EH&S Summer 2013

H O M E S

&

S T Y L E

essex YO U R G U I D E TO P R O P E R T Y, H O M E , STYLE & LIFE

We journey to the wild west at Monument Valley in Arizona, serve up a fine slice of Japanese cuisine with Yoshinori Ishii, and take a trip to Wonderland with ballerina Lauren Cuthbertson.

Spring 2 0 1 3 15TH E D I T I O N

PERSONAL EXPRESSION MEETS MUSICAL PERFECTION PIANOS AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE

Welcome Welcome to the spring edition of our ‘Essex Homes & Style’ magazine which is once again packed with some of the finest properties that are available for sale and to rent from across our region.

After what seemed to be a winter that would never finish, we look to the spring and the continuing strength of the Essex property market. Since the start of the year, all the key ‘front end’ indicators have improved considerably especially in terms of buyers and tenants actively out viewing.

Our sales offices have seen a surge of purchaser enquiries and between January and March we have arranged sales on over £162m worth of property. In particular, our branches on the London/Essex borders have seen an influx from those looking for rural properties further out into Essex, and the Country Homes market has certainly gathered pace as a result. The response to our advertising in titles such as Country & Townhouse magazine also proves that Essex remains highly sought after thanks to its close proximity to London.

We have found that the lettings market continues to be extraordinarily busy and this is characterised by the continuing strong rental values being achieved with the high number of tenants looking to rent, which is still outstripping supply in the lettings market. As a result both new and seasoned buy to let investors are contacting our dedicated Property Investment Division on a regular basis to enquire about upcoming opportunities.

This strength of market confidence is particularly evident in the new homes sector where the level of interest from buyers is particularly buoyant. Similarly, our Land & New Homes team are being approached by national and regional builders on a regular basis who see Essex as the place to be and are looking to expand their operations in the area. Last year alone we were selling agents on over £50m worth of new build properties.

WITH STEINWAY & SONS CUSTOM PIANOS DIVISION STEINWAY & SONS 44 MARYLEBONE LANE LONDON W1U 2DB TEL: 0207 487 3391 WWW.STEINWAYHALL.CO.UK WWW.STEINWAY.CO.UK

I am pleased to report that due to improving market conditions and our on-going success, we have recently expanded into Great Dunmow by acquiring the highly regarded Estate Agents, Foxton Hayes. Although we already have a presence in the town and surrounding villages through our Country Homes division, we believe that our core traditions of family principles, excellent service and independent status integrates perfectly with the Foxton Hayes brand.

We understand that people aspire to live in the Dunmow area thanks to the beautiful surrounding countryside and excellent commuter links. The lettings market within this area is certainly buoyant thanks partly to its close proximity to Stansted. This is why we have introduced a lettings team into the new office, something which Foxton Hayes did not have previously. For further information on the expansion please see page 44.

Although further growth is very much on the cards for Beresfords, we haven’t forgotten our roots which is why you will find an interesting article on page 42 about Upminster, which is where Beresfords began back in 1968.

So as the weather warms and the days become lighter, there’s every sign that the market will continue in the right direction. If you are thinking of selling or letting, the spring market might be the opportune time. I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Essex Homes & Style’. If we can help you with any of your property needs we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Paul Beresford FNAEA, MARLA Chairman/Managing Director Beresfords

You will find contact details for all our sales and lettings offices within the dedicated property pages. However, you may also find these contact telephone numbers useful: Property Investment Division: 01245 397497 Financial Services: 0800 389 9986 Surveys: 01245 422796 Land & New Homes: 01245 397497 Front cover image: Vevie swimwear at the Spirit of Summer Fair

SALES OFFICES Country Homes Office | (01245) 397475 Billericay Office | (01277) 626262 Braintree Office | (01376) 348444 Brentwood Office | (01277) 231515 Chelmsford Office | (01245) 500555 Colchester Office | (01206) 764444 Gidea Park Office | (01708) 730255 Great Dunmow Office | (01371) 876868 Hornchurch Office | (01708) 474034 Ingatestone Office | (01277) 350505 Shenfield Office | (01277) 212111 Upminster Office | (01708) 222200 Writtle Office | (01245) 420880 LETTINGS OFFICES Billericay Office | (01277) 658666 Braintree Office | (01376) 348666 Brentwood Office | (01277) 218151 Chelmsford Office | (01245) 500666 Colchester Office | (01206) 763333 Great Dunmow Office | (01371) 868554 Havering Office | (01708) 222211

Quality doesn’t have to cost the earth

Contents

HAND E MADE FURNITUR

6

Thoroughly Wood are a family run company making traditional handmade bespoke furniture of superior quality in solid timber, using a range of soft and hardwoods. Involving our customers in the whole process, we have a loyal following who are extremely enthusiastic about their experience with Thoroughly Wood.

Whether you are looking for furniture for the kitchen, the bathroom, the dining room or for commercial purposes, we have a wide range of products that are built specific to customers’ needs.

We also provide a professional design service in conjunction with customers’ input and requirements.

Customers are welcome and encouraged to visit our workshop to see how unique furniture pieces are made by our in-house trained craftsmen.

85

Property

Property Section

A selection of some of the finest properties currently available in your area from Beresfords.

42

branch focus

FOCUS ON UPMINSTER

Rob Twitchett, Paul Beresford and Simon Burton look back at the history of Beresfords’ flagship branch and its plans for the future.

44

new branch

MEADOW ON THE HILL

49

63

80

Chairman Paul Beresford talks to Simon Burton about Beresfords’ newly acquired branch in the stunning market town of Great Dunmow.

46

beauty

NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL

Simon Burton looks at Europe’s first ever Organic and Natural Beauty Show.

49

travel

MONUMENTAL MAGIC

Faith Back discovers the beauty and wonder of Monument Valley, Arizona, made world-famous by film director John Ford.

57

74

home & garden

GARDENS IN GLAD RAGS

Where can you go to see some dazzling displays of colour this spring? Faith Back recommends three fabulous gardens to visit.

63

Please call us on 0845 8730265

69

food

A SLICE OF JAPAN

Mark Lineham

Simon Burton talks to Umu’s head chef Yoshinori Ishii about his mission to find the perfect fish.

69

arts & culture

LAUREN IN WONDERLAND

Leanne McGrath talks to Lauren Cuthbertson, Principal Ballerina with The Royal Ballet, about her principal role in ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

74

Events

SUMMER STYLE

Faith Back anticipates summer by looking forward to the season’s foremost stylish living event in London: the Spirit of Summer Fair.

78

sport & fitness

LACROSSE COUNTRY

Simon Burton talks to England lacrosse captain, Katy Bennett, about the growing popularity of the sport and her World Cup hopes.

Advertising: Tel: 0845 521 5221 E-mail: sales@cream-group.co.uk

80

Editorial: Tel: 0845 521 5221 E-mail: editor@cream-group.co.uk

fashion

CATWALK STYLE

We take a look at some of the hot new trends and styles for the summer season.

www.thoroughlywood.co.uk

0845 8730265

57

85

Motoring

RAISING THE ROOF

Kevin Haggarthy samples two great new VW convertibles for the spring, and checks out the hot new Subaru – the WRX STI.

© Cream Club. All rights reserved. Reproduction is forbidden except by express permission of the publishers. The content of this magazine is believed to be correct but its accuracy is not guaranteed and does not form part of any offer or contract.

Beresfords cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors. The views expressed within editorials are those of the writers and not those of Cream Club.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Fryerning Guide Price ÂŁ2,475,000

A unique six bedroom detached country home offering spacious and flexible family accommodation and featuring a well planned self contained annexe allowing for a superb guest suite or ideal staff quarters.

This fine home is set within attractive grounds of approximately 1 acre (stls) with fine views across the surrounding open farmland. EPC D.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

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www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Wickham Bishops Guide Price ÂŁ1,950,000

A substantial six bedroom property with leisure and equestrian facilities set within a plot of approximately 4.7 acres (stls) (an additional 61 acres (stls) of paddocks, fishing lake and 18 acre (stls) woodland available for purchase by separate negotiation). The property features an outdoor heated swimming pool and stunning countryside views beyond. EPC D.

View our properties on TV at Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfords.tv

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

7

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

East Hanningfield Guide Price ÂŁ1,845,000

A stunning Grade II Listed residence offering a wealth of period features dating back to the 16th century with further sympathetic additions and improvements during the 18th and 19th centuries. Set within a secluded plot of approximately 7.5 acres (stls) of formal gardens and paddocks with additional secondary accommodation and excellent equestrian facilities. EPC F.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

8

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Little Laver Guide Price ÂŁ995,000

An attractive Victorian residence constructed in 1882 and designed by the prominent Victorian architect Frederick Chancellor. Secluded partly moated grounds of approximately 2.4 acres (stls), enjoying panoramic views over surrounding countryside. Conveniently positioned for access to the M11 and Epping with its Underground Station. Further land available for purchase by separate negotiation. EPC E.

View our properties on TV at Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfords.tv

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

9

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Little Warley Guide Price ÂŁ1,795,000

It came through the French Revolution unscathed.

A delightful five bedroom early Victorian family residence occupying a commanding elevated plot of approximately 1.6 acres (stls). Thought to be built in 1860, this former rectory has been lovingly and sympathetically improved and extended. Features an outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub and detached vaulted annexe/pool house with kitchen. EPC D.

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

It would be a pity if it came to grief on the M25.

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Stock Guide Price ÂŁ1,700,000

A beautifully presented six bedroom residence set within delightful grounds of approximately 2 acres (stls), within a private setting amongst woodland and surrounding countryside. The accommodation features a large master suite with dressing room and en suite, with many rooms offering delightful views over the gardens. With a heated swimming pool and double garage. EPC F.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

By Appointment To Her Majesty The Queen Removals and Storage Contractor Abels

Freephone: 0800 626769 E-Mail: enquiries@abels.co.uk OVERSEAS REMOVER Advance Payment Guaranteed

A001

www.abels.co.uk

Certificate No. FS23942

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

11

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Kelvedon Guide Price £999,995

A most attractive 18th century Grade II Listed character residence with 19th century additions, adjoining a 17th century Grade II* watermill, preserved to an excellent standard with its original machinery and workings. Set in a plot of approx 0.707 acre (stls) adjacent to the River Blackwater, in the heart of the village of Kelvedon with its rail link to London. EPC F.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Leaden Roding Guide Price £475,000

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

Abbess Roding Guide Price £795,000

A delightful Grade II listed four double bedroom cottage offering generous and well planned family accommodation with a wealth of original features throughout. The property is set within very private grounds of approximately 0.25 acres (stls) and is surrounded by picturesque countryside within an idyllic and peaceful country lane location. EPC E.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

12

A beautiful Grade II listed three bedroom semi-detached thatched cottage dating back to 1585, set in the heart of rolling countryside and offering many original features including exposed beams and inglenook fireplace. Situated at the end of a peaceful country lane with picturesque views over Clogham’s Green cricket ground and the surrounding local farmland.

