ‘Lime Street, lives passing by’ (1995); ‘Disembarking, landing stage (change in the weather)’ (1994); ‘Gangolads, Anfield’ (1992); ‘Seacombe Ferry Waiting Room (Caught pigeon)’ (1980); This page, clockwise from below: Tom Wood at exhibition launch; ‘Pink lipstick (for Tracy and Vicky)’ (1984); ‘Rachel, age 17’ (1985); ‘_ntlemen (Cowley, Oxford)’ (1973); ‘Finding a pair (colour film)’ (1990); ‘Pier Head’ (1979)

career,

I didn’t want a show for myself or my

but rather to give the work back to the city where it belongs.

TOM WOOD ARCHIVE; PORTRAIT: ROBIN CLEWLEY

MEET THE CURATOR

Aside from the fact that 2023 marks 50 years since Tom began practising photography, why was now the right time for his exhibition?

Since Tom left Merseyside in 2003, he’s had the opportunity to look back over his whole body of work and make sense of it in a way that only time can allow you to do. With a bit of distance and space from [the work], you can understand, conceptually, what was going on, and what Tom was looking to do. I think the timing of the show gives us an insight into Tom’s overall ambition, beyond capturing the specifics in the moment.

How involved was Tom with putting the show together?

Tom has been heavily involved. The show started, in some ways, about 12 years ago, when I first met Tom, and we began talking about doing something. There was an ambition early on to do a bigger exhibition of his work than ever before and as Tom has said, to “give the work back to the city”.

It was always my hope that we would go beyond the projects which had gone before and beyond the established lexicon of images that are associated with Tom and see the work that hadn’t been shown. That required a lot of involvement from Tom! We spent probably the last year going through 10s of 1000s of images to get to the final selection that you see here.

Do you feel there is a particular narrative which runs through the exhibition?

I think what the show partly does is speak about intention. There’s a beautiful poem called ‘The Hospital’ by Patrick Kavanagh, a line of which Tom’s used for a book and also as the title of the exhibition’s final section called ‘Snatch out of time the passionate transitory’. I think that’s very much what these pictures are – a snatch out of time.

There is something very everyday about them, there is something that speaks to the language of social media and phones on our cameras. But actually, I think some of these images you might take and delete because social media is quite polished, especially nowadays.

So, in some ways, I think this exhibition might make us question the idea of perfection and the way that we use filters. Tom has never been afraid to challenge conventions around photography and to

embrace blurring and movement and things being off centre, and not perfectly composed.

I think what’s also really interesting is to see physical photos because the Instagram account for Tom’s archive is really popular but with social media everything’s got to be flattened into a grid. When you come into this exhibition, and you see the variety of scale, you realise how much we lose just by looking at pictures on our phone and the presence that the physical picture has.

These are pictures that anyone could take but no one thinks to take. If you look back to your family albums, you rightly have the weddings, the christenings and the birthday parties, but no one thinks to document the way out of the Seacombe Ferry terminal!

Did Tom ask permission before taking each picture?

It’s a mix. Some of the pictures are what we call street portraits – an unplanned portrait, but Tom’s obviously asked if he can take the picture. But there’s also the more candid portraiture, where he snaps someone without saying explicitly, ‘can I take your picture?’

But I think what’s true with all of Tom’s work is that as he photographed in these places over such an extended period that people knew he was there and started to ignore him and went about their business. There was a kind of unspoken sort of permission, people knew what was happening. But when he was at the markets, he used to go around really early just to reassure everyone that he wasn’t there from the benefits office!

Do you have a favourite image from the exhibition?

There is a picture of my dad’s cousin in here so I should probably say that! But there’s too many. I do love ‘Girl At Slot Machine’ and the Great Homer Street Market image of a girl pushing a pram with her toddler in it and she’s holding a balloon, which is very pretty. Tom kept telling me that I had really quirky taste and that I was putting in pictures which maybe weren’t that accessible or weren’t that obvious. But I loved some of the more abstract ones where Tom’s pushing the idea of what a photograph can be.

Tickets for Photie Man: 50 Years of Tom Wood are on sale now. For further details and to book, visit: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ tomwood

Charlotte Keenan is head of the Walker Art Gallery and the curator of Photie Man: 50 Years of Tom Wood

I think this exhibition might make us question the idea of perfection and the way that we use filters.

