Fisks Gateway issue 62

Gateway

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 62

inside this issue PUMPKIN CARVING TEMPLATES EASY HALLOWEEN TREAT RECIPES THINGS TO DO FOR HALLOWEEN PLUS THIS MONTH’S (NOT SO SCARY) PROPERTIES

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL

CONTENTS PUMPKIN CARVING TEMPLATES Our printable templates will help you create the perfect Halloween decoration.

EASY HALLOWEEN TREAT RECIPES From ghoulish cupcakes to scary cookies - we’ve got you covered this Halloween.

THINGS TO DO FOR HALLOWEEN Plan an amazing day out with the whole family.

OUR (NOT SO SCARY) PROPERTIES

We have a stunning selection of properties for you this month to take a look at.

Welcome to our Gateway magazine...

On October 31 we have been promised by Boris Johnson that this whole Brexit mess will be behind us - only time will tell if that is true or not. The situation has turned into a bit of a nightmare since the big vote, the uncertainty has caused many people to hold off buying and/or selling, but with the results possibly in sight, the market is expected to pick up pace.

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

Our Ethos & Values We focus on our clients’ requirements and instructions rather than just doing what’s quickest and easiest for us.

We recruit and train the best candidates for our industry and provide them with attainable goals and long term career progression.

Our comprehensive training program ensures that our staff channels their entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm for the benefit of our clients, whilst maintaining the professionalism and customer service associated with our brand.

As mentioned above, it’s October, the month of Halloween. In this Halloween special edition of Gateway we cover a number of Halloween themed ideas for you and the whole family - including a selection of pumpkin carving templates, easy Halloween treat recipes for all to enjoy, and a list of things to do in Essex this Halloween for the whole family…

And don’t forget to enter our pumpkin carving competition to win £50 in John Lewis vouchers - flip the page for more information.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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PUMPKIN CARVING TEMPLATES Our printable templates will help you create the perfect Halloween decoration.

So, you’ve ordered yourself that pumpkin carving kit, bought the best pumpkin money can buy, and now you want to test your skills. But what to carve exactly? Why not try one of our following suggestions?

Just download our magazine, print your desired size, and then get to work... Better yet, if you want to show off your skills and enter our competition to win £50 in John Lewis vouchers, just simply take a photo of your creation, post it on social media and then hashtag us - we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The lucky winner will be announced next month.

Difficulty: 1 pumpkin out of 3

Difficulty: 2 pumpkins out of 3

Difficulty: 2 pumpkins out of 3

Difficulty: 3 pumpkins out of 3

MEET THE TEAM

Lan Carey Sales Manager Lan started his career in the British Army when he was 17 leading teams of up to 8 men. On finishing his military career, he joined the Estate Agency industry where he is a valuable asset to our Benfleet Sales Team.

Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant Harriet joined Fisks in 2017 as a Trainee Property Consultant. Having previously worked in sales and public-facing roles, Harriet has combined her natural sales ability with her previous experience to progress within the property agency sector.

Leanne Wright Assistant To Ian Carey Leanne joined Fisks in 2010 after graduating from the University of Greenwich with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Sociology. Starting off as Branch Administrator, Leanne has went on to gain experience in Operations, Senior Administration and Property Management.

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John Pring Director John’s knowledge is second to none thanks to his 50+ years in the industry.

Perry Goodwin Digital Marketing Manager Perry recently joined Fisks and brings with him a wealth of digital marketing skills he has gained throughout his career.

Alex White-Miller Property Manager Alex joined Fisks as Property Manager in 2018 and is an essential part of the team.

We cover the whole of South Essex.

Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555

Tina Webster Management Accountant

Simon Pring Director Simon joined Fisks in 2005 and started on the shop floor as a junior sales consultant and now has 13 plus years of commercial experience - from viewing to property management and sales to completion.

After joining the company in 1988 with a BTEC diploma in Business and Finance, Tina progressed her career within Fisks to that of Management Accountant.

Nicola Rattenberry Operations Manager & Admministrator Nicola joined Fisks in January 2014 after graduating from the University of Winchester with a BA (Hons) First Class Degree in History and Creative Writing.

