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Issue:- SATURDAY 20 June 2015

Living Ventures to bring stylish restaurants and bars to Cunard Building

Tim Bacon, Joe Anderson, Lord Carlile and John Hyland.

LIVERPOOL City Council has signed a deal with Living Ventures which will see world class restaurants and bars opening at the Cunard Building on the Pier Head. The agreement will see Ł6 million invested on the Ground and 1st Floors of the Grade 11* listed building, creating approximately 150 new jobs. Living Ventures will bring 2 different world dining and drinking experiences to the Cunard Building, Australasia, and Cunard House as well as a training academy. Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said:- "I am delighted that we are able to announce the investment by Living Ventures in Cunard Building. It will breathe new life into the Cunard Building and the wider Pier Head, complementing the recent investment the Council has made. It will provide a world class dining experience for residents, tourists and office workers in this part of the City and be a catalyst for further investment in the Pier Head area. We know there is a huge demand for dining at the Cunard Building, demonstrated most recently through the success of the Aquitania pop up restaurant during the Three Queens visit. It is also a great economic deal for the City, creating a significant number of jobs and economic spend, and will generate business rates and rental income for the City Council which we can reinvest in essential services."

On the Ground Floor, Australasia will serve modern Australian cuisine combining Pacific Rim flavours underpinned by European cooking tradition. It will also have a bar serving cocktails and music from resident and guest DJ's. Then on the 1st Floor, Cunard House will a team led by Aiden Byrne; the youngest chef to ever win a Michelin Star and former Head Chef of the Grill Room at the Dorchester Hotel in London. It will serve fine food in an informal atmosphere. It will be accompanied by cocktail bar and training academy for young chefs to train under Aiden.

Tim Bacon, CEO of Living Ventures, said:- "I am delighted to introduce Australasia and Cunard House to Liverpool, it has always been a Cityvery close to my heart and I am sure people will love these 2 new dining experiences; each will bring something totally new and dynamic to the Liverpool dining scene. Aiden is also very excited to be returning to his home Town, Cunard House, will be a showcase for the amazing food Aiden produces and the training academy will give him the opportunity to pass on his knowledge and experience to aspiring young chefs who could not ask for a better mentor."

Lord Carlile CBE QC, Chairman of Astutus Strategy Ltd, which is supporting Living Ventures, said:- "The development is a great opportunity to bring a great building back into the growing Liverpool powerhouse. It promises to be a wonderful restaurant, and a go to meeting place. The Mayor is to be congratulated on his support for this exciting venture."

Subject to planning approval, the deal; which has been organised by John Hyland of Astutus Strategy Ltd. Australasia is expected to open in April 2016 on the ground floor and Cunard House in September 2016 on the 1st floor.

Mecca Bingo in Southport searches for exclusive taste tester

A nationwide search has been launched by Mecca Bingo, offering one lucky person the chance to join an exclusive tasting panel to help create the new winter menu for clubs across the UK. Taking place in Birmingham on 1 and 2 July 2015, the lucky winner and a friend will be asked for feedback on everything from taste, appearance and price to determine which decadent dishes will be included on the new winter menu, launching at all 91 clubs on 13 October 2015. The lucky winner will not only get to potentially see their favourite meals make it onto the Mecca menu, but the prize also includes a VIP night out at the Mecca Oldbury Club; including travel and accommodation. Simply visit your local Mecca Bingo club on Lord Street and let them know what you would like to see on the next menu or email your ideas to:- meccamenucompetition@rank.com. All entries must be in by Sunday, 21 June 2015. Mark Furniss, Mecca National Kitchen & Menu Development Manager said:-"There is no better way of making sure that Mecca customers will be happy with the new menu than by asking them to be involved in the planning themselves. We look forward to receiving menu suggestions from customers and using them to help create the new and exciting menu to be launched later this year." From light bites to winter warming mains and delicious desserts, the Mecca club menu offers a broad range of great tasting and value for money meals. You don't have to be a member of Mecca Bingo to enter this competition but you will need to join if you win the prize. You need to be over 18 years of age but membership is free and it only takes a second to register.

New carers group launches in Southport

THE national charity Rethink Mental Illness is launching a support group for carers of people with mental health problems in Southport this month.

The group, which will hold its first session on 24 June 2015, will provide support and information on how to care for loved ones with mental illnesses, such as depression, personality disorder or schizophrenia.

The charity successfully runs hundreds of similar groups throughout England. The groups are peer support groups, run by people with a mental illness or their families and friends.

Marjorie Cottrill and Louise Gore are the group's coordinators for Rethink Mental Illness. Marjorie says:- "1 in 4 people in Southport will have a mental health problem at some point in their lives. When they do, many will be looked after by a family member. Being a carer can be a stressful and an isolating experience. Due to the stigma which still surrounds mental illness, many carers find it hard to speak openly about the struggles they face. The group will provide a sympathetic, non-judgmental listening space, where carers can share their thoughts and feelings. A lot of people find it really valuable to speak with others who have been through similar experiences to them, and it's also chance to socialise."

The group will meet every last Wednesday of the month from 5.30 until 6.30pm, at St Marie's Church in Southport.

For more information, please send an email or call:- 07763 993555.

The Garden Festivals Company Presents The Southport Garden Festival

GATHER up all your gardening equipment, furniture and flowers this summer at our show! The Garden Festivals Company says that "We have fun for the whole family including Ferret Racing and pig herding (One Woman and her Pigs) Enter your own dog into our Fun Dogs Show, at 1.30pm, for a chance to win bragging rights! Plus if that wasn't good enough... The Garden Festivals Company will also have Traditional grass cutting performed by professional Scythe Demo Artists and live folk music by The Band Stand. We have lots to see and do so don't be afraid to turn up!" Adult tickets are just:- Ł4.00 each and both Senior Citizen / Disabled are:- Ł3.50 each. Childs tickets are:- Ł1.00 Not only that, but children Under 3 go FREE!!! Family Tickets are only Ł10.00 and cover 2 Adults and up to 3 Children. The event will be open 10am to 5pm, at the Leisure Lakes, Mere Brow, PR4 6JX, on 29 August to 31 August 2015. For more information visit:- Garden-Festivals.com.

Public welcome at Trust board meeting

SOUTHPORT and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust will hold its next board meeting on Wednesday, 24 June 2015, at 9am. The meeting will be held in the Boardroom at Southport and Formby District General Hospital. Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe the meeting. Anyone with a special requirement should contact the Trust in advance on:- 01704 704783. The agenda will be available on the Trust website in advance of the meeting. Supporting papers will be made available on the day.

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Deceased estates notice - Lilian May Jackam

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925, any persons having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of Lilian May Jackam (also known as Lillian May) Jackam (Deceased), late of Birch Abbey Rest Home, 55 Alexandra Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9HD, UK, who died on 04/10/2018, are required to send particulars thereof in writing, to the undersigned Solicitors, on or before 24/05/2019, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests of which they have had notice. Churches Solicitors, 12 High Street, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7BL, UK. Ref:- 'T553015.'

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