LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
OCTOBER 2020
CREATING YOUR HOME OFFICE WITH GROWING NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WORKING FROM HOME, IT’S IMPORTANT TO GET THE ENVIRONMENT JUST RIGHT HALF-TERM DAYS OUT A LOOK AT FAMILY DAYS OUT THIS AUTUMN
STYLISH WALLPAPER IDEAS THE HOTTEST HOME DECOR TRENDS THIS YEAR
SPORTING EVENTS EXPLOSIVE SPORTS ACTION THIS MONTH
HALLOWEEN RECIPES ENJOY THESE GHOULISHLY GREAT, SPOOKY TREATS
LIFESTYLE
COVER STORY
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Creating your home office It is important to create the right home-working environment for you
PROPERTY
8
Stylish wallpaper ideas The hottest home decor trends this year
16
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
TRAVEL
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Spooky places to visit this year Our guide to 5 of the spookiest locations in and around the UK
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How to carve a pumpkin Here are some hints and tips to help you out
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Half-term days out We take a look at some of the family days out available
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Halloween party at home A great guide to make it a special celebration at home
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Power women at the box office These leading ladies are set to take over the box office
SPORT
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October Sporting Events Let’s have a look at some of the biggest events this month
FOOD
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Halloween recipes A selection of recipes to ensure your spooky night goes well
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TOP
CONTENTS
SPOOKY PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UK THIS YEAR
It’s that time of year where we are all looking for a good scare and where better to start than some of the most terrifying places around the UK…
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n the build-up to Halloween, some of us get comfy on the sofa with a good horror film, while others are more adventurous. If you are the thrillseeker type, check out our guide to 5 of the spookiest locations in and around the UK.
BUCKLAND ABBEY, DEVON
WELCOME TO THE OCTOBER ISSUE!
S
ummer seems a distant memory already! We have been blessed with warm weather throughout which has been a great benefit in these strange times.
experienced before we have helped create a guide to throwing the perfect Halloween party at home including how to carve a pumpkin, some great games and some spooky recipes too.
With the property market thriving, if you’re thinking about moving but haven’t started the process, we have put safety guidelines in place to ensure your safety. And with our expert local knowledge, we have all the tools you need to get you moving – including a FREE personalised website for you to share on social media.
How is it nearly half-term? Never fear though, we have a selection of great half-term, family days out as well as a guide to the top 5 spooky places to visit in the UK. And finally, we take a look at the Power-Women taking over at the box office this month.
This month’s issue provides you with a wide range of articles including the most stylish wallpaper trends for 2021, how to create the perfect home office and the biggest sporting events this month. It’s Halloween month, and knowing it’ll be a Halloween like we’ve never
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PROPERTY NEWS
Please note, we are doing our best to be accurate, but in these strange times, all the dates and availability at attractions may change, however, were correct at the time of writing.
We’ll start with a celebrity ghost. We all learned about Sir Francis Drake in school. In life, he was a national hero, a sea captain, naval officer and explorer who was famed for his circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition from 1577 to 1580. Buckland Abbey was sold to Sir Francis Drake in 1580 after the expedition and he made it his home. However, many locals feared the intrepid, and recently Knighted explorer, believing he had supernatural powers. Some even said he had made a pact with the Devil which was how he had defeated the Spanish Armada. In death, his ghost is now believed to haunt Buckland Abbey and ride across Dartmoor in a black coach driven by headless horses led by goblins and pursued by barking dogs. Buckland Abbey is run by the National Trust and you can visit it all year round.
Till next time… Jonathan Wheatley Editor
Spooky fact: It has been suggested that the ghost story even inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write The Hound of the Baskervilles.
CROFT CASTLE, WEST MIDLANDS
TREASURER’S HOUSE,YORK
The Croft family, where the castle got its name, are descendants of the famous Welshman, who is believed to haunt the castle as a seven-foot figure clad in a leather jerkin. Members of staff at the castle have also reported the cries of a wailing baby and a spectral figure wearing a grey doublet. In one of the windows, a woman has been seen wearing a crinoline (a stiff petticoat) who is believed to be a member of the Croft family.
