Gr8Life Magazine - Issue 19 - Winter 2012

Gr8lifeFashion

CocoBoutique

Gr8lifeFood

Langs OfLongton

Gr8lifeCelebrity

Mark of TheOvertones

“The North West isstill home to me”

ISSUE 19 · £3 · WINTER 2012

Scarisbrick Hall.Education for life.

Beautifulautifula Butiful Butiful eginningsDayaya NurseryryrNeNeN w ew e BorBorBo nrnr to ReReR cepcepc tioeptioep ntiontio

Begin Beautifully. Set in the expansive grounds of Scarisbrick Hall, our nursery enjenjen oys a privileged

environment. From just a few months old in our self contained baby unit onwards, your child can enjcan enjcan en oy the

perfect start in life, wherever they go from here.

Playaya and learning are balanced and as children grow,w,w we ensure the curriculum is tailored to each child’s needs as

part of ouf ouf r Early YeaYeaY rs Foundation Stage.

Scarisbrick ck c HallallalFirst Schochoc ololo

ReceReceR ption ption p toYeYeY ar ar a 4

From the earliest dayaya s of their education, our children benefit from an individual learning plan WeWeW don’t believe

in a one fits all system, so each child is assessed and a personalised plan is built around them.

WeWeW also want children to understand the benefits of new technology from an early age, so we encourage supervised laptop and ipad use on our hi-speed wifi

network, together with plenty of fun-to-learn education.

Scarisbrick HallMiddle School

Year 5 to Year 8

With careers advice from Year 7 and new courses such as catering & hospitality, sports studies and performing arts, we are investing heavily in our children’s future. We have

already seen pupils pass their GCSE exams as much as three years early.

Top quality education is backed by pastoral care and welfare, which have been acknowledged as “outstanding”.

01704 880200 www.scarisbrickhallschool.co.ukenquiries@scarisbrickhallschool.co.uk

01704 842222www.beautifulbeginningsdaynursery.co.ukSet in the grounds of Scarisbrick Hall. Open 7am - 6pm.

Sunday11 December

1pm-4pm

SCARISBRICK HALL

WINTERWONDERLAND

VISIT SANTA IN HIS GROTTO

Tickets only £8 - on sale now!

register your child for our entrance exam

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Scarisbrick Hall.Education for life.

Scarisbrick HallMiddle School

Year 5 to Year 8

With careers advice from Year 7 and new courses such as catering & hospitality, sports studies and performing arts, we are investing heavily in our children’s future. We have

already seen pupils pass their GCSE exams as much as three years early.

Top quality education is backed by pastoral care and welfare, which have been acknowledged as “outstanding”.

Scarisbrickckc Halala llllCollollo ege

YeYeY ar 9 totot YeaYeaY rearea 13

The third tierd tierd of educatf educatf ion is our new college. When it comes to GCSEs, it allows pupils in the College to start their

exam courses a whwhw ole year early. Our E3 prograrar mme is excellent and more courses are coming on stream as part

of our sour sour chedule of ongoing improvements.

Each student has their own personal mentor - we are dedicated to the best academic results as well as an

holistic approach to producing a well rounded adult.

01704 880200 www.scarisbrickhallschool.co.ukenquiries@scarisbrickhallschool.co.uk

01704 842222www.beautifulbeginningsdaynursery.co.ukSet in the grounds of Scarisbrick Hall. Open 7am - 6pm.

Sunday11 December

1pm-4pm

SCARISBRICK HALL

WINTERWONDERLAND

VISIT SANTA IN HIS GROTTO

Tickets only £8 - on sale now!

register your child for our entrance exam

Wednesday 25 January 2012

1103853

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PUBLISHERBetty Drummond

MANAGING EDITORLaurent Saletto

ASSOCIATE EDITORLouisa Austin

01704 392 [email protected]

EDITORIAL TEAMDavid Simister

CONTRIBUTORSDiane Thompson

Cornelia Kaufmann

PHOTOGRAPHYMartyn Snape

John Swift

ADVERTISING [email protected]

Chris Chew01704 392 338Sharon Murphy01704 392 313

PRODUCTION TEAM01704 392 320

[email protected] Houghton

Emma LyonMike Rose

David AthertonIan McCabe

DISTRIBUTION TEAM01704 392 345

[email protected]

PUBLISHED BY

Champion Media GroupClare House

166 Lord StreetSouthport PR9 0QA

T: 01704 392 392F: 0871 900 5678

© 2011 Champion Media Group. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every care is taken, details, prices etc. are subject to change without notice and the publisher can take no responsibility for any errors or omissions whatsoever.

I love this time of the year, the mornings are crisp and cold and the evenings are warm and cosy.

I have had such great fun with the cover for this edition, I can’t tell you. I

wanted something to refl ect the winter season perfectly and think I have found

it. It is a wonderful postcard image evoking childhood memories with its big red

door and the family’s wellies left outside. This is the stuff winters are made of.

Gr8life has its usual great mix of fantastic features for you including the

unique shopping area Little Crosby offers us, which is The Well Barn. This barn

goes back over 300 years and is home of several businesses and tradesmen, well

worth a look.

A staple now in our Gr8life diet is our restaurant review which highlights the

quality eateries available in this area. In this edition we take a look at the fantastic

Langs of Longton, owned by local restaurateur Paul Lang and I have to say, he

has surpassed himself on every level. The decor is stylish and elegant, the quality

of the food is second to none and it is sure to become very successful.

I am also very proud to introduce our fashion shoot, by talented photographer

John Swift featuring the exquisite tailoring currently on the rails at designer

Southport’s Coco Boutique. Coco’s Collection is perfect to help you stand out

during this year’s party season and all year round.

Finally we have, alongside the cars, properties and local success stories, an

interview with Mark from The Overtones. Mark, who is from the North West lets

us into life as part of the über successful group and their unusual route to fame.

I will now let you sit back, relax and enjoy what I think, and I’m sure you’ll

agree, another fantastic edition of Gr8life.

Louisa Austin

Associate Editor

[email protected]

Gr8lifeFashion

CocoBoutique

Gr8lifeFood

Langs OfLongton

Gr8lifeCelebrity

Mark of TheOvertones

“The North West isstill home to me”


Gr8 Life magazine 5

9 Still Got A Hold On YouWe talk to Opportunity Knocks star and Southport resident Bernie Flint about his time in the spotlight

13 Discover the WellbarnWe take a look at a 300 year old stone barn in the heart of Little Crosby which is home to several independent businesses

17 Family FunGiggle’s Gym in Birkdale is the perfect place for children and adults alike. Gr8life talks to owners Gordon and Michele

21 Festive Fashion - Coco BoutiqueNow the party season is here let the luxury boutique inspire you with its Winter collections

27 Luxury at LangsLocal restaurateur Paul Lang talks us through his latest venture out at Longton while Louisa Austin samples the delicious food on offer

31 Come Fly with MeDaredevil David Simister takes to the sky in a Microlight. All in a days work..

36 Burscough WharfFrom canal side buildings to a bustling shopping area, Burscough Wharf has been completely transformed in recent years. Gr8life chats to two businesses within the complex

39 Treat your sensesGr8life talks to Kate Harrison, owner of Senses Spa in Southport about her career, semi - permanent makeup and her future ambitions

43 Weekend in WalesDavid Simister visits the Cross Foxes for a truly Welsh experience

47 A conversion experienceJenny and Antony Tyrer invite us into their magnifi cent barn conversion

51 A little piece of historyAn introduction to Granite House and the incredible Granite, Marble and Onyx stoneware you could have in your house

55 Give me a classic any dayDavid Simister explains his love of classic cars and why he would always have a classic over a new motor

61 Rhubarb and custard anyone?Chef Stephen Burgess tells us about his catering business Rhubarb and Custard and his success at the Liverpool Food and Drinks Festival

65 A motor to be proud ofGr8life takes a look at the new Skoda Yeti. You could be very surprised...

69 Pitch PerfectWe interview successful group The Overtones and fi nd out about their unusual route to fame

73 Society A roundup of all the recent society events in the area

Inside Issue 19

6 www.gr8lifemagazine.com

1103854

The article in GR8 life did exactly what I

had hoped. It was a very informative piece,

with superb illustration and creative blurb.

The positive response that I have received from my

advertisements in GR8Life has been an integral part

of my strongly ‘referral-based’ business. The designs

and advertisement have been a true testament to

the personal touch that the GR8 Life staff represents.

My business continues to fl ourish and my client base

continues to grow. GR8 life is a magazine that my

customers have kept and also passed onto their friends,

so I can’t thank you enough.

Claire Norris, The Organiser

Thank you so much for the wonderful article and

pictures of the spring range that you did for my shop.

I can honestly say that the positive reaction from the

public has been beyond anything I could have expected

or imagines with the boost to the business so good! The

“girls” had a most enjoyable day “modelling” for your

excellent photographer and have already volunteered

their services should we be fortunate enough for a

repeat performance.

Many many thanks for a fabulous experience

Lee Samuels, Virginia Lee

‘When we were looking at advertising options we

researched many publications from around the area and

concluded that Gr8life suited our needs the most. We

are so glad we made that decision as our partnership

proved very successful. We have had great interest

generated from the three page feature which appeared

in the Summer 2011 edition and we plan to continue to

work with Gr8life in the future.

Chris Harding, NFU Mutual Insurance

Being seen in Gr8life works. If you think you would

like our team to visit you and give your business a real

window to over 20.000 homes then give us a call on

01704 392332 today for an informal chat.

Gr8life is YOUR quartlerly lifestyle magazine and is the perfect guide to local shops, events and businesses near you. As well as many happy readers who regularly get in touch to congratulate us on the magazine, we also have many very happy advertisers. Here is a selection of letters and e-mails we have received from clients who have had such a positive response from Gr8life they wanted to let us know…

8 Gr8 Life magazine

Churchtown local Bernie Flint is best known for his performances on the talent show Opportunity Knocks.The 70’s answer to the X-factor saw Bernie win an amazing seven times and launched him to stardom. Riding on his fame Bernie met and performed with many industry heavyweights while becoming a household name in his own right.

Gr8 Life magazine 9

“I first became interested in singing and

playing guitar when I joined the Royal Navy

when I was 18,” Bernie explains. “Another

guy played and sang on the ship and I was

really impressed with him. I happened to

have a guitar I’d brought and he took time

out to really help me along. It was like

having my own music teacher twenty-four

seven! I then started singing in the folk

clubs, wine bars and nightclubs, including

The Sands in Ainsdale and Toad Hall. They

were great places to try out new songs

without being under pressure plus they

supplied me with free drinks!”

It was at The Sands Pub that Bernie

got his big break when the manager

Joan decided to enter him into talent

competition Opportunity Knocks. “It was

a complete surprise when she informed me

I was going to Manchester to audition.

I never would have put myself forward

and when I won I was gobsmacked! It

didn’t really sink in at first but when it

finally did I was walking on air!”

It wasn’t the only time he experienced

that feeling as he went on to be crowned

winner of the show for 12 weeks running.

“It became a crazy time as we only had

two channels so up to 20 million viewers

tuned in every week to watch the show.”

The enormity of Bernie’s popularity was

felt by everyone but Bernie himself. “After

3 weeks on the show Hughie Green asked

if my career had taken off. I said no and

he couldn’t get his head around the fact

that I had no manager so he organised for

me to meet and sign with International

Artistes.”

“When the show finished I went straight

onto Top Of The Pops to perform. One day

The 70’s answer to the X-factor


I was watching David Soul on my TV and

the next I was singing along side him! It

was crazy!”

Bernie, however, wasn’t ready for the

changes that came along and found it

difficult to adjust to fame. “At one point

I couldn’t walk down the street without

having a crowd gather, it happened

overnight. I didn’t feel I warranted all the

attention so it was strange and I never got

used to it. They say you’re only as good

as your last performance so every time I

perform I still have a little panic attack!”

Bernie rubbed shoulders with many

famous names over the years including

with Bill Anderson and The Drifters, both

of whom he toured with, David Soul, Billy

Conley, Jimmy Tarbuck and Tony Christie. I

was also invited to a golf event in Portugal

hosted by Henry Cooper and I managed to

meet the great man himself.”

Bernie now works on the cruise ships

entertaining his loyal fans and says,

“It started when I took my family on a

working cruise for Air-tours. It was a

fantastic holiday so I started to do two or

three a year and then it just took off. Now

there is so much work I could be away

all year, although that will never happen

because I love my family, golf and tennis

- in that order, although my wife might

disagree with that!

When asked what he feels is his greatest

achievement Bernie simply replies, “I think

the fact that I’ve been able to make a

good living and provide for my family. He

continues, “As for other highlights, having

a hit single must be up there and shooting

3 under par gross at St Annes Old links

golf club is definitely up there!

