Absolutely Essex December 2023

ESSEX

Essex

DECEM B ER 202 3 / £ 3.95

DECEMBER 2023

S PECI AL Interior design inspiration and insight

Making

ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES.COM

MERRY LOUISE REDKNAPP IS SPREADING FESTIVE VIBES ACROSS ESSEX

COVER with spine.indd All Pages

PLUS MAXIM On The Prodigy, Braintree roots and his positive art ALL WRAPPED UP The best of Essex from Christmas to new year LIGHT SHOW How Colchester and Chelmsford will be transformed this month

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COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

YOUR TIMELINE TO THE PARTY SEASON

With the festive season fast approaching Dr Nyla has designed the revolutionary bespoke treatment package called the Transformation FaceliftTM. This treatment which is unique to the Dr Nyla clinics, combines a variety of incredible non invasive anti-ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks with absolutely no downtime and no tell tale signs. The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial available exclusively at Dr Nyla’s offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns

A range of targeted skincare products and electronic devices combining the latest in skincare science with Dr Nyla’s renowned expertise. Consciously created, results driven skincare by one of the UK’s leading Dermatology GP, made with cutting edge technology and the finest clinically proven ingredients, have been designed to enhance your clinic experience and to give you long lasting treatment results both at the clinic and at home.

doctornyla

| 0162 552 3307 | 0800 009 6661 | www.doctornyla.com

UK CLINIC OF THE YEAR 2019 TO 2020 SAFETY IN BEAUTY AWARDS DR_NYLA_DPS_ABS_DEC2023.indd 1

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WHY DR NYLA : Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021.

With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the 2nd largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

Medispa Mayfair 32 Dover Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4NE PLEASE SCAN THE QR CODE TO BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION DR_NYLA_DPS_ABS_DEC2023.indd 2

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EDITOR MARK KEBBLE ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SUZETTE SCOBLE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER JOE MUNSEY PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER MEDIA CONSULTANTS CELIA GREGORY, CLAIRE YATES FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES 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

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents DECEMBER 2023

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49

72 16

C U LT U R E AGENDA

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Three pantos you can't miss this month

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MAXIM

The Prodigy frontman on his artistic talent

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FESTIVE ESSEX

BEAUTY NEWS

Why Talbooth House & Spa is the perfect getaway

A B S O L U T E LY H O M E 66 MARTYN PATTIE Reflecting on nearly four decades of his Ongar architectural company

Christmas hot spots this month

FOOD & DRINK 40 TASTING NOTES

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42 DOWN HALL

79 MUST BUY

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 49 KNITWEAR

E D U C AT I O N 85 OAK-TREE GROUP

The latest from the Essex food and drink scene

Christmas dining in luxury

Look cool whilst feeling warm

50 THE SHOOT

Festive fashion with Louise Redknapp

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REAL HOME

We stay in Ongar to see this stunning property

A B S O L U T E LY M AG A Z I N E S .C O M The online guides to inspirational living and what's on in Essex

The latest from Bang & Olufsen

Inside life as a senior school pupil

87 TALKING HEAD

Visiting Southbank International School

O N T H E C OV E R Louise Redknapp's new collection is available at Peacocks stores across Essex (peacocks.co.uk)

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The Shoot

Have a ball with Louise Redknapp's latest collection (p50)

Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S December issue highlights

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hey say never meet your heroes, but surely that should change as very rarely do you hear about people who have actually met their hero and had something bad to say about them. Meeting up with Maxim for this issue proved the point to me.

Maxim is, of course, the frontman of The Prodigy, a dance band who have taken been taking over the world's soundwaves since the early 1990s.

I became hooked on them in 1996, so much so that on a lads' 18th birthday a year later, I wouldn't remove a T-shirt bearing their name (until it was stolen by said lads and thrown in the sea).

It's fair to say I am a fan, so it was wonderful to discover the Essex dweller is down to earth and a joy to chat to, as we covered off the latest tour, new album and his art. It was an early Christmas gift to me, so to make the most of the spirit, I went ahead and produced a very festive issue. Here's hoping all your dreams will come true, too.

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Decorations How to make your Christmas tree sing (p31)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Christmas

Part two of our festive special focuses on the home (p28)

Area Feature

Essex's top festive spots (p22)

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Maxim

On The Prodigy, his art and life in Essex (p18)

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GOLDEN YEARS

Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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Fusing unmistakable femininity with a rock n roll aesthetic, Queens of archive produce showstopping statement styles that embrace original prints and unique fabrications, with refined fit at their heart. queensofarchive.com

BLING BLING Everyone loves shiny tree decorations. Our favourites are these monogram air balloons at Anthropologie, £10. anthropologie.com

M E TA L W O R K This sweet shoe comes in the softest silver and bronze craquelure leathers to add a pop of metallic to any outfit. And they're super comfortable too, £149. penelopechilvers.com

G O L D S TA R Stylish, creative jewellery pieces from Moushe are designed to be versatile and worn in countless different ways. moushedesigns.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

EDITOR’S PICK

DISCO BISCUIT Lily Charmed’s new Biscuit jewellery collection features Custard Creams, Jammie Dodgers, and Rich Tea styles in recycled Sterling Silver and Gold-plated recycled sterling silver. lilycharmed.com

LIGHT UP

GOLD RUSH The Oscar bowl is inspired by mid-century architecture and adds a couture presence on your cocktail table, £150. jonathanadler.com

IN THE SHADE The Adidas Originals eyewear collection marks an intersection of sport and street style seen through the lens of culture. £129 specsavers.co.uk

This gorgeous star doubles as a Christmas tree topper and a lighting feature with glittering gold LEDs, £40. rockettstgeorge.com

SHIMMER SUIT

GOLDEN G LOW

Aubade's Nuit Sauvage bodysuit exudes mystery, fascination and magic with its sensual look and see-through fabric. ameliesfollies.co.uk

Stoov's rechargeable heated pillows are the ultimate in cosy styling this winter. Charge them up and settle in for hours of warmth. stoov.com

MORE THAN GOLD Booja-Booja's vegan Christmas chocolate truffles are simply divine. wholefoodsmarket.co.uk

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Cirque du Soleil and Alegria are trademarks owned by Cirque du Soleil and used under license.

C U LT U R E

LIVE AT CHRISTMAS 7 DECEMBER, COLCHESTER CHARTER HALL

The country’s best comedians are coming to Colchester for a spectacular all-star festive show.

Headlined by scampish charmer Ed Gamble, the astounding bill includes Scotland’s comedy queen Fern Brady, viral sensation and master stand-up Josh Pugh, fast-rising newcomer Kyrah Gray and the phenomenal Jen Brister as host. colchester-events.co.uk

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The Agenda

D EC E M B E R ' S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S MU S I C

Leona Lewis

2 December C L I F F S PAV I L I O N Record-breaking global sensation Leona Lewis comes to Southend as part of her major UK tour for Christmas 2023.

Leona’s evening of Christmas classics and greatest hits follows the release of Christmas, With Love Always, the special repackaged release of her 2013 studio album Christmas, With Love. The album is perhaps best known for its lead single ‘One More Sleep’, an original song which saw Leona break the record for the most Top 5 hits for a British female solo artist. trafalgartickets.com

ART

Lucy Harwood

P H OTO G R A P H Y

Nature competition

2 December-14 April, 2024 FIRSTSITE Immerse yourself in the life and work of local artist Lucy Harwood (1893–1972).

Featuring over 100 bold and beautiful paintings – including landscapes, still life and portraiture – step into a world where colour and energy collide, as Harwood’s artworks command the space, their vibrancy and confidence. firstsite.uk

E S S E X W I L D L I F E TRUST, ON -GOIN G

Photography is a truly special way of allowing people to connect with nature.

It is at the heart of inspiring a county full of people to experience, care about and protect our wildlife and wild places for the future. With such a diverse county at our fingertips, there’s definitely no shortage of places to amaze, so visit the website to see how you can get involved in this competition. essexwt.org.uk

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MU S I C

Shalamar

10 December CHARTER HALL R&B and soul music sensations, Shalamar, are heading to Colchester as part of their UK tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their seminal album ‘Friends’. On tour the band, which comprises Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Daniel and Carolyn Griffey, will perform the entire platinum-selling album live for the first time in their history, with hits including ‘A Night To Remember’, ‘Friends’, ‘There It Is’ and ‘I Can Make You Feel Good’. colchester-events.co.uk/event/ shalamar-friends

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OPEN EXHIBITION

This Month’s Must See

UNTIL 25 FEBRUARY CHELMSFORD MUSEUM Chelmsford Museum has been part of the fabric of Chelmsford since 1835. Over the years (since 1930 at Oaklands), many hundreds of artists have displayed their work at the museum including John Nash R.A., John Bratby R.A., Alan and Elizabeth Sorrell, Beryl Cooke and Grayson Perry. Now you have the opportunity to show your artistic talents at a show which anybody living within the Chelmsford City area can enter. chelmsford.gov.uk/museums

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

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4 D EC EMBER, BREN T WOOD THEATRE

onsidered to be one of the greatest films of all time, It’s A Wonderful Life was nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture when it was released in 1946.

Produced and directed by Frank Capra, the film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has given up his personal dreams, in order to help others in his community, and whose thoughts of suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers). brentwood-theatre.co.uk

It’s in front OF YOU A round up of Essex pantos heading your way

P E T E R PA N 9-31 December, Cliffs Pavilion Starring comedian Joe Pasquale as Smee, broadcaster and barrister Rob Rinder as Captain Hook, and dame extraordinaire David Robbins as Mrs. Smee, this family treat will include all your favourite characters from Neverland. trafalgartickets.com

SLEEPING BEAUTY Until 14 January, Mercury Theatre Once upon a time in Colchesteria, Princess Luna is turning 18, but all celebrations have been banned by her wicked Aunt Carabosse, who is determined to stop Luna from taking her rightful place as Queen. Carabosse tricks her niece into pricking her finger on a spinning wheel needle, cursing her to everlasting sleep. Only true love’s kiss can break the curse and wake the princess. mercurytheatre.co.uk J AC K A N D T H E B E A N S TA L K Until 7 January, Chelmsford Theatre Meet hapless Jack, his mother the dame and their beloved cow as they discover a handful of magic beans and a larger-than-life beanstalk that is inhabited by a ferocious giant. Don’t miss your chance to see this much loved pantomime with outstanding sing-along songs, glitzy costumes, hilarious jokes and more. chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

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Season's

CHEER Musician and artist Maxim on bringing positive vibes this Christmas, heading out on tour with The Prodigy and why he has taken Essex to heart

By MARK KEBBLE

T

he date is etched in my memory: 10 August, 1996.

It was the day that my life truly veered off in a whole new direction. The location was Knebworth Park in Stevenage, I was 17 and was one of the lucky ones to snag a ticket to see Oasis live in what was, at the time, the most attended gig ever, a mere 250,000 people (half a million if you include the Sunday gig too). I was a proper indie kid, caught up in the Oasis v Blur debates – and then The Prodigy took to the stage and blew my mind.

“With Oasis?” Maxim asks almost nonchalantly after I have breathlessly spent five minutes explaining how the band changed my life (dance took over my life, new clubs, new friends, I became a Prodigy fanatic, you get the picture). “That was amazing. I was so buzzed up for that show. My theory is when you are in a band, you are the best band in the world.

If you don’t believe that then you shouldn’t be in that band. Oasis thought they were the best band in the world, we thought we were the best band in the world… You have that feeling that what you bring is unique. I was so excited about that, I just knew it would be kick arse that night. Oasis fans are cool and they have got their style, but I just thought we were bringing something totally different. I thrive off The

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Prodigy music, it’s holding your head up high, I know what we have got nobody else has. The Prodigy is a unique sound that Liam [Howlett] brings, it’s a unique performance. And there is only one Prodigy and I love that buzz.”

