YM Liverpool October 2023

Autumn homeware trends

Property in Focus

Rhône Valley wine

BoBo West Kirby

Sweeney Claire Liverpool star on landing her dream Coronation Street role

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of YM Liverpool !

First up this month we bring you my chat with Claire Sweeney – the Liverpool-born actress and West End star who landed her dream role on Coronation Street earlier this year.

Claire, who is back on a primetime soap for the first time since Brookside ended 20 years ago, tells me why she’s loving her new on-screen persona and working alongside TV royalty Dame Maureen Lipman.

Away from the cobbles, CIaire reveals how preparations are going for her Dancing on Ice debut and why she can’t wait to host next month’s YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards.

Elsewhere, we shine the spotlight on a spacious detached property in the heart of rural Burscough and the interiors team at John Lewis presents autumn’s hottest homeware trends.

Meanwhile, our gardening guru Heather Marsh rediscovers the simple beauty of ornamental grasses and Annie S helps you make the most of autumn/ winter’s must-have fabric.

Plus Will Carr gives his verdict on BoBo in West Kirby and Jon Atkinson heads to one of the world’s most ancient wine-growing regions for his latest picks.

Enjoy!

Editor Lawrence Saunders editor@ymliverpool.com

Design Marten Sealby

ADVERTISING Sales 0151 316 0210 sales@ymliverpool.com

DISTRIBUTION Enquiries 0151 316 0210

LAWRENCE SAUNDERS Editor

From tothe the Close Cobbles

Best known by many for her portrayal of Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside, Claire Sweeney joined the cast of Coronation Street this summer. The Liverpool-born actress and West End star took on the role of Cassie Plummer, the long-lost mother of Weatherfield favourite Tyrone Dobbs. We caught up with Claire to find out how she landed her dream TV job and why she loves her new on-screen persona

words lawrence saunders

In early November 2003, more than two million people tuned into Channel 4 to witness the curtain come down on one of TV’s most hard-hitting, and at times controversial, soap series.

Brookside featured a string of groundbreaking storylines and helped launch the careers of actors including Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Anna Friel and, of course, Claire Sweeney.

The final scene of its last episode saw Lindsey Corkhill, played by Claire, tenderly embracing her father Jimmy in the grounds of a mansion she shared with notorious villain Barry Grant. After years of torment, it appeared Lindsey had finally found peace and prosperity out in the Northumberland countryside.

Claire’s re-entry into the world of primetime soaps almost 20 years later was altogether less serene, with her character Cassie Plumber arriving on Coronation Street in desperate need of help from her mother Evelyn, played by Dame Maureen Lipman.

It’s fair to say Cassie’s somewhat bedraggled appearance is a world away from Claire’s off-screen look, but ditching the glamour is something the 52-year-old actress has actually enjoyed.

“I look rough!” admits Claire. “I’m quite glamorous in real life so I’ve loved portraying Cassie as it’s so far removed from how I really am.”

After Brookside ended in the early ’00s, Claire turned her hand with great success to presenting, singing and the theatre, but the possibility of landing a dream role on the world’s longest-running soap was never out of her mind.

Like many, Claire grew up watching the show with her family and always admired Weatherfield’s iconic women.

“I’m literally the biggest Corrie fan,” says Claire. “When it was on every Monday and Wednesday, we’d all sit down to watch it together for half an hour. I can still quote famous scenes from it.

“I absolutely loved Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear) and Raquel Watts (Sarah Lancashire). All the legendary women.”

So how did Claire finally make her way onto the famous cobbles to play Tyrone Dobbs’ long-lost mother?

“I worked hard and was very lucky that the timing was right,” she

explains. “TV is one of those industries where you can never take anything for granted so I was absolutely thrilled [to get the job].

“I was really nervous when I got the scripts to audition as the show means so much to me and Cassie’s storyline is Corrie gold.

“I was very grateful when I got the call from my agent to say that the producer Iain MacLeod was trusting me to play Tyrone’s mum and work alongside one of my heroes, Dame Maureen Lipman.

“From my first day of filming, the other cast members have been so welcoming and friendly. It’s such a happy set.”

Aside from the thrill and prestige associated with appearing on one of TV’s most popular soaps, landing the role of Cassie has also had a positive off-screen impact for Claire and her young son, Jaxon.

Claire’s more than three decade long showbiz career has been full of excitement and opportunity but by its very nature, it has also been quite unstable at times.

“It is nice having a routine now,” says Claire. “I know where I’m going to be everyday. I’ve been home in London for the last two weeks and it’s Jaxon’s birthday whilst I’m here which is lovely.”

Away from the Street, Claire will be taking part in the new series of ITV’s Dancing on Ice alongside the likes of former boxer Ricky Hatton, Olympic champion Greg Rutherford, Gogglebox favourite Stephen Lustig-Webb and former Corrie star Ryan Thomas.

So how does Claire think she’ll fare when the competition kicks off next year? Is she a natural out on the ice?

“I’m quite glamorous in real life so I’ve loved portraying Cassie as it’s so far removed from how I really am.

“I’ve kind of had a go but I’m certainly not an ice skater!”, she admits. “I’m excited to be involved though and I’m sure it’s going to be great.

“I’m really looking forward to going to an ice rink with my son and actually being able to skate and not have to use the Penguin aids they give you to help you stay upright!”

But before Claire slips into her sequins, she will once again help celebrate the achievements of people and businesses from across the Liverpool City Region as host of this year’s YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards.

The prestigious event, taking place at the Crowne Plaza hotel next month, will see accolades handed out across a diverse range of categories including Property Developer of the Year, Best Affordable Housing Scheme, Residential Property Agency of the Year, Business Leader of the Year and LCR Business of the Year.

“I hosted the awards last year and I really enjoyed it, so I’m looking forward to being back,” says Claire.

“It’s great to celebrate the success of so many people and businesses from across the Liverpool City Region at such a wonderful event.”

This month in

HIS ORY

words and pictures

John Winston Lennon was born at Liverpool Maternity Hospital on 9 October 1940. Just 22 years later came the day “the world changed” according to The Beatles’ producer George Martin. 5 October 1962 marked the beginning of the band’s official recording career and the release of their first single, ‘Love Me Do’. Spending 26 weeks on the chart, it peaked at number 17. In 1982, ‘Love Me Do’ was re-promoted (not re-issued) and reached a more respectable number four.