An 18-year old engineer, who later became a policeman, named Henry Martindale has the best-known account of the spooky goings-on in the house. One day, when Martindale was installing a boiler in the cellars, he heard the sound of a trumpet and saw a soldier’s helmet emerge from the wall he was working. As he watched, around 20 further spectral soldiers emerged armed with lances, short swords and round shields.
Croft Castle is also run by the National Trust and you can visit all year round.
Treasurer’s House is also run by the National Trust and you can visit all year round.
Croft Castle is said to be ‘The most haunted house in the Midlands,’ and amongst the seven spectres, it also has a famous resident, Welsh freedom fighter, Owain Glyndwr. Glyndwr was a Welsh leader born in 1359 who instigated a fierce war of independence against the English and was the last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales.
Spooky fact: Members of staff have reported hearing their names being called when no one is around.
PLUCKLEY, KENT
Pluckley in Kent is in the Guinness Book of Records as the ‘Most haunted village in Britain.’ This quaint village is reputed to have between 12-14 ghosts including the spectre of a highwayman in a tree, the ghost of a gipsy woman who drowned in a nearby stream, a phantom coach and horse, the old miller on Mill Hill, the hanging body of a schoolmaster, a colonel, a man smothered in clay, the Lady of Rose Court, the White Lady and the Red Lady. One of the most famous haunted spots is the pub, The Blacksmith’s Arms, which was previously called The Spectre’s Arms and the Ghost’s Arms because of the number of hauntings and strange occurences. The pub is not haunted by just one, but three ghosts: A Tudor maid, a coachman and a Cavalier. Pluckley, Kent, is a village like any other with two pubs, however, to get the full spooky experience you can book a ghost walk with London Walking Tours
Spooky fact: Nearby, the aptly named Screaming Woods, is a real tourist trap with brave tourists choosing to camp overnight.
Treasurer’s House, nestled in the centre of York, has over 2000-years of history running through its veins. Renovated by Frank Green, a wealthy industrialist and passionate collector, Treasure’s House was used to showcase his collections including antique furniture, art and textiles.
Spooky fact: It was revealed that 18-inches below the current cellar floor, archaeologists revealed evidence of an ancient Roman road.
CANNOCK CHASE FOREST, STAFFORDSHIRE
Cannock Chase forest is a natural beauty spot in Staffordshire, however, it also has a horrid history including murder and chilling sightings of a spectre known locally as ‘The Black Eyed Child.’ First spotted over 30-years ago, the sightings have restarted over the past decade. Recent descriptions of the spectre are eerily similar to those in the 80s, where a child, with coal-black pits for eye sockets, haunts the woods. It is a hot-spot for paranormal investigators who have also heard stories around the world regarding other children with the same eerie eyes, however, only in Cannock Chase do the sightings consistently happen during the daytime. Often the sightings will happen after hearing screams. The child will appear with her hands over her eyes, before revealing her ghastly form. Cannock Chase Forest is run by Forestry England and boasts a children’s play area, orienteering trails and Go Ape.
Spooky fact: During the 1960s three young girls were murdered in what became known as ‘The Cannock Chase Murders.’
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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CREATING THE PERFECT
HOME OFFICE SPACE With growing numbers of people regularly working from home, it’s important to get the environment just right
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPACE
With an ever-growing number of Brits now working from home each week, especially those whom after Covid-19 may not be going back to the office, it is important to create the right working environment. With the benefits from homeworking ranging from saving money on the commute to being in for deliveries and the school run, it is easy to see why so many people have jumped at the chance. But what should you consider when converting a room into a home office?
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PROPERTY NEWS
Choosing the right space is the first important decision to make. It’s not just about fitting into any space; you will, after all, be spending most of your working day in there! If you’re able, choose a room that has some natural light coming in and that will be big enough to accommodate a desk, chair and storage – depending on your needs, of course. Once in, decide the best layout. For some, a view into the garden is nice, for others, however, it can be a distraction. It is worthwhile trying out a few different layouts before settling on one.
