LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
JULY 2020
BOSS THE BBQ!
SUMMER IS HERE, WHICH MEANS MORE TIME IN THE GARDEN, AND THE GREAT BRITISH TRADITION OF BARBECUING SUMMER COCKTAILS TRY OUR DELICIOUS COCKTAIL RECIPES
SMART GARDEN DEVICES THE LATEST SMART GARDEN ACCESSORIES
SHORE-FIRE WINNERS NOW’S THE TIME TO HIT THE COAST
MAKE MONEY ONLINE SPOTTING COLLECTABLES ONLINE TO MAKE A PROFIT
CONTENTS 8
COVER STORY
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Boss the BBQ! Charcoal or gas? Read our BBQ guide to find the best grill for you this summer.
LIFESTYLE
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PROPERTY
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Garden tips during a dry spell How to make sure your garden isn’t dealt a knockout blow in this summer
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Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market
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About us Get to know our team a little better and see why we are your agent of choice
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FOOD & DRINK
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Tempting summer cocktails Bring your holiday to your garden this summer with our great cocktail recipes
BBQ rubs and marinades Simple rubs and marinades to bring your BBQ food to life
Smart garden equipment Smart accessories and devices to get the most from your garden this year. Top TV of 2020 so far A look back at some of the greatest shows of 2020 so far Quiz time If you think of yourself as the general knowledge master, try our tricky quiz for size Spotting collectables online How to spot a valuable to make a tidy profit…
TRAVEL
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Heading for the coast? A selection of some of the UK’s best beaches that are well worth a visit
WELCOME TO THE JULY EDITION
W
ith the summer having officially arrived, this month, on pages 4&5 we have a guide to help find you the ideal BBQ to give your garden an upgrade. We also have fantastic BBQ rubs and marinades which are sure to impress your friends and families.
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lifted, we have put together a list of the best beaches to visit in the UK. At the end of the day, when you’ve had enough sunshine, you can relax with our guide to the best TV of 2020 so far and a quiz to test your general knowledge.
It’s looking like a hot one this year, so we have all the information you need to protect your garden and keep it healthy in the hot weather, and after all that work, why not check out one of our mouthwatering summer cocktails on pages 6&7?
Inside, you will also find some of the fantastic properties that have come to the market recently as well as an opportunity to meet our wonderful team…
Are you looking to take advantage of the lockdown restrictions being
Jonathan Wheatley Editor
PROPERTY NEWS
So, sit back with a summer cocktail and enjoy this month’s magazine.
Spacing plants more widely apart allows each plant a greater area of soil to compete for moisture
It’s not only humans that suffer as the temperatures start to rise – gardens also feel the heat and get stressed, particularly if there is a long dry spell. Lack of rainfall can drastically reduce crop yield for vegetable and soft fruit growers. And while it may be simplistic to think that a watering can and a hosepipe will cure everything, that’s just a fraction of the solution. In fact, the first line of defence against any summer drought should be drawn at the ground preparation stage, where digging in two bucketfulls of well-rotted manure per square metre will add to the water-retaining capacity of the soil. That could add as much as two weeks’ moisture, as well as vital nutrients. Sowing early, preferably before May, will also allow crops to take root in moist soil and be prepared for when more severe conditions arrive generally in late June – and drought stress becomes a real issue. This is applicable to vegetables such as carrots, those that stay in the ground until ready to use. But it is less useful for the likes of spinach and salads where a continuity of supply is needed and later sowings, typically after May, might have to be made in dry soil. Here it is better to water into your drill before sowing to ensure good germination. Spacing plants more widely, usually by more than 50per cent of the recommended distance, allows each plant a greater area of soil to compete for moisture. Although this reduces the yield, it does mean they become drought resistant. Fertilisers are again very helpful to make plants stronger and better equipped to make the most of available water, but excessive quantities can do more harm than good.
DROUGHT FOR THE COUNT But the key is water retention because, in times of drought, a hosepipe ban is never more than a turn of the tap away. And, as water makes up a large percentage of the tissue in most fruit and vegetables, it doesn’t make much sense to let them go thirsty. The key to keeping moisture in the ground and around the roots is a good quality mulch.
How to make sure your garden isn’t dealt a knockout blow in the summer
When to water, though, is a bone of contention. Many gardeners argue it is best to go out in the evening when the heat of the day is gone so most of the moisture gets down to the shallow roots of salad plants and isn’t lost to evaporation. Others will say do it early in the morning because it helps prevent heat scald and other fungal diseases.
may be struggling to establish themselves. Also bear in mind a heatwave is hardest on transplants, those starter plants who have started life in pots
Raked leaves, compost, composted manure, dried grass trimmings, even bark chippings, can all be used to protect young trees and berry plants from summer stress and will create cooler micro-environments at the base of plants. However, anything that has not been aged will temporarily deplete the soil of nitrogen and hamper growth. It is also important to know your soil type. A sandy or chalk mix needs soaking at least every other day but clay may only need watering once a week or the roots may rot. If you have young fruit trees, try taking a leaf out of the 19th Century farmer’s handbook and circle them with large stones or pebbles for moisture conservation. Because, even then, they realised sunshine wasn’t the only thing to dry out surface soil; a warm summer breeze would be just as damaging. And, with that in mind, don’t be afraid to erect some kind of shelter to give your plants some shade in the afternoon. Beans and most green, leafy vegetables appreciate some respite from the sun.