In October 1964, The Beatles embarked on their first and only visit to Australia and New Zealand with stand-in drummer Jimmie Nicol. It was a highly successful concert tour which further solidified their global fame.

A year later, sessions began at EMI Studios for The Beatles’ sixth album. John later recalled that Rubber Soul was the first time the band took full control and made demands, rather than accept standard recording practices. It was also the first time in their career that The Beatles were able to record an album free of concert, radio, or film commitments – only pausing their work to receive MBEs at Buckingham Palace.

One of the songs on the album which John was most proud of was ‘In My Life’. The lyrics of which described an imagined bus ride from his home on Menlove Avenue to the docks, taking in all the places which held significance for him as a boy. The line: ‘Some are dead and some are living’, referred to former Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe and John’s schoolboy friend Pete Shotton. Another Lennon-penned track from Rubber Soul, ‘Nowhere Man’, is regarded as the first Beatles song not to be about love.

The distinctive warped effect on the album’s cover was actually produced accidentally. When the image of the four band members was projected on a whiteboard, the board fell backwards slightly, elongating the

image. The band were happy with the ‘accident’ and reproduced it for the cover.

Heading well into the post-break-up era now and in October 1996, it was announced that: ‘The Beatles are now bigger than The Beatles’. Having sold six million albums from their back catalogue and a combined total of 13 million copies of The Beatles Anthology 1 and 2 in 1996, a poll showed 41% of those purchases were by teenagers who were not born when the Fab Four officially called it quits in 1970.

Beatlemania was showing no signs of slowing down and in October 2000 fans camped out across the world to get their hands on a copy of the band’s new autobiography. Stores in Britain and Japan opened at midnight to satisfy demand for The Beatles Anthology, which included interviews with John, Paul, George and Ringo.

Fast-forwarding to the present day, The Liverpool Beatles Museum recently hosted another of its world premier reveals with Pete Best. The former Beatles’ drummer unveiled an original drum skin designed by Neil Aspinall which features the band’s first-ever painted logo. Having gone out and bought a bass drum skin, Neil drew a Beatles logo on the front and presented it to Pete who was overjoyed. However, when Pete went to place the skin on his kit he realised it was the wrong size. It languished behind a wardrobe in Pete’s mother’s bedroom for more than 25 years, before being discovered by his brother Roag. Pete says: “It’s a part of The Beatles’ history that nobody is aware of. Who knows, if it had been the right size The Beatles may have never used their world-famous dropped T logo”. The drum skin is now on display at the Mathew Street museum. Catch it while you can!

From the birth of a legend and an iconic single, to ‘places I remember’ and a world-famous logo…

leslie priestley

Layerwith

Lace

Make the most of autumn/winter’s must-have fabric with Annie S’s latest picks

UO lace skinny scarf Urban Outfitters £22

Lacetrimmed jumper H&M

Guipure suit jacket

Mango £300

Guipure palazzo trousers

Mango £59.99

Flounced lace dress H&M £44.99

Sheer lace top H&M £12.99

Guipure shirt with bows Mango £49.99

A-line lace dress H&M £84.99

Buying a property at auction – Consult the legal experts

To avoid the potential risks and the prospect of falling into financial difficulties, Jenna Gall, Head of Conveyancing at Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors, guides you through the process of buying at auction

Whether you are on the hunt for your first home or your latest property investment, buying at auction can be a tempting way to bag a bargain. However, the process is not without risk so it is important to instruct a specialist conveyancing solicitor with experience in this area.

Buying a property at auction can be appealing as they offer significant savings but there are numerous legal and financial considerations to be aware of.

What are the benefits of buying at auction?

• Any type of property is available at auction

• There is no property chain involved

• Compared to other property transactions the bidding takes place at the auction house and is final at the point of exchange

• If you make a successful bid, you cannot be gazumped and completion occurs within 28 days

Jenna’s Top Tips for buying at auction:

1) Gather Information Contact the auction house to arrange a viewing. Thoroughly inspect the property and its surrounding neighbourhood. You might consider taking a

builder with you to view the property to find out what work may be required and any associated costs therein.

2) Set a Budget

Make sure you know how much you can afford to bid on a property, and stick to it, taking into account the costs of any renovations required to make the property fit for purpose.

3) Check the Legal Pack

Auctioneers will provide a legal pack for each property, including title deeds, information about fixtures and fittings, environmental searches and more. This is where it is vital you get the correct legal advice – our experienced conveyancing experts at Paul Crowley & Co can help you understand the legal information and advise you about each auction property to make sure it won’t end up costing more than you expected.

4) Arrange your Finances

Remember that the property you want may sell for more than the guide price. In our experience, properties regularly sell for 10%+ above the asking price. You will need to stick to your budget and make sure you have the funds available to pay a reservation fee, should you be successful on the day of the auction.

5) Go to Auction!

Making bids can be exciting, but don’t get carried away, avoid the risk of going over your budget and remember that once your bid is accepted you are bound to buy the property at the agreed auction price.

Why choose Paul Crowley & Co?

Paul Crowley & Co solicitors have been serving the local community in Liverpool for over 25 years. Our dedicated conveyancing team will keep you informed at all times providing complete peace of mind through every stage of the buying at auction process.

Paul Crowley & Co… on your side

If you are thinking of buying a property at auction, Paul Crowley & Co solicitors are here to help. Contact our friendly team of conveyancing experts and see how we can help you.

Jenna Gall Head of Conveyancing, Paul Crowley & Co

Restaurant review

BoBo West Kirby

By Will Carr | Iberian

That familiar chill is in the air again. Leaves crunch underfoot, an extra hour in bed dangles alluringly at the end of the month and ghoulish children stalk the dark streets brandishing scythes, axes and fireworks regardless of the actual date. Desperate for one last summery moment before hibernating under a duvet till spring, my partner and I found ourselves at BoBo, a restaurant in West Kirby which specialises in Spanish/ Portuguese delicacies.