CREATE THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT
As you will be spending a good deal of time working in your chosen room, it’s vital that you create the perfect environment so that your productivity isn’t impacted. An uncomfortable and incorrectly positioned chair can lead to repeated shuffling to get comfortable, leading to distraction and a lack of desire to lock yourself away in your office and get the job done. Likewise, try to remove other distractions such as TVs. The same ethos applies to your desk. Work out how much space you need. Is it just a laptop you need the space for, or will you be using it to organise paperwork? Perhaps you need two screens? Whatever your needs, ensure you have a desk that is up for the job. When it comes to decorating your room, go for it. A simple, plain room may look like your office back at work, but now you are at home you can install some of your own personality into it. Why not get some printed wallpaper to give the impression of a library or go for your favourite calming colour.
KIT IT OUT
OK, so you know what you need, now it’s time to kit out your office. With internet shopping, you no longer need to rely on a trip to Ikea to get the office furniture you need. It’s always a good starting point but why not try the likes of www.wayfair.co.uk, www.officefurnitureonline.co.uk or www. ryman.co.uk to name but a few. Of course, you can always stay local with second-hand furniture shops or even Facebook Marketplace for everything you need. Again, work out what you need before you buy so you don’t end up buying more than you need. Another handy tip is to invest in some shelves. These are great space savers and also create a really nice,
stylish backdrop for Zoom and Skype meetings when full of books.
STORAGE DELIGHTS
Keep it tidy and keep it simple! There are plenty of storage solutions out there for your home office space. And if floor space is limited, utilise wall space instead with bookcases or wall storage. Buying a desk with storage drawers and cupboards can also be highly beneficial. Also, try to keep your office stuff in your new office. You don’t want to be rushing all over the house looking for stationery equipment or paperwork in the middle of a busy task you need to concentrate on. Folders, units, shelves and drawers are a necessity now that you are working from home to keep organised.
GET CONNECTED If your broadband speed isn’t up to scratch it can be frustrating. Employers are likely to call you back into the office if your speed can’t handle the work you need to do. Alternatively, if you use Skype for business, a poor broadband speed could seriously hinder any meetings you have planned.
As you will be spending a good deal of time working in your chosen room, it’s vital that you create the perfect environment so that your productivity isn’t impacted.
Slow broadband speed is a big turn off. Luckily rural countryside areas are finally catching up with inner-city speeds. Comparison websites such as Uswitch and Compare the Market will show you the best deals and estimated speeds in your area in minutes. Not only do you need a fast broadband speed, but you also want one that is consistently good from morning to evening. So check reviews on websites in regards to reliability and not just speed.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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HOW TO CARVE
A PUMPKIN
THIS HALLOWEEN
With Halloween coming up, there is nothing that symbolizes this holiday better than a carved pumpkin…
W
hether you want to create a simple jack-o-lantern or something a little more artistic, here are some hints and tips that will help you out. As anyone who has ever carved a pumpkin already knows, it can be a messy job and tougher than first expected.
USE THE RIGHT PUMPKIN
When picking a pumpkin make sure you get to the shops early and pick one that is fresh, unbruised and has both a sturdy stem and a flat bottom. You’ll want the flat bottom, especially so that it stays stable when carving and doesn’t roll when you have finished and put it on show.
CUT FROM THE BOTTOM
Yes, you read that right, when making your first cut, choose to create the lid at the bottom of the pumpkin. This will help stop your pumpkin from caving in at the sides and you will also avoid the fiddliness of putting the lid back on after it has been cut.
SCOOP OUT THE PULP AND THIN THE WALLS
Ensure when you are inside the pumpkin that you scoop out all the pulp and seeds. You can get a special
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PROPERTY NEWS
‘pumpkin’ claw for this job, alternatively, a great tool most people have at home already for this job is an ice cream scoop. When scooping out also thin down the inner wall of the ‘face’ area so it will be easier to cut.
When making your first cut, choose to create the lid at the bottom of the pumpkin
SKETCH OUT YOUR DESIGN
On a piece of A-4 paper, sketch out your spooky design. Ideally do this to the size of the pumpkin, covering the whole piece of paper so when the time comes you can tape the sketch onto the ‘face’ of the pumpkin. You will then be able to use this as a guide when it comes to actually cutting out the pumpkin.
