Absolutely West Essex August 2022

WEST ESSEX

West Essex AUGUST 2022

PLU S FOREST OF DREAMS

Why Epping offers the best of all worlds •

TAKE ACTION

Local venues to make the most of the school holidays • AUGUST 2022

MEANING BUSINESS

The ten West Essex high flyers

Gina

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JONES THE BRENTWOOD-RAISED ACTRESS SET TO TAKE HOLLYWOOD BY STORM

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The Creek is a multi award winning family run restaurant and bar owned by Terence and Caroline Howard and offering classical British dishes with a European influence using only the best locally sourced ingredients

EDITOR MARK KEBBLE ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SUZETTE SCOBLE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER KAI NICHOLLS GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER MEDIA CONSULTANTS CELIA GREGORY, CLAIRE YATES, TANIA TOOHEY FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries: please call 07862 004024 or email: celia@zest-media.com or please call 07861 994764 or email: claire@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588

Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date on what’s happening, new dishes, booking availability & more.

We look forward to welcoming you with a smile.

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents AUGUST 2022

36

84 14

C U LT U R E GINA JONES

FOOD & DRINK 56 ALLEGRA

EPPING FOREST

60 RECIPES

The Witham actress on a major leading role

18

Why we can't get enough of the area

23 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Read ten inspiring success stories

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 36 THE SHOOT Global fashion comes to Essex

41

JEWELLERY Why enamel is making summer fun

48 GLASS HOUSE RETREAT Getting away from it all in Bulphan

Visiting the UK's 53rd best restaurant

56

Dishes perfect to rustle up in August

65 WINE CELLAR

Il Vino on who is racing ahead in the industry

INTERIORS 82 INTERIORS NEWS

The latest from around the industry

A B S O L U T E LY- E S S E X .C O. U K A B S O L U T E LY-W E S T E S S E X .C O. U K The online guides to inspirational living and what's on in Essex

84 PAUL LANGSTON

The Loughton designer wowing us all

93 TREND

How stripes are the in thing at home

O N T H E C OV E R Essex: Atterley SS22 collection West Essex: Gina Jones

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Sculpture in the Walled Garden Saturday 23rd July - Sunday 4th September Over 170 sculptures, from 33 national and international sculptors will be on display in the stunning surroundings of the Walled Garden this July.

There will be a wide variety of styles and materials to suit every taste, garden, and budget.

01376 563796 www.markshall.org.uk Registered Charity: 256700

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5 LETTER Editor’s

E scape route

A detox spa experience in Bulphan (p48)

ABSOLUTELY’S August issue highlights

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Julia West

The Essex photographer on capturing weddings once again (p42)

2

Women In Business Meet ten of the county's high flyers (p23)

efore heading off to university to study journalism, I decided to take a year out and get a year's experience of the industry under my belt. It didn't go entrely to plan as I ended up working in a production department at a B2B publishing house – back then I wanted to be a film journalist – and the job was pretty dull, but it did introduce me to one of the best bosses I ever had.

Nicola was head of production at a business with two pretty fearsome male co-directors. I very quickly established Nicola was the one who everyone in the business respected and she always had my back, even when I made a catastrophic mistake with some printing plates (it was that long ago). She spent ages behind shut doors with the bosses and I fully expected to be fired, but eventually she came out, called me in and had a good old chuckle about someone's dress sense that day before telling me not to worry.

Obviously, there are many, many wonderful women in business, but this month we spoke to ten of them in our county who either head up a company or who launched something new to market. All of them are absolutely inspiring.

4 Interiors Trend

The latest must-have for the home (p93)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

3

Gina Jones

On her first major leading role (p14)

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Wish LIST

AQ UA SPLASH Oliver James' lilos are made to be loved.

The first collection includes six luxury upholstered lilos made from durable materials and striking fabrics, designed to be handsome pieces of floating furniture. oliverjameslilos.com

OCEAN FRESH Ocean-coloured Efforia from Prima Donna is available up to an H cup.

Bra £84 and Tanga £40 ameliesfollies.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

ON THE SCENT In Jo Malone London's Wild Flower candle pair, Florescent Honeysuckle & Davana sit with mesmerising Wild Bluebell for a radiant floral fragrance.

In a floral print box by fashion designer Richard Quinn. £100 jomalone.co.uk

ON THE NAIL Chanel's The Sky, The Sun and The Sea collection comprises six luminous shades of nail polish which reflect off the sea with each wave, and melt into a brilliant palette of mauve, green, and lilac. chanel.com

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

COOL BLUE Matilde's Kaleido collection features sustainable lab-grown gemstones in a rainbow-hued representation of love, hope, faith, and luck with each piece crafted from 14k recycled yellow gold. matildejewellery.com

G R E E N D AY Santorini and Mykonosthemed dresses are part of the vast collection of holiday wear at Aspiga. aspiga.com

H AT S O F F Emma Mulholland on Holiday's Happy Hawaii bucket hat is crafted from cotton and features a larger-than-life hibiscus print. koibird.com

CHECK OUT Featuring sturdy textile uppers with mixed gingham patterns and embroidery, the Gingham Block Sk8-Hi Tapered brings an old school Americana look to Vans' classic deconstructed high top shoe. vans.co.uk

S O L A R G LOW Bianca Balti is the face of Dolce & Gabbana's new Solar Glow Collection, which defines, illuminates and enhances the complexion. dolceandgabbanabeauty.com

FA S C I N AT I N G RHYTHM This hat is an accessory you can't get enough of watching.

The curvy silk organza flowers and the flat look of the pillbox complement each other. £645 mervebayindir.com

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C U LT U R E

JAMES COOK UNTIL 7 AUGUST WONKY WHEEL / THE MOOT HALL

Essex artist James Cook hit the headlines at the start of summer when his artwork depicting Tom Hanks, created on his typewriter, received a signed a response from the Hollywood actor.

Now you have the chance to see his new series of work, World Landmarks, at two venues, Wonky Wheel Gallery in Finchingfield and The Moot Hall in Maldon. wonky-wheel.co.uk themoothall.co.uk

Gina Jones 14 • Epping 18 •Women In Business 23 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

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Essex actress Gina Jones talks about her first leading film role, how she dealt with the tough subject matter, and moving on from the bullies

By MARK KEBBLE

ina Jones is recounting a story of an awkward meal she had during the filming of her new movie, The Sun Also Rises. “I had gone out for dinner one night, I took my cardigan off and I had all these bruises on my arms,” she recounts. “My partner was horrified. I looked down and I felt I had to cover them up.”

Thankfully, these bruises were the result of some expert make-up on the set of the film, but served as a timely reminder of what some people have to go through. We are talking because, later this summer, Jones will be seen in her first leading movie role, playing Raye, a woman trapped in an abusive relationship. The film charts her struggle to survive, her journey to escape, and how the cycle of violence affects everyone who comes into contact with it.

It doesn’t flinch on its tough subject matter, but wasn’t one that put Jones off. “It was my birthday weekend and

I received an email from my agent,” she says. “It was pretty much 5pm, on a Friday, on my birthday weekend – you know, just when you are ready to switch off. They sent the whole script and said to pick two scenes, tape [an audition] and send it back to them for the Monday. I begrudgingly took my iPad upstairs and started reading it – and, wow, it really gripped me. I sent the video back and I think it was maybe three weeks from audition to filming.”

That’s such a quick turnaround for a subject so important, let alone the fact it was the leading part. “I did as much research as I could online,” she says of those precious three weeks. “I just really tried to understand her as much

“Domestic violence is a heavy topic, I wanted to give everything I had”

as I could, why she made the choices she did, how it must feel to be trapped in certain scenarios. I had such a short time to prepare for the role, including learning the lines, so it was less stress about the fact it was a leading role, more that I wanted to do a good job of telling this because it’s such an important story.

Domestic violence is a heavy topic and I didn’t want to do it at a surface level, I wanted to give it everything I had.”

From what I have seen of the film, Jones certainly does that and then some.

Was it difficult to leave the job behind at the end of the day? “I look back and it’s a little bit of a blur,” she says on the filming, “but in a good way. The days were long, sometimes 12-14 hours, but I trained in the Meisner technique [where the goal is for an actor to not focus on themselves and instead concentrate on others], so for me when you finish a scene, you finish. You get everything out in that scene when you are acting and hopefully not carry too much of it with you when you go home.”

The Sun Also Rises is directed by Roland Manookian, better known as an A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW COLCHESTER CASTLE

actor in films like The Football Factory and RocknRolla. “Roland was such a dream to work with,” Jones smiles. “As an actor, he knows what it’s like to be in that space, all the different things you are worrying about, and he gets it. He’s just really generous and patient – I have had directors who just physically move you, or say ‘just do it like this’, and it’s not really helpful. Because he's an actor and had that language, he was just able to guide me, or if sometimes I wasn’t quite getting the emotion he would come over and talk about how she’s feeling, and his eyes would well up and that would set me off! Then I would be in the right state to do the scene…”

The Sun Also Rises is the culmination of many years in the acting game, which she started when still at school. Growing A SCENE FROM THE SUN ALSO RISES

WITH SOME FLUFFY FRIENDS

up in Brentwood, her mixed heritage – Jones describes her background as being a mix of British, South American and Caribbean – wasn’t embraced positively by others. “I don’t want to sell a sob story, but school was really hard,” she says.

“This was many years ago and I was the only non-white person in my school and there was a lot of racism. My parents are two different colours, their friends were Asian, Chinese, Black, White. I just took it in the same way as people who have different hair colour – people also have different skin colour. It was normal for me.

“And then, suddenly, going to school and being ostracised because I was a different colour was really hard,” Jones continues.

“For a long time, it knocked my confidence, and I was quiet and shy because of that.

I thought I disliked acting, but because I was in such a negative environment, I didn’t enjoy it. At 15, I joined my local acting group and I just fell in love. We went up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which was an amazing opportunity, then I did a few acting groups – and since then it’s what I have always done.”

Despite her difficulties at school, it didn’t diminish her love for our county and today she lives in Witham. “I do love Brentwood,” she says of where she was brought up, “but it has changed so much. I also love Colchester, the castle is beautiful, and I also love going by the sea in Maldon.”

She’s currently back at home mulling over some potential projects, which as a leading actor always says, she can’t reveal anything about just yet (the part suits her), so for now it’s all about the impending release of The Sun Also Rises. “I am super excited to get it out there,” she says, “but also a tiny bit terrified. I just hope I have done a good job and told her story well. If I have done that, then I will be over the moon.

“I was so lucky to get this job,” she adds on why it could be a key moment in her career.

“It’s such a good role to sink your teeth into.

Not just because it’s the lead, but in terms of the journey she goes on, the story she is telling. I am really proud and grateful that I got the role.” Given what I have seen so far, Gina Jones will soon be catching the eye in restaurants for all the right reasons.

The Sun Also Rises is due to be released later this year

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IN

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Fri 26 – Mon 29 Aug Browse and buy direct from the very best craft makers and artists in the UK at this four-day show Your visit supports our work as a charity

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WALTHAM ABBEY

D y n a m i c D I S T R I C T Visit Epping Forest to enjoy history, countryside and adrenaline-filled fun

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CULTURE • AREA FEATURE

EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY

WHITE WATER RAFTING AT LEE VALLEY

EPPING FOREST

T

he district of Epping Forest takes its name from the ancient forest that extends down into London. However, there’s so much more that makes this destination a hidden gem, so easily accessible and right on the edge of London. Beyond the forest’s timeless green canopy discoveries abound in an area that offers something for everyone. Just for starters, the district is home to the last resting place of King Harold, has the closest heritage steam railway to London, a working Battle of Britain airfield where you can fly in a Spitfire, and a 300-year-old site of military discovery and manufacture, each creating a fascinating family day out.

For those who like to get out into the countryside, as well as Epping Forest and its buffer lands, the area is criss-crossed with footpaths including the Essex Way, which starts outside Epping Central Line tube station and ends 82 miles away at Harwich Old Lighthouse on the north Essex coast.

Through woods, farmland and countryside,

the route offers places to stop for a pub lunch and passes St Andrews Church at Greensted, the oldest wooden Church in the world.

On the other side of the district, Lee Valley Park marks the border with London and Hertfordshire and offers delightful paths for walking and cycling beside the river and canal and around a series of lakes, as well as water-based activities. Just outside Waltham Abbey, visit the Wildlife Discovery Centre and learn about the wildlife and history of the valley before ascending the observation tower, which gives you an amazing view over Seventy Acres Lake.

Heritage abounds and a popular destination alongside the River Lee is Waltham Abbey with its historic town centre and abbey grounds to explore. Nearby are the Royal Gunpowder Mills and Copped Hall, a mansion under restoration, famous for its gardens and as the venue for the first performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Waltham Abbey is also home to the district’s museum, which has recently been expanded and offers a glimpse into the past bringing to life the many characters and events that have shaped the area. The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a day out in itself and brings together the science and social history of a secret site that has been vital to the nation’s defence since Tudor times.

Chipping Ongar is a small town with an important medieval past that is still discernible today. The town centre is built around a Norman motte and bailey castle and the high road still narrows where the old town gates would have been. Ongar was once the last stop on the Central Line until the stretch from Epping was closed. The line is

redundant no more as it is now home to the Epping Ongar Railway, which runs heritage trains throughout the year. With regular journeys and special events, alight at Ongar or North Weald (with connections by heritage double-decker buses) for a journey that allows you to step back in time whilst travelling through the beautiful Essex countryside.

North Weald is also home to a historic RAF airfield that was created to protect London from Zeppelin raids during the WWI and was a key fighter base during the Battle of Britain in the WWII. Enlarged for the jet age and finally relinquished by the RAF, the airfield is now run by the District Council and is home to a range of heritage warbirds and light aircraft as well as the Essex Air Ambulance and a large open-air market on Saturdays and Bank Holidays. Here you can watch the aircraft come and go whilst enjoying a meal or even take a seat in a Spitfire and relive the experience of the fighter pilots that once flew along the same runway. Complete your visit in the locally run museum dedicated to the history of the airfield, its artefacts and the people who defended our country.

Getting to the Epping Forest District couldn’t be easier. The Central Line from London has eight stops in the district and there are junctions on both the M11 at Epping and Loughton and the M25 at Waltham Abbey.

For those walking or cycling, there's no better route than through Epping Forest or along the Lee Valley or down the Essex Way. For more information, take a look at visiteppingforest.org, and for where to stay and events head to visitessex.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE FOOD AT THE OAK HOUSE IS A FAVOURITE

LIVING CLOSE TO THE COAST IS A PLUS

Q What is your background in business?

A I set up my first business in 2001 with

my husband. It was a health care practice.

As the business grew, we added staff; it was a challenge at times, however it became successful and we grew the business to an award-winning, well-known, seven figure practice which made a ‘splash’ in our industry. It was an exciting ride. Then others started to ask us for help with growing their businesses in the same way that they had seen us growing ours and we became business mentors. We have helped hundreds of business owners and thousands of their team members create a workplace that they love.

Q What inspired you to launch the

Womanpreneur Success Club?

A As a business mentor, I work with both male

Get to know…

JO DAVISON MALDON FOUNDER OF THE WO M A N P R E N E U R S U C C E S S C LU B

and female clients, however I found a common thread emerging amongst my female clients – it is something I call ‘the juggle is real’. I am not saying it is harder for women; however, if they are running a business and running a home and being a mum, it can be tough. As a mum of four, I have had to create systems that help me achieve success and balance in both on my terms. I launched WSC because I wanted to empower other female business owners to be able to ‘have it all’ and be a happy woman, as well as a happy business owner.

Q Who is it aimed at?

A Women who run businesses.

Whether they have an idea, have just started or in a growth phase.

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CULTURE • PROFILE

SHE HAS LIVED IN MALDON FOR OVER A DECADE

Q What do you offer?

