JUNE 2018 s ISSUE 054
A FEAST OF
FLAVOUR The perfect dishes and delights for summer
BEST OF
British From football champions to royal wedding final flourishes and high fashion
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publisher’s
letter
M
ay will go down in history as a month of considerable change for us here at The Cheshire Magazine, but with change comes new ventures, high excitement and opportunity. A wise man once said, “If you do not create change, change will create you.” And with that in mind we begin a new chapter. First, we need to send special thanks to our readers, partners and contributors for their patience during this transition. We appreciate that is has created a slight delay in distribution, but nevertheless we are here to stay. But what’s actually changed we hear you cry? Very little is the honest answer. The title has been purchased by new owners: new owners who have worked on the title from the beginning and intend to continue to build on the foundations and outstanding work the previous management team started. We say a fond farewell with a heavy heart to Louisa Castle, our resident editor as she breaks for maternity leave to
have her first child, so it’s exciting times all around. The magazine style, design, editorial and production will only evolve as any living entity. We are maintaining the luxurious, high-end, monthly magazine we have always been proud to produce. We will also continue to distribute to precisely the same homes and businesses as before. We will also be introducing new opportunities for you, our readers and our partners, to share our journey with us. All with our very own The Cheshire Magazine style, quality and luxury so watch this space… And new team members will be welcomed along the way including a new Events and Charities Coordinator, Rachel who has all things Cheshire at her core, but more about her in the next issue. Changes bring new beginnings and excitement to life. Each change life throws at us is a turning page. It’s about closing one chapter and opening another one. With that in mind, enjoy the Best of British, this month’s issue of the new Cheshire Magazine.
- Team Cheshire Magazine ELLE FOR ELLE
PROUD TO
PARTNER
THIS MONTH WE ARE CELEBRATING Elle for Elle, which has named the campaign, ‘Dignity After Distress’ is the brainchild of two local women Lynette Page-Collin and Rachel O’Hare who recognised that women who enter the region’s refuges usually do so with nothing, often fleeing their homes with young children as a result of domestic violence. Their aim is to collect donated body care, haircare and cosmetic products from local businesses and individuals and distribute them to women’s refuges and homeless shelters in the North West.
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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine
The Contributors
Where to find us... CHESTER Abode Hotel
JUNE 2018 s ISSUE 054 s
1539 Restaurant Boodles Chester MediSpa Gieves & Hawkes
Editor
Oddfellows Opera Bar & Grill
Louisa Castle
The Pied Bull The Inspiring Travel Co.
Senior Editorial Assisant
LIVERPOOL
Jan Clarke
Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar
Charlotte Davies
David M Robinson
MANCHESTER David M Robinson Gotham Hotel Great John Street Hotel Harvey Nichols Hilton Manchester Deansgate King Street Townhouse Mappin & Webb Rosso Restaurant Bar & Grill Watches of Switzerland
Globetrotter Charlotte tells of her recent trip on board Belmond’s Andean Explorer. Her favourite thing about Britain has to be our heritage, loving how our cities effortlessly merge Roman remains alongside skyscrapers.
M J Greenhalgh & Leila Bibby MJ and Leila are passionate about all things fashion and beauty. A few of their favourite British things include strawberries and cream, holidays to north Wales and wonderful summer events.
MANCHESTER AIRPORT
Picture Editor Kate Hannon Designer Paris Fielder Production Hugo Wheatley Advertising Managers We are hiring...
Falcona Private Jets 1903 Airport Lounge, T3
Charity and Event’s Coordinator
CHESHIRE
Rachel O’Hare
52 Alderley Road Clinic
Publisher
Bolesworth Estate & Events Carden Park Hotel
Scott Illingworth-Harrison
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Piste Wine Bar & Restaurants Janey Butler Interiors
Managing Director
Kitchen Architecture
Kathryn Otto
Willow Boutiques
Wayne Miller
Coggles The Mere The Church Inn The Roebuck Inn The Colony The Stanneylands
GREATER MANCHESTER The Con Club Fox Restaurant Frisør Salon & Wellness Jackson-Stops
DJ and music producer, Wayne, shares his top summer classic listening over a proper British cuppa. After all, where would the world be without the British music scene - past and present?
Oddfellows on the Park
cover
On the
Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi by Paul Cooper (paulcooper photo.com)
Also published by
Phillip Waterman Phillip is a London based fashion photographer shooting clients such as L’Officiel, Grazia, Specsavers and Primark. In this month’s issue he celebrates ‘The Best of British’ fashion story.