The key to keeping moisture in the ground and around the roots is a good quality mulch
However, experts agree over methods of watering. For the likes of lettuce, radishes, and individual plants it is best to use a watering can so you can target and deliver the right amount. Anything where a mulch is concerned, use a hosepipe to get under the covering to give a good drenching, particularly for young fruit trees who
before moving out to the garden. Their root systems are shallow and therefore more susceptible to drying conditions in the top few inches of the soil. Obviously you could wait before moving them out, but if they have to be moved look for opportunities to put them in the partial shade of more mature plants.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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BOSS THE
BBQ!
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Summer is here, which means more time in the garden, and the great British tradition of barbecuing.
barbecue is a social event. A time to get together with friends and family under the hot sun and enjoy a meal Alfresco. Whether you are a BBQ aficionado or a BBQ newbie, our guide will help you pick the right equipment and provide you with some useful hints and tips.
CHARCOAL OR GAS? One of the biggest questions when it comes to buying a new BBQ, is whether to go with gas or charcoal? If you are looking for the simplest option, then you will want to go with a gas BBQ. Gas grills will get you cooking in under 10 minutes and with them, you can control the temperature ensuring all your food is cooked to perfection. However, as gas burns quicker than charcoal, this restricts the efficiency of the heat and can leave your food without those delightful burntends and smokiness. For traditionalists, a charcoal BBQ is the only way to go. On a summer’s day, the smell of the smoke on the air is what we
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all crave, and with charcoal, BBQ smoke is what you will get. Charcoal gives you a more consistent heat, helping you to perfect those perfectly smoked and seared ribs, burgers and sausages. With charcoal, you can also add extra touches such as pieces of hardwood and woodchips.
TYPES OF BBQ Okay, so you’ve decided on gas or charcoal, now you need to decide which type of BBQ you want. There are a huge variety of BBQs on the market, ranging from disposable BBQs available at most shops to large brick-built BBQs and of course standard gas BBQs. Gas BBQs generally come in rectangular or circular options, usually with a lid to help keep heat. The shape and size is dependant on your own personal preferences, although with a rectangular BBQ you can keep certain foods away from each other easier.
BBQs to build into your garden. These come in a range of sizes and shapes, some with domes, some open to the elements. The beauty of a brick-built BBQ is in the aesthetics. Not only will they cook incredible food, but they become a decorative statement. You can even make a DIY BBQ with bricks and cement blocks you already have lying around. All you need is some cement, the grills and some time.
ADDED EXTRAS
Charcoal BBQs again range in size and shape. Small kettle BBQs are perfect for small gatherings, while larger drumshape BBQs are great for bigger garden parties. Both are fairly easy to transport from different areas of your garden, and The beauty of a brick-built BBQ is in the aesthetics. Not only will they cook incredible food, but they become a decorative statement. with smaller portable grills, you can even take these with you on days out and are a lot less fiddly than the disposable BBQs you buy in shops. If you are looking for more of a showpiece for your garden, you can buy
If you are looking for that true smoky flavour, invest in some hardwood or woodchips. Woods such as Sweet Chestnut, Silver Birch and Applewood are some of the most popular and by adding these to your BBQ, you can create incredible smoky flavours which will go deep into your meat. These can be added directly on the gas or charcoal or by using a smoker box. Alternatively, for different flavour smoke, try adding rosemary, mint or even lavender leaves and stalks directly on to the flame. To get the most out of your BBQ invest in some high-quality utensils, such as metal spatulas, tongs, forks and a cleaning brush and kit. Remember to clean your grill after every time you cook using a metal brush. Invest in a scoop to remove any debris from the charcoal area too. If you take your BBQs really seriously, invest in a meat injector. This is a needle that you use to inject flavours directly into large cuts of meat. Some popular options to inject are simple beef stocks into lumps of beef, and cider and apple vinegar into joints of pork. For more ideas for BBQ marinades and rubs, see page 8 in this month’s magazine.
If you are looking for the simplest option, then you will want to go with a gas BBQ
So, with your BBQ questions answered, now’s the time to make some summer cocktails using our incredible recipes on pages 6 and 7, sit down with our quiz on page 13 and wait for the burgers and bangers to be ready…
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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SUMMER COCKTAILS Bring your holiday to your garden this summer with our great Summer Cocktail recipes…
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here’s nothing better than sitting in the sun, with the smell of a BBQ in the air, the sound of birds all around, and a refreshing cocktail in your hand. Did you know, most of the ingredients for a summer cocktail can be picked from your own garden and be mixed to create drinks that take you to another place.
FROZEN PINEAPPLE DAIQUIRI This cuban based cocktail was created by an American engineer, Jennings Stockton Cox. Born in the iron mines of Daiquiri, where it got its name, the Daiquiri can be made with a multitude of different fruit flavours and can come as either a frozen beverage or a liquid.
INGREDIENTS
Frozen Pineapple chunks Sugar syrup Lime juice Bacardi
METHOD
Add the frozen pineapple chunks to a blender with the Bacardi, sugar syrup, ice and lime juice and blend until smooth. It’s as simple as that. You can make your own sugar syrup by simply mixing one part of hot water with one part sugar.
Handy Tip: Leave out the ice and use fresh pineapple for a non-frozen version and mix in a cocktail shaker instead.
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MOJITO The mojito has Cuban origins, Havana to be precise and has become one of the most popular cocktails around. A favourite of the author Ernest Hemmingway, the mojito has come a long way since, although, the main ingredients stay the same.