MAKE ROUGH CUTS FIRST
Holding the pumpkin in your lap for stability, start by making the largest,
OTHER HINTS AND TIPS Use the scraps of the pumpkin to make a tongue, hair accessories etc, for the pumpkin. Spread petroleum jelly on the cut edges to seal in moisture and keep your jack-o-lantern fresh. Create a chimney. When you first light a candle inside, let it burn for a few minutes and then check where it has blackened. Then simply create a small hole in that area to act as a chimney.
simplest rough cuts using a serrated kitchen knife. By getting the bigger pieces out of the way, you can then go back and neaten up the edges and details later using a small saw or sharp non-serrated knife.
AUTUMN HALF-TERM DAYS OUT With half-term already approaching, we thought we’d take a look at some of the awesome family days out available this year
Treat the little-ones this half term, especially after starting school and the craziest of the past 6-months, with a day out at Legoland, Windsor. Legoland is the ultimate experience for kids of all ages, and let’s face it, what child doesn’t love Lego!
The York Dungeon is a journey through 2000 years of York’s darkest history, bringing together iconic characters, immersive sets and thrilling special-effects in a unique actor-led experience. While there you will meet characters such as the Black Jester, Jorvik and Guy Fawkes, and visit locations such as the Torture Chamber and the Courtroom.
The theme park offers day passes and annual passes as well as mini-staycations and short breaks which are great for half term and getting away. They have also introduced new attractions such as the World’s First DUPLO Coaster, DUPLO Playtown, The Frog Prince at the DUPLO Valley Theatre alongside favourites like LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, Miniland, Viking River Splash and expect there to be spooky goings-on throughout the park in October.
Aimed at older children, the York Dungeon is a great and informative day out, while educational at the same time (just don’t tell the kids) and fits in nicely with Halloween coming up. In all, there are 9 live actor shows, specially designed sets and gripping storytelling from a professional cast. Tickets need to be booked online and cost £11.95 for children (aged 5-15 years) and £15.10 for adults. The Dungeons also offer similar attractions in London, Edinburgh and Blackpool.
incredible underwater world as part of their mission to inspire a love for the ocean and its creatures.
There are a dozen Sealife centres in and around the UK and they are some of the most beloved and well-visited attractions in the UK. Each year, they welcome over 20 million explorers into their
Each centre offers expert daily talks, self-guided tours and workshops and multimedia experiences like Shark Mission and Art Aquarium alongside all your favourite sea creatures including sharks, seahorses, penguins, turtles, clownfish, jellyfish, rockpool creatures and rays. You will need to book online for tickets and they offer general admission, adult and child tickets, annual passes and the Merlin Annual Pass which gets you into other great attractions too.
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STYLISH WALLPAPER IDEAS AND TRENDS
Looking at decorating a living room, home office or bedroom this year? Let’s take a look at some of the hottest trends!
S
tylish and trendy wallpapers have never been more popular. A few years ago, the trend was for neutral shades of paint etc, however, times have changed and, as such, so has interior design, with modern design now leaning towards expressions of individuality. And there is no better way to show your individuality than with printed wallpaper.
ABSTRACT WALLPAPER PATTERNS In a digital world, it is no surprise to see geometric, abstract patterns coming to the forefront of interior design. They offer a futuristic, yet stylish dĂŠcor for home offices and bedrooms. Check out this design from www.iwantwallpaper. co.uk by Debona.
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PROPERTY NEWS
ORIGINAL PRINTS With day-to-day life more stressful than ever, designers are advising not to bring the stress home with you. Fill your home, especially your living room, with original wallpaper prints offering custom designs, unexpected colours and unusual textures. Here’s one we think you’ll love from www. contrado.co.uk
ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIAL We’re all trying to do our bit for the environment, so why not try an eco-friendly wallpaper. Naturalism works really well with eco wallpapers and they work perfectly in rooms which receive ample sunlight. www.farrow-ball.com offer some great, naturalist, ecofriendly wallpapers with their handcrafted ‘greener’ options.