Proudly published by
www.thecheshiremagazine.co.uk
The Cheshire Magazine Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and The Cheshire Magazine Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. DISTRIBUTION The Cheshire Magazine is the largest targeted luxury lifestyle publication in Cheshire and the north west, delivered by Royal Mail subscription service to selected homes, businesses, newsagents and retail outlets. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES adverts@thecheshiremag.co.uk
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THE HOPSCOTCH COLLECTION
LIVERPOOL
LONDON MANCHESTER ALTRINCHAM DAVIDMROBINSON.CO.UK
SOUTHPORT
contents OUR FAVOURITE
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Hope and Redemption
As War Horse returns to the Lowry Theatre Natalie Anglesey reflects on the talents of the original author, Michael Morpurgo
FEATURES
24 34 54
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Life Through a Lens
Sports photographer, Paul Cooper shares some of his secrets of success and stories
Stand and Deliver
Mark Radcliffe speaks about the inaugural Knutsford Music Festival and celebrating his birthday
A Charmed Life
Chloe Moss, founder of luxury jewellery brand ChloBO talks about her love for Bali and designing her collections
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REGULARS 009 | Editor’s letter 010 | Contributors 014 | My life in Cheshire In the hot seat this month is cocktail maestro and bar manager at The Alderley Edge Hotel, Bruno Santos
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017 | Notebook Our pick of this month’s local events, news and best new products
COLLECTION
068 | Peruvian Connection Charlotte Davies steps aboard South America’s first luxury sleeper
040 | Watch & Jewellery news A full round up of all the latest in style and sparkle
STYLE
056 | Beauty news New treatments, products and all the latest news
044 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here
DRIVE
046 | Best of British This month’s fashion shoot is full of home grown designers
060 | News All the latest news from the world of tech and horsepower 062 | Wild Horses Iain Warde checks out the world’s top-selling sports coupe
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072 | Weekend Away Marianne Dick checks out the urban spaces and balmy beaches of Auckland
FOOD & DRINK
HOME & INTERIORS 098 | Interiors news News, products and advice on making the most of your home, inside and out 102 | Life in Design We meet Ewen Miller managing director of Calderpeel Architects, the superhomes specialists
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80 080 | Summer Sizzlers Ben Mounsey, Head Chef at Grafene Manchester shares his recipe for Mint Chocolate Brownies
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091 | Classroom Academic updates from Cheshire’s fantastic schools
076 | Food & drink news Local chefs, new openings and our restaurant review
TRAVEL 066 | Travel news The latest happenings from near and far
088 | Kids’ news From toys to togs, we’ve the very latest for little ones
084 | Local Scene All the glamour and gossip from our county
105 | The Edit Taking inspiration from architecture concepts we look at the use of building materials in interior schemes 114 | Now You See Me Ellen Millard discovers the quirky household objects hiding in plain sight 124 | Property news The very latest news and advice from the northwest property world and beyond
Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine
My life in
CHESHIRE BRUNO SANTOS, BAR MANAGER AT THE ALDERLEY EDGE HOTEL
How would you describe yourself ? I am a father, a bar manager and a mixologist. When it comes to my cocktails, I have been told I am a magician! Where is home? And work? Alderley Edge. Work is at the Alderley Edge Hotel which is a great place to work. I enjoy socialising around Alderley Edge too. Before being part of the team here I was at the Bubble Room, so I’ve got to know a lot of people in the area and Alderley Edge has a great sense of community.
Name a few of your favourite places to be? Lindos in Greece is my favourite place to go on holiday. It’s a beautiful setting has an incredible beach. It’s really good for diving too which is something I love to do. The place I like to hang-out at the weekend when I’m not working, is Liverpool. I love that you can walk everywhere and it feels more accessible than Manchester. Above all, I love spending time at home and being in the village.