Woodham Mortimer Price on Application

A highly appointed period country house set within an idyllic and peaceful plot offering premium equestrian facilities. This impressive four bedroom residence retains many original features and dates back to the late 13th century. The 8.4 acres (stls) of equestrian grounds include paddocks, yard and manége, internal stabling, tack room and storage barn. EPC E.

View our properties on TV at Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfords.tv

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

13

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Billericay Price £1,350,000

Situated on a plot approximately 357 ft deep is this stunning five bedroom detached residence, approached via wrought iron gates and backing directly onto Norsey Woods. Excellent family size accommodation comprising Clive Christian fitted kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, four reception rooms, orangery, three en suites, family bathroom and beautifully landscaped 208 ft rear garden. EPC C.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Ramsden Heath Price £675,000

Billericay Office (01277) 626262

Billericay Price £849,950

Situated in an enviable position siding and backing onto open countryside, this substantial five bedroom detached residence is located in the Quilters area. Approximately 26ft kitchen/breakfast room, three reception rooms, master bedroom with balcony, two en suites plus family bathroom, large playroom with Juliet balcony, double garage. Situated on 0.5 acre plot. EPC D.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

14

Located in the heart of Ramsden Heath village is this substantial five bedroom detached family home, with many unique features including an impressive master bedroom with vaulted ceiling, two en suites, spacious lounge with large brick built fireplace, three further reception rooms, secure gated entrance, integral double garage, 80 ft rear garden, no onward chain. EPC C.

Billericay Office (01277) 626262

Bocking Price £525,000

Situated within 0.5 miles of Braintree Town Centre and 0.9 miles of Braintree Railway Station with direct routes to London Liverpool Street, is this Grade II listed early 19th Century town house. The property offers spacious accommodation and period features including high ceilings, feature fireplaces and is well presented throughout. Externally there is an enclosed rear garden, garage and parking. EPC E.

View our properties on TV at Billericay Office (01277) 626262

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfords.tv

Braintree Office (01376) 348444

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

15

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Wethersfield Price £495,000

Unique, Grade II Listed, three double bedroom detached property containing astounding period features. Believed to have been built in the early 16th Century and sympathetically extended in the 17th Century, “The Hoods” offers a substantial separate two storey self-contained annexe, large garden and off road parking. EPC D.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Clements Park Price £950,000

Braintree Office (01376) 348444

Herongate Price £695,000

Charming Grade II Listed five bedroom detached weather boarded character property which is set over three floors. Benefiting from three receptions, fitted kitchen, utility and cloakroom, impressive master bedroom with dressing room and en suite, four further bedrooms and superb bathroom. Long shingled driveway, formal garden, attractive double cartlodge and attached barn.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

16

Impressive six bedroom detached family home. Well presented spacious accommodation including three reception rooms, impressive kitchen/family room, utility, master suite with private balcony, dressing room and en suite bathroom, three further bedrooms and a Jack and Jill bathroom, driveway, double garage, landscaped south westerly facing garden. EPC C.

Brentwood Office (01277) 231515

Brentwood Price £649,995

Attractive 1950s style four bedroom detached family home. Superb kitchen/breakfast room, spacious split level lounge/dining room, cloakroom, master bedroom with dressing room and luxury en suite wet room, three further bedrooms, luxury bathroom, 110 ft south facing rear garden including hot tub and barrel shaped sauna, driveway providing ample parking to garage. EPC D.

View our properties on TV at Brentwood Office (01277) 231515

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfords.tv

Brentwood Office (01277) 231515

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

17

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Broomfield Price £625,000

Executive detached five bedroom family home with open farmland to rear and side. Impressive reception hall, lounge with fireplace, separate dining room, large double glazed conservatory, kitchen/ breakfast room with modern fitted appliances, bathroom and dressing room to master bedroom. Close to local schools and Broomfield Hospital. EPC D.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Colchester Guide Price £389,995

Colchester Office (01206) 764444

Chelmsford Office (01245) 500555

Galleywood Price £475,000

Countryside detached four bedroom family home positioned opposite Galleywood Common with its countryside walks and village pub. Good size living accommodation throughout with lounge, dual aspect dining room, modern fitted kitchen, ground floor cloakroom, en suite to master, detached double garage with ample off street parking, large pond. Chelmsford’s A12 bypass is within half a mile. EPC D.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

18

This exclusive and spacious four bedroom detached family home is located on the popular west side of Colchester and is offered with no onward chain. The property comprises four spacious bedrooms, family bathroom, en suite bathroom, downstairs cloakroom, spacious lounge, separate dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and a south facing rear garden. EPC C.

Great Bentley Guide Price £335,000 to £350,000

This extended and much improved, four double bedroom semi-detached Victorian family home is on a plot of approximately 0.33 acre including a paddock to the side of the property and the potential for a further detached dwelling/dwellings (subject to the necessary planning permission) as well as a detached stable block to the rear of the garden. EPC D.

View our properties on TV at Chelmsford Office (01245) 500555

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfords.tv

Colchester Office (01206) 764444

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

19

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Gidea Park Price £1,400,000

Detached four/five bedroom house, private road on Exhibition Estate. The property features lounge, study, conservatory, dining room, modern kitchen/breakfast room, TV room, ground floor bedroom with en suite shower, four double bedrooms, en suite shower room/WC and modern family bathroom/WC. Large rear garden with swimming pool and to the front is a car port and shingle driveway. EPC E.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Gidea Park Price £650,000

Gidea Park Office (01708) 730255

Gidea Park Office (01708) 730255

Gidea Park Price £850,000

Substantial detached house on larger than average plot set back from road in secluded position.

Featuring three receptions, kitchen/breakfast room with separate utility area and ground floor cloakroom. Spacious family bathroom and four bedrooms; one of which has en suite shower room. With large mature rear garden, extensive parking and an attached garage. EPC D.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

20

Impressive four bedroom detached home in the ever popular location of Gidea Park and well located for the local mainline Station. The property features spacious entrance hall, three reception rooms, fitted kitchen, cloakroom, four double bedrooms, two with en suites, and a family bathroom. Externally there is a block paved driveway to front and garage to rear. EPC E.

Stapleford Abbotts Price £525,000

With far reaching views over countryside is this impressively restored former dairy. Sizeable entrance area, ground floor cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast room, lounge, bedroom four/study with adjoining shower room. On the first floor there are three bedrooms, master with en suite, and family bathroom.

Private rear garden and two undercover parking bays within gated courtyard. EPC D.

View our properties on TV at Gidea Park Office (01708) 730255

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfords.tv

Gidea Park Office (01708) 730255

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

21

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Bishop’s Stortford Price £1,275,000

A delightful five bedroom Queen Anne family home that has been extended and refurbished by the current owner to a superb standard. The property occupies a wonderful location within a short walk of Bishop’s Stortford station and is being offered for sale with no onward chain. Stansted is within a 10 minute drive and the M11 is a quarter of a mile away. Awaiting EPC.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Great Waltham Price £635,000

Great Dunmow Office (01371) 876868

Felsted Price £695,000

An individual detached character house, with the benefit of a large garden extending to approximately 0.5 of an acre (stls) and extensive parking with double detached garage. Located on the outskirts of Felsted with its array of local facilities including pubs, restaurants and well known public school. The market Towns of Great Dunmow and Braintree are close by. EPC E.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

22

A four bedroom detached period house, believed to date back to 1850, originally two cottages. The property has been extended and extensively improved by the current owners and occupies a delightful rural location with open fields adjacent. Located close to the popular village of Great Waltham while Chelmsford is within easy driving distance. EPC D.

Great Dunmow Office (01371) 876868

Little Dunmow Price £425,000

A beautifully presented, fully redecorated individual detached property offering deceptively spacious accommodation with the benefit of a double detached garage and pretty cottage gardens. Located in the sought after village of Little Dunmow with the market town of Great Dunmow being approximately 2 miles away offering a good range of everyday shopping facilities and schooling for all ages. EPC D.

View our properties on TV at Great Dunmow Office (01371) 876868

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfords.tv

Great Dunmow Office (01371) 876868

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

23

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Emerson Park Price ÂŁ2,495,000

Truly spacious and luxurious accommodation, comprising six bedrooms, all with en suite facilities and four with walk-in American-style wardrobes. Galleried landing incorporating built-in feature aquarium, three spacious reception rooms, basement incorporating cinema and gymnasium with fitted sauna.

There is a lift to all floors. EPC C.

Hornchurch Office (01708) 474034

Emerson Park Price ÂŁ1,350,000

This most spacious five bedroom detached family house is situated in this sought after area offering two en suites, family bathroom, impressive reception hall, sitting room, drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, separate utility room, 30ft games room with fitted bar. In/out carriage driveway with integral double garage and secluded garden. Awaiting EPC.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

24

Hornchurch Office (01708) 474034

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Emerson Park Price £995,000

Older style detached family home with a wealth of character throughout. To the ground floor an entrance porch gives access through to a reception hall, lounge, dining room, sitting room, kitchen, conservatory, utility room and shower room. There are five double bedrooms, two with en suite shower rooms and a family bathroom/WC. EPC E.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Stock OIRO £850,000

Hornchurch Office (01708) 474034

Hornchurch Price £665,000

Within walking distance of local shopping facilities, schooling and Gidea Park mainline Railway Station is this well maintained and much improved detached family home. The accommodation is served by a reception hall, lounge, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room and dining room. The first floor has three bedrooms and bathroom/WC. EPC E.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

26

This executive style detached family residence offers a secluded garden set within a cul-de-sac location with a choice of reception accommodation, conservatory and off street parking for further vehicles plus a detached double garage. A viewing is a must to truly appreciate this fabulous family home with one of the reception rooms offering vaulted ceiling and with a plot of approx 0.33 of an acre. EPC D.

Ingatestone Office (01277) 350505

Blackmore Price £729,995

This home has been constructed to a high specification, from the welcoming hallway through to the elegant lounge which leads via double doors into a conservatory. The bespoke kitchen/breakfast room offers a comprehensive range of units, integral appliances and centre island unit. There is also a further family room/study and the four bedrooms all offer en suite facilities. EPC C.