LUXURY WALLPAPER Luxury, designer wallpaper is a sure-fire way to add some flair to your home. The wallpaper will immediately turn any room into a sophisticated one. Again, geometric patterns are in favour for the future with lots of golds and dark greens. Head over to www.grahambrown.com to find a huge selection of some of the most stylish luxury wallpaper available anywhere.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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HALLOWEEN PARTY AT HOME H
Halloween will, like most of 2020, be a different experience this year, however, we have a great guide to make it special at home‌
alloween has always been about Trick-or-Treat, pumpkins and decorating your house, however, this year, with Trick-or-Treating all but off the schedule, we thought we would look at the ways to have a great Halloween party at home with your immediate family.
DECORATIONS First things first, you will need to get a whole lot of decorations. Budget shops such as Poundstretcher and B&M are great places to pick up one-off decorations for your house. To make it a family affair, why not make DIY decorations. This is a great way to keep children entertained and build excitement for Halloween this year. Glow in the dark paint and stickers are great to stick onto black paper and then cut off to make dangling decorations such as skeletons, ghosts and witches which look great hanging from doors, in windows and in the centre of the room.
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PROPERTY NEWS
Start putting the decorations up early to create a build-up to the event itself which will help get the kids excited and forget about the potential lack of Trick-or-Treating this year‌
TRICK-OR-TREATING With Trick-or-Treating probably off the menu this year due to social-distancing, why not create an Easter-style egg hunt around your home with a spooky candy hunt? You can set up clues that lead around the house with spooky goings-on around the home, almost like Scooby-Doo. Kids will love finding sweets and treats amidst all the spooky decorations.
FAMILY PARTY GAMES After the Trick-or-Treat hunt, why not have some fun and games as a family, while enjoying those sweet treats.
BEAN BAG TOSS This game is really simple and utilises carved pumpkins and Trick-or-Treat buckets. Each player has three shots to get their bean bags into either the buckets or carved pumpkins for a certain amount of points. And even better, once you have finished, you can add a tealight and put the pumpkin on show!
EYEBALL PONG Similar to beer pong for adults, paint spooky eyes on table tennis balls and take it in turns to bounce the eyeballs on a table and into a cup. Have a prize for the most balls in a cup each turn – obviously not beer if you’re playing with the kids!
GHOST AND PUMPKIN BOWLING Dependant on whether a new toilet roll shortage has started again, paint ghoulish faces onto 10 toilet rolls and stack them in a pyramid. Then, using a pumpkin with a spooky face painted on and with the stalk cut off, see how many toilet rolls you can knock over each go.
PARTY TIME Now is the time for some classic fun and games. Turn the family-friendly, spooky music loud and dance around the house. You can incorporate musical statues at any time, stopping the music and watching who freezes like a ghost! See who can dance like a zombie or a mummy the best and let the kids go crazy working off the sweets in their systems.
CHILLOUT TIME After all that fun and excitement, now is the time to chill. There are a huge number of familyfriendly spooky films on Sky, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Some of the classics include Casper the Friendly Ghost, The Haunted Mansion and The Witches. Perfect for a family cuddle on the sofa under a blanket whilst eating all those sweet treats, including some of the fabulous recipes on pages 14&15. It may not be the same as going out in the local community and Trick-or-Treating with friends, however, with the current, ongoing situation, we hope some of these ideas will help you celebrate Halloween and create a fun evening for the kids this year!
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OCTOBER SPORTING EVENTS With the emergence of Autumn and a busy sports calendar now reopen, let’s have a look at some of the biggest events this month…
LONDON MARATHON
NATIONS LEAGUE
Virgin Money, who host the event, has set up a virtual event this year taking place on the same day. General entries are now closed, however, you can still enter by running for a charity. Entrants will have 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds to complete the 26.2 miles by walking, jogging or running.
England were drawn against Belgium, Denmark and Iceland who they will play both home and away, with the four group winners qualifying for the UEFA Nations League Finals which feature semi-finals, a third-place match and the final. At the end, the ten group winners advance directly to the World Cup finals for 2022.
The 2020 London Marathon will be a marathon like no other due to Covid-19. This year, only elite athletes will run the 26.2-mile course through the capital. The course will be spectator free and follow a different course from the usual one. However, non-elite athletes will still have a chance to compete in the 40th race.
MARATHON & VIRTUAL EVENT
The Nations League kicks off again this month. It is the second edition of UEFA’s newest national-team competition. 55 teams have been split into four leagues according to their position in the 20/21 UEFA Nations League Access List and the teams were then split again into four pots in each league.