The Prodigy’s story goes hand in hand with Essex. The band were formed in Braintree in 1990 when Liam Howlett, the creator of the iconic sound, formed a band with Keith Flint and Leeroy Thornhill, with Maxim showing up for their first ever gig in 1991 to MC. The rest, as they say, is history: The Prodigy are now one of the most successful electronic groups of all time, selling an estimated 25 million records worldwide including nearly 5 million albums in the UK. They have scored seven consecutive UK number one albums along the way too.

But there is another side to Maxim, one I literally stumbled across a couple of years ago. I have often covered exhibitions at one of Clarendon Fine Art’s many galleries, and came across a sculpture called Rebel With The Paws – of a cat holding a gun – and realised it was the same Maxim I have idolised for almost 30 years.

His association with art goes way back too.

“Probably about 16 years ago now,” he says about when he started making art. “It kind of just started basically because I needed some art for my house. I went to an Affordable Art Fair [in Battersea] and, you know, it was good art down there, but I looked at some of it and

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“I know what we have got with The Prodigy nobody else has”

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“There is always positivity in my art”

FUTURE THERAPY

MAXIM AT WORK

KEITH FLINT

KARA SKULL

thought maybe I could do something similar to that. I couldn’t – but in my head I could!

“I didn’t buy any art, I went home and bought some canvases, bought some paints and I literally did some colour washes and put them on the wall and I was happy. That was how I started. From there, a few friends saw it and asked 'where did you get that painting?' I said I did it myself, and they asked if I could do them one. Yeah I will do you one… so I did a few, gave them out.

“It just progressed from there,” he says, “I just enjoyed doing it. It’s something I never realised I was into. A friend of mine was an art collector in New York, and she took me around to see artists’ work and different techniques. In my head art was always portraits, something

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exact like drawing someone’s face. Then I saw all these techniques like stencilling, you can cut up a picture and stick it down, and it just blew my mind. In some respects, things I used to learn at school, but there was no encouragement at school. When I came home off tour I got quite excited and started mixing imagery in my art, it opened my mind to art in a different way. Now, I love creating art, it’s something I found that I didn’t realise I had. A release of energy and that passion for art, that creativity, I didn’t realise it was inside of me. I just thought I loved writing music and performing, but I found something else, another outlet, which I just enjoy.”

In mid-November, a couple of weeks after this interview, a new series of work is set to

go on show at Clarendon in Mayfair. I bring up Rebel With The Paws as my way into his work and wonder how he would sum up his style. “My art is quite surreal,” he says. “I like to play with imagery and take it out of the context and make it something else. There’s always positivity in my art, there’s nothing negative in my art. People might look at it and think it’s a negative image – no it’s not, it’s always about positivity and love. There’s no time for negativity. I have a mantra that I really believe in, you give out positivity and you get positivity back. That’s how I live my life.”

Of the new work itself, what can we expect?

“It’s various new works, experimenting with colours. If you saw my work literally three or four years ago, it was totally

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LOVE BOMB

different to what it is now. I am trying to experiment with brighter colours. I never used to use reds, yellows, luminous green, blues, pinks… I always used to use purple, black and grey. Those were my colours.

“Now I am trying to experiment with brighter colours, to move my art on. A lot of it is taking imagery and flipping it on its head and showing it in a positive way. Bright flowers, cheerful, happy, loving environment.

The very first exhibition I did was like an immersive exhibition. That was in 2012 in London. I hired a white room and I got a couple of the stage crew from the band to build another room inside that room, and I put carpet in there, made it warmer, made it darker, I put sound in there, I put scent in there, so when you came from a stark white room with wooden floors, you went into the room and it messed with all your senses. I just want to bring art a bit further than just what people see. I like to make it more immersive, I want to bring something extra. I like people to leave the exhibition and think, wow.”

The show opens on 15 November and the very

next day Maxim is off on tour with The Prodigy.

“I can’t wait, it’s going to be amazing,” he grins.

It’s the band’s second main tour since the passing of Keith Flint in 2019. I say, when the news broke about Keith, that I couldn’t see The Prodigy continuing without him. “It was never a discussion,” Maxim says after a momentary pause. “When the band started we didn’t think we would be going for six months. People always say to me, oh when you rehearse… we never rehearse. The band started without rehearsing. I literally met everybody at the first show we ever did, I spoke to Liam and Keith on the phone, we went on stage and freestyled and it rocked. We did it again the week after. There was a time when we thought we should rehearse. We all went round Keith’s house and sat down, and we didn’t know what to do – we just sat down drinking tea! We never thought we would be going this long.

We lived for the moment and we still do.”

On The Prodigy’s new album, all Maxim will say is “it’s coming”, so we move on to talking about Essex. “I am from Peterborough originally, then I moved to

IF IN DOUBT

ON STAGE WITH THE PRODIGY

London for a short while, but the guys in the band were from Braintree, so I moved out to Essex 27 years ago. I am an Essex lad now! My kids were born in Essex.

“I like it here,” he adds. “In Essex, it’s countryside. I lived in London, but I am not really a city guy, I like grass, fields, I like to put my feet into the soil. In the summer I like to sit in a hammock in a field, my dogs running around me, that’s heaven. Being in The Prodigy is quite fast and furious, so I love coming back and being in the country. I really believe that in life it’s yin and yang. You can’t be doing something full on, you have to have an off switch. That’s probably why I am still here and why I haven’t got any wrinkles on my face!”

Will he be home for Christmas? “I will be at home,” he nods. “I love being at home for Christmas, I love being with the family. I like Christmas, I like the vibe of being with friends and family, putting the fire on… Life is good.” theprodigy.com clarendonfineart.com/collections/maxim A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Bag of

TREATS Essex certainly doesn’t shirk on the festive spirit, as this round up of Christmas events shows. Ho, ho, ho indeed…

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• AREA FEATURE • XXXXX CULTURE XXXXXXXX ENCHANTED EVENING AT TALLISTON

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is the season for pantos, Father Christmas and spectacular decorations… Christmas will soon be upon us, so build your excitement and visit the top festive spots in Essex this December, as picked out by the county’s tourism organisation, Visit Essex.

TAKE A TRIP TO VISIT SANTA Santa Claus will be popping up all across Essex this year, so why not take the family to visit him? Head to South Woodham Ferrers for Marsh Farm’s Christmas walking tour, where you’ll find plenty of festive characters, a Father Christmas experience, jolly songs and enchanting wonderlands (18 Nov to 24 Dec, from £20pp). Or pop into Little Monsters House of Fun in Great Dunmow to visit Santa’s Grotto where little ones will meet Santa, receive a gift and get a free Santa hat (selected dates from 2 to 23 Dec, £16.95pp).

See Santa by train, as Colne Valley Railway and Audley End Miniature Railway will welcome Santa this year. Meet Santa in his grotto at Colne Valley Railway, before travelling on a diesel train to collect a present from Santa’s workshop (selected dates from 2 to 24 Dec, from £10). You can also hop aboard the Polar Express at Audley XXXXXX IMAGE CAPTION XXXXXX

HEDINGHAM CASTLE, PHOTO BY MARK DRAPER

“The swashbuckling Peter Pan will be popping up Hedingham Castle” End Miniature Railway, and journey deep into the enchanted woods to visit Santa’s workshop (18 Nov to 24 Dec, from £9pp).

EXCITING ENCOUNTERS FOR ANIMAL-LOVERS Experience the magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo this festive season. Children will love to transform into their favourite festive character with face paints, post their letters to Santa in a special Christmas post box, and spot fairies and pixies in the zoo’s magical woodland. Santa’s reindeer will also make an appearance, so go along and get closer to Ash, Ronnie and Sami, the zoo’s reindeer (selected dates from 25 Nov to 24 Dec, from £15pp).

Or enjoy some festive fun at Old MacDonald’s Farm in Brentwood, with an interactive Gingerbread Hunt, Christmas Chicken Show and a Reindeer ride. Guests can also see their favourite Christmas characters in the delightful Christmas Parade and head out on a Christmas Train Ride (24 Nov to 24 Dec, from £19.50pp).

You can also take the little ones to meet Santa’s reindeer before the big day at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park. Based in Waltham Abbey, their Santa Claus Experience invites families to meet Father Christmas’s reindeer, visit Santa’s Grotto, and decorate a gingerbread person to take home (3 to 24 Dec, from £15.99pp).

IT’S IN FRONT OF YOU Christmas activities wouldn’t be complete without a panto trip. In Harlow, watch Belle and the Beast fall in love in a production of Beauty and the Beast at Harlow Playhouse (selected dates from 1 Dec 2023 to 7 Jan 2024, from £15pp), or head to Chelmsford Theatre for their spin on the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk (selected dates from 1 Dec 2023 to 7 Jan 2024, from £15pp).

Another classic story, the swashbuckling Peter Pan, will pop up at Hedingham Castle.

Join the Lost Boys as they battle Captain

COLCHESTER ZOO

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Hook in the heated Ballroom Marquee in the stunning grounds of Hedingham Castle (20 and 21 Dec, from £12pp).

Also, in the run-up to the special day, Chelmsford Theatre will be putting on a production of The Night Before Christmas, an unforgettable adventure full of magic, mischief and festive fun, perfect for young children (15 to 24 Dec, from £12.50pp).

We all love to be beside the seaside, and this Christmas a spectacular production awaits you at the Westcliff Theatre’s annual Christmas Show. From laugh-out-loud comedy artists to sublime vocalists and fabulous dancers, this festive treat will be a night to remember for the whole family (20 to 23 Dec, from £17pp, one child ticket free with every adult/concession purchase).

AUDLEY END MINIATURE RAILWAY

TREAT YOURSELF THIS CHRISTMAS Hotels across the county are hosting a variety of celebrations this year. Enjoy a festive lunch or afternoon tea in Holiday Inn Southend’s stylish rooftop restaurant and bar, or tuck into a festive Sunday roast with all the trimmings (1 to 23 Dec, from £21.95pp). Lovers of afternoon tea are in for a very special festive treat at Down Hall, on the Herts/Essex border. Guests will be able to tuck into an array of sandwiches, including turkey, stuffing and cranberry, delicious scones and an assortment of sweet treats. Plus, Santa will be making a surprise appearance for younger guests to enjoy (1 to 31 Dec excl. 24, 25, 26; from £23.75pp).

A world of wonder awaits at Talliston House in Great Dunmow. The attraction

COLCHESTER CASTLE

is putting on an enchanted world of light, music and colour, as the house is transformed with decorations, candles and more.

Explore each of the 13 unique rooms at Talliston, then settle down for a decorated candlelit tea in the Victorian Watchtower (4 Dec 2023 to 15 Jan 2024, £39.99pp).

For something different, why not head to Colchester Castle for a free Christmas Open Evening? Immerse yourself in the festivities at the castle, while exploring 2,000 years of history. The castle will be adorned with Christmas decorations, and there will also be an opportunity to meet Father Christmas and receive a small gift (selected dates from 2 to 23 Dec, £9.95 per child).

Children will love heading to Harlow Museum this festive season. Elf on the Shelf will be making an appearance, and the mischievous elves will be hiding all around.

See if you can spot them and figure out which important figure in Harlow history each elf represents (2 to 30 Dec, free).

To discover more things to do this Christmas, see visitessex.com

AREA FEATURE.indd 24

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Online Instant Access Issue 1

4.95 Gross PA / AER*

variable

An online account with easy access to manage your savings safely and securely.

• Variable rate savings account • Interest calculated daily and added annually • Minimum balance £100 up to £250,000 • Only available to open via Harpenden Online

We

our community

View product information at

harpendenbs.co.uk/onlineinstant

Rate current at time of publishing *The gross rate (PA) is the rate before deducting tax at the rate applicable to savings income. The annual equivalent rate (AER) is a notional rate which illustrates what the gross interest rate would be if the interest was paid and added to the account annually. Harpenden Building Society is a member of the Building Societies Association. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm reference number: 157260.

Please note: this account is only available via Harpenden Online at www.harpendenbs.co.uk.

The Society reserves the right to withdraw this product without notice at any time.

AD HARPENDEN.indd 25 HBS-Online Instant Access_A4.indd 1

Scan for product information

15/11/2023 18/09/2023 12:04 10:42

AD -MILLFIELD THEATRE.indd 26

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Christmas S

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Count DOWN Absolutely presents our special Christmas section, part two. After last month's gift inspiration, we focus a little more on how to make your home feel extra festive.