At one point I couldn’t walk down the street without having a crowd gather

Gr8 Life magazine 11

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Maximiseyour potential by promoting your business here

Call Sharon on01704 392313 today

www.gr8lifemagazine.com

1104550

www.gr8lifemagazine.com 13

The Well Barn is a beautiful little

shopping area in the heart of

Little Crosby, featuring local,

established businesses. Set in a

beautiful barn over 300 hundreds

years old there are several little

shops waiting to be discovered....

Discover theWell Barn

Little Crosby

The Wellbarn is situated on Little Crosby Road, Little Crosby Village, Liverpool L23 4TS.

Harkirk Gallery0151 932 1707www.harkirkgallery.com

Corinthian Furniture 0151 924 4499www.corinthianfurniture.co.uk

EDGE ConservationRestoration Services0151 924 0447www.edgeconservation-restoration.com

Harkirk Gallery which opened in September of this year is a family enterprise run by four sisters, Jo, Mary, Janet and Anne, who have always had an interest in art. One is currently living in Scotland and successfully exhibiting in local galleries as well as Harkirk Gallery. The success she has had with exhibiting these works instigated the setting up of a rural gallery close to home. The gallery features a variety of leading and emerging UK artists including original paintings by amongst others Marion Drummond, James and Jacqueline Orr, Jonathan Shearer, ceramics by Ostinelli and Priest, Jane Layton and Diana Tonnison and handmade glassware by Stuart Akroyd.

The Gallery also offers exclusive and limited edition prints. Jo says, “We have created an exciting exhibition with something for all tastes and welcome anyone to come and browse the works in a relaxing and friendly environment. Janet adds, “The Well Barn is a quaint collection of historic farm buildings in a delightful country setting and the other businesses provide a perfect complement for our gallery therefore making it an ideal choice for our premises.”

Corinthian Furniture specialise in the highest quality bespoke cabinet making and are the only BAFRA (British antique furniture restorers association) members in Merseyside. The company, owned by Neil O’Brien and Andrew McLoughlin, make handmade furniture, kitchens, bedrooms and studies, and restore furniture from our workshop. Andrew says, “The skills we use are marquetry, gilding, carving wood-turning and traditional polishing as well as modern finishing. From school we both went into traditional furniture apprenticeships and combined we have over forty years experience.”

EDGE Conservation-Restoration Services is a Liverpool-based business dedicated to the conservation-restoration of ceramics, glass and related materials.

Owner Lynne Edge, who established the building at the Well Barn in 2008 says, “We have over 19 years experience restoring pottery, porcelain, glass and stone objects from antiquity to the present day. No job is too large, too complex or too small; whether it is a single treasured family heirloom, a seventeenth century Chinese porcelain dish or large public ceramic and glass collections. We also offer specialist mount making, object display and exhibition installation services.”

In 2002 Lynne gained her Accredited Conservator-Restorer status and is the only professional ceramics and glass conservator-restorer with this qualification in the northwest of England. Her clients include local, regional and national museums, universities, major auction houses, The National Trust, English Heritage, private collectors, borough councils; churches, insurance companies and of course, the general public!” She adds, “I have lived in Crosby for over eight years and had visited the Well Barn on numerous occasions before establishing my business here. Since finishing my training it was always a dream of mine to establish my own business and the location here at the Well Barn was perfect.”


The Upholsterer 0151 924 7193

AccessoriesOnline.co.uk0151 932 9806www.accessoriesonline.co.uk

Well Being at the Well Barn0151 924 4642www.wellbeingatthewellbarn.co.uk

The Upholsterer specialises in the re-upholstery of traditional and modern furniture and the restoration of antique upholstered furniture including three piece suites, chairs and dining room chairs. After leaving school at 15 years old Owner Wayne Hawksworth began a four year apprenticeship with Guy Rogers, a well known Merseyside furniture manufacturer and qualified as an upholsterer receiving a higher qualification namely a F.T.C. Wayne says, “ I love the area as I can enjoy a calm relaxing atmosphere with a traditional setting within the historical village of Little Crosby.”

AccessoriesOnline.co.uk has a fantastic selection of jewellery from leading designers, including Cath Kidston, Karen Millen, Lola Rose, Alex Monroe and Disney Couture. Taking inspiration from the catwalks they offer their customers a wide choice of on-trend looks to suit all budgets, styles and occasions. Customers can browse and shop online at www.accessoriesonline.co.uk or visit the shop in The Well Barn.

AccessoriesOnline.co.uk was founded in early 2004 by Victoria Hesketh with a capital investment of just £50 and a passion for designer accessories in evidence on the catwalks but not on the high street. Starting initially as a sideline while lecturing make-up artistry at a Merseyside college, Victoria quickly found demand for exquisite jewellery pieces from leading designers. Using her knowledge of catwalk trends, key colour ways and collection inspirations, she was able to create an online collection that cherry picked the season’s best pieces for her online clients.

Victoria initially ran the business from home, but in 2008 she made the decision to open a shop and went on the search for new premises. She says, “When I saw The Well Barn I knew it was perfect. The stunning rural setting and shop space within an 18th century converted barn with solid oak floors, authentic stone walls and a beamed ceiling with a dramatic candle chandelier was the ideal location!”

Elaine Orrett who owns Well Being at The Well Barn blends a holistic therapy centre with a gift shop and has been at the Barn for four years. She says, “I have been practising holistic therapies for 16 years in the Crosby area. I offered Reiki and Indian head massage from Crosby Physiotherapy in College Road and have visited Japan twice to further my knowledge of Reiki. I absolutely love The Well Barn! The lovely old stone barn exudes such a friendly and peaceful energy, which exactly suits the eclectic mix of things that I do here and many people comment on how they feel calm and relaxed just by standing in the shop! Elaine offers a large range of holistic therapies, including Reiki, gastric band hypnotherapy and past life regression and also offers facials using exclusive Caribbean Essentials products. The shop stocks a wide range of gifts including jewellery, essential oils, incense, crystals, Buddhas, angels and much more. Elaine adds, “I also run training courses in Reiki, EFT, animal healing, crystal healing and healing with sound. There are also regular weekly classes in African drumming and psychic development. If you are looking for something a little bit different in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, then you should definitely pay us a visit!”


The UpholstererFirst Class Work by Qualifi ed CraftsmanFirst Clas

Proprietor: Wayne Hawksworth F.T.C.

Re Upholstery and RecoveryCushions

Antique Restoration40 years experience

The Well Barn CentreLittle Crosby Village • Liverpool L23 4TS

Telephone: 0151 92471931103

472

• Holistic Therapies • Reiki Courses• Buddhas • Incense • Crystals • Aromatherapy Oils• Singing Bowls • Yoga • African Drumming• Jewellery • Psychic Development Classes• Past Life Regression• Caribbean Essentials Luxury Facials• Moonstone Mind, Body & Spirit Festivals

THE WELL BARN · LITTLE CROSBY ROADLIVERPOOL · L23 4TS 0151 924 4642

THERAPY OF THE MONTHGASTRIC

BANDHYPNOSIS

1103

475

Well Being atThe Well BarnHolistic Therapy Centre & Gift Shop

1103

673

For reservations call 01704 560077 • www.gigglesgym.co.uk51 Weld Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 2DS

Have fun at our new PARTIESCome and party at Giggles!• MAKE A PIZZA• MAKE A BEAR• PAMPER PARTIES• TEDDY BEARS PICNIC• One FREE visit per month for a year for the Birthday Child*

Party Range from

£6.50 per child

*T&Cs apply

Indoor Soft Play Centre from

£2.95 per child

!! 22 Sefton Street,Litherland

07711819882

Ruby Tuesday’sA unique collection of

timeless affordable fashion...

Vintage ClothingNOWOPEN

•Fur Coats & Fur Hats•Evening Wear•Bags & Accessories

Opening TimesTuesday - Saturday

10-4.30

1104

526

Come and visit our beautiful location showcasing both paintings and applied art by established and up and coming contemporary artists from around the UK.

The Well BarnLittle Crosby Road, Little CrosbyLiverpool L23 4TSTel: 0151 932 1707www.harkirkgallery.com

HARKIRK GALLERY

1103925

Children’s play centres are not

normally places that parents

can relax and unwind but

somewhere to tire the children

out so bedtime is a little easier!

However, Giggles Gym in

Birkdale hopes to change this

and Gr8life talks to owners

Gordon and Michele May about

the parent friendly concept.

“When we had children ourselves we

started visiting play centres as customers

and thought that they were a great place to

meet friends and the children loved them,”

explains Michele. “However, not enough

thought seemed to go into looking after the

adults and thinking about the experience

from their point of view. Hence the idea of

Giggles Gym.”

Having grown up in Formby, Michele, who

previously worked in the car industry, wanted

to move back to the area and they now live in

Birkdale with their two daughters Lorna and

Erin. Michele says, “We love the area and are

so pleased we moved, however Gordon was

FAMILY FUN!


travelling a lot with work and wanted to do

something that meant he would be around

more to see the family. Our own children’s

play centre seemed like the perfect idea.”

The couple first attempted to get

planning for a site in Formby, but when

that wasn’t possible decided to buy

an already established playcentre and

change it to Giggles Gym. “We wanted

somewhere inviting where everyone could

‘enjoy playtime’ their way, whether that

was dancing in the disco area with their

children, catching up with friends or

having a relaxing coffee and cake on the

couch with a good magazine.” She adds,

“To look after the adults we make sure we

have plenty of seating, a clean and fresh

environment and good line of sight to help

you see the children easily. We also have

newspapers, plenty of magazines and many

catalogues so you can plan your Christmas

shopping and free Internet access so you

can order it too!”

In 2009 the couple closed the centre for

two weeks for refurbishment. This included

a new toddler area, more adult seating, a

new lounge area, a new sports area, new

party rooms and a new kitchen. Gordon

and Michele also consider their café one

of the most important elements at Giggles

Gym and as Michele explains, “We are very

proud of our kitchen staff, who work to the

highest standards and we were delighted

recently when an unannounced inspection

by Sefton Food Hygience Inspectorate

awarded us a 5 stars rating again. The

highest possible rating!” She adds, “We

have introduced a new menu which offers

good quality, well priced food, made with

locally sourced ingredients where possible

as that is very important to us. We support

local businesses whenever possible and so

our meats and cheeses come from a local

Birkdale supplier and our cooks simply call

Stanley’s Fruit and Veg round the corner and

they pop in with what we need! Also, The

18 Gr8 Life magazine

Dutch Bakers in Birkdale supply our bread

and some of the cakes. We make sure there

is a good balance of healthy options and

treats from fresh salads, homemade soups,

fruit pots and hidden vegetables in the

children’s menu to bacon and brie paninis

and freshly baked pizzas.

As well as all this Michele and Gordon

refuse to scrimp and so, inspired by popular

coffee shops, they use only ‘premier cru’

coffee beans in their range of freshly ground

coffees. Michele says, “We get many Dads

coming in at the weekend for the bacon

butties, good coffee, the papers and car

magazines!”

Giggles Gym also offers themed parties,

perfect to celebrate a little ones birthday

including pizza parties and make a bear

parties. “Children can put on chefs hats

and aprons to make their own pizza, which,

while they play, is cooked in our pizza oven

and brought back in their personalised box,”

Michele says. “The make a bear parties are

also great and children leave with a great

quality soft toy and a t-shirt for their bear

that they have decorated.”

In the past Giggles Gym have supported

Claire’s House Hospice by holding a fund

raising Butterfly Tea party and are looking

to introduce other activities and additions to

the play structure. Michele adds, “We hope

that what makes us different is the focus

on the adults experience as much as the

children’s so that everyone, not just the kids,

can enjoy playtime.”

For more information, prices and

availability please call Giggles Gym on

01704 560 077


If you are thinking that surgery is the right choice for you and would like to talk to someone aboutyour options, Renacres Hospital offer FREE ten minute consultations at the Cosmetic Open Evenings.

Renacres Hospital provides access to a wide range of surgical and non surgicaltreatments all performed by leading plastic surgeons.

Please visit www.renacreshospital.co.uk for Open Evening dates in the New Year.

Places are limited, to book an appointment, please call:

01704 842 010

Renacres Hospital, Renacres Lane, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 8SE.

Thinking aboutCosmetic Surgery?

...then come along to one of our Open Evenings!

1104123

Your favourite lifestyle magazine is published every quarter and perfectly refl ects your changing moods through the seasons.

Now you can treat someone special with a gift of an entire year of Gr8 Life … delivered by post, through their door, before the magazine is on the streets. You’ll be guaranteed the fi rst ‘read’ of this much acclaimed magazine and be assured that you’ll enjoy a whole year for just £9.99 UK post paid. Such a thoughtful gift … why not treat yourself?

Priority Order Form

Please send the NEXT FOUR ISSUES of Gr8 Life Magazine to:

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POST TO: GR8 LIFE MAGAZINE, CHAMPION MEDIA GROUP, 166 LORD STREET, SOUTHPORT, PR9 0QA.