FIXTURES
Virgin Money London Marathon 4th October 2020.
England V Belgium 11th October 2020 @ 17:00
CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT
England V Denmark 14th October 2020 @ 19:45
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PROPERTY NEWS
FORMULA 1
The Formula 1 season is in full swing and is showing no let-down in October, with three races over the month. As it stands, Lewis Hamilton is top of the driver standings closely followed by Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen, while Mercedes are top of the Team Standing ahead of rivals Red Bull. First up this month is the Eifel Grand Prix on the 9th to the 11th October. The race will be held at the Nürburgring this year. After this, we have the Portugal Grand Prix which will be held on the 23rd to the 25th October at Portimao. Before finishing with the Italian Grand Prix on the 31st October till the 1st November in Imola.
RACE LIST Eifel Grand Prix. 11th October 2020. Nürburgring. Portugal Grand Prix. 25th October 2020. Portimao. Italian Grand Prix. 1st November 2020. Imola.
POWER WOMEN AT THE BOX OFFICE October is the month where some of the most powerful women in the world are taking over at the Box Office.
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t’s been a strange year, especially for cinema where most movies stopped production during the Covid-19 pandemic. With cinemas now open, studios are finally ready to unleash their big guns. And there are none bigger than the following leading ladies.
WONDER WOMAN 1984
First up is the long-awaited Wonder Woman sequel, Wonder Woman 1984. Patty Jenkin’s sequel has been delayed due to Covid-19 more times than anyone cares to remember, but as of writing, it is due to be released this month. Wonder Woman 1984 will pick up in the 1980s, where she will be united with Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor from the first film. When released it will be the second DC film of the year after February’s other girl-power blockbuster Birds of Prey
starring Margot Robbie. This time, Diana Prince, aka, Wonder Woman will be facing off against Pedro Pascal, from Game of Thrones fame, as Max Lord, and Kristen Wiig, from Bridesmaids, as Cheetah. Gal Gadot is back as Woman Woman after her previous outings in the first Wonder Woman, Justice League and Batman V Superman. Warner Bros is hoping the sequel will do similar business as the original which took $822 million worldwide in 2017.
BLACK WIDOW
Next up is Marvel’s Black Widow. Scarlett Johansson has played the character since she was first introduced in Iron Man 2 way back in 2010. Since then she has appeared in 8 further MCU movies, where we have had clues to her background, but nothing
concrete. Black Widow promises to change that with an in-depth look into Natasha Romanoff’s background. For the movie, we are going back in time, for obvious reasons, (spoiler alert) to the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War from 2016. New characters are going to be introduced including David Harbour, Stranger Things, Rachel Weisz, The Mummy, and Florence Pugh, Little Women. Originally due to be released in May, the official release date now is the 28th of October. The bad guy has already been announced as Taskmaster, a character more famous from the comics as he has yet to be seen on the big screen. He can mimic any physical movement he sees, except anything supernatural. But who is the actor behind the mask? That is a question that is still yet to be answered.
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Make the most of your Halloween party this year with these ghoulishly great, spooky recipes.
SPOOKY HALLOWEEN RECIPES
N
o Halloween party is complete without a scary selection of creepy cupcakes, candy apples and devilish dinners. Here we have put together the best selection of recipes to ensure your spooky night goes off without a hitch.
70g butter 50g peanut butter 150g golden caster sugar 1 medium egg 1tsp vanilla extract 180g plain flour ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 20 peanut butter cups, Maltesers or Rolos 100g milk chocolate Icing sugar 8 red apples 400g caster sugar 1tsp lemon juice 4tbsp golden syrup 8 sticks, chopsticks and lolly sticks
SPIDER BISCUITS Preheat oven to 180c/160c fan and line two baking sheets with parchment. Cream the butter, peanut butter and sugar together until fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla. Once combined, stir in the flour, bicarb and ¼ tsp salt. Scoop 20 tbsps of the mixture onto the trays leaving enough space between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm at the edges but soft in the middle. Leave to cool before topping each biscuit with a peanut butter cup, Malteser or Rolo. Melt the milk chocolate before scraping into a piping bag and then add the legs onto each spider before finally adding icing eyes.