In this sect ion C H R I S T M A S H O M E 28 L AT E S T D E C O R AT I O N S 3 1 S U S T A I N A B L E P R E S E N T S 35

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CHRISTMAS AT

H O M E

Ideas and inspiration for a festive makeover

By PENDLE HARTE

TA B L E MANNERS HABITAT

The vibe at Habitat this Christmas is refined sophistication, with intricate floral-adorned tableware, plum glassware and speckled ceramics.

With an emphasis on rich jewel tones and brushed brass, the range has been designed to evoke an opulent, cocooning mood, with no tinsel in sight. habitat.co.uk

MAXED OUT LAMP/LDN

For a maximalist approach, hang lots of garlands and scoop armfuls of festive foliage into large vases. Line the mantlepiece with candleholders and choose brightly coloured gift wrap. For inspiration, visit Lamp/Ldn online. lamplondonhome.com

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CHRISTMAS • HOSTING

TA K E F I V E Decorations

THE REAL FLOWER COMPANY Berry wreath, £125 realflowers.co.uk

S I M P LE S T Y LE FERM LIVING

Ferm Living's muted Christmas decorations include stylish folded paper stars, felt baubles and lots of candles for a sophisticated Scandi yule. fermliving.co.uk

OXFAM Kashmiri black cat decoration, £5.99 oxfam.org.uk

JOHN LEWIS

ROSIE BIRKETT 'S TURKEY TIPS

C

hristmas hosting can feel really daunting, but it is, at its essence, really about having friends and family around for a delicious roast lunch. You don't want to be stressed and flustered when people turn up, so make sure you plan your menu and make it as easy as you can for yourself. Buy the best quality bird you can afford:

Twelve Days of Christmas Crackers, £28 johnlewis.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE Erika Velvet Fringe Christmas Stocking, £46 anthropologie.com

ANNA + NINA Candy Cane corded garland, £70 anthropologie.com

I splash out on a Copas turkey every year because I know it's high welfare, beautifully reared, easy to cook and has the most incredible flavour. Christmas is a real feast day and I know we will also have some marvellous leftovers, so it's always worth the investment, and it also takes a lot of stress out of the day as you know it's going to deliver delight to your guests. Make sure you work out your timings beforehand and work backwards, make prep lists in terms of priority jobs and make sure you leave enough time to rest your bird for a good while to keep it juicy and tender. Happy feasting! copasturkeys.co.uk

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MAS CHRIESTFARM TRE Establ

ished

in 195

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HURLEY’S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Real Christmas Trees from a Real Christmas Tree Farm, Essex

NOW OPEN DAILY

to the general public from 24th NOVEMBER & THROUGHOUT DECEMBER from 9am to 5pm Weekdays & 8am to 6pm Weekends for the sale of real fresh Christmas Trees

Family fun with thousands of the finest freshly grown Real Christmas Trees to choose from, including needle retaining, ‘non-drop’ & traditional varieties.

Get your Christmas trees DIRECT FROM THE GROWER at Hurleys Farm.

Christmas Trees at the best prices around from 3/4ft up to 15 ft for this year at our Hurleys Christmas Tree Farm, Battlesbridge.

Christmas Tree Farm Booking

Open DAILY from Late NOVEMBER & THROUGHOUT DECEMBER. 9am-5pm Weekdays & 8am-6pm Weekends Please Note: BOOKINGS are ONLY REQUIRED FOR BUSY WEEKENDS and are FREE via our Booking Site at hurleysfarm.co.uk.

WEEKDAYS: If you plan to visit Monday to Friday there is no need to book!

hurleysfarm.co.uk Hurley’s Christmas Tree Farm

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CHRISTMAS • DECORATIONS & KLEVERING Cocktail Ornament Set, £13 koibird.com

FIVE AND DIME

CLARIDGE'S

Birk N Sock Bauble, £15 fiveanddime-interiors.com

Zebra Bauble, £45 claridges.co.uk

THE CONSCIOUS CHECHERBOARD Papier Mache Bauble, £12 anthropologie.com

ABODE LIVING Miffy Tulip Dress Bauble, £16.95 abodeliving.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK EDITOR’S PICK

WESTMINSTER ABBEY SHOP Ceramic King Charles III Coronation Bauble, £14.95 shop.westminster-abbey.org

THOMAS GLENN Hello Dali Bauble, £52 koibird.com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Xmas Baubles, from a selection, £7 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

HUNG UP All the best baubles for the most stylish trees

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

HEAVENLY HOMES AND GARDENS Popcorn Machine Bauble, £10 heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk

FERM LIVING Marble baubles, set of four, £39 heals.com

SOPHIE ALLPORT Red Glass 4x4 Bauble, £13 sophieallport.com

COX & COX AD&I Juicy Burger Bauble, £9.95 adandishop.co.uk

Beaded Leopard Bauble, £15.50 coxandcox.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS BOBO WINES

LE CREUSET

Wine in a Box, from £39 bobowines.co.uk

Le Creuset Cast Iron Casserole, Rhone, £345 johnlewis.com

THE PICKLE HOUSE Bloody Mark kit, £28 anthropologie.com

ORIGIN COFFEE Feature Coffee Subscription, from £10.95 origincoffee.co.uk

ROEBUCK ESTATES Roebuck Vintage Gift Set, £65 roebuckestates.co.uk

HARPER COLLINS

ANTHROPOLOGIE

Imad's Syrian Kitchen, £26 harpercollins.co.uk

FARHI Caramelised Nut Selection, £34.99 farhi.co.uk

CARLUCCIO'S

Festive Bistro Tile Salt & Pepper Shakers £20 anthropologie.com

Pandoro Classico, £19.95 carluccios.com

TASTY Gifts

Presents for food and drink lovers

ST JOHN

By PENDLE HARTE

BLOOMSBURY

Pig Ashtray, £15 stjohnrestaurant.com

A Splash of Soy by Lara Lee, £19.80 bloomsbury.com

CLARIDGES The Cookbook, £30 shop.claridges.co.uk

JOHN LEWIS

EDITOR’S PICK

Pasta Machine, £35 johnlewis.com

OUR PLACE Always Pan, large, £155 fromourplace.co.uk

FERM LIVING Beer Ornament, £9 fermliving.co.uk

ROEBUCK ESTATES Classic Cuvée 2017 in Gift Box, £40 roebuckestates.co.uk

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Award-winning farm shop & produce, supporting local, trusted farmers & small businesses

Providing you with the perfect dishes & ingredients for your festive feast Bronze Turkeys Free Range Geese Seasonal Vegetables Chef-made Christmas Starters, Trimmings & Desserts Highest Quality Cheeses & Charcuteries Homemade Preserves & Condiments Wines, Beers, & Spirits Herons Farm, Colne Road, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1TQ

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

DISCO DUST Eco body Glitter, from £10 discodustlondon.com

HERD Wool Knitting Kit £95 herdwear.co

EDITOR’S PICK

THE FIND STORE Eco 6 Piece Natural Kitchen Brush Set, £24 thefindstore.co.uk

O PIONEERS Liberty Print Knickers, made from excess fabric, £30 opioneers.co.uk

COUNTRY MOUSE Caramel Eco Lambswool Throw, £79 countrymouse.co.uk

DIRTEA Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder, £39.99 dirteaworld.com

TORI MURPHY X JOY OF PRINT Japanese Eco Furoshiki Gift Wrap, £32 torimurphy.com

SPICER AND WOOD

ECO

Recycled Glass Jug, £42 spicerandwood.co.uk

GOMI Sustainable Speaker in Recycled Plastic, £299 gomi.design

Gifts

Planet-friendly presents

By PENDLE HARTE

PARKER ROX Amethyst Geode on Metal Stand, £150 parkerrox.co.uk

THE DEN KIT COMPANY

HAY Sip Straight Glass Straws, set of four, £29 reallywellmade.co.uk

The Grow Your Own British Tree Kit, £19.50 thedenkitco.com

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RECYCLING AND REFUSE HOLIDAY COLLECTION DATES

Christmas/ New Year catch up collections 2023/2024 SCHEDULED COLLECTION DATE

REVISED COLLECTION DATE

Tuesday 26th December 2023

Wednesday 27th December 2023

Wednesday 27th December 2023

Thursday 28th December 2023

Thursday 28th December 2023

Friday 29th December 2023

Friday 29th December 2023

Saturday 30th December 2023

Normal collections resume Tuesday 2nd January For further information on Waste and Recycling please contact the Council on 01992 564000 or visit our website www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk

EPPING _COUNCIL_QP_ABS_ESSEX_DEC2023.indd 1

Premium Rocks, Crystals & Luxury Gifts 07769 701044 • hello@parkerrox.co.uk • parkerrox.co.uk

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Merry Christmas & Seasons Greetings From all at Haslers

The team at Haslers wishes you peace, joy and prosperity throughout the coming year.

Our festive opening hours: Friday 22 Dec - Closed

Thursday 28 Dec - 9:00 - 17:30

Tuesday 26 Dec - Closed

Monday 1 Jan - Closed

Monday 25 Dec - Closed Wednesday 27 Dec - 9:00 - 17:30

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Friday 29 Dec - 9:00 - 17:30

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CHRISTMAS • PARTNERSHIP

Pines & N E E D L E S Martin Hurley, of Hurley’s Christmas Tree Farm in Essex, on what makes them special for the festive season Q How long has Hurley's Farm been growing Christmas trees?

A We are the original real Christmas Tree Farm of Essex and have been growing pumpkins, squash and Christmas trees since the 1950s. We are a family run farm now in the 3rd generation of Christmas tree growers.

We now only sell our fresh, real Christmas trees direct to the public from our beautiful farm at Battlesbridge near Wickford.

Q How many different varieties of

trees will you be selling this year over the Christmas period?

A Hurley's Farm currently grow over 10 main varieties of real Christmas tree, across nearly 100 acres of beautiful Essex farmland. We always have at least five varieties on sale to the public. Nowhere else will you find such a selection of varieties, shapes, sizes, colours and fragrances.

Q What’s the advantage of buying direct from the grower?

A At our farm customers can walk amongst thousands of freshly cut trees that are all

individually displayed to choose their perfect real tree. Quality and freshness are always our top priority, with very knowledgeable staff at hand to help with any questions. You will only get this at Hurley’s Christmas Tree Farm.

This year we will also open on certain November weekends and December weekdays for customers to walk around and choose their perfect tree direct from our growing fields.

Q How do you help your buyers to care for their tree?

A Quality and freshness are always our top priority, with very knowledgeable staff at hand to help with any questions. All of our trees are supplied with detailed care labels.

Most importantly after purchasing a fresh, real tree the next most important requisite is to make sure it is placed only in a water holding stand and kept well topped up with clean, fresh water throughout the period. Otherwise keep away from direct heating sources as much as possible.

Please recycle trees bought from us after Christmas at our farm, or through your local authority.

Q What does it mean that your trees are grown in accordance with the British Christmas Tree Growers environmental Code of Practice?

A This means trees at our farm are always grown in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.

We always plant more trees than we harvest. Furthermore at Hurley’s Christmas Tree Farm we go above and beyond this and actively encourage natural, local fauna and flora to thrive on our farm.

Biodiversity and encouragement of a range of insects, mammals and reptiles is very important to us across our farm.

Q What else will you be selling for Christmas?

A A huge range of the best water holding stands available on the market at great prices. Freshly made natural wreaths and hangers, holly and mistletoe, decorations, and some of our wonderful squash that we grow for great flavour in our fields.

