THE BRITISH GAS BIG DIP HEADS TO LONDON AND MANCHESTER

Double Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Adlington OBE will officially open a major new urban swim event that is on its way to London and Manchester and offers summer swimming like never before.

The British Gas Big Dip, supported by Speedo the world's leading swim brand is designed to get more people enjoying the benefits of spending time in the pool - a key aim for the partnership between British Swimming and British Gas. This event is set to be the UK's ultimate urban swim festival and features a 25m outdoor pool and a beach.

The UK's ultimate urban swim festival, which is the brainchild of Olympic medallist Steve Parry, builds on the success of the British Gas 'Pools 4 Schools' project held on the south bank of the River Thames in London during 2009, which taught over 2,000 people to swim in just four weeks.

Launching the latest initiative to get more people to enjoy swimming, Steve Parry said:"The British Gas Big Dip offers swimming for all the family and so much more - in fact all the fun of the beach is being taken into two iconic British cities. There's a real focus on teaching people to swim and also sessions which will give people more confidence in the water.

"People who come to the attraction will be able to see England's Volleyball team, exercise and try new activities including giant slides and zorbing pools. There will also be a beach area for non-swimmers with volleyball sessions, yoga, pilates and kids competitions."

Andrew Hogan brand director from British Gas said, "The British Gas Big Dip is a fun and active day out for all the family. Everyone is welcome and British Gas customers will also receive a voucher to take part in one of the extra activities for free."

David Robinson, Speedo brand president said:"We're delighted to be backing this event and we are sure people will take advantage of the fantastic activities that are available for all the family to enjoy. There's so much to do that even the weather won't spoil the fun."


The British Gas Big Dip London takes place in Clapham Common from June 18th to July 17th and the British Gas Big Dip Manchester will be held in Harman Boulevard, Spinningfields from July 30th to August 29th.


Tickets cost just £3 per adult, which includes free admittance for up to two children aged 12 and under. To book your place for this summer's biggest urban swimming festival visitwww.bigdip.co.uk or follow @The_Big_Dip on Twitter for the latest updates.

For more information contact Richard Clein on 0151 244 5466 or 07803 729133 or Pippa Davies on 0151 244 5466 or emailrclein@bellpottingernorth.co.uk/pdavies@bellpottingernorth.co.uk


NOTES TO EDITORS

British Gas
The nation's biggest energy supplier, British Gas is the principal partner of British Swimming and is supporting the sport at all levels, from the grass roots to our elite athletes. The sponsorship has already helped thousands of children in the UK learn to swim. It encourages people to get back in the pool and helps Britain run smarter, energy efficient community pools. Visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming

Speedo
For more information on Speedo's swimming range & team visit: www.speedo.co.uk

For further press information contact Speedo team Brandnation - 0207 9407170 & Rae Young - 0207 9407176 e: rae@brandnation.co.uk

About Speedo®

The world's leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations. Supporting swimming from grass roots through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps, in the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world's first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefined swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created. Speedo® is owned by Speedo Holdings B.V and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.co.uk

Spinningfields
Spinningfields combines world-class architecture and inviting contemporary public space, with a vitality that comes from its exciting mix of offices, retail, restaurants, bars and living space. With a total investment of £1.5bn, Spinningfields comprises 427,450 sq m (4,600,000 sq ft) mixed-use development between the River Irwell and Deansgate – one of Manchester’s main thoroughfares.

The Avenue at Spinningfields is Manchester's newest shopping destination for international luxury brands. Anchored by Emporio Armani and Flannels, it is the ideal place for consumers to purchase their next collection piece. Retailers and brands available on The Avenue include DKNY, Oliver Sweeney, Mulberry, Prada, Gucci, Lanvin, Matthew Williamson, Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, LK Bennett, Flannels, Brooks Brothers, All Saints and Phillip Stoner.

The Avenue is a dynamic new area featuring signature restaurants, a host of international brands, spa and gym services, art and live entertainment in one location.

Relaxation and entertainment are at the forefront of The Avenue’s ethos. The impressive array of eateries and restaurants, positions Spinningfields as the luxury leisure destination in the North West.