A We have a variety of helpful tools and

services. We have a free Facebook group and regularly have free ‘meet ups’ where we can network, connect, and discuss business. We also have a paid membership community, courses, and a mastermind for those who want to invest in their business development. There is a level for everyone.

Q What has the reaction to it been like?

A We have had amazing feedback and seen

transformational results. Although I have been mentoring women in business for years, launching the Womanpreneur Success Club has allowed us to start to expand the community and reach more women who live in Essex, which has been fabulous.

Q What kind of events do you hold?

A We have free meet ups for connecting

and networking, as well as webinars, events and a mastermind group meaning we have something for everyone regardless of their stage in business and how much they want to grow.

TREATS AT THE TIPTREE TEAROOM

“We have had amazing feedback and seen transformational results” Q How does running this fit in with

your other business ventures?

A It fits in really well. My goal is to teach women how to create a business that gives them freedom and more recurring revenue, so it is a great example of this.

Q Do you get much time to relax and

enjoy what Maldon has to offer?

A I have to manage my time well. I love

living in Maldon and I spend lots of my free time enjoying all it has to offer.

Q How long have you lived there and

what do you love most about it?

A I have lived in Maldon since 2011 and I love the mix of countryside yet being able to get into London easily. I have some wonderful family and friends here and love spending time with them. There are so many great places to visit and spend time at.

WITH HER FAMILY

Q What places in and around Maldon

do you love visiting the most?

A I could pick lots of places! It’s really hard

to choose, but I’d have to say the following.

Maldon Prom for wonderful family time.

The Oak House in the high street to either do my work, have meetings or breakfast with my husband. The Bull, Great Totham is great. And I have to also name-check Kate Lifestyle, Reed Hair, Bluebell boutique, and Mallon Court School.

Q As we hit summer, any Essex

outdoor spots you love?

A I love the Prom and Heybridge Basin

in Maldon. Also The Tiptree Tearoom and the beach at Frinton.

For more information about the Womanpreneur Success Club visit womanpreneursuccessclub.com

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DISCOVER...

EVENTS MUSIC FOOD & DRINK HISTORY ENTERTAINMENT SHOPPING

Find out more

incolchester.co.uk

26 – 29 August

RHS Garden

Hyde Hall

CM3 8RA

Early Bird Discount until 12 August see website

Purchase direct from the very best makers in the UK Admission to Garden also gives admission to Craft Fair

10am – 5pm Daily

Free Garden entry for RHS Members (Garden open to 6pm daily) CIF_Hyde_Hall_22_134x190.indd 1

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L E A D I N G the W A Y

JANE GURNEY

Inspired by the story of Jo Davison? Here are ten more women who have success stories to tell when it comes to local businesses

Jane Gurney BUS I NE S S : Essex & Herts Air Ambulance P OS I TI O N : CEO

Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A I always had a real love for dancing, acting, and anything theatrical. From the age of nine I often took part in talent shows and loved the sense of joy and freedom it brought to me and those around me. I always had an ambition to be in the theatre in some way when I grew up. Looking back, I can see my family really gave me the belief that I could do whatever I dreamed of, and I’m grateful for that.

Q Tell us about the business you work for today?

A I am CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, a charity that brings the hospital to those who are critically ill or injured in Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

Our free life-saving service is provided 24/7 by helicopters and by rapid response vehicles in the hours of darkness. Each critical care team consists of a pilot and co-pilot, a prehospital care doctor and a critical care paramedic who can be rushed to the scene of an incident with life-saving

support equipment to deliver advanced clinical care that is normally only found in the hospital emergency department.

Once stabilised, the patient will be conveyed by air or land to the most appropriate hospital for their needs.

It costs £9 million every year to cover all operational and charitable costs. Without access to National Lottery funding and with only limited support from Government, we rely upon the generosity and goodwill of the people and businesses of Essex and Hertfordshire to remain operational and keep saving lives.

Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?

A I'm fortunate to work alongside a dedicated fundraising team and experts in critical care and I trust and value their knowledge to inspire me to continually explore ways we can have the courage to innovate and improve patient outcomes. It is a true privilege to lead Essex & Herts Air Ambulance on its journey through so many milestones over the years.

However, it goes without saying our patients and their families are the ones who truly inspire my team and I the most to continue to deliver our life saving service today and into the future.

Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?

A I am truly happiest when travelling and exploring new places with my husband. I love to enjoy great food and the feeling of sunshine on my face. I really appreciate quality time when I can pause and enjoy the moment.

Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?

A I live in a village just outside Great Dunmow and enjoy long walks in the countryside; this definitely helped me during lockdown. I love that our village is rural, but is also well connected with great road links across the county, enabling easy access to London, Stansted Airport and our airbases at North Weald and Earls Colne.

Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

A To believe in yourself, because anything is possible with hard work.

I am truly humbled to have recently been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex for my dedication to expand and improve pre-hospital care for those in need.

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FULVA GIUST

Fulva Giust BUS I N E S S : The Giust Practice POS I TI O N : Founder

Q When you were younger, what did

you want to be when you grew up?

A Astronaut. Watching Neil Armstrong land on the moon was incredible and I grew up thinking if we could put a man on the moon anything was possible.

Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’ moment that shaped your career?

A No sliding door moments, but as a woman in the world of financial services in the 80s, whilst I faced many glass ceilings and sexual discrimination I was lucky to have crossed the paths of some incredible male mentors who believed in me, encouraged me and helped shape my career.

Q Tell us about your business...

A I run a financial services business

helping people make good decisions in creating financial freedom for themselves and their families.

Q What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day work?

A I love my work. I truly love my clients. They trust me to deliver honest, authentic advice around their personal and business financial needs.

They all have a story to tell, their own life journey and I am grateful that they want to share it with me.

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Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?

A I’m a member of Orion Harriers, the running club based in Bury Road.

Epping Forest is our forest and running the trails either in competition or with my wonderful dog, Milo, gives me the opportunity to balance my wellbeing with the intensity of my work.

The fresh air and the sounds of the forest offers me the chance to bring clarity to my thinking.

Q Where do you live?

A I moved to Loughton in 2013 when I

met and married my husband Jon, who is a teacher at Bancroft’s school. What makes Loughton for me is two-fold: the people - real grit who tell it how it is, my kind of people; and of course the forest.

I can’t imagine living anywhere else! I am a frequent visitor in Zee & Co, but for a good chat and a lot of laughter I visit Shelley at Hob for a blow-dry (you’ll find me in there at least once a week!), they are such a great bunch of people.

We are so lucky to enjoy many great restaurants and bars on our doorstep.

Special mention to Manos at TDH who always manages to squeeze me in!

Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

A Worry less and don’t overthink! Keep looking up – it’s amazing what you can see!

fulva.co.uk

Charlotte Fuller BUSIN E SS : Haslers Marketing POSITION : Marketing Consultant

Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A When I was younger, I absolutely fell in love with the film, What Women Want, directed by Nancy Meyers, with Mel Gibson, Helen Hunt, Marisa Tomei and Alan Alda. After watching the film, I knew I wanted my career to be in marketing and advertising.

Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’

moment that shaped your career?

A When I finished my A-levels, I found

myself not knowing what I truly wanted to be – until I went for a job interview as a trainee estimator (my dad had always worked in construction, and being the tomboy I was, I thought I could do that). After my interview, the company called me and said “we would love to hire you, but not as a trainee estimator. We were so blown away by your charisma and enthusiasm, we would love to create a new position for you which would be in sales and marketing. We would also like to pay for your education of a marketing degree at university if this would be of interest?”

I was absolutely blown away and to this day will always be forever grateful at the opportunity they created for me.

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP Q Tell us about the business you work for today?

A I am lead marketing consultant for Haslers Marketing. We help businesses with a whole host of marketing activities and tools, helping clients to communicate effectively with their customers and potential clients along with improving their brand awareness.

Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?

A One is walking through the beautiful countryside where I live with my children (Dorris aged 9 and Herbert aged 5). I also enjoy popping to the local pub with my husband for a cheeky glass of wine.

I also really enjoy crafting.

Q How do you ensure a work/life balance?

A Since Covid lockdowns, which meant working from home a lot more, I have had to be conscious of ensuring that I have downtime away from the laptop as it's easy for time to slip away. I now make sure that when the children finish school I am present in their lives.

Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?

A I live in Henham, which is very rural. I love that I live in the countryside. We stick our wellies on at the weekend, walk over the field to the local pub, and then walk back taking in the beautiful scenery.

Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

A Have confidence in yourself and know your worth. If you work hard and put in the effort anything is possible.

haslers.com CHARLOTTE FULLER

KRYSTAL PRINCE

Krystal Prince BUSIN E SS : The Glamour Room POSITION : Salon Owner

Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A A dancer, it is every little girl’s dream I guess, but since the age of six I have been a ballroom and Latin dancer, competing nationally and still do to this day!

Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’

moment that shaped your career?

A With the dancing came all the glitz

and glam, hair, make-up, lashes and tan – so from a young age this has been a big part of my life and I feel it was what lead me into the beauty industry.

Q Tell us about the business you run today?

A The Glamour Room, in the heart of Chelmsford city centre, is a beauty salon offering many treatments including nails, waxing, lashes, brows, massage, facials and non-surgical solutions.

We provide wonderful treatments, but we also like to look at overall health and wellbeing and take into consideration different lifestyles.

We try to offer advice to make people feel truly wonderful while in our care and beyond.

Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?

A Myself and my team love what we do, we are all obsessed with beauty and trying to do a great job by making our clients feel confident, happy and amazing – this is what is most rewarding.

Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?

A On the dance floor I am so happy, I am in my own little bubble and nothing compares to this feeling. Well, until my two babies come along!

Q How do you ensure a work/life balance?

A With an 18-month-old little girl and my baby boy being just two weeks old today – my laptop in hand… this is tricky! I have got better with balancing work and my private life, I stress less about work nowadays as I must be at home for my family. The salon was my baby before and I worked far too much, it was only when my business was closed due to Covid that I recognised what I was doing wrong.

Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?

A I am based in Chelmsford and just a few minutes’ walk away from the parks, we are so lucky to have these lovely outdoor spaces on our doorstep.

We can walk through directly into the city centre so super convenient for me for the children and work.

Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

A Make yourself a priority! I got myself quite unwell at one stage in my life, working silly hours, doing too much for other people, not having the power to say 'no'. Of course at the time it’s difficult to recognise. I think I have grown as a person and a businesswomen and perhaps (I hate to say it) it is with age that you realise these things!

theglamourroom.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Georgina Whitney BUSIN E SS: T&Gs Tapas Bar POSITION : Co-owner

Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A I always wanted to be a secretary, which I achieved after leaving school.

I worked locally for a shipping company and at the age of 25 joined a Banking Recruitment Company in London as PA to the Directors. I was with them for almost 15 years.

CHARLOTTE KNAPPETT

Charlotte Knappett BUS I N E S S : Fisher Jones Greenwood POS I TI O N : Solicitor, Partner

in the Family Team

Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’ moment that shaped your career?

A I recall two very significant and career changing moments. After undertaking a seat in commercial with Tony Fisher, he gently suggested that I was best suited to an area of law which would enable me to use my empathy and desire to help others.

He suggested my next seat in Family would be perfect, and he was right. I am grateful to Tony for his honesty.

In 2009 Paula Fowler moved me from working at our Colchester office to our flagship Chelmsford office. Although I saw this as a great opportunity, I did not realise the gravitas of effect it would have on me and my career for the positive. With this move came the chance to become independent and selfsufficient, build new and long-lasting relationships with fellow professionals, grow strength and resilience in myself and my skills as a solicitor. During this time I had the chance to work with agencies to help victims of abuse and sit as trustee at the YMCA. Professionally it led to me managing our office and then being made Partner.

Q Tell us about the business you run today?

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A I work for Fisher Jones Greenwood, and have done so since I was 21, over 20 years. When I joined it was a small practice with two offices in Colchester town centre. We now have nine offices, in Essex, Tendring, and now Suffolk.

It is a modern, dynamic and forwardthinking law firm, underpinned by the culture of legal advice with a conscience. Despite the speed at which we are growing it remains a family, a great firm, with wonderful people.

Q How do you ensure a work/life balance?

A This is something I have always struggled with as I am very conscientious and never want to let anyone down. The pandemic has now enabled a more flexible working pattern/arrangements and with this I have now had to ensure boundaries are set. My head of team Simon Osborn is incredibly supportive, and as a team we are always there to assist one another.

Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?

A I have always lived in Colchester (save three years at University). I love the history that our town holds and the many military connections past and present. We are 50 minutes on the train from London, but also perfectly located to be close to the coast or the country.

Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’ moment that shaped your career?

A I suppose my sliding doors moment began when I was given an offer I couldn’t refuse to leave recruitment and join an American bank. This working environment could not have been more different from Recruitment and I realised very soon after it was not for me. Following the option of redundancy I decided I would like my own business to enable more control over my personal life. I purchased a Burger Van in Romford Market and even though it was very hard work, I loved it! I always had a second job in hospitality from the age of 18 and have always been a people person. I also put myself through an evening catering course. This progressed to two more Food Trailers in Essex, which was working great.

Then through a friend I was offered the opportunity of a Café in rural Essex, which was my ultimate dream. I still have the café and from that it has given me, my husband and son Tom the opportunity to open T&G’s Tapas Bar. Q Tell us about the business you work for today?

A I still have the Café which has been running successfully for 13 years and also the Tapas Bar and Restaurant, which we have had since Feb 2020 – unfortunately most of the time has been during lockdown.

XXX ANOTHER IMAGE HERE PLEASE XXX

Charter Court, Newcomen Way, Colchester CO4 9YA fjg.co.uk cknappett@fjg.co.uk

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Pariena Charalambous BUSIN E SS: YVMV Studios POSITION : Company owner,

Creative Director & Designer

Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A When I was younger I always wanted to be an artist. I loved painting and once I discovered oils and water colours it was all I wanted to ever do.

GEORGINA WHITNEY

Q What do you enjoy most

about your day to day work?

A What I enjoy mostly about my day to day work is the people. No 2 days are ever the same. You get to know your regulars and I love hearing all their news. People are so interesting.

Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?

A Out of work I am most happiest with my family and close friends.

I socialise a lot and am really fortunate to have a big family and a large circle of friends who I see regularly. We have lots of laughs.

Q How do you ensure a

work/life balance?

A Work/life balance is hard as running your own business can be gruelling at times, you are never “off work” as there is always something that needs to be done. We are lucky to have great staff so we try to get away as often as possible to relax and recharge.

Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’ moment that shaped your career?

A There was a moment, many years ago, when one of the directors of the magazine I worked for said “you are wasted just as a designer and you should be in sales”. It was on my journey home on the train later that day that it hit me. I thought you’re absolutely right, sales for myself. I realised in that moment that I should be selling my own services. I started feeling more confident and started freelancing in the evenings and before I knew it, I had started to establish my own clientele.

Q What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day work?

A I really enjoy creating and bringing visions to life, whether it is a company or a personal interest. It’s always so nice to hear the reactions when a brief has been delivered successfully.

Q Tell us about the business you run?

A I have my own creative design agency

with photography studios. I have a media-based background and I’m proficient across many disciplines and

can therefore produce innovative and creative solutions to perfect any creative campaign. We produce high quality professional design solutions for a variety of clients, industries, purposes and audiences. Whether you are looking for branding, packaging design, photoshoots, digital or print marketing materials, I can assist you from start to finish.

Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?

A Happiest place for me is spending it with my family. I have four gorgeous kids, the oldest being 18 and off to university, to my youngest who is three, they really do make each day count and keep me very busy. I love the gym and weight training, it is the only other place you would find me if I'm not at studio or at home.

Q How do you ensure a

work/life balance?

A I am very organised, if I wasn’t it

really would be a struggle balancing work and having a large family.

My husband, who also has his own business, helps me a lot, together we run a tight ship and juggle the load between us. Sometimes it can be challenging, especially when we have deadlines to meet, but we take each day as it comes always and always try to remain positive.

Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?

A We live in Chigwell. I’m very lucky to live on a road where our house backs onto meadows. It’s so scenic, peaceful and beautiful.

It really is my happy place.

yvmvstudios.co.uk

Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?

A We live in Norton Heath, which is situated near the villages of Blackmore and Willingale in Essex. We live in a lovely cottage which is attached to the Café, so very hands on. It is very peaceful, but we are also not far from Ongar and Chelmsford.

Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

A What piece of advice would I give myself? Always follow your dreams, if you want something enough it will happen. That’s for sure!

tngtapas.co.uk

PARIENA CHARALAMBOUS

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Claire Robinson BUSIN E SS : Essex Cryo Clinic POSITION : Business owner

Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A I actually wanted to be a vet as I loved animals! I did my work experience at a vet charity called the PDSA and my time there actually put me off as I found it too sad seeing all the sick animals!

RACHEL ADDISON-POOLE

Rachel Addison-Poole BUS I N E S S : Benems Carpet,

Flooring & Fireplace Centre POS I TI O N : Director Sales

Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A Well, that’s a question. As a young mummy I didn’t give it much thought, although I had a passion for nursing caring – I worked voluntarily in mental health, when I emigrated from North to South and worked in a hospital for many years, making lifelong friends on this journey called life. Within these times was always a passion for colour, not always a follower of the trends – I was drawn to leopard print orange, and vibrant colours as Chinese dragon one of my strengths that I later pursued.

Q Was there a particular ‘Sliding Doors’ moment that shaped your career?

A Sliding door or slippery slope of sadly a failed marriage. I became a single mummy, circumstances and life’s paths often change direction - I say to my friends and family believe there’s a plan and believe in your super power. Now I have had 26 years of trading. I’m super proud of my team, our brand and our care of each and every customer – we carry through old fashioned values.

Q Tell us about the business you work for today?

A Benems is an anagram of my children

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names (Emma and Ben). So 26 years on and what a rollercoaster, not least with many challenges, But believe in yourself, be honest, be kind, work hard, don’t ask of anyone something you wouldn’t do yourself. Seeing the customers returning room after room, home move after home move, means we got it right – plus now it’s the next generation being introduced to the Benems experience by parents and grandparents, which is heart-warming.

Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?

A I’m going to sound geeky now, but I love my work/business. I’m blessed to work within a great team, and I love the guiding, the challenges, the getting it right from selection to completion, and finally the photo and a happy customer call – then the photo of the finished job, taking pride in all we do. It is so rewarding.

Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?

A Family and friends. I like hosting, I love a meal out, and then the reward of a holiday thanks to my fantastic team, holiday in the sun creating memories is the bonus.

Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

A Always believe in yourself when others doubted never stop learning – don’t waste time waiting for someone to change.

Change the dance and keep moving.

benems.co.uk

Q Was there a particular ‘Sliding Doors’ moment that shaped your career?

A When I moved to Essex I joined a local gym, I remember being asked by a few different people if I was a personal trainer and I replied ‘no I’m not’ but then thought to myself ‘well maybe I could be!’ I started on a personal training course the following week! I met so many interesting people being a personal trainer…many of whom helped and inspired me into setting up my cryotherapy business.

Q Tell us about the business you run today?

A Almost three years ago I set up and opened Essex Cryo Clinic which offers different forms of cryotherapy based treatments to clients. We have a full body cryotherapy chamber, localised/ facial cryotherapy machine and an infrared sauna. I was determined to make cryotherapy accessible and affordable to people which I am proud to say is what I have achieved.

Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?

A I enjoy meeting so many new and interesting people, while also helping them get out of pain. Especially clients who have really specific conditions such as MS, arthritis, back pain etc. There is nothing better than having someone walk in on crutches and leave without them!

Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?

A I will always be happiest when I am with my family, especially when we are all together in Liverpool. My ultimate favourite place will always be at my dads home right on Crosby beach in Liverpool, ideally if I am sat with him watching Liverpool play (and win) while eating fish and chips!

Q How do you ensure a work/life balance?

A I’m not sure this is something I

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• PARTNERSHIP • XXXXX CULTURE XXXXXXXX

always get right and it is a constant struggle. However what I have tried to do is enjoy my job so much and make it so much fun that it doesn’t actually feel like work when I’m there! I also tried to involve my boys as much as possible in setting up the business so it something we are passionate about as a family.

This includes us all regularly jumping in the chamber for a quick freeze.

Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?

A I live in Buckhurst Hill, Essex.

I love that I can jump on the tube and be in the city in 30mins or I can walk round the corner in 5mins and be in beautiful Epping forest surrounded by countryside for a nice dog walk. Best of both worlds!

Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

A Wow….it’s very hard to pick one! It would possibly be to save and invest more at a young age. It’s easy to waste money when you are younger but my son is 20 and almost in a position to purchase his first house and that makes me immensely proud!

Essex Cryo Clinic, ‘The Crate’, Oakwood Hill, Loughton, IG103TZ essexcryoclinic.co.uk CLAIRE ROBINSON

JANINE WISEWELL

Janine Wisewell BUSIN E SS: Wanstead Beauty Clinic POSITION : Company Owner

Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A When I was young, I wanted to be a hairdresser. My earliest memory is standing behind my dad combing his hair.

Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’ moment that shaped your career?

A I don’t think that I had a sliding doors moment that actually shaped my career. I just think that some people just know what they’re going to do.

Q Tell us about the business

you run today?

A I run Wanstead Beauty Clinic, which is an independent beauty salon in the heart of Wanstead village. We have an amazing laser hair removal machine, the Motus AY, which is a true Alexandrite, treats all skins and is a gold standard laser. We have just introduced two new machines that treat fat, cellulite, skin laxity, microneedling and hifu. We also offer many treatments including manicures, pedicures and waxing and facials. We have Nurse Hannah, who provides all of our injectables.

Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?

A I love to spend time with family when I’m not at work I just love people and there’s no better people than your family.

“REMEMBER THAT LIFE IS NOT A REHEARSAL, YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE TO GO OUT THERE AND DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO” Q How do you ensure a work/life balance?

A I’ve always struggled with the work/ life balance. I’m told I’m obsessed – I don’t think I am, but I do love my job so when I read or I’m on the Internet it will generally be to do with the hair and beauty industry.

Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?

A I was born and bred in Poplar in East London, but I now live in Rainham in Essex. I love the fact that I am 20 minutes away from Poplar, which I still love and I still go to every day, but I feel like for me it’s almost like being in the country.

I have a wonderful woods nearby where I live where I like to walk.

Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

A If I had to go back in time and offer myself a piece of advice I will tell younger me to remember that life is not a rehearsal, you only get one chance to go out there do what you want to do.

Download their app at AppStore: Wanstead Beauty Clinic A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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2 Coast Road | West Mersea | Colchester | Essex CO5 8QE | 01206 385234 www.islandartcafé.com

whitehartinnmersea.co.uk

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Two to

SEA

We never need an excuse to head to the coast, and here’s a couple of reasons to stay even longer

MERSEA BARNS

MERSEA BARNS Mersea Barns is an exciting shop and café destination in East Mersea, Essex.

Mersea Island has been welcoming families, friends and familiar faces for generations, and Mersea Barns continues this tradition, offering a warm welcome to guests of all ages.

Developed on the site of a pick-your-own business, Mersea Barns opened in 2019 in a specially designed barn-style building.

The café serves breakfasts, lunches, teas, coffees and cakes using fresh local ingredients. The café is light and airy, with plenty of inside and outside tables.

The shop has a range of delicious fine foods, snacks and drinks as well as gifts, cards, toys, books and homewares. During the summer, there are a number of works by local artists if you fancy taking home a souvenir.

Situated on 20 acres of land, there is lots of outside space, including a large deck and garden as well as a fantastic children’s play area to keep the little ones busy. During the school holidays there are a number of child and family friendly activities available including a 9 hole pay and play Foot Golf course.

If you are visiting the Cudmore Grove Country Park in East Mersea, Mersea Barns is perfect to pick up a picnic on the way or to stop and a grab a drink, a bite to eat or an ice cream on your way home. Dogs are welcome in the garden and at outside tables.

There is water, dog snacks and even doggy ice creams to keep your pooches happy too! merseabarns.com

THE WHITE HART INN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

THE WHITE HART INN On the most easterly island in Britain, The White Hart Inn is a great place to meet up, have fun and be well looked after – before or after a walk on the beach. It was re-opened in June 2022 by the team behind The Sun Inn, Dedham and Church Street Tavern, Colchester. Mersea Island is a special place with beaches, creeks, boardwalks, sailing, oysters and a great community. Located at the heart of West Mersea village opposite the church, the pub is somewhere to go for a casual pint, an easy lunch or special celebratory dinner. And if you can’t bear to leave, there are six guest rooms to stay overnight.

The guest rooms are sumptuous with views of the sea or village green and sweeping sun rises or sunsets. All have super king beds with luxury 4,000 pocket sprung mattresses and Egyptian

cotton, and are individually designed with bespoke fabrics and furniture, quirky finds and local artwork. Bathrooms have large, walk in showers with Bramley Bath Products and bathrobes to sink into.

Their menu changes seasonally throughout the year and feature much of the fantastic produce they’re surrounded by. Seafood and oysters straight from the water, fruit and vegetables grown on the island, slow grown and rare breed meat from farms throughout East Anglia.

The drinks menu features fantastic East Anglian made beer, wine and soft drinks as well as their own created cocktails.

Their fantastic team have a desire to give great hospitality, cook delicious food and make people happy. They can’t wait to welcome you! whitehartinnmersea.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ABSOLUTELY

ATTENDS HASLERS FOUNDATION ANNUAL QUIZ

A

fter a two-year break due to the pandemic, the best business brains from across the South East have once again competed against each other in the eighth annual Haslers Foundation Charity Quiz.

Held at the Metropolitan Police Club in Chigwell, the event saw 122 people turn out to raise money for the Haslers Foundation – the in-house charity of Loughton based Haslers Chartered Accountants.

Haslers’ team were the champions of the night, followed closely by LE Law and taking third place was Weston Homes.

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The quiz, which included a dinner and raffle, helped to raise £8,785. At the quiz, Haslers Foundation made some donations to charities who attended the quiz, which brought total donations over the £200,000 mark.

On the night donations included:

THE DREAM FACTORY

Paris Harvey, aged 18, has been diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease. Paris’ dream was to see Billie Eilish in concert with a VIP day out with her family at the O2. The family will visit the Selfie Factory and Tikky Town to take some fabulous photos. Paris has asked to go to Starbucks and Five Guys, and will also have a shopping experience at the O2 before attending the concert.

FRANK CHARLES GIVE A GIFT APPEAL

Who will provide a coach for a day excursion to the seaside, probably Margate or Kent, this summer holiday, for families in need.

CHESS HOMELESS

Who donated a new laptop.

SNAP CHARITY

Summer holiday week for the siblings of children with additional needs, called SIBS4FUN. They will be sponsoring ten children.

The event was proudly sponsored by SRM Wealth Management, Hightower Wealth Management, Weston Homes, Aquabridge Law, Barclays Bank Hamlet Commercial Ltd, Higgins Group,

Holistic Perspective and Utilize.

Jon O’Shea, chairman of Haslers Accountants and its Foundation, says: “We had another fantastic turnout again this year and we are astonished at how much this ever-popular event helped us to raise for Haslers Foundation.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of the businesses that sponsored the event and took part, so a huge thanks must go to them. The money raised at this event makes a massive difference to local causes.

“Also, a huge thank you to those businesses that generously donated gifts to our raffle, which helped make it a huge success. Finally, thank you to Ben’s Magic for coming along to entertain our guests during the intervals.”

To date Haslers Foundation has donated over £200,000 to local community groups and good causes. The Haslers Foundation was established in 2008 and became a Charity Commissionregistered charity in 2013. haslers.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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AWARD WINNING RESTAURANT

Perfect Place for Bottomless Brunch/Lunch or great dining experience in the Evening Fresh from winning Dining Experience of the Year at the London Curry Awards 2022, South Woodford’s Grand Trunk Road have expanded their beautiful range with a new three-course Brunch menu, designed to celebrate their beautiful range of fresh ingredients, prepared with ancient cooking techniques.

Kickstart your Bottomless Lunch with chilled glass of Prosecco, Pimm’s or Twisted Bloody Mary.

Available on Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays from 12pm – 2:30pm and is priced at £29.50pp (£47.00 for Bottomless option, 90 minute cap).

“A timeless gastronomic journey of delicate flavours from Kabul to Kolkata’’ Press ‘’ A trip down the Grand Trunk Road is well worth the Journey’’ London Evening Standard ‘’A timeless gastronomic journey of delicate flavours from Kabul to Kolkata’’

Grand Trunk Road, 219 High Road, South Woodford London E18 2PB Tel 020850 51965 | Mob: 074834 46818 www.gtrrestaurant.co.uk | Email: manager@gtrrestaurant.co.uk

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FA S H I O N

REUSE, RECYCLE STELLA MCCARTNEY

For next season, 72% of the ready-to-wear collection by Stella McCartney is crafted from responsible materials.

New innovations include pieces crafted with repurposed deadstock fabrics from LVMH’s Nona Source platform. stellamccartney.com

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M ATC H

Atterley is a fashion destination that celebrates the boutique experience, supporting shops like Blue Saffron Walden. Here’s a snapshot of their summer collection AT T E R L E Y. C O M

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Award Winning Expert Team

Joined up Legal Services

FREE Drop-In clinics

No matter what you are facing, we can help…

Divorce and Separation

Civil Partnerships

Domestic Abuse

Fertility and Parenting

Children Law

Changing Names

Family and Nuptial Agreements

Resolving Problems

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Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP 73 Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1SD

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

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A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“I care deeply. The day goes so fast, all you have left is the photographs of those memories” 42

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • WEDDINGS

JULIA WEST

about all the details. But 16 years ago, photographers often didn’t come to the reception only the service, so none of those details were captured. Then the photo of us friends on the stairs was taken so quickly several of us are blinking. The photographer just didn’t realise how important that photo was to us, we weren’t bridesmaids after all, it was just a friends shot. I keep that in my mind every time I shoot a wedding, everyone there is important to the couple.

Q Why do you think your approach

in the early days worked?

A I cared – it’s the same today. The day has

taken so much effort and lots of people to bring it together, it goes so fast, all you have left is the photographs of those memories.

M O M E N T S i n t i m e Acclaimed Essex wedding photographer Julia West on juggling family, health setbacks and capturing that perfect picture

Q You originally worked in magazines, but

have you always been a keen photographer?

A I started photography at school doing an

AS level and always loved it, but it was always just for myself. Teachers said to me I should pursue it, but my dream was always to work in fashion magazines. I was so fortunate that during my years working in magazines I got to work at Conde Nast (Vogue and GQ), Dare magazine and eventually Wedding magazine, which really was the dream. But during my time working at magazines, friends started to get married and perhaps naively I thought I could do that – and maybe I could do it better.

When I had my daughter I knew I couldn’t work in magazines and run a wedding photography business so I decided to take the leap and go full time. That was 11 years ago.

Q How quickly did the business grow?

A The first five years whilst I worked in

magazines it was slow, I would only take on a handful of weddings and like lots of photographers starting out I was building skills you can only do on the job. But once I had my daughter I was determined for it be a full time career, with unusual hours.

So it went from very part time to a large number of weddings per year, but I was confident to do that after my years building the business before I went full time.

Q How did you manage it with having your children, and also the issues you went through with your son Jack?

A It actually works pretty well, I have to be organised, but that’s my personality anyway. The hours aren’t the usual 9-5, but I work around the children with editing in the week and when I’m at a wedding my husband takes over.

When my son was first born and incredibly poorly I did worry for a long time, not that I didn’t think that I could do it, but I thought others would think I couldn’t. I kept the fact he was unwell off of social media for a long time until I proved with clients time and time that I could do both.