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

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THE INFINITE

AD LIBERTY RARE.indd 38

rarechampagne_official www.rare-champagne.com Drink responsibly

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FOOD & DRINK

RAISE A GLASS PIPER-HEIDSIECK

Celebrate Christmas this year with PiperHeidsieck. With the Champagne House that is family-owned and who are using business as a force for good with their B-Corp Certification, you’ll be in good company. The Piper-Heidsieck Brut NV has wonderful rich flavours of orange blossom and white peach, it makes the perfect festive aperitif. piper-heidsieck.com

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

Essex's food news and most exciting openings close by this month

By MARK KEBBLE

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

Undurraga Cauquenes Estate Maule ViognierRoussanne-Marsanne 2022,  £8.50 Viognier supplies peachy perfume and caressing texture while the roussanne and marsanne provide structure, lift and extra aromatic complexity in this lovely blend. It comes from Undurraga's own vineyards in the Maule region.

Coffele Ca Visco Soave Classico 2022 Organic,  £15.50 A very classy expression of Soave with a rich array of peach and melon aromas that develop in the glass, and full, dry but rounded and mouth filling flavour. Made from the estate's best grapes, 75% garganega and 25% trebbiano di Soave.

The Society's Chinon 2022,  £9.99 A deeply coloured cabernet franc has aromas and flavours of red and black fruits and a clean, juicy finish. The wine captures the fresh style of contemporary cabernet franc, and provides a match when enjoyed with classic bistrostyle dishes. Chill slightly to enjoy at its best.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business.

The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers.

Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

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Looking up LAUREL’S ON THE ROOF

Laurel’s on the Roof’s popular Sunday Roast has returned. East London’s hottest rooftop dining destination offers an array of British favourites with Californian highlights and visitors can revel in the views whilst cosying up by the fire. As we move into the winter months, Laurel’s on the Roof, which is inspired by the eclectic history of Laurel Canyon in Hollywood, will transform from a sun drenched rooftop to a cosy escape overlooking the London skyline. @laurels.ontheroof

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

FESTIVE FEAST Three Essex venues sharing the Christmas Day load

C LU B M E D FUEGO BY FENWICK

MILLER & CARTER EPPING

See the sea PEARLY QUEEN

On 11 November, chef Tom Brown (Cornerstone) opened oyster bar and restaurant, Pearly Queen, in Shoreditch, where indulgence and fun will be the catch of the day. Taking his cue from the location, Tom has been inspired by the East End and its lively history, heritage and traditions of fish cookery.

Pearly Queen’s menu will feature oysters and shellfish and inventive takes on fish recipes, with a cocktail menu curated

by Max Venning (Three Sheets). thepearlyqueen.com

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Epping… On the big day you can enjoy Croxton Manor Baked Cheese Soufflé, an all-new succulent Christmas Day steak experience, and an indulgent Croque-En-Bouche Cheesecake. millerandcarter.co.uk

Fuego by Fenwick is rightly attracting a lot of attention right now. The department store brand’s Mediterraneaninspired tapas restaurant is at Fenwick Bracknell, and offers a selection of all-day tapas, generous sharing charcuterie and cheese boards, traditional tortillas and stone-baked and Napoli-style sourdough pizza. fenwick.co.uk

THE KING’S HEAD ONGAR Established in 1679 as a coaching inn, The King's Head in Chipping Ongar is the oldest brick-fronted building on Chipping Ongar High Street. A fabulous place to celebrate Christmas, with a special menu on the day priced at £95 per person. kingsheadongar.co.uk

BURNING BRIGHT

ACME FIRE CULT

Room for more TALBOOTH RESTAURANT

THE ANCHOR HULLBRIDGE

Talbooth Restaurant takes on a magical atmosphere in December for the run-up to Christmas, with special menus, rooms for private dining and a special stay at Talbooth House & Spa. Their Gourmet Christmas Menu is a delicious fivecourse offering, available from 1-23 December. What’s more, you can add a Gourmet Getaway stay to the experience too. milsomhotels.com

Celebrate Christmas this year in unforgettable style and let The Anchor cater for your every need.

You will struggle to find a more tranquil and magical setting to spend your Christmas celebration than the stunning waterfront location of The Anchor. theanchorhullbridge.co.uk

Acme Fire Cult, a new live fire concept from chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins, has opened its first permanent restaurant at 40FT Brewery in Dalston. It offers a new approach to BBQ, where food and drink are intrinsically linked; from using beer by-products to using Acme’s favourite ingredients as adjuncts in beers. acmefirecult.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Christmas

COVERED Linden Beattie, general manager of Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate, on why you don’t need to lift a finger if you so please over the festive season

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

Q Is Christmas always a special time at Down Hall?

A Absolutely, Christmas has always been a special time ever since we first opened our doors over 30 years ago. We do our utmost to ensure the hotel is shrouded in festive cheer, this year we will have 15 Christmas trees throughout the hotel, all dressed to impress!

Our pastry kitchen will be creating Instagrammable gingerbread displays, and we have appointed a specialist florist to dress the venue in beautiful flowers and foliage, as well as creating our own grotto for our younger guests to enjoy. We leave no stone unturned and aim to offer the most magical experience for our guests and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

accompanied by our resident pianist. We’ll be serving a traditional roast turkey crown with all the trimmings and our show-stopping Down Hall Christmas pudding with brandy custard. After the feast, guests will have the opportunity to burn off their Christmas dinner and explore the grounds, taking in the views of our 110-acres of stunning greenery and woodlands. We also have our three-day residential package, inviting guests to fully relax and unwind and enjoy a cosy Christmas getaway in the Essex countryside from 24-27 December.

Q And then on Boxing Day? A Boxing Day at Down Hall is the perfect way

to extend the Christmas spirit and continue

Q What are the special Santa events you are hosting?

A Our special Santa events are available throughout December and are aimed at our younger guests, inviting them to a magical brunch (available from 10.30am– 1pm) or festive afternoon tea (available from 3pm-5.30pm) with a surprise visit from the man himself, who will hand out a selection of gifts for the children.

Q What does the festive afternoon tea involve?

A Our festive afternoon tea will be served daily from 2pm-5.30pm throughout December and feature a quintessentially British festive spread. The tea will begin with a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, made with ingredients from the hotel’s Kitchen Garden, followed by freshly baked scones, homemade patisseries and a range of specialist teas.

Q What will you be offering on Christmas Day? A For those wanting to escape the stress of cooking on Christmas Day, families can join us for a delicious three-course lunch, O TL E U LY T E LY. A B SAOB LS U m aLgOaNzD i nOeNs

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

“We utilise seasonal produce that is grown in our kitchen garden”

the festive feasting without having to worry about hosting or the washing up! We’ll be serving a three-course Boxing Day Lunch for the whole family to enjoy, alongside a resident pianist. You can expect seared scallops and beef carpaccio to start followed by roast beef, turkey or mushroom wellington.

The orange crème brulee served with cinnamon shortbread for dessert is a must-try.

Q Generally, what do you look to offer

with the menus at Down Hall?

A We lean into traditional dishes at this time

of year, but stick to our ethos that we apply all year round; utilising seasonal produce that is grown within our one-acre kitchen garden as well as utilising the very best in locally sourced goods. Our team of chefs give our guests a real taste of the East of England.

Q Where do you source your produce from?

A All of our menus use local produce. Fresh

seasonal fruit, vegetables and salad is sourced from our Kitchen Garden located on the hotel’s 110 acres surrounding the property.

Our gardeners work closely with executive chef Robert Pearce to plan the year’s harvest, ensuring that the freshest ingredients make their way to the kitchen. Poly tunnels are used to create a microclimate that’s perfect for germinating seeds, developing seedlings

44

and growing more delicate varieties like heritage tomatoes, peppers, chillies and aubergines. This year we have added a new potato patch, as well as a botanical gin garden for Down Hall’s very first gin.

Q Do you currently have a personal

favourite dish that’s on the menu?

A My current favourite is the duo of venison,

which comes with Roscoff onion, venison ragu, red cabbage puree, juniper jus, perfect for the winter months. For dessert, the spiced pumpkin mousse, chocolate crumb, chocolate twigs, cinnamon tuile and pecan caramel is a must order.

Q What do your different dining venues offer?

A We have three dining venues at Down Hall, all of which offer seasonal, locally-sourced menus. Our Garden Room offers a 2AA Rosette dining experience, aimed at those looking to enjoy an intimate setting and enjoy a three-course meal with time to enjoy food and each other’s company. We aren’t stuffy or pretentious here, but this is the most formal dining setting compared to our other spaces.

The Fox Bar & Terrace provides a casual yet upmarket setting and the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail in front of the open fire prior to sampling small plates of

food from the menu or something more substantial like our club sandwich, classic Down Hall signature burger or a delicious winter salad. The Potting Shed, our newest dining experience, offers a vibrant backdrop and light and airy space to serve our daily breakfast and Sunday Feasts.

Q What can we expect at the New Year’s Eve gala?

A Our New Year’s Eve Gala promises a brilliant evening of food and dancing – it’s a black-tie event which begins with a canapé and champagne reception, before sitting down to enjoy a five-course dinner.

We will have an amazing saxophonist and resident DJ playing into the early hours too, so it’ll be a party to remember.

Q What else can we take advantage of this Christmas period?

A Our bar team have been working on a new festive cocktail menu, sure to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. And we really do welcome everyone for Christmas – look out for deer, pheasant, foxes, our Boxing Day falconry display on our 110-acre estate, and of course Santa who can occasionally be spotted wandering the grounds!

downhall.co.uk

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Make A Statement UNLOCK THE MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS WITH SILENT POOL GIN

silentpooldistillers.com Please enjoy Silent Pool Gin responsibly

AD SILENT POOL.indd 45 1732_SPG_Absolutely-LondonChristmas Ad.indd 1

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FA S H I O N

TWIST & SHOUT BERRY’S JEWELLERS

A modern twist on the elegant Art Deco style, the new Nouveau diamond jewellery collection from Berry’s Jewellers is striking and versatile.

Take your look from day to night, from office to out on the town, the Nouveau Collection is perfect for every moment in life.

Discover the collection at your nearest Berry’s showroom or berrysjewellers.co.uk

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FASHION • KNITWEAR ASPIGA Red & White Stripe Jumper, £155 aspiga.com

EDITOR’S PICK

OPIONEERS Isla Tank Yellow, £255 opioneers.co.uk

BEE & SONS Bunny Cardigan, £275 beeandsons.com

HERD Fleetwood Cardigan, £495 herdwear.co

KNIT WIT

EMILIA WICKSTEAD Bobbie Jumper, £650 emiliawickstead.com

BRODIE CASHMERE

COS Pure Cashmere Turtleneck, £180 cos.com

Warm and stylish pieces for winter

Fraya Hat, £70 brodiecashmere.com

B y PENDLE HARTE

GANT Stripe Sleeve Crew Neck, £220 gant.co.uk

AMI MADELEINE THOMPSON Fleming Top, £378 madeleine-thompson.com

Cloudy Sweater Ami de Coeur, £465 amiparis.com

SHEEP INC The Checkmate Cardigan, £320 sheepinc.com

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Sprinkle of stardust Louise Redknapp has a new collection out at Peacocks stores across Essex, perfect for adding a touch glitz and glam this festive season P E AC O C K S .C O. U K

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Spa Days and Stays

HALF DAY SPA

FULL DAY SPA

GIN & TONIC SPA DAY

TAILORED SPA DAY

SPA PLUS ONE SPA DAY

SPA SUNDAY

Find out more at milsomhotels.com Chat to our spa team 01206 806 102 EXPLORE GIFT VOUCHERS AT MILSOMHOTELS.COM/SPECIAL-OFFERS/GIFT-VOUCHERS/ AD TALLBOOTH SPA.indd 54

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Happy Christmas IMPROVE YOUR SMILE Experience professional home teeth whitening this festive season at Improve Your Smile Dental Practice in Woodford Green. They offer a home-based tooth whitening treatment for a brighter, whiter smile. You’ll have complete control on the colour change, and it includes tailor-made whitening trays and gel kit, with full instructions.

SPECIAL OFFER: £300 (normally £360) until 31 January 2024. Call 020 8504 2704 to book your free consultation. improveyoursmile.co.uk

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COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS YOUR TIMELINE TO THE PARTY SEASON Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP and is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS SIX WEEKS TO GO

eshape redefine and rela into your ody nonsurgically with no downtime, ust in time for Christmas

CoolSculpting

Doctor Nyla Medispa have the latest technologies to help contour and transform the body. The CoolSculpting Elite is even more powerful and with larger sized applicators to freeze even more fat - the results are seen even quicker than traditional CoolSculpting.