I’ve got to know a lot of people in the area and Alderley Edge has a great sense of community. Who/What inspires you? Making money. I am money driven. It sounds shallow but I want to earn as much as I can in order to provide for my family. This drives me to work hard. What was the last gift you gave someone? I bought my girlfriend Zoe a weekend away in Staffordshire. I booked a really beautiful spa hotel and we had some much-needed rest and relaxation. It’s fair to say, she was happy with her gift. Tell us a secret/fun fact about yourself I never reveal any secrets! However, something that is not so secret is that I am very goofy. Anyone who works with me could tell you that. What’s been your biggest life lesson? Having children. They have changed my views on life. Before them I didn’t have a care in the world but now I have responsibilities. Morgan is 14 Aiden is 7. They have been life changing – in a really great way. (alderleyedgehotel.com)
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FROM TOP: OLIVE TREE IN THE NEW RESTAURANT AT THE ALDERLEY EDGE HOTEL, LOOKING ACROSS THE CHESHIRE PLAINS FROM ALDERLEY EDGE, UK © TIMSIMAGES / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, LIVERPOOL CENTRE © TERRY BOUCH / SHUTTERSTOCK. COM, COSMOPOLITAN COCKTAIL © SMSPSY, TOP GUN MOVIE POSTER, THE TOWN OF LINDOS , RHODES © TIMOFEEV VLADIMIR
What did you want to be when you were younger? A pilot. I loved Top Gun and Tom Cruise in particular, but then I saw Cocktail and wanted to be a barman. It’s all Tom Cruise related – he was my childhood hero.
Janey Butler Interiors & Llama Architects form part of the Llama Group. Creating award winning residential and commercial projects in the UK and abroad. W:
I n t e r n at i o n a l A wa r d W i n n i n g A r c h i t e c t s & D e s i g n e r s The Coach House, Capesthorne Hall, Nr Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK11 9JY
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LIFE
THROUGH A
LENS
Photographer, Paul Cooper takes five with Louisa Castle to share stories of sword-fighting, creating the perfect shot and living in the north west
P
aul Cooper first came to my attention last November at the Northwest Football Awards ceremony as a selection of his stunning portraits of the northwest’s finest went under the hammer, splitting the red and blue side of the room with boos and cheers. Needless to say, husband came home with one of his pieces which adorns the man cave today. All these months later, Paul and I meet for me to discover more about the man behind the camera. “I started my photography career as a press photographer, working with some of my heroes and in far-flung places like Israel to report the news. But after eight years I was looking for a
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new avenue and challenge and moved to Paris where I set up my own agency. “At the age of nine, my mum bought me a Kodak point and shoot 110-film camera for my birthday. It was one you had to wind the film into and send away to process... remember, waiting to see what you had captured. I took photos of my siblings sitting on fences staring into the distance and I made studio backdrops with tartan blankets. Some of these first pictures are my most precious. “My passion started then and I taught myself colour and black and white printing the broom cupboard of the family home. “At A-levels, I diverted from a career path in medicine and took my first job in a photo lab, printing black and whites. It was here I met photojournalist Tom Stoddart who taught me that it is all down to the eye, the concept of the shot as much as technical ability. I picked up so many tips working alongside these great photojournalists during my time at The Times of London.
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
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They still inspire me today, Sebastião Salgado and James Nachtwey, in particular and how they capture the injustice in this world. “I loved the medium of photography. I was always interested in art but was not the most patient art student. The immediacy of photography appealed to me and capturing that one frame that tells a story or gives an insight into a person really interested me. I love the moment when you press the shutter and you know you have a great photo, you can’t beat it, and that hunger for that next buzz kept me interested in photography and wanting to get better pictures all the time. “I’ve been doing this for over 30 years so I’ve seen first hand the transition to colour and then to digital and Photoshop. Alongside these changes, the quality of images, in my opinion, of the photography from professionals is much improved, you can do so much more with better lighting and tools like Photoshop now than I could do ever do with a roll of black and white and an enlarger in the past. Having said that, a great image is not dependent on the kit used, I believe that the idea is paramount, there are some great images on billboards shot with an iPhone! Originally from London, and a West Ham fan, Paul moved back to the UK choosing Manchester as his new base. “I liken it to Paris, it’s a small city that you don’t get too lost in. And it’s where I met my wife, Luisa in 2008. She works in the industry and we are both very much into sport. I knew a few people in the sports world so that became my focus, plus, you get the best seat in the house. Golf is one of my passions and I have been travelling on the PGA European Tour and on the 18th-green with Jordan Spieth – you get to see and capture what others can’t see. “I’m lucky in the fact that I’ve photographed a lot of high profile sportspeople on several occasions and they sort of ‘know’ me, having chatted with quite a few outside of shoots. I did a promotional shoot for the Deadpool movie with Rooney, Mata, and about six other Manchester United players. We had them sword fighting with
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Deadpool so that was pretty easy as they loved it and it was bit different for them. “Over the past few years, I’ve got to know quite a few people at the clubs and the industry and this network has helped me get access to some great shoots. I am a great believer in that if you create great work, then work will come to you as a result. “The Paul Pogba shoot which I did for his Manchester United unveiling was pretty cool. There was a real buzz as we waited for Pogba to arrive, it was all quite secret and I did not even find out who I was shooting until the night before! He was also filming a short film to be released at the same time of the stills, so there were quite