The Avenue car park facility is in prime location of all stores and restaurants with 50 secure spaces exclusively for Avenue shoppers. There is new introductory offer of £4 for 5 hours and £8 for 10 hours.

For more information regarding Spinningfields visit www.SPINNINGFIELDSonline.com

Follow Spinningfields on Twitter www.twitter.com/spinningfields

Follow The Avenue on Twitter www.twitter.com/avenuethe

Join Spinningfields Facebook page www.facebook.com/Spinningfields

Join The Avenue Facebook page www.facebook.com/AvenueThe

Having a ball and reaching sparkling highs this week...

Well, it's been a week full of champagne, debauchery and celebrations for the team!

It started with the Take That concert at which, we screamed like teenagers and screeched to "All I do each night is pray... oh yeahhhhh..."





Then moved onto a more refined gathering for The Classique tennis tournament on Wednesday at Mottram Hall, where tennis heavy weights from around the globe arrived to play at the three day event. We rubbed shoulders with famous faces such as Australian legend, Mark Philippoussis; former Wimbledon Champion, Richard Krajicek; and English mixed doubles champion, Jeremy Bates, to name but a few. Guests were treated to a Veuve Clicquot Champagne reception, a gourmet three course lunch and high tea.






Straight from The Classique in Cheshire, the team moved onto our own Champagne Soiree at Epernay Champagne Bar in Manchester. The champagne and elegant surroundings were simply fabulous as were all of our guests, and this is where the debauchery comes in... It started well with plenty of relaxed networking and bubbly whilst listening to the melodic sounds of Gemma. However, it soon turned into a fierce competition at the Operation table whilst Marianne 'and others' redesigned the logo displays for optimum branding opportunities! An injury to the ankle was sustained for Anna-Louise and the night ended in high spirits, and a little fuzzy, with hangovers sure to follow the next day...











The next day took us to Total Swimming in Bury, where 'hop-a-long' Anna-Louise and Shazan seemed surprisingly refreshed and on Thursday evening, the girls headed back into Cheshire, this time to Panacea in Aderley Edge to support Nicola McConnell, sponsored by Castlefield Clinic & Spa, in her bid to be crowned the next Miss Manchester. With an abundance of glamour, glitz and flesh on show, the competition saw 35 contestants soon whittle down to 10 finalists and Nishant and the team are thrilled that Nicola was indeed crowned Miss Manchester 2011! Nicola, a straight A student, aspires to be a surgeon and soon starts studying medicine at the University of Manchester. She wowed not only us and the crowd, but a judging panel including footballer Robbie Savage and new Coronation Street star Michelle Collins.




As if there hasn't been enough going on this week, our media-savvy clients, Dr. Bessam and Dr. Nilofer Farjo have been appearing all over our television screens and on the radio as they have been asked to provide their expert comments on Wayne Rooney's hair transplant, and Olympic medallist and founder of Total Swimming, Steve Parry, has been in the media spotlight non-stop (as usual!) as we get ready to launch The Big Dip next weekend!

Needless to say, the Rejuvenate and WorkLife team have a quiet weekend planned!..

Big thanks not only to all our lovely clients, but also to Manchester based, Forever Unique, who helped keep Anna-Louise and Marianne at the top of the style list!

Get The Royal Wedding Look with Bobbi Brown

With the Royal Wedding freshly (and forever) imprinted in our minds and the fever of it still being rife and under no allusion of dying down any time soon, we turned to make-up masters Bobbi Brown to see how they would recreate that Royal Wedding Look, fit to bag a Prince (well we can dream cant we?)

Here's how to create those royal-worthy wedding looks for yourself for the bride, maid of honour and mother of the bride, courtesy of Bobbi:

The centrepiece herself aka the Bride:

1. Start with clean, fresh skin. Even out skin tone with Corrector, Concealer and Foundation.

2. Sweep Ivory Eye Shadow all over the lid.

3. Apply Rockstar Metallic Eye Shadow on the lower lid.

4. Blend Slate Eye Shadow into the crease.

5. Line upper and lower lash lines with Black Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, making sure that the top line is thicker than the bottom.