One of the best things about CoolSculpting Elite is that we can treat two areas at once. You can have both arms treated at the same time, making the treatment much more efficient for busy lifestyles. With the treatment typically taking 35 minutes, and results noticeable within 3 weeks.

Emerald Laser

Emerald laser is an FDA Market-Cleared full body fat loss treatment that allows clients to target areas of stubborn fat. Emerald Laser treats overall body circumference and is the only device FDA cleared to treat those with a BMI of over 30. pplied e ternally, the laser targets e cess fat by emulsifying fatty tissue through the use of cold laser technology developed by Erchonia. It provides an alternative fat loss treatment without the adverse side effects associated with surgical and other weight loss procedures like liposuction and body wraps.

follow us on @doctornyla | 0162 552 3307 | 0800 009 6661 For treatment or FREE consultation please contact Medispa or visit www.doctornyla.com

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COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS SIX WEEKS TO GO f your after a awline or

row lift this can ta e around 0 minutes, with results starting to show at

Transformation facelift

wee s

TM

Most patients only need one treatment for results that can last over a year. owever, ased on the degree of s in la ity, the biological response to ultrasound and radio frequency technology can vary. or ma imum enefit, we suggest you e plore our revolutionary transformation facelift, which combines a number of energy based devices to give you a natural yet, highly effective, overall lifting and tightening of the face and neck.

The Transformation Facelift™ is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti-ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only si wee s he ne t generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered e clusively at Dr yla. his treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all antiageing concerns from te tured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of la ity.

COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS FOUR WEEKS TO GO Emface Emsculpt

EMFACE is a revolution in facial treatments.

By emitting both synchronized RF and HIFESTM energies, it simultaneously affects the facial skin and muscles. The end result is less wrinkles and more lift naturally without needles. Best of all, EMFACE treats full face in only 20 minutes.

Emsculpt is the only procedure which helps women and men build muscle and burn fat simultaneously. In addition, Emsculpt provides the world’s first non invasive uttoc lift. msculpt is based on highintensity focused electromagnetic energy.

COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS TWO WEEKS TO GO

o to avoid any em arrassing, ruises or tell tale sign from your in ecta les it’s essential that these treatments are done two weeks prior to the all-important Christmas party

Botox

Dermal filler

Boto is an anti wrin le treatment that works by blocking impulses to tiny facial muscles, thereby reducing the prominence of e pression lines and achieving a more youthful, radiant look. You may lose tone and natural elasticity of the skin as you age, causing wrin les, fine lines, and folds to appear.

n ecta le yaluronic acid ased dermal fillers can restore, revolumise and re uvenate these facial lines and augment the appearance of the face – safely and effectively offering a refreshed appearance and look.

Envy facial

The best thing you can do to get your skin ready the week of your party events, we recommend booking yourself in for an Envy facial to give you that glow you are after etting a envy facial a few days before your Christmas party is the perfect time to allow your skin time to heal and refresh it’s renewal cycle. nvy acial is the only face and body skin-resurfacing treatment to gently yet effectively e foliate damaged skin cells.

Medispa Mayfair 32 Dover Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4NE

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS

NOTES

THREE RUNNING SHOES DESIGNED FOR PERFORMANCE

By CARLY GLENDINNING

BEYOND LIMITS The brand new ‘Cloudflow 4’ from On Running has a spoon-shaped nylon blend Speedboard® that's stiff, strong, and lighter than the brand’s previous models. Put simply, it gives you a powerful forward roll to help you pick up the pace like never before, £150. on-running.com

BUILDING

SPRING FORWARD Designed based on the female foot, the new ‘blissfeel 2’ from Lululemon has a seamless frame that extends through the heel to create a cradled sensation. This ultra-comfortable shoe also has a 3D-moulded midfoot panel, to add stability as you run, £138. lululemon.co.uk

GO THE DISTANCE Designed to complement your natural movement, the TYR RD-1 Runner combines a foam midsole with a durable engineered mesh upper to provide the ultimate in comfort and response. A 10mm heel-to-toe drop helps to accelerate power, £119.99. wit-fitness.com

ST R E N G T H Absolutely tries on-demand Pilates, yoga, wellness, and nutrition platform Live Brave

E

ven though my daughter is now two and a half, I’ll admit that my pelvic floor probably isn’t as strong as it should be post-birth. I know I should be doing more pelvic floor muscle training, but I’ll hold my hands up and admit that I’m not very good at remembering when I’m busy. Helping to improve your breathwork, core strength, and posture, a combination of Pilates and yoga can be just as effective for your pelvic floor. However, getting out to classes regularly is a challenge with a toddler, and I’ll often prioritise going to the gym.

So I was excited to try Live Brave, an on-demand platform

offering day-by-day Pilates and yoga classes alongside wellness and nutrition advice.

Live Brave was founded

by Lou Buttler, a qualified Polestar and Stott Pilates instructor (and wife of England cricketer Jos Buttler). She first discovered Pilates after her mum had chemotherapy and reconstruction surgery and was amazed at the incredible mental and physical benefits it had to offer. Her signature teaching style conditions the body with small movements that build strength and prioritise alignment.

With 700+ sessions, the platform is super easy to use and I love how the classes are day-by-day and tailored to your particular level or stage. There’s

programmes aimed at beginner, intermediate, and advanced, and specialised programmes for everything from menopause to osteoporosis. There’s also a section for pre and post-natal as well as functional yoga. What I have really enjoyed though is the ‘Lifestyle Challenge’, a five-week programme that gives you daily suggestions for fitness sessions, as well as nutritious recipes and mindfulness audios, all put together by Live Brave’s expert team. The best bit?

That I can easily do the fitness sessions in my daughter’s nap time and I don’t even need to leave the house.

From £22 a month for a six month rolling subscription. livebrave.life A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

12-month full body health programme

150 data points linked to key health areas

Repeat testing after 6 months

Order today at randoxhealth.com/gift-cards AD RANDOX.indd + Absolutely London60 Christmas Gift Card Full Page.indd 1

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

REVIEW

TALBOOTH HOUSE & SPA

Pampering Presents

The perfect Essex getaway

T

G R OW N A LC H E M I ST

One of six Christmas gift sets from Grown Alchemist, ‘Giving Me Time’ includes the brand’s Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser, Hydra-Repair Day Cream, Polishing Facial Exfoliant, and Instant Smoothing Serum. A failsafe present for any beauty lover, it’s high up on our wishlists. £166; grownalchemist.com

EDITOR’S PICK

PERFECT BALANCE S A M AYA

Ayurvedic skincare is a hot trend at the moment, due to so many of us having overdone it on products with strong ingredients that compromise the skin’s barrier. SAMAYA is an all-natural skincare brand that uses Ayurvedic principles to balance out your particular ‘dosha’, with the aim of achieving overall balance and wellness.

samayaayurveda.com

BE AU T Y HAV E N E A R L O F E A ST

Earl of East has opened its first beautyfocused store. The lifestyle brand’s flawlessly stylish third shop has a brilliant edit of niche and hard-to-find brands (from CRA-YON to Mirror Water, and Wonder Valley), alongside their ownbrand candles, bath, and body products.

albooth House & Spa is quiet, relaxed, discreet, and ideal for enjoying spa days or individual treatments during the week and at weekends.

You’ll be welcomed on arrival by the reception team who will introduce you to your therapist before heading to your treatment room. They have six rooms in total, four double and two single.

Three of these rooms are in the house, while the other three are poolside and so are ideal if you are looking for a spa escape with friends or family or simply to enjoy an individual treatment if you live locally. They are delighted to have partnered with Elemis, for all their face and body treatments; they have a huge range of products and therapies that they know you are going to love. With the addition of the Gel Bottle for nails, Delilah Cosmetics for make up and St Tropez for tanning. Choose from day and half-day spa packages options.

Take advantage of a spa day package at Talbooth House & Spa and enjoy full use of the facilities, including outdoor heated pool, hot tub and tennis court.

Their spa packages have been specially designed to deliver the ultimate in relaxation and are perfect for couples, family or friends. Whether you’re looking for a full day’s relaxation and pampering, an evening of rejuvenation, a half-day corporate gathering or celebrating a special occasion with friends, you’ll find something that’s just right for you. Talbooth House & Spa an oasis of calm in the Dedham Vale, just for adults. Children are welcome to stay and can enjoy the pool supervised between 8-9am and 5-7pm.

Step back, relax and indulge.

TALBOOTH HOUSE & SPA

01206 806102 milsomhotels.com

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Contact us for a choice of flexible appointment times to suit you with your chosen specialist consultant.

Call us today on 01206 753 295 Your health, your choice. oakshospital.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

Ahead of the

GAME The many reasons why The Angel Clinic in Loughton is so highly acclaimed

N

estled in a beautiful Victorian building in the heart of Loughton you will find The Angel Clinic, the leading aesthetic beauty and wellness/colon hydrotherapy clinic in Essex specialising in a wide range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

The Angel Clinic is famous for housing some of the UK’s, even the world’s, leading doctors and surgeons including: Dr Bruno Amendola, hailed as one of the most experienced Botox doctors in London and many of his clients, including celebrities from across the globe, say that he has transformed Botox into an art form. Dr Bruno is an expert in the difficult procedure of 8 point non-surgical facelift, experienced in PDO Threads face lift and

specialises in the delicate tear trough filler.

Mr Davood Fallahdar who specialises in a wide range of plastic surgery procedures including breast surgery, body surgery and face lifts such as the Deep Plane Facelift, Subperiosteal Facelift, Endoscopic Facelift and his very own groundbreaking procedure – the Temporal Lift (T-Lift).

Miss Caroline Payne is a dedicated and internationally-respected consultant reconstructive, plastic and cosmetic surgeon.

Miss Payne is head of plastic surgery and the lead in breast reconstruction at St Bartholomew’s and Royal London Hospitals.

She specialises in breast reduction, breast augmentation and breast asymmetry procedures, alongside breast uplift, tummy tuck and arm lift operations.

Dental surgeon Dr Misha Sidi Sarfati’s ethos is to improve the quality and longevity of his patients’ lives through excellent oral healthcare, he is world renowned for being the expert in dental implants and veneers.

The Angel Clinic is also home to the Angel of Water colonic irrigation system, bringing elegance, simplicity and dignity to colon irrigation. You can relieve symptoms such as bloating, IBS and more with The Angel of Water colonic irrigation system, a colonic where you are in control. Your colon hydrotherapist if needed is on hand to assist you at any time by ringing a bell.

THE ANGEL CLINIC High Beech House, 8-10 High Beech Road, Loughton, IG10 4BL. 020 8418 7915 info@theangelclinic.co.uk theangelclinic.co.uk

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HEART OF THE HOME PHOTO: CHRIS SNOOK PHOTOGRAPHY

THE MAIN COMPANY

inside this section I N T E R V I E W: M A R T Y N PAT T I E p 6 6 REAL HOME IN ONGAR p72 BANG & OLUFSEN LAUNCH p79

Located in Roxwell in Essex, this unique extension is the perfect space for busy family living, boasting plenty of natural light, storage and areas for both cooking and entertaining. Carefully designed to the highest standards by The Main Company’s expert team, the kitchen incorporates contemporary design while complementing the original features of the home. maincompany.co.uk

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D E C A D E S I N

D E S I G N

Absolutely shines the spotlight on Martyn Pattie and his Ongar based architectural practice Words J E S S I CA PA R K E S

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H O M E | INTERVIEW

JAMES FRID PHOTOGRAPHY @JAMESFRIDPHOTOGRAPHY

Q What inspired you to become an architect, and how has that initial passion evolved over your 38-year career?

A For me, the journey began with my young family life full of creativity and my own ability for sketching. While my career started as a surveyor, the architectural side of the business inspired my love for designing home extensions – a passion that would shape the landscape of my further education and career for decades to come.