CANDY APPLES Remove the stalks from the apples and put them in a heatproof bowl. Pour over boiling water and cover and leave for 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and pat dry. Push the sharpest end of each stick into the stalk-end of each apple. Tip the sugar into a large saucepan, add the lemon juice and 100ml water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Add the golden syrup and simmer again. Test the toffee by dropping a small amount into cold water, if it doesn’t harden immediately and become brittle when removed, it’s not ready yet. Dip each apple into the toffee. Lift out and allow any excess to drip off before placing on baking parchment to set.
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PROPERTY NEWS
135g pack of lime jelly 700ml apple juice 300ml lemonade 435g can lychees in syrup 10 cocktail cherries 10 raisins
EYEBALL COCKTAIL Make the jelly following the pack instructions and chill until set. Combine the apple juice with the lemonade in a large jug and chill. Drain the lychees and poke a hole in each cherry with one of the cocktail sticks. Put the cherry inside the lychee, then push the raisin into the cherry. These are your eyes. Press each one onto the end of a cocktail stick and set aside. When the jelly has set, use a whisk to break it into small chunks. Spoon the cocktail into glasses and tup up with the apple and lemonade mix. Put an eyeball into each glass before serving.
TO DECORATE:
HAUNTED GRAVEYARD CAKE
1 egg white 50g icing sugar 200ml single cream 200g dark chocolate 125g rich tea finger biscuits 100g double chocolate cookies 25g white chocolate silver balls to decorate
Preheat the oven to 110c/90c fan. Whip the egg whites in a bowl until stiff
FOR THE CAKE:
Turn the oven up to 180c/160c fan. Tip the cocoa powder, self-raising flour
85g cocoa powder 200g self-raising flour 375g light brown muscovado sugar 4 eggs 200ml milk 175ml vegetable oil
peaks form. Whisk in the sugar a tbsp at a time and keep whisking until the mixture is thick and resembles shaving foam. Spoon the mixture into a large freezer bag and cut a 1.5cm hole in one of the corners. Cover a baking sheet with some baking parchment and carefully squeeze a small circle of whipped egg white out of the bag, pulling upwards as you do to make a ghost shape. Repeat until you run out of the mixture. Bake for 1 ½ hours until crisp. and sugar into a large bowl, breaking up any sugar clumps. Mix together the eggs, milk and oil in a bowl then pour over the dry ingredients and stir evenly until smooth. Grease and line a deep baking dish with parchment and then pour the mixture in and bake for 30 minutes. Leave to cool and turn out onto a serving plate. Heat cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Place the dark chocolate in a large bowl and pour over the hot cream. Stir until melted, then use a clean brush to paint a layer over 7 rich tea finger biscuits, then set aside to cool. Pour the remaining chocolate over the cake and smooth over with a knife. Whizz or bash the chocolate cookies until small crumbs form and then sprinkle over the cake. Place the white chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Once melted, spoon into a freezer bag and wait for 10 minutes until it is no longer runny. Put a tiny hole in the corner of the bag and pipe two blobs onto each ghost and place a silver ball onto each to make eyes. Write on the gravestones, leave to set and then push the biscuit gravestones into the cake.
All recipes are from the www.bbcgoodfood.com website Images for illustrative purposes only
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Unique Character Property on Large Plot Walking Distance to Station ÂŁ925,000
A large unique character property enjoying a large mature plot in the region of a third of an acre beautiful planned and sectioned rear garden. The property is reminiscent of the Arts and Craft Movement, enjoys a substantial entrance/dining hall in addition to two large formal reception rooms. There is ample parking and this sought after west side of Chelmsford location provides convenient access to Chelmsford City Centre and opposite Admirals Park.
info@adrians-property.co.uk
Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
A rare opportunity to acquire a two bedroom detached bungalow with a truly stunning ‘park like’ rear garden backing on to attractive woodland. The accommodation enjoys two good size bedrooms, lounge in addition to a kitchen/breakfast room and bathroom. To the front of the parking there is ample off street parking set back from the road with driveway to the side leading to a garage. Boyton Cross is to the est of Chelmsford on the outskirts of Writtle Village.