ROBIN CLEWLEY

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Zara

Restaurant review

Pappa Pepinos

After a morning spent in the sweltering Liverpool heat, my partner and I were hot and starving. We knew it was that special kind of hunger that can only be satisfied by copious amounts of Italian food.

Our eyes were soon glued to a small sign hanging off what looked to be a church. A moustachioed man with pizza between his teeth – a glimpse into my future? We walked through the grassy-walled entrance and felt like we could finally breathe.

Pappa Pepinos couldn’t have been a more inviting sight. Formally a religious building, the restaurant sits adjacent to the Selina hotel. A spacious, uncluttered room with tall ceilings, it gave a feeling of cool, relaxed openness – exactly what we needed after a stroll in the city centre.

We were greeted by a friendly waitress and given our choice of seats. We picked out a wooden picnic table beside the windows and began examining the menu. I could hear the Zanolli Roasted Chicken calling out to me but that would have to wait until next time. As is well-known, an Italian restaurant’s roof

is held aloft by the twin pillars of pizza and pasta. They looked up to the challenge. To start, my partner and I both decided to try the Focaccia (£5).

The subtlety of the flavour was amazing. It had been infused with butter and given a layer of cracked salt that all blended perfectly with the oil.

While we waited for our main, our eyes wandered across the walls. A complex fusion of modern and classic styles. Stylish graffiti images of Liverpool’s landmarks sat under original mouldings. A memorial stone, laid in 1875, buried in the wall across from a semicircular bar and DJ booth. Inside and out, the place was a work of art.

For our main, my partner and I went with our favourites. Linguine Alla Meatballs (£12) and Pepperoni Pizza (£12) respectively. When the pizza arrived, I was impressed with the portion size and my first bite didn’t disappoint either. The sauce and cheese tasted fresh and creamy. The pistachios and rocket were surprising and welcome additions which added a subtle, rich nuttiness and peppery flavour. The pork and beef meatballs were succulent and the linguine, cooked

al dente, was exquisite with a hint of heat that caught me off-guard, much to the delight of my partner.

For dessert, we both chose the Tiramisu (£6) as it looked delicious and, to my partner’s surprise, it would be my first. With each mouthful, I cursed the world for not insisting I try one sooner.

From the impressive cocktail list, my partner and I shared sips of Angelo Azuro (£9) and Tropical G&T (£8). The former, my partner’s favourite, pops and demands your attention, while the latter is more my style, smooth and refreshing. I’ve never been more upset to be the designated driver.

I’m loath to pigeonhole Pappa Pepinos as just a restaurant. I can’t imagine anywhere else where students can meet to study at lunchtime, couples can enjoy romantic dinners in the evening and then later the tables can be moved as the DJ booth comes to life. Although given their portion sizes, it’d be a while before I’d be hitting the dance floor. Pappa Pepinos hasn’t a hint of pretentious formality and like its bare brick walls, has been stripped back to what really makes a place special. Food. Drink. Friends. Fun. Memories.

As is well-known, an Italian restaurant’s roof is held aloft by the twin pillars of pizza and pasta. They looked up to the challenge.

VIEW FOOD PHOTOS @YM_LIVERPOOL

By Will Car | Italian | ££ | 60 Mount Pleasant, L3 5SD

Accidents in the workplace – consult the legal experts?

Paul Lowry Head of Personal Injury Paul Crowley & Co

If you have been involved in a workplace accident and suffered a serious injury, the legal experts at Paul Crowley & Co are here to help. It is an employer’s legal responsibility to ensure the workplace is a safe environment. The consequences of negligence in the workplace can have far reaching implications leaving a person unable to return to work, suffering from emotional distress and long term financial hardship. If your employer has been negligent and is at fault for your workplace injury, then you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

If you have suffered an Accident at Work what are your rights?

If you are unfortunate to have sustained an accident in the workplace and your employer has failed to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act, then you have a right to be properly compensated for the physical and psychological pain suffered and for any financial losses incurred as a result of your injury.

If your workplace accident causes you to take time off work, your employer cannot sack you and you may be entitled to statutory sick pay.