Q How did you first become a

wedding photographer?

A What inspired me to become a wedding

photographer was a friend’s wedding. It was my first close friend to get married, we studied fashion together, so she thought A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • WEDDINGS

Q Looking back, do you have particular

favourite weddings/photos and why?

A I definitely have weddings I’ll remember

forever, but for me a wedding is never one photo. It’s a series, I think that’s why I always post a series of photos when I do sneak peaks, it’s never one image. The perfect signature shot for me will always be in golden hour, somewhere where the sun really catches the backdrop and creates a wow shot.

Q How would you sum up your style?

A I definitely have creative editorial influence Q How tough was Covid and lockdown

for you and your clients?

A Very. At first I was delusional, I thought it

would be over in a few weeks. As it carried on it became harder. My couples were all amazing, so supportive and I in turn did everything I could to be supportive back, I let my couples pick any date in the future as long as I was free. In the end I had such amazing relationships with all my couples and I think it shone through in their photos.

Q It was dreadful to read about your

husband’s cardiac arrest. How is he?

A He’s doing well. Of course, at a time when

no-one could help, as well as the stress of Covid, it was incredibly hard. But we were one of the lucky ones. Only one in ten

PREPARING THE PERFECT SHOT

44

usually survive home cardiac arrests.

Ian is a well-known celebrity photographer; Covid meant he couldn’t do the job he also loves. But he’s definitely back to himself now, he’s back at red carpet premieres and shooting big events like the Baftas and Oscars.

Q When did you eventually get back to photographing weddings?

A My first wedding was in August 2020, it was a intimate affair, the bride is a nurse so had witnessed Covid first hand and just wanted to get married. Whenever it was allowed I had more intimate weddings, people who just wanted to get married, even with a small number of guests. On several occasions it was because one of their parents was unwell and it was more important to have them by their side than a bigger affair.

My first wedding back with zero restrictions was 23 July and what an amazing wedding to come back to big weddings, a beautiful church service with all the emotions, a huge marquee in their parents’ garden, a huge carousel in the field and so many loved ones just over the moon to enjoy the party.

In 2021 we photographed nearly two years of weddings, most of which were in the last six months. That was hard work with all the editing.

after years of working in magazines. But at the same time it’s the emotions and storytelling that means so much to me. I want to create something that makes them go wow and want to show it off to everyone, but at the same time it’s all about the memories, so storytelling will always be just as important.

Q Whereabouts in Essex are you based and what do you love about it?

A I live in Upminster Bridge, I am not from here, but my husband is from Essex.

I love the community, especially around the school, I feel like I can walk the dog and always see someone I know. At a recent wedding someone said I was THE wedding photographer in Upminster, which amused me, they said everyone knew me. That made me smile.

Q Have you been to some amazing

locations in Essex to shoot weddings?

A Yes, pretty much weekly we have

photographed so many of the most stunning venues in Essex. Braxted Park, Blake Hall, Gaynes Park and Gosfield Hall are regular haunts of ours. We love going to them, and all the staff are amazing. But even now we get to photograph new venues for the first time and love it. Recently we shot at the breathtaking Hatfield Place, Apton Hall and Vaulty Manor, which are also beautiful and I can’t wait to go back to them all. juliaandyou.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Image credit Mini + Me Photography

An indescribably romantic setting for your perfect day, Markshall Estate is the one you have been looking for...

From the moment you enquire to the very last dance, we are on hand. With our expert Wedding Coordinator, tour the venue and begin to create your perfect day. We have a fantastic list of recommended suppliers, and you can rest assured that no detail will go unchecked. This is your special day and we are with you every step of the way.

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Our grand yet intimate 18th century Coach House overlooks the Arboretum and lakes. Hold your ceremony and wedding breakfast in this historic red brick and timber-framed masterpiece with rustic beams, beautiful details and a private terrace. Have the day of your dreams in this romantic setting.

Marry under the canopy of our ancient trees with a Woodland Wedding, then celebrate in the tipi situated in our stunning secluded meadow. Our dedicated team will guide you through your wedding day.

MARKSHALL ESTATE | Marks Hall Road | Coggeshall, | Essex | CO6 1TG | weddings@markshall.org.uk | 01376 565420 | www.markshall.org.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

MIND & BODY Never has our physical and mental wellbeing been so important. It's been two years like no other and we are still suffering the consequences of a pandemic that refuses to go away.

Work is harder, the days seem shorter, and happiness feels a distant dream for some. Hopefully the following pages will help to put a smile on your face and show how you can relax a little.

The Glass House Retreat 48 • Beauty Notes 51 • Brookside Aesthetics 53 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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REFRESHER COURSE Wellness retreats are all the rage, so we visit one in Bulphan, which is the first of its kind

By MARK KEBBLE

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROFILE

THE OUTDOOR NATURAL POND

I

t’s been a tough couple of years for everyone. Many have had to go through personal heartbreak, all of us have had to live through lockdowns, and with life slowly returning to normal, it feels as if many are now working twice as hard. Burnout awaits.

It’s partly a reason why wellness retreats are becoming so in demand.

A chance to get away from it all, enjoy a spa treatment and some healthy food – but the Glass House Retreat in Bulphan goes a step further. This is a detox spa, so the place to go to get away from almost everything. “We are the first vegan, custom-built detox and wellness retreat in the UK,” points out general manager, Mericia Chapman.

The Glass House Retreat is a no-go zone for caffeine and alcohol and was the brainchild of Joy Jarvis. “Joy was a lifelong vegetarian,” Chapman explains, “who has used and visited health and wellbeing centres all her life and was THE MENUS ARE PLANT-BASED

left inspired by her experiences – but felt there was room for improvement. As part of Joy’s vision, the Glass House Retreat was designed with wellness and detox in mind. A big part of this is having no caffeine and no alcohol in order to give the body a total rest from stimulants.

Many of our guests choose to continue with this approach when they leave us.”

The retreat radiates wellness, with ground to ceiling sheets of crystal-clear glass, meaning it is flooded with natural light. Add to that it’s located in the heart of Essex countryside and you can see why people are so at ease here. “We have an array of visitors from solo travellers, both male and female, small and large groups of visitors, and all body types and fitness levels,” Chapman says on their clientele.

“We also get a lot of professional highflyers who are looking for total rest and to be looked after in terms of all their wellness needs, including food, fitness, spa treatments and holistic experiences such as meditations and sound baths.”

Has Chapman noticed more interest in the Glass House Retreat since the pandemic began? “Not only have we seen an interest in our services such as treatments, wellness and fitness classes, but a growing interest in our holistic therapies we offer such as reiki, reflexology and our listening room, which provides guests with bespoke wellness programmes based on their individual needs.”

The latter perfectly showcases some of the more unique aspects of the Glass House Retreat. “Our spa treatment offerings vary from advanced technology such as lipofirm to holistic therapies such as bespoke healing,” Chapman says. “Our wellness classes cater for all ages and abilities. You can find yourself joining a high impact boxing class, aerial yoga or a relaxing chakra balancing meditation. Our guests are met with one of our wellness team members who will gather information ensuring their desired outcome of their stay is met. We offer a pure detox, fitness and plant-

“The Glass House Retreat was designed with wellness and detox in mind” based diet experience, so something for everyone. Our low-cholesterol plantbased diets help with your digestion and is great for your heart. No junk food is served at the Glass House Retreat, just seasonal fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains – local, fresh and delivered daily.”

Considering we are in the summer months, what they do outside is also a real attraction. “Our outdoor natural pond is pretty unique and we introduced it last summer. It is great for cold water therapy, which is getting a lot of publicity from the likes of Wim Hof, as is our cryo-chamber,” Chapman smiles. “We encourage our guests to use the sauna and then take a dip in the natural swimming pond, which aids lymphatic drainage assisting in the detoxing process.”

Not enough of us take time to look after ourselves, allowing things to build and get on top of us before it all comes crashing down. You may feel a detox retreat is a step too far, but don’t judge it until you have tried it – and the Glass House Retreat is something right on our doorstep that can help ease away the stresses and strains of recent times.

THE GLASS HOUSE RETREAT

G L A S S H O U S E R E T R E AT Harrow Road, Bulphan, Orsett, RM14 3BP glasshouseretreat.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y R AC H E L H O G G

EDITOR’S PICK

Reduce

FOCUS

& REUSE

FACE THE FACTS

PAC I F I CA

Love pampering yourself, but hate harming the planet? Pacifica has you covered. The brand has released a range of eco-conscious face masks that you can feel good about using.

The innovative silicone patches are designed to be reused up to 15 times and can be applied alongside any of your favourite serums, £15.

Wanstead Beauty Clinic are excited to announce the launch of two new Lynton devices

cultbeauty.co.uk

Smoother Summer S E R E I A S K I N CA R E

Sereia Skincare’s smoothing duo is perfect for creating a sleek silhouette this summer. The exfoliating body cleansing bar is packed with powerful marine nutrients and has been developed to work exclusively with the ergonomically shaped body mitt to stimulate blood flow and help create smooth and glowing skin, £32. sereiaskincare.com

EVERYDAY S KINCA RE BONDI SANDS

One of the most trusted tanning brands has recently expanded to skincare, with the release of their ‘Everyday Skincare’ range. Bondi Sands has designed a range of products that are packed full of a combination of active ingredients and their trademark natural Australian botanicals, from £8.99.

F

ocus Dual combines the two most in demand aesthetic treatments, Radiofrequency Microneedling (RFMN) and High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), to lift, firm and tighten every layer of the skin. Utilising ultrafine needles for comfort, RFMN targets textural concerns including lines, wrinkles, open pores and even scaring, while also introducing heat to boost collagen and elastin to improve the quality of your skin.Non-invasively targeting the same layer a surgeon would tighten in a facelift, HIFU is perfect for treating jowls, hooded eyelids and the general drop of structure associated with getting older. The unique design of the Focus Dual allows all this with little to no downtime, meaning this really is the lunchtime facelift.

ONDA uses unique, skin-sparing Coolwaves to treat cellulite, stubborn fat and lax skin. These Coolwaves allow us to put heat directly where it’s needed, into the subcutaneous fat layer, without interacting with the skin above it. This means ONDA can actively kills fat cells, in a safe, controlled and comfortable way. For cellulite treatments, nothing else compares.

WANSTEAD BEAUTY CLINIC To learn more, contact Wanstead Beauty Clinic on 020 8989 2841

wansteadbeautyclinic@gmail.com

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Haswell Aesthetics Medical Ltd is a CQC registered medical aesthetics clinic based in Langham, Colchester, Essex.

Our ethos is skin first, injectables second.

Where art meets science and ethical, holistic care meets aesthetic medicine.

HASWELL AESTHETICS

For a medical aesthetic consultation and assessment please see our website: www.haswell-aesthetics.co.uk We offer a wide range of cosmetic injectables, medical grade skin treatments and medical grade skin care.

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27/07/2022 16:10

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

HORMONES Oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone may account for mood changes women can experience, however, these are not the same as depression.

TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES You may not feel depressed immediately after a traumatic event, but depression can build up and develop over time.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT Depression is complex and needs time, together with a range of strategies, for it to be managed.

The best place to start is to discuss with your doctor and work out the best treatment options, however, there are a number of things you can also do for yourself.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES Learn relaxation techniques to help you feel calmer through the day and to give you a coping skill in times of stress and distress.

SMALL , GOOD THINGS Do more things that make you feel more positive: listen to music, sit outside, or sit quietly in the warmth.

A LITTLE

ME TIME The founder of Brookside Aesthetics on how to look after your mental and emotional wellbeing

EXERCISE Exercise physically stimulates the brain's endorphins (feel-good hormones) and can improve your mood and help you cope with stress.

NUTRITIOUS FOOD Avoid the highs and lows of sugary and high carbohydrate foods.

HERBS AND NATURAL REMEDIES Ask an accredited naturopath about some herbs and natural remedies that can help with depressive symptoms.

By KAREN CHESTER

D

epression, anxiety, stress, poor body image, grief, loss, a significant change in your life such as becoming a new parent can all affect your mental and emotional health and day-today living. Sometimes it is hard to know if you are experiencing depression, sadness, worry, or anxiety.

What is unhealthy is when these feelings become excessive, irrational, ongoing, distressing or interfere with daily life. If you are not functioning as you normally do and know something is worrying you, this is the time to learn more about what is happening to you and perhaps seek help.

WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Depression is more than feeling sad or blue.

While most people will experience some symptoms of depression at various stages of their life, people who are depressed experience many symptoms, often intensely.

It involves persistent and extreme negative thoughts and feelings. It can stop you from doing everyday activities, including eating and sleeping. There is no single cause of depression, however, we do know there are many influencing factors.

BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES Neurotransmitters, which carry signals from one part of the brain to the next, can be disrupted and 'dull' how you feel, leading to depression.

BROOKSIDE AESTHETIC S Karen Chester is the founder of Essex-based Brookside Aesthetics. For more, visit brookside-aesthetics.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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IL Vino Our new tasting room is now open for private and corporate events.

Carefully selected outstanding wines from around the world, paired with delicious meats & cheeses for a truly memorable experience.

Give us a call to discuss your requirements.

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FOOD & DRINK

CREAM OF THE CROP THE ANGEL INN

The Angel Inn is a new independent gastronomic “restaurant with rooms” in Stoke-by-Nayland. Featuring the most irresistible restaurant, with wonderfully creative menus complemented by an outstanding wine list, The Angel Inn also offers 11 en-suite luxury rooms. Chef, Michelin trained Ruben Aguilar Bel, has crafted all the menus, which reflect seasonality and sustainability, making use of fine local and British produce. angelinnsuffolk.co.uk

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FOR ALL

SEASONS With its stunning terrace, summer is the perfect time to head to Patrick Powell’s Allegra – and in three short years, he has shown they have the ability to cater to all

By MARK KEBBLE

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FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

SCOTTISH COD

I

t’s a couple of days after the Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards, where Allegra was named the 53rd best restaurant in the country, validating founder Patrick Powell’s decision to strike out on his own three years ago. “Thank you very much,” he says when we offer our congratulations. “It means we are doing something right. It is great for team recognition, for all the hard work and passion they have put in.”

That team needs a great leader and Powell is certainly just that. The awards judges were hugely impressed with Allegra, but we already knew what this Stratford restaurant had to offer. Ever-changing menus, well priced too, and a stunning setting meant the restaurant quickly became a favourite at Absolutely – all this and they launched just before a pandemic shut down hospitality. “I guess one small positive of the pandemic is that it gave us a chance to reset and focus on what was important to our guests,” says Powell.

He says of opening Allegra in November 2019 that he “was at a point where I as a chef felt mentally capable of opening a restaurant” and came off the back of some impressive stints at some of the best restaurants in London. He explains that his love for cooking started way earlier, growing up in Killala, Co. Mayo in Ireland.

“My earliest cooking memories are going to visit my grandparents’ house when I was a child,” he reminisces. “They lived in a very typical Irish farmhouse – everything was cooked on an old Stanley range that was fuelled by peat. They had a massive vegetable garden out back and food was literally pulled from the ground and cooked on the same day. My grandmother would spend the whole day baking and cooking at a very leisurely rate. I will always remember the smells in that house.”

A love for cookery shows while still at school – “When Ready, Steady, Cook was in its prime,” he enthuses – encouraged him to take the plunge and join the

industry. “When I was 15, I got a job working in a restaurant washing dishes.

I loved it – the energy, the excitement, the camaraderie. I have stayed with it since then.” He honed his craft under the tutorship of acclaimed Irish chef, Derry Clarke, at the Michelin-starred L’Ecrivain in Dublin after his graduation from famed culinary institution, the GalwayMayo Institute of Technology. Powell then went to work at Cutler & Co. in Melbourne – before London came calling.