Stepping inside felt like stepping into summer itself. The warmth of the colourful decor and music was only matched by the wonderful and charming Maria who offered us her recommendations as she took our drinks order. We each had a glass of Sangria (£7.50) made from our preferred wines, red and rosé respectfully. Delicious and refreshing but incredibly dangerous as the taste of alcohol was all but gone. It’s the kind of drink that can lead to embarrassing stories.

Maria suggested three Tapas plates per person, and after giving us a Portuguese lesson on the proper pronunciation of Bacalhau, we ordered Bacalhau Fritters (£8.50). The small, cod fishcakes coated in

thin, crispy batter were my partner’s favourite. The one she wasn’t guarding overwhelmed me with the taste of caramelised onions and lemon aioli. It was a perfect start. The Braised Pork Cheeks (£9.50) were my favourite, I was glad I’d listened to Maria. It was an explosion of traditional Iberian flavours, informed well by the cumin and Sherry vinegar and served on cauliflower puree. The Crispy Shredded Seville Duck (£12) was succulent and infused with the citrus flavours from the orange rice it was served on. The Batatas Bravas (£6), small potato cubes were a fine side dish and the Albondigas (£8.50), beef and pork meatballs, were perfectly cooked but seemed slightly lacking in taste when compared with the stronger flavours of the other dishes. We both thoroughly enjoyed the crispy Spanish Fried Chicken (£12) especially when dipped in its exquisite lime chilli butter and aioli sauce.

From this point on, I began experimenting with the dishes, mixing and matching sauces and combining flavours like a mad food scientist. Everything got a touch of the lime chilli butter, the Albondigas pairing particularly well. For dessert, we ordered Churros (£6.50) and Pastel De Nata (£3). Coming as a group of three, the churros had a crunchy outer coating but a soft mouthwatering filling. They looked and smelled like perfection but as expected were covered with a tooth-melting amount of sugar which sadly obscured the taste for me. However, this was easily remedied with an application of the accompanying dipping chocolate. The

highlight of the evening though was the Pastel De Nata, a small, unassuming custardfilled pie. I was initially disappointed by the diminutive size but the taste blew me away. Inside the thin, delicate pastry was a filling so rich and creamy that I demanded my partner stop what she was doing and try it.

BoBo is the perfect place to go with friends who love to share and try new foods. However it might lead to some awkward silences if you bring someone who likes to hoard their own dishes. It’s definitely on our list to visit again soon. My partner’s already made plans to take her vegetarian friends, although I think she might just want the Pastel De Nata recipe.

The Braised Pork Cheeks were a favourite –an explosion of traditional Iberian flavours.

VIEW FOOD PHOTOS @YM_LIVERPOOL

| ££ | 34 Banks Rd, CH48 0RD

Rhône

rangers

Jon Atkinson visits one of the world’s most ancient wine-growing regions for his latest picks

OF ALL OF THE CLASSIC WINE REGIONS in France, the Rhône Valley is the one visited most frequently by the WineTime household. This is primarily because we love the wines of course, but also because in my opinion, it offers better value than Bordeaux, Burgundy et al, particularly in the south.

The famous river starts its journey in the glaciers of the Swiss Alps, flowing through Lake Geneva and then over the French border before veering south all the way to the Mediterranean where its delta forms the Camargue region – a total distance of some 500 miles.

From a wine perspective, the Rhône can be split into north and south; the former is relatively small, covering only about 40 miles and accounting for less than 5% of wines from the Rhône.

These are mostly red, exclusively from the Syrah grape and some white from either Viognier or Marsanne. The south also produces mostly reds, but there are whites and some rosé. Whereas the reds of the north are essentially all about Syrah, those from the south, of which Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the standard bearer, are mostly a blend

Saint-Péray ‘La Belle de Mai’ Domaine Colombo 2021

of different varieties. Grenache Noir will always be the main ‘player’, backed up by an amalgam of Mourvèdre, Syrah and numerous others. Taking the aforementioned Châteauneuf as an example, there are 13 permitted grape varieties, 18 if you include various ‘mutations’ such as Grenache Gris.

Topography is another major difference between north and south, with the landscape of the former more extreme and dramatic with the vineyards planted on steep slopes akin to those in the Douro in Portugal or those in Germany’s Mosel Valley. The terrain in the south is much gentler and is famous for its ‘galets roulés’ – these are large, rounded stones that were shaped over millennia by both glacial and fluvial activity. These stones act as a type of radiator, retaining the warmth of the sun during the day and gradually releasing it during the cool of the night which benefits the Grenache vines in particular. It also protects the topsoil from the ravages of Le Mistral, which typically blows down the valley around 150 days per year! Here’s my recommended wines from the Rhône...

Saint-Péray is a fairly obscure appellation where only white wine is produced – the majority being sparkling. It was given AOC status in 1936 based on the popularity of its sparkling wines, but its reputation has waned over the ensuing decades. Today at 108 hectares, it is the second smallest AOC of the northern Rhône. This splendid example is from Jean-Luc Colombo, whose eponymous estate is best known for Cornas but covers the majority of appellations in both the north and south. Boasting a rich and appealing nose that is both fruity and floral, its taste is broad and textured, with stewed apple fruit, spicy notes and a tangy oakiness.

Côtes du Rhône-Villages Séguret ‘Tradition’ Domaine de Mourchon 2021

Walter McKinlay and his wife Ronnie realised a long-held dream in 1998 when they purchased some 40 acres of ancient, gnarled vines amongst the wild garrigue high up behind the village of Séguret in the Vaucluse region of France. Within two years, a new gravity-fed cuverie and barrel-ageing cellar were built. The first vintages had already demonstrated the considerable potential of the old vines on this high, free-draining soil. The arrival of Sebastian Magnouac in 2000 helped to focus the accent onto a progressively more nuanced style, and since 2006 the estate has been producing truly excellent wines which are thrillingly expressive of their origins. ‘Tradition’ was the first wine produced here and these days it is a blend of predominantly Grenache, with Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault. It is opaque purple-black in appearance with a vivid ruby rim and medium viscosity. The nose is rich and savoury with a spicy, herbal character of cracked black pepper and tapenade. Full-bodied in the mouth with savoury dark fruit and firm tannins, it’s a firm favourite in the WineTime household. This is the business!

Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bastide Saint Dominique 2021

Éric Bonnet‘s estate was established by his parents Gérard and Marie-Claude in 1979 on the remains of a 16th Century chapel at Courthézon. This is their ‘house’ blend, of which some 20,000 bottles are made each year. It comprises 80% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault from vines averaging 50 years of age. All grapes are completely de-stemmed before pressing and the resulting wine is aged in a mix of stainless steel and traditional cement Cuves before bottling. A very gifted winemaker, Éric’s wines are all about finesse yet they manage to incorporate power seamlessly. Respected American wine writer and Rhône specialist Jeb Dunuck writes: “This beauty hits the palate with richness and a supple, seamless texture (...) it displays the purity, balance and class of the vintage.” £31.75

Independent kitchen design company celebrates first year in business

Hygge Kitchens launched its new state-of-the-art showroom this summer

A COUPLE WHO STARTED their own kitchen company after spending more than a decade working for some of the biggest names in the industry are celebrating a successful first 12 months in business.

Located on Derby Road, Bootle – just a few minutes from the Titanic hotel, Hygge Kitchens was the brainchild of Matthew Douglas and his partner Jennifer Merchant.

The company designs, supplies and installs a range of modern, traditional, and contemporary kitchens, with their own unique Hygge style.

Matthew says: “After years of managing large showrooms where day to day life was all about sales and targets rather than designing kitchens, something made me think this isn’t the direction I would want my own company to go, so we started Hygge.

“We’re all about finding out what our customers actually want, even if they don’t know it themselves, creating inspirational designs they will love, rather than just putting boxes on a screen and asking for a deposit before the sale finishes. We know we are very well priced and offer a quality product, so it’s a win win for our customers.”

Jen adds: “People often ask us what the name Hygge means, it is a Danish concept that means comfort, being free from stress, spending time with loved ones, and this is what we want to achieve with our kitchen designs, focusing on making the space somewhere they will want to spend time in and enjoy. We try to plan well thought out kitchens suited to the individual needs of the customer rather than churning out generic designs.”

Striking out on their own has also allowed Matthew and Jen to fully realise their unique kitchen design concepts.

“When you’re designing kitchens for customers at one of the big name showrooms, you’re restricted by their product range,” explains Jen.

“Doing our own thing has allowed us to express our creativity a lot more and come up with more interesting ideas, sourcing our own products to match our ethos.”

Matthew and Jen first met while working in the kitchen industry and soon realised they had very similar ambitions in life.

Matthew says: “I had the idea for Hygge but I didn’t know how to take the next step. Jen helped make it a reality.

“When people ask me what it’s like working with my other half, I always say it’s great because we pull in the same direction, we both work really hard and we trust each other’s ability to design so there is no weak link, the balance is great, we just try not to talk work round the dinner table!”

Despite only being in business for a year, Matthew and Jen are already thinking about taking things to the next level.

Matthew adds: “The ultimate goal for the future is expansion. I’d like to have a few showrooms but that can’t be at the expense of our design-led approach and high level of customer service, so we would only expand if it was right for the business and our customers.

“When you ring us, you’re not being passed off to someone else. It’s our business, we have a genuine care for our customers and what we do.”

Tinie Tempah shares ‘big respect’ for LFC legends after Football for Change announcement

Social mobility charity on course to raise £1 million at its next star-studded gala

Tinie Tempah has spoken of his “big respect” for Trent AlexanderArnold and Jamie Carragher after being confirmed as the latest big-name act to perform at November’s Football for Change gala.

Multi-BRIT Award winner Tempah, 34, has sold more than five million records since the release of his breakthrough album Disc-Overy in 2010.

Football for Change, launched by football superstars Alexander-Arnold, Carragher and Conor Coady in 2021, alongside leading PR firm ThisGeneration Communications, aims to lift young people from disadvantaged backgrounds out of poverty with life-changing opportunities in education and employment.

Other ambassadors include Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, Arsenal and Lioness hero Beth Mead, Everton’s Jack Harrison and Manchester United legend Gary Neville.

The social mobility charity has raised over £700,000, with funds used to send over 100 disadvantaged children to the United States of America on sporting and educational retreats.

Contributions have also supported the building of an education centre in Liverpool; housed homeless teenagers in Glasgow and delivered more than £100,000 of grants to organisations supporting youngsters in the most deprived areas of the country.

Tempah will be joined at the latest celebrity fundraising gala in Manchester next month by headline act Olly Murs and host Vernon Kay. Football for Change chairman Carragher will also deliver a key-

note speech on the night.

Sir Rod Stewart headlined the inaugural Football for Change gala in 2021, followed by Oasis legend Noel Gallagher in 2022. Further big-name acts are set to be announced by Football for Change soon.

After being confirmed as the latest high-profile performer at Football for Change, Tinie Tempah said: “I can’t wait to join everyone at the Football For Change gala. It is going to be an unforgettable night and will help build better futures for kids who need it.

“There’s an incredible lineup and some amazing people are involved.

“Big respect to the footballers like Trent and Jamiem and everyone else who’ve built this incredible initiative. I’m glad I can be part of it - we’re going to bring the house down!”

Initiatives such as the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Everton in the Community, Liverpool FC Foundation and the Inclusive Hub - among numerous others – have all benefited from major grants supplied by

Football for Change to enhance the development, learning and education and housing opportunities for youngsters in need.

At the 2022 Football for Change gala, stars including Jason Manford, Coleen Rooney, Samia Longchambon and Michael Carrick turned out to support the event – with further big-names anticipated this year.

Jamie Carragher, chairman of Football for Change, added: “We are thrilled for Tinie to support Football for Change at our annual gala in November.

“Tinie always puts on a memorable performance and our audience will love his energy on the night! We are so excited.

“With Tinie and Olly Murs both confirmed, we are excited to announce more amazing acts in the coming days. Watch this space!”

The Football for Change fundraising gala is backed by headline sponsor Swinton Insurance, SHEIN and Legacie Developments.

“Tinie always puts on a memorable performance and our audience will love his energy on the night!”

Sciontec reimagines

HEMISPHERE to meet lab demand

SCIONTEC DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED

(Sciontec), has announced its latest vision for its first new build development at Liverpool City Council’s flagship development site, Paddington Village.