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
“Style is important. It defines you and helps people identify your work”
PREVOUS PAGE: TOMMY FLEETWOOD THIS PAGE FROM LEFT; PAUL COOPER; NICOLAS OTAMENDI, JOSE MOURINHO, MO FARAH FOR SOCCERAID; WAYNE ROONEY & DEADPOOL; JOE ROOT; CHRISTIAN HORNER FOR CASIO
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a few people around from camera operators, stylists, make-up artists, directors, editors, sound engineers, Manchester United staff, plus his agent and family members. A pretty busy set. “When he arrived he had the usual styling and kit changes and we then had about three minutes to do the first set-up the urgent first profile image, which we nailed in about six frames! This image was to be released at midnight with the announcement of his signing. We then did the home/training kit shots, he was really good to work with, great presence in front of the camera and he could switch between moods easily, which was handy as we only had ten minutes to shoot everything! I spoke and joked to him in French which I think helped with the rapport, and a highlight of the shoot was afterwards when he spent about 15 minutes playing an impromptu game of keepy-uppy with the crew. “I always enjoy working with Rooney, he is the consummate professional and I have been fortunate to shoot him many times. He is always gracious and helpful and professional. I did a
“My passion started then and I taught myself colour and black and white printing the broom cupboard of the family home”
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
FROM LEFT: LEROY SANE; LAWRENCE OKOLE; SEBASTIEN VETTEL; PAUL POGBA REVEAL CAMPAIGN
recent shoot at St Georges Park with him as part of an editorial piece for the NSPCC, which ran front cover and spread and again he was great to work with. People don’t get to see what a decent bloke he is and the many charitable things he does, so it was nice to be involved with him on that one. “Finally meeting my childhood hero, Kenny Dalglish, was pretty special. Great sense of humour, I could not help getting a bit gushy and I don’t get gushy - and telling him when I was a kid playing football in the park I used to imagine myself as him, to which he replied “you better be kind with the Photoshop then!” Whilst these tales focus on the red side of the north west I am pleased to hear that Paul’s son, Toby (aged 6) is an avid City fan. So much so that he refuses to have a full team signed Manchester United shirt up in his room, favouring his sky blue hero Kevin de Bruyne.
“Working with top professional sportspeople is great as they are at the peak of their profession, in great shape and look good in front of the camera. Getting to meet them on shoots you get a small insight into their personality away from their workplace. I am inspired by the possibility that within that shoot there is an element of the unknown about what you may come away with. For me that is very fulfilling and inspires me on each shoot. The buzz of knowing I have a great shot is what photography is all about for me. I still get that feeling after many years in the business. “A recent project I have been involved in, Soccer Aid was interesting in that the vast majority of the team were not footballers and the challenge was getting the likes of Paddy McGuiness, Brendan Cole and Kevin Pietersen to look good on the ball, which was actually easier than I thought, these guys are surprisingly multi-talented! It was great fun getting Usain Bolt to show some of his scorers skills and it was a thrill to meet Sir Mo Farah, he joked with Usain, that the match at Old Trafford in June ‘will be a marathon not a sprint’ so going to be interesting to see how that works out with those two Olympians.” Any words of advice for budding photographers? “Look at as much photography in the area that interests you, then shoot, learn and shoot some more until you feel and develop your own style. Style is important and defines you and helps people identify your work. And be careful about your marketing. It’s no use being the greatest photographer around if no-one knows about you. Start with a great website and work hard on the SEO so get you get well ranked and so people become more aware of you. As your business increases spread your marketing budget wider and try to specify in a niche area or location to start out with, this will help you compete in a very competitive field.” Before we bring our chat to a close I have to ask, who is still on your hit-list. “Having shot quite a few of the world’s best, it would be nice to get to do Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo next - so if anyone’s listening...” (pcooperphoto.com)
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HOPE &
Redemption With the news that The National Theatre’s production of the awardwinning play, War Horse, returns to The Lowry in Salford, Natalie Anglesey reflects on the talents of its original author, Michael Morpurgo
M
ichael Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL, FKC, DL, is a towering figure in every sense. Not only physically – as when we first meet at London’s National Theatre, he has to bend low to hear me - but also in the literary sense as author, poet, and playwright. He’s now written over 100 books and won as many accolades. Michael is the first to admit that his path to becoming one of our best-loved authors wasn’t always easy although he had an inspirational beginning. “My mother used to read every night to my brother Pieter and me. She would not only read stories but the poetry of Lear, De La Mare and Kipling. I loved the music in the words. It was her love of stories and poetry and how much she meant what she was reading - that brought the books to life for me.” However, a variety of schools in Devon, Kent, London and eventually Sandhurst, proved a very different matter for young Michael. “School days were not the happiest time for me, especially being sent away to boarding school as I missed home and my family. I think the best advice for parents whose child is unhappy is to listen closely, free of judgement, as this might help your child open up.”