If you make a compensation claim against your employer for a workplace accident, it is illegal for your employer to discipline or sack you for making a claim. If your employer decides to sack you, Paul Crowley & Co would take legal action against your employer for unfair dismissal.

Can I make a personal injury claim as a result of my employer’s negligence? Yes you can, you have the right to seek compensation for the pain and discomfort experienced and to recover any out of pocket financial losses. Your employer is required by law to have sufficient insurance to cover the cost of your injuries in the event of an accident.

Is there a time limit to making a personal injury claim? Yes in the UK there is a time limit to making a personal injury claim against your employer,

the claim should be started within three years of the accident taking place.

What qualifies as an Accident at Work? An Accident at Work as defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is an event that results in injury or ill health. Any accident that you can suffer at work while carrying out your duties, can be classified as an Accident at Work:

■ Crush injuries

■ Slips and trips on defective surfaces

■ Failure to provide the correct personal protective equipment which results in injury

■ Defective or damaged equipment

■ Falling from heights

■ Stress at work

■ Exposure to harmful and dangerous substances (including asbestos and chemicals)

■ Repetitive strain injury

■ Manual handling

■ Vibration induced injuries

■ Exposure to loud noise

■ Crashes and collisions

What can I claim for? Accidents at work can lead to disability, distress and repercussions that can remain long after you have returned to your place of work. Our expert lawyers at Paul Crowley & Co are on your side and will look to claim for the pain and suffering caused by the accident, the impact on your future career prospects, loss of earnings, the cost of any medical treatment, alterations required to your home, travel and accommodation costs and also any court or legal fees.

Paul Crowley & Co the Accident at Work compensation experts

It is a perfectly natural feeling for anyone who has suffered an injury at work to feel uncomfortable about taking action against their employer. It is the aim of Paul Crowley & Co’s legal experts to put you back in the position you would be in had the accident not happened.

Our Accident at Work lawyers have a vast wealth of experience when it comes to workplace accidents, we will explain the claims process in an easy to understand manner, and answer any questions you may have, leaving you to make the final decision on whether to pursue a compensation claim.

100% No Win, No Fee We offer a no win, no fee agreement, giving you complete peace of mind, if you don’t win... we’re confident you will , you won’t have to pay a penny.

DARESBURY LABORATORY OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC

THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Facilities Council (STFC)’s Daresbury Laboratory is opening its doors to the public for the first time in seven years.

The free, family friendly event is taking place on 15 July at the Sci-Tech Daresbury campus – located less than 30 minutes drive from Liverpool.

More than 100 activities, tours and workshops are planned, with science and technology to wow all ages.

Visitors are invited to join LEGO Brick Consultant Steve Guinness (pictured) as he builds a live mosaic of the laboratory; hold the universe in their hands in the dedicated space zone and get up close and personal with Daresbury’s very own particle accelerator CLARA.

The event will also feature a ‘Wonder’ marque, where attendees will be able to delve deeper into more hands-on science and technology, learning about the work being conducted at STFC locations across the UK.

Paul Vernon, head of STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory and director of the Sci-Tech Daresbury Joint-Venture, says: “Daresbury Laboratory’s public open day promises to be a fantastic, fun-filled and rare opportunity to explore behind the scenes and see first-hand where some of the world’s most cutting edge, award-winning research takes place, from improving our health or protecting our environment.

“Whether you are nine or 99 years of age, this will be a must-not-miss opportunity to gain experience, learn, play and experiment with some of the ground-breaking work that is changing our lives for the better.”

To secure your free place and find out more about the event, visit daresbury-openday.co.uk

PC&CO GO THE EXTRA MILE FOR CANCER CHARITY

ELLESMERE PORT FIRM BRINGS 4D DESIGN SERVICE TO LIVERPOOL

Tapflow Bathrooms has recently invested in new immersive technology

A FAMILY-RUN BATHROOM company based in Ellesmere Port is offering Liverpool residents access to its new 4D design service.

The award-winning VR technology gives customers the ability to step in and walk around their own bathroom setting - making important design changes along the way.