“The first restaurant I worked in over here was Wild Honey in Mayfair for the chef Anthony Demetre,” he says. “It was a hard kitchen; very classic food and techniques. After two years there, I moved to do the opening of Chiltern Firehouse with Nuno Mendes, where I spent four years as head chef. That then led me onto Allegra. Nuno told me to just ‘enjoy the ride’ and he was right. Hospitality is a difficult profession and openings are physically and mentally taxing. It is very important to take a second to appreciate what you are doing and to enjoy it.”

Given the issues that face hospitality right now, Powell would be forgiven for being slightly downbeat – but he seems to be genuinely happy with his lot and what he has created with Allegra. “We like to think of Allegra as a lot more than a restaurant,” he says. “You can come and enjoy our a la carte or tasting menus in the evening, or have some fried chicken and a beer in our [11,290 sq ft wraparound] terrace. Alternatively, come for a sharing style lunch with family and friends, or have a glass of wine in our garden and watch the sun set over the city. I guess you’d describe Allegra as a high-end restaurant that is for everyone. Informed, but not formal.”

The aforementioned terrace is a wonderful spot during the summer, but Powell is always offering up new reasons to pay them a visit. “Our menu is hyper seasonal and always evolves

ROAST DUCK

with the months,” he says. “There is a continuous conversation going on in the kitchens as to how we can improve a dish or make things better. We are always scrutinising ourselves. We’ve just launched our menu for the terrace, which currently includes dishes such as Cornish pollock ceviche with tomato, leche de tigre and sea vegetables, and Rare-breed pork chop with smoked bone marrow and peas a la francaise.”

The national recognition is certainly well deserved, but Powell remains humble and is clear and what he wants to offer with Allegra. “We want people to leave Allegra with a big smile on their faces, planning their return. The core of what we do here is good old-fashioned hospitality.

We want people to feel special as soon as they come through our doors. That this restaurant is their restaurant.” allegra-restaurant.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The ultimate summer destination bar and restaurant in Chelmsford View menus, events & book online at:

channelsestate.co.uk Telephone: 01245 440 005

Channels, Pratts Farm Lane East, Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3PT (Entrance by the Park & Ride)

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FOOD & DRINK • FOCUS

THE GLORIOUS SETTING

PLE N T Y

ON

TH E

PLATE Why Channels Estate in Chelmsford offers up something for all

L HEAD CHEF DAN PITTS AND RESTAURANT MANAGER ZOE STRONG

ocated in the growing community of Channels Estate, Channels Bar & Brasserie is something guests like to refer to as a “home away from home”.

When you are visiting them, you are family and that’s what they strive to give to every guest – that feeling of warmth, contentment, and the desire to return.

Channels have now had the new Bar & Brasserie opened for over a year and have welcomed so many guests through their doors. Whether you are looking for a gorgeous, fresh breakfast to get you going for the day or an intimate dinner for two, there really is something for everyone (including the pups!) with their range of menus and diverse food options. They run lots of lovely events, including live music the last Friday of the month. Their two for one Tuesday Menu runs during both lunch and dinner services, and beginning mid-August is their brand new Burger Night, which will

run each Wednesday and have an amazing range of burgers, catering for all tastes.

If Sunday lunch is what you’re after, look no further. With what Channels truly believe is the best roast in Essex, their very generous servings will leave you full, satisfied, and ready for a nap! They also love hosting their incredible “Jazzy Boys” every second Sunday of the month for their renowned Jazzy Sundays. Booking ahead is essential as it always sells out quick, unsurprising as you can enjoy upbeat jazz while you feast on the best Sunday lunch.

What style food does Channels head chef Dan Pitts create? While each menu is different, seasonal, and creative–- including an amazing Plant Menu for vegetarian and vegan guests – we thought it best to ask the man himself. “We provide a range of dishes throughout our menus and always try to keep things bang in season to take advantage of plentiful Essex,” he says.

“Our food ethos combines old-world training with new-world techniques to develop a unique way of elevated cooking,” Pitts continues. “I am inspired by my personal journey growing up in the industry and 15 years learning my craft in restaurants and companies around the area working with some of the incredible talent in the trade. The team and I always push to maximise our ingredients' potential, treating them with the attention, respect and love they deserve.”

C H A N N E L S E S TAT E For more information, menus and events, visit channelsestate.co.uk

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Recipes to

EXCITE

Bold, impactful dishes from Ottolenghi protege Ixta Belfrage Wo r d s I X TA B E L F R A G E • P h o t o g r a p h y Y U K I S U G I U R A

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Roasted cabbage

with mango and harissa sauce S E RV E S 4 A S A S I D E

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium Savoy cabbage • 1 teaspoon flaked salt • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced into rounds (optional) • 5g fresh herbs (preferably a mix of dill and coriander) • Greek-style yoghurt, to serve (optional) • lemon wedges, to serve Mango and harissa sauce: • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 4 large cloves of garlic, very finely chopped • 1 mild red chilli, deseeded and very finely chopped • ⅛ teaspoon fine salt • 2 tablespoons rose harissa • 2 teaspoons tomato purée/paste • 100g very ripe, sweet mango flesh, peeled and chopped into 1cm cubes • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

METHOD

The mango and harissa sauce is the star here and couldn’t be easier to put together. It works well in so many contexts: try it with roast chicken, marinated tofu or grilled fish or prawns, or let it come to room temperature and use it as the base for a fish or prawn crudo dish. For a quick midweek dinner, serve the cabbage with fried eggs.

Preheat the oven to 220°C fan/240°C. 2 Separate the cabbage leaves to get 400g of the brightest green leaves (save the rest for another recipe). Cut the leaves in half along the ribs, then cut in half again. Put them into a large bowl with the flaked salt and oil and massage together. Transfer to a large, flat tray and spread out as much as possible – it’s fine if some leaves overlap, as they’ll shrink. Roast for 12 minutes, tossing the leaves halfway, until the edges are beginning to brown and crisp up. 3 To make the sauce, put 1

the oil, garlic, chilli and fine salt into a large sauté pan and place on a medium-low heat. Gently fry for 6–7 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is very soft. You don’t want the garlic to brown, so turn the heat down if necessary. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the harissa and tomato purée/paste until combined, then stir in the mango and lemon juice 4 Spoon the sauce on to a platter and top with the roasted cabbage leaves. 5 Squeeze over some lemon juice, then top with the jalapeño and herbs. Serve warm with yoghurt on the side, if you like.

Brown butter sea bass with tangerine dipping sauce and lots of herbs S E RV E S 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1 x 800g sea bass, at room temperature • 2 stalks of fresh rosemary • 40g spring onions (about 4 thin ones) • fine salt • 1 baby gem lettuce, leaves separated • 5g fresh mint leaves • 5g fresh coriander leaves • 5g fresh basil leaves • lime wedges Citrus butter: • 40g unsalted butter • 30g olive oil • 1.5 tablespoons tangerine juice • 2 teaspoons lime juice

• 3 cloves of garlic, skin left on and crushed with the side of a knife • 1 teaspoon fine salt • about 20 twists of freshly ground black pepper Tangerine dipping sauce: • 1.5 teaspoons pul biber (use red bell pepper flakes if you don’t like heat) • 1 small clove of garlic, finely chopped • 1/4 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger • 3/4 teaspoon tomato purée/paste • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt • 1.5 tablespoons mild and light olive oil • 40g sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes, such as Datterini, very finely chopped • 4 tablespoons tangerine juice • 2 teaspoons lime juice • 1/4 teaspoon fish sauce or light soy sauce

METHOD

Don’t be put off by the longish ingredients list and method. Read through it once and you’ll realise this recipe is actually very straightforward and requires very little hands-on cooking. This is a great interactive sharing dish; stuff pieces of fish into the lettuce leaves (fresh corn tortillas would be great, too), top with the herbs and dipping sauce and let it trickle down your wrists as you eat with your hands. You’ll need four tangerines and two limes in total for this recipe.

Preheat the oven to 190°C fan/210°C. Pat the sea bass with kitchen towel to make sure it’s as dry as possible. Transfer it to a 33 x 26cm non-stick high-sided baking tray, arranging it diagonally so it fits. The tray shouldn’t be much bigger than the fish, otherwise the citrus butter will burn. Use a very sharp knife to make 1

2

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5 diagonal slits in the fish. Season the cavity with ¼ teaspoon of fine salt, then stuff with the rosemary and spring onions. Put all the ingredients for the citrus butter into a small saucepan and place on a medium heat until the butter has melted. Pour over and around the fish. 3 Bake for 14 minutes (or longer if your fish is larger than 800g), then baste the fish well and turn the oven to the highest grill setting. Grill on the top shelf of the oven for 4–6 minutes, or until the skin begins to bubble and crisp. Keep a close eye, as some grills are much hotter than others. 4 While the fish is cooking, make the tangerine dipping sauce. Put the pul biber, garlic, ginger, tomato purée/paste and fine salt into a mortar and pound with a pestle to a rough paste. 5 Heat the oil in a small saucepan on a medium heat for 1 minute, then pour the hot oil into the mortar. Stir together, then add the chopped tomatoes, tangerine juice, lime juice and fish sauce. 6 Once cooked, transfer the sea bass to a large platter with the browned citrus butter.

Discard the garlic skins. Serve with the lettuce and soft herbs to make parcels with, and the dipping sauce and lime wedges alongside.

Whipped yoghurt: • 150g mascarpone, fridge-cold • 200g yoghurt, fridge-cold • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Whipped yoghurt

with roasted strawberries and peanut fudge sauce S E RV E S 4

INGREDIENTS

Roasted strawberries: • 300g frozen strawberries, defrosted (frozen strawberries will produce a redder syrup, but you can use fresh strawberries – stalks removed and roughly chopped – just make sure they’re extra ripe) • 50g caster sugar • 1/2 lime • 2 cinnamon sticks, roughly broken

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Extracted from MEZCLA by IXTA BELFRAGE (Ebury Press, £26)

Peanut fudge sauce: • 50g smooth peanut butter (I use Manilife) • 1.5 tablespoons cocoa powder (15g) • 75g maple syrup • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari) • 1.5 tablespoons water

METHOD

The lime-roasted strawberries and peanut fudge sauce are essentially a refined combination of peanut butter and jelly, and boy do they sing together!

Here I serve them with a simple whipped yoghurt, but you could serve with plain yoghurt or shop-bought ice cream. If you’re feeling wild, pile the whipped yoghurt, roasted strawberries and fudge sauce on top of a caramelised

roasted crumpet and dust with cocoa powder to offset the sweetness.

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C fan/220°C. 2 For the roasted strawberries, place all the ingredients in an ovenproof dish just big enough to fit the strawberries in a single layer. They should be snug, but not piled on top of each other. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway. Set aside to cool. 3 Place the mascarpone, yoghurt, vanilla paste and maple syrup in a large bowl and whisk together until completely smooth. Keep the bowl in the fridge until ready to serve. For the fudge sauce, whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. You may need to add more water or maple syrup, depending on the thickness of your peanut butter.

You’re looking for a smooth, thick but pourable consistency. In individual glasses, layer the chilled yoghurt with the warm strawberries and the fudge sauce and serve.

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The headline act.

Justifiably extravagant.

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rhs.org.uk/join/4374

Bloom with 25% an RHS Membership O F F*

JOIN TODAY Enjoy unlimited free days out at our five RHS gardens and 200 RHS partner gardens#, priority access to events and exclusive discounts to our flower shows. Plus so much more.

Visit rhs.org.uk/join/4374 or call 020 3176 5820 Your membership supports our work as a charity

*Introductory offer by annual Direct Debit. For more information, visit rhs.org.uk/join or call 020 3176 5820. # Free at selected periods. Terms and conditions apply. RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

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FOOD & DRINK • WINE

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Tony Long’s three picks for August

Ferrari Brut F1 Trentodoc, Italy  £30

WINE CELLAR

RISING TO

THE TOP

The founder of Il Vino in Buckhurst Hill on the sparkling wine speeding ahead of the pack

F

By TONY LONG

ormula One has always been among the world’s most glamorous and highprofile sports. Ever since the first winners took the chequered flag, the podium has been the place where victories are celebrated with unbounded joy and passion.

Traditionally, Champagne was considered the most prestigious way of celebrating. The flying corks and spraying of alcohol marked the beginning of the post-race celebrations, and many after-parties around the paddock.

For many decades, Champagne has been regarded as unsurpassed in terms of quality and prestige and, without doubt, the finest bottles are truly wonderful.

However, Champagne is simply the region in France where this particular style of sparkling wine is made and producers from outside the region are not allowed to call their sparkling wines Champagne.

Naturally, many other countries also produce excellent sparkling wines made from the same varietals of grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, etc), using exactly the same Méthode Traditionnelle as the fine Champagne houses and one, in

particular, has recently risen to the heights previously only reserved for Champagne.

Ferrari (nothing to do with the racing cars) is an Italian wine producer in the mountainside vineyards of Trento in the Alps of North-East Italy. It was founded by Giulio Ferrari in 1902, is owned by Gruppo Lunelli, and in recent years its wines have attracted great interest from not only a growing number of consumers, but also the judges of prestigious wine competitions. This culminated in 12 gold and eight silver medals at the 2021 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships, where they were also awarded Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year.

It goes without saying that to reach the very top you have to have immense passion, commitment and determination, so it seems wholly appropriate the Ferrari Trento has replaced the historic Champagne houses that have previously been the sparkling wine of choice to celebrate success at the pinnacle of the world’s most demanding motorsport, Formula One. So next time you have a celebration or just fancy something sparkling and wonderfully refreshing, try some of the outstanding alternatives to Champagne – you’ll be amazed at how good they are.

Lively and bright, with a fine and persistent perlage. On the nose a fresh and intense bouquet, with a broad fruity note of ripe Golden Delicious apples, white flowers and a delicate toasted scent. The result is harmonious and well-balanced, with notes of ripe fruit and attractive hints of crusty bread.

Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2017, South Africa  £20 Bright lime green colour with rich aromas of fresh limes, green apples, pears and lemon zest on the nose. Delicately balanced flavours of succulent citrus, brioche and spice combines with creamy complexity, broadening the palate with layered textures and leading to a long finish.

Langlois-Chateau Crémant de Loire NV, France  £20 Light yellow colour with fine, delicate bubbles. A complex nose mixing different fruits such as quince, peach and grapefruit leads to a fresh finish with a delicate and refined mouth-feel. This is one of the most refined examples of non-Champagne French fizz you’ll find anywhere! ll Vino is the premier independent wine merchant in West Essex, offering a selection of outstanding wines, champagnes, cognacs and cigars from around the world. Il Vino is now offering customers private and corporate wine tasting events at their shop in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill. ilvino.co.uk

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Open Day

Saturday, 17 September 2022 8.30am - 1.00pm Forest is a large, vibrant independent school for more than 1,450 boys and girls aged 4-18yrs, offering outstanding academic progress and personal development. Forest benefits from a tremendous location: surrounded by ancient forest but situated within a wonderfully diverse part of North-East London with 30 acres of grounds.

Forest - Where People Grow

0208 520 1744 | E17 3PY | www.forest.org.uk | admissions@forest.org.uk

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E D U C AT I O N

KEEPING AN EYE ON So, the summer holidays are here. Children all over Essex are rejoicing, whereas parents are probably thinking August will be a very long month. However, there is so much you can do to keep the little ones entertained, but also keep up their learning journey too. The back garden, for example, has a whole world to explore. What insects and wildlife can you spot in one hour? Turn over for more inspiration.

Summer Activities 68 • Essex Inspiration 70 • Talking Head 75 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ADVENTURE HOLIDAY At a loss how to keep the children busy over the summer?

There’s plenty you can do, while learning at the same time too

By S U E L A I D L AW

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EDUCATION • FEATURE

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ell, another academic year is over and another long summer holiday stretches ahead. School is out for everyone.