6. Brush on two coats of Black No Smudge Mascara.

7. Smile and sweep Pale Pink Blush on the apples of the cheeks.

8. Dust Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick high on the cheekbones.

9. Apply Sandwash Pink Lip Color on lips, followed by Crystal Gloss.
The lady to impress, the Mother of the Bride:


1. Start by giving the skin a clean, natural glow with Corrector, Concealer and Foundation.

2. Apply Bone Eye Shadow from brow to lash line.

3. Keep the eyes beautifully natural by sweeping Long Wear Cream Shadow in Cement across the lower lid.

4. Define the upper lash line with Long Wear Gel Eye Liner in Caviar.

5. Finish the eyes with two coats of No Smudge Mascara in Black.

6. For the perfect pop of colour on the cheeks, try Blush in a fresh shade like Apricot.

7. Lips are kept soft and natural with a swipe of Brownie Lip Colour.

No bride would be complete without her Maid of Honour:


1. Begin by applying Corrector, Concealer and a little bit of Foundation for beautifully even skin.

2. Warm up the face with a skin-tone-correct Bronzer.

3. Sweep Bone Eye Shadow across the entire lid.

4. Apply Long Wear Cream Shadow in Ash on the lower lid only.

5. Perfectly define the eyes with Long Wear Gel Eye Liner in Black Ink on the top and bottom lash lines.

6. Open and curl the lashes with two coats of Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara.

7. Play up the cheeks with Blush in Sand Pink.

8. Softly brush a Highlighter Pen high onto the cheek bones for added definition and shimmer.

9. Apply Blondie Pink Lip Color on the lips, followed by Confetti Lip Gloss.

For stockists details visit: www.bobbibrown.co.uk

The Grand Unveiling of Nicky Clarke, Spinningfields

Manchester’s glitterati and fashion elite came out in abundance for the grand unveiling of the opening of the new Nicky Clarke salon at Spinningfields, Manchester on Thursday 31st March.


The red carpet was rolled out and the paparazzi were at the ready for what turned out to be a celeb studded evening in Manchester’s new fashion district. Not only kitted out in style for a launch party to impress, the salon had been turned into a makeshift art gallery for the evening, to play host for the evening’s partner, Legande Celebrity Art. Legende Celebrity Art provides an exclusive collection of highly desirable and collectable limited edition art from movie stars to musicians, screen and sports memorabilia for personal collectors, charity auctions and company rewards & incentives. The art on display included over 60 individual pieces from signed sporting memorabilia to works of art by photographer Terry O’Neil’s and even pieces of art from the John Lennon collection.

Guests were treated to a canapés fuelled reception including cupcakes by Manchester cupcakery Hey Little Cupcake! and delicious cocktails provided by The Alchemist, whilst browsing the exclusive art pieces, all being available to purchase. The evening was also supportive of a good cause, with ample funds raised from the evening being kindly donated to the night’s chosen children’s charity, St. Francis House. Showing their support, appearances were made by many TV faces from the cast of Hollyoaks, Premiership Footballer, Morten Gamst Pedersen and England Cricketer James Anderson to name a few. With the salon team in Manchester being one of the finest in the city, in conjunction with the new arrival of celebrity brow and hand beauty specialist, Jo Pallan, the new salon is sure to become one of Manchester’s must stop beauty destinations.



The opening of the new Manchester salon is the start of an exciting year ahead for Nicky Clarke. A whole new care and styling range will be launched later this year and the electrical range will see the addition of some innovative new products. With various media projects currently in production and the continuing expansion of the company’s new website – the new hair tutorial movies are proving to be a big hit online - expect much more to come from Nicky Clarke throughout 2011.

To book an appointment at the new Nicky Clarke Salon in Manchester, call 0844 884 2444.

WHO GIVES A TOSS?!

Well, as a headstrong female entrepreneur and wannabe ‘Domestic Goddess’ I do for one. Yes, today indeed is not only International Women’s Day but also Pancake Day!

50 OF MANCHESTER’S INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN UNITE

2011 marks 100 years since the first International Women’s Day took place on 8 March to raise awareness of women’s issues and celebrate their achievements. To mark this, 50 inspirational women from all walks of life in Manchester came together last Friday to launch the IWD programme of events with a group photograph on the steps of Manchester Town Hall in Albert Square.