“There’s hope and redemption, not because readers like happy endings, but because I’m an optimist at heart”
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
LEFT: MICHAEL MORPURGO; BILLY IRVING (GOOSE) & JOEY (BIRGIT & RALF BRINKHOF) RIGHT: JOEY & MICHAEL MORPURGO IN IDDESLEIGH (ROSIE ANDERSON); THOMAS DENNIS (ALBERT) & JOEY (BIRGIT & RALF BRINKHOFF)
Michael’s favourite books as a child eventually inspired him to write. “Treasure Island was the first real book I read for myself and Jim Hawkins was the first character I identified with totally. I lived this book as I read it. My favourite book as an adult is The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono. I wish I’d written that.” But the impetus which encouraged Michael to put pen to paper happened during his time as a teacher. “I used to read the children a story at the end of the day but I could see it was boring them. My wife suggested I read one of my own stories so the next day I read them one I’d written for my own children. My class seemed to love it and when the bell rang for the end of the day, they didn’t want it to stop. A great feeling - and one that made me feel I could be a writer.” Should parents encourage their own children to write? “Each child is different but one thing parents and teachers can do is pass on a love of stories and hopefully writing will follow. When you read a story you love to a child, you hold hands through an adventure. You live the story together and imagine it together. I think the best advice you can give them is to write from the heart, without worrying too much about grammar and spelling. Try and live inside your story, hear and feel it all around you and become the characters.” Michael’s writing success meant he could leave teaching to write full time, eventually becoming Children’s Laureate from 2003-2005. He received a CBE two years later for Services to Literature
but he’s proudest of the MBE he shares with his wife Clare. “Together we founded the charity, Farms for City Children, and the honour is for that and the people who help to make it happen. The idea is that children from inner-city schools come to the farms and spend time helping to look after the animals.” It was on their first farm that Michael found the inspiration for his most famous novel. “On one of the school trips I noticed a little boy, who didn’t speak at all, talking non-stop to one of the horses. The horse kept nodding his head as if he was listening and in a strange way it looked like boy and horse were communicating. About the same time I found some old photographs of horses co-opted into the First World War and two of the oldest people in our village told me they’d seen at first hand the carnage in war zones. I was shocked to learn that as many horses died in that war as British soldiers. Over 10 million men and horses on all sides died. I wanted to record that and in 1982 War Horse was published.” Michael’s story centres around the relationship between young Albert and his beloved horse Joey, requisitioned by the army to fight in World War One. In the confusion of battle Joey serves on both sides ending up in No Man’s Land. In the meantime Albert, who’s too young to enlist, embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue him in a remarkable tale of loyalty, courage and friendship. “I don’t have a particular age range in mind when I’m writing as I write for myself. Yes, there are difficult themes in my books – like war and loss. War continues to divide people, to change them forever, and I write about it because I want people to understand the absolute futility of
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“When you read a story you love to a child, you hold hands through an adventure. You live the story together and imagine it together.�
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
LEFT: JASPER WILLIAM CARTWRIGHT (BILLY), TOM QUINN, DOMONIC RAMSDEN & NICKY CROSS (JOEY) (BIRGIT &RALF BRINKHOFF) RIGHT: MICHAEL MORPURGO WOTH GOOSE (JEFF SPICER)
war. Wars are still happening today and children see the effects of the suffering through their various technical devices. Knowing the sensitivities of children, we have to be careful not to traumatise them, but to approach it with hope at the centre of the story.” When the National Theatre first approached Michael about staging War Horse as a play, he had initial misgivings. “I have to confess I was sceptical and wondered how a convincing drama of the First World War could be made using life-size puppets of horses. Pantomime horses came to mind. But this was The National so maybe they knew what they were doing.” For over a year the NT directors, Tom Morris and Marianne Elliot, workshopped the story with Handspring Puppets. Michael explains the process: “The creative team came down to Devon to see the landscape of the story, and to watch horses working the land. The play won five-star reviews and the War Horse buzz is still there.” In 2011 the Broadway stage production received six Tony Awards and was seen by film director Steven Spielberg. Indeed several of Michael’s