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Detached Bungalow with Stunning Garden Backing Woodland £385,000
Extended Semi Detached House with Large Outbuilding/Office Guide Price ÂŁ325,000 - ÂŁ330,000
This established three bedroom semi detached house has the benefit of PLANNING PERMISSION PASSED for a two storey rear extension, which would greatly enhance the property and would then provide four bedroom accommodation with an en-suite. Currently the property has a SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION at the rear and comprises an entrance hall, ground floor bathroom, good size lounge, kitchen and rear extension used as a dining area. On the first floor there are three bedrooms and externally the property benefits from off road parking for 2-3 vehicles, and within the rear garden there is the benefit of a DETACHED OUTBUILDING which has a number of different uses. Well worth an internal viewing!
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Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
This much improved and substantially extended semi detached house is located in the popular Broomfield area of Chelmsford and is situated within this pleasant cul de sac. Offering four good size bedrooms with an en suite to the master, three reception rooms where the study is a good size and ideal for people working from home, the rear garden has a south westerly aspect and also benefits from having parking for five cars on the front driveway.
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Substantially Extended and Improved Semi In Broomfield ÂŁ500,000
Superb Waterside Apartment with Views over the Marina Guide Price £300,000 - £310,000
A truly SUPERB two bedroom top floor WATERSIDE APARTMENT with stunning views over the marina and canal. Internally the property is in ‘SHOW HOME’ condition and just like a new apartment! Ideally located within easy walking distance of the City centre and station and hence could well suit a commuting buyer. It has an EXCELLENT SPECIFICATION and has a STUNNING DOUBLE HEIGHT LIVING ROOM off which is an enclosed BALCONY with the views. It also benefits from an undercover parking space. Simply stunning - highly recommended!
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Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
A unique four bedroom detached character family home occupying a generous plot with secluded grounds to the rear and parking to the front, sought after location just North of Chelmsford City Centre, providing easy access to the mainline station and shopping facilities, is close to a local parade of shops and is well served by excellent local schools. Geographically close to both the boys and girls grammar schools.
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Large Character House on Generous Plot ÂŁ725,000
Beautifully Presented 4 Bedroom House- must be Internally Viewed! ÂŁ575,000
A beautifully presented four bedroom detached family home located on a sought after development to the north of Chelmsford City centre. The property boasts an entrance hall, a modern kitchen/diner, spacious lounge with French doors leading to the garden, a further separate dining room and a ground floor cloakroom, whilst to the first floor there are four double bedrooms with en-suite to master, and a further family bathroom. Offering spacious rooms throughout and tastefully decorated with quality fixtures and fittings, this property is well worth an internal viewing!
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Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
An extremely well presented and improved four bedroom house only about 13 years old, and located in Great Baddow being convenient for the Park & Ride back into Chelmsford City centre. It benefits from a garage and an allocated parking space, where there is visitors parking also. It comprises a cloakroom, excellent refitted kitchen / dining room and a lounge at the rear, with three bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor and a superb main bedroom with en-suite shower room on the second floor. Only by an internal viewing can this property be fully appreciated!
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Extremely Well Presented 4 Bedroom House With Garage and Parking Space! Guide Price ÂŁ400,000 - ÂŁ420,000
Detached Edwardian Home With Off Road Parking – Recommended! Guide Price £375,000
Only about a 20 minute drive from Chelmsford is this imposing FOUR BEDROOM DETACHED Edwardian home located in a prominent elevated position with walking distance of Braintree town centre and station. The well presented and improved accommodation is spread over three floors, having a loft conversion to provide the main bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. There is a pleasant Westerly facing rear garden and the property has the advantage of off road parking. REALLY NEEDS TO BE INTERNALLY VIEWED TO BE FULLY APPRECIATED!
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Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Extended into the loft creating a superb main bedroom with dual aspect windows, fitted wardrobes and en-suite, a four bedroom end of terrace family home, located conveniently to local shops and City Centre, there is parking to the front and a good size mature rear garden, lounge and separate dining space, kitchen, three further bedrooms and family bathroom.
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4 Bedroom House on Moulsham Lodge with Loft Conversion – Recommended! £350,000
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.
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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.
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Email: info@adrians-property.co.uk Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621