Tapflow Bathrooms’ fully immersive 4D VR showroom, which utilises real products across 20 displays, is available to experience by appointment at its offices opposite Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.

Andy Hodkinson, director at Tapflow, says: “Visualising a new bathroom is something our customers sometimes struggle with.

“However, our 4D technology enables them to interact and experience products like never before - they can open cupboards and drawers, allowing them to crouch down and check important storage space. They can jump into showers, look at bath and basin depths and decide on tile colours.

“The majority of our customers will make some changes to either the layout or product selection, but with this technology we can do that, live in front of them.”

Tapflow also offers a quote and installation service along with a supply only service.

PAUL CROWLEY & CO

SOLICITORS has gone the extra mile, 100 miles to be exact, as part of a unique fundraising challenge.

Throughout May, Alison Priestley (pictured) from the firm’s marketing department took part in a sponsored walk in support of Cancer Research UK’s ‘Walk All Over Cancer’ campaign.

Alison joined together with thousands of steppers across the country to support the fight against cancer and help Cancer Research UK achieve its goal of 3 in 4 people surviving their cancer by 2034.

Volunteers taking part in the challenge not only raised vital funds to support cancer research but also gained from the additional physical and mental health benefits associated with getting out and exercising.

Alison took advantage of the lighter evenings to complete her 100 miles by walking along the coastal path from Crosby to Burbo Bank.

She says: “Sadly everyone knows someone who has lost a family member or friend to cancer and with our support we can help Cancer Research UK to help people to live longer.

“I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me and all those who have donated to my online giving page at Cancer Research UK.”

Everyone from PC&Co congratulates Alison on successfully completing her challenge.

Liverpool law firm supports Cancer Research UK’s ‘Walk All Over Cancer’ campaign

The event is being billed as the ‘biggest science party of the year’

From

YOUR HOUSING GROUP’S newest development is helping to transform the gateway into Kirkby and bring much-needed affordable housing to Knowsley.

Whitefield Brook includes a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes available via Shared Ownership, Rent To Buy and affordable rent. Each property offers a unique layout, thoughtfully designed to ensure natural light and optimised space to maximise an open plan, modern way of living.

Standout features across each of the 266 new homes include integrated kitchen appliances with Symphony fitted units, freestanding washer dryers, three-piece bathroom suites with Porcelanosa tiles, and turfed rear gardens.

Situated off Valley Road, Whitefield Brook is ideally placed for those who commute across the North West. Junction 6 of the M57, which links with the M62 and M58, is around the corner, and the East Lancashire Road is just one mile from the development.

Meanwhile, Kirkby Town Centre and its new retail park is also nearby, offering a Morrisons superstore, petrol filling station, Home Bargains and drive-thru Taco Bell and KFC restaurants. Further development plans include the delivery of a multi-screen cinema scheme with food and drink outlets.

For more information on Whitefield Brook call 0151 601 8939 or visit yourhousinggroup.co.uk

discover? What will you

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 brandnew 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 Eureka!’s sister site in Halifax you’ll recognise the 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 the 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, Eureka! will also be rolling out activities and events during all the school holidays. So, there’ll always be something fresh and exciting! MakeCreate, Eureka!’s 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 the Science Theatre on scheduled dates throughout the year.

Over on the other side of the ferry terminal, you’ll find the Discovery Café – a spot to refuel and energise when curious minds need a break! It boasts a varied selection of food, drink and snacks and is a comfortable space for grown-ups 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!). An Annual Pass will also cover your entry into The Burrow, as well as additional activities.

Check the website and social media for opening hours and for what’s on! #EurekaDiscover. On site parking is available. Multiple Bus stops outside with regular connections to Woodside, New Brighton and Wallasey.

Next phase is now available at Whitefield Brook, featuring a range of contemporary 2, 3 & 4-bedroom homes in a picturesque, landscaped community setting.

Properties at this fantastic development are available through shared ownership, rent to buy and affordable rent.

Sourced Development Group completes first phase of £125m apartment scheme

Regent Plaza will become significant new gateway in and out of Manchester

Widnes-based property firm

Sourced Development Group has finished the first phase of its £125 million Regent Plaza apartment scheme in Manchester.

The initial 92 residential units have reached completion, meaning keys will soon be handed over to purchasers.