INGREDIENTS
Juice of 1 lime 1 tsp of granulated or brown sugar A handful of mint leaves White rum Soda water
METHOD
Add the sugar, lime juice and mint leaves to a small jug and muddle with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon, ensuring you release all the juice from the lime wedges. Pour into glasses and add crushed ice. Pour over the white rum and top up with soda. It’s as easy as that. You can even add other fruit to the mix when muddling to explore different flavours. Strawberries work especially well.
Handy Tip: Use lemon mint leaves from your garden for an extra special taste.
TRADITIONAL RED SANGRIA
LONG ISLAND ICED TEA
Once the drink of choice served in every restaurant and bar in Spain, Sangria has made its way to these shores and become a popular summertime drink. The drink itself dates back a thousand years using grapevines planted by the Phoenicians. It all but disappeared though until the 1500s. Meaning ‘blood’ in Spanish, today, under European law, all Sangria must be made in Spain or Portugal.
Take it easy with this famous cocktail. One origin story about this liquor-loaded cocktail is from the 1920s. During the prohibition era, Old Man Bishop, a native of Long Island created this super potent, yet tasty cocktail disguised as a simple Iced tea. However, after a couple of these, you won’t be able to remember the story anyway!
INGREDIENTS
½ Orange ½ Apple ½ Lemon ½ Lime ¾ cup Orange juice 4 tbsp Brown or Cane sugar 1/3 cup Brandy or rum 1 750ml bottle of bold, fruity Spanish red wine (Tempranillo or Rioja)
METHOD
Add all the chopped fruit and the sugar to a large pitcher and muddle with a wooden spoon. Then add the orange juice and the brandy or rum and muddle for 30 seconds. Finally, add the whole bottle of red wine. Taste and adjust the flavours as necessary and when happy, add ice.
Handy Tip: Once made, the Sangria will last for 48 hours if you cover it and keep it in your fridge. In fact, by making it early and leaving it in your fridge the flavours will come together better.
INGREDIENTS
50ml vanilla vodka 50ml dry gin 50ml tequila 50ml white rum 50ml triple sec (Cointreau) 50-100ml fresh lime juice Ice 500ml Cola 2 limes
METHOD
Pour the spirits together into a large jug and add the lime juice. Half fill the jug with ice and stir. Once cold, add the cola and drop in the lime wedges. Serve straight away with lime wedges on the side.
Handy Tip: Due to the alcohol content, reduce the measures needed. It’s never a good idea to combine so many spirits at one time. Enjoy these cocktails responsibly, while you enjoy the warm summer evenings with friends and family.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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HOMEMADE
BBQ RUBS
AND MARINADES To create the perfect BBQ, it takes more than fire and coal‌ Looking to create some tasty, inspired dishes on your BBQ this summer, then look no further than these simple recipes that will bring your food to life!
JUICY AND SWEET MEDITERRANEAN BBQ MOP This super simple, ready-in-minutes BBQ mop, perfect for basting your meat or veg while cooking, will bring chicken, pork chops, vegetables and kebabs to life with an explosion of Mediterranean taste.
INGREDIENTS Balsamic Vinegar Lemon Juice Olive Oil Salt Pepper Maple Syrup
METHOD Combine 2 tbsp of Balsamic, Olive Oil and Maple syrup with 1 tbsp of Lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir and using a basting brush, mop the meat or vegetables often while they are on the grill. Once cooked thoroughly, mop one more time before serving.
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SMOKY BBQ RUB
This dry, smoky rub will add a lovely sweet and spicy flavour to your burgers, ribs and chicken drumsticks. Easy to make and perfect for cooking on a charcoal BBQ with the added smokiness of Hickory Hardwood.
INGREDIENTS Smoked Paprika Onion Granules Garlic Granules Brown Sugar Chilli Flakes Salt Pepper
METHOD Combine 1tbsp of the onion and garlic granules, the chilli flakes and the brown sugar with 2tbsp of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a freezer bag add the meat and fully coat in the seasoning. Leave to marinate for 1-2 hours before cooking on the grill. Cook on high heat to sear the meat and the flavour in, before moving onto a cooler heat to fully cook through.
HONEY-GINGER STICKY BBQ SAUCE This wonderfully sticky sauce will bring your food to life with a zing! A sweet and tangy sauce with an Asian influence, perfect for grilled meats, seafood and veggies.
INGREDIENTS Apple Cider Vinegar Mild Honey Ketchup Tabasco Sauce Garlic Cloves Minced Ginger Salt Pepper Olive Oil
METHOD Fry 4 large garlic cloves and 2 tbsp of minced ginger in the olive oil. Add 350ml of apple cider vinegar, 120ml of both ketchup and mild honey and 1.5 tbsp of Tabasco sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. Marinade the meat in the sauce for as long as possible before frying on a hot BBQ grill. When the food is cooked through, add one final topping of the sticky sauce. Remember, when cooking any meat or vegetables on the BBQ to turn frequently to stop the food from sticking to the grill, check the juices run clear, and for added taste use woodchips, fresh herbs or hardwood directly on the coals‌
THE SMARTEST OF THE
SMART GARDEN
The digital age in which we live demands convenience and immediacy, and since so many of us are stuck in our homes right now, with reduced opportunity to mingle in public places, smart accessories and devices for your garden will make life so much nicer.