View our properties on TV at Hornchurch Office (01708) 474034

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfords.tv

Ingatestone Office (01277) 350505

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

27

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

local focus

Hutton Mount Price on Application

Six/seven bedroom residence standing in 0.37 of an acre with reception hall, sitting room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast/family room, cloakroom, five first floor bedrooms, en suite to master, four further bedrooms with en suite shower rooms, two second floor rooms including playroom and guest bedroom. Shenfield Station is within one mile. EPC C.

regional coverage

national reach

Your invitation to maximise advertising sales with our unique club of estate agents

Shenfield Office (01277) 212111

We can strategically target your market demographic at the opportune moment of equity release with quantifiable results

Hutton Price £870,000

An attractive 1930’s built five bedroom detached house within 0.3 miles of Shenfield Station and with a good sized frontage providing parking for numerous vehicles. Three receptions rooms, cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast room and utility, en suite to master bedroom and family bathroom, attractively landscaped south facing rear garden approximately 100 ft, within 1 mile of St Martins School. EPC E.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

28

Shenfield Office (01277) 212111

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

“We’ve had great customer response from our advertising with Cream that has resulted in sales. These sales have far out-performed any money we have spent on advertising with Cream.”

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We have seen some great results thanks to Cream providing us with an excellent platform to promote our business from.”

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Ryan Parker PR and Marketing Manager

call us on

0845 521 5236

http://advertising.cream-club.co.uk

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Hutton Price £849,950

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR LEGAL SERVICES, ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION?

Constructed in 2001 this spacious detached residence in this popular area adjacent to open countryside and also within 0.6 miles of St Martins School. Comprises; hall, lounge, dining room, study, family room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, five bedrooms, two en suites, long driveway to double garage and an attractive rear garden measuring 80ft x 50ft. Shenfield Station is within 1.3 miles. EPC C.

Shenfield Office (01277) 212111

Roger Green and Company are a partnership of solicitors offering a wide range of conveyancing and financial advice for private individuals, families and the commercial sector • Sales and purchases for both freehold and leasehold

• Lettings and Tenancy Agreements

• Insolvency

• Landlord and Tenant issues

• Commercial transactions

• Transfer of ownership between owners

• Finance Reclaim

• Civil litigation

• Matrimonial

Old Shenfield Price £1,250,000

Telephone: 01277 659441 Fax: 01277 630596 Website: www.rogergreensolicitors.co.uk Email: enquiries@rogergreensolicitors.co.uk Roger Green and Company, Foxcroft, 100 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9BY

Currently under construction, by Debenham Homes, with a south westerly facing rear garden within 0.8 miles of Shenfield Station. Two receptions, dining room, luxurious kitchen open to orangery style breakfast room/family room, utility, cloakroom, six bedrooms, dressing room and en suite to master, en suite to bedroom two and two further bathrooms. Awaiting EPC.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Shenfield Office (01277) 212111

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

31

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Cranham Price £465,000

Within the heart of Old Cranham, easy reach of Town Centre, Station and schools for all ages. The property has undergone an extensive course of improvement by the current owner and now benefits from modern features such as an open plan family/living/kitchen area to the rear, luxury fitted bathroom to the ground floor as well as under-floor heating throughout the ground floor. EPC D.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Upminster Price £759,995

Upminster Office (01708) 222200

Upminster Price £549,995

Ideally situated for Upminster’s mainline Rail Station as well as shops and amenities, close to local schools. The generous size corner plot offers ample scope for extension, subject to planning permission.

There is off street parking and a separate detached garage to the rear of the garden. Stunning condition throughout. EPC E.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

32

Substantial four bedroom detached family house, walking distance of Upminster Town Centre, Station and high achieving schools. Located on a sought after road, two reception rooms, extended kitchen/ breakfast room and ground floor shower room/WC. Benefiting from mature west facing rear garden which offers a high degree of privacy and seclusion. EPC E.

Upminster Office (01708) 222200

Upminster Price £599,995

Located in an established tree lined avenue on the South side of Upminster and having undergone an extensive course of modernisation and improvement in recent years, this extended four bedroom semidetached property is within easy reach of the mainline Railway Station and high achieving schools for all ages. EPC C.

View our properties on TV at Upminster Office (01708) 222200

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

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Upminster Office (01708) 222200

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

33

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Good Easter Price £860,000

Positioned within the sought after village of Good Easter, approximately 8 miles from Chelmsford City centre, this character former school house stands on a plot approaching 0.5 of an acre backing onto farmland. There is a country style ‘L’ shaped kitchen/breakfast room, utility, store/work room, ground floor cloakroom, two further receptions, family bathroom and five/six bedrooms. EPC G.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Billericay Price £2,500 pcm

Writtle Office (01245) 420880

Writtle Price £449,995

Complimented by a superb rear garden this detached two bedroom bungalow offers ample parking for several vehicles to the front, double garage and is approached via a private shared driveway. Located on the edge of the village, which offers a choice of shops, recreational facilities, local school and village green with duck pond. Offered with no onward chain. EPC E.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

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Located in Billericay, close to Stockbrook Manor Golf Club and within easy access of Billericay Railway Station and High Street. Modern five bedroom family home offering well-proportioned accommodation comprising three reception rooms, large conservatory, large kitchen with appliances, master bedroom with en suite, pleasant rear garden with summerhouse and driveway parking. EPC D.

Billericay Lettings Office (01277) 658666

Bocking Price £1,800 pcm

Situated on the historic Bradford Street is this Grade II listed early 19th century town house. The property offers spacious accommodation and period features including high ceilings, feature fireplaces and is well presented throughout. Externally there is an enclosed rear garden, garage and parking. The A120 is a short drive away offering access to Stansted, M11 and London. EPC E.

View our properties on TV at Writtle Office (01245) 420880

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfords.tv

Braintree Lettings Office (01376) 348666

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

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www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Shenfield Price £3,495 pcm

Situated in the sought after location of Old Shenfield is this five bedroom detached house within 0.6 miles of Shenfield Station. The property comprises two bathrooms, ground floor cloakroom, lounge, dining room, family room, spacious conservatory and modern kitchen/breakfast room with appliances and inset Aga, garage and an “in and out” driveway. Rent includes gardener. EPC D.

Brentwood Lettings Office (01277) 218151

Burnham On Crouch Price £3,000 pcm

A stunning detached house facing onto the estuary with superb waterfront views in the historic village of Burnham On Crouch. It has a maritime theme and offers outstanding modern accommodation with six bedrooms, stunning kitchen/diner, drawing room with vaulted ceiling, wet room, balcony and courtyard gardens. An additional annexe, sauna and double length garage are included. EPC D.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

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Chelmsford Lettings Office (01245) 500666

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Life has many grey areas.

The task of a solicitor is to provide clarity

where there is fog, understanding where there is

misunderstanding and fairness where there is unfairness.

To create equality and balance for, and on behalf of,

all our clients.

WORTLEY BYERS NEWS Wortley Byers are delighted to announce the October launch of our Private Client Department under the leadership of partner Anne Elliss. Anne says: “Bringing together our probate, wills, trust and residential conveyancing lawyers and support staff into one team will help us deliver a high quality all-round service to meet the needs of the private individual. People come to us for help and we will never be a faceless, factory operation. We are committed to giving personal and sympathetic expert advice in all cases whether simple and straightforward or complex and challenging. We won’t be the cheapest but we will offer great value for money.”

Wortley Byers LLP Cathedral Place Brentwood Essex CM14 4ES

Colchester

T +44 (0)1277 268368 F +44 (0)1277 268369 W www.wortleybyers.co.uk

Price £1,100 pcm

A four bedroom family home located in the sought after area of Poets Corner to the west of Colchester.

The accommodation is arranged over three floors and comprises a lounge, 20ft dining room, fully fitted kitchen and family bathroom. The property benefits from an enclosed garden with patio area and off road parking to the rear. EPC E.

Colchester Lettings Office (01206) 763333 WB.indd 1

08/10/2012 16:39

Gidea Park Price £2,400 pcm

Attractive four bedroom detached property located on the ever popular Exhibition Estate. Boasting many fine features, two receptions, bespoke fitted kitchen with Range style cooker, breakfast room, utility room, ground floor cloakroom, stylish “Victorian style” bathroom including free standing roll top bath, en suite to master. Lovely rear garden including Summer Hose. EPC E.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Havering Lettings Office (01708) 222211

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater and Central London

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www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

Thinking of buying-to-let?

Why not make it a reality!

In 2006 there were 2.4million homes in the private rental sector within the UK. Currently this figure is closer to 4.3million and by 2021 it’s expected to be nearer 7million.

The number of tenants searching for somewhere to live is higher than it has ever been and this trend is expected to continue.

Remember that every rented property will need to be owned by someone!

Stebbing Price £1,250 pcm

A beautifully unique two/three bedroom converted barn offering good access to Stansted, the M11 and London. Boasting a large open plan living space with wood burner and a modern fitted kitchen, the property also benefits from a ground floor bedroom with an en suite shower room. The first floor double bedroom overlooks the well maintained garden. Awaiting EPC.

Some people are beginning to question the viability of personal pensions to fund their retirement and the returns offered by many ‘main steam’ saving plans can be negligible. As a result some investors are being drawn to

Great Dunmow Lettings (01371) 868554

buy to let property as a suitable alternative.

Such properties can not only provide a regular source of monthly income but also offer the potential of long term Capital Growth.

AVERAGE PROPERTY PRICES IN ESSEX

One such couple are Linda and Louis Lincoln and their story was featured recently in The Times.

(FROM LAND REGISTRY)

£200,000

%

182

£150,000 £100,000

IN

CR

EA

SE

£50,000 £0 1995

Interestingly the majority of those now buying properties to rent out are not seasoned investors. Instead they are people from all walks of life who retain equity in their main home or have savings which they want to work more effectively.

2011

They had been long term investors in the stock market but became disillusioned with the returns being received. They turned their attentions to the buy to let market and after conducting research on a number of local agents felt Beresfords were best placed to assist.

Louis and Linda Lincoln: ‘Beresfords made the entire process seamless. They found a couple of properties which were ideal and it only took an average of a week to find suitable tenants. We wanted no emotional involvement. As big softies it would have been awful collecting the rent ourselves – we’d believe any old sob story!

Although we were very keen to do this we didn’t want to be having sleepless nights. After meeting with Beresfords Investment Team they gave us the confidence and reassurance that we were seeking. We could let them get on and deal with everything on our behalf, allowing us to carry on with everyday life. So far we have been very pleased and they have certainly done all that they promised.’

The Lincoln’s story is not uncommon and free consultations are available to anyone who is thinking of investing in this sector of the property market.

For more information please contact Steven Bond by telephone: 01245 397497 or e-mail: sb@beresfordsgroup.co.uk

£1,600 pcm

LET BY

£2,000 pcm

LET BY

£5,000 pcm

LET BY EXAMPLES OF PROPERTIES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE WHICH ARE SUITABLE FOR BUYING TO LET:

£3,600 pcm

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LET BY

£2,475 pcm

LET BY

£5,000 pcm

Just a small selection of premier homes that have recently been let by Beresfords.