books have already been made into films. “I wrote the screenplay for Why the Whales Came starring Paul Schofield and Helen Mirren. However, it became a family joke that when the phone rang one of the children would say Steven Spielberg’s on the phone – and then one day it actually was!” Spielberg’s movie premiered in 2012 starring Jeremy Irvine, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston and Emily Watson and was nominated for six Academy Awards. “Steven’s a lovely man who was emotionally connected with the story. Like me he’s a story-teller who never shrinks from the horror of war. We all want young Albert and his horse Joey, to survive and find one another again. I met with Steven and his producer Kathleen Kennedy a few times and we talked about the book, Devon and the inspiration for War Horse. My wife Clare and I were asked to appear in the film and meet the cast which was quite an experience.” Plays, based on Michael’s other books, like Running Wild, have also proved popular here but
“It became a family joke that when the phone rang one of the children would say Steven Spielberg’s on the phone – and then one day it actually was!” audiences regularly return to see War Horse and Michael thinks he understands the reason. “With the book, I wanted to write about hope and there’s hope in the play, too. Not only is it a powerful play about loyalty and friendship but it’s also a play that parents, grandparents and children can all enjoy at different levels. There’s hope and redemption, not because readers like happy endings, but because I’m an optimist at heart. I think people return to see it because it’s both a piece of ground-breaking theatre and a wonderful anthem for peace. If anything, I hope people take away a sense of the universal suffering on all sides and how war changes lives.” War Horse, The Lowry, 13-30 June, 2018 (thelowry.com)
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
STAND& DELIVER Mark Radcliffe speaks with Natalie Anglesey about music, celebrating his birthday and the inaugural Knutsford Music Festival
“I
love living in Knutsford,” broadcaster Mark Radcliffe enthuses. “I’ve lived in Cheshire most of my adult life and moved here five years ago with my wife and daughters from Whitley. We love the beautiful architecture, the café culture and we’ve found folk here very friendly.” Indeed Mark is so involved in this community that he’s teamed up with Knutsford Town Council to host a series of gigs for the Knutsford Music Festival. ‘Mark Radcliffe Presents Folk at the Theatre’ will be part of the council’s wider celebration of music ranging from classical to blues and folk echoing throughout the town. “Nobody’s making any money out of this as much is done out of good will - but the music will be top quality,” Mark insists. “I’ve booked all the acts myself - thanks to my contacts presenting the Radio 2 Folk programme. Most of these guys are either doing this as a favour or appearing at massively reduced fees which will barely cover their expenses. “Friday’s headliner is Pilgrim’s Way. The BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominees from Stockport include multi-instrumentalist, Jon Loomes, who played 22 instruments on their Red Diesel album. I wanted to book this act as a nod to Knutsford’s Highwayman Higgins as they sing songs about highwaymen through traditional English folk song… and even 1980s disco so there may be a bit of Stand and Deliver, you never know!” When I tease Mark about highwaymen in
Knutsford, he’s quick to correct me. “There really was a Highwayman Higgins and there’s a blue plaque on the Heath that tells you where he lived. I’m personally intrigued by these legendary figures as I also have a seven-piece, pirate folk-rock band called Galleon Blast; although they won’t be appearing on this occasion perhaps another time!” Born in Bolton and educated at Bolton School and Manchester University, Mark took an interest in music from an early age, joining numerous bands while at school and university. As a broadcaster, musician and writer, he’s perhaps best known for his work with the BBC although he began his broadcasting career in local commercial radio. “It was easy for me to get a foot in the door, as my dad, Phil Radcliffe, a well-respected journalist, was then on the board of Piccadilly Radio. My dad infected me with his love of music and words and we both shared a passion for art. Looking back I think my generation had it relatively easy because we didn’t have to fight any wars and we still had university grants in those days.” Mark’s BBC career started in 1983 when he produced sessions at Maida Vale Studios for John Peel’s show. He was my producer when I presented the Radio 2 Arts Programme, before deciding he really wanted to be a presenter. He was personally responsible for broadcasting many BBC Radio programmes from Manchester rather than London.