SPEAKERS
WEATHER STATION
An audio system planted in your outdoor space can bring your garden to life. Working away to music or radio makes labour so much easier, and why wouldn’t you want to be singing along to your favourite song whilst you weed!?
Keeping track, being up-to-date and knowing all the details about how the weather is behaving is important in planning your moves as a gardener. Because every garden is dependent on the weather’s dynamic changes throughout the year, a weather station is a fabulous contraption for any gardener to own.
ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT
This is the best-selling outdoors speaker available with the highest customer ratings on Amazon. It’s a wireless, mobile speaker, Which also offers the ability to pair it with a second speaker. tinyurl.com/y8u45lo4
This is one of the most popular smart weather stations on Amazon. It allows your station to wirelessly transmit data to the world’s largest personal weather station network, ‘Weather Underground’.
tinyurl.com/ybnedofs
IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Watering your lawn, bushes, plants and flowers can prove to be less efficient than using irrigation systems, due to unintentionally over-watering certain areas compared to others by hand. An automatic system will always be programmed to get every single strand of the beautiful life in your garden. This is one of the most popular smart irrigation systems on Amazon, incorporating a rain skip feature which saves you water by automatically skipping watering cycles before or after it rains. tinyurl.com/yda5z6ue
LAWNMOWER
HOT TUBS
You’re not a respectable gardener unless you have that all-essential lawnmower to hand. But multitasking is a massively useful commodity for any horticulturalists, which is why trimming your bushes whilst the lawn’s getting cut will save bags of precious time.
After a hard day of gardening, you will have earned a nice warm soak at the end of the day. With hot tubs, there are some amazing ones out there, and some pretty average ones too. You should be careful when looking for a ‘smart’ hot tub because you don’t want to just be paying for the smart feature, whereby the quality of the hot tub ends up being mediocre.
This is the best-selling smart lawnmower with the highest customer ratings on Amazon. This particular one comes in four different sizes with two different models and boasts an automatic charging system too. tinyurl.com/yatzvqdy
This particular hot tub, from ‘Hot Tub Master,’ is of good quality, and includes built-in luxury Bluetooth speakers. tinyurl.com/yc6q3hr5
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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T
SHORE-FIRE
hat blast of warm spring weather which coaxed us outside to bring welcome relief during the dark days of the COVID-19 lockdown merely whetted the appetite for the real thing – long sunny days, even longer beach
walks with a cooling breeze just taking the edge off the simmering heat.
and some of the highest-rated beaches in Europe are almost on your doorstep.
Although your favourite hotspot on the continent may currently be out of bounds, don’t forget we are an island
So, with the softening of the Government’s health warnings, now’s the time to start planning where to feel
SANDSEND, YORKSHIRE
BLACKPOOL SANDS, SOUTH DEVON
RHOSSILI BEACH, WALES
You will find this sheltered and peaceful crescent of fine shingle three miles southwest of Dartmouth backed by wooded hills. It can be popular with families, but it is a great spot for swimming because the turquoise waters are so clean and usually calm. You can also hire kayaks and paddle boards.
Never disappoints, whatever the weather. Voted Wales’ best beach, this spot on the south-west tip of the Gower Peninsula bears the brunt of some Atlantic swells so it is perfect for surfers and paragliders. But although access is tricky, there are more than three miles of golden sands at the end of it.
The crowds are more likely to go to its more famous neighbour Whitby, but you don’t have to follow the herd. Sandsend is set against a backdrop of grassy hills and is much quieter – and prettier – than Whitby. It’s also a great place for fossil hunting at low tide when the children tire of playing in the little becks that flow across the sand.
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the sand between your toes, relish the breeze soothing sunburnt skin and, with luck, you won’t have to put up with that unique tang of sea air and fish ‘n’ chips. In no particular order, then …
FORMBY, LANCASHIRE Formby’s sand dunes are the stuff of legend and are even classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. From their peaks you can see the Cumbrian Mountains and, on a really clear day, Blackpool Tower. Again, you get to the beach through a pine wood where there is a reserve for red squirrels, but once you get to the beach, you won’t have to walk far to to get to wide, open, flat sands.
WINNERS
As the pandemic restrictions start to ease, now’s the time to hit The Great Outdoors to shake off that lockdown lethargy.
HOLKHAM, NORTH NORFOLK
PORTHCURNO, NEAR LAND’S END
BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET
WEST WITTERING, SUSSEX
Big skies, even bigger beach and you’re unlikely to have any issues with social distancing. Holkham’s shore is fringed by pine forest but, once through that, it’s just you, the North Sea, and a vast expanse of golden sand. Holkham is also where the Household Cavalry come for summer camp in July, to give the horses respite from ceremonial duties and to let them have a good blow-out cantering through the surfline. And it’s a handy spot to explore neighbouring Wells-next-the-Sea (first-class crabbing over the sea wall), spotting grey seals and birdlife at Blakeney, or hitting familyfriendly Hunstanton, the only east coast resort to face west.
If the sun is beating down and you squint, maybe, just maybe, you can kid yourself you are in one of those picturesque coves beloved by designers of Greek holiday brochures. However, this is, in its own way, the most beautiful bay in the region: a funnel of fine, white sand sitting between granite cliffs. Easily accessible, it is popular with families and the beach really opens up when the tide is going out. Then you can walk to other sandy spots in the area and sit on sandbars beneath the ancient cliff fort of Treryn Dinas.