Sciontec, which owns Liverpool Science Park and manages innovative workspace at The Spine, has updated its plans for HEMISPHERE, which will now be home to circa 50,000 sq ft of data, bio and innovation labs, whilst also including the city region’s newest Operational Net-Zero Carbon workspaces.

With demand for Chemistry and Life Sciences labs within the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) innovation district at an all time high, and with the existing commercial labs at Liverpool Science Park continuing to operate at full capacity, the provision of additional high-quality laboratory space is much welcomed.

HEMISPHERE will now comprise of purpose-built laboratory space equating to half of the building, providing a bespoke home for cutting-edge commercial and academic laboratories in which the world’s best minds can seize the potential of ground-breaking new technologies.

The latest plans for HEMISPHERE also include Sciontec’s flexible, all inclusive, workspace product, Sciontec AI – which has recently expanded its operations at neighbouring building The Spine.

The new build will also feature a multi-purpose events space, a coffee shop, networking lounge and wellness studio.

PC&Co shows support for local community centre

Law firm announces Halloweeninspired fundraisers

Celebrity host & shortlist announced for YM Liverpool

Property & Business Awards 2023

Industry representatives set to gather at Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre next month

ORGANISERS OF THE YM LIVERPOOL PROPERTY & BUSINESS AWARDS have revealed the shortlist and celebrity host for November’s prestigious ceremony. Taking place at Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre on 30 November, the event will see industry representatives from across the Liverpool City Region gather under one roof to reflect on another 12 months of achievements.

Liverpool-born star of stage and screen Claire Sweeney will host for the second year running and present accolades in a range of categories including ‘Property Developer of the Year’, ‘Residential Property Agency of the Year’, ‘LCR Business of the Year’ and ‘Business Leader of the Year’ sponsored by Everton Stadium.

Businesses shortlisted across the 20 categories include Legacie Developments, CARO Lettings, Redwing, One Vision Housing, Studio RBA., Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors, Onyx Real Estate, Livv Homes and Redrow.

The full shortlist is available to view now at ymliverpool.com. For information about tables and sponsorship opportunities, contact awards@ymliverpool.com

PAUL CROWLEY & CO SOLICITORS has organised two fundraising initiatives in support of the L6 Community Centre.

For children who attend weekly activities at the Anfield-based venue, PC&Co has sponsored a pumpkin carving competition – donating 25 pumpkins and carving kits.

Staff members Hayley Keegan and Alison Priestley (pictured) delivered the Halloween essentials to L6’s chief executive Gerard Woodhouse.

A judging panel from PC&Co will evaluate the carved pumpkins on creativity, originality, and craftsmanship, with prizes awarded for the funniest, scariest and most creative.

Alongside the pumpkin carving competition, PC&Co will also be holding a fun ‘Dress Down Day’ in support of the community centre’s L6 Food Bank.

The L6 Community Centre is a vital local service and welcomes anybody in need. Its team of volunteers help people not just from Liverpool 6, but from areas right across Merseyside – supporting those less fortunate and ensuring individuals and families do not go hungry.

PC&Co staff are regular visitors to the community centre and drop in each month with donations. Funds raised by the ‘Dress Down Day’ will go towards providing L6 with essential items for those in who need them.

Updated plans for Paddington Village site also include city region’s newest Operational Net-Zero Carbon workspaces

Liverpool FC star Trent Alexander-Arnold nominated for Sports Personality award

Ethnicity Awards’ founder Sarah Garett MBE has hailed defender as an ‘amazing role model for all’

Liverpool FC’s Trent AlexanderArnold has been nominated in the Sports Personality category at the 2023 Ethnicity Awards.

Alexander-Arnold, who has lifted all major competitions available with LFC, creates and drives philanthropic efforts across the North West and beyond.

The Premier League defender founded The After Academy for players released by professional clubs; co-founded social mobility initiative Football for Change and also works with An Hour for Others.

LFC’s vice-captain is up for Sports Personality alongside Formula 1 racing champion Lewis Hamilton, footballers Eni Aluko and Nikita Parris, and Olympian Alice Dearing.

The awards, held in partnership with HSBC UK, honours the most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in the UK with prestigious accolades celebrating their achievements and work to promote diversity and inclusion.

Pop star turned TV presenter Rochelle Humes is also tipped to win big as is broadcaster and fashion guru Gok Wan, who away from the media spotlight has championed causes to promote equality, partially for LGBT+ people from minority communities.

2023 British Eurovision entry Mae Muller, meanwhile, has been shortlisted in the Music Artist category, while fashion designer Ozwald Boateng is nominated in the Inspirational Public Figure category.

Disney blockbuster The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey is up against Queen Charlotte, The Lateish Show with Mo

Gilligan and Ncuti Gatwa as Doctor Who in the Media Impact or Progress Moment award. Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers, Slate Street Partnership with ELBA Parity Project and The Prince’s Trust have also been nominated for awards, while Stonewater, BT, Natwest and Jacobs

are shortlisted for the Outstanding Employer prize.

Sarah Garrett MBE, founder of the Ethnicity Awards, says: “Trent AlexanderArnold is an amazing role model for all.

“Not only is he an elite-level sportsman at the top of his game, but he continues to selflessly volunteer his time for the betterment of society and those less fortunate than himself.

“Alexander-Arnold uses his standing in the public eye for good and his charitable initiatives drive real, palpable change. He is very deserving of his place on the shortlist and the awards in November will be a fantastic night.”

“Alexander-Arnold uses his standing in the public eye for good and his charitable initiatives drive real, palpable change.”

Trent AlexanderArnold & Mae Muller (inset) have both been shortlisted for awards

homeware Autumn’s hottest trends

From muted colours to textures that’ll make you happy the heatwave is over (if you weren’t anyway), here’s our round-up of the best of the best homeware right now

Small but mighty must-haves

These are the little-but-large wins that your guests will notice but that don’t require an entire redesign of your home. We’re talking new tableware, coasters that you’ll actually want to use, and candlesticks that’ll hold up the flames all winter long. If you’re into trying out trends but don’t have the confidence (or budget) to totally restyle your home to make way for the flavour(s) of the month, adding thoughtful new pieces will create a marked difference.