Be fi rst to receive the next edition

Katie MeluaEXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

“Why I love Liverpool”

Have a Partyin SouthportStrictly Come AinsdaleAlan Stubbs’ millionpound Formby home

BirkdaleA 21st Century Village


Marco Pierre WhiteEXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

“Why I am in Aughton”

On the ballin Southport

Doctor Fishin Crosby

Gr8 Life big shootVirginia Lee

DISCOVERChurchtown

ISSUE 16 · £3 · SPRING 2011

Famous faces from the past

Stunning property

Antique buying

A day to rememberSOCIETY • HOMES • FASHION • CARS • SPORT • EVENTS • ANTIQUES

ISSUE 13 £2 SUMMER 2010

! SOUTHPORT

! FORMBY

! BURSCOUGH

! WEDDING SPECIAL

Famous faces fromthe pastStunning property

Antique buying

Flower-tastic eventSOCIETY • HOMES • FASHION • CARS • SPORT • EVENTS • ANTIQUES

ISSUE 14 £2.50 AUTUMN 2010

SOUTHPORT

FORMBY

BURSCOUGH

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW REPORT

1099132

The party season is here and there

is nothing better than to throw on

a glitzy party dress, a warm winter

coat and walk out of the house

feeling a million dollars!

In our Winter fashion shoot we

are featuring Coco Boutique

which, with its large selection

of beautiful dresses and quality

fashion, can help you on the

road to Christmas glamour.

When Southport boutique Garbo closed a

few years ago many customers from around

the area wondered what on earth they were

going to do.

Festive Festive Festive FashionFashionFashion

Coco BoutiqueCoco BoutiqueCoco Boutique

The party season is here and there

is nothing better than to throw on

a glitzy party dress, a warm winter

coat and walk out of the house

feeling a million dollars!

In our Winter fashion shoot we

are featuring Coco Boutique

which, with its large selection

of beautiful dresses and quality

fashion, can help you on the

road to Christmas glamour.

Festive Festive Festive FashionFashionFashion

Coat by Dom & Ruby

Blouse by D&G

Leggings by

Dom & Ruby

Boots by Gina


Coat byMatthew Williamson

Boots by Gina

Leggings by

Dom and Ruby

Dress by Byblos

Bag by Michael KorsShoes by Gina

Dress byHalston HeritageShoes by Gina

MODELS Sarah Marsden and Megan GilbertPHOTOGRAPHER

John Swift


The shop had many loyal customers and

exclusive brands which were hard to obtain

unless clients were prepared to travel.

However, Garbo manager and buyer Nicola

Johnson saw an opportunity and in 2008 opened

her own boutique in the beautiful Grade II listed

Wayfarers Arcade in Southport.

Along with her daughter Megan

she provides luxury fashion and

top designer names which have

fi lled in the void that Garbo left.

Nicola, who has over 30 years

experience working in the fashion

industry, adds, “All the customers

were desperate for somewhere to

shop when Garbo closed.

I knew many of them

very well and knew

I would have a

loyal customer

base if I opened

somewhere,”

Nicola regularly

jets off to fashion

capitals Milan, Paris

and New York to check

out the latest trends, buy

stock and discover new

designers. She says, “We

are constantly looking at

new designers to include in

the shop and love featuring

British talent.”

Nicola is always reinvesting

in new brands and so the stock

in the boutique changes on a

regular basis to encourage new

trends and designers. As well as

pieces which are bang on trend

there are also many classical cuts

and designs perfect for a more

elegant look.

One new range Nicola is especially

excited about Poupette St Barts, which

specialises in beachwear.

she provides luxury fashion and

top designer names which have

fi lled in the void that Garbo left.

Nicola, who has over 30 years

experience working in the fashion

industry, adds, “All the customers

were desperate for somewhere to

shop when Garbo closed.

I knew many of them

very well and knew

base if I opened

somewhere,”

jets off to fashion

capitals Milan, Paris

and New York to check

out the latest trends, buy

stock and discover new

designers. She says, “We

are constantly looking at

new designers to include in

the shop and love featuring

British talent.”

Nicola is always reinvesting

in new brands and so the stock

in the boutique changes on a

regular basis to encourage new

trends and designers. As well as

pieces which are bang on trend

there are also many classical cuts

and designs perfect for a more

elegant look.

One new range Nicola is especially

excited about Poupette St Barts, which

specialises in beachwear.

Coat byJuicy CoutureJeans by HudsonBag byMichael KorsShoes by Gina

Coat byJuicy CoutureJeans by HudsonBag byMichael KorsShoes by Gina

Coat by DVFBag by BubaLeather leggingsby AmenShoes by Gina


Dress by

D&GBag by Buba

Shoes by Gina

Coming up to Christmas … Coco Boutique will have a large

selection of gifts including Creed fragrances for men and women,

Juicy nightwear and Juicy makeup bags. There is also a gift

wrapping service if your wrapping talents leave a lot to be desired!

Dress byMegan FabulousScarf byMatthew WilliamsonShoes by GinaLeggings by Amen

Dress by

Dress byHalston HeritageBag by BubaShoes by Gina

Juicy Nightwear


Coat by BlauerLeggings by HudsonShoes by Gina

“Many customers

come to me in the

Winter time looking for

Summerwear to take

on cruises with them,”

Karen adds. “A lot go

away at Christmas and

so this range is perfect for

them. There is a selection

of Kaftans and gorgeous

outfi ts to put on over your

swimwear and so perfect for a

hot holiday away!”

The boutique has also

launched a website which showcases

all the clothing available in the boutique. Nicola

adds, “We have clients from all over the place

including London and the website is a great

way for them to order clothes without having

to travel and see us. Sometimes we feature

really exclusive labels which have sold out or are

diffi cult to fi nd and with a touch of a button

they can check Coco Boutique and see if we

have it in.”

For more information please ring Coco

Boutique on 01704 513393 or visit their website

at www.cocoboutique.co.uk.

Dress by Tibbi

Shoes by Gina

Dress byHalston HeritageBag by BubaShoes by Gina


Contemporary, relaxed dining in luxurious surroundingsMon-Sat 5pm-10.30pmSunday 12pm-9pm

FOR RESERVATIONSTELEPHONE 01772 611766

Also, why not try some of our other restaurants?

48 Botanic RoadChurchtown

01704 212400

21 Stanley StreetSouthport PR9 0BS01704 501414

1–5 Lord StreetSouthport PR8 1RP01704 546111

46 Botanic RoadChurchtown

01704 507977

1103

917

Free bottle of house wine when 2 adults order a main meal each from our Main Menu

A COMPLIMENTARY BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE WHEN 2 ADULTS DINE

Terms and conditions:1. Voucher only valid at Miller & Carter Parbold until 10th February 2012, not valid between 16th December 2011 and 2nd January 2012. 2. A free bottle of house wine when 2 adults order a main meal each from our Main Menu. 3. One voucher per two adults, per visit. 4. An adult main course excludes Starters, Desserts, Daytime Menu and Children’s Menu. 5. This voucher cannot be exchanged wholly or partly for cash. 6. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, voucher, discount or privilege. 7. Vouchers altered, amended, defaced or copied are invalid. 8.!"#$!%$&'(')*!)+!,#$!-.*./$0!'(!1*.23

Miller & Carter Parbold Parbold Hill, Parbold, Wigan, WN8 7TG. Tel: 01257 462318Food served: Sun – Thurs: Noon – 10.30pm, Fri & Sat: Noon – 11pm

ENJOY A BOTTLE OF WINE ON US

At Miller & Carter we like to think we know a bit about steak – it’s what we’re famous for.

Join us at Miller & Carter Parbold before 10th February and enjoy a free bottle of wine when 2 adults dine from our main menu.

EXPERTS IN STEAK

www.millerandcarter.co.uk

1103

476

Sunday Lunch2 Courses £10.95

Early BirdTues-Sat 5.30-9.30pm2 Courses £10.953 Courses £14.95

Full A La Carte menu available

Live Entertainmentevery Friday & Saturday

The Dining Rooms offers you the very best, fresh ingredients, in exciting combinations with sauces and fl avours and superb presentation, to make a unique dining experience.There’s a full selection of drinks available from the bar and an extensive wine list. You can also choose from our exciting speciality desserts, coffees and liqueurs.Dining Rooms Restaurant is open to the public each day from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch from 11.30 to 2.30 and for dinner from 5.30 to 9.30. On Sundays we are open from 12.00 until 5.00pm.Special live entertainment evenings occur throughout the year and the restaurant is also available for private functions by arrangement.

1104332

Volare is the latest Italian restaurant open in

Southport. The idea is to offer the authentic italian cuisine and atmosphere in

their simplicity.We have an extensive menu

and wine list to accommodate all sorts of clientele, or

design a menu to suit your party booking.

• A la Carte Menu• Lunch Menu

• Early Bird Menu• Fish Menu

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK (CLOSED TUESDAY)613 Lord Street, Southport PR9 0AN

Tel 01704 546232 Mobile 07796 866936www.italianrestaurantsouthport.co.uk

1104336

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Southport’s Award Winning Italian Restaurant

aa

From the outside Langs of Longton looks

like any ordinary building, pleasant, but

nothing special. However, when you walk

inside you realise that this is far from ordinary.

The boutique style décor, sumptuous furniture

and beautiful artwork cry out luxury and you

almost feel ashamed to have thought it may

be anything other than wonderfully opulent.

This doesn’t mean, however, that a down

to earth atmosphere and reasonable prices

have been sacrifi ced, nor that the menu is

anything other than imaginative with a great

selection of tradition and innovative dishes.

I visited with my colleague Sharon on a

Friday evening, a perfect opportunity to

see off a busy week and relax while the rain

poured down outside.

I ordered the scallops to start and breast

of duck to follow and Sharon opted for

the black pudding and Stilton Fritters and

then the shoulder of lamb. Both starters

were beautifully presented when they

arrived at our table and we couldn’t wait to

get stuck in.

Langs of Longton is the latest addition to local restaurateur Paul Lang’s growing

portfolio and has only been open three months. Gr8life’s Louisa Austin went along to

sample the menu and quiz Paul on the secrets of his success.


Owner, Paul Lang only opened the restaurant

three months ago and is already enjoying a

roaring trade, testament to the quality of the

food and atmosphere.

Paul is certainly no stranger to the

restaurant business owning several successful

establishments in Southport already including

Botanic Bistro and Langs Pasta and Grill.

‘My Mum always cooked all day, every day. I

loved helping her in the kitchen,” Paul explains.

“She died when I was 15 years old and I lived in

bedsits for 4 years after that while washing up

in kitchens. My first placement was at Dijona’s

on Stanley Street where they took me on

full time and I was so determined to do well for

my Mum.’

After working at Reuters for 3 years, where

I met my wife Claire, we both decided to go on

alone and opened the Botanic Bistro. When we

first took it over it was a 36 seater restaurant.

Having worked hard for five years and the

restaurant being so popular, Claire and I put all

the money back into the business and decided

to do a massive refurbishment and extended

the restaurant upstairs to make it a 78 seater.”

This proved to be a good move and Paul

extended his portfolio from there. “When

opening our first restaurant Claire and I decided


that all we needed to look after was the food,

service and atmosphere. Working hard on

a daily basis and doing long hours is what

we tried to achieve everyday. Even 15 years

on I hope I haven’t taken my foot off the

pedal. I am still striving everyday to make our

customers happy and give them what they

want when entering any of our restaurants.”

Well, our meals were definitely something

else, I had a generous portion of scallops -

Sharon’s lamb, while a large portion was

not too much. The menu was well thought

out and each element, from the meat to the

vegetables, to the cherry & amaretto glaze

drizzled on the duck, complimented each

other perfectly.

Paul added, “The thought behind the

menu comes after fifteen years of the Botanic

Bistro being open. Hopefully it has been tried

and tested and the menus seem to work

over the years which is why I mirrored the

Langs of Longton with the food served at the

Botanic Bistro. By sourcing local produce my

suppliers, some of whom I have been dealing

with for over 24 years, now know what I like

and provide such good service as well as

great quality ingredients.”

So what made Paul open up a restaurant

outside of Southport? “This restaurant came

available at the right time and right place. I

have plans to open one more wine bar/tapas

bar and one more restaurant outside the

Southport area.”

As Sharon and I were debating over

whether to stick the diets and have a dessert

Paul sidled over and said, “You have to have

the ‘Assiette of the day, it’s lovely.”

Well it would have been rude not to and

so we did indeed forget the diets and tucked

into a mini selection of the most popular Langs

deserts. Mouth watering chocolate brownie,

lemon shortcake, sticky toffee pudding and

white chocolate ice cream were a few of the

tastes in this fabulous selection. We left Langs

of Longton feeling like we had eaten enough

for a week but very impressed with not only

the standard of food but the atmosphere,

décor and pricing. Paul Lang has achieved

the perfect balance on all accounts and adds,

“In the future I want to keep the high

standards customers expect from any Lang’s

restaurant and will continue to work hard to

achieve this.”