A total of 525 homes will be delivered at the flagship project on Regent Road – creating a major new gateway in and out of the city.

Phase two of the development, which will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and groundlevel three-bedroom duplex townhouses, has commenced, with the remaining 96 homes heading for completion by the end of 2023.

Enjoying a prime location on the edge of the city centre, Regent Plaza will feature 153 parking spaces, communal facilities, a landscaped wildflower garden area, gymnasium and co-working spaces.

Sourced Construction Group Limited, which began work on a significant new apartment scheme in Liverpool earlier this year, is the principal contractor and is driving forward construction on the site.

Joanne Waller, managing director of Sourced, says completing the first phase is a proud moment.

She adds: “Regent Plaza is our standout residential development in Manchester and will bring much-needed high-quality homes to an increasingly buoyant part of the city.

“We are proud to help create a new urban village offering luxury accommodation and practical facilities – with residents enjoying a

prime location on the arterial route of Regent Road.

“It is fantastic to see the first phase complete, with the construction team now pressing ahead to get the rest of the homes ready. I am incredibly proud of the homes we are delivering at Regent Plaza and excited to see the rest of the units come to life.”

INTRODUCING THE WILTSHIRE, a stunning new property found at Castle Green Homes’ latest development in Thornton, Sefton – a fitting choice for families in search of an extraordinary living experience.

Upon entering, your attention will be drawn to the 30ft open-plan kitchen/dining area. Through elegant French doors, this space seamlessly integrates with the outdoors, allowing natural light to flood in and create a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. Serving as the heart of the home, it provides the perfect setting for creating cherished moments with family and friends.

Adjacent to this space lies a large lounge, boasting bags of character and charm. Complete with a standout bay window, it offers an ideal sanctuary for relaxation. The inclusion of a cloakroom, utility area, and integrated garage caters to the practical needs of modern families while exuding a contemporary sense of luxury.

Upstairs you will find a primary bedroom featuring a thoughtfully designed dressing area which leads to a spacious en suite. A second bedroom, complete with its own en suite, offers comfort and privacy for guests or family members. Two more generously sized bedrooms and a well-appointed family bathroom ensure everyone can enjoy their own touch of peace and comfort.

The Wiltshire also incorporates a range of energysaving features, including energy-efficient gas central heating with zone control, 100% low-energy light fittings, in-roof solar panels, and timber frame construction for enhanced energy efficiency.

For more information call 0151 459 6990 or sign up to Willow – Castle Green’s on-demand home buying personal assistant

Cape

Crusaders

WineTime’s Jon Atkinson heads to South Africa for his latest picks

BEING SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, South Africa usually gets badged as ‘New World’, but aside from it having a winemaking heritage going back more than 400 years, the styles of wine that it produces is much more diverse and complicated than the usual ‘fruit bombs’ that are typically associated with wines made south of the equator.

The most widely planted grape variety on the Cape (which just happens to be a favourite of mine) is Chenin Blanc, which once upon a time was known as Steen, but there is a plethora of different varieties

Vondeling ‘Baldrick’ Voor-Paardeberg Shiraz 2019

available to Cape winemakers, many of whom are looking to shake things up and push boundaries with their craft.

This drive to constantly push the envelope is admirable given many hurdles and challenges that the Cape wine industry has faced over the years, ranging from the dark days of Apartheid to government policy regarding domestic sales of alcohol during the pandemic.

Here are a handful of recommendations that give a reasonable overview of the quality that is on offer from South Africa right now...

Is it part of Paarl or the Swartland? The young Voor-Paardeberg region faces Paarl to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, but the northern slopes of the Paardeberg itself are home to some of the most celebrated vineyards of the Swartland. This Janus-like identity means it sometimes gets overlooked but it should not, for its microclimate is something special. The prevailing winds off the ocean moderate the hot climate and give the wines an enticing freshness. This is quite a fresh style of Shiraz that is juicier than most Aussie versions but still fruit driven. It has hints of Cape smokiness with a distinct coffee note alongside the dark fruit and yes, it is named after the character from Blackadder! £12.25