Due to high levels of demand further properties are and urgently required.

Offices throughout Essex and into Greater Central London

LET BY

LEXDEN, COLCHESTER

ROMFORD

CRESSING, BRAINTREE

Studio apartment located in highly sought after location within walking distance of Town Centre and Station. EPC E.

Modern two bedroom apartment located in a popular development within a mile of Romford Station. In good internal condition. EPC C.

Modern two bedroom apartment located within this popular village. In good internal condition. EPC D.

Asking price: £89,995 Projected annual rent: £5,760 Anticipated gross yield: 6.4%

Asking price: £170,000 Projected annual rent: £10,800 Anticipated gross yield: 6.3%

Asking price: £122,000 Projected annual rent: £7,800 Anticipated gross yield: 6.3%

41

Beresfords & Upminster

– a wonderful partnership of 45 years…

Simon Burton talks to Beresfords’ Managing Director and Chairman, Paul Beresford, and Upminster Branch Manager, Rob Twitchett, about how the partnership has gone from strength to strength for almost half a century and why Upminster is such a highly sought after area in which to live.

A

lthough administratively a London suburb and located inside the M25, Upminster is surrounded by countryside on all three sides. Even the main shopping area in Corbets Tey Road is flanked by an open park area. Some highly regarded villages surround the town too, including Great Warley, Bulphan, Orsett Village and Horndon-on-the-Hill. But as Rob Twitchett explains, there are two other key reasons that make Upminster and its surrounds a popular place to live: “Firstly, you have one of the best rail links into London. The main line reaches Fenchurch Street in approximately 22 minutes so the area is really popular for commuters. For those that do not want to be living in the City, the appeal of the

42

character Edwardian and 1930’s properties on large plots in a leafy suburb like Upminster is easy to understand.

“Secondly, Upminster has some highly regarded schools at both primary and secondary level, including The Coopers’ Coborn School, which always comes out fantastically well in the Ofsted reports. In addition there are other outstanding schools in the locality including some of the best primary schools in the London Borough of Havering. People do specifically buy in the area just for schools and for stations, or both; the typical demographic is affluent families coming in with preschool children or school age children.”

Beresfords’ in-depth knowledge of the Upminster area is second to none. Indeed, the company was founded in the town in 1968 by

Above from left: The Upminster office through the years, in 1968, 1978, 1994, and 2013

Reginald and Eileen Beresford. In 1975 the current MD and Chairman, Paul Beresford, joined the original office in Corbets Tey Road. Based on those firm footings and an excellent reputation, the company started to expand throughout Essex and moved to its present prime location in Station Road in 1994. Rob believes Beresfords’ experience, professionalism and the high standards set by the directors and the staff are the key to its success: “Throughout Beresfords, each office has someone who has worked in that town for at least 10 or 15 years. One of my colleagues at Upminster has been working here for 24 years, even our secretary and admin suppor t have grown with the company and have become an integral par t of the team. When it comes to having a clear understanding about the proper ties and their prices, this level of local knowledge is paramount and key to achieving the best price for our clients. The company’s Directorship and Senior Management team, including MD Paul Beresford and Director Terry Holmes, take a very keen interest in the Upminster market and still have strong links to the area thanks to friends and family.”

Crucially, it is also that experience and professionalism that continues to bring the very latest technology and innovations to the business.

Paul Beresford explains: “People look at our brand history and know that the company hasn’t just sat still; Beresfords has always been at the forefront of everything. We are now one of the largest, truly independent estate agencies in the region and are at the forefront of 21st-century property marketing, leading the way in areas such as Smartphone applications, online TV and an industry leading website. Nevertheless we are equally at home with the traditional approach associated with a family-run business, which still carries great weight with buyers and sellers.

“Our state-of-the-art software means that we can interlink properties, buyers and tenants across all our office areas. For example, we have Hornchurch and Gidea Park close by and there’s always been movement between these areas within Havering. It means someone at one office can be talking to a client and establish that they would be interested in moving to Upminster. The crossover is amazing and a good proportion of sales come from purchasers who were referred to us via one of our other local branches.”

Whether you are selling, buying, letting or renting a property in the Upminster area, Beresfords is well placed to serve the needs of all clients. The company’s track record and prominent position in the area mean that it not only has an extensive database of applicants but has also handled sales or lettings on a high proportion of the properties in the area, as Rob points out: “We have recorded every property that has been sold by Beresfords since 1968, when the company first started in Upminster; there’s probably only a couple of roads where there’s the odd door number that we’ve never handled. It’s amazing that some proper ties have been handled by Beresfords up to seven or eight times over the last 20 or 30 years!

“People are aware that with our knowledge of what sort of buyer bought a particular property the first time around, chances are we can find a similar buyer for it the second, third, fourth, and fifth time.”

Such a depth of local knowledge, coupled with such a high level of expertise and technological innovation, means that Beresfords are best placed to help you with all your property needs.

RD & EG Beresford Founding Partners 1968 – 1988

Paul Beresford Chairman/ Managing Director 1975 – today

Alex Beresford 2010 - today

For further information on Beresfords’ Upminster office please contact 01708 222200.

43

Meadow on the Hill Following the recent acquisition of Foxton Hayes estate agency in Great Dunmow, Simon Burton talks to Beresfords’ Chairman Paul Beresford about why this will benefit both Beresfords and those looking for property in the area.

I

n talking to Paul Beresford about the recent acquisition of a new branch in Great Dunmow, his enthusiasm and passion shows why Beresfords has remained at the top of the property market in the South East for nearly 50 years.

Building on such a successful history, and with over 20 offices and departments already well-situated within Essex, for Paul there were many reasons why Great Dunmow was ideal for the newest Beresfords branch: “To be honest, it’s been somewhere we’ve wanted to go for a number of years, but you have to wait for the right opportunity to come up. Like a lot of things, there is not just one single reason. All the pieces have to be in place to make a decision like that.The property market in the Dunmow area is buoyant and, as always with our expansion plans, every office has been opened as part of an overall plan; it has never been a random decision.

“Dunmow is already well known to us. We have for a number of years been handling substantial equestrian and country homes within the local area.

Therefore, the Beresfords name will be quite familiar 44

to a number of local residents and of course as a brand we have been established since 1968”.

Much like other towns in which Beresfords operates, Great Dunmow has a rich and interesting history, which can be seen in the wide variety of architecture and property that is available today.

“There are certainly some exceptional rural and country properties in the area together with some of the most beautiful and well-kept villages in Essex. Great Dunmow itself is a very historic town; it goes right back to Roman times. Dunmow means ‘meadow on the hill’, which is a charming description. Not only are there substantial character properties outside of the town, many are situated within the town centre itself.

In addition there are good quality developments taking place within the boundaries of Dunmow.

“What’s more, the commuter links are second to none.There is a railway station either side: Braintree to the east, and Bishops Stortford to the west, which go straight into Liverpool Street on different lines in around an hour or less. The M11 is about seven miles away, easily accessible from the A120 trunk road immediately to the south of Great Dunmow.

And of course there is a great deal of appeal because

Dunmow sits only six miles from Stansted with its major airport and also the Stansted Express, which takes passengers into London Liverpool Street in approximately 48 minutes.”

What is particularly important for Paul is the synergy of the two brands: “The Foxton Hayes brand has been successful in Dunmow for 20 years, therefore the staff at the office know the area very well and respect the needs of local clients and the community. Combining this local knowledge with the level of experience of the Beresfords’ team members who are transferring to the office, allows the two brands to blend together perfectly.

“Combining the above with Beresfords’ 45 year history and a network of offices across the county and into London, backed by some of the most comprehensive and modern marketing initiatives, we believe clients in Dunmow will have the ultimate coverage from probably the most established company in the region.

“Along with the established staff members in Dunmow and those moving in who have connections to the area, it’s a very exciting time for us and we are really looking forward to working with the clients in Dunmow.”

However, it’s not just great marketing that Beresfords will be bringing to Great Dunmow. As one of the largest independent estate agents in the South East, Beresfords are able to market all of their properties across each of their offices, thereby offering a much wider exposure for their clients than many other local agents.

“We have the ability to access people outside of the area that a lot of other agents won’t be able to offer,” explains Paul. “The software that we use gives every branch the ability to access every piece of data.

At Great Dunmow, they’ll immediately be able to pitch properties to people not just in nearby areas such as Chelmsford, but further south in the county and into London.

“From our data we know that up to 40 per cent of house hunters looking in north Essex are not from the local area but are moving out from further south in the county.This happens to be where Beresfords’ branches are located and our new Dunmow office will market properties to every one of those buyers and tenants.”

As for future prospects for Great Dunmow and Beresfords, Paul remains resolutely positive: “Although the property sector in many parts of the UK is tough, the area of Essex that we’re in has had a very good start to the year. We’ve got the commutability and the draw of London, but we’ve also got wonderful market towns like Dunmow, as well as the east coast.There are huge great capital projects in the county that bring in employment benefits; Shenfield has the eastern hub of Crossrail; and we’ve got huge demand from developers for land in the area.

It’s certainly a good place to be in both physically and mentally. We’re very fortunate.”

If you are considering selling or letting a property in Great Dunmow or the surrounding areas, please contact our new office: Sales: 01371 876868 or Lettings: 01371 868554.

45

Naturally beautiful Simon Burton looks at Europe’s first ever Organic and Natural Beauty Show

W

ith so much of modern life now becoming focused on utilizing organic goods and products, the UK beauty industry is this year holding the world’s first ever international exhibition and conference dedicated to organic and natural cosmetics and beauty products.

Over the course of 2 and 3 June, over 150 speakers, exhibitors and experts will take part at ExCeL London, to an expected audience of around 12,000 beauty professionals.

Recognised and supported by industry-leading associations and certification bodies, the Show will feature speakers and panellists from such distinguished

46

organisations as The Soil Association, CTPA, Ecocert, Cosmebio, NATRUE, Demeter, BDIH, ICEA, IMO and IFRA. The Show was set up in response to the growing demand for natural and organic beauty products, including cosmetics, ingredients, packaging, nutritional supplements and vitamins, as event organiser Philippe Gelin explains: “There is a strong trend in the beauty industry to focus increasingly on health issues. Individuals are getting more aware that some beauty products can be harmful to their health – and organic and natural beauty products, because of their body-friendly properties, are now facing high demand. After spending two years consulting many

experts, the general consensus was that the industry was in dire need of an event exclusively dedicated to its market and issues.”

The Show is being staged in association with Natural Health, the UK’s number one health magazine, and will include the first ever live awards ceremony for the Natural Health Beauty Awards. One of the most eagerly anticipated events in the skincare and cosmetics industry, the awards are now in their seventh year, and will honour 50 organic and natural beauty products “free from chemical nasties”.