“When Wigan beat my football club, Manchester City, Stuart promised I’d never hear the end of it - and he’s a man of his word!” 35
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In 1991, Mark presented Out on Blue Six and a couple of years later The Guest List. He famously formed a radio partnership with former Fall guitarist, Marc Riley and as Mark and Lard, they worked on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show as well as a subsequent afternoon show which garnered three prestigious Sony Radio Academy Awards. Mark went solo in the mid-’90’s on Channel 4’s music series, The White Room, where he first met his wife. He joined Radio 2 and presented several television programmes, including Glastonbury and Top of The Pops. He even won Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes with his impersonation of Shane MacGowan of The Pogues. “There were all these glamorous folk from Emmerdale and Coronation Street as well as Paul Burrell, Diana’s butler, and there was me with blacked out teeth – so I knew I’d no hope of winning. I was gob-smacked when they announced I’d won and when I asked what was the prize? They said - just winning!” Mark remains a presenter on BBC Radio 2, where he weekly presents The Folk Show. On Radio 6 Music he co-hosts a weekday afternoon show, Radcliffe & Maconie, with colleague and friend Stuart Maconie. “When Wigan beat my football club, Manchester City, Stuart promised I’d never hear the end of it - and he’s a man of his word!“ In between broadcasts, for a time, Mark produced the comedy series Count Arthur Strong. He wrote the autobiographical Showbusiness: The Diary of a Rock ‘N’ Roll Nobody; a critically acclaimed history of his attempts at a career as a musician. His novel Northern Sky – based around a folk music club in an imaginary northern English city – was published in 2005. Thank You For the Days,
published in 2009 and another memoir, Reelin’ in the Years, was published in 2011. Is there another book in the offing? “I may have run out of things to write about. I don’t find writing relaxing - so not sure yet.” Mark remains a passionate musician, and he’s totally involved with Knutsford’s Festival. “On the Saturday Mike McGoldrick and friends will perform, while I’ll be on stage on the Sunday joining my former Family Mahone bandmates for a stripped back folk show. Acclaimed folk duo Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar will then close the show. They’ve won a couple of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and are still only in their early 20s. Mark was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Bolton. “I was made up and my dad was even prouder,” he beams. As he approaches his 60th birthday, he‘s decided against having a party and with some friends he’s off on a musical tour of Nashville and Gracelands.
Meanwhile Mark’s really excited about this festival. “I’m thrilled to be part of Knutsford Music Festival as it’s the town I live in and I wanted to make a contribution. I can promise you three evenings of truly exceptional music in a folk and roots style and I look forward to counting on your support at our cherished Little Theatre. So don’t leave it too late before you book!” Knutsford Music Festival, 22-24 June, 2018 (buytickets.at/knutsfordmusicfestivalmarkradcliffe)
“My dad infected me with his love of music and words and we both shared a passion for art” 36
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PERUVIAN
Connection Charlotte Davies steps aboard South America's first luxury sleeper, carving a path between Peru's natural wonders and ancient civilisations
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O
ur journey began in Cusco train station, sipping fruity cocktails while musicians and dancers dressed in vibrantly-coloured ponchos, performed traditional Peruvian dances. Behind us, a team of concierge staff dressed in elegant uniforms, quietly prepared South America’s first luxury sleeper train, Belmond’s Andean Explorer, for our voyage through the Andes towards Arequipa. The 16 white and midnight blue carriages reflected the early morning sun as it rose in the clear sky, and through large windows, we caught glimpses of our luxurious lodgings for the next three days. Stepping from the platform onto the train, we were greeted with Champagne in the bar carriage – with a baby grand piano, golden wall inlays reminiscent of Klimt’s masterpieces and ornate cornicing; it’s a setting that rivals some of the world's swankiest bars. A slight lurch and everyone’s hands fastened tighter around their flutes as the train departed from Cusco station and started its journey south.