On-trend triumphs

Lucky for all of us, there are quite a few home trends knocking around – so there’s pretty much guaranteed to be something for everyone. Our favourites, in no particular order, are: damson, that deep purple colour that just screams autumn; modern silhouettes and shapes (think hard edges and solid materials); and classic, English-inspired pieces that are equal

Light(ing) it up

Big-ticket wins

Whether you’re moving house or you’re just in the mood to treat yourself, there are some major items that have your name on them. The Tokyo L-shaped sofa? The stuff of dreams. Kitchen chairs that are as comfortable as they are chic? Yes please. And don’t get me started on the walnut-framed chair that is, quite literally, perfect. Which will you pick?

Last but not least: lighting. Something we all need but most of us take for granted or don’t take that seriously. With the days getting shorter comes the desire (personally) to turn off the overhead lights and flick on the lamps – of which we’ve got many to choose from. From floor lamps that get the job done to table lamps with unique stem designs that’ll grab the attention of anyone who enters your home, we’ve got them all.

Tokyo Large Sofa £4,699

Santino Dining Chair

£183.20

Jute Round Rug £150

Luxe Vase £35

Scalloped Cereal Bowl £6

Amber Glass Candle Holder £9

Mushroom Table Lamp £65

Peacock Tapered Lampshade £50

Red Run Co-Founder & Creative Director Megan Kimmance

One of Liverpool’s most exciting women’s active streetwear brands, Red Run has gained a fiercely loyal customer base since launching during lockdown. Ahead of the opening of its first flagship store at Liverpool ONE, co-founder and creative director Megan Kimmance speaks about how it all began and her ambitious plans for the future

Can you tell us about your background and how you started Red Run?

I studied Fashion Design at UCLan where I became a graduate fashion week finalist which led me to my first position for KTZ. I then progressed into a wholesale role for Pyer Moss and then later Vivienne Westwood. It was at the end of 2020 when I decided to take the leap to co-founding my own brand. Due to the unprecedented instant demand, I had to resign from my role at Vivienne Westwood as menswear wholesale manager in October 2021 to fully commit.

I initially set out to create a brand that blended activewear with trend-led fashion via a unique full provision, interchangeable outfit offering and that’s exactly what Red Run is to this day.

Did you notice there was a gap in the market for active streetwear?

Absolutely – my philosophy has always had a heavy emphasis on fashion forward design teamed with functional, comfortable activewear designed for the modern woman. Red Run is not just an activewear brand – it’s much more streetwear driven and can be worn on the go, every day. I design the collections in-house and they are manufactured in Europe featuring a range of sustainable fabrics. Luxury and high-quality production is not something I will ever compromise on, and this is what gives us a unique point of difference.

collections to fulfil the demand of our customers. 2023 has been a really exciting year for Red Run as we have marked some major milestones in establishing new retail partnerships with Harvey Nichols & Flannels and October will see the opening of our very first flagship store in Liverpool ONE. Not only are we expanding externally but we are internally with our team. Year-on-year, our growth is +100% direct-to-consumer and we expect further escalation in 2024 as we are now retailed in Flannels and having some big conversations.

What has prompted you to open a flagship?

Opening a flagship in the city where it all started is very humbling. It’s going to give us the opportunity to really bring the brand to life and allow our existing

consumers as well as new, to fully experience the quality and intricacy of Red Run. We knew there was demand for bricks and mortar and as a brand, the timing was right. To coincide with the opening, we will be launching a brand-new collection which is a re-imagined version of a previous bestselling line, Parisian Night. It will feature our most in-demand garments – such as the cropped windbreaker, tech trousers, sports bras as well as brand new, never-before-seen

Why did you choose Liverpool to house the first flagship for Red Run?

Although I have worked in New York and London, Liverpool has always been home. In the early stages when we started to develop Red Run, I was at the point in my life where I knew I wanted to move back up north to be closer to my girlfriend and family. Career opportunities in high-end fashion within the North West of England are hard to come by, so I knew it was the right time to start my own brand.

I was lucky enough to have built up a strong network within the industry, one contact being Mike Ashcroft, who at the time was buying director at Tessuti – he believed in my vision from day one after seeing a simple sketch. He helped place Red Run into Tessuti Liverpool [in April 2021] and has continued to champion the brand since.

It is because of our consumers in Liverpool that we have been able to grow at such a rapid rate, which has allowed us to stretch across the country in becoming a key player within the active streetwear category.

How important is sustainability to Red Run?

Sustainability is incredibly important and is something I am incredibly

conscious of when designing and selecting materials. All our garments are manufactured in Europe, predominantly Portugal and Turkey, using premium sustainable fabrics including BCI cotton [Better Cotton Initiative cotton], and organic cotton. We have used sports netting in previous collections which are made from recycled bottles found in the ocean. Sustainability is a large part of our ongoing strategy.

What are Red Run’s plans for the rest of 2023 and beyond?

We are dropping two new collections from now until Christmas and I can’t say too much, but 2024 is going to mark another major milestone with a brand-new Red Run offering. We will continue to focus on our loyal consumers in the North West but the main objective for 2024 is international growth.

“My philosophy has always had a heavy emphasis on fashion forward design teamed with functional, comfortable activewear.”

Spacious family home in the heart of rural Burscough

The Whalley, from £440,000

LOCATED AT PROSPECT HOMES’ Bridgemere development, this four-bedroom detached Whalley home (pictured) has been expertly designed for modern family living.

Just off the large entrance hall is a spacious lounge perfect for entertaining guests, with more than enough space for several sofas.

Running the length of the rear of the ground floor is a cavernous kitchen/diner which boasts a breakfast bar and French doors leading off the dining area into the rear garden.

Heading upstairs, a generous open landing gives access to three double bedrooms with the king sized main bedroom benefiting from its own private en suite. The first floor also features a luxurious family bathroom and additional storage space.

Externally, to the front of the property you’ll find a beautiful lawn and a detached garage. To the rear of the home is a generously-proportioned enclosed garden, ideal for relaxing with family and friends during the summer months.