The Show is the first event in Europe to combine natural, organic, fair trade, sustainable, ethical, environmentally safe and eco-friendly beauty products from around the world under one roof. While a main part of the Show is to celebrate the best way to look good, Philippe Gelin also emphasises the important health aspects to beauty and well-being: “Natural beauty is not only about looking good on the outside, it also encompasses vital factors such as well-being and health. The few events that currently include organic and natural beauty products are mostly about food. They do not provide the real opportunity to respond to this growing market, which not only includes cosmetics but also products such as nutritional supplements and vitamins.

“It is to answer this gap in the market that we

decided to launch – with the full support of the industry’s leading professional associations and certification bodies – the first beauty show focused on organic and natural products.”

Exclusively dedicated to the natural and organic beauty industry, there is a specific focus on the high quality of its attendees. The majority of visitors are UK and European distributors of natural beauty products, who, together with a number of beauty professionals and members of the press, will have a great chance to exchange ideas, launch new products and meet retailers, distributors and beauty professionals. With over 80 per cent of attendees occupying senior management positions in the natural cosmetic and beauty market, the Show provides a unique platform for networking among similarly minded professionals.

Among the market experts speaking at the conference are such industry recognised names as BBC Radio presenter and author Janey Lee Grace; Head of Cosmos relations at ICEA, Riccardo Anouchinsky; General Director of Belgium’s NATRUE, Julie Tyrrell; and Co-Director of Demeter USA, Elizabeth Candelario.

Also featured will be top-level presenters such as CEOs from manufacturers of organic and natural cosmetics and beauty products. Exhibitors attending the Show will include international producers of natural beauty products looking to increase awareness of their

brand, and expand their client base and distribution channels across the continent. Additionally, Binky Felstead from E4 show Made in Chelsea and beauty blogger in the Daily Mail, will be present at the Show over the two days.

The conference will cover a variety of topics, including “legislative updates and regulatory harmonisation in Europe; retail landscape of organic and natural cosmetics; private labels and packaging; social media and brand strategy; male care; organic and natural preservatives; organic products and natural methods in anti-aging techniques; current trends and research in organic and natural raw materials; the market of natural slimming products; standards in organic nutritional supplements; and raising money for cosmetic start-ups.”

With so much on the agenda, 2013’s inaugural Show is sure to be a success, which will hopefully continue long into the future.

For more information on the event, please visit www.naturalbeautyshow.com

47

Monumental Magic

Faith Back takes a trip to Monument Valley, Arizona and discovers why it has captured the hearts of film directors and visitors alike

T

he US-163 highway falls away to the south-west in front of us, straight as a Roman road and only slightly changing its direction to accommodate the undulating contours of the land. Stretching away on either side of the road towards distant lines of red and purple cliffs is a scrubby desert where, from time to time, tiny dust devils whip up the soft red earth. The colours of the landscape ripple and change with each passing cloud. But the eye is constantly drawn to the vanishing point of the road in front, beyond which rises an almost mirage-like vision of bastions, spires and towers; a great city in shades of orange, red and purple – Monument Valley, Arizona.

Having originally trained as a geologist, one of my dreams had always been to visit Arizona’s Grand Canyon (and avoid Las Vegas). Eventually, a significant birthday provided the excuse for taking a very special holiday. Googling around, Complete North America offered a host of detailed and mouth-watering fly-drive itineraries, including ‘Grand Canyon Country’, all of which could be tailored to suit.

A few emails, phone calls and months later, my husband and I, along with our 10-year-old daughter, boarded a direct flight from Heathrow to Phoenix, Arizona. After recovering from the flight at the Marriott Camelback Inn, a plush resort and spa hotel in the Scottsdale area of Phoenix, we then embarked on an unforgettable journey that would take in a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon, the spectacular scenery of the US National Parks of Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef and Mesa Verde, a steam train journey through the southern Rocky Mountains, and... Monument Valley.

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If you hunger for vast and dramatic landscapes, it would be hard to beat the southwestern United States, and the best way to see it is to drive yourself. The region is certainly a geologist’s paradise; I even came home with a T-shir t emblazoned with various geological phenomena and the slogan ‘Utah Rocks!’, which it sure does! But of all these fabulous places and experiences, Monument Valley was the one which really took me by surprise. Perhaps because of its fame as a film location, I had wondered whether its archetypal image as a ‘Wild West’ landscape had been aggrandized. Not so. The scale and beauty of Monument Valley was to take my breath away.

Monument Valley is not a US National Park, it’s a Navajo Nation Tribal Park of around 30,000 acres, which was established in 1958 and is located on the border of Arizona and Utah within the 16 million-acre Navajo Reservation. Around 180,000 Navajo live in the Reservation, of whom some 300 live in the hear t of Monument Valley all year round. While catering for tourism, the area seems little affected by it and continues to be a living and thriving stronghold of the Navajo culture.

Only on returning home did I realise that my first view of Monument Valley, as described in my opening paragraph, was itself the backdrop to a famous scene in ‘Forrest Gump’ (1994) in which the title character, played by Tom Hanks, chooses to end his long distance run across the United States. Driving on from this location, we began to realise that the landscape was not entirely empty of human habitation; we began to spot single storey homesteads dotted here and there with pickup trucks parked outside. Eventually we came to a crossroads, where a left turn would have taken us to the Park entrance; we took the right-hand turn up past the modern Monument Valley High School to Goulding’s Lodge, our accommodation for the night.

Goulding’s Lodge, which is now a modern motel nestling at the foot of a towering mesa, started life as a trading post in the 1920s. It was opened by Harry Goulding and his wife ‘Mike’, who conducted business with the local Navajo people; the Navajos would bring the Gouldings their livestock, mainly sheep, and handmade goods, such as silver jewellery and hand-woven rugs, to trade for food and supplies.

The Gouldings were renowned for their genuine concern for Indian welfare and were instrumental in establishing a modern hospital for residents and for developing a fresh water source for all to use. During the Depression Years, the area suffered greatly 50

until, in 1937, the Gouldings heard rumours of plans by Hollywood producers to shoot Western-themed movies on location in the south-west. With a view to bringing financial relief to the Navajo people, Harry Goulding set off for California with a por tfolio of photographs of Monument Valley by Josef Muench. As a result and just one year later, John Ford brought a film crew to the Goulding’s remote desert lodge and filmed ‘Stagecoach’, the first of nine classic Ford films shot in Monument Valley.

Arriving in mid-afternoon, we were shown to one of the motel‘s 62 standard rooms, which are arranged over three levels, each with its own private balcony providing a splendid view of the surroundings. Goulding’s Lodge also offers eight apar tments, a campground in nearby Rock Door Canyon, an indoor swimming pool and a restaurant (unsurprisingly called ‘The Stagecoach’), while the original lodge has become a small museum where you can view the Goulding’s living quarters, historical ar tefacts and photographs, and motion picture memorabilia. Admission to the museum is on a donation basis; the donations provide local high school graduates with college scholarships. John Wayne’s Cabin is located behind the museum; its exterior features in the classic Western ‘She Wore a Yellow Ribbon’ as the personal quar ters for the Cavalry Post’s commanding officer, Captain Nathan Brittles, played

by Wayne. A mock-up of the interior Hollywood set can be seen inside the cabin alongside still shots from the film, which also featured the superb horsemanship of Ben Johnson as Sergeant Tyree.

Goulding’s Lodge is one of several Navajo operators to run narrated jeep tours of the Valley, which are lead by Navajo guides who take pride in educating tourists about their culture; having arrived mid-afternoon, we were just in time to book ourselves onto the three-and-a-half hour tour. Nearly all the tours include a visit to an authentic Navajo dwelling or hogan, where we were given an introductory talk about the traditional Navajo way of life and a rug weaving demonstration. A five mile drive brought us to the Tribal Park Visitor Centre, where hiking and camping permits can be bought as well as general admission tickets (included in the tour price).

Goulding’s Lodge was for many years the closest hotel to the Park, the only other accommodation being motels in the town of Kayenta, some 20 miles away to the

Above: First view of Monument Valley approaching from the east; a familiar backdrop in the film ‘Forrest Gump’ Far left: A traditional Navajo Hogan Near left, top: The Goulding’s Lodge Tours’ jeep stops by ‘The Ear of the Wind’ Near left, bottom: Goulding’s Lodge nestles below a massive red rock mesa, just outside the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

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Above: The view from John Ford Point, the place where the director liked to set up his camera and capture the ‘hero’ silhouetted on the prominent point to the bottom left of this picture

Above: The iconic ‘Mittens’ Below: Scattered Navajo homesteads, whether traditional hogans or modern dwellings, are dwarfed by the enormity of the landscape

52

south-west. However, in 2008, the Navajo-owned View Hotel was built adjoining the Visitor Centre and has guestroom balconies facing east towards the iconic Mitten rock formations.

A 17-mile dirt road takes a loop from the Visitor Centre, which visitors with a 4-wheel drive vehicle can self-drive in about an hour; although you can stop en route, you’re not allowed to hike for any distance. The loop is also used for the basic guided tours, but extended tours, like the one that we were booked on, additionally take you into the restricted back country, also known as the Hidden Valley. As we journeyed, our guide told us the modern names ascribed to each fascinating rock formation, usually named after someone, such as John Ford’s Point (the place where Ford liked to set up his camera), or because they resembled something, like the Mittens, the Totem Pole and Elephant Butte. All these profoundly beautiful ‘monuments’ appear almost to float on a sea of red dust. As well as the mesas and buttes, spires and pinnacles, there are arches created by weathering and bridges where a span of rock has been undercut by a flow of water, some with evocative names even in English, such as the Sun’s Eye and the Ear of the Wind. The valley and its features also have older, Navajo names of course, some of which our guide pronounced for us and which sounded far more appropriate, although impossible to repeat. Near the Sun’s Eye, we saw a rock face covered with ancient petroglyphs, resembling men and maybe sheep, scratched by the early Anasazi people. Here too, on the valley floor, tiny frogs hopped across a sun-cracked surface, which was as delicate as egg shell, hinting at past thunderstorms and flash floods, while horses roamed freely, grazing on the sparse vegetation. Few large trees grow here, except for the occasional cottonwood, but a wide variety of plants grow wherever there is some moisture, and just lie dormant if there’s not enough rainfall. But after a sudden deluge, the desert blooms again in a myriad of shapes and colours.

Goulding’s Lodge tours also offer a five-and-a-half hour tour (with a barbecue cooked by the guide) of what they call Mystery Valley, which is an area full of Anasazi ruins, petroglyphs and pictographs (painted images); there’s also a full day tour, which includes the loop, the Hidden Valley and Mystery Valley. Many other kinds of tour are available, including horseback and balloon tours, sunset and full moon tours. One brief visit is forever memorable, but never enough.