The 50 strong group included:
 Councillor Suzanne Richards, Lead Member on Women for Manchester City Council
 Sinead Greenaway, CEO of MediaCity
 Sue Woodward, Director of the Sharp Project
 Maria Balshaw, Director of Manchester Art Gallery and Whitworth Art Gallery
 Maria McGeoghan, Editor of the Manchester Evening News
 Katharine Mellor, Partner at DWF
 Melanie Bryan, winner of the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award
 Elizabeth Taylor, winner of NW Primary Teacher of the Year 2010
 Anna-Louise Gilhooley, Founder & Managing Director of The Rejuvenate Group

Joining us at Friday afternoon’s event was Councillor Suzanne Richards, Manchester council’s lead member for women. She said Manchester provides fantastic female role models, who spend every day overcoming barriers to become the best in their fields.

She said: “International Women’s Day is about raising awareness of women’s achievement and also some of the fights and battles we still need to have in terms of women’s equality.
“We still need more women politicians, we still need more women in the board rooms.
“We don’t have equality still in many levels of society so it’s about raising awareness but also celebrating some of the fantastic achievements of women in the UK.”

As the birthplace of women’s suffrage in the UK, Manchester has always been at the centre of the women’s movement and is marking the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD) with a series of great events around the city including a YouTube channel - 2011IWD 100 years 100 voices – performance art, debates, film screenings and a production of The Vagina Monologues in aid of the Birdhouse Fund (full details at www.manchester.gov.uk/IWD and www.birdhousefund.org)

Whilst thrilled to be part of such a unique event and acknowledged for my business success, I’m not quite yet there with my efforts or skill as a ‘Domestic Goddess’. So later tonight, after I’ve reveled in the achievements of my fellow divas, I’ll grab the tub of M&S ready made batter mix and toss like crazy for the sisterhood!

Manchester City Council worked with Oxfam (part of the EQUALS partnership, a group of leading charities brought together by Annie Lennox to celebrate the IWD centenary), Inspirational Woman Magazine, the Social Media Boom digital agency and Lollipop PR to co-ordinate this unique event. Congrats to all.
By Anna-Louise Gilhooley

Pixley Berries - Your Must Have Accessory this Spring/Summer!

Picture the scene - a hot Summer day spent relaxing and lounging around with nothing to worry about but which magazine to flick through first... (I know, I know it’s hard to imagine whilst we're still in the vice grip of the freezing Manchester weather) What more could you ask for right? Well how about a glass of chilled Pixley Berries - the perfect tool to quench your thirst all summer long!


Pixley Berries cordials are not just your average cordial, infact they contain more than sixty per cent fruit juices (three times higher than most cordials!). With this, he proof is definitely in the pudding as they say or in this case the taste! Pixley Berries have a real depth of flavour; a rich, luxurious taste with an added fruity, sweet kick - I know its a miracle, a fruit drink that ACTUALLY tastes like fruit!

The determinedly not-from-concentrate cordials are grown and pressed in Ledbury Herefordshire, on Pixley Farm, with absolutely no additives, nor preservatives . They are simply fruit juices, water and sugar, making them not only mouth-wateringly delcious, but a sneaky part of your 5 a day!

The cordials are even available in three variants (Blackcurrant, Blackcurrant & Raspberry, and Blackcurrant & Ginger) from Waitrose at £3.19 per 500ml bottle, so you'll be spoilt for choice deciding which fruit kick to sample first!


Whats more, why not try these out these delicious recipe ideas to really tickle your tastebuds...

1.) Champagne and Pixley Black Jellies

Ingredients:
- 5 sheets of leaf gelatine
- 1 bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
- 75g Caster Sugar
- 2tbsp Pixley Berries Blackcurrant Cordial

Method:
1. Soak gelatine in cold water until softened.
2. Put 100 ml water and ¼ bottle of champagne in a pan; add the caster sugar heat slowly.
3. Once the sugar has dissolved, squeeze the excess water from the gelatine sheets and stir into the liquid.
4. Strain into a bowl and leave until cooled. Then add the rest of the champagne and the cordial.
5. Divide the jelly between 6 champagne glasses. Chill for approximately 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with a little fresh fruit before serving.