For more information please call

01772 611766 or visit the website

www.botanicbistro-langs.co.uk.


The GeorgeDuke Street, Southport

Tel · 01704 513314Open · 7 days – Kitchens open 12pm-8pmWe accept all major credit cards · Children welcome

Well established in the Southport area, we serve a wide range of wholesome and traditional food. Whether just a snack or a full sit down meal, all our food is cooked to your liking. We welcome children, but ask that they be accompanied by an adult at all times.

1103877

Formby Hall Golf Resort & SpaSouthport Old Road, Formby L37 0AB

Reservations · 01704 875 699or call us for more informationWe are just 5 minutes from Southport

The Restaurant at Formby Hall offers the ‘Total Dining Experience’. Our reputation as one of the best fine dining restaurants in the region is led by the quality of our food. Our dinner and lunch menus are seasonal, beautifully balanced and of exceptional quality. Fine Dining at Formby Hall is a truly wonderful experience.

1104537

Village Inn Pub & RestaurantMark Square, Tarleton, PR4 6TU

Tel · 01772 815959We accept all major credit cardsSee our website · www.villageinntarleton.co.uk

After a pub refurbishment, your ‘new local’ serves a wide range of traditional pub food and offers a warm welcome to everyone … lunches are served 12pm-2pm and evening dinner 5.30pm-8.30pm. On Sunday our restaurant is open all day. All our food is sourced locally and cooked fresh. Coffee and tea served from 10am daily.

1104540

Bramleys Coffee House6 Church Walks, Ormskirk, L39 3QS

Tel · 01695 578801Open · Mon-Sat 9am-5pm · Closed SundayWe accept all major credit cards · Children welcome

Located in the heart of Church Walks, Bramleys offers beautiful surroundings with an extensive choice of delicious cakes and meals. Our welcoming staff are committed to making your visit the most pleasurable. Whether out Christmas shopping or enjoying the sales pop-in for a welcome break.

1104347

Botanic Bistro48 Botanic Road, Churchtown, Southport

Tel · 01704 212400We are open Monday to Saturdayfrom 5.30pm until late

The Botanic Bistro was established in July 1998 and has since built a reputation of fine cuisine and excellent service. In 2004 an extensive refurbishment was successfully completed providing an upper tier in the restaurant to accommodate an ever increasing demand. Today the restaurant maintains its quality and service ethics.

1104540

Lakeside Bar & GrillCrosby Coastal Park, Waterloo, L22 1RR

To book, call · 0151 966 6868We are at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centreoff Cambridge Road

We offer a contemporary British and Pan-European menu served within a relaxed, informal setting. All our food is of the highest quality, locally sourced and delivered fresh daily, prepared to order, ensuring a quality dining experience every time. Children are never overlooked and can enjoy their very own special menu.

1104541


If you were buzzing down the Formby bypass the other day I’ll

apologise if I shot past you a bit quicker than you were expecting.

The cars and trucks might have shooting towards Liverpool at

a fair old pace but for once, I really was fl ying past them. Literally.

They might have hitting 70mph - and not a mile an hour more,

offi cer - but hundreds of feet above, we were hitting speeds

well above that, and in what seemed like the blink of an eye the

glimmer of the farmers’ fi elds became the hustle and bustle of the

docks on the shores of the Mersey estuary. The advantage we had

was that we could see them both, at the same time, as part of one

glorious panorama of an entire region.

This is the joy of microlighting.

If you’ve ever darted past Ince Blundell on a clear day and

wondered what those funny things in the sky are then Richard

Thornborough has the answer; they are the magnifi cent men and

their fl ying machines on their way in and out of West Lancashire

Microlight School, which offers anyone looking for a Christmas

present with a difference to chance to see the north west from an

entirely different perspective.

“The location is pretty good with us being based near the

coast - once you’re up, within a few minutes you’ve got a really

spectacular view, where you can see North Wales, the Lake

District, and inland towards Winter Hill.

When David Simister was invited to

try microlighting for the day our thrill

seeking reporter was not going to

turn it down. Here he reports on his

adventure in the sky courtesy of the

West Lancashire Microlight School.


We can even get permission to fl y in controlled

airspace, so you, could, for instance, see the

waterfront at Liverpool from the air,” he said.

“Aviation captures a lot of people’s

imagination, but the cost of getting a pilot’s

licence can be a bit expensive, so microlighting

offers a very affordable alternative in what are

very capable aircraft.”

West Lancashire Microlight School offers a

whole host of different aircraft you can take to the

skies in but for the ultimate thrill I’d recommend

a ride in the Rotax-engined Flexwing, which

offers you the wind-in-the-face, bugs-in-the-

teeth thrills any aspiring Biggles needs to try

out - and more importantly - a cockpit that’s cut

away at the sides to let you look down and see

the spectacular scenery once you’re up in the air.

But as we soared through the skies somewhere

above Seaforth I was delighted and worried in

equal measure when I was offered an opportunity

I wasn’t expecting; the chance to actually fl y the

aircraft itself. Eat your heart out, Easyjet!

With the expanses of the Mersey to the right

and the now ant-sized residents of Crosby to

my left I wrapped my gloved fi ngers gingerly

around the controls, just slightly terrifi ed that I

was about to plunge us both to a watery death,

but I needn’t have worried. What I’ve anticipated

to be the most frightening moment of micro

lighting - actually fl ying one for yourself - is in

fact the biggest surprise of the afternoon.


If you’ve mastered the delicate of driving a car,

then you’ll get the hang of one of these, because

it’s a masterclass of intuition and easiness.

Microlighting is like being taken for a ride

on the back of a motorbike, only one where

you can quite literally enjoy it on a completely

different level. Far from being frightening, it

is as thrilling as you want it to be, because

the controls are pushbike easy to master and

there’s far less to go wrong than on, say, an

aeroplane. Even if the ridiculously revvy engine

did cut out it’s hardly a life-or-death situation;

you’d just glide your way down to another

uneventful landing.

Terrifying, heart-pounding, unpleasant and

exposed - nope, going up in a microlight is none

of these things, but you’re almost certain to

take off your safety helmet to reveal the huge

grin you only ever get from adrenaline-fuelled

experiences. It is really, really good fun.

At £60 for a 20 minute taster session it might

not be the most conventional Christmas present

you’ll ever give, but it’ll get the thrillseeker in your

family absolutely hooked. You won’t regret it.

For more information about taking a fl ight

at West Lancashire Microlight School visit the

school website at www.wlms.co.uk or call 0151

929 3319 to fi nd out more.

Pictures by Peter Charles


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Two heads arebetter than one

It's often said that two headsare better than one and what's even better is the fact that the two new Heads at Scarisbrick Hall have previous links withthe school.

Mt Tony McCoy is the new Head of First and Middle School, caring for children from Reception to Year 8 and Mr Je! Shaw is the new Head of College, caringfor students on Years 9 to 13.

Two headmasters are part of the school's modern approach to progressive learning - instead of a

conventional junior-senior school, Scarisbrick Hall School has created three schools, which will not only allow an extra year's GCSE course work but ties in with a philosophy designed to give the best opportunities to each pupil.

Integral to this approach, personal mentoring ensures each child has tailored targets and a choice of extra-curricular activities gives students a wide experience, allowing them to develop to the best of their individual abilities.

01704 880200 • www.scarisbrickhallschool.co.uk

advertising feature

Tony McCoy

Je! Shaw

MasamuniWith over 8 years experience in hairdressing owner Hayley Webster

is a colour and cutting expert and is very proud to own her own salon.

She says, “I have always saved and have never borrowed money so it was

great when I could fi nally open my own salon. I love it at the Wharf as

it is such a beautiful and tranquil environment.” All Hayley’s stylists are

Schwartzkopf colour academy trained and are educated at Schwartzkopf

training centres at least every three months to ensure that Masamuni

leads the way with the latest in colour technology.

Hayley adds, “Our new colour ranges Essensity and Senea offer a

breakthrough for clients with any allergies and scalp sensitivity to fi nally

be able to have the hair colour they want - with no ammonia and harsh

chemicals Schwartzkopf saves the day! We also have two state of the

art massage basins for ultimate comfort and relaxation and offer a

wide range of back wash treatments, collagen conditioning treatments,

extreme damage treatments.”

Masamuni also offers a barbers service and a wedding hair service so

all areas are covered!

For more information please visit www.burscough-wharf.co.uk or

ring 01704 894804.

Burscough Wharf opened its doors in February 2011 and is a beautiful retail development centered around food and drink, arts and crafts and fashion. The shopping area is on the site of old canal side buildings which have been restored and regenerated in the last few years. Here Gr8life takes a look at two of the businesses which have chosen the picturesque Wharf as their home.

Burscough Wharf


The Blue MallardThis modern restaurant is owned by talented, local chefs Chris Crowell

and Matthew Holleran who thought the Wharf was the perfect place for

a restaurant. Chris says, “ We loved the area and when the opportunity

came up we just had to take it.”

After fi nishing university in Leeds, Chris went all over the world to

practice his culinary talents including America, France, Austria and Jersey,

before coming back to his home town of Burscough. “I always wanted

to come back but it was great to get experience from all over the place

before settling.” Matthew trained locally and when Chris arrived back

in Burscough they joined forces to create The Blue Mallard. Chris adds,

“We love the atmosphere of the wharf and the fact that there are other

businesses to bounce off. We compliment each other really well and

together offer a fabulous shopping experience.

With a menu boasting a whole host of regional foods and traditional

dishes, which are changed regularly, The Blue Mallard sets itself apart

from any other restaurant in the area.

For more information please visit www.thebluemallard.co.uk or ring

01704 893954.


Luxury hair salon for men and womenWe offer a 5! service with exceptional staff highly trained in hair care

Telephone 01704 894804Unit 12, The Wharf, Liverpool Road North,

Burscough L40 5RZemail [email protected]

CREATIVE KITCHEN DESIGNKITCHEN DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

The Old Post Offi ce Building, Liverpool Road North, Burscough L40 4BY

Telephone: 01704 893757 Fax: 01704 891660www.creative-kitchen-design.co.uk

Where your Dreams Become Reality…

Dear Tony,We would just like to thankyou and your staff for theexcellent work you did in designing and installing our kitchen. Nothing was too much trouble, and the attentionto detail has been absolutely fi rst class.We particularly liked yourphilosophy regarding ‘noproblems, only solutions’, which gave us so muchconfi dence right from the start. We have had many compliments about the kitchen and will not hesitate to recommend you in the future. L and G

Designed &Installed byus 2011

The area’s premier kitchen companyA family run business offering you

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEEDWe recommend you have three quotes... be sure to make us one of them...

You won’t be disappointed!

1104

528

Bookings 01704 893954www.thebluemallard.co.uk

Passionate about great food? SO ARE WE...Our restaurant is located in the heart of Burscough Wharf with a menu boasting regional foods and traditional dishes refi ned to the highest of standards and given a contemporary fi nish

1103

878

Tel: 0151 929 3319 or 07970234933Or book online at: www.wlms.co.uk

BMMA & CAAapproved schoolLatest generationof microlightCoastal locationsecond to noneFriendlycompetentinstructorsGrin from earto earguaranteedInce Blundell,Nr FormbyMerseyside

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1104

129

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1104527

Treat your senses

Treat yoursenses

Kate Harrison has achieved

a huge amount since studying

beauty at Southport College.

Here she talks to Gr8life about

her Southport salon Senses

Beauty Spa, her inspirations

and future goals.

When she left school Kate embarked

on a beauty course and, in her words,

was taught by ‘the best’ - Mario del

Guardio Mak. She learnt all aspects of

beauty and attained the highly prestigious

Dermalogica Student Of The year award.

She adds, “I became very much aware of

the importance of customer service, and

to never stop learning new trends in the

industry. I now strive to be the best in my

profession.”

Kate opened her first salon at the

tender age of twenty one and has been

gaining skills and experience ever since,

notably semi-permanent makeup with

Karen Betts founder of Nouveau Contour.

One of the leaders in the permanent

cosmetic industry Karen has featured on

many documentaries and makeover shows.

Kate says, “Semi permanent makeup is

invaluable for those who have suffered

from cancer or disfigurements. I have

been involved with the Linda McCartney

centre in Liverpool, advising patients on

different treatments available to them.

At Sense Spa I use the latest technology

to create defined eyebrows, eyeliner, lash

enhancements, lips, beauty spots and fill

in skin disfigurements.’

Kate has always been involved in the

beauty industry from when she was young

as her mum, Bev, is qualified in alternative

therapies including reflexology and

massage.