At the end of our tour, we dined at the Stagecoach, which served reasonable but conventional meals (no alcohol allowed), and then we discovered the Goulding’s Lodge ‘theater’, a grand name for a small building with basic plastic chairs, but here it seemed entirely right to relax and finish the day watching a screening of John Ford’s ‘Stagecoach’.

Monument Valley continues to be a magnet for the film-makers who did much to bring this iconic landscape to wider attention; in 2010, it even made an appearance in a Dr Who adventure, while next summer, you can watch out for views of the valley in ‘The Lone Ranger’, starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.

But better still, go and discover its magic for yourself.

For more information on Complete North America fly-drive tours, go to www.completenorthamerica.com

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Staircases of Distinction Please contact us on 0333 900 10 10 or sales@smetuk.com www.smetuk.com

Layer luxury throws and pillows to create an inviting bedroom

Preparation is the

key to success

by Collette hanlon

You get one chance to make a good impression, so fabulous inspiring interiors and quality photographs are essential for successful marketing.

Buyers expect to see stunning bedrooms beautifully dressed with a sense of luxury.

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pring is traditionally the starting block for the property selling season and, judging by the level of enquiries arriving every day at Home Stagers, this year looks like no exception to the rule. If you are marketing a property then preparation at the start of the season is the key to success. Preliminary focus should be with the exterior appearance, as this is your first impression and it is vital to make a positive mark! Clear away all the winter debris, building materials and non-essentials; in fact anything that does not enhance the kerb appeal has to go! This principle applies to all ends of the market: from the road, your property should look polished, spotless and attractive. Go that extra mile and stop potential buyers from driving by with an injection of cheerful colour from spring flowers, and foliage.

Having conquered the exterior, turn your attention next to the interior. At Home Stagers we see properties from a vast range of price brackets and architectural styles;

Beautiful accents layered with rich texture add a pop of colour to the open plan living area 54

however the message is essentially the same: good presentation will increase the desirability. For most of us, buying and selling a home will involve the largest transaction of money in our lives. A buyer wants to see a desirable deal; that is, either a property they will fall in love with or a deal they can’t refuse! A vendor wants a great deal too, the best asking price and usually a rapid sale once they have committed. Consider your estate agents as your professional marketing team; it is essential to work with them, and present them with the best possible product to enable them to create the most effective marketing campaign for you.

Presentation is paramount to both perceived value and marketing potential. Increase the desirability by creating an interior that meets potential buyers’ hopes and expectations.

Absolutely all potential buyers will have aspirations for their dream home; this is true at all levels of the property market.

If a property is poorly presented, the level of investment and work required by the prospective buyer to ultimately achieve that dream end result will drive down the apparent value.

However, by investing time and a reasonable budget to improve presentation, your property becomes a more advantageous prospect to agents and to serious buyers. Superb photos will pay dividends too, by expanding your marketing potential and increasing viewings. Be objective; take time to achieve top photos and style your rooms to appeal to your widest target market.

Presentation and Promotion go hand in hand; most estate agents will agree that empty properties are incredibly difficult to market successfully. The resulting investment in a glossy printed brochure can be disappointing and the photos on the Internet will not illustrate the property at its full potential. The consequence could be that your property is dismissed even prior to viewing. If you are not completely happy with your marketing

photos and they don’t show your property at its absolute best, and assuming that you seriously want to sell, then consider professional help. At Home Stagers we specialise in presenting property for sale, so we understand the market comprehensively. With over ten years’ experience we have seen highs and lows in the market and our properties continue to successfully sell. We work closely with estate agents, developers, property professionals and homeowners to achieve maximum marketing potential with increased visibility! We offer a comprehensive range of professional interior design and styling services from consultation through to a complete luxury show home delivered, installed and beautifully ‘Staged to Sell’, usually within just two weeks of contract. Many of our show homes have been used for premium editorial and property advertising features and our stunning photographs enhance the marketability to a new level!

Price is a key part of the equation. Price your property to sell; listen to your agent, who will know what a realistic selling figure is in the current market. Under-pricing your property could create thoughts that there is an unseen problem; over-price it and you potentially will rule out viewings from your possible buyers at the critical time, i.e. in the first six weeks of marketing. Only when you have all these factors lined up are you truly market ready!

Home Stagers specialise in both Interior Design projects and “Staging to Sell” homes, offering Furniture Rental and Property Presentation, and a focus on key selling points to maximise marketing potential to help achieve a quick sale at the best price. Unique in their field, they work with Estate Agents across the UK in marketing and also provide photography and editorial for Featured Properties. Don’t overlook the fact that buyers buy what they see - NOT what they imagine. Over 90% of Home Stagers’ “Staged to Sell” properties have successfully SOLD! Check out our Facebook page for more photos and tips...and like us!

For more information regarding Preparation and Presentation or for a FREE, No Obligation Quotation visit www.homestagers.co.uk or www.showhomefurniture.co.uk where we also rent Show Home Furniture tailored and styled by our designers to suit your target market.

For a friendly chat to create your Show Home just call Collette Tel: 0800 542 8952 or email collette@homestagers.co.uk

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Above: The Daffodil Valley in The Valley Gardens

Faith Back takes a look at some superb gardens to visit in spring: The Valley Gardens and The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park; and Exbury Gardens in Hampshire

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indsor Great Park is a large deer park of approximately 20 sq km that lies to the south of the town of Windsor on the border of Berkshire and Surrey. Managed by the Crown Estate, it contains two distinct gardens; The Valley Gardens and The Savill Garden.

The Valley Gardens lie in the south-east corner of the park on the northern shores of Virginia Water and comprise some 250 acres of landscaped garden and woodland. The area has been continuously planted since the 18th century; stands of oak, beech, sweet chestnut and Scots pine remain that were planted as far back as the early 1700s. The Valley Gardens were further developed by Sir Eric Savill and Hope Findlay in the 1940s. Inspired by its structure of parallel valleys, Savill and Findlay planted each valley with whole collections of particular plant groups, providing a home, along with The Savill Garden, to a number of National Collections including magnolia, mahonia, rhododendron species, Glenn Dale azaleas, hardy ferns, Fuji cherries, Himalayan birch and Chinese red-bark birch. Twisting trails and pathways enable the visitor to explore the wooded valleys and grass-filled meadows, where new vistas

surprise at every turn; many glimpses of Virginia Water can be seen, framed by clumps of the exotic shrubs and trees, while other walkways take you alongside the lake itself.

In early spring, a variety of flowering trees and shrubs can be seen, such as dogwoods, corylopsis (winter hazel), beautiful Japanese cherry trees and early flowering rhododendrons. In April and May, The Valley Gardens are internationally famous for their magnificent springtime displays of rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias. One of the highlights is the valley known as the Punch Bowl which, as its name suggests, forms a natural amphitheatre. Planted with Japanese Kurume azaleas, which were first collected by the English plant hunter Ernest Henry Wilson in 1918, the Punch Bowl dazzles the eyes in every direction with a riot of colour from the softest pink through to ruby red. In addition, the adjoining Azalea Valley is home to vast numbers of deciduous azaleas, which present a blaze of reds, oranges, yellows and purples in late May and early June. But it’s not just the larger shrubs and trees which give The Valley Gardens colour in spring. Spring heathers can be found in the heather garden, while an abundance of wildflowers carpet the grass and meadow areas, including 57

The Royal Landscape, www.theroyallandscape.co.uk

This page: Rhododendrons at Exbury Opposite above: Kurume azaleas dazzle in The Valley Gardens’ Punchbowl Exbury Gardens 58

Opposite below: The Rock Garden, Exbury Gardens

the familiar bluebell, red campion and white stitchwort. In the Pinetum, the ground beneath is smothered with great swathes of naturalised yellow daffodils, possibly the largest display of their kind in England. The bigger areas contain Narcissus pseudonarcissus, which is also known as the Lent Lily and is the largest of the three daffodil species, while Narcissus bulbocodium, the hoop petticoat daffodil, grows in the finer grass areas. Then there’s the tiny, deep yellow Narcissus cyclamineus, which grows on the edge of wet ditches and boggy areas. Together, the different types of daffodil provide an almost continuous succession of colour over three to four weeks.

To the north-east of The Valley Gardens is The Savill Garden, which was created by Sir Eric Savill in the 1930s and covers around 35 acres. Originally developed as an area of exotic woodland, The Savill Garden has been extended over the years under Royal patronage to become a series of interconnecting ornamental gardens, each with its own distinctive group of plants, such as the Rose Garden, which was opened by HM The Queen in 2010.

The Savill Garden particularly enjoys an international reputation for its colourful spring plant collections, notably the Spring Wood, which contains azaleas and many early flowering species of magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons, the latter including some of the species that form part of the National Collection. A replanting programme in this part of the Garden is gradually introducing some rarely seen rhododendron hybrids, which were originally bred towards the start of the 20th century.

Exbury Gardens 59

The Royal Landscape, www.theroyallandscape.co.uk

The Royal Landscape, www.theroyallandscape.co.uk 60

At the entrance to The Savill Garden, some 10,000 bulbs have been planted to create a dazzling succession of flowers, including scented miniature daffodils, which will be followed by polyanthus and further displays of daffodils.

Just two minutes’ walk from the entrance to the Garden, there is an area called The Glades, where drifts of crocuses and dwarf daffodils provide a blaze of colour in its damp, sunny meadows from March onwards. Just a small handful of seed, which was donated to the Garden more than 50 years ago, have spread to provide this glorious display.

In the Queen Elizabeth Temperate House, there are further drifts of bulbs, including the narcissus, ‘Diamond Jubilee’, which has a creamy white bloom with a delicate apricot centre and, as the name suggests, first made its appearance in 2012. The spring 2013 display will also feature the narcissus, ‘Paper White’, cyclamen, and Veltheimia capensis, which is a member of the hyacinth family from South Africa. The Temperate House is also home to many tender and unusual flowering rhododendrons and magnolias, which bloom at the same time.

From early April, the banks of the garden’s watercourse are smothered with beautiful yellow and white Lysichiton. More areas of the garden awaken in May, including the Bog Garden, where there are carpets of primula, iris and astilbe, while the Peat Beds and the Dry Garden both exhibit a myriad of interesting plants.