2.) Natural Yoghurt drizzled with Blackcurrant Cordial – perfect spring time tea time treat

Ingredients:
- 250g natural yoghurt
- Pixley Berries Blackcurrant Cordial
- 8 raspberries

Method:
Drizzle Pixley Berries Blackcurrant Cordial over natural yoghurt and raspberries for a delicious and healthy snack!
As a cordial, the drink itself may be dilluted but unlike your typical codrial drink, the taste certainly is not!
Pixley Berries are available to purchase from Waitrose stores nationally, Ocado Online Groceries, as well as various co-ops, farms and health food stores across the West Midlands.

For more information on the brand and where to buy visit:
www.pixleyberries.co.uk

'ONE, NINETEEN' - A Play to Remember...

What's on this week at Studio Salford...

'ONE, NINETEEN'

Presented by Team Mono.

On 19th January: Freak storms bring devasting floods to the West Coast of England, but before the rescue effort arrives, the media are already in town spinning their story. A play about the power of the news, the strength of the government, the question of climate change, and of course, the search for Sam, Jack and little Chloe...

Written by Archers’ writer Tim Stimpson, One Nineteen enjoyed a successful premiere at London’s Arcola Theatre, with rave reviews, including 4 stars from Time Out magazine.


Team Mono are pleased to be bringing this increasingly relevant piece of work back to the stage with new direction and exciting multimedia. Teammono Theatre Productions are dedicated to bringing high quality writing to the stage, using both in-house writers and associate writers. Mike Friend said: “I am looking to produce and develop not only my own writing, but help deliver writing that is too good to be left on a shelf or a pc somewhere. Good writing and great actors deserve to be on a stage for the world to see.”

"A fast and pacey satire which hits the bullseye every time" - Hackney Gazette

"The various narrative strands are neatly overlapped to create an all too plausible picture. … It entertains while also leaving you much to think about." - The Stage

"Four Stars" - Time Out

DIRECTOR: Mike Friend. Technical Production by Jack Woodcock.

WHEN: Wed 2nd Mar - Sat 5th Mar. Starts: 8.00pm Ends: TBC

Tickets: £7 / £5 with tickets available from: http://www.ibookedit.com/iBookedITApp/whatsOnPerformanceU.action?productionRef=133

Limited number of tickets may be available on the door so be sure to call ahead on 07583 634 871 to confirm.

Find Studio Salford at:
King's Arms, 11 Bloom St., Salford M3 6AN
http://www.studiosalford.com/
http://www.teammono.com/

WorkLife Meet Tennis Legend Jeremy Bates

Last Monday, WorkLife met with English mixed doubles champion and tennis legend Jeremy Bates at the press day for The Classique, the region's upcoming most exclusive tennis event.

WorkLife were lucky enough to grab an exclusive interview with the Wimbledon star, as he was in the city promoting the event, at the offices of one of The Classique's sponsors Credit Suisse.

The inaugural Classique is the most exclusive event in the North West for 2011, combining world class tennis with superior hospitality, all set amongst the grandeur of De Vere Mottram Hall in Cheshire. Where tennis legends from around the globe will entertain you and your guests on a purpose built grass court, viewed from your own private box.

Other tennis heavy weights so far confirmed to play alongside Bates at The Classique include former French National Championship finalist, Cedric Pioline; former Wimbledon singles semi-finalist, Anders Jarryd, former French Open finalist, Henri Leconte and former Wimbledon winner, Richard Krajicek.

Tournament director, Vicky Collins, said: “The Classique is an ideal opportunity for business people to break out of the boardroom and entertain current or prospective clients."

"Guests will not only be able to watch some of the most famous names in tennis play against each other, but in a beautiful, intimate setting.”


The Classique will be taking place between Wednesday 8th June and Friday 10th June at De Vere Mottram Hall.

For more information about the event or to book a table visit: http://www.theclassique.co.uk/

You can read the full and exclusive interview with Jeremy Bates in the next issue of WorkLife out April!