Southern Right Hemel-en-Aarde Sauvignon Blanc 2022

The Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven on Earth) valley in the cool, southern climes of South Africa’s Walker Bay is regarded as one of the most exciting wine-growing regions on the Cape. Southern Right is the second of three estates owned by Anthony Hamilton Russell. As with HR growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Southern Right just focusses on just two varieties: Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc. A recent development with this wine is the addition of a small proportion (10%) of fruit grown further south in the even cooler climes of Elgin, regarded as one of the Cape’s most dynamic and exciting up-and-coming wine regions. £13.95

Bergsig Estate ‘Patmos’ Breedekloof Chenin Blanc 2021

Bergsig Estate was established in 1843 by Willem Hendrik Lategan and seven generations on, de Wet Lategan is running the show. They are perhaps slightly beneath the radar on account of their location, which falls just outside of the core of the Cape winelands around Paarl, Stellenbosch et al. The Breedekloof wine valley is found about 100 km north-east of Cape Town. This is a single vineyard wine with grapes being hand-picked, typically two to weeks later than in other wine-growing regions. This is an elegant, yet complex wine with excellent potential for cellaring. The hedonistic intensity and full, creamy texture makes this a terrific (food) wine. £23.50

Meerlust Red, W.O. Stellenbosch 2017

The Estate Red is essentially a ‘baby’ version of Stellenbosch’s flagship ‘Rubicon’ – one of South Africa’s most respected and decorated wines. It is approximately two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and one-third Merlot, with the chief difference to the Rubicon being that this is from younger vines and the period of oak maturation is longer, with a lower proportion of new wood. The wine is quite dense looking with a vivid, dark cherry red colour. The nose offers intense, heady aromas of Morello cherry, spicy cassis and Mocha followed by creamy oak with an earthy minerality. The palate is full and rich but not cloying as there is plenty of lively, natural acidity with juicy plum and blackcurrant fruit, fine silky tannins and good length. £17.95

Legacie Developments agrees £60m loan for Heap’s Rice Mill transformation

The Liverpool firm is planning to bring forward a mixed-use scheme comprising residential apartments & commercial space

Legacie Developments has secured a two-phase £60 million development loan from the Merseyside Pension Fund’s ‘Catalyst’ vehicle to help deliver its transformation of Heap’s Rice Mill.

The developer is planning to bring forward a mixed-use scheme comprising residential apartments and commercial space on the old mill site. The project has a gross development value of circa £140m and is expected to create 200 local jobs and training opportunities.

Legacie will build 620 units on the site across five phases and permission has also been secured for a luxury underground spa inside the mill which will pay homage to its dockland history.

Previously used by Joseph Heap & Sons Ltd – which once ground rice for Kellogg’s Rice Krispies – the Grade II-listed building is one of the last surviving warehouse complexes in the area.

The development funding is the Merseyside Pension Fund and CBRE Lending’s first loan with Legacie and is the largest funding deal the developer has struck in Liverpool to date. This loan takes Legacie’s institutional finance to over £120m in the first four months of 2023.

Legacie has partnered with international sales agent, RWinvest, to promote the scheme, and has reported strong demand, with 85% of the units already sold.

John Morley, founder and CEO of Legacie Developments, says: “This is the start of an exciting new lending

relationship with the Merseyside Pension Fund. The investment will help us bring to life an historic Liverpool landmark –unlocking local jobs, training opportunities and economic growth.

“Having the support of such a prestigious pension fund is a big vote of confidence in our company and the largest funding deal in Legacie’s 10-year history. I’m really looking forward to delivering hundreds of much-needed new homes and amenities for the city.”

Henry Randolph, senior director, CBRE Capital Advisors, adds: “We are delighted to have structured this loan on behalf of the Merseyside Pension ‘Catalyst’ Fund.

“It is a great example of how a local authority pension fund can invest in their own region while maintaining strict risk controls and achieving a commercial return.

“With existing schemes like Parliament Square, Legacie has proven they are capable of successfully developing large placemaking schemes to a high standard.

“At Heap’s Mill, the quality of design, provision of amenity and proximity to the best areas of the city will help to make this an attractive scheme for residents.”