As well as these two fabulous gardens, Exbury Gardens, set in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire,

adjoining the Beaulieu River, also offers glorious displays of spring colour. Occupying a site of some 200 acres, it can be explored on foot, by a 20-minute steam train journey or by chauffeur-driven buggy. The garden is world famous for its collection of woodland plants especially rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and a wide variety of interesting trees, shrubs and perennials. In 2011 it was awarded the inaugural and prestigious Best Garden in UK Award by Hudson’s Heritage Group. The garden was the vision of Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942), who was a keen collector and hybridizer of plants, especially of rhododendrons and azaleas, and this tradition has been continued by subsequent generations of the family.

In March, magnolias begin to open their blooms throughout the garden. Different magnolia species continue to delight right through to the summer, when the larger flowering varieties come into their own. In March, camellias also add to the abundance of colour.

The New Camellia Walk, created in 1996, displays lots of showy American hybrids, and this compliments the original Camellia Walk, which was established in the 1930s.

The Daffodil Meadow provides a spectacular foreground to the view beyond of Bucklers Hard on the Beaulieu River. Primroses give way to bluebells as the season progresses.

Exbury’s pièce de resistance is the collection of more than 10,000 specimens of rhododendron. The Gardens continue to plant new varieties of species and hybrids. Many of these reach their peak from April to July

Exbury Gardens

providing the most breathtaking display imaginable. Not to be missed are the Kurume Azaleas in the Azalea Bowl surrounding the ponds in Home Wood. Surrounding Top Pond and the cascades are beds containing richly scented deciduous azaleas inter-planted with a wide range of Cornus ‘Venus’ and Cornus florida ‘Rubra’.

Other springtime delights include Japanese maples, which display their vibrant leaf colour below the Top Pond and Jubilee Ponds. The Heather Beds, which can be seen en route to Home Wood, provide a lovely display of colour in early spring against a backdrop of conifer foliage.

In addition to its wonderful spring display, Exbury is also home to a fabulous tree collection, which includes two National Collections. Two of Exbury’s oldest cedar trees, which were planted in 1729, can be seen near the Main House in the Glade, while nearby, the 250-year-old Wiggly Tree (Platanus orientalis), which has huge sprawling trunks, is a favourite with children.

Exbury also exhibits one of the largest collections of Cape Cowslips (Lachenalias) in the Five Arrows Gallery by the Herbaceous Border during early spring.

So, seek out some colour this spring by visiting one or more of these wonderful gardens.

For more information about The Valley Gardens and The Savill Garden, visit www.theroyallandscape.co.uk and for details about Exbury Garden, go to www.exbury.co.uk.

Far left, above: The Savill Garden’s Alpine Meadow Far left, below: Magnolia ‘Eric Savill’, named for the founder of The Savill Garden Above: A riot of colour at Exbury Gardens Below: The Savill Garden’s Spring Wood

The Royal Landscape, www.theroyallandscape.co.uk 61

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mong the many high quality restaurants in London’s Mayfair district, Umu stands out as being unique. As the only Kyoto-style Japanese restaurant in the country, Umu is proud of its reputation and its highly regarded Japanese cuisine. Head Chef Yoshinori Ishii brings nearly 20 years’ cooking experience to Umu, together with a passion for perfection and a love of creativity.

Yoshinori has an impressive career history, having previously worked for nine years at the three Michelin-starred Kyoto Kitcho in Japan, and at the Japanese embassies in New York and Geneva. Prior to Umu, he held the post of Okamase Chef at Morimoto in New York, where he was a finalist in the Vilcek Prize for culinary arts, and received the Rising Star Chef award: “After I got that title, many companies asked me if I could do something for them, and I could make a lot of friends in New York. It was very good for me!”

Despite receiving accolades and working in prestigious restaurants, Yoshinori says he feels no pressure.

“I don’t feel pressure for that. I just continue doing what I want to do. I don’t like to go the easier way, like other restaurants. Every single step is very important, and all of our chefs working around me share the same philosophy, so that isn’t pressure for me. If I have to do things easier, that can be more pressure.”

Together with award-winning skills in the kitchen, Yoshinori also enjoys painting, pottery, and calligraphy, and attributes his career as a Japanese chef to this love of all things creative.

A slice of Japan

Simon Burton talks to renowned chef Yoshinori Ishii about his passion for fish and his work at Mayfair’s Umu restaurant

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“Basically I like to make things by hand,” explains Yoshinori. “When I was a child, I loved fishing as well, and when I caught some fish, I needed to cook something from it. So I tried to cook little by little, from sashimi to cooking the fish, by asking friends, watching TV, or learning from cookery books. Also I loved to paint, and to make ceramics, and when I was a high school student I found that if I do Japanese cooking, all of those are included. Japanese cuisine is close to Japanese culture, and if I needed to learn Japanese cuisine I had to learn Japanese calligraphy, ceramics, and painting. I found that if I became a Japanese chef, I can do everything together.”

Yoshinori has learnt that every aspect of a meal is important, not just the food, and this philosophy continues to inform everything that he does, including dividing his time at Umu. “When I decide on some food, I think about everything; everything is equal,” Yoshinori elaborates; “For example this morning, I came here and was talking with a potter about how I am making new pottery for my restaurant. I asked what kind of material to use, and how to bake it, and we negotiated about that; and then I started cooking for lunch service. Then just ten minutes ago I went out to make a wonderful plate from bark. I spent about ten minutes making that, and then I came back to the kitchen again. So everything is going on at the same time, and making a plate is part of my food, part of my dish; everything is included.”

As part of this attitude towards the whole dining experience as art, Yoshinori has combined his love of ceramics with his position as Head Chef at Umu by creating the plates used to present his meals.

“I have just started to make two kinds of plate that we use in our restaurant now. I am planning on changing all the plates at Umu to be made by myself.”

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Throughout his travels, this philosophy of ‘ever ything is equal’ has remained constant, and can be traced back to Yoshinori’s earliest appointment at the Kyoto Kitcho.

“That restaurant had that same mentality that I have, that everything is very important, not only food; even the flowers in the restaurant are part of the dish, and some chefs take care of that, as I am doing at this restaurant, as well as hand-making the plates. When I moved to Switzerland I started to make porcelain paintings, collecting flowers from the Jura Mountains, fishing at Lake Leman and finding vegetables from local farmers. Then when I moved to New York I did the same, and here I am doing the same.

So I am just doing the same thing all over the world, but different because of different cultures and local ingredients, but I just arrange for local ingredients for my cuisine with the same technique and mentality. I make something from local ingredients and it can be changed little by little but still in my way, my technique and my style.”

Yoshinori’s love of travelling and interest in European culture brought him to London in 2010, where he was surprised by the quality of British food.

“When I was in the US, people were saying the UK is not good for food, everyone talked like that, but when I came to the UK I didn’t think so. Even going to a good pub, I could get a very good meal, and I found the UK had become much better than before.”

Not everything was to his satisfaction, however: “The fish in this city are the worst, to be honest. When I came to London, I found a lot of fish was very good, but the quality was the worst. I didn’t want to serve sashimi-style with that fish, which is why I travel all over the country and find the correct fishermen. Before I did that, most of the fish was too old and very carelessly kept. I was wondering what other Japanese chefs were doing, because in Japan we don’t use that quality of fish, but when I asked European chefs I found that this is normal in this country, and it was a little bit shocking. But at the same time, I found that if I go to the sea, there are a lot of beautiful fish there, and the fishermen are catching very good fish, but transport and fish mongering is not correct.

That is why I travel to find quite a few people to take care of the fish for us.”

His quest for good quality fish has led him to explore a variety of fishing towns in the countries he has visited, and his experience as a chef together with a passion for fishing, has informed his search.

“I like fishing myself as a hobby,” Yoshinori enthuses; “I know the fish in Japan are a very good flavour because the current is very fast and warm. I was thinking it would be the same in this country if I went to Cornwall, where we can see a strong current very close to the shore. There is also very clean water over there.”

However, it’s not just where the fish are found that’s important for Yoshinori. The way in which they are caught and transported is just as vital for a quality suitable for the best sashimi.

“Line-caught fish is very key for me, as most net fishing damages the fish. Most line fishermen take care of the fish very well, much better than net fishermen. I found a lot of line fishermen in the Cornwall area, and so far we are getting most of the fish from there.

When I decide on some food, I think about everything; everything is equal

After I travelled to Cornwall, maybe people saw my blog, as other fishermen have asked me to come to teach them how to catch fish in the special Japanese way. I’m very happy about that.”

When the fish arrives the next day, Yoshinori and his team know that the preparation of the food is also hugely important to ensure the highest quality meal experience.

“Sashimi looks like the easiest dish: just slice the fish. But that’s why it’s the most difficult to do in Japanese cuisine I believe. We serve more than ten kinds of fish every day, and all of those fish have some story.

“We have a very special knife and a very special technique, and we have to arrange the angle, thickness and shape; every single slice we have to do differently, because all fish have a different taste and texture. But only people who train for ten to 20 years just slicing fish can get how to do that, and I don’t think other chefs are doing it in the UK except me and our chefs. It is most important for us how to cut the fish.

Our customers are very happy about that, and we are doing very well.”

Looking towards the future, Yoshinori is hopeful that he can continue spreading his unique style of Japanese cooking and philosophy towards fish, and hopes that his efforts are appreciated by his many happy customers, both past and future.

“The best way to understand what I mean is come to eat. Maybe everyone can find what makes us different from other restaurants, the quality of the fish, and everything else. If you taste you will know what is different.”

For more about Umu or to make a reservation visit: www umurestaurant.com To read Yoshinori Ishii’s blog visit: kaiseki-master.blogspot.co.uk 65

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KITCHEN WARDROBE LOUNGE OFFICE MEDIA

Lauren in Wonderland Lauren Cuthbertson, Principal Ballerina with The Royal Ballet, tells Faith Back about her career in ballet and of her current lead role in ‘Alice in Wonderland’

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n February 2011, The Royal Ballet staged its first new full-length ballet at Covent Garden since 1995, a dazzling production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ based on Lewis Carrol’s enchanting children’s story. Lauren Cuthbertson, who was awarded Principal status with The Royal Ballet in 2008, has been captivating audiences and critics alike with her portrayal of Alice.

Lauren Cuthbertson was chosen for the role by the production’s choreographer, Christopher Wheeldon, who believed she could ‘captivate the audience and make them believe in Alice.’ So was it a daunting prospect to be playing such a well-loved character?

“If I were daunted by the role perhaps I wouldn’t have landed it! It was an honour to be cast and I cherished creating the character with Christopher. I’m not saying I’m perfect by any means, but I do love a role… pretty much any role! It’s a huge gift to any artist. Alice was the most special process and experience for me and a very exciting time for The Royal Ballet too. It was a whirlwind of adventure on and off the stage!”