“Mum worked as a tour manager

travelling the world and enjoying learning

about cultures mainly from the Far East

and India. Kate explains “She also travelled


to Sri Lanka, India, Hong Kong, Bali and Egypt

where she picked up knowledge of different

styles of massage and therapeutic oils which

are often used in the salon.” Bev is extremely

supportive of Kate and proud of her daughter

and her achievements. “Mum has always

supported me in achieving my goals. Now I

have two small boys, Oscar and Samson and it

is hard work juggling home and work life but I

enjoy it!”

Along with the semi permanent makeup

the spa offers a wide range of treatments

including Dermal rollering using snake

venom, luxurious manicures and pedicures,

Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion facials and

vagazzling, using only the finest Australian

Lycon wax. A tanning room and brow bar are

also available and are perfect to visit before

that special occasion.

Kate adds, “A full range of relaxing

treatments are also available from full body

Treat yoursenses


massage using exotic Egyptian and Sri-

lankan oils, hot stone therapies, reflexology,

Indian head massage, lymphatic drainage

massage, hopi ear candling and many more

customized treatments.”

Looking to the future Kate hopes to

establish a training academy for beauty with

VTCT - the industries leading training body

and introduce a more hands on approach to

beauty, while at the same time, still complete

those very necessary portfolios!”

To make herself apart from other

salons Kate has made sure that her staff

are fully trained, knowledgeable in their

areas of expertise and are constantly on

the lookout for new therapies to introduce

to their clientele. Kate adds, “The aim is to

offer luxurious surroundings with warm,

friendly and pampering atmosphere so that

clients leave feeling and looking radiant.

Treatments are always of the highest

standard possible, using only the finest of

products. We must always remember who

is paying our bills and to put the clients

needs first every time.”

For more information please visit

www.sensesbeautyspa.co.uk, call

01704 885022 or pop in to the spa on

160 Duke Street, Southport, PR8 5DH.


SENSES SPA

Telephone: 01704 885 022 to make an appointment160 Duke Street, Southport PR8 5DH

Sense Spa is a fi ve star establishment built upon its commitment for providing exclusive treatments in luxury surroundings to make you feel truly relaxed and pampered. All our treatments are carried out by experienced, fully qualifi ed therapists using premium products from around the world to ensure a fi rst class experience.

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Only a couple

of hours away

across the

Welsh border is

another world

waiting to be

discovered.

David Simister

drives down for

the weekend

to do just that

and stays in

the traditional

Welsh Cross

Foxes Inn.

A Weekend in WalesWith the slopes of Cader Idris shrouded

in darkness we knew it was time to tuck

into the roasted pigeon and forget the

wintry chill. Out here, in the wilds of the

Welsh mountains, it’s nice to know there’s

somewhere you can escape the elements

and enjoy a feast, a pint of Snowdonia’s

best real ale and a relaxing night’s sleep.

That somewhere, on a wet, windy evening

just outside Dolgellau, is the lovingly

refurbished Cross Foxes Inn.

Dewi and Nicol Gwynne, the inn’s owners,

and their team have prepared a dinner with

a difference on the night of my arrival; a

Medieval banquet in honour of legendary

Welsh warrior Owain Glyndwr. Packed with

roasted pigeon, braised rabbit, barley risotto

and all the vegetables I could ask for, it’s

both a delightful dish and only a small part

of what you are feasting on, because what I

have really been invited to indulge in is a bit

of Welsh history and culture.

As my photographer and I savour the

delicate tastes we’re treated to a harpists’

gentle notes, poetry read softly in English

and Welsh and even the chance to “punish”

a Medieval miscreant locked up in some

nearby wooden stocks by throwing damp

sponges at him. It’s so much more than just

a meal, it’s an event in itself which a lot of

effort has gone into.

That’s the feeling you get with

everything you encounter at a site which

was a derelict pub less than two years

ago. This little Welsh wonder comes with

everything you’d expect from a charming

hotel in the countryside but - and I reckon

more importantly - quite a few things you

wouldn’t. It’s the things that make you say

“Oooh, that’s a nice touch” that impress

you most.

That’s definitely what Dewi and Nicol

had in mind for the Grade II listed building,

who said, “It’s taken us two years and has


been worth every second to see the former

unloved and derelict pub now brought back to

life. We’ve tried to rebuild the Cross Foxes into

the kind of vibrant, warm, friendly and relaxing

place we ourselves like to visit - a place which

gives the warmest welcome to everyone who

stops by. Our aim was to design it using the best

natural local materials and blend them with a

contemporary design to create a new concept

for south Snowdonia - a Welsh Bar & Grill with

Rooms. We hope to make the Cross Foxes a top

destination of choice in the Dolgellau area.”

It’s very much a place that makes the

most out of being in what the couple call “an

unbeatable location”, and the local flavour’s

immediately obvious. You don’t, for instance,

check into a room with an identikit number

where you’re a number rather than a free man;

instead you get to choose from individually-

designed bedrooms with wonderfully

unpronouncable names like Cyfrwy and Moel.

While they’re all equipped with all the

creature comforts you’d expect from rooms

costing anything up to £135 a night, they also

come with a sort of instilled Welshness that

always reminds you of which part of the world

you’re in. Thanks to the exposed slate walls,

the timber slabs across the ceiling and the


delightfully rural use of colours throughout, it’s

almost as though you’re actually sleeping in a

centrally heated forest.

Last time GR8Life ventured over the Welsh

borders it was to the picturesque town of

Llangollen, a stone’s throw from the north

west, but the Snowdonian valley the Cross

Foxes nestles is in a more remote part of a Wales

with a darker, grittier feel. It’s a landscape of

foreboding peaks and steely skies, punctuated

by twisty roads, narrow-gauge railways and

enormous slate heaps which have entire villages

lying in their shadow. These days it’s primarily a

walkers’ paradise and a gateway to the summits

of the highest Welsh peaks, but as a region rich

with culture and blessed with stunning scenery

it’s well worth a visit in its own right.

Pack your waterproof, jump in the car and

escape to a winter wonderland with a flavour

you won’t find anywhere else in the UK; for

all its changeable weather, Snowdonia is a

mesmerising, magical place. No matter how

cold and wet you get, you know there’s always

going to be somewhere that offers you a warm

and distinctly Welsh welcome.

The Cross Foxes have a number of winter

events lined up, included a Festive Celebration

Tasting on December 1, a Christmas Dining

Experience on December 23 and a New Year

Dinner on December 31.

For more information and to get in touch

with Dewi and Nicol go online to www.

crossfoxes.co.uk or call them on 01341 421 001.

You can also see more of the Cross Foxes by

checking out our video on the GR8Life website

at www.gr8lifemagazine.com



MUF Mutual in

Southport pride themselves

on a personal, one to one

service with friendly and

efficient staff to help you

make the right decision.

They can deal with your

insurance, pensions and

investment needs and

are proud of their local

presence in the area.

Annabel Robson, sales associate

at the Southport office says: “We

live and work in the local area and

so understand the needs of our

customers. We find that our clients

prefer to talk to us face to face and

we can provide that service. They can

rest assured there is always someone

on the end of a telephone who can

talk to them.”

The company started to insure

people and businesses outside of

the farming industry in the 1990’s

and has gone from strength to

strength ever since. The local branch

also supports many charities such

as Queenscourt Hospice, Autism

Initiatives, Southport Lions and the

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

NFU MutualTelephone: 01704 512810 • The Edge, Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0TE


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Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. 1103668

Barn conversions are very

popular nowadays and there

are many stunning examples

around the North West.

However, there is nothing

quite like Jenny and Antony

Tyrer’s beautiful Scarisbrick

house and it’s hard to imagine

that it started off life as an

empty, unused shell, waiting

to be turned into something

magnifi cent.

“We bought it from the carrot processing

farm next door and set about developing it

into a family home,” Jenny says.

And develop they did with the end result

being a fi ve bedroom, two bathroom house,

perfect to bring up a family. The property,

which was originally built in the 1950’s has

solid oak fl oors throughout, a fi tted oak offi ce

and rooms bursting with features.

The kitchen area is open plan and has

a utility room off it so laundry can be done

out of sight! “I love the kitchen,” adds Jenny,

“probably because I spend so much time in it!

It is the heart of the home and it’s nice to have

the snug area as well in the same room.

“I always had a clear idea of what I wanted

including the utility room, where I can keep

the washing machine and dryer out of view

and I always wanted the open plan aspect.”

The kitchen is fi lled with quality fi xtures and

fi ttings and all appliances are made by top

German brand Miele.


There is under fl oor heating throughout

as well and the house is surprisingly warm,

whether the heating is on or not. “It is such a

warm house,” Jenny says. “Even when there is no

heating on or log burner on it retains the heat so

well. I love that about it.”

The project took eighteen months from start

to fi nish, which seems like a remarkably quick

time to complete such a fantastic property. “It

felt like ages!” Jenny says. “We were staying with

my parents at the time with the children and

eighteen months felt like a lifetime. However,

when I look back it was a relatively quick time to

fi nish such a project.”

The house has strikingly simple décor which

leaves the beautiful features, such as the log

burner in the hallway, to take centre stage. “I

wanted the house to have a very simple theme

but one which matched all the way throughout

the house, Jenny says. “Everything is oak, all

supplied by the same local specialist and the

kitchen and bathroom fl oors are matching

Travertine.”

Along with the beautiful log burner, the

solid oak staircase is one of the properties

amazing features and has no need for a

carpet. Couple the modern wood with the old

original beams which come down from the

upstairs ceilings and there is a stunning mix of

originality and quality.


The large window at the front of the house gives

it the ‘wow’ factor, whether you are looking in from

outside, or the inside out and even has electric blinds

as it is too high for anyone to reach up. It is this height

however, which makes it so striking. Jenny adds, “I

love the window and as well as being a great feature

it fl oods the house with light, even on a dull day.”

The couple who are moving to be more

central for work and the children’s schools are

looking forward to handing over the house to

someone who loves it as much as they do. “We

have lived here for about six years now but it is

time to move on. It was great to see it go from a

barn to a beautiful family home but know it will

be perfect for someone else to enjoy.”

For more information on this house please

call Chris Tinsley on 01704 512121 or visit the

website at www.christinsley.co.uk.


11040771104077

FREEPHONE 0800 587 4487Retail Outlet: 192 Lyons Lane, Chorley, PR6 0PP

OPEN Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

visit our website at: www.creativejoinery.net

Made to Measure Sliding Door Wardrobes

• Project Management• In-house Fitters

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Save up to 1/2 pricefor a hot new look this winter

Plus a FREE gas or electric fi re on selected fi replaces for a limited time only

• Over 40 displays from classic to contemporary• Specialist advice from the professionals• Incredible deals on central heating• A warmer home with smaller bills

Granite, Marble and Onyx are some of Mother Nature’s best achievements offering

durability with style and in the last few years, homeowners have realised this and the

demand for it is now higher than ever. Each piece of stone or granite is unique and cannot

be naturally replicated again, producing a piece of history which is millions of years old.

! !

! ! ! ! ! !

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Granite House in Banks have specialised in

natural stone since they fi rst opened in 1998

and have made their mark in the local area

offering fantastic pieces at reasonable prices.

“Our customers are by far the most

important thing to us and we pride ourselves

on our ability to deliver quality and service

without compromise,” says Brian Johnstone,

Customer Service Manager at Granite House.

He adds, “We can explain everything and talk

them through the processes which the stone

has gone through to end up looking like a

kitchen worktop or piece of art.”

Far from simply supplying fi nishing materials

the team at Granite house are often involved in

sourcing art pieces from sculptures to individual

translucent material as wall hangings. Brian

and his colleagues have made several trips out

to India, Brazil and Italy to source materials

and so have been there right from the start of

the process. “We travel regularly and are very

hands on, sourcing the right material for a very

demanding UK market means that you have to

put yourself out there and see what’s available

before the prize pieces are snapped up by our

competitors across the globe .”

Granite House are one of the only worktop

manufacturers in the UK to be members

of the Ethical Trading Initiative, constantly

monitoring their supply chain to wheedle out

unethical practices such as child labour. Brian

adds, “We adhere to strict guidelines as laid

down by the ETI to monitor these issues and

was very pleased to report compliance year

on year since joining in 2009. We consider it

very important that all products we supply are

ethically sourced and produced.”

Behind a stunning showroom is a huge

workshop full of top of the range machinery

all shaping, cutting and buffi ng stone into

beautiful pieces of functional material suitable

for both domestic and commercial application.

“If customers are interested in process


then we take them round to see the workshop

where they can view on-going projects

being fi nished by hand by our highly trained

stonemasons, and show them exactly what

happens to produce what is in the showroom.”