Enclosed in an ornate balustrade, the open-air viewing platform was an ideal spot to watch glistening lakes and herds of alpacas and llamas pass by. Built in Australia in the early 1990s, the train originally travelled the Great South Pacific Express in Australia before the line ceased operating in 2003; 13 years later, the carriages were shipped to Peru and transformed by Belmond designer Inga Moore into South America’s first luxury sleeper. While an undertone of 1920s glamour is carried throughout the train’s décor, it is kept contemporary in a cool cream colour palette, with stylish modern fabrics and lighting. Expect the hallmarks of Belmond too, though: brass luggage racks, elliptical topped windows, and embossed ceilings, alongside plush fabrics and modern photography in slick, black frames.
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Sleeping up to 48 passengers, the bedrooms are located in the front carriages; two luxurious suites closest to the bar and dining cars, with the junior doubles, bunks and small twin rooms located further away. Like the public carriages, the rooms are sophisticatedly decorated in similarly subtle tones, save for the bright blues and reds of the hand-woven Peruvian fabrics on the beds. All have their own ensuite with a shower, toilet and vanity. A highlight of the rooms is the service buttons – pisco sours are but a button press away… It was then time to explore. As I walked through the corridors, I caught glimpses of glacier-topped mountains and rich-green hillsides lined with terraces, until I reached the observation carriage at the rear of the train. Enclosed in an ornate balustrade, the open-air viewing platform, was my go-to spot for the leisurely hours aboard; an ideal spot to watch glistening lakes and herds of alpacas and llamas pass by. Lunch was then served in one of the two dining carts. With menus designed by South America’s chef du jour, Diego Muñoz, the fare served onboard reaches impressive heights. The
disembarked the train for our first exploration to the remains of the pre-Columbian settlement of Raqchi. Although a rather speedy stopover, it offers a glimpse of Incan architecture and a chance to stretch our legs in the Peruvian sun. As the daylight faded, we pulled into La Raya where we hopped off the train to view a small Spanish church and peruse a dozen or so stalls selling cashmere and vicuña. A cool mist settled around the train when we woke at 5am the following morning to watch the sunrise over the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. Wrapped in alpaca scarves and
With menus designed by South America’s chef du jour, Diego Muñoz, the fare served onboard reaches impressive heights daily menus are inspired by the regional cuisines of the areas passed en route; during the journey we enjoyed trout from Lake Arapa, broad beans and lemons from Cusco, mushrooms, beets and corn from the Sacred Valley, and quinoa from the plains of Altiplano, all washed down with wine any sommelier would be proud to include in their cellar. Well fed and watered on alpaca ravioli, we
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clutching hot cups of cocoa tea, we huddled around a fire pit and waited almost silently to see the still waters turn a rosy hue of red as the sun rose over the mountains behind us. A few hours later, we reconvened to meet our guide for the day, who, armed with a clipboard and a tour guide’s booming voice, led us to a boat docked at the edge of the serene lake from where we sailed to the floating isles of Uros. Here, the patriarch of the island explained how the islands were built and how families live on the bobbing bed of totora reeds: the reed-rocks of lake life, the reeds are not only used to build islands, houses and boats, but are also a nourishing snack for the islanders who live off catching fish and birds in the lake, and
tourists in search of eye-catchingly colourful souvenirs. With our feet on firmer ground, we enjoyed lunch on the tranquil shores of Unesco heritage site, Isla Taquile, after which the island’s inhabitants performed a traditional dance dressed in brightly coloured costumes and tall, feathery hats. As the train trundled forward into the darkening sky that night, we caught our last glances of Peru’s verdant green valleys; little did we know we’d wake to vast desert-like plains interspersed with rocky outcrops, although the snowy mountains in the distance remained a constant throughout. The second sunrise, this time over Lake Saracocha, was as picturesque as the first, although far comfier as I watched the sunrise through the window under the warmth of my duvet. The final outing of our trip was to the Sumbay Caves which date back to the Paleolithic era, between 6,000 and 8,000 BC. Down a steep rocky pathway, the caves are set in a small valley with a trickling stream. Within the caves you’ll find hundreds of white and ochre-coloured drawings of alpaca, llamas, men and even the odd ostrich. My Andean adventure ended in what seemed like the middle of nowhere, in the dusty train station of Tambo Cañahuas. Over three days we’d traversed close to 700 kilometres, and explored ancient, Incan and contemporary Peruvian culture. To fit so much into a three-day journey is no mean feat, but if you can ship a train across an ocean and serve Michelin-standard fare at 14,000 feet, what’s a spa, two bars and luxury accommodation on top of that… (belmond.com)
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