Charlie Maynard Property Consultant Charlie joined Fisks in 2018 as an experienced Property Consultant.

Our Vision & Strategy

Taris Etherton Sales & Lettings Consultant Taris joined Fisks in 2017 as a Trainee Consultant.

The residential estate agency market is increasingly populated by large corporations; nevertheless, our independent family-run estate agency continues to succeed and grow a loyal client base, due to our core value, ethos and flexible approach to clients’ requirements.

WHY USE FISKS? Throughout the years, we’ve gained first class knowledge that is second to none, and helped people through both good and bad times and have won numerous awards throughout our 50 plus years.

We do understand how the market has changed over the years and we have adapted to offer you the best marketing and services available - with us, not only do you get all aspects of a traditional agent, we also give you the best in digital marketing too - including social media, web portals, and our exclusive property video tours that can be seen on our YouTube channel and other streaming services. Our hybrid agency offers you the best of both worlds.

As well as offering floor plans, our monthly Gateway magazine that reaches over 9 thousand people, social media exposure of your property, A3 property details and flyer campaigns, we also offer the following...

Multiple online portals

Fisks will market your property on all major portals -

Accompanied viewings Let us take the stress out of the viewing process.

Video tours

Let us present your home to the best of its ability.

High end photography

All buyers require good quality photographs before viewing your property.

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Landlords: Protect your investment with our full property management and marketing...

Protecting your investment should not be taken lightly, with our full management service you can be sure to get the support you deserve...

Inventories - protect your deposit with professional inventory, including time and stamped photographs.

Inspection - allay your fears that your asset is being looked after.

ARLA - the gold standard professional industry body.

Section notices - fully trained and experienced staff can advise and serve the appropriate notice.

Audited and insured client accounts to protect your money.

Rent guarantee and legal cover protect yourself with insurance and the increased costs of evicting (subject to status).

Legal hotline - specialised property lawyers helping to answer your questions.

Accurate accounting - from monthly statements to overseas landlords, to expenditure and income, we hold all the information the accountant will need.

Gas certificates and EPCs - keep your property complying with the law.

Don’t just take our word for it, we have many many happy customers...

“Happy customer. Very professional service. We had no problems with the sale of our house or the purchase of our new home through Fisks. Staff very pleasant, would definitely recommend.”

- Mr and Mrs Hall “Fantastic team that pulled out all the stops and helped every step of the way.

Friendly pleasant staff.”

- Mrs S Sheavyn

... come and put us to the test!

EASY HALLOWEEN TREAT RECIPES From ghoulish cupcakes to scary cookies - we’ve got you covered this Halloween.

If you’re after a sweet treat to serve this Halloween, rustle up a batch of these ghoulish cupcakes or cookies.

Ghoulish Halloween cupcakes

Scary Halloween cookies

Ingredients and other things 100g butter, cubed 100g plain chocolate 100g golden caster sugar 1 egg ½ tsp vanilla extract 125g self-raising flour 250g white fondant icing 500g mixed pack coloured fondant Paper cases Icing pens Icing eyes

Ingredients 250g/9oz unsalted butter, softened 250g/9oz golden caster sugar 2 free-range eggs, lightly beaten ½ tsp vanilla extract 500g/1lb 2oz plain flour red and black food colouring (optional) 1 tsp baking powder Halloween-themed cookie cutters red, white and black writing icing 200g/7oz ready-to-roll fondant icing 1 tbsp apricot jam

Method 1. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Line a 12-hole cupcake tin with paper cases.

Gently melt the butter, chocolate, sugar and 100ml hot water together in a large saucepan, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool a little.

Method 1. Beat together the butter and sugar in a large bowl, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.

(If the mixture looks a little curdled, add a spoonful of the flour.) If you’re using food colouring, add a few drops to the mixture.

2. Stir the egg and vanilla into the chocolate mixture. Put the flour in a large mixing bowl, then add the chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. Divide the mixture evenly between the paper cases; they should be about three-quarters full.