Residents will appreciate being surrounded by nature thanks to Bridgemere’s location next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, while at the same time only being a few minutes away from essential amenities and transport connections in Burscough town centre.

All 54 homes at the development, with prices starting from £285,000, are from Prospect Homes’ newest collection of house designs including higher specifications and a large choice of upgrades and extras.

To find out more about Bridgemere, call 01704 468388 or visit www.prospecthomes.co.uk/bridgemere.

The images shown are of the Whalley show home at Prospect’s Mitton Grange development. They are for illustrative purposes and should be treated as guidance only. External elevations and architectural detailing can vary from development to development

WHAT’S ON?

ASK ME ABOUT SALLY!

Join ‘Professor Arachnid’, artist and prop builder who made Sally the Spider, to learn about her construction and discover more about spectacular spiders! Location: Theatre

NATURE ARTS ZONE

Get hands-on with our nature-inspired arts activities that are suitable for the youngest bothersome beasts! Location: Community Space

STOP MOTION ANIMATION WORKSHOP WITH JAM CODING

Be inspired by the spooky season and produce your very own stop motion animation under the guidance of the team from Jam Coding. Location: Make Create

SPIDERS & WORMS WORKSHOP

Make your own spooky spiders and wriggly worms guided by ‘Professor Arachnid’, who will be on hand to tell you everything you need to know about these fascinating creatures. Location: Make Create

SKULLS, SKELETONS & SKINS WITH ANIMAL TEACH

Explore the ins and outs of bothersome but brilliant beasts!

RECYCLE CRAFT WORKSHOP

Turn rubbish into art in our spooky sustainable crafts session with the team from Gilmoss Recycling Discovery Centre.

Location: Make Create

SURVIVAL OF THE SLIMIEST WORKSHOP

Hagfish, slugs, and slime mould… Discover the vital role slime plays in nature, their clever survival tactics, and how slime is being used by scientists to change the world! Join us for a slime-tastic adventure that will shift how you see the world and create your own slime.

Location: Make Create

31 Oct

HALLOWEEN BOTHERSOME BEAST FACEPAINTING

Become a bothersome beast in time for some trick or treating with our expert face painters! Please note that this will be limited availability and you may be required to queue.

Location: Make Create

BOOK ONLINE IN ADVANCE: eureka.org.uk

Whispering

BEING WOKEN THE OTHER MORNING to the delightful sound of honking geese flying in for winter from chillier northern wastes reaffirmed the fact that autumn is with us once again. Even without the recent spell of unseasonably warm weather, October is a month that can be soft and mellow, with nature putting on an action-packed show that’s tailor-made to gently ease us out of summer. However, hanging on to our garden’s summer remnants and trying to maintain its visual impact is something a lot of us do, even if we feel ready for the change of seasons. Knowing I can rely on those colourful seasonal blooms and the breath-taking autumnal hues of our trees and shrubs really helps. But seeing my garden’s faded glory at this time of year always made me think it needed something more than this, something dramatic to restore and revive it. It was during the pandemic that I found the solution by rediscovering the simple beauty of ornamental grasses.

Matchworks, Speke

On a gloriously sunny day back in October 2020, I visited the multiaward winning Matchworks office development in Speke. It was there that I soon realised what my garden was missing and what it needed as regards a seasonal tonic. The Matchworks’ dramatic planting scheme using only ornamental grasses is so genius in its simplicity. The diverse array of grass varieties have been planted with only one aim in mind, and that’s to achieve maximum impact. Some species are set in blocks to provide bold structure and movement; other large varieties are left in isolation as dramatic focal points and there are those planted on mass to accentuate space and light. Standing watching the billowing reed-like mounds dance in the autumn breeze was so uplifting. Hard to believe I was in the middle of an industrial estate!

Heather Marsh rediscovers the simple beauty of ornamental grasses

Matchworks

Grass roots

Ornamental grasses are such a distinctive group of plants that many of us underestimate the contribution they can make to our gardens – I certainly did. Grasses provide wonderful, varied structure and movement to any planting scheme – especially now when most of summer’s delights are past their sell-by dates. With the soft golden spotlight of autumn upon them, ornamental grasses come into their own and take centre stage. Easy to grow, grasses can be planted in so many places. In borders, in between seasonal perennials or in blocks for an effective contemporary look – there are no rules. The prairie look that I’ve mentioned before has been on trend now for a while, mainly because it’s low maintenance but also because this planting scheme can bring grasses and so many perennial favourites like Echinacea Michaelmas daisies and Stonecrop together, adding colour and structure to your garden. It’s not just about their striking aesthetics however, grasses have a calming presence, bringing peace and tranquillity with their simplistic presence and making them worthy of a place in any garden. Bearing all that in mind, here are a few of my favourites to consider…

Cortaderia selloana ‘Pampas grass’ has to be top of the charts and if harking back to my ’70s heyday, I remember no discerning dedicated follower of fashion would be without this in their front garden. Although Pampas grass did go out of fashion and sales declined when smutty rumours circulated about the plant, an amusing yet unfortunate myth, but no reason in my opinion to deter anyone from planting this majestic grass. So, seeing a resurgence of its popularity in the last few years is great and well deserved. Easy to grow and preferring a sunny spot, this grass is native to the Pampas region of South America, hence its name. There are several varieties to choose from but be aware that some can grow to well over 10ft tall. As always, it’s up to you to decide which suits your requirements best. I grow several species including the dwarf variety Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’. Its beautiful soft white plumes sit above its small mound of grassy foliage, still providing that distinctive impact but only growing between 4-6ft in height. Mature clumps need to be kept under control and cut back hard annually in early spring. Wear gloves doing this job as the fine strand like leaves have sharp serrated edges. Some gardeners actually set light to the pampas grass base, a quick method of dealing with a large overgrown plant which is often done in parks. This does no harm to the plant, but I wouldn’t recommended it and personally prefer a pair of shears to do the job, its much safer too. The Pumila’s distinctive cut and dried feathery plumes are in high demand from interior designers and trendy hair salons alike. Who would have thought? A tip if you are going cut pampas plumes to use in floral arrangements is to hang them upside down to dry then spray lightly with hair spray to prevent the tiny fluffy seeds getting everywhere.