From the beginnings of a small office above my garage, accompanied only by my cat, to owning a thriving medium-sized practice in central Ongar with over 14 talented staff, the evolution has been both personal and professional. Over the span of 38 years, I’ve witnessed the shaping and building of my career from crafting small home extensions to providing architectural design for large commercial buildings, all types and sizes of housing developments, listed buildings, new homes, and barn conversions in Essex.

“The Orchard and the Kings Head pub emerge as great success stories for me”

Q In 38 years, you must have worked on numerous projects. Could you highlight one or two that you consider particularly impactful or memorable?

A Pinpointing my most impactful project is a challenging task. However, The Orchard and the Kings Head pub emerge as great success stories to me.

The Orchard is a testament to creative ingenuity.

The challenge was to transform a modest bungalow into a stunning luxury family home. Confronted with a small structure and a sloping garden, the creative solution included the addition of sympathetic extensions and meticulous remodelling. The result is outstanding and a testament to the transformative power of architectural vision.

The Kings Head holds a special place in the hearts of the Ongar community. The ‘old coaching inn’ stands as a timeless testament to the town’s rich history. However, the need for rejuvenation became evident. That’s when we stepped in, and is a project that the entire team takes immense pride in.

The addition of glazing across the original coaching inn arch doorway was a strategic move to create a warm and inviting reception area. The once-separate elements of the Inn now seamlessly flow together. To the rear of the Inn now stands a beautiful glass open-plan restaurant and kitchen with an abundance of natural light, this space is an example of the thoughtful design process.

MARTYN PATTIE

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The warm interiors contribute to a comfortable dining room with panoramic views of the Ongar countryside. The goal was not just to renovate, but to celebrate the spirit of The Kings Head, ensuring that it continues to be a gathering place for the people of Ongar.

Q Architecture often mirrors societal changes.

How have you seen the industry evolve?

A Whilst it is true to say that home and building design will always change and evolve, the biggest transition has been the increased number of administrative obstacles that we now need to overcome. In the early years, achieving the ideal result and planning permission for a client seemed swift, unencumbered by the red tape and objectives that now define the planning process.

This now emphasises the need for a qualified and knowledgeable team that is capable of navigating through changing restrictions, ensuring the best value for clients.

In addition, moving costs in the UK are so high, that many homeowners prefer to improve their homes rather than move. This is achieved by building extensions, adding floors, and creating basements to maximise the homes they are in.

There are now so many amazing alternatives and high-quality products on the market that inspire homeowners to be more adventurous with their houses. Vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and super-sized glazing are no longer dreams but tangible possibilities.

It’s the job of the architect to be knowledgeable about the latest regulations, new architectural

“There is so much now to inspire homeowners to be more adventurous”

Q What is the most popular request by the local homeowners and developers of Essex?

A Due to the lack of land available in Essex, we see many buying homes in the best location, demolishing and building a new dwelling. We also have a big requirement to convert existing homes to have better open-plan living arrangements that connect with the garden. A place where families can interact within a nice space with a great aspect of the garden.

More and more homeowners are being empowered by social media, TV shows, and selfbuild magazines. These types of media show homeowners that they no longer need to live in a standard blueprint house and that possibilities for living styles are endless.

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ORIGIN POOLS BUILDING AWARD WINNING POOLS FOR OVER 40 YEARS

WE DO IT ALL FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION

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15/11/2023 07/11/2023 12:10 14:52

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Wood Burning Stoves & Cookers

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Takeley Business Centre, Dunmow Road, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 6SJ

01279 813591

15/11/2023 12:10

“I see Ongar as the heartbeat and home of my life and business”

trends, and ideas whilst using the latest design technology. Collaboration with clients, turning their vision into reality, is the key to success. Some of our best jobs have been taking the client’s concept and applying our creative expertise. With trust and respect between both parties, this is often a winning formula.

Q You have always lived and had your business offices in Ongar, why is that?

A I see Ongar as the heartbeat and home of my life and business. Remaining firmly rooted where I was born, is a conscious choice. Ongar isn’t just a location; it’s a community. Through recessions, it’s the people of Ongar who kept my business alive.

It has been important to keep my practice here

and offer our guidance and support where possible with local community projects. Having so much expertise in Essex and an understanding of local regulations makes our jobs slightly easier too.

Living on the doorstep of the Essex countryside while having convenient links to London is a lifestyle I cherish. From a round of golf with friends at Blakes, to The Kings Head for a nice meal, and there is always a great pint to be had at The Forester’s pub in High Ongar. Ongar life is quite special.

Q What advice would you give aspiring architects based on your experience?

A Being an architect has been a wonderful and rewarding profession for me in so many ways. For those venturing into the world of architecture, I offer this advice: embrace ambition, seize every opportunity, and continually educate yourself.

The industry evolves, but respecting its history and fundamentals is the key to great design. Let knowledgeable enthusiasm and passion be your guiding lights – they have the power to create not just buildings but legacies.

Q What legacy do you hope to leave behind as you celebrate 38 years in the business?

A With 38 years in this profession, my hope is to leave a positive impact on Essex’s architectural landscape. Beyond bricks and blueprints, I hope to continue to have a thriving local business that supports the community and nurtures the next generation of architects and architectural designers. The journey has been rich with challenges and successes, and as I look ahead, I’m excited for the chapters yet to unfold in the ever-evolving world of architecture and for MP Chartered Architects.

For more information about MP Chartered Architects and their architectural services, visit mpcharteredarchitects.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TO P of the L I S T 72

Absolutely heads inside a thoughtfully renovated country house in Ongar

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his magnificent, Grade II Listed, Georgian manor house built for Sir John Salter, Lord Mayor of London, has been the subject of a thoughtful restoration programme in recent yea rs, combining 21st century facilities within a magnificent period building. The house extends to about 5,600 sq ft, and adjoining is a converted two bedroom coach house of about 1,725 sq ft.

A central door opens into a marbled tiled floor which separates two magnificent reception rooms finished with period tones and featuring high ceilings, cornice, moulded skirtings and deep windows. The inner hall includes an Art

Deco-inspired cloakroom, a fine staircase and access to a substantial basement.

To the south a study enjoys lovely views of the grounds through French doors. Across the back of the house, with access to a wrap-around terrace, is the utility room, breakfast room, kitchen and dining room. The kitchen is fitted with a fusion of Wardens Hall oak and contemporary, contrasting units, anchored around an island unit and breakfast bar. The dining room features a wall of bi-folding doors framing farreaching views over the grounds. The basement provides a gym, wine cellars and an alcove bar area in addition to a range of storage spaces.

On the first floor is a light-filled landing with storage cupboards and access to the four bedrooms. The principal bedroom has a range of bespoke fitted wardrobes with dual-aspect windows providing panoramic views over the

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H O M E | REAL HOME

gardens and grounds. There is a separate dressing room and well appointed en-suite shower room. The second bedroom is spacious with an en-suite shower room. Bedroom three has a lovely split-level design and an en-suite shower room, which links through to the landing and can be used as a shower room for bedroom four.

The adjoining period coach house has been converted to provide a two bedroom annexe, which extends to over 1,725 sq ft and offers a lounge with a wood burner fireplace, dining room, fitted kitchen, two large bedrooms and a shower room. The house and cottage stand in front of a substantial courtyard. Behind the house are gorgeous mature grounds and beyond is a meadow and a lake.

To find out more about the manor house, Absolutely sat down with Stephen White, Director of Residential Sales at Savills Chelmsford.

“A hidden gem in a wonderful position”

Q What can you tell us about the history of the property?

A The Historic England listing for Wardens Hall

states: “Farmhouse, presumed former 'Gentleman's residence'… said to have been built for Sir John Salter who died in 1740 and was a Lord Mayor of London.” More recently the house has been the subject of a thoughtful restoration programme. A hidden gem in a wonderful position, the property extends to about 5,600 sq ft, with an additional two-bedroom coach house all set in over 11 acres.

Q Do you think the fact it’s Grade II Listed adds to the attraction?

A A landmark listed building definitely adds

a certain amount of kudos to a sale. Many buyers relish the chance to be a custodian of a historic home.

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H O M E | REAL HOME

“While the historic character of the property has been retained, the inside has been brought up to date”

Q How big has the restoration programme been over the years?

A The house has undergone a significant pro-

gramme of restoration. While the fabric and historic character of the property has been retained, the inside has been brought up to date for the 21st century with a new kitchen, bathrooms, heating and stunning décor.

Q What’s the first thing that catches your eye when entering the property?

A The entrance hall is a lovely, welcoming

space – and at this time of year is the perfect spot for a magnificent Christmas tree.

Q What elements of the house are very much 21st century design?

A The bespoke kitchen is fitted with a fusion

of Wardens Hall oak and contemporary, contrasting units, anchored around an island unit and breakfast bar on a slate floor. The dining room features a wall of bi-folding doors, framing far-reaching views over the grounds, while the basement has a gym, wine cellar and an alcove bar. Other features of note include open fireplaces fitted with modern log burners, and the bathrooms and en-suites have all been updated.

Q Do you have a favourite part of the house and, if so, why?

A I love the Art Deco-inspired cloakroom. But the

basement has also been converted to provide a fantastic space, with a gym, wine cellar and an alcove bar in addition to a range of storage areas. It’s a great place to retreat to and enjoy choosing a fine bottle for supper.

Q What’s great about the property’s location?

A The drive, which is gated and private, serves

four other country houses – so for those seeking country living with the comfort of neighbours, this ticks all the boxes. You are also well positioned for Fyfield village, with two highly regarded restaurant pubs and a local shop, whilst Chipping Ongar provides a more comprehensive range of facilities, with many boutique independent businesses and restaurants. Epping and Chelmsford are nearby for rail services into London, while there is also a good range of primary and secondary schools for those with children.

Fyfield Road, Willingale, Ongar, CM5 0QA has a guide price of £2,950,000. For more, contact Savills Chelmsford on 01245 269311 or visit savills.co.uk

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West End Interiors KITCHENS |

BATHROOMS

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BEDROOMS

Call now to enquire for your next project

01277 263000

23 Hutton Road, Shenfield, CM15 8JU | westendinteriors.co.uk

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M E E T

T H E

M A K E R S Absolutely reflects on an exciting year for Precision Made Joinery

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

Q From day one, what do you believe made you stand out from other businesses like you?

A Everything we manufacture is fully bespoke, meaning we have an exceptional eye for detail throughout the planning and production process. When it comes to our clients’ projects, we pride ourselves on exceeding their expectations and providing outstanding customer service.

Q Who makes up your team?

A We have a team of 14 highly skilled machinists, joiners,

cabinet makers and spray technicians, meaning we can create almost anything from timber within our workshop.

Our apprentices make up an important part of our team and we like to encourage and support them while they learn new skills here at PMJ. We strive to provide the very best for our clients and staff, our recent growth means we are investing more in the team to ensure we maintain a happy workplace.

Q Who do you tend to work with?

A A lot of our work is through repeat custom and

recommendation. We work with a wide variety of clientele, from building contractors, architects and interior designers to private clients and heritage sites.

Q What would we find if we visited your showroom?

A When visiting our showroom, you will be greeted by one of our friendly team members, you can enjoy a coffee, or glass of bubbly, as we get to understand your ideas and plans for the projects you have in mind. Our team will be on hand to guide you every step of the way from the initial design to the installation and final decoration.

Our showroom and workshop are all on the same site so you can get a feel of where your ideas can be made a reality.

We have open afternoons every Friday from 12–5pm or you can make an appointment to join us at any other time during the week.

Q What does it mean being a member of the British Woodworking Federation?

A BWF is the trade association for the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry in the UK. Their focus is on helping members achieve more around the themes of healthy, sustainable, productive and safe ways of working whilst also providing business support in various different areas.

We are extremely proud to be winners of the BWF ‘Woodworking Project of the Year’ Award 2022.

Q How do you look back on 2023?

A This has been an exciting year for PMJ in many ways.

We expanded the company significantly in 2022 and moved to a much larger premises. This has seen us go through a period of significant growth, which we have now settled into. We are enjoying being able to create an even wider range of beautiful bespoke items for all of our customers, old and new.