Bake on a low shelf in the oven for 2022 mins. Press on the cupcakes to check if they’re cooked; the tops should spring back. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

2. Sift together the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Stir the flour into the butter mixture and work into a dough using floured hands. Turn onto a floured work surface and knead into a ball (the dough will be quite wet). Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in cling film and leave to chill in the fridge for one hour.

3. Decorating your cupcakes anyway you wish. Packet fondant can often be quite sticky; if yours is, pat walnut-sized lumps of fondant over the surface of each cake, rather than trying to roll it all out. Knead yellow and red fondant together to make orange icing. Make extra decorations, like hair and mouths, out of fondant and stick them on using a little water. Use the icing pens to draw lines in the fondant.

3. Preheat the oven to 170C/325F/Gas 3.

Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.

4. Roll the dough out to a 0.5cm/¼in thickness on lightly floured work surface.

(It’s best to roll out one portion of the dough at a time, leaving the remainder in the fridge.) Cut shapes out with the Halloween cutters. Take a few limbs and heads off the gingerbread man for added gore.

5. Place the cookies onto the baking tray, leaving a gap between them in case they spread a little.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, leave on the tray for 10 minutes and then move to a wire rack to finish cooling.

7. Once cool, let your imagination run wild.

Use the red writing icing along the edges of the missing limbs and heads as blood.

For the skeletons and mummies, roll the fondant icing out to a 0.5cm/Âźin thickness on a work surface dusted with icing sugar and cut out shapes using the same cutters as the cookies. Brush the cookies with the warmed apricot jam and stick the icing onto the cookies. Decorate with the white and black writing icing.

TIP: For added horror then why not bake in the shape of severed fingers, eyeballs or creepy spiders - even add a bit of food colouring into the mix for some extra gore!

Let your imagination run wild, and most importantly, have fun.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

KINGS PARK, CANVEY ISLAND OIRO £220,000 • Two Double Bedrooms • Walk In Wardrobe • En-suite to Master • Recently Redecorated • No Onward Chain • Good Location Overlooking The Lake

CALL 01268 510510

WILMSLOWE, CANVEY ISLAND £275,000 • Three Double Bedrooms • Four Piece Bathroom Suite • Extended • Modern Throughout • Off Street Parking • Garage • Energy Band – Awaiting

CALL 01268 510510

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GAFZELLE DRIVE, CANVEY ISLAND GUIDE PRICE £350,000 - £375,000 • Seafront Location • Detached Chalet • Four Double Bedrooms • Spacious Kitchen/Diner • Three Bathrooms • Off Street Parking • Energy Band – D

CALL 01268 510510

WYCOMBE, BENFLEET £475,000 • Four Double Bedrooms • Extended • 25ft Lounge/Diner • Modern Kitchen • En-Suite To Master • Huge Rear Garden • Off Street Parking • Energy Band – F

CALL 01268 510510

ASH ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND GUIDE PRICE £400,000 - £420,000 • Detached Bungalow • Four Bedrooms • Spacious Lounge • Kitchen/Diner • En-Suite To Master Bedroom • No Onward Chain • Energy Band – C

CALL 01268 510510

FURTHERWICK ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £375,000 • Detached Family Home • Five Bedrooms • Kitchen/Diner • Downstairs Shower Room • Garage • Immaculately Presented • Close To Seafront • Energy Band – Awaiting

CALL 01268 510510

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LONDON ROAD, BENFLEET £430,000 • Detached Property • Three Double Bedrooms • Spacious Lounge • Refitted Shower En-suite To Master Bedroom • Show Home Condition Throughout • Garage • Energy Band – Awaiting

CALL 01268 565555

APPLETON ROAD, BENFLEET OIEO £345,000 • Semi-Detached Chalet • Two/Three Bedrooms • Modernized Throughout • Bath En-Suite To Master • Good Sized Garden • Garage • Close To Train Station • Energy Band – Awaiting

CALL 01268 565555

SOUTH VIEW ROAD, BENFLEET £525,000 • Detached Chalet Property • Four/Five Bedrooms • Separate Dining Room • Modern Fitted Kitchen • Utility Room • Good Sized Driveway • Energy Band – E