Yes, Bournemouth, voted Britain’s best beach two years on the trot in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. However, there are 11 miles of golden, pristine sand stretching from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks so you should be able to avoid crowds. And even if the weather turns there is plenty to do including the secluded Fisherman’s Walk and the Oceanarium – providing all the pandemic restrictions have been lifted.
The road to this Sussex beach isn’t the best – and it does get busy - but the journey is worthwhile: at the end you are greeted with a fine, open stretch of sand which is clean and leaves lots of lovely little pools when the tide goes out. It overlooks the Solent and Chichester harbour, but for peace and quiet head to the western end where you can walk a narrow ridge to East Head which is a remote, sand spit at the mouth of a harbour.
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TOP TV OF 2020 SO FAR
GANGS OF LONDON Gangs of London looks like a Hollywood movie set in London. With a cast including well-known British TV faces from the past few decades, it is the epic story of loss, power and greed. Directed by Gareth Evans, best known for his blistering martial arts movies, The Raid and The Raid 2, Gangs of London has some hard-to-watch, brutal fight scenes and runs at a blistering pace with twists and turn at every corner.
Dixon and Amanda Holden as the judges once again, BGT never fails to bring a smile to the faces of the nation.
British Thespian legend, Sir Patrick Stewart returns as the iconic Jean-Luc Picard in this expansion of the Star Trek franchise. It follows the retired Picard 20-years after his last appearance in Star Trek: Nemesis and shows him deeply affected by the destruction of the planet Romulus. It is a story of redemption within the stunningly recreated Star Trek universe.
AFTER LIFE SEASON 2
BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT The live auditions were filmed before lockdown, so we have been lucky enough to have the episodes available weekly of this blockbuster Saturday entertainment show. Presented by Ant & Dec and with Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha
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Gangs of London has some hard-to-watch, brutal fight scenes and runs at a blistering pace
STAR TREK: PICARD
BGT live auditions were filmed before lockdown, so we have been lucky enough to have the episodes available weekly
Ricky Gervais returns with the second season of the surprisingly uplifting tale of a local newspaper editor dealing with the death of his wife. With Gervais’s unique brand of humour, the first season achieved cult status. And with an incredible British cast, Gervais has created something both shocking in its humour and sweet in the way it honestly deals with grief.
Lot of us have been watching more TV over the past few months. We thought we’d look back at some of the greatest shows of 2020 so far…
THE OUTSIDER TIGER KING Love it or hate it, with its unique range of real-life characters, Tiger King has become a cult show on Netflix. Following Joe Exotic, a collector of exotic animals in America, the show follows his escalating row with Carole Baskin, the owner of Big Cat Rescue. With threatening videos, legal allegations, protests, targeted harassment and allegations of murder, it is the must-watch Netflix show of the year.
This American horrorcrime mini-series based on a Stephen King novel stars the wonderful Ben Mendelsohn as a favourite recurring character from King’s multiverse, Det. Ralph Anderson. The story follows the investigation into the murder of a young boy which takes a turn when it is found the man they arrested was in two places at once. With some excellent performances and a twisted story by the horror master, this is one of the best shows of 2020.
QUIZ TIME
Let’s face it, over the past few months we have all probably been involved in a virtual quiz at some point. If you now think of yourself as the general knowledge master, try our tricky quiz for size…
ROUND ONE: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Name the longest river in the UK. How many hearts does an octopus have? In which year did Twitter launch? True or false, The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands? Which fish is the most widely-eaten by humans?
ROUND TWO: MOVIES AND TV 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Dr Sleep is the follow up to which Stanley Kubrick movie? The TV show Stranger Things is set in which fictional town? Who played Indian Jones’s father in The Last Crusade? Who played Fox Mulder in the X-Files? In what yeard did Channel 5 launch in the UK?
ROUND THREE – SPORTS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What’s the maximum score you can achieve in 10-pin bowling? Which horse won the Virtual Grand National 2020? Name the only football team to sack Sir Alex Ferguson as a manager? Who scored the first-ever Premier League goal? How many points is the green ball worth in snooker?
ROUND FOUR – MUSIC 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What is Elton John’s real name? What year did the Spice Girls release ‘Wannabe’? How many number one singles did Oasis have? What year did Robbie Williams leave Take That? Which city were the bands Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and The Human League formed in?
THE ANSWERS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE. HOW DID YOU DO? 1-5 correct
Have you even done a virtual quiz during lockdown?
6-10 correct
Just making up the numbers and having a social chat!
11-15 correct
You take quizzing seriously, but there’s still a little way to go.
16 – 20 correct
ANSWERS
You are the quiz master. Everyone wants to be on your team.
ROUND ONE
ROUND THREE
1. River Severn 2. Three 3. 2006 4. True 5. Herring
1. 300 2. Potters Corner 3. St. Mirren 4. Brian Deane 5. Three
ROUND TWO
ROUND FOUR
1. The Shining 2. Hawkins, Indiana 3. Sean Connery 4. David Duchovny 5. 1997
1. Reginald Kenneth Dwight 2. 1996 3. Eight 4. 1995 5. Sheffield
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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HOW TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE
BY SPOTTING COLLECTABLES With many businesses temporarily closed due to the pandemic’s lockdown, many people are starting their own new online businesses, and spotting collectables online is a great place to start
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hether running a new business temporarily until the primary company they run or work for gets back up and running, or on a more permanent basis, many are getting creative during these extraordinary times and taking entrepreneurship into their own hands. Wheelers and dealers everywhere are spotting bargains and collectables to purchase online. Online shopping is very much all the rage at the moment especially valuable collector’s items which are worth surprisingly vast amounts of money.