The opening of our showroom has been a highlight of 2023, something we had always aimed for.

P R E C I S I O N M A D E J O I N E RY The Workshop, Pentlow Hall Farm, Pentlow Lane, Cavendish, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 7SP, 01787 827250 precisionmade.co.uk

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SBI Ltd has been providing all of your shelter and shading requirements, since 1998

0800 0742 721 | sbiproducts.co.uk

Verandas • Glass Rooms • Awnings • Pergolas Carports • Solar Garage Doors & Shutters • Parasols • Conservatory Sail Blinds Glass Wind Screens for patios, awnings, verandas and parasols !

We provide comprehensive awning services, f rom cleaning and repairs to seasonal maintenance.

Get in touch today for the highest quality awning servicing!

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

S O U N D I N G

OUT Darren Maynard, MD at Bang & Olufsen Colchester and Chelmsford, on their new launch, BeoLab 8

Q How excited are you about

the launch of BeoLab 8?

A The BeoLab 8 is a very exciting launch for us here at Bang & Olufsen. Our current loudspeaker range is absolutely amazing and this is yet another stunning example of our audio engineer’s expertise in producing amazing sound from a compact loudspeaker design.

Q From a design perspective,

what can we expect?

A BeoLab 8 is as beautiful to look at as it is

to listen to. Crafted in luxury materials from our own factory facility in Denmark, these loudspeakers are instantly recognisable as a Bang & Olufsen product. From the glass top with touch controls that illuminate when you approach the speaker to the stunning finishes of the aluminium and optional wooden lamella front covers.

“It is as beautiful to look at as it is to listen to”

Q How versatile are the speakers?

A BeoLab 8 is an extremely versatile

proposition. You could purchase a single unit to use as a multiroom speaker in your home, stereo pair two units for a traditional stereo setup, or BeoLab 8 is a perfect accompaniment to a Bang & Olufsen Television to enhance the set up for surround sound. They are also extremely versatile in placement thanks to the various mounting options available: floor table, wall or ceiling mounts are available, so the colour and placement options are almost endless.

Q What kind of sound

experience do they offer?

A BeoLab 8 produces a sound much larger

than their compact size suggests. Using a three way active speaker system, BeoLab 8 is able to project sound into the room using beam control. Narrow down with precision audio channelled directly to you, or go wide and diffuse sound throughout your space. In early 2024 we will launch a further feature via a software update called “fluid sweet spot”. With this feature the speaker will track where you are in the room using your phone and offer you the best possible sound for where you are at that exact moment.

Q How can a homeowner customise

BeoLab8 to suit one of their rooms?

A As you would expect from Bang & Olufsen,

the speakers are available in a choice of stunning aluminium finishes including Natural Aluminium, Gold Tone and Black Anthracite. To enhance these finishes further, you then have a choice of fabric or natural wood speaker covers in Light Oak, Oak or Dark Oak finishes.

Q If you had to pick one

USP, what would it be?

A I absolutely love the illuminated Bang &

Olufsen logo which lights up when you turn the speaker on. bang-olufsen.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Comfo rta ble , Hig h -Qua l i t y Matt re s s e s an d Be ds

Celebrating

50 years of family business

Stop by our showroom in Chingford, North London today to explore all our mattresses.

One of our knowledgeable staff members can help you find the right mattress and will tell you more about our delivery options.

36-38 Hatch Lane, Chingford London E4 6LQ 020 8524 1821 020 8529 5345 bedsbedsbeds.net

January Sale starts on the 2nd January.

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Visit Andrews Chingford showroom for a huge range of home and office furniture. Boucle set available in grey and cream.

Special Offer £1995 for set

Unit 5, Chingford Industrial Estate Hall Lane, Chingford, E4 8DJ 020 8529 8129 | andrewshome.furniture andrewshomefurniture.co.uk ANDREW_OFFICE_FURN_HP_ABS_ESSEX_OCT2023_v4.indd 1

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

E L E V AT E YOUR LIFE

Health is a state of body, wellness is a state of mind

O

rigin believes swimming transcends a mere physical exercise; it embodies a comprehensive approach to wellness, nurturing not only the body but also the mind. It’s about fostering healthy habits that promote both mental and physical health, transforming mere survival into thriving in all facets of life. However, wellness is not just limited to adults. Swimming can also be a life-enhancing experience for children as it’s ideal for both physical and cognitive development.

It challenges children to coordinate their movements and maintain proper technique, stimulating cognitive functions such as problem-solving and muscle memory.

At Origin, owning a pool is more than having a space for recreation; it’s about crafting an oasis for wellness and self-care, personalised to meet individual needs. Picture a pool house equipped with a spa, sauna, or yoga room, an environment designed for pure relaxation. If strengthening family bonds is a priority, envision your pool house evolving into a vibrant social hub, featuring a gym, lounge area, or even a bar. An indoor swimming pool from Origin can enhance your family life.

The benefits of swimming on your physical health are well documented, however, the wellness benefits for your mental health are also substantial. These benefits include better sleep, reduced

“Swimming is a universal activity that enriches lives, from childhood to the golden years” stress and anxiety, as well as relief from depression symptoms. The gentle embrace of water imparts a soothing, massage-like sensation that induces profound relaxation.

Immersed in water, blood flow to the brain surges, elevating one's mood and releasing vital endorphins. A Swim England study even reveals that regular swimmers feel, on average, 12 years younger than their nonswimming counterparts.

Why opt for Origin on your pool journey?

Origin streamlines the process by managing every aspect of pool construction, sparing clients the complexity of dealing with multiple contractors. With over 40 years of experience and numerous award-winning projects, Origin's expertise shines above the rest.

Swimming is a universal activity that enriches lives, from childhood to the golden years. The joy of swimming and its profound wellness advantages create a path to happier and healthier living for all.

So, whether you're young or young at heart, dive in and let the water carry you on your journey to well-being and family fun.

originpools.co.uk info@originpools.co.uk 01895 453996 Or scan the QR Code for more information A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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E D U C AT I O N

ONWARDS JOURNEY NEW HALL SCHOOL

The Sixth Form experience at New Hall is a significant and exciting time in students' lives, a time to try new things, to take on new challenges, to forge new friendships and to broaden horizons.

The Sixth Form Team, in collaboration with a tutor, will ensure a comprehensive, informative transition programme which will help students to take the step up to A-levels in their stride. newhallschool.co.uk

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Register now for 7+ Assessments Assisted Places from 7+ www.wgprep.co.uk

EXCELLENT IN ALL AREAS 0208 504 5045

Independent Day School for 3-11 Years

admissions@wgprep.co.uk

“Pupils’ attitudes to learning is excellent” Small classes, 11+ preparation Catholic ethos with outstanding education Register & arrange a personal tour www.loyola.essex.sch.uk

Ranking 39th in the Sunday Times Top 100 Prep Schools LOYOLA_HP_ABS_ESSEX_APR2023_V1.indd 1

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103 Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5NH Call the school office on 020 8504 7372 to arrange a tour Further info available at www.loyola.essex.sch.uk

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

The Group is proud of its ‘all-through’ model that offers a seamless transition from Kindergarten to Year 11 in smaller class sizes and with more individual attention. This model provides excellent continuity for the pupils to move through the school. Of course, while many pupils move internally from Year 6 to Year 7, there are also a number of places for external students to join in Year 7.

Why you should consider choosing an Oak-Tree senior education

C

hoosing the right senior school for a child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make.

The Oak-Tree Group of Schools, comprising Braeside, Coopersale Hall, Normanhurst and Oaklands School, all instil a love of learning and aim to foster individual strengths from the earliest years through to each crucial milestone. Whilst Oaklands takes children up to Year 6, the other three schools have senior intakes.

PREPARING FOR THE 11+ EXAMS For all independent preparatory schools, the journey towards the 11+ exams is extremely important. Oaklands in Loughton boasts excellent success rates preparing Year 6 pupils for their first

choice of senior schools. This comes down to excellent teaching, in-depth knowledge of the entrance exam requirements and receptive learners.

ALL-THROUGH SCHOOLS Since September 2023, Coopersale Hall in Epping has been able to offer senior places for external candidates joining into Year 7 and internal candidates who have wanted to stay. The first Year 7 cohort is now well into its first term and the school has been delighted by the pupils’ educational progress and exemplary attitudes to learning.

Normanhurst in North Chingford and Braeside in Buckhurst Hill are ‘all-through’ schools that have always taken pupils from 2½ up to 16. Whilst boys are being phased in year after year lower down the school at Braeside, girls only are currently being accepted into the seniors.

Normanhurst is fully mixed throughout.

“Life as a senior is dynamic and full of opportunities to develop the pupils”

The NEXT STEP

LIFE AS AN OAK-TREE SENIOR Life as a senior within the OakTree Group is dynamic and full of opportunities to expand the learning and develop the pupils. Within the Oak-Tree Group, each pupil’s unique strengths and passions are identified and extended. With a wide range of subjects and a challenging curriculum supported by subject specialist teachers and facilities, the schools have consistently achieved excellent results at each level.

When they’re not in class, they take up the raft of extra-curricular opportunities such as visits to the Olympic Park, the Globe Theatre or Stansted Mountfitchet Castle. Many spend their lunch breaks in the music rooms practising one of the many additional instrument lessons arranged by the school, such as the flute, guitar, drums or trumpet. Throughout the year, they stage a diverse array of productions, including festive Christmas carol concerts, school plays or even captivating acapella performances. After regular school hours, pupils stay back to participate in sports fixtures, attend academic catch-up sessions, and engage in a variety of extra-curricular clubs.

During school holidays, many students take the opportunity to partake in residential trips that might include large international skiing or sporting tours.

11+ Entrance Exams will be held at Braeside, Coopersale Hall and Normanhurst on 16 January. Several part scholarships are available at each school.

Find out more at oaktreeschools.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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St. Aubyn’s School We are delighted to announce our Bursary Programme, offering up to a 100% means-tested reduction on fees at 7+.

registrar@staubyns.com

020 8504 1577 Bunces Lane, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 9DU

www.staubyns.com Registered Charity No: 270143

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

Learning EVOLUTION Siobhan McGrath, Executive Principal of Southbank International School, on delivering an education fit for life in an evolving world

A

s the world continues to evolve, the way in which we prepare our children must do the same. Southbank International School is an IB World school for children aged 2-18 years old, with campuses located across central London.

The IB at Southbank is a comprehensive and international curriculum that takes a holistic approach to education, fostering intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills, from early years to post-16 education.

With new technologies revolutionising the way we live – and increased global uncertainty impacting the world’s economy and future outlook – it’s more crucial than ever that we equip young people with the tools to navigate the complexities of our century.

The onus is on schools and colleges to support students as they take their first steps in the outside world, ensuring they are ready to thrive in whatever path they choose after school. A focus on cultural diversity, independent thinking and nurturing morals and values is what many believe needs to come to the forefront.

I hold the view that the International

“We ensure our students enjoy and learn from all the rich resources available to them in and around London”

YOUNG LEARNERS AT SOUTHBANK INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Baccalaureate (IB) programme gives and nature centres to study wildlife. children the best possible start in life, At the heart of Southbank’s ethos is a focus both academically and personally. It is a on community service and giving back. This curriculum that encourages its students to is embedded across every campus and every do more than blindly accept what is put in age group. Examples of community projects front of them. It is also a curriculum that across our three central London campuses develops young people’s natural capacity are wide-ranging – everything from busking to question, to be inquisitive and to think to raise money for refugees to cooking independently, critically and creatively. meals for vulnerable people. We also work The school’s aim is to support individuality to provide practical support for homeless and encourage our young people to be curious communities and to help combat loneliness about the outside world. We work to instil among elderly people in our neighbourhoods. in them the desire to explore, to challenge Our teaching accelerates individual growth the status quo and to make a while encouraging openness difference to the world around to the outside world and an them. We ensure our students appreciation of different enjoy and learn from all the rich cultures and perspectives. It resources available to them in nurtures a readiness to see and around London, using this other points of view and builds great city as their classroom. an acceptance of people who This includes organising visits are different from us. Here to the many museums, art at Southbank, we emphasise galleries, historic buildings, inquiry, creativity, risk taking SIOBHAN MCGRATH theatres and concert halls. and accountability. We teach Executive Principal Our young people also get valuable skills for life, whatever Southbank involved in student conferences the future holds for your child International School and visit parks, woodlands in our evolving world.