Brian says. “We have invested a huge amount

of money in machinery and personnel so when

we buy stone from all over the world it comes

straight to the warehouse and is worked on

with the highest quality machinery and with

the highest standard of care.” The company

credit their success, especially through the

recent recession, with being able to provide

pieces which many other companies can’t

at extremely reasonable prices. Brian adds,

“Many customers come to us with requests

they have been told aren’t possible somewhere

else. However, with our machinery, contacts

and experience we can more often than not

create what they want.”

As well as stone being a popular material to

use on kitchen and bathroom worktops there

are many other uses for it which, at fi rst, may not

be so obvious. “A great modern way to display

natural stone is to mount it on the wall. It is an

unusual place to make a piece stand out and the

look can be really effective. Commercially it can

make a real difference to bars and clubs which

want something cutting edge and stylish. We

also carry a vast array of stock in internal and

external tiles and supply granite paving that is

ideal for a contemporary garden.”

With the company importing from all over

the world customers have the choice between

a huge variety of shades and colours perfectly

produced by Mother Nature and Granite

House.

For more information please visit

www.granitehouse.co.uk

or ring 01704 228574


Aveling Drive

PetrolStation

roundaboutsignposted

BANKS

GuineaHall

Lane

to Southport

to Preston

GraniteHouse

Southport New Road

1103

670

Our very own

motor writer

David Simister

has got a

penchant for

classic cars, so

much so that he

can have three

at any one time.

Here he tells

Gr8life why they

make him tick.

“They don’t make ‘em like they used to,

do they?”

That, I reckon, is the question I’ve been

asked more times than any other about

the string of classic cars I’ve owned. After

more than three years of motoring mishaps

I’ll agree it’s true; they don’t make ‘em like

they used to. They make ‘em much better.

If it’s unfailing reliability and build quality

you’re after, then buy all means try Toyota’s

new Yaris.

The Yaris is, by whatever measure you

use, a much better car than my trusty MGB

GT. It’s cleaner, comfier, more reliable, less

familiar with branches of Esso and - dare I

say it - quite a bit quicker. Yet give me the

choice between the two and it’s the old

stager I’ll always yearn for.

My utterly irrational love of old cars,

I reckon, has got to be down to growing

up around the things; one of my earliest

memories was being slightly terrified by

the thunderous roar my dad’s old Range

Rover makes when you fire it into life. More

than 25 years later he’s still got it, and it

still looks and sounds terrific. The woofle

of a Rover V8, like the growl of an Oasis

record, is just one of those sounds I grew

up with.

The thing is, I reckon, is that you

don’t have to be a car anorak like me to

fall in love with an old car. The Ormskirk

MotorFest, for instance, attracted more

than 10,000 visitors when it took place in

GIVE ME Aclassicanyday


the West Lancashire market town in August,

and the vast majority of the visitors weren’t

motoring enthusiasts. They were people

from all walks of life, with all sorts of hopes

and dreams, who understood the graceful

lines of an E-Type Jag or the operatic bellow

of an old Ferrari. Classic cars make you smile.

My own classic of choice is my MGB GT,

which was built badly by British Leyland in

1972 and painted in Harvest Gold, or Horrid

Seventies Mustard as my other half calls it.

It was in a sorry state when I first saw it,

seized solid after spending years in the same

Cumbrian garage. I could have invested my

cash in a Mazda MX-5, the sensible person’s

sports car, but I ended up smitten with a

model that’s much older than I am. So I

bought it anyway.

Since then it’s needed a lot of time and

money to return it to the road, and even

after its tyres touched the tarmac again

I’ve been treated to a string of niggles and

breakdowns, which I wouldn’t have if I’d

gone for the MX-5. Get behind the MG’s

evocative Mota-Lita wooden steering wheel

and turn the key, though, and you quickly

forget about the glitches.

It is a car best driven at dusk, when the

twilight accentuates its delicate curves and

the throb of the exhaust note reverberates

through the country lanes. Bask in the

warm glow of the backlighting of those

wonderfully archaic Smiths dials, let the cool

evening air rush in through the full-length

sunroof and revel in how a motor that’s


nearly forty years old can be so much fun

to drive. It’s not perfect but you can’t help

warming to it.

Parked up outside my favourite village

pub, which is more often than not turned into

a sort of impromptu automotive catwalk, it

makes the Porsche Boxsters and Mercedes

SLKs everyone else brings along look clunky

and clumsily-styled. It is a Sophia Loren in a

field of airline hostesses.

Nor is it just a soft spot I’ve got for one

old car; there’s an old car for just about every

occasion, from the go-kart handling of the

original Mini to the timeless beauty of the

Austin Healey 100 or the sheer grunt you

get from a Ford Capri. You might look at the

wind and the rain outside and think it’s the

wrong time to buy some automotive antique

but it isn’t; get one now while prices hit their

winter lull, get it done up and it’ll be ready

for the spring. You won’t regret it.

Thanks to tax breaks, cheaper specialist

insurance and a wealth of knowledge and

friendly banter available from the local clubs

set up to support them, there’s no excuse

not to try a classic car at least once. Like

swimming with dolphins, visiting New York

or seeing the pyramids, owning a classic car

should be on everyone’s “to do” list.

After all, they don’t make ‘em like they

used to.

Check out the GR8Life website for a

video of David Simister’s MGB GT


Medical advances are on our doorstepMedical advances are Medical advances are Medical advances are Medical advances are Medical advances are Medical advances are

Medical advances are on our doorstepClinical studies shouldn’t be a scary

concept - direct involvement with

medical research is a rewarding

experience and your contribution

could support others immensely

and help shape the future of

medicine

The words ‘clinical research’ are commonplace in

glossy adverts. Claims to reduce our wrinkles, turn

back the years or make us look instantly younger

are often taken as fact. We take comfort from the

fact that beauty brands have put considerable time

and effort into ensuring the products we choose

for our beauty routine have been adequately tried

and tested. However, when it comes to medicines,

we never give much consideration to how a simple

aspirin tablet or advanced chemotherapy has been

made available to us.

The history of clinical trials

Clinical research is far from a new concept, with

the fi rst recorded clinical trial being attributed to King

Nebuchadnezzar II in the Old Testament. Physician

James Lind was however the fi rst pioneer of clinical

trials, as he was the fi rst to introduce control groups

into his experiments. He carried out trials while at

sea, on board the ship Salisbury in 1747. Seamen

with scurvy were given the same general diet, but

this was supplemented with either cider, elixir vitriol

(sulphuric acid), vinegar, seawater, nutmeg and,

most importantly, oranges and lemons. In just six

days, patients who ate oranges and lemons were

fi t for duty and thus it was concluded that scurvy

could be prevented by citrus fruits as opposed to

other supplements. It was not until 50 years later

that the Navy made lemon juice a compulsory part

of the seafarer’s diet, and this was soon replaced

by lime juice because it was cheaper. This is why

British sailors, and later the British in general, were

referred to as ‘limeys’ by the Americans.

What are clinical trials?

While clinical studies have advanced since the

times of Nebuchadnezzar and James Lind, their

importance and the vital role they play in the

future of medicine is no less signifi cant. Essentially,

clinical trials enable the development of all medical

treatments for everyday ailments through to life-

threatening conditions. Far from being a scary

concept, clinical trials operate in a highly regulated

industry. Before any medical treatment receives

a license, it must undergo stringent testing, and

before any treatment can be assessed in humans


Medical advances are on our doorstepMedical advances are Medical advances are Medical advances are Medical advances are on our doorstepon our doorstepMedical advances are Medical advances are

Medical advances are on our doorstepit will have undergone extensive investigation

in the laboratory. Prior to any clinical trial being

undertaken, approval must be sought from the

appropriate regulatory authorities and ethical

committees. In the UK, this is the Medicines and

Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

and the Research Ethics Committee (REC). It’s

after the relevant scientifi c, regulatory and ethical

bodies have approved the protocol that clinical

studies in people can go ahead.

How to get involved

Synexus, a company focused on the recruiting

and running of clinical trials, has extensive

experience in late stage clinical studies, having

been involved in clinical research for over 20 years.

During that time, thousands of heath checks have

been performed and in 2010 alone, over 35,000

people showed an interest in taking part in clinical

studies with Synexus.

All health checks and studies take place at

purpose-built Dedicated Research Centres across

the country which are run and staffed by full-time

nurses and doctors. You are probably not aware

that there are Synexus’ Dedicated Clinical Research

Centre’s located in;

24 Eaton Avenue, Matrix Park, Buckshaw

Village, Chorley, Lancashire. PR7 7NA

Burlington House, 3rd Floor, South Wing, Crosby

Road North, Waterloo, Liverpool. L22 0LG

Each year, thousands of patients take part in

clinical studies at Synexus’ Dedicated Research

Centres in Chorley and Liverpool. There are many

studies running throughout the year that may

be of interest including potential treatments for

osteoporosis, diabetes, asthma, insomnia, bladder

and bowel conditions (such as OAB and IBS), high

cholesterol and eczema.

Not all studies are paid, but some do reimburse

patients for their time and all reimburse patients for

any out of pocket travelling expenses. Participating

in a Synexus clinical study means patients receive

increased medical attention and may benefi t from

medications that aren’t yet available to other

sufferers of their condition, while making a positive

contribution to the health of future generations.

If you are interested in fi nding out more about

Synexus and the studies that are currently running

at its Dedicated Research Centre’s in Chorley and

Liverpool, visit www.improvinghealth.com or

www.challenge-asthma.com

Alternatively if you would like to talk to one

of our advisors please call either our Lancashire

site on 01772 344620 or our Merseyside site on

0151 550 9951 quoting reference code 4750.


1103

706

RECIPE Vérité at homeCASSOULET

TOULOUSAINFor four hungry people

INGREDIENTS400g dried haricot beans1 bay leaf and a few thyme sprigs2 cloves of garlic crushed1 celery stick sliced1/2 large onion cut into quarters8oz unsmoked streaky bacon cut into cubes1 tablespoon butter400g diced shoulder of lamb (or mutton)4 pieces of duck confi t (you can buy these in tins or use roasted duck leg)6 Toulouse sausages (available from your butcher) 6 tomatoes (skinned and chopped)Herby breadcrumbs (small bunch of choppped parsley & 2 slices of white bread, crusts removed and whizzed up in a food processor)

METHODPut the beans into a bowl and cover with cold water.

Soak overnight then drain and rinse twice (an important step.)

Put the beans in a large saucepan with the bay leaf, thyme, garlic, onion quarters and bacon. Add two to three litres of water, bring to the boil and simmer for one hour.

Heat the butter and brown the lamb shoulder in a frying pan

Add the lamb, celery and duck confi t (scrape off the fat) on the top of the beans in a large pan and push into liquid. Add the tomato and cook slowly for a further hour (simmer.)

Brown the Toulouse sausages in a frying pan and add them to the casserole and cook for a further 30 minutes

Remove the herbs. Strain the liquid into another pan and reduce the liquid, on a high heat, by two thirds.

Remove the meat from the pan and layer it with the beans in a large casserole dish. Pour the liquid over so it just covers the meat.

Sprinkle the cassoulet with the breadcrumbs and bake for 20 - 30 minutes (160c/315f/gas2-3).

Serve straight from the casserole on warm plates. Serve with crusty bread for extra enjoyment.


Steven Burgess is

only 25, yet he has

still managed to pack

more into his career

so far than many of

us could hope to do

in a lifetime of work!

The talented chef hasn’t always wanted

to work with food as he went to Southport

College aged 16 to study graphic design.

“When I had fi nished the course I decided

it wasn’t for me and got a job in a high rise

offi ce in Bootle.

“I was looking over Liverpool one day and

thought, there is an exciting career out there

for me, handed in my notice the same day and

joined catering college.“

That signalled the beginning of not only

a very exciting career but also an extremely

successful one. After fi nishing his training he

went on to work at several establishments

including the prestigious Malmasion and

celebrity chef Marco Pierre White’s The Swan

Inn in Aughton. However, recently Steven,

who credits successful Southport Chef Marcus

Wareing as one of his inspirations, decided to

do it alone and formed his catering business

Rhubarb and Custard.

“Using a team of professionally trained

chefs I can deliver excellent results at a whole

range of events, including buffets, canapes,

corporate entertaining, weddings, dinner

parties and banqueting,’ Steven explains.


“We use locally sourced produce & fresh

ingredients and have a varied range of menu’s

specifi cally designed to stand out from the

crowd! We try and combine modern twists for

the wow factor with classics and old favourites

that everyone loves.”

And so what makes Rhubarb and Custard

stand out amongst other caterers out there?

“Diversity. We pride ourselves on being able to

cater for any requirements the client has. The

experience and knowledge we all have allows us

to take on any task presented to us.” Although

Steven can turn his hand to any type and style

of food he does have his favourites. “Personally

I love cooking Asian and Italian food due to

the respect given to the ingredients. Italian is

so simple but they let the ingredients speak for

themselves which personally I believe is the way

food should be treated.”