GREAT PLACES TO SPOT THE MOST VALUABLE OF VALUABLES. Having already experienced an easing of lockdown measures in certain areas, car boot sales are back in business. Not quite in the same capacity as before COVID-19, but still. And there are an astonishing amount of hidden gems to be found at car boot sales – things the owners consider junk but are, in fact, considered rather prized in the antique dealership world.
Facebook Marketplace is another example of one of the more common outlets for people looking to offload their clobber online, as well as, of course, Amazon, eBay and Gumtree. The more popular the outlet, the more items there will be to peruse. Etsy, and Not on the Highstreet (NOTHS) are also up there in the top five most common online marketplaces in the UK. Particularly valuable items to keep an eye out for.
Video games and consoles are popular at the moment, due to people being stuck inside their homes, and they have only gotten better with age
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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Old computers are highly sought-after pieces of vintage-ware, dating back to the mid-seventies, and if they’re still in working order their value could well be doubled, at least! Video games and consoles are popular at the moment, due to people being stuck inside their homes, and they have only gotten better with age, like a fine wine, with their ability to subdue you into a land of joy and youthful delirium. First being introduced to the public in the early seventies. Vintage toasters and vacuum cleaners, some of which
date back as early as the late nineteenth century, are also sometimes unsuspecting valuables.
BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS Only if you’ve gone through all of your grandparents’ old books, can you consider yourself a well-read antique-hunter. Check out what books your grandparents or greatgrandparents may have had, and you may come across some first editions, which are considered esteemed indeed. First edition books from the thirties, forties and fifties especially can be worth tens of thousands of pounds potentially. AbeBooks can be a great place to get an idea of the value of a book. Similarly, autographed books, signed yearbooks, land deeds, signed papers and postcards are all potentially of significant value.
If you’re lucky, you might find a pen which was used by a world leader
ART AND MUSIC Paintings are an item easily appraised if you’re not sure how much they’re worth, and you just never know if your painting was created by a prominent artist or not. Someone like William Blake, for instance, wasn’t a painter primarily, but a poet, and wasn’t very popular in his day either. Only many years after his death had he become, an icon from the romanticism period, in literature and art, and so some of Blake’s artworks can be worth a lot of money indeed these days, likewise with other artists of similar background. Same goes for musical instruments, flutes being the first ever created by man, and some of which date back tens of thousands of years.
ACCESSORIES, FURNITURE AND ORNAMENTS Old pens are one of those items which are more of a collectable item than many other things. If you’re lucky, you might find a pen which was used by a world leader to sign proclamations or laws. Due to their commonality, though, it can be challenging to find a particularly valuable pen, so patience is a virtue, as some great writer once said… Chippendale furniture, lamp bases, Christmas ornaments, ceramics, silver flatware, Louis Vuitton trunks and jewellery are also all fantastic items of sometimes surprisingly high value.
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LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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Semi Detached House in Broomfield £350,000
This semi detached property is located within the Broomfield area of Chelmsford and is situated in a small mews. Offering three bedrooms with the added benefit of an en-suite shower room to the master, lounge and a kitchen/dining room to the rear giving access to a Westerly facing rear garden. Parking is provided at the side of the property along with a single garage.
Recently Constructed 4 Bedroom on Channels Development Offers in excess of £525,000
Very modern, recently constructed, four bedroom, three storey family home located on ‘The Channels’ development to the north of Chelmsford. Impressive master suite with separate dressing room, large open plan kitchen/breakfast room, and to the first floor there are three double bedrooms with a second en-suite and family bathroom.
info@adrians-property.co.uk
Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
2 Bedroom Cottage – Must be Internally Viewed! £315,000
West side of Chelmsford walking distance to City Centre a two bedroom character home with a stunning unoverlooked rear garden including recently installed summer house. Two bedrooms are served by first floor bathroom and to the ground floor there is a good size lounge and a well proportioned kitchen dining space ideal for cooking and entertaining.
End of Terrace House with Loft Conversion £335,000
This end of terrace house is situated on the Moulsham Lodge development on the South side of Chelmsford, and although requiring general modernisation and redecoration it does have the benefit of off road parking at the front and also has a loft conversion which was carried out many years ago and offers excellent potential to improve and rearrange. The accommodation has two first floor bedrooms and the loft conversion provides a further two rooms which are currently interconnecting. There is a South Easterly facing rear garden and the property is conveniently situated for local bus services and shopping parade, and Chelmsford City centre and station are within easy driving distance.
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First Floor Maisonette with Private Parking ÂŁ175,000
A one bedroom first floor maisonette with private parking, conveniently located close to major superstore and with easy access to the A12.