Councilor Pat Cleary, chairman of the Merseyside Pension Fund’s Committee, adds: “Despite Liverpool being an increasingly attractive city to live and work in, housing completions have remained a fraction of their pre-financial crisis levels, especially for quality schemes with strong environmental credentials, such as Heap’s Mill.

“As well as helping to alleviate the housing crisis in Liverpool, the units will be far more environmentally friendly than existing stock, utilising air-source heat pumps, MVHR systems and retaining the historic Heap’s Mill building fabric in the redevelopment.”

Michael Gledhill, Managing Director of RWInvest (middle left) and John Morley, Founder and CEO of Legacie Developments (middle right) alongside Legacie construction workers

Father’s Day TOP 10 GIFTS

Dads. Notoriously hard to buy for – does he definitely need another scarf? What he does need and deserve is something from this carefully curated list of products designed to suit even the fussiest of father figures

Fitbit Sense 2 Smartwatch £269.99

Ted Baker Gomer Geometric Shorts £80 Crew Clothing Polo Shirt £40

Skandinavisk Candle £19

Bedfolk Cashmere Socks £45

Gant Check Cotton Linen Shirt £95

Clinique Skincare Kit £12

MontBlanc Explorer Fragrance £79, 100ml

LSA Whisky Glasses £65

Bose Wireless Headphones £109 BROUGHT

WITH JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS

Hangingaround this Summer

Heather Marsh on hanging baskets and how to create your own eye-catching display

NOTHING FIRES ME UP LIKE the glorious Chelsea Flower show and on the back of that, June marks the onset of summer. For me, just like slipping on my first summer dress, nothing quite defines the season like the ubiquitous hanging basket. Who can fail to admire these head-turning extravaganzas? Big, blousy and a riot of colour is how I like them – perhaps some would say that’s bordering on garish, but I’ve got no time for horticultural snobbery, even if those at Chelsea would probably say that’s not what’s on trend this year. I simply grow what gives me pleasure and you should do the same. The start of June is the perfect time to put up your basket, after all risks of frost have well and truly passed. Hanging baskets can be bought all over, from supermarkets to local green grocers, but you honestly didn’t think I’d be encouraging you to do that, did you? Making your own is so fun, simple and costs a fraction of the price to boot.

n FLORAL EYE CANDY

Getting started The first item you need is a wire basket (with chains for hanging). I know so many baskets these days are now actually plastic pots with hangers to match, but I’m not a fan and if you want to achieve that mass or ball of flowers, a wire basket is the only way. It enables you to put a plant literally anywhere and as your creation will be viewed from all angles, you don’t want any gaps.

Lining your basket is the next job. You can buy readymade cardboard liners but a much greener way to do it is to use moss you’ve scarified from the lawn or even cut up an old woollen sweater. Either way will do the job adequately and ultimately hold water and also insulate the plants from both the cold and heat. I find placing a small plastic foil or polystyrene plate in the bottom with a few holes punched in helps stop the water running straight through. Lastly, fill your basket with a good peat free potting compost, only about threequarters of the way up – remember to leave room for your plants.

What to plant? There’s so much to choose from with seasonal annuals, evergreens, tender perennials, uprights and trailing plants all suited to the hanging basket. If in doubt, plump for a mixture of the old traditional favourites.

The classic petunia is a hanging basket staple – easy to grow, coming in so many varieties and a rainbow of shades that all thrive in full sun. Deadheading these flowers really prolongs the show and if that’s not enough, the petunia is drought tolerant too. For a simple yet effective look, try growing a whole basket of just a single coloured petunia. White is a very popular choice with perhaps some variegated ivy accents… job done!

Begonias are another showy plant whose big flamboyant blooms can take centre stage in any arrangement. Most begonias are considered a tender perennial and are ideal for growing in shade, but need to be lifted and overwintered somewhere frost free if you want to keep them. ‘Million Kisses Elegance’ is a lovely trailing variety perfectly well suited to a hanging basket.

Lobelia is another well recognised annual. Often used as a complimentary filler, this small and dainty flower thrives in full sun, requires no deadheading and only the odd feed. Coming in all shades of blue, violet and white, Lobelia ‘Fountain Blue’ is a delicate pale blue trailing variety that’s particularly gorgeous.