Here at Laidlaw Education, we always have questions from parents about what work and activities will benefit their children through the holidays. In other words, how do we keep the young minds of our children ticking over?

For the Latin scholars amongst you, perhaps the clue lies in the word, “education”.

The noun “educatio” can be translated in a number of ways - obviously “education”, but also “bringing up”, “training” and “instructing”. All these translations seem excellent starting points for guidance on how to spend the summer holidays.

So, in answer to the question that so many parents consider, the answer is simple

– balance all the wonderful opportunities that weeks of no school can embrace.

You will, no doubt, take them out and about – to the local park, to woodlands, to the seaside – and maybe, at last, to overseas destinations. Outings and expeditions do not have to be planned, children love to explore with you. It may be as simple as playing in the garden, watching a snail, chasing a butterfly, playing in the water sprinkler. All these things are “bringing up” children in the way they should go – and educating them.

I have also written, on many occasions, of the need to let children get bored. In other words, have times when you don’t organise them or make plans. Days of nothing can lead to creativity. I can still remember, as a child, playing in the garden until dusk – our bare feet could feel the evening dampness of the grass. I can remember being told to “put everything away” – the bits and pieces that had formed the obstacle course. It is much

“Sailing, kayaking, pottery... There is so much around to absorb” the same for my own children – the dog was constantly asked to be an active participant in the obstacle course, and the companion in the tent! All these opportunities are the substance of childhood, and I am sure that so many of you will recall similar happy days.

And of course, there are opportunities for education, hence training. Wonderful opportunities to learn how to sail or kayak or throw pottery, there is so much around to absorb young minds.

It would be naive not to address academic opportunities and, at Laidlaw, we have planned a rich, creative and varied program of courses and lessons. A morning or afternoon or a few lessons each week is a good balance amongst all the other opportunities and adventures that the summer weeks will hold. The key is to present everything in a targeted and fun way and present academic work creatively. As well as courses and lessons delivered by professionals, you might enjoy a few suggestions of how to present academic work to your children.

My wonderful, non-teacher husband hit the jackpot with our children one summer. He took them on local adventure walks to aid their creative writing – one daughter was taken to the fish and chip shop, bought fish and chips and sat eating them out of newspaper with Daddy, on the church steps. “Smell, taste and listen, and then we will think of all the words that we can think of to describe everything!

You know Mummy wouldn’t approve, so we will tell her when we have finished!”

Such is the fun of summer – and how could Mummy disapprove of that?

Enjoy all that the summer holidays have to offer to your children.

Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP, and her team offer educational advice, lessons and courses for children of all ages through their centres, including Laidlaw Hall supporting children with special needs, and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy. Book courses and find out more by calling 020 8487 9517 or visit laidlaweducation.co.uk

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ALL THINGS ALPACA

D O O R S T E P D I S C O V E R I E S We have already looked at what families can do to inspire over summer, and here Visit Essex offer up more fun days to enjoy in the county

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ith historic Norman castles, exhilarating activities and relaxing beaches, Essex is the ideal destination for a family daytrip. Visit Essex, the county’s tourism body, gives us the lowdown on the best days out this summer.

AMAZING ANIMALS

Get up close and have a fun day out on a farm. Visit Old Macdonald’s farm in Brentwood, where you can see a variety of animals, from cows and pigs, to reindeer, otters and meerkats. Or take a trip to Marsh Farm, Chelmsford, to see traditional farmyard animals, and even play a round of crazy golf.

If you love alpacas, treat your teenager to an alpaca trek experience in Braintree.

Children aged 14+ can share an alpaca with an accompanying adult and walk around the farm, alongside the stunning River Blackwater. Once the walk is finished, visit the farm’s pygmy goats, which you can hand feed and cuddle.

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COLCHESTER CASTLE

PADDLEBOARDING ALONG THE CHELMER AND BLACKWATER NAVIGATION

LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS

Take a walk on the wild side and explore marshland and reedbeds at Ingrebourne Nature Discovery Centre in Hornchurch.

You can go birdwatching for a variety of species or see if you can spot a Water Vole dashing into the water.

For those looking for adventure, Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, is home to Essex’s longest play trail and Sky Ropes.

EXPLORE ESSEX HERITAGE

Essex is full of rich heritage and culture, and to learn more about it, visit Colchester Castle. When Colchester was the first capital of Britain, the Normans built Colchester Castle on the remains of the Roman Temple of Claudius, and this summer, you could spot costumed characters walking around every Friday in August. They’ll tell you about life, magic, superstitions and medicines from Roman and Medieval times.

If you’d prefer relaxing scenery, take a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Hedingham Castle. Or put your knowledge to the test and see if you and the family can solve the clues and find a way out of Hedingham’s immersive escape room experience.

FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES

There are lots of places to try new activities.

You could learn how to stand up on a paddleboard at the stunning Blackwater Estuary with Frangipani SUP, or take a family kayaking lesson with Mersea Island Watersports. For lots of family fun, head over to Curve Water Sports at St Osyth, where you can take on an inflatable obstacle course.

Head out for a magical journey of exploration and discovery deep in the enchanted woods at Audley End Miniature Railway. Their spectacular summer-long adventure is jam-packed with activities and entertainment, mythical creatures and magical surprises, ensuring a memorable day out in the great outdoors for the whole family.

Their resident explorer will set young adventurers on their way from the platform, boarding a miniature train to take a captivating woodland journey where they will spot enchanted creatures along the route. The train passes through the ancient mine where, rumour has it, the fire breathing dragons live, guarding the precious ancient crystals. Then adventurers will journey back to fairy and elf friends who are ready and waiting to welcome visitors to their tiny woodland homes.

HIT THE BEACH

We all love a day on the beach at Clacton, Southend or Walton, but head off the beaten track and see what else you can find along Essex’s 350-mile coastline. On the beautiful Bell Wharf Beach, you will be near Old Leigh’s renowned cockle sheds, where you can find working fishing boats that will be bringing in their fresh catch of the day.

Unleash your inner geologist and head to Walton-on-the-Naze, where the eroding cliffs regularly expose a wide range of fossils along the shoreline. Remember to only visit at low tide and not to stand too close to the tumbling cliffs. The visitor’s centre on top of the cliffs is a treasure trove of finds and information.

RAINY DAYS ARE FUN DAYS

If the clouds gather and it’s raining outside, take a trip to Rollerworld in Colchester. You’ll be able to race around the skating rink, battle each other in a game of laser quest, or belt out your favourite songs in a karaoke suite.

Whatever the weather, there are lots of fun days out to be had in Essex this summer.

To find out more, see visitessex.com

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We take happiness seriously Senior and Sixth Form Open Day Saturday 17 September 2022

Sport Information Evening Wednesday 28 September 2022

Friday Snapshot Senior - 30 September 2022 Senior - 7 October 2022 Senior - 4 November 2022

Sixth Form Information Evening Wednesday 5 October 2022 Year 7 Transition Quiz Friday 7 October 2022 Creative & Performing Arts Info Evening Wednesday 12 October 2022

Independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2–18. Nursery open all year round

Space to thrive

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To register please visit stjos.co.uk or email admissions@stjos.co.uk

stjos.co.uk

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

“We support our pupils to become confident, tolerant and articulate young adults”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX COOPERSALE HALL WILL SOON BE AN ALL THROUGH SCHOOL

Tomorrow's WORLD Coopersale Hall School in Epping has recently unveiled some exciting plans for the future. We take a closer look

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urrently an independent prep school for children up to age 11, from September 2023 Coopersale Hall School will be welcoming its first Year 7 cohort as it starts the journey of becoming the third ‘all through’ school in the Oak-Tree Group. There will be a phased introduction of senior pupils over several years, with the aim of having a full senior department up to Year 11 from September 2027.

This major milestone in the school’s development follows years of planning, starting with the purchase and redevelopment of a neighbouring cottage.

The cottage is currently undergoing transformation into a senior building with classrooms, library, Science Lab,

offices, support rooms, and ICT suite.

There will also be a new senior block with classrooms and changing rooms. As a brand new department, both internal and external senior pupils will have access to modern, state-of-the-art facilities and new, high-quality resources.

Further plans include additional bicycle racks and electric car charging points to promote more sustainable travel to school.

An outside area will also be re-landscaped to create a senior recreation/seating area.

Coopersale Hall School prides itself in its small class sizes and the individual attention received by each pupil, and aims to continue this for senior pupils taught in smaller classes. Group Education Principal, Claire Osborn, says: “The Oak-Tree Group has extensive experience working with seniors, with two all-through schools already in the group. We emphasise creative

and active learning and aim to be a place without unnecessary stress or pressure.

“Academic success is something we expect our pupils to aim for so that they can fulfil their potential and move on to happy futures after Coopersale Hall.

Wellbeing has always been a core value. We support our pupils to become confident, tolerant, and articulate young adults.

We will give them the tools to build their self-esteem and provide a compassionate and supportive environment.”

Matthew Hagger, Group Managing Principal, adds: “There has been huge demand for a senior department at Coopersale Hall for a number of years, not only within our own community, but also in the local area. I am delighted that we will finally be able to respond to this demand. We’re certainly in for a busy 18 months ahead!”

C O O P E R SA L E H A L L S C H O O L Coopersale Hall School is a privately owned school for girls and boys in Epping. To find out more visit coopersalehallschool.co.uk

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An Independent Catholic School for boys aged 3 -11 Welcoming all denominations and creeds

Excellent ISI Inspection Reports Featuring in the Sunday Times Top 100 Prep Schools in England A personalised tour with the Head is highly recommended to experience first-hand the distinctive family atmosphere and friendliness of the school.

Admissions Secretary, Mrs Long can be contacted for further information on 020 8504 7372 103 Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5NH, www.loyola.essex.sch.uk

bravely fortiter

faithfully fideliter

happily feliciter

St. Aubyn’s School For further information please contact the Admissions Registrar registrar@staubyns.com 020 8504 1577

co-educational independent ages 3-13

Bunces Lane Woodford Green Essex IG8 9DU www.staubyns.com

central line Woodford Registered Charity No: 270143

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

PUPILS DESIGNING, MAKING AND TESTING MOVING VEHICLES

BOYS’ LIFE Loyola Preparatory School head Kirsty Anthony on first-hand experiences, offering opportunities and single-sex teaching benefits

Q What do you love most about your job?

A I love the fact that no day is the same and

Q Could you offer us a potted history

of Loyola Preparatory School…

A Loyola is a Catholic independent school for boys aged 3 to 11 years, which has been based in Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill since 1950. Our characteristics and ethos are linked to the basis of Ignatian education with values such as authenticity, integrity, courage, love, forgiveness, hope, healing, service and justice. We welcome families from all faiths who are sympathetic to our ethos and values.

the boys and staff always want to include you in their experiences. The relationships you build with the families who attend Loyola are extremely special. As we are a one-form entry school, we all know each other and as a headmistress, to be able to be there at each step of the learning journey from three to 11 years is an honour and a privilege. I am always extremely proud of how much our pupils achieve and grow.

Q You have your own history with

the school pre-headship – your sons went to the school?

A I have three sons who attended Loyola from the age of three-years-old. This gave me an insight into the school as a parent and what a nurturing environment it is. All of my children left Loyola being confident in themselves and upholding the school values; particularly respect and the ability to support one another when needed.

These values are still with them today.

This included smaller classes, a full-time teaching assistant, specialist teachers and increased flexibility with the curriculum content. I joined Loyola in September 2014, in time to see two of my sons in their last years at primary school. I was deputy headteacher and taught in Year 2 until an opportunity arose for me to continue the good work in a place I love. I became headmistress in September 2018.

KIRSTY ANTHONY

Q How did that eventually lead you to taking over as head and how long ago was that?

A Having worked in the state sector for many years and having children in the independent sector I could easily see the advantages for children and teachers working in the private sector.

Q What curriculum do you follow at Loyola?

A The national curriculum forms the basis for our teaching, but we have the flexibility to extend this in ways that we feel will inspire and motivate learning.

With this in mind, we look at how the application of practical experiences such as experimenting with centrifugal force, using code or creating a replica human digestive system can reinforce concepts covered in the classroom. Preparation for the 11+ examinations also forms part of our A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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curriculum as boys gain an understanding of the exam process in a non-threatening/ pressurised manner. Ensuring that boys understand ways to keep themselves healthy and mentally well is a priority and for pupils to be able to ask for help when needed.

Q What opportunities do you

offer outside of the classroom?

A We offer a wide range of extra-curricular

activities including chess, choir, lego, CAFOD prayer group and sports clubs including training squads for teams. Our wrap-around care (7.15am–6.15pm) is very SAILING AT FAIRLOP WATERS

“There is no room for gender stereotypes in our all-boys school” popular and runs alongside Soccer School and Get Creative, which we extend into the holidays too. Some of our clubs act as stepping stones for playing at the county or academy level too. The playground is important to our boys and with playleaders supporting younger boys, Eco and School Council engineering school initiatives and the PTA supporting us, we can move forward to create new experiences for our pupils such as the installation of new equipment like an adventure play ship for the boys.

Q What do you see as the benefits

of a boys’ only prep school?

A A single-sex school allows boys to

explore all subjects and activities some of which they may never have considered at a co-ed school. Here, boys are expected to fill all the roles within the school, from class responsibilities, buddies, mentors and play leaders to actors and artists.

There is no room for gender stereotypes in our all-boys school. All subjects are

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made available to students, without fear of judgment from their peers. A boys' school develops uniqueness and individuality.

Q We are approaching the end

of the school year. What have been the highlights for you?

A This has been the first full academic year after the pandemic. This has subsequently led to so many highlights from the Nativity and carol concerts, the residential and day trips, families fully involved within the school building once more, Christmas fetes, having lunch with your son to a sports day with the whole school cheering each other on: 2021–2022 has been about the Loyola family being back together again. loyola.essex.sch.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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New Hall School A Catholic independent ‘diamond model’ boarding and day school for girls and boys aged 1-18

The best start in life for your child Open Morning: Saturday 24 September Sixth Form Open Evening: Tuesday 11 October The Avenue, Boreham, Chelmsford, CM3 3HS newhallschool.co.uk | 01245 236 192 | admissions@newhallschool.co.uk NEW HALL.indd 77

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7+ ENTRANCE EXAM & SCHOLARSHIP Applications now open

For further information and to request an application form please email registrar@ahsprep.co.uk

Nurture

Curiosity

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Excellence

Assisted Places Available from 7+ see our website for further details

Independent Co-educational Day School For 3 - 11 Years

Join us at our next Open Event 24th September 2022 10am - 12 noon Register interest via - www.wgprep.co.uk

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Tel: 0208 504 5045 Email: admissions@wgprep.co.uk www.wgprep.co.uk

27/07/2022 16:12

EDUCATION • NEWS

EDU CATION NEWS The latest from schools across Essex

For the love of music

Moments to treasure Local charity Essex Dementia Care invited students from John Ray Infants School in Braintree to share their treasured memories for a competition run during Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Action Week back in May. The children were given a brief introduction to dementia and asked to present their favourite memories in any way they wished. Kelly Bleasdale, Senior Manager for EDC, says: “As well as providing activity based care for our clients and support for their loved ones, it is very much part of our strategy to build local awareness of dementia whenever possible. Our theme headline was ‘They say elephants never forget, sadly sometimes people do’ and our brief introduction sheet gave the children a brief list of some of the changes in behaviour that they might notice in loved ones. We hope that learning about these changes at an early age could help them have a better understanding of the challenges faced by those living with dementia.” essexdementiacare.org.uk

Four pupils from West Hatch High School in Chigwell are causing a bit of a stir in the local music scene. Echo is made up of drummer Dhani Singh, guitarist Nathan Geist, lead singer and guitarist Jack Schaverien, and bass player Christopher Pruteanu, and Marcella Lord, head of music at the schools, says they are so dedicated to their craft.