3 Bedroom Semi Detached House ÂŁ360,000
A three bedroom semi detached property located within walking distance of the City Centre and convenient for mainline station with regular trains to Liverpool Street. The accommodation to the ground floor has a lounge, separate dining room, good size kitchen and ground floor cloakroom, complemented by three generous bedrooms and first floor bathroom. The Priority Admission Senior School for the area is The Boswells School.
info@adrians-property.co.uk
Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Brand New Executive Home with Stunning Views! £1,275,000
A rare opportunity to purchase a BRAND NEW EXECUTIVE 5 BEDROOM detached family house with STUNNING VIEWS to both the front and rear over fields and farmland in a NON ESTATE LOCATION on the North West side of Chelmsford. The property offers extensive adaptable accommodation spread over three levels and has approx 2600 square feet of accommodation to the property itself with a further 1100 square feet of space to the garage and ROOM ABOVE! It has an EXCELLENT INTERNAL SPECIFICATION AND FINISH and can only be fully appreciated by an internal viewing, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Ground Floor Maisonette with Patio Doors in the Lounge! £190,000
Pleasantly situated in this favoured road on Chelmer Village is this one bedroom GROUND FLOOR maisonette having patio doors in the lounge which backs directly onto a large shared lawned area. It benefits from its own allocated off road parking space, and has a very long lease being 999 from when it was built. It is within easy reach of Chelmsford City centre and station and has the Chelmer Village square close by with its Public House, Asda store and other shops, as well as being close to the Fox & Raven Public House / Restaurant.
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Extremely Large Extended Property – Must be Viewed! Guide Price £775,000
Offering over 2500 square feet of adaptable accommodation is this VASTLY EXTENDED, ENLARGED and IMPROVED detached property located in this highly favoured established road on the Southern fringe of the City Centre. It is far larger than its external appearance suggests and still offers potential to further extend or adapt, subject to the usual consents. A substantial property on a good size plot which can only be appreciated by an internal viewing!
2 Bed Maisonette with Garage & Long Lease! £207,000
First floor TWO bedroom maisonette with garage and an EXTENDED LEASE approaching 150 years. The location provides easy access to local shops good schools and the city centre with main line station is accessible by approx. 30 minute walk and regular local bus routes. Re-fitted bathroom and kitchen and own allocated garden space.
info@adrians-property.co.uk
Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
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SO ST L D
Grade II Listed Semi Detached Cottage in Great Waltham £300,000
This Grade II listed cottage is situated within the picturesque village of Great Waltham which is located on the North side of Chelmsford. Great Waltham has a wealth of countryside walks, local general store and village pubs, the cottage offers I good size first floor bedroom, two/three reception rooms, off road parking and garage along with panoramic views to rear over looking countryside.
Semi Detached House – Walking Distance to the Station! £300,000
Situated within close proximity of Chelmsford City centre is this semi detached property located at the end of the pleasant cul-de-sac with parking for three cars and the addition of a garage. Internally offering two good sized bedrooms, lounge and kitchen. Local general stores is within 1/4 of a mile, along with bus routes and walkways to the City centre and railway station.
adrians-property.co.uk
Adrians’ Lettings team make every effort to provide an exceptional and professional service to all customers. Whether you are a Landlord or Tenant, our experienced team will ensure you are support with every need prior and throughout the tenancy. Unlike most agencies, Adrians Lettings do not work on individual commission. Tonya, Ailish and Jess work together as a team to look after properties as if they were their own. Sourcing quality Tenants and delivering the highest level of in-house property management is of paramount importance to Adrians. Adrians aim to help every Tenant who calls, emails or visits the office in their search for a new home. A database of quality Tenants and their criteria is kept updated so the team can carefully select Tenants they feel are best fit for the Landlord and property; sometimes even before the property goes live online. As an independent agent, Adrians have the advantage of having in-house property management rather than a separate maintenance office or outsourced company. Adrians have let and managed properties varying in all sizes and price ranges. They are also one of the very few agents in Chelmsford that offer a specialised HMO Letting and Management service. With an experienced team including Landlords and Tenants themselves, as well as the head of department being ARLA qualified, you can be assure that you are always receiving the best advice and customer service.
Maltese Road ÂŁ465 to ÂŁ550pcm
This lovely 14 bedroom detached character property in Chelmsford City centre is perfect for students as it is within walking distance to the University. There are currently seven bedrooms available. All bedrooms are furnished double size rooms. There are three bathrooms plus two further WCs, two kitchens and lounge/dining areas. There are also locker rooms, utility areas and off road parking available. This is a high standard STUDENT house located in a very sought after residential area and therefore would suit clean, sensible and quiet tenants only. The rental amount includes a domestic cleaner of the communal areas, all utility bills and Wi-Fi. Some parking is available on a first come first served basis.
info@adrians-property.co.uk
Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Maltese Road £495 to £595pcm
All rooms are now available within this five bedroom detached home located in the very sought after Maltese Road. There is a ground floor large double bedroom with private en-suite (£595pcm) and a four double rooms upstairs ranging from £495pcm to £550pcm. The property offers spacious accommodation including a large lounge, dining room, specious kitchen and a further utility room. Externally the property provides a nice rear garden with shed and off road parking to the front, further parking is also available by permit. All utility bills and Wi-Fi are included in the rental amount. Available from the Summer.
Woodhall Road £495 to £550pcm
We have two available rooms in this four bedroom top floor student apartment. Both are large double bedrooms and one with a private balcony. The property is ideally located close to Chelmsford City centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Writtle college and Broomfield Hospital. Fully furnished accommodation with a shared kitchen and bathroom, outside the property offers unrestricted parking on and off road and communal gardens. All utility bill and Wi-Di are included in the rental amount. Available from the Summer.
adrians-property.co.uk
Lichfield Close ÂŁ795pcm
This lovely one bedroom Coach House is situated on the favoured west side of the City centre and located within walking distance of the station and city centre. The property has the added benefits of its own area of enclosed garden as well as a bike shed and garage. The property comprises an entrance lobby, landing with doors leading to the lounge off which is a well fitted kitchen, there is then an inner lobby with doors to the bedroom and bathroom.