Although having great success with small

events Steven’s real challenge came when he

was contacted by SK Events about coming into

the Liverpool Food and Drinks Festival. “No

outside caterer had ever been allowed in due

to it being a bar and restaurant based event

however SK Events were happy with the level

we operated at and we were granted access to

be the fi rst ever to be allowed in.”


Although over the moon to have been

asked it was very daunting for Steven and an

event not for the fainthearted! “40,000 people

attended over two days and to deal with that

volume was very challenging,” he says. “We

worked twenty hour days but it was very

rewarding in the end. Afterwards however,

there was no time to take a break and relax

as Steven and his team were in demand! “We

were then asked to cater for the awards dinner

the week later with 280 guests attending, all

who were chefs, restaurateurs and people

involved with the industry. It was terrifying at

the time but when I look back it was certainly

a career highlight!”

Looking to the future Steven’s main focus is

for Rhubarb and Custard to grow and expand.

He says, “I love what I do with Rhubarb and

want to see it grow into the name of choice

when catering is required for any event in the

North West. I want to create fantastic events

for happy clients!”

When asked what his biggest achievements

are so far, surprisingly, Steven doesn’t mention

the food and drinks festival but goes one better.

“Getting included in the Relish Merseyside &

Lancashire Cookbook amongst the regions top

chefs. I am the youngest ever to be involved

out of the fi ve or six books which they have

released so far and only the second catering

company to be featured in it. That makes me

very proud.”


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Skoda have had a very mixed

reception from us Brits over the

last few years, but when David Simister

set out to discover the car behind the badge

he realised there was more to their

off-roader than you might expect …

Legwarmers, the

miners’ strike, East

Berlin and Spandau

Ballet.

These are things

which, along with

Skoda jokes, belong

back in the dark days

of the early Eighties.

Skoda have had a very mixed

reception from us Brits over the


An admission; I’m

not really old enough

to remember any of

those things, which is

why I never thought the

one about the Skoda with the

sunroof was particularly funny. I haven’t got

any Skoda jokes of my own for you but I’ll

instead share with you one of my motoring

secrets. Leave your preconceptions at

Checkpoint Charlie, because I reckon

Skoda’s Yeti is the one of the best cars on

sale in Britain today.

Someone clever within the Czech car

company’s realised that we aren’t a nation

of sports car driving hedonists, zipping

along sun-kissed country lanes on the way

to somewhere nice. We are in fact a nation

of IKEA addicts, of school run mums, of

Dad’s Taxi stickers and garden centre gurus.

We are especially a nation of dog owners -

there are two million of us, remember - and

there are few vehicles in any price bracket

as geared up to the task as the Yeti. The

badge on the bonnet, I honestly reckon, is

irrelevant.

Having already won over rough ‘n’ rugged

off-roader types with the Scout four-wheel-

drive version of the Octavia estate it was

only a matter of time before Skoda came

up with a real mountain goat of a motor

and this, a distant relation to Volkswagen’s

Golf and Audi’s A3, is the result. Cute and

challenging at the same time.

The best way to approach a Yeti is to

think of it not as a rival for, say, a small

off-roader or a people carrier, but as a car

crafted especially with the needs of dog

walkers in mind. A Golden Retriever, for

instance, might well be man’s best friend,

but he’s still a friend who slobbers a lot and

enjoys nibbling car upholstery. That’s why

the interior’s built sturdily out of lots of hard

wearing but tastefully chosen plastics and

leathers, which Fido is going to struggle

to ruin. His home from home - the Yeti’s

boot - is also commendably commodious,

although thanks to the Skoda’s high sills it


might take him a bit of a leap to get in.

The Volkswagen-based Yeti’s also been

designed to conquer not racetracks but

rutted bridleways and muddy backroads,

because that’s inevitably the sort of rural

backdrop Fido’s owner enjoys. Don’t get me

wrong; it’s not a mudplugger in the vein of,

say, Land Rover’s Freelander but it’s been

built toughly enough and given enough

ground clearance to get you across most

obstacles without objections, and if you

really are heading for the great outdoors

then four wheel drive is one of its must-have

optional extras.

Clamber into the cockpit and you’re

defi nitely not in the driver’s seat of a jacked-

up hatchback or an MPV with countryside

styling cues; if a Land Rover Discovery went

on the Atkins diet, chances are this is what

it would feel like. Even though the version

I drove stuck to powering just the front

wheels everything about the commanding

driving position, the view along the bonnet

and the defi antly diesel noise the 2.0 TDi

engine makes screams pure off-roader.

That’s the reason why you’re not going

to fi nd hot hatch handling when you head

into the corners a tad too quickly, but both

on the backroads and out on the motorways

the Yeti performs impressively enough. It’s

just a shame that with some of the sillier

options the version I drove cost almost

£22,000, which I’d rather spend on the

optional four-wheel-drive system and make

it truly capable over tricky terrain.

The Yeti’s not only the best car Skoda

makes but I reckon it’s got the measure of

MINI’s Countryman, Nissan’s Qashqai and

even the entry-level Freelanders, because

it’s gone for substance where they’ve gone

for style. Almost everyone who came across

the Yeti loved it for exactly the same reason;

if you have a dog and enjoy going for walks

in the muddy countryside, you’re going to

struggle to better the Yeti without resorting

to much more expensive machinery.

Buy one and your Labrador is going to

love it. Luckily, so will you.


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For all your Christmas Ideas 1101

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Just over a year ago British Doo-

Wop band The Overtones had no

idea what was just around the

corner for them.

They were rehearsing hard while

working together as painters and

decorators until one day they

were spotted by label Warner

Brothers and the rest, as they say,

is history!

Gr8life was lucky enough to interview

band member and northerner Mark Franks

recently about their tour, new found fame

and fans.

Mark, who went to

university in Liverpool,

is extremely down to

earth considering he is

a member of one of the

biggest bands of the

moment. “We are just so

grateful to have become

as popular as we are,’ he

says. “Especially when

we are just doing what

we love.” Mark studied

singing, dancing and

acting at performing arts

school and then went

to the capital to try and

make it big. “I went down

the dancing route when I

came to London however

I have always been

passionate about singing

and music in general.


It was here that Mark met band members

Mark, Mike, Darren and Timmy and later

Lachie and went on to form The Overtones.

It wasn’t all plain sailing however as Mark

explains. “We were all trying to rehearse while

waiting on tables and doing other bits of

promotional work. It was getting to the point

however where we were never together and

so couldn’t practice. We just weren’t getting

as far as we wanted with the band.”

Something had to give and so the band

members came up with a novel way of earning

money which also allowed them to practice. “Mike

and Darren had previous experience painting and

decorating and thought it would be a great idea if

we set up a company where we could all work but

be together at the same time. It just made sense

but I am not the best painter and decorator in the

world! I do make a good cup of tea though!” It

was while painting a shop and singing near Oxford

Street in London that the band were discovered by

a talent scout who signed them immediately to

record label Warner Brothers.

“Over the years we have been offered

things and then had doors shut in our faces,”

Mark says. “People tell us they can do this and

that for us and then don’t so you do become

a little bit jaded. Because of this we didn’t

realise at the time what a big opportunity this

was and what it would lead to.”

Although The Overtones success may feel

like it happened overnight to some people,

it has been a long and sometimes diffi cult

road for the band. “It has been so long in the

making that it doesn’t really feel like that to

us. You hear of these overnight successes but

we really aren’t one of them.

“In the six years we have been together

we have grafted so hard and it has been very

gradual for us.

“However, in the last year we have

achieved so much and I think it makes it feel

all the more worthwhile when you have really

worked for it for a long time. I personally really

appreciate where I am now and am enjoying

every opportunity I get.”


Although they have spent the last year

fl ying high and ‘living the dream’ their

appearance on Dancing on Ice stands out for

Mark as a career highlight.

He says, “It was such a fantastic

opportunity and we loved it! I grew up

watching Torvill and Dean and to have them

skating around you on stage is amazing. It

was a real honour and it was in fact Torvill

and Dean who championed us to be on

the show right from the start. We were an

integral part of that show and sat down

with everyone beforehand and discussed

everything. Everyone listened to our ideas

and we were able to give our input.”

The group fi nished their fi rst tour earlier in

the year and as Gr8life goes to press will have

just fi nished their second. Mark adds, “Being

on tour is amazing. You cannot beat standing

on the stage singing in front of all these

people who have paid to be there. Many of

them have bought the album so everyone

gets up on their feet and sings along. To see

that is fabulous. We are performing in bigger

venues for the second tour and are lucky

enough to be at the Palladium in London. We

are also coming to the North West and I can’t

wait to be on stage at the Manchester Lowery

as the city is my home.”

So, what is in store for The Overtones?

Mark answers, “We could only have dreamed

of what we have achieved this year and so we

are very grateful for that.

“I want to continue writing and recording

songs that we are really proud of and hope

that we are still around for years to come!”



Established for 24 years in

Tarleton, Elaine Frances Clinical

Aesthetics Ltd has moved to new

state of the art premises which

offers advanced beauty therapy,

laser and non-surgical procedures.

Owner Elaine Frances and her team

have specialised in laser treatments for

over 10 years and have practiced all over

the North West.

Elaine’s approach to work involves

the use of high technology with a

professional and caring approach to

customer needs which has established

Elaine as a leader in the field.

Her renowned expertise also includes

advanced electrolysis treatments for

thread vein, skin tag and mole removal.

This advanced electrolysis is a refined

and delicate method for intricate

and more sensitive work; it operates

alongside the more familiar Laser

equipment.

Elaine is supported by several laser

specialists all of whom are senior beauty

therapists offering both aesthetic facial

and body treatments. Their procedures

not only include IPL laser hair removal

- using the new advanced laser head

which is designed specifically for fine/fair

hairs, but thread veins including facial

and body vein repair as appropriate,

skin rejuvenation and sun-induced

pigmentation removal.

This has lead to introducing state

registered nurse/nurse practitioner Marie

Cassidy to the Clinic for all injectable

and fillers offering a comprehensive and

complete facial treatment plan.

Elaine is also a proven Micro

pigmentation artist, this is a form of

semi-permanent make-up using state of

the art equipment by Nouveau Contour;

it can be applied to enhance eyeliner, lip

liner and eyebrows.

Elaine Frances and all therapists

are Senior Members of the British

Association of Beauty Therapy and

Cosmetology (BABTAC).

Elaine Frances Laser and Beauty Clinic


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A Ladies Luncheon for Queenscourt

Hospice raised £2,000 for charity recently.

The event, held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, was

organised by Margaret Mann who said, “We

are delighted that so many people came and

supported the event, which was for such

a worthy charity. The weather was beautiful

and sunny, which after a week of rain was a

nice surprise! David Lonsdale also attended

and said a few words which everyone

thoroughly enjoyed.”

Lunch for Queenscourt

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Caroline Hope, Doreen Palmer and Pat Morris

Helen Hardman, Heather Griffi ths and Sue Blaney Syvie Ebden with Maxine Mears David Lonsdale with Margaret Mann

Doreen Palmer, Helen Pickavance, Margaret Mann, David Lonsdale,Christine Rostron and Jean Watkinson Susan Jones, Ann Porter and Dorothy Lloyd

Pamela Barr, Lin Williams, Maggie Barr and Sandra IrelandDoris MacFalin, Maureen Graham, Adriana Murty, Julia Nelson and Chris Theckson

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The Village Inn in Tarleton, near Southport,

offi cially opened its doors in November after a

fi ve-week refurbishment.

The revival of the former Lord Lilford pub

has been so well received in the area that 60

bookings have been taken for the restaurant

before it has opened.

The pub is being run by Sky TV presenter

Glenn Turner and wife Rachael.

Glenn says, “We have been delighted by

the reaction to the work that has been done

at the pub and the kind of relaxed, friendly

atmosphere, with a quality food service and

cask ales, that we can now offer.”

The Village Inn reopening

Guests Margaret Brown, Rose Wood, Brian Aughton and Mary All

Glenn with some of the Queenscourt volunteers who he invited to the evening reception.

Glenn, daughter Sophie, Rachael and family friends Alex and Roma.Mark, Andrew and SarahProfessional singer and saxophonist

Colin Muse

Kelly, Carly, Katy and Ashleigh from Essentials of Tarleton. Jodie, Kristian and Sallie at The Village Inn bar.

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Coco Boutique launched their new

Autumn/Winter ranges at The Vincent Hotel

in Southport. Over £3500 was raised for

their chosen charity the NSPCC. The NSPCC

is a national charity which will help projects

in our local community to offer a range of

services for children who have experienced,

or are at risk of, abuse.

Over 130 fashion lovers turned up to

watch the show which featured the latest

collections from designers such as Matthew

Williamson, Moschino, Halston Heritage,

Alice Temperley amongst many others.