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PROPERTY

TYCEHURST HILL IG10 1BZ ASKING PRICE

£2,500,000

urden and Hunt welcome to the market this exceptional detached home offering a spacious kitchen diner, multiple receptions rooms, downstairs WC and cellar. Upstairs a luxury master suite is complemented by five additional bedrooms, two with en-suites, and a family bathroom. Externally this property offers a gated driveway and a generous garden.

D

DURDEN & HUNT LOUGHTON

020 3026 0160 durdenandhunt.co.uk

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Russell Road, Buckhurst Hill

Guide Price £795,000 Located on one of Buckhurst Hill’s most desirable roads with its mix of character properties is this charming three bedroom semi-detached family home. The property offers many fine features, with loads of character, including a spacious living area, additional reception room, modern kitchen & bathroom, and a delightful mature rear garden. The house also benefits from being sold with no onward chain.

Palace Gardens, Buckhurst Hill

Guide Price £650,000

A wonderfully presented Victorian property located right in the heart of Buckhurst Hill, but tucked away in a quiet no through road. The house offers a stylish mix of both period and modern features, with two well appointed bedrooms, a contemporary 1st floor bathroom, and spacious ground floor accommodation offering a 24ft lounge and a separate kitchen / dining room.

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PROPERTY • INSIGHT

Wanting for

CHRISTMAS James Hunt, co-founder of Durden & Hunt, on what to expect over the festive season and into the new year

I

’m sure most of us are guilty of thinking things will quieten down in December, both at work and home, and then proceed to have a busy, social, festive period. It also seems that current signs are indicating that within the housing market things might not slow down that much for Christmas and into 2024; in fact, last year Rightmove reported that the period between Boxing Day and New Year was its busiest on record for home mover-activity.

Of course, as anticipated, the market does look a little different a year later, however there are still many positive indicators that 2024 will be a good time to move.

Perhaps the biggest topic on home movers minds this year has been interest rates, yet with rates being held in both September and October, and September being the first time since 2021, after 14 consecutive rises (source: Rightmove), it does offer some hope that mortgage rates will continue to edge, however slowly, in a positive direction.

Additionally demand remains for well

priced homes, it is perhaps just not as instantaneous as it has been in the past.

Where we may have seen an influx of enquiries just from putting a property on the portals now the agents that have a solid client list, and are willing to go the extra mile (such as ourselves) stand out. Just recently one of our client’s properties had nine viewings and received almost as many offers.

As we look towards a new year, whether you are looking to sell, buy or become a landlord it always pays to be prepared and the first place to start is to find out how much your home is worth, and get an idea of your financial situation by speaking to a broker. Myself, my team and our recommended mortgage broker are always happy to have a no obligation chat about your position.

On the market A stunning property on the market with Durden & Hunt Ollards Grove, Loughton, IG10 4DW Durden & Hunt welcome to the market this exceptional, detached, five-bedroom characterful home offering multiple reception rooms, a large kitchen/ diner, separate utility space and a downstairs WC. Externally it benefits from a generous garden and a gated carriage driveway and garage.

Offers In Excess Of £2,000,000 durdenandhunt.co.uk JAMES HUNT

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ABSOLUTELY • PARTNERSHIP

Festive

HOME Absolutely talks Christmas and community cheer with Butler & Stag’s George Stillwell

Q How long have you been in the industry?

A For over 10 years. I don’t just bring

experience, but also knowledge of the local area as I was born and raised in Woodford, so I know the area like the back of my hand. I have seen all manner of properties and worked through all sorts of markets. I know the local schools, properties and businesses very well.

Q What can you tell us about Butler & Stag?

A Butler & Stag are an independent estate

agency, with over 100 years’ experience in property across London and Home Counties.

Made up from a collection of successful estate agents, we aim to be recognised for our superior professional service and our intimate local knowledge of all areas that we operate in. Specialising in all aspects of residential property, our friendly and enthusiastic nature ensures that our clients continually return to sell, let, buy and rent through us.

“We have loved being a part of such a great community”

Q When do you start preparing for Christmas?

A We started back in October, but there’s also extra celebration as it’s our one year anniversary of our Buckhurst Hill Office opening too. After opening our doors we have loved every minute. Not only have we taken on great properties and sold them, but also being part of such a great community and giving back. Which means we have even more reason to celebrate.

Q What special things will you offer over the festive period?

A Our decorations started going up on 19 November, which is perfect timing for our Rudolf Run on Sunday 26 November.

This is a 5km run which starts outside our office and will go all around Buckhurst Hill. All money raised will be going to St Clare Hospice. We are hoping this will bring the community together and help a well-deserved charity. We also have local school fayres that we are supporting and some other festive activities.

Q What kind of festive atmosphere do you look to offer?

A Team atmosphere, helping, giving back and celebrating.

Q What are you looking forward to most this Christmas personally?

A Spending time with friends and family drinking mulled wine. And then starting the new year fresh.

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ABSOLUTELY • PARTNERSHIP

SEASON OF

GOODWILL Attwaters on managing family conflict over the festive season

them or say anything that might make them feel guilty or confused.

WORK TOGETHER ON PRESENTS

I

t’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year – but for divorced or separated couples, the strain of keeping it together over the festive period can make it one of the most stressful times instead.

When there are children involved, though, it’s important to do your best to avoid arguments and ensure that they have as magical a Christmas as possible.

Sadly, Christmas can be a particularly traumatic time for children, as the propensity for family arguments and even domestic abuse can increase due higher-than-normal alcohol consumption and enforced contact between family members who don’t get on.

Belinda Strange, Head of Family Law at Essex law firm Attwaters Jameson Hill, is here with her top five tips for managing conflict this Christmas.

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BELINDA STRANGE

PLAN AHEAD The earlier you get started on Christmas arrangements, the more time you’ll have to get everything ironed out well in advance.

That way, you can relax and simply enjoy the time you have with your children.

FOCUS ON WHAT’S GOOD FOR THE CHILDREN Rather than focusing on who got a turn last year, try to focus on what will make the children happiest. This might mean making some compromises, but it’s worth it if it avoids conflict.

TRY NOT TO GUILT TRIP If you’re not spending Christmas with your children this year, you’ll probably miss them greatly. But try not to let on to your kids how much you miss

We understand what a challenge this can be, but do try to consult with your ex about your children’s presents, to ensure you don’t double up. You might also want to consider buying a joint present to show a united front this Christmas.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF Christmas can be difficult at the best of times, so be kind to yourself. When you’re not with your children, try to find other activities to keep yourself occupied such as seeing friends, spending time with family, or even volunteering for a worthy cause.

At Attwaters Jameson Hill, their sympathetic Family Law team is always here to support you. If you are finding cooperation with your ex-partner difficult or are concerned about child arrangements for the festive season, please do get in touch with Belinda Strange at belinda.strange@attwaters.co.uk

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Paul Newman Interiors have been creating, designing and installing exciting and exclusive kitchens and bathrooms since 1984 from leading manufacturers Schroder Kitchens, Charles Yorke, Gaggenau, Villeroy & Boch, Ardeco and Thomas Crapper. Attention to detail sets us apart and our team of expert fitters will ensure you are delighted with your new room. We also offer a complete building programme.

136 High Street, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2PB T: 01702 552 868 | E: info@paulnewmaninteriors.co.uk www.paulnewmaninteriorsltd.co.uk • WOLF • SUB-ZERO • SIEMENS • SCHRODER KITCHENS • CHARLES YORKE • BORA • GAGGENAU • SCHROEDER • DAVAL • VILLEROY & BOCH • HANSGROHE • ARDECO • TOTO • THOMAS CRAPPER & CO. • BURBIDGE

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ABSOLUTELY • PARTNERSHIP

CHARLOTTE FULLER

ABSOLUTELY MEETS… London-based accountancy firm Raffingers has announced the appointment of Charlotte Fuller as its new Marketing Partner. We find out more...

Q Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in marketing?

A My name is Charlotte Fuller and I am the new Marketing Partner at Raffingers, also heading up the Raffingers Marketing Agency. I have been working in the marketing industry for over two decades.

be part of such a dynamic and innovative team. I look forward to contributing to the success of Raffingers Accountants and the Raffingers marketing agency along with working with the team to help develop and implement new strategies to drive the firm’s growth and success.

Q What attracted you to this position at Raffingers?

A I was attracted to this position at Raffingers because of the company’s reputation for providing excellent service to their clients and their commitment to innovation. Raffingers Marketing Agency is a natural extension of the accounting firm and provides clients with a full suite of marketing services, from strategy to execution.

I’m thrilled to take on this new role and to

Q What do you think you can bring to the team and how do you plan on making an impact on the company and their clients?

A As a marketing professional, I believe that my expertise in developing effective marketing strategies and my ability to execute on those strategies will be a valuable asset to the team. I plan on making an impact by working closely with clients to understand their unique needs and developing tailored marketing solutions that drive business results.

Q What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing the marketing industry today?

A One of the biggest challenges is the constantly evolving digital landscape. I plan on addressing this challenge by staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies and developing strategies that take advantage of emerging opportunities.

Q How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments?

A I attend industry conferences, read industry publications and stay active in professional organisations. I also collaborate with colleagues and attend training sessions to keep my skills sharp.

Q What do you think are the most important qualities for a marketing professional to have?

A Creativity, adaptability and a willingness to learn. Marketing is a constantly evolving industry and it is important to be able to think outside the box and adapt to new challenges.

Q How do you manage your time when working on multiple projects?

A I prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance and use project management tools to stay organised. I also communicate regularly with clients and team members to ensure that everyone is aligned on priorities and timelines.

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LAST WORD • EVENT

why everyone is talking about…

Enlightened There’s not one, not two, but three light extravaganzas heading to Essex this month

T

o get us truly into the festive spirit, Enlightened are bringing their stunning light trails to a host of venues in December.

For starters, the sell-out magical light trail returns to Hylands Estate and promises to be the brightest and boldest year yet.

Enlightened transforms the grounds of the prestigious venue in the heart of Chelmsford into a mile long journey of wonder and light for the whole family to enjoy. A specially created route will immerse visitors in the magic and enchantment of Enlightened and is bursting with new interactive and awe-inspiring installations for 2023.

Step into the illuminated world and see curious creatures brought to life with special effects that will guide you through the trail.

You will be immediately greeted with a colossal 50m digital tunnel of light made up of tens of thousands of colourful bulbs that cascade to music as you journey on through.

Laser style beams of light stream through the dense woodland and haze fills the air upon reaching the land of enchantment.

The sell-out magical light trail also returns to Castle Park in Colchester. The trail begins via the High Street entrance to the park and guests will be greeted with a colossal 50m digital tunnel of light. Upon entering lower Castle Park, colour changing fountains dance with joy to the beat of the soundscape and a brand-new 3D projection light show beamed onto the castle itself is not to be missed.

Delve deeper along the trail and discover a truly magical land where holographic fairies flutter around the undergrowth as visitors are invited to contribute to the ever-increasing scale of the wishing wall – a place where dreams really can come true.

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Then, building on the phenomenal success of last year’s event, Enlightened returns to the popular Barleylands Farm.

Visit the animal barn to see it transformed with light and why not let smaller visitors burn off some energy in the play barn which is open throughout the event. At the centre of the trail, try a scrumptious tasty treat and warm up with a delicious hot drink available in the catering hub.

Why not try your hand at the duelling lightsabers or see if your group can solve some of the interactive illuminated games.

Hop, skip and jump along the light up stepping-stones and don’t forget your camera as a new family photo opportunity awaits at every stop along the Enlightened Trail.

Find out more about all three sites at enlightenedmoments.co.uk

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

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