Darnay Rise ÂŁ650pcm
This newly renovated and part furnished ground floor studio flat in Newlands Spring provides an open plan lounge/bedroom with fitted pull down bed and further lounge/dining space, brand new modern kitchen and new modern bathroom with new carpets and flooring throughout. The property is located within short walking distance to Morrisons supermarket and other local amenities, it is also within easy reach of Chelmsford City Centre and train station. Externally there are communal gardens to enjoy and off-road parking.
info@adrians-property.co.uk
Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Hobart Close ÂŁ850pcm
Available from July is this modern first floor apartment located within easy reach of Chelmsford City Centre and train station. The property provides two double bedrooms, one with an en-suite and a further bathroom, making this ideal for professional sharers. Modern open plan kitchen and lounge/dining area with two Juliet balconies and furnished throughout to include kitchen appliances. Externally the property provides off road parking and communal gardens.
Baddow Road ÂŁ925pcm
Just a short walk from Chelmsford City Centre and local amenities is this terraced two bedroom home. The property provides two bedrooms, lounge, newly fitted kitchen and bathroom with new carpets throughout. To the rear there is a good-sized private garden and parking for 1 small car to the front.
adrians-property.co.uk
Nigel Jessup M.N.A.E.A | DIRECTOR Nigel started his agency career in 1986 working for a corporate company in Billericay and after some years’ experience joined a large independent agent in 1993 as a senior negotiator. He was soon promoted to Branch Manager successfully running a large office in Chelmsford until 2013. In 2013, having previously worked together in the same office, he teamed up with his now co director Ray Cline and acquired Adrians from the retiring partners.
“Adrians have a reputation built on trust and recommendation and my goal is to continue the traditional core values of good honest estate agency coupled with new technology and a modern approach.”
Ray Cline M.N.A.E.A | DIRECTOR Ray has been in estate agency for over 30 years, starting his career with a large corporate estate agent. 2013 presented the opportunity to apply all his experience to running his own agency when the previous owners of Adrians retired.
“I have for over 10 years been on the Essex Branch Committee for the National Association of Estate Agents which is our governing body. Choosing the right agent is an important decision; you need to be sure it’s an agent that will conduct their day to day business in a trustworthy, professional manner. The Adrians history and reputation is something we are proud of and will continue to protect and develop.”
Gary Ketley | BRANCH MANAGER Gary has been at Adrians in Chelmsford for 35 years and has had the pleasure of helping people with their move two or three times over, as they have moved home to suit their different needs. This lengthy time working and living locally provides an exceptional knowledge of the area which qualifies Gary to give accurate and in depth advice to sellers and potential buyers. “I am a calm and friendly person driven by my attention to detail in both the contact with my clients and the presentation of our property details - good photography is essential both for the brochure and internet portals. I treat people the way I would like to be treated myself and I am proud of Adrians’ reputation.”
Daniel Speak | SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT Daniel’s agency career started back in 1996, initially with a local corporate agent. However, he chose to move swiftly into independent agency where he rose through the ranks to management, and finally associate Director level. Now with over 20 years in the industry, Daniel not only has great knowledge of the local areas but also the experience needed to help guide clients with their move.
“I am just as excited about the industry now, as I was when I first started back in the mid 90’s. The need for an educated and approachable estate agent that can guide buyers and sellers through the process is more evident now than ever, and I feel that at Adrians, we are perfectly placed to do so.”
Jodie Truong | BRANCH ADMINISTRATOR Jodie has worked within the estate agency industry for 5 years working as a regional administrator alongside large corporate companies. However, she is not only admin based and will often be found on the phone to tenants and buyers helping them find their new home. Her aim is to always provide the highest levels of customer service and to exceed clients expectations.
info@adrians-property.co.uk
Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Katherine Gardner | SALES CONSULTANT Katherine has over 10 years’ experience within customer service. A very self-motivated and independent performer, able to serve as a communication liaison between different parties of professionals, so the flow of information and stages occur in a timely matter on behalf of the customer.
Tonya Barnard | LETTINGS MANAGER Tonya has over 10 years experience in all areas of lettings and property management. Tonya is ARLA qualified holding an NFOPP Level 3 Award in Residential Letting and Property Management and is an associate member of ARLA. Running her own successful property management company for the past 6 years Tonya has now joined the Adrians Teams to run our in-house lettings department.
“I believe in traditional property management and creating long lasting relationships of trust with our clients, myself and my team look after every property as if it were our own”
Jess Garty | SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT Jess joined Adrians in May 2019, adding her strong customer service experience and positive attitude to the Lettings Team. Along with her customer service experience Jess also has experience in property letting and management with her own properties that she has looked after for the past several years. Being self-motivated and confident when working with the public makes Jess a great fit ensuring our clients receive the best service when renting a property from us. I’m very excited to learn the industry alongside such an amazing team and further my career here with Adrians.
Ailish Tucker | LETTINGS CONSULTANT Ailish left the media industry in 2015 and since then has been working in property, mainly within lettings and property management. Prior to joining Adrians, she was with a large corporate group where she was responsible for the management of a variety of properties across Essex dealing with all aspects of the tenancies; from the pre-tenancy work through to the deposit negotiations and release. She has always worked in customer focused environments and strongly believes in ensuring an exceptional level of customer service at all times.
adrians-property.co.uk
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Email: info@adrians-property.co.uk Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621