Nicola Johnson of Coco Boutique, said

‘what an amazing evening, thank you to

everyone who gave so generously. We are

thrilled to be able to help such a fabulous

charity as the NSPCC and see the difference

that this money will make in helping to

protect children and young people from

abuse and neglect.’

Coco Boutique

Emma & Katrina Halsall

Nicola Johnson & Megan Gilbert of Coco Boutique

Jessica Lewis models for Coco boutique, tunic by Patrizia Pepe, bag by D&G

Jessica Sharman, Zara Lewis, Lauren Birchall, Christina Fell, Harriet Caul & Stephanie Gilligan

Sarah Laycock, Sarah Davidson, Estelle Thomas, Paula Oldfi eld & Jayne Sullivan

Julia Leeming, Chloe White, Sarah Blonde, Maxine Farnworth & Sarah Maughan

Rachel, Sue & Ruth Gillespie

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Marc Cain launched their new ranges at

The Vincent Hotel in Southport with a team

of ten models on hand to showcase the

new designs.

Almost 100 ladies fi lled the V Cafe to

watch the show and enjoy a fabulous three

course meal washed down with wine and

champagne. After the show the ladies were

treated to a late night shopping experience

as Marc Cain opened their doors to allow

the ladies to purchase items from the

new ranges.

Jenny McGreal of Marc Cain, said ‘what

an amazing evening, thank you to The

Vincent for working with us this evening

and to my fabulous team of models. We are

thrilled to be able to launch such exciting

new ranges here in Southport for the new

Autumn/Winter season.’

more information contact Jenny McGreal

on 01704 513294 or 07976 557039

Fashion Show

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The Inner Wheel Club of Southport has

celebrated the Inauguration of New President

Maureen Fearn with a luncheon attended by

more than fi fty guests at The Hesketh Golf Club.

New President Maureen Fearn, welcoming

guests to the lunch, said “It is a delight to be

here in this lovely building on such a lovely

day. This Inner Wheel Club is a very happy club

with all members working for the charities

they support. My charity for this year is

Queenscourt Hospice, which does a marvelous

job for the people of Southport.”

New President for Southport Inner Wheel

President elect Carol Cookson, Immediate past President Maureen Fearn with outgoing President June Newby Sheila Tissot and Dorothy Culton

June Newby, Carol Cookson with Rita Farley Carol Hill, Carol Cookson and Dorothy Lee

Lois Greenhalsh with Joan Owen the Lady Captain of Hesketh Golf ClubShirley Parker and Audrey Roxburgh

Ruth Bottomley and Kathleen Robinson

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Over 150 fashionistas attended a charity

fashion show in Wayfarers Shopping Arcade,

Southport recently

The ‘Fashion in the Fall’ show raised over

£800 for North West Cancer Research Fund

which aims to provide grants to support

fundamental research into the causes of cancer.

Joan Pettitt, President of North West

Cancer Research Fund’s Southport branch

said: “On behalf of the charity I would like

to thank everyone for their support; the

organisers, stores within the Arcade and

those who donated raffl e prizes for the

evening. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening

and are delighted with the money raised.”

Fashion show raises hundreds for charity

Coco Boutique outfi ts on the catwalk with Brollies from Bags of Style Dress from Phase Eight on the catwalk

Yelena Munday & Yvonne Burns (Manager of Wayfarers Arcade)

Jaki O’Donnell (Multiyork) &Rupert Paton (Ruperts) Danielle Parkes & Brad Barnes Steven & Claire Simonsen

Megan Gilbert, Caroline Jones, Sarah Marsden, Nicola Johnson, Natasha Malone & Karen Malone Nicola Lynch, Joan Pettit and Mary Pedlar So Talented! open the show


Birchall Blackburn Solicitors, which has

relocated its Southport offi ce to newly

refurbished premises in Churchtown, held

its offi cial offi ce opening on the evening of

Thursday 3 November and were joined by

local residents, clients and businesses from

the local area.

The fi rm has made a signifi cant investment

in the new offi ces and the evening was a

great success.

Birchall Blackburn offi ce opening

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Adele Gallagher, Conal Gallagher

Chris Hopes, Gail Shaw, Diana NichollsAndrew Vincent, Bev Ashcroft, Melissa Traynor

Adele Gallagher, Catherine MacCrackenElaine Roberts, Alison OwensZara Sedat, Shelley Adams, Jenny Barker

Sue Roberts, Conal Gallagher Sarah Evans, Andrea Forrest

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Claire Simonsen transformed Formby Hall

Golf Club with her Pink & Sparkly Ball which

raised over £6000 in aid of the Roy Castle Lung

Cancer Foundation. Over 200 guests glitzed

their way into the ball dressed in fabulous pink

dresses and bow ties.

Claire said “Everyone looked amazing!

Myself, and my mum Margaret are

overwhelmed with the generosity and support

shown by everyone who have helped make it a

fabulously pink evening while raising the much

needed funds for such a worthy cause.’

Matt Boyle, Director of fund raising at the

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said, ‘Lung

cancer is the biggest cancer killer in the UK, so it

is vital we continue to raise money to help us in

the fi ght to defeat this truly awful disease.”

Pink and Sparkly Ball

The Sproson Family - JP, Sarah, paul, Alison & Joanna Sproson

Fab & Lisa Equisi, Lindsey & Chris Jude, Joanne & Graham Metcalfe

Margaret Flynn, Pete Flynn & Claire Simonsen Claire Benson, Lyndsey Hayes & Claire BeckMiss Southport Brea Carney-Jones &

Adam Leatherbarrow

Chris Bourne & Pete Flynn Claire Simonsen & Jay Hynd

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Kenny & Marina would like to thank

everybody who took part in this years Golf

Event at Formby Golf Club. They added,

“We raised over £70,000 on the day. This

will be used to fund the new appeal which is

to raise £500,000 towards the £1.3m project

at Southport and Formby District General

Hospital.” The refurbishment will see the

cancer centre signifi cantly expanded to create

a light, airy treatment space for patients,

some of whom require up to eight hours of

chemotherapy at a time.”

Marina Dalglish Appeal golf day


Accessories OnlineThe Well Barn Little Crosby RoadLittle CrosbyL23 4TSTel: 0845 108 3073www.accessoriesonline.co.uk

The Belpasso Oil & Wine CompanyUnit 4, Malthouse Business Centre,OrmskirkL39 1QRTel: 01695 581176www.belpasso.co.uk

Blazes Fireplace Centre36/38 Liverpool RoadBirkdale VillageSouthportPR8 4AYTel: 01704 565353www.blazes.co.uk

The Blue MallardBurscough WharfLiverpool Road NorthBurscoughL40 5RZTel: 01704 893954www.thebluemallard.co.uk

Bramleys Coffee House LtdChurch Walks OrmskirkLancashireL39 3QSTel: 01695 578801

Corinthian FurnitureThe Well BarnLittle Crosby RoadLittle CrosbyL23 4TSTel: 0151 924 4499www.corinthianfurniture.co.uk

Creative Joinery192 Lyons LaneChorleyPR6 0PPTel:01257 233331www.creativejoinery.net

The Dining Rooms38 Promenade Southport, Merseyside PR8 1QUTel: 01704 548 549www.alexandraandvictoriahotel.com

Dobbies Garden WorldBentham’s Way Southport, PR8 4HXTel: 01704 552920www.dobbies.co.uk

Edge ConservationThe Well Barn Little Crosby RoadLittle CrosbyL23 4TSTel: 0151 924 0447www.edgeconservation-restoration.com

Elaine Frances Clinical Aesthetics Ltd109 Church RoadTarletonPrestonLancashirePR4 6UPTel 01772 816133www.elainefrances.com

The George Hotel147 Duke StreetSouthportPR8 5DHTel: 01704 530304www.thegeorgehotel.webs.com

Giggles Gym51 Weld RoadBirkdaleSouthport PR8 2DSTel: 01704 560077www.gigglesgym.co.uk

Granite House by StonemastersUnit 2, The Old Laundry (off Aveling Drive)Greaves Hall, BanksSouthportPR9 8BJTel 01704 228574www.granitehouse.co.uk

Harkirk GalleryThe Well Barn Little Crosby RoadLittle CrosbyL23 4TSTel: 0151 932 1707www.harkirkgallery.com

Infi nity5 The CloistersHalsall LaneFormbyL37 3PXTel: 01704 879595

Kinetics Personal Fitness2nd FloorCharlotte House35 - 37 Hoghton StreetSouthportMerseysidePR9 0NSTel: 01704 544338www.kineticswellness.co.uk

Langs Of LongtonBridge CourtLiverpool New RoadPrestonLancashirePR4 5BFTel: 01772 611766www.botanicbistro.com

Masamuni Burscough WharfLiverpool Road NorthBurscoughL40 5RZTel: 01704 894804www.facebook.com/people/Masamuni-Hair

Merchant Taylors SchoolsLiverpool RoadCrosbyLiverpoolL23 0QPTel: 0151 932 2414 (Girls)Tel: 0151 949 9333 (Boys/Junior Boys) Tel: 0151 924 1506 (Mixed Infants/Junior Girls)www.merchanttaylors.com

Miller & Carter ParboldParbold HillParboldLancashireWN8 7TGTel: 01257 462318www.millerandcarter.co.uk

NFU Mutual Southport 7 Hoghton Street, Southport. Tel: 01704 512810Skelmersdale Century House, 3c Maple Court, Whitemoss Business Centre WN8 9TGTel:01695 51177www.nfumutual.co.uk

One Stop Planning14 Regent RoadBirkdaleSouthportPR8 2EDTel: 07802 625995

Pack It3 King StreetSouthportPR8 1LBTel: 01704 534007

Prestige Granite & Marble N.W. LtdDixon Road, Knowsley Industrial ParkKnowsley, Liverpool0151 548 1144www.prestigegranite.co.uk

Renacres HospitalRenacres LaneOrmskirkLancashireL39 8SETel: 01704 841133 www.renacreshospital.co.uk

Rosalind Fashions138 College RoadCrosby LiverpoolL23 3DPTel : 0151 924 7433www.rosalindfashions-liverpool.co.uk

Scarisbrick Hall SchoolSouthport RoadOrmskirkLancashireL40 9RQTel: 01704 880200www.beautifulbeginningsdaynursery.co.ukwww.scarisbrickhallschool.co.uk

Senses Spa72 Duke StreetSouthportPR8 5BTTel 01704 885022

Synexus LimitedSandringham HouseAckhurst ParkChorleyLancashirePR7 1NYTel:01257 230723www.synexus.com

The UpholstererThe Well Barn Little Crosby RoadLittle CrosbyL23 4TSTel: 0151 924 7193

Volare Italian Restaurant613 Lord Street Southport, Merseyside PR9 0ANTel:01704 546 232www.italianrestaurantsouthport.co.uk

Waitrose3 Tuns Lane Formby, L37 4AJTel:01704 873 017www.waitrose.com/formby

Well Being At The Well BarnThe Well Barn StableLittle Crosby Road Little CrosbyL23 4TSTel: 0151 924 4642www.wellbeingatthewellbarn.co.uk

West Lancs AntiquesVictoria Mill,Victoria StreetBurscough.LancashireL40 0SNTel: 01704 894634

West Lancashire Microlight SchoolInce Blundell FormbyL38 6JJTel: 0151 929 3319www.wlms.co.uk

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128

LARGE ANTIQUE WAREHOUSE- OPEN TO TRADE AND PUBLIC -

• Antique and older style furniture bought and sold

• We also sell on a commission

• Full stripping & polishing service

• Buy from us and we can restore

• Door stripping service

TAKE ADVANTAGEOF THE

MARKET ANDBUY ANTIQUES

AT KNOCK-DOWN PRICES

THE ASSOCIATION OFART & ANTIQUES DEALERS

WEST LANCS ANTIQUESVictoria Mill, Victoria Street,Burscough, Lancashire, L40 0SNTel: 01704 894634 Fax: 01704 894486Email: [email protected]: Mon-Fri, 9.00-5.30 • Sat, 11.00-4.30

Indulgence and Christmas go hand in hand. And, at Dobbies, we have a tasty range of luxury food and drink that’s perfect for the festive season. Along with a nice relaxed atmosphere in-store, you’ll fi nd a bakery and delicatessen with a delicious selection of cheeses. Not to mention, a fabulous range of artisan foodie treats and gourmet gifts. You’ll even have the chance to create your own bespoke hamper, which is a great gift idea. Are you tempted?

Cheese Counter I Quality Fresh Produce I Butcher I Bakery I Delicatessen I Wines & Ales

Dobbies Garden World I Bentham’s Way I Birkdale I Southport I PR8 4HX Tel: 01704 552 920

Christmas HampersCreate your own or choose from our special selection

Gourmet gifts and the fi nest local

produce

In-store Butcher,Bakery and delicatessen

Shop online at www.dobbies.com

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Documents

Gr8Life Magazine - Issue 19 - Winter 2012