Moving onto Stipa tenuissima ‘pony tail grass’. I love this for its tactile hair-like qualities .This grass quickly forms a dense clump

of wispy strands perfect for softening borders. It’s also almost maintenance free once established and looks great in pots and containers too.

Next up is Miscanthus malepartus, ‘Indian summer’, a stunningly beautiful example with arching leaves and plumes that change to warm copper tones.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘China’ is a tall elegant grass with bright green foliage topped with a tassel-like plume. Planted at the back of a mixed border it will add plenty of autumnal interest and architectural structure. Equally stunning as a solitary specimen too, this grass makes a great textural counterpart to the lowered mounded Zebra grass.

Pennisetum Rubrum is a vibrant distinctive grass that works great as a feature in any border or grown in isolation. Its ruby coloured foliage with fluffy cream plumes provides structure and elegance wherever it’s planted.

The Pendulous Sedge ‘Carex pendula’ was a big hit when I first planted it in my garden. Given to us over 20 years ago by an old aunt, it grew attractively until it went uncontrollably rouge – invasive seeding so freely that it has now become hard to control. Planting it in a pot or container may help but you have been warned.

Cut and dried

Resist the temptation right now to cut everything back in your autumnal tidy up, especially ornamental grasses. Wait until the temperatures drop and these tatty spent plants will be transformed with a touch of frost! Leaving grasses as long as possible really benefits the wildlife. Seed heads are an especially valuable food source for birds during the cold winter months. The dried straw-like leaves of many varieties also provide our feathered friends with the perfect material for building and insulating their nests in spring, how cosy!

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

Stipa gigantea ‘golden oats’

Pennisetum Rubrum

Miscanthus sinensis

Independent Family Funeral Directors

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the community, providing a first class 24 hour service and building strong everlasting relations with you and your family at this very difficult time.

Firm owned by Home Bargains founder plans new city centre apartment scheme

Development comprises 83 flats alongside retail/ commercial space, a communal courtyard and roof terraces

PLANS TO REDEVELOP a row of Grade-II listed Georgian townhouses on Liverpool’s Duke Street as part of a new apartment scheme have been revealed.

Davos Property Developments, which is owned by TJ Morris founder Thomas Morris and the retailer’s head of property David Little, has submitted proposals to Liverpool City Council which would see the remodelling of 118-126 Duke Street and the erection of a new part five/part eight-storey building.

The rear of the four listed properties, facing Henry Street, would be demolished to make way for the new build part of the development.

The scheme comprises 83 apartments in total (a mix of one, two and three-bedroom units) as well as retail/commercial space, a communal courtyard and roof terraces.

118-126 Duke Street has been the subject of two major planning applications in the last decade including a proposal in 2018/19 to redevelop the site into a

200-bedroom apart-hotel.

The latest scheme from Davos has been designed by Liverpool-based architect Falconer Chester Hall.

Nexus & Legacie reach practical completion on £45m eco-development

Element – The Quarter includes 316 residential apartments as well as purpose-built accommodation for 141 students

NEXUS RESIDENTIAL and Legacie

Developments have reached practical completion on a £45 million Liverpool eco-development, with the apartments now fully occupied by students.

Element – The Quarter, on Low Hill, just north of the city centre, boasts a range of eco-friendly features and low-carbon technologies, including solar panels, e-car charging points, air-source heat pumps, rainwater recycling system and a smart system to reduce electricity consumption within apartments.

A joint venture between Liverpool-based property firms Nexus and Legacie, the pair announced a commitment earlier this year to plant almost 50,000 trees in the Amazon Rainforest as part of their work to help build a sustainable future in the construction industry.

Investment house RWinvest, which specialises in buy-to-let investments on residential developments, has led the international sales drive on the project comprising 316 residential apartments plus purpose-built accommodation for 141 students and commercial units.

John Morley, CEO of Legacie Developments, says: “It is another landmark moment to be handing over keys to residents at Element – The Quarter, a first-class development with state-of-the-art facilities.

“The site was an eyesore before we took over and had sat derelict for many years. However it is now an eco-development Liverpool can champion, and underlines our commitment to a sustainable future within the construction and development industry.”

Michael Gledhill, managing director of Nexus Residential, adds: “This is another scheme which further demonstrates our commitment to Liverpool’s ongoing

regeneration, successfully delivering another landmark development with eco-friendly features at its heart.

“Our partnership with Legacie Developments continues to create new homes and thousands of jobs, as well as bringing in ongoing revenue streams.

“I am delighted with the finished product and believe it is a development that the city can be proud of.”

Leading lights from the Liverpool City Region’s property and business sectors will gather at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 30 November 2023 to once again reflect on another 12 months of achievements

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

• Business Leader of the Year

• LCR Business of the Year

For details about tables and sponsorship opportunities, email awards@ymliverpool.com or call 0151 316 0210

The Garden Suite

A high-quality inspiring workspace, overlooking the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral gardens.

This 2nd Floor suite is fully stripped out and available to move into right away, providing a blank canvas for a unique fit-out. Occupiers will also be in good company as iC2 is already home to a fantastic mix of innovative organisations, including Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool.

SIZE: 3,000 sq ft

LOCATION: iC2, LSP, Liverpool City Centre

ON-SITE VISITOR CAR PARKING

SPECIFICATION

Comfort Cooling System

DDA Compliant

Fully Accessible Raised Floors

Suspended Ceilings

LED Lighting

Internal glazing with privacy screening

Lockable Door

Large windows spanning the entire length of the space

SEE YOURSELF HERE?

The Garden Suite is the last remaining workspace within iC2 at Liverpool Science Park, which sits in a highly sought after location at the heart of the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool Innovation District. Occupiers can also benefit from fantastic on-site amenities, excellent transport links, and direct access to the local universities’ talent pool.

ON-SITE AMENITIES

Coffee Shop

Car Parking

Fitness Suite

Bike Racks / Shower Facilities

Communal Kitchen Facilities

Complimentary Meeting Rooms

Customer Portal

KQ Liverpool Innovation & Growth Services

We’re looking for the perfect company to add to our incredible melting pot of innovation. So, if you like what you see and want to find out more, get in touch. enquiries@sciontec.co.uk

0151 705 3400