“These boys are really something special,” she says, “every day they ask if they can stay after school and rehearse I am very proud of them.” The Year 9 pupils had their first gig at the Rotary Jubilee Fayre in Chigwell where they performed rock songs, and they were then asked to perform at a Jubilee weekend street party. These are ones to watch. westhatch.net

C U LT U R E SWA P What do Lord Ganesha, moon cakes, winnowing baskets, hand-stitched tablecloths and dried fish have in common? They were all among a host of exotic items explored by pupils at New Hall School this week as part of their International Culture Day. The brainchild of Sixth Form student, Tianna Yagnik, at the Chelmsford school, International Culture Day was conceived as a celebration of the diversity of pupils in the Preparatory Divisions at New Hall.

Colourful interactive displays, created by parents representing their cultural heritage, gave pupils an insight into a variety of traditions from China, Kenya, Iceland, Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Slovakia, France,

Spain, Italy and Belgium. Many pupils also dressed in clothing from countries around the world.

Visiting India, for example, pupils learned about festivals, henna tattoos and wedding jewellery as well as being treated to a dance from Aadhya Shree, and in China, they practised brush lettering and making traditional moon cakes from moulding material. newhallschool.co.uk

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A small sample of what Harveys Garden Buildings can offer you Visit our website or call us now!

Don’t buy a garden building until you have visitied Harveys extensive show site at Rayleigh

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INTERIORS

N O RT HER N LI G HT HADELAND

The Hadeland lighting portfolio, and in particular the Archive Collection, is rooted in and informed by midcentury influences that speak to a timeless Scandinavian aesthetic.

The heritage and craftmanship associated with the brand ensures an authenticity that is present in every design. hadeland.com

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

LEARNING CURVE DAVID HUNT LIGHTING

Scallop is a two-tone, hand-finished pendant with a scallop-edged detail in a pretty palette of contrasting colours.

Choose your own bespoke version from a ten colour paint palette. Each finish offers a vibrant style that creates a fresh new lighting design. £390 davidhuntlighting.co.uk

A R T I S T ' S PA LE T T E DIPT YQUE

Diptyque continues its expansion into homeware with a new tabletop collection named Artist’s Palette featuring beautiful marbled glass vases and candle jars. The brand has also launched a new range of luxury cleaning products. diptyqueparis.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Coffee essentials KITCHENAID Artisan espresso machine, £449 kitchenaid.co.uk

C AT NAP

LE A N I N MATTHEW HILTON

Just launched at Milan Design Week is Matthew Hilton's reclining Ewelina armchair, a generously proportioned design with ultimate comfort in mind. From £6,739 scp.co.uk

ROUND HAUS

SMEG

Round Haus is a new multifunctional furniture collection designed for cats, from luxury cat accessories brand Cheshire & Wain and furniture designer-makers Lozi Designs. cheshireandwain.com

Espresso machine, £329 smeg.com

KITCHEN CRAFT Stainless steel tamper, £17.99 east2eden.co.uk

VON HAUS Five piece coffee accessory set, £14.99 vonhaus.com

CLEAR WINNER CASA CELVA

SAGE Barista Pro machine, £729.95 sageappliances.com

All handmade Murano glassware at Casa Celva is sustainably sourced from small artisanal suppliers across Europe and are handmade with longevity in mind. casacelva.com

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

Soun d o f

SUCCESS

From a career in music to launching his own interior design business, the eponymous founder of Paul Langston Interiors takes us on his journey B y PAU L L A N G S TO N

I

was quite arty as a kid and loved drawing and painting from a young age. I got more into what they categorised as “Art, Design & Technology” around the age of 11 or 12. I think this was the point where I began to form an appreciation for the more technical side of design – and this really stuck with me. I used to love building camps as a kid – any kind of HQ for my mates and I to hang out in. I grew up in the countryside, so these dens were formulated in trees, hay bales, cow sheds! Looking back now, I can see how this was me showing my first real interest in planning spaces – something I love to still do now, obviously.

Prior to becoming an interior designer, I spent 17 years working in the music industry in sales and marketing. During the latter part of this career, I worked on promotional launches for brands and record companies, which included preparing and dressing venues. I loved this aspect of the job and thought it might be an area I would like to pursue, outside of music.

I also ran two club nights – in Birmingham in the mid 90s and North London in the

mid 00s – which again involved interior decoration of venues with wall art and sculptures. These experiences also gave me a good introduction to lighting technology and techniques. Lighting design has become one of my main offerings as a designer.

Working in the music industry was fun, but ultimately unfulfilling. I loved the product, but as time went on and the industry evolved, my role became less about music and more about website traffic numbers and advertising revenue from digital platforms. In 2008, at the age of 36, I had the opportunity to review my life and consider a completely new career path.

I was fortunate enough to have a friend who was already well established as a successful interior designer. I went to him for advice and he said “go for it”. I took his recommendation to study interior design at the KLC School Of Design in Chelsea and qualified in September 2009. If any of your readers are considering a career in interior design, I would strongly suggest looking into studying at KLC: a great school with fantastically talented teachers. It was an incredibly tough year, but also hugely enjoyable and rewarding.

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PAUL LANGSTON

As a design student, my style was incredibly minimal. Very masculine, lots of hard surfaces, uber-contemporary, hard lines and virtually no colour. This has softened and developed over time into what I would describe as clean-lined, contemporary, architectural luxe, with occasional pops of rich colour and structural statements. I like to establish a foundation of warm neutral tones and then add a splash of more adventurous accent in colour, furniture and/or cabinetry.

The areas of greatest evolution for me have been the increasing focus and growth on lighting design and cabinetry design.

These are both major passions of mine and are in themselves separate sciences that have required a lot of study to understand.

As trends, principles, processes and technologies change around us, this keeps us in a constant state of evolution, as we continue to develop and improve these services. There is always a lot to learn, which is one of my favourite aspects about interior design. Also, every project is different, so one is always dealing with a completely new scope.

I always prefer to start the process with space planning and layouts. Before any decisions are made regarding furniture or decorative fittings, it’s really important to first understand and agree the structural layout and physical purpose of each room. Once we know how a space is going to be used, we then add in requirements for lighting and other electrics, plus a general arrangement for furniture.

Once these important base elements have been agreed, the requirements for furniture, lighting and other decorative fittings becomes much clearer and easier to source and specify.

I am without doubt a very technical, spatial designer. I love the process of space planning, ensuring optimum use of all rooms for practical yet comfortable living or working.

Lighting design is also a big feature in my work. I have designed several

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“I would describe my style as clean-lined, contemporary, architectural luxe”

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22 The Fairways, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN8 0NL T: 01992 845 655 E: showroom@houseofinteriors.com www.houseofinteriors.com @houseofinteriorsltd

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

bespoke chandeliers, including a timberframed modern industrial fitting, featuring 12 oversized globe pendants for a residential apartment building atrium in Wapping.

I also design a lot of furniture, including kitchens, beds, wardrobes, desks, media units, and drinks cabinets. This is a real passion of mine and of course each piece is different, according to the space it is going into, the materials chosen and specific requirements of the client. I am very lucky to have an excellent cabinet maker. We have been working together for many years now and we both understand how to best communicate the design requirements to each other, which makes the process quicker and smoother, resulting in the best quality product for the client.

I’ve been based in Loughton for 22 years – I can’t believe where the time has gone! I run my business from home and that suits me well,

“Current commissions include projects in Loughton, Buckhurst Hill, Woodford and Brentwood” especially as many of our clients are now fairly close by. In recent years, we have been working hard to establish relationships with local clients and suppliers. This has really paid off for us, so I am anticipating working more and more on projects in and around the Essex area. Current commissions include projects in Loughton itself, Buckhurst Hill, Woodford and Brentwood. It is easy to get into London from here (we also currently have projects in Hampstead and Albert Embankment), but also well connected with other parts of the South East. The M25 is only 5 minutes’ drive away, but you wouldn’t know it, as we are surrounded by Epping Forest. If work gets a bit much, I can hop on my bike and take a ride through the forest to clear my head…

Now I’m focusing on growing our specialist services – spatial planning, bespoke furniture design and lighting design – whilst continuing to offer a full range of design services, including decorative scheme packages and the specification, sourcing and supply of furniture and decorative lighting. In this current climate it isn’t always easy to predict what will happen next, but I’m confident we now have a great team around us to continue to grow and move forward. paullangston.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

which has all the appeal of a traditional orangery while ensuring there are no cold spots. This makes the lanterns the ideal choice for kitchens where high condensation levels need to be managed.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

TOP of the list If you’re planning a single storey home extension, one important aspect you’ll need to consider is what type of roof you are going to put on it.

Steve Rawding of home improvement company SEH BAC offers up some pointers

E

xtending your living space while blurring the boundaries between inside and out has become hugely desirable – and for good reason. Creating a contemporary extension with a seamless open-plan living space while flooding it with natural light means you can enjoy the changing seasons with maximum comfort.

Thanks to improved technology and design, flat roof extensions are proving popular as a cost-effective solution to getting some much-needed additional space in your home, while their comparative ease of construction, discreet visual impact, hassle-free build and the fact they are fully compliant with the latest Building

Our new modern flat roof extension is durable and offers unrivalled thermal performance, being able to achieve outstanding U-values as low as 0.14W/m2K and, depending on the amount of glazing it contains, it can considerably reduce your energy bills.

It is strong enough to span wide slimline bi-fold or sliding doors without expensive and often cumbersome additional support, while its super strong eaves beam provides ultimate design flexibility, and it is pre-manufactured for up to a 50% faster build.

With limitless designs and finishing touches available, a flawless flat roof extension will exceed all expectations – and provide you with the perfect space for all the family.

For more information, call 0800 666 444 or visit sehbac.com

Regulations are also big draws. A new modern flat roof extension allows you to have your space exactly the way you want it while bringing your home to life, making it perfect for anything from an extra living room to a kitchen extension.

A MODERN EXTENSION

If you’re after style and simplicity, our new modern flat roof extension brings clean modern lines and features extended soffits to conceal light fittings and speakers, level external flooring so it seamlessly flows from the inside to the outside, and an overhang to shelter the doors from inclement British weather.

To allow for maximum light, you can combine it with beautifully pitched lanterns. The strength of the system and the key components of the lanterns are fully thermally broken, creating a room A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Italian Woodfired Pizza ovens by Sunday Grill

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INTERIORS • TREND

CONRAN SHOP Julie-Anne Pugh Watering Can, £85 conranshop.co.uk

SWEETPEA & WILLOW Lime Stripe Cushion, £120 sweetpeaandwillow.com

AROUND THE HOUSE FURNITURE Seki Large Monochrome Stripe Vase, £54.95 aroundthehousefurniture.co.uk

ELOISE HOME Ikat Stripe Fabric in Green, £125 eloisehome.com

ABODE LIVING Ada Stripe Vase, £39 abodeliving.co.uk

WALTON & CO Tuscan Stripe Runner 40x180cm, £19 waltonshop.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

LINES OF BEAUTY

POOKY

ANDRASSY LIVING Stripe Laundry Bag, £16 andrassyliving.co.uk

All the most striking stripes

Robin Lamp with Candy Stripe, £62 pooky.com

By P E N D L E H A R T E

THE RUG RETAILER Multi Stripe Rug, £71 therugretailer.co.uk

BOHEMIA DESIGN MINDTHEGAP Transylvanian Roots Stripe Armchair, £1,500 mindtheg.com

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Milan Stripe Hammam Towel, £42, bohemiadesign.co.uk

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PROPERTY

REPTON PARK IG8 GUIDE PRICE

£1,200,000

rlington House is an exceptional five bedroom ground floor duplex apartment with a spacious private garden. It is located within the prestigious gated development of Repton Park. Enjoy long forest walks and silent living in this peaceful haven.

Five private parking spaces, 24 hour concierge, night time security and Virgin Active exclusive adult only health club. Chain Free Sole agent.

A

HUNT PROPERTY SERVICES

020 8502 7667 huntpropertyservices.co.uk

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Wickford 10 High Street, Wickford, Essex SS12 9AZ | sales@balgoreswickford.com | 01268 763 477

WE LOVE WHAT WE DO. WE LOVE TO MAKE THE BUSINESS OF SELLING AND LETTING YOUR HOME AS SIMPLE, SUCCESSFUL AND STRESS-FREE AS POSSIBLE.

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algores Wickford is led by Sales Director Matthew Butler and Branch Manager Ross Willis, who bring a breadth of knowledge and skills to the Wickford estate agents’ role. With almost four decades of experience in Estate Agency, their understanding of the Wickford property market is second to none. Our Wickford office is located centrally at 10 High Street, Wickford, SS12 9AZ. Together, our team will provide a superior level of service for all buyers, vendors, landlords and tenants throughout Wickford and the surrounding areas.

Basildon t: 01268 271 110

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Brentwood t: 01277 216 800

Chelmsford t: 01245 492 424

Dagenham t: 0208 592 1038

Gravesend t: 01474 369 955

Hornchurch t: 01708 470 756

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balgoresproperty.com

Hall Lane, West Hanningfield

South Hanningfield Road, South Hanningfield

Five bedrooms, approx. 1.15 acres Balgores Wickford | Asking Price £1,750,000

Four bedrooms, 2-acre plot Balgores Wickford | Asking Price £1,250,000

Broughton Road, South Woodham Ferrers

Cold Norton Road, Latchingdon

Four bedrooms Balgores South Woodham Ferrers | Asking Price £700,000

Four bedrooms, semi-rural with stunning views Balgores South Woodham Ferrers | Asking Price £1,100,000

Hall Lane, Upminster 3 EXCLUSIVELY DESIGNED FIVE BEDROOM PREMIER HOMES | READY LATE 2022 Balgores Upminster | POA

Loughton t: 0208 502 1559

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Ongar t: 01277 369 925

Romford t: 01708 755 507

South Woodham Ferrers t: 01245 323 729

Upminster t: 01708 259 539

Wickford t: 01268 763 477

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Loughton 110 High Road, Loughton IG10 4HJ | sales@balgoresloughton.com | 0208 502 1559

WE LOVE WHAT WE DO. WE LOVE TO MAKE THE BUSINESS OF SELLING AND LETTING YOUR HOME AS SIMPLE, SUCCESSFUL AND STRESS-FREE AS POSSIBLE.

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ur ores ou on office is centrally located at 110 High Road, IG10 4HJ. Our expert team is headed by Branch Manager Daniel Charge and we are committed to providing the highest level of service in Loughton and the surrounding area to buyers, vendors, landlords and tenants. Bringing together our unique and unparalleled dedication to complete customer service, our expertise in local property & lifestyle and our exceptional approach to marketing & communication, we honestly believe our agency is the most effective in the area.

Loughton is a sought-after location, with close proximity to London so there’s always plenty of interest from buyers from the capital as well as local Essex residents who are looking for their next move up the housing ladder. We have a on is of u ified e er u ers i in o

Basildon t: 01268 271 110

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Brentwood t: 01277 216 800

Chelmsford t: 01245 492 424

purchase their next home in Loughton and the surrounding area. If you’re looking to sell we’re here to help. You can book a free no obligation market appraisal with our team either on our website at www.balgoresproperty.co.uk/ valuation or by contacting us directly.

Dagenham t: 0208 592 1038

Gravesend t: 01474 369 955

Hornchurch t: 01708 470 756

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Osprey Road, Waltham Abbey

Starling Close, Buckhurst Hill

Five bedrooms Balgores Loughton | Asking Price £750,000

Four bedrooms Balgores Loughton | Guide Price £1,250,000

Great Stony Park, Ongar

Ingatestone Road, Blackmore, Ingatestone

Three bedrooms, exclusive gated development Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £850,000

Four bedrooms, Grade II listed house Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £1,400,000

unmow Road, F field Four bedrooms, approx. 1,800sqft Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £900,000

Loughton t: 0208 502 1559

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Ongar t: 01277 369 925

Romford t: 01708 755 507

Norton Heath, Ingatestone Three to four bedrooms Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £775,000

South Woodham Ferrers t: 01245 323 729

Upminster t: 01708 259 539

Wickford t: 01268 763 477

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Hunt Property Services is an independent boutique estate agency with a portfolio of luxury properties for sale and rent in London and Essex.