Pelargoniums or geraniums have to be the Royal Marines of all hanging basket flowers, so tough and drought resistant – we’ve all seen these stalwarts flourishing on some sun-soaked balcony in the Med. With hundreds of annual, biennial and perennial varieties to choose from, I still love the standard scarlet red geranium. Teaming it with a

royal blue lobelia, some white petunias and a little Creeping Jenny for good measure is a classic arrangement which is easy to maintain and guaranteed to please all summer long.

Fuchsias have to be the queen of all hanging baskets blooms however. With masses of pendulous flowers, varieties come in all shades of pink, red, purple and magenta. Perhaps surprisingly, the fuchsia isn’t that difficult to grow. Give them the maintenance they deserve like regular watering, feeding, deadheading, and a nice sunny spot, and you will be rewarded with their stunning blooms. As a semihardy perennial, fuchsias are best overwintered to ensure their delights for years to come. Look out for the outrageous fuchsia ‘Eruption’ – a real show-stopping variety.

There are so many plants you can put in a hanging basket and it doesn’t have to be any of the above. Why not come up with some of your own combinations or maybe try an edible hanging creation by the kitchen door – filled with delicious herbs or strawberries grown in a suspended basket, or even cherry tomatoes coupled with nasturtiums. I always grow the latter every year just like my mother used to. Nasturtiums don’t ask for much. They thrive in poor soil and are drought resistant too, definitely worth giving them a go, don’t you think?

Care and maintenance

Once you’ve finished your creation that’s not it just yet... regular watering is key, especially in the height of summer and during hot spells, and this can even be once or twice a day depending on your basket’s location. Feeding according to instruction can work miracles… as it says on the tin! But don’t over feed. Finally, deadheading really prolongs flowering and keeps your basket looking healthy and beautiful all season long.

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BBC WEATHER PRESENTER NAMES THE CITY TOURIST ATTRACTION SHE ‘LOVES’ AFTER LIVE BROADCAST

A LIVE BBC BROADCAST from a Liverpool tourist attraction during Eurovision has sparked a booking bonanza with a 50% surge in ticket sales.

The Royal Liver Building 360 tour –located at the historic Royal Liver Building –welcomed BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood to shoot a live forecast on the morning of the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final.

Before the broadcast, Carol enjoyed the RLB360 tour, which has been open to the public since 2019, tweeting snippets of the tour and the history of the Royal Liver Building to her 250,000 Twitter followers.

During filming, Carol delivered her weather forecast from the 15th floor, which offers views across Liverpool and Birkenhead and as far as Wales and the Blackpool Tower.

RLB360, which has introduced multilingual audio and induction loop hearing aids to create a fully accessible tour, offers access-all-areas to historic hidden secrets of the Liver Building, journeying to dizzying heights for panoramic views across Liverpool from the most iconic viewing point in the city, getting up close and personal with the world-famous Liver Birds.

The addition of the multi-lingual audio tours and induction loop comes at an exciting

time for RLB360, after it welcomed Eurovision favourite Sam Ryder ahead of Eurovision.

Ryder, who finished second at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest with Great Britain, took the RLB360 tour before filming a secret performance from the top of the Royal Liver Building which was aired worldwide at the Eurovision final.

Following the BBC weather broadcast, Carol Kirkwood, one of the biggest stars of the channel, who has been with the network for 30 years, said: “I love coming to Liverpool and always find myself back at Royal Liver Building for the weather.

“The views of the city are magnificent from the top of the Liver Building. There is so much history at this attraction too. I love it.”

Chris Devaney, operations Manager at Royal Liver Building 360, added: “For so long, residents of the city region said: ‘You can’t go in the Liver Building. You can look at it, but you can’t go in’.

“So to open in 2019 was fantastic and we have grown ever since.

“It’s quite awe-inspiring in a way because you sometimes forget how important this building is to so many people, and we’ve had visitors from every continent in the world, and overall more than 80 different countries.

“Our tour is fun, informative and personal, and our goal is the same each day: to deliver amazing visitor experiences in a friendly and interactive way that highlights the iconic Royal Liver Building and Liverpool City Region.

“It is a must-do family attraction for the upcoming summer holidays!”

Carol Kirkwood visited the Royal Liver Building ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final