CALL 01268 565555

OSBORNE ROAD, BASILDON GUIDE PRICE £260,000 – £270,000 • End Of Terrace Property • Three Bedrooms • Good Sized Lounge • Kitchen/Diner • Close To Basildon Town Centre • Energy Band – C

CALL 01268 565555

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CROFT ROAD, BENFLEET £269,995 • Semi-Detached Bungalow • One Bedroom • Fitted Kitchen • Loft Room With Velux Windows & Radiator • Refitted Shower Room • Newly Fitted UPVC Double Glazing Throughout • No Onward Chain • Parking • Energy Band – E

CALL 01268 565555

LITTLE TARPOTS COURT, BENFLEET £235,000 • Modern First Floor Apartment • Two Bedrooms • Long Lease • En-suite To Bedroom One • Show Home Condition • Private Parking • Energy Band – Awaiting

CALL 01268 565555

THINGS TO DO FOR HALLOWEEN Plan an amazing day out with the whole family.

The Best Halloween Events in Essex for Children & Families. Please note that all children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. Tickets are necessary and can be booked online or bought at the event.

Half Term HalloweenFest at Barleylands Farm Park HalloweenFest takes place from Saturday 26th to Sunday 3rd November.

There’ll be lots of fiendish fun to enjoy including face painting, Halloween crafts, creepy crawlies in the reptile house, mini diggers and much much more.

Halloween Festival at Marsh Farm This amazing festival of Halloween fun, activities and events including a FREE pumpkin for every child. Fancy dress during the event is more than welcome and adds to the fun. (One Free pumpkin for a full paying child, subject to availability.)

Halloween Special at Audley End Miniature Railway Experience a spoooooky Halloween Train Ride deep into the woods of the Audley End Estate to visit the Witches at their Haunted House. The Audley End witches do love seeing you kitted out in your spooky finery.

Spooky Audley End with Creepy Critters Grab your broomsticks for a bewitchingly brilliant day out at Audley End House and Gardens this Halloween half term. Get hands-on with creepy crafts and a wicked witch-themed quest. There are fancy dress competitions every day and chances to meet some amazing animals – including snakes, spiders and more.

Halloween Festival at Old MacDonald’s Farm and Fun Park Halloween craft activities, animal encounters with Sunny the owl, creepy crawly meerkat feeding, Old Macs ghost trail, pumpkin carving, spooky train rides, and also meet and greet dragons Sapphire and Scorcher (Mon 28th to Fri 1st) and visit The Haunted House (Sat 26th to Fri 1st) - this festival has all the Halloween fun anybody could wish for.

Dr Gore’s Spooky Mad Lab at The Royal Gunpowder Mills Evil Dr Gore will be undertaking some scientific demonstrations, as part of a hauntingly delightful mix of science and fun that will entertain the whole family. Families can get into the spirit by making witches hats, dressing up, and getting hands on with a range of Halloween arts and crafts. If more science is what you want, then children can also make and launch their very own rocket.

Follow us on your favourite social media platform to keep up-to-date on everything Fisks

Head Office 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 750000 E: office@fisks.co.uk

Here to help you on the following property matters

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Sales Lettings Property management Mortgages Solicitors Surveys EPCs Property maintenance Planning applications CONTACT US FOR A FREE VALUATION 01268 565555 “Best Estate Agent in Essex! Fisks were fantastic from start to finish, both the Benfleet & Canvey Island branches. The staff are knowledgable, polite & friendly, we never had a bad person.

They got us viewings from both the branches. They kept us in touch on every viewing. They also kept us informed on every part of the process, which was very good as we haven’t moved in over 30 years.”

- Mrs C Stannard

“NO STRESS USE THE BEST... Excellent customer service... nothing too much trouble... all queries answered with ease... from valuation to completion we found the experience stress free. Very professional friendly staff, would definitely recommend... big thanks to Simon and his team ... till the next time!”

- Mr and Mrs Farrer