We are also the agent for Repton Park, an exclusive gated development in Woodford Green, where founder and Director Hayley Hunt has been a resident for over 20 years.

Our award winning team of experts will provide you with an outstanding bespoke service to guide you through every aspect of buying or selling a property.

We have also been recognised for providing excellence in property renovations, proudly winning Woman in Build Award two years running.

The Hunt team are available for consultations, market appraisals and viewings seven days a week.

REPTON PARK Hunt are proud to present to the market this stunning four bedroom, two bathroom, three reception Harrow style townhouse set along the Boulevard within the prestigious gated development of Repton Park.

Guide Price £1,350,000

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he Harrow is the most popular style townhouse on the Park in an enviable location backing onto open grounds. Boasting an open plan kitchen with an extended area and bi-fold doors to a beautifully designed contemporary garden with southwest-facing sunsets.

Also on ground floor is a separate dining room, TV room/ playroom and garage which has been converted to a gym/study. First floor, spacious lounge with two sets of balcony doors and a small terrace with beautiful views.

Two further double bedrooms and a floor-to-ceiling marble family bathroom. Top floor is converted into one large master suite with a bespoke dressing room, double sized master en-suite bathroom with walk-in wet room.

Enjoy safe silent living in this peaceful haven. 24hr concierge, nighttime security guards and an exclusive Virgin Active Spa Gym and beauty salon.

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3D WALKTHROUGH

Woodside, Loughton

£1,550,000

An immaculately presented four bedroom detached family residence located opposite Epping Forest and within walking distance to Loughton Central Line station and the High Road with its wide variety of shops and eateries. The ground floor accommodation comprises of grand entrance hall, bright living room with magnificent views of Epping Forest, spacious kitchen/ diner, dining room leading to a conservatory and well-presented cloakroom. To the rear of the property the garden is mostly laid to lawn with a separate patio area which is perfect for alfresco dining in the summer months. It is important to note the garden is not overlooked by any neighbouring properties which offers a sense of total privacy. The front of the property boasts a generous driveway providing parking for multiple vehicles and integral double garage.

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3D WALKTHROUGH

Longfield, Loughton

£1,300,000

A beautifully presented family home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac location close to the centre of Loughton. The property has been finished to a very high specification by the current owners and occupies a wide and secluded plot. On the ground floor there is a light and spacious reception hallway featuring a skylight window, a large integral garage with utility area (which could be converted to further living space), a large family living room with central fireplace and bespoke in-built display cabinets plus French doors leading to the patio.

On the second floor there are four good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom. The master bedroom has a luxury ensuite bathroom and large in-built wardrobes. To the rear of the property is a landscaped garden which is perfect for alfresco dining in the summer months.

0208 0165 333 | 165 High Road, Loughton IG IO 4LF www.ejpr.co.uk |

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3D WALKTHROUGH

Station Road, Loughton £450,000

• • • • •

3D WALKTHROUGH

Two Double Bedrooms Extremely Modern Bathrooms Fantastic Location Allocated Parking Well Presented Throughout

3D WALKTHROUGH

Key West Court, Chigwell

Connaught House, Loughton

£6,500PCM

£2,800PCM

• • • • •

• • • • •

Two Bedroom Luxury Penthouse 2237 sq. Ft Immaculately Presented Throughout Private Lift Close To Chigwell Station

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Available Now Two Bedrooms Two Bathrooms High Spec Throughout Private Parking

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AT T H E T O P O F O U R G A M E

ELLIOTT LAWLOR

JAKE LATCH

NICOLA LAWLOR

HOLLY DONALDSON

JAMES LAWLOR

HEIDI FOSTER

ANNABEL KABEL

FREDERICK CASSFORD

GRACE PERRY

HOLLY DUNCAN

REBECCA HAWES

ROBERT GUNN

CALL TO ARRANGE YOUR MARKET APPRAISAL

3D WALKTHROUGH

3D WALKTHROUGH

Manor Road, Chigwell

Collins Court, Loughton

£2,650PCM • Available Now • Two Bedrooms • En Suite • Top Floor Penthouse • Underground Parking

£1,650PCM • Available August • Two Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Garage • Communal Lift

0208 0165 333 | 165 High Road, Loughton IG IO 4LF www.ejpr.co.uk |

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PROPERTY • PARTNERSHIP

ABOUT TIME

Forget unanswered emails or leaving voicemails, clients will always be able to reach David Karrass

L

iving in Buckhurst Hill for the past 20 years, and after 24 successful years of experience as a local estate agent, I have witnessed how much the industry has evolved and my passion for simply helping people move home has never been stronger.

I will be running my own realty business in Buckhurst Hill in association with Daniel Lewis Properties in Loughton and powered by the largest real

estate company in the world, Keller Williams. With this bespoke personal service, I will be with you every step of the way and you will be able to reach me any time, day or night. This means I will be able to focus on quality rather than quantity, whilst also working as hard as possible to secure your goal through the creation of a truly unique marketing strategy.

To put it simply, our strongest USP is time, which I will be able to offer more than anyone else.

This is the one unique factor that immediately differentiates a real estate professional from a normal

DAVID KARRASS

estate agent. Using state-of-theart marketing techniques, we are about trendsetting through social media advertising. Content creation allows us to put your property in front of more people than anyone else's, to maximise results.

So, if you see me walking our dog Roxie or having a stroll down Queens Road, please feel free to say "hi", as this is what it is all about.

DAV I D K A R R A S S Real Estate Professional 07939 051 833 Instagram: @davidkarrass_properties

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Property Investment & Buy to Let Seminar What you need to know!

Agenda Tax rules and changes landlords need to be aware of in 2022 CGT and SDLT Update Making Tax Digital for VAT-registered businesses Landlord and tenant disputes Q&A

Thursday 29 September 2022 | 18:00 – 20:00 | Haslers, IG10 4PL Hosted by Haslers & Attwaters Jameson Hill Email Events@haslers.com to book your free place today

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PROPERTY • FOCUS

JAMES HUNT

LOFTS CAN PROVIDE EXTRA OPPORTUNITIES

B U I L D F O R T H E F U T U R E OUTBUILDINGS ARE IN DEMAND

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hen investing in a house that you plan to live in for some time, think not only about how it suits you now, but how it might also suit you in the future. Increasingly we see buyers looking for homes that inspire and have scope for renovation; which may include offering the chance to change the layout and make it truly work for their lifestyle. This can be undertaken to various degrees from making the kitchen and living room open plan, to adding an extension or loft conversion.

It may also prove an interesting way to add value to a property, when the time comes to sell and move on.

James Hunt, co-founder of Durden & Hunt, looks at ways you can prepare your home for what may come next

Space is, and always will be, a premium so when viewing the property keep any potential for a conversion in mind. A decent-sized, empty loft or basement could offer the opportunity to add another bedroom, bathroom, or living area. You might also want to consider the garden area and whether the home could be extended or an outbuilding added without degrading the outside space.

Alternatively, perhaps the layout can be improved with a few changes.

Often, homes with unconnected rooms can be transformed into an open-plan layout. Look out for properties where there is a small kitchen next to a large dining room that could be knocked through, or a small room next to the main bedroom that could be transformed into an en-suite or dressing room.

Another way to update and potentially future proof your home would be its energy efficiency. Perhaps you might have previously disregarded homes that have a lower EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating, however on occasion these can present an area to add value, and following Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement in March, adding energy-saving devices and materials such as solar panels and roof insulation is looking to become easier. Now that VAT has been scrapped on a range of devices, making energy improvements to a property may be less costly than you initially thought.

Of course, don’t forget when making structural changes it’s important to look into planning permissions to ensure you can make them. durdenandhunt.co.uk

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DESIGN

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even Developments are proud to release their prestigious Mill View development, consisting of eight stunning, modern homes designed by award winning architects, Stanley Bragg. This is a rare opportunity to purchase one of these exceptional homes located within a rural setting.

These spacious 4 bedroom detached properties are situated within a gated community and offer open plan living with a sun terrace and double car port.

Finished to a high specification to include, car charging point, floor to ceiling windows and Nicholas Anthony kitchens.

Located in Ardleigh, excellent transport links to London, Stanstead and all local amenities are within easy reach, whilst being surrounded by uninterrupted countryside views.

Offering split-level living, these stylish family homes feature a mezzanine floor, as well as large open spaces beaming with natural light. Finished to an extremely high standard, this development is the definition of luxury and perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Using technologies such as solar power and air-source heating, these high-tech homes are built to last, making them future-proof and a worthy investment.

Suitable for a wide range of buyers, from individuals to families, they really do suit business and pleasure, providing the best of both country and city living in an ultra-convenient location. Head over to our website to find out more and register your interest.

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27/07/2022 17:05

PROPERTY • INSIGHT

CHAOS AT WESTMINSTER HASN'T HAD A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE PROPERTY MARKET

Building RESOLVE

It feels like whatever happens around us, the local property market remains buoyant.

But what does the future hold?

Hayley Hunt takes a look

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olitical turbulence has been very much in evidence of late, what with the resignation of dozens of ministers placing Boris Johnson in such an untenable position that he, too, was eventually forced to resign. It’s not been a pretty sight, and one that would probably throw most other countries into a state of turmoil.

However, it says something about the UK’s resilient character that we appear to be keeping calm and carrying on.

It’s a mantra that’s equally applicable to the property market at the moment too.

It might be the height of summer, interest rates are continuing to rise, the cost of living

crisis shows no sign of easing off and the war in Ukraine rages on, yet despite this backdrop, the market remains incredibly resilient. Indeed, according to the Halifax, last month the average annual house price growth was recorded at a whopping 13 per cent, which is the highest in 18 years!

Such a rate of growth is clearly not sustainable, however, and many believe it may now be peaking. Not that house prices will be going down any time soon – just that future rises are likely to be at a slower rate.

A welcome effect of this is that more sellers are starting to come to market, creating a better balance of property available for the number of buyers looking.

There’s still some way to go, but the signs are definitely looking good, with Rightmove

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reporting a 14 per cent increase in new stock on this time last year, while valuation enquiries were up around 25 per cent.

This is exactly the lubrication the market needs, giving both buyers and sellers a much healthier choice. It finally releases the brake placed by sellers being reluctant to come to market due to concerns about finding their next property, and it’s widely expected that this will continue apace. Just a word of warning, however, to potential sellers – with more options available to buyers, it’s important to go in with a realistic asking price.

It’s certainly an exciting market and one that many are now keen to take advantage of. If you’d like advice on how best to position your property, then do please contact us. We’ll do whatever it takes to get you moving, free of stress and anxiety.

H U N T P R O P E R T Y S E RV I C E S Hayley Hunt is the founder of Hunt Property Services located at 732 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 8AL 020 8502 7667 huntpropertyservices.co.uk

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New Branch Opening...

Our Buckhurst Hill office opens late Summer...

Sales, Lettings, Land & New Homes

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Bury Road, E4 Chingford Sales Office Asking Price £3,000000

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4 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms

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An impressive family residence. Occupying a plot of approximately a quarter of an acre and backing on to west essex golf club. Well located for some outstanding state and independent private schooling.

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Parkhill Road, E4 Chingford Sales Office Asking Price £1,750,000

West Grove, IG8 Chingford Sales Office Guide Price £600,000

Bushey Avenue, E18 Chingford Lettings Office £3,000 Monthly

4 Bedrooms | 3 Receptions | 3 Bathrooms

2 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 1 Bathroom

4 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms

An outstanding, detached Edwardian property in a prime North Chingford turning.

Refurbished to an exceptional standard.

A tastefully updated, two double bedroom, bay fronted victorian home with fabulous rear garden.

Located in the heart of South Woodford, is this fantastic four bedroom house.

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SALES, LETTINGS, LAND & NEW HOMES | WEST ESSEX & CHINGFORD

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Neil Leahy Director, Land & New Homes

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Tony Game Head Of West Essex Sales

Chris Marsh Assistant Sales Manager

Milo O’Neill Chingford Manager

Wayne Cohen

Bradley Gale

Charlie Parsons

Ella Halcro

Lettings Manager

Senior Sales Consultant

Sales Consultant

Office Co-Ordinator

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West Essex Sales & Lettings

Chingford Sales & Lettings

London Sales & Lettings

London & Home Counties Land & New Homes

01992 667 666 westessex@butlerandstag.com

020 8524 3333 chingford@butlerandstag.com

020 8102 1236 london@butlerandstag.com

020 4542 2999 landandnewhomes@butlerandstag.com

Sylvan Road, E11 West Essex Sales Office Guide Price £1,600,000 – £1,700,000 5 Bedrooms | 4 Receptions | 4 Bathrooms A remarkable five bedroom detached period family home located with seconds walk to Snaresbrook central line station & Wanstead High Street.

Chalk Lane, CM17 West Essex Sales Office Guide Price £1,499,995 5 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 3 Bathrooms A chance to acquire a unique newly built, five bedroom, three bathroom, detached family home within the beautiful village of Matching Tye.

Blackacre, CM16 West Essex Sales Office Guide Price £1,500,000 – £1,550,000

Hill Hall, CM16 West Essex Sales Office Guide Price £875,000 – £900,000

5 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 3 Bathrooms

3 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms

A wonderful detached family house, positioned in a desirable no-through road with elevated views over the picturesque village of Theydon Bois.

Hill Hall is located in an exclusive private gated development of just twenty properties.

An impressive Grade I Listed Elizabethan country residence together with Grade II listed mews houses.

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Whether you’re searching for your next development site or looking to sell your land Butler & Stag can help.

Let’s discuss your plans today 020 4542 2999 landandnewhomes@butlerandstag.com

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

“Opening a branch in Hornchurch was a natural step for us” INSIDE THE NEW BRANCH

MAYOR OF HAVERING, COUNCILLOR JOHN MYLOD, OFFICIALLY OPENS DURDEN AND HUNT HORNCHURCH

Opening new

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Durden & Hunt continues expand with a new office launching in Hornchurch. We spoke to the co-founders to find out more

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he Mayor of Havering, Councillor John Mylod, officially opened Durden and Hunt’s new Hornchurch branch in late May. Situated on busy Hornchurch High Street, the new location is an exciting expansion for the growing real estate agents, being their first in Havering and creating eight new jobs for the local community.

The latest office is set to provide full lettings and sales services to residents in Hornchurch and surrounding areas, and clients will be able to benefit from expert local property knowledge from its dedicated team.

James Hunt, co-founder of Durden and Hunt, comments: “We’re delighted to be opening our new Hornchurch branch and offer our services to the local area. It has

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been great to see such a positive response and we were honoured to have the Mayor of Havering, Councillor John Mylod, officially open our first branch of 2022.”

Aligning with Durden and Hunt’s stylish properties on offer, the office interior features the real estate agent’s luxury signature style, seen in their Loughton and Ongar branches, whilst conserving the architecture of the original building, formerly a bank, transforming the decommissioned vault into a meeting room.

As a growing business, with vacancies, Durden and Hunt is always on the lookout for new talent and hopes to inspire the next generation of estate agents with its modern approach that puts service at the forefront.

Alexander Durden, co-founder of Durden and Hunt, adds: “Opening a branch in Hornchurch was a natural step for us as we’ve noticed a significant demand for properties in and around the area. With many wanting to leave the capital, but still looking to live within a comfortable commuting distance, we look forward to helping people find their dream home.”

DURDEN AND HUNT Durden and Hunt’s Hornchurch office is located at 159 High Street, Hornchurch, RM11 3YD. For further information, visit durdenandhunt.co.uk or follow Durden and Hunt at @durdenandhunt

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