This acclaimed production was originally staged in two acts and has a joyously unrestrained and melodic score written by Joby Talbot and special staging effects devised by Bob Crowley. One of the only initial criticisms made was that the first of the two acts was too long; for 2012, Christopher Wheeldon changed the structure of the ballet, so that the production now comprises three acts instead of the original two, as Lauren explains: “It was split into three acts the second time it came back and it made a big difference. For the production, it was more evenly sectioned and although this production doesn’t need any help in keeping the audiences’ attention, it enabled sections of the ballet which were near the end of Act One to be fully appreciated. The knave also got added into the plot 69

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I’m passionate about carrying audiences and myself into another place or time, or igniting that very moment there and then

a bit more. For me personally it meant I got more of a rest! Alice is a tiring girl! Although Chris did add another section!”

The added section was a tender pas de deux for Alice and the Knave of Hearts; in Christopher Wheeldon’s version of the story, Alice is not the child of the original story but a teenager beginning her first romance. What does Lauren like best about playing the part of Alice?

“There are so many moments I adore as Alice from beginning to end and I really feel like her!” Lauren enthuses, adding; “Being young and extremely curious again!”

At twenty-something, Lauren already encapsulates most people’s idea of what it is to be young, but her perspective of life is surely coloured by her meteoric rise to centre stage and her considerable achievements. But where did it all start?

Born in 1984, Lauren grew up in Devon where, at the age of three, her mother started taking her along to both ballet and gymnastics, as Lauren elaborates, laughing; “My mother thought it would be suitable for me to gain discipline, improve my posture and to help calm my excitable nature!”

Lauren loved her ballet classes but she also loved going to Brownies afterwards. Ballet only gradually developed as a serious hobby. From 1987 to 1995, Lauren was taught in Paignton by Pamela De Waal, a former member of The Festival Ballet (now The English National Ballet), and Corrine Coremi. In 1992, Lauren joined the Royal Ballet School’s Junior Associate (JA) Programme as a monthly student, a valuable experience which she found difficult to appreciate at the time: “JA is essentially about stripping away possible bad habits at an early age and instilling good ones ready for further training. I got very bored sometimes as it’s very slow and tedious, but it certainly paid off as my technique improved.”

And pay off it certainly did: at the age of ten, Lauren joined The Royal Ballet Lower School at White Lodge, where her older brother Arron was already training. In her second year there, she performed as a Little Swan in ‘Swan Lake’ with The Royal Ballet; it was only then that it dawned upon her just how hard she would have to work for her ever to become a principal. This realisation enabled her to find the focus and self-discipline to work towards what was now her clear goal. Once more, the work paid dividends; in her final year in the Lower School, Lauren won the Lynn Seymour Prize for expressive dance.

She was also joint winner of the Phyllis Beddell Prize and came second in the Young British Dancer of the Year competition.

Lauren then progressed to The Royal Ballet Upper School where, in her first year, she went on to win The Young British Dancer of the Year and the Silver Medal at the Adeline Genée Awards. Lauren confessed that she was taken aback by these awards at such an early stage in her career as a dancer: “It was a huge surprise to win such awards at school. I was never an evident ‘favourite’ but I loved performing and having my own chance to shine,” she says modestly.

At the end of her first year, Lauren was invited to participate in a Royal Academy of Dance gala in Japan.

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Returning to the UK, she was then placed with the third year students, missing out the second year completely. While on tour with the third years in 2002, Lauren was offered two contracts: one was as a soloist with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, while the other was with the corps de ballet of The Royal Ballet. Lauren chose the latter.

During the course of her first year in the corps de ballet, Lauren created roles in two ballets: Cathy Marston’s ‘Between the Shadows’; and Christopher Wheeldon’s ‘Tryst’. In the latter she also covered the soloist role of Jamie Tapper. When Jamie was injured on the company’s Australian tour, Lauren had just half an hour in which to learn a complete section of choreography before performing the role.

Lauren’s major breakthrough came in 2003, when the company asked her to dance the part of Juliet in Sir Kenneth Macmillan’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Amidst great accolade for her performance, Lauren was promoted to soloist, as she recalls: “I adored being a young soloist in The Royal Ballet. It was the perfect chance to get comfortable on the stage with often tricky yet manageable parts, as you are on stage in so many performances.”

During her five years as soloist, of which the last two years were spent as First Soloist, Lauren took on classic roles such as Princess Aurora in ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, Gamzatti in ‘La Bayadère’ (‘The Temple Dancer’), Odette-Odile in ‘Swan Lake’, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in ‘The Nutcracker’.

In 2006, Lauren trained for the Varna International Ballet Competition which, when it was established in 1964, was the first professional ballet competition in the world. Her mentor was the ex-Kirov Ballet principal, Anatole Grigoriev, who sadly died before the competition took place; when Lauren won the silver medal, the highest female accolade awarded that year, she dedicated her award to him. Lauren regards the training she undertook with Anatole for the Varna Competition as pivotal to her career: “I had to prepare a huge amount of repertoire whilst performing in a very busy schedule at The Royal Ballet.

It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and gave me confidence, which was crucial at that time as I felt like I was plateauing in the company and being overlooked.

Fundamentally, I improved greatly from taking part in a very foreign competition.”

Her work was rewarded in 2008, when Lauren was promoted to Principal. Only a few months later however, Lauren not only sprained her foot but also began to be inexplicably fatigued. Glandular fever was diagnosed, but just as that began to recede, post-viral fatigue syndrome set in.

“I can’t express in just a few words the impact of becoming rather ill at such a special time of my career.

Although I can say that it helped me in so many more ways than it harmed me… and that was many!”

Eighteen months later, her recovery saw her return with renewed passion and ambition and take on major ballets such as ‘Cinderella’, while Chris Wheeldon created the title role of Alice for her. So, just what is it that drives her passion and ambition for dance?

“Dance has become one way of expressing myself or a character I’m playing. It’s the palette I have to use and I’m passionate about carrying audiences and myself into another place or time, or igniting that very moment there and then.

It’s not about the pink dream; it couldn’t be further in fact.”

For further information about the Royal Ballet’s production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ go to http://www.roh. org.uk/productions/alices-adventures-in-wonderland-bychristopher-wheeldon 72

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Pretty summer shoes from Lucy Choi

Summer style 74

tutored Champagne tasting, where you can discover five different styles of Champagne, learn how to serve, store and chill Champagne, and find out which summer foods the wines are best paired with. A new highlight of the Workshop this year will be master chocolatier, Paul A Young, who is renowned as being the ‘Heston Blumenthal of the chocolate industry’; Paul will be wowing visitors with how to make water ganaches in exclusive summer flavours, including herbs, fruits, florals and summer teas.

Popular Phil Hammond, the talented florist from world class hotel,The Dorchester, will be returning to unveil an exclusive signature bouquet, while Phillipa Craddock will demonstrate simple techniques to create unique designs with fabulous summer garden flowers.There’ll also be sessions on rejuvenating make-up techniques and on health and well-being, while each day, a different top chef will be giving some hot tips for summer tastes.

And talking of tastes, also included free with your ticket will be access to the Great Taste Awards’ area; each year the Great Taste Awards independently blind tastes more than 5,000 food and drink products.The resulting star awards are the food equivalent of the Michelin dining awards: one gold star goes to the best; two stars are given to the very, very best; and three stars are awarded to the crème-de-la-crème. In the Great Taste Awards area, you will find stands featuring these award-winning producers

where you can sample and buy their superlative products, all of which will enhance your summer entertaining, creating real feasts for the senses. Finger-licking delights will include indulgent Chocolicious Cakes, premium homemade dressings from Lucy’s Dressings, fiery Hot Pepper Sauce from Kam’s South American Products and fabulous cheeses from The Cheshire Cheese Company. Or if you fancy a ‘wee dram’, you can discover the Harris Whisky Company’s range of limited edition single malt Scotch whiskies. At the other end of the beverage spectrum, Teapigs will be there with their amazing range of awardwinning teas.

The Spirit of Summer Fair will enable you to discover the very best of Britain’s newest creative brands as well as its established talent. New exhibitors to the Fair will include Lucy Choi Shoes (niece of Jimmy Choo) and Emma Chapman’s exclusive jewellery (discovered by Hilary Alexander). Bathsheba Designs are a new lifestyle brand offering a stunning collection of tunics, dresses and tops for women, teenagers and children in a variety of eye-catching embellished and embroidered silk, cotton and linen, plus linen shirts for men, and a collection of nightwear for babies through to teens. Luxury handbag designer Lucy Nagle will be giving a great uplift to the fashion scene with her innovatively designed pieces, which have a celebrity following. For fitness and fun in the

Faith Back anticipates summer by looking forward to the spring season’s foremost stylish-living event in London: the Spirit of Summer Fair

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ourselves each year to source the best new and original content centred on stylish living, and for our dedicated visitors, this means inspiring and original shopping ideas for home, fashion and food and drink.This year, a particular focus on interiors has resulted in the best line-up yet of some of London’s leading experts in a new-look Interiors Theatre, including Nina Campbell, Prêt à Vivre, Emma and John Sims-Hilditch of Neptune, and Matteo Bianchi.

I am also delighted that for the first time, visitors will have the opportunity to engage in complimentary design consultations from a selection of bespoke interior brands.

With brand new striking room sets created by some of the UK’ s leading names in home style, this year’s fair will provide all the inspiration you need to create the perfect look for the most discerning consumer.”

The brand new inspiring sets, five in all, will include four indoor rooms and an outdoor city garden feature, which will be produced by leading brands, including Osborne & Little, India Jane, Wawa, Sanderson and Clifton Nurseries. Each set is bound to capture your imagination and inspire you with fresh design ideas and distinct looks for 2013.

Fully inclusive with the price of your ticket is the interactive Summer Living Workshop, which gives you the chance to learn new skills or brush up on old ones.

One of the returning favourites will be the interactive

discover the very best of Britain’s newest creative brands

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ith the recent inclement weather, spring seems hardly to have sprung – so what better way could there be to help us banish the winter blues and start thinking of the warmth of the summer months to come, than by indulging in a trip to Olympia’s Grand Hall to enjoy London’s premier shopping experience of the season: the Spirit of Summer Fair 2013.

This decadent show, now in its fifth year, is held in association with House & Garden and will open its doors from 10am till 6pm each day from Wednesday 15 May to Saturday 18 May. This year, the show promises to present an unrivalled collection of hand-picked boutiques,

chosen as always for their quality and originality. Brand new seasonal ranges will be showcased, from interior and decorative accessories to perfect summer gifts, from striking fashion pieces to gorgeous children’s clothing.

Other key elements of the show will, of course, be all that goes with alfresco living, including gourmet food and wine.

But styling your home is, naturally, at the heart of the Fair’s premise; this year your ticket will entitle you to free entrance to the Interiors and Garden Theatre to hear inspiring talks and get expert advice on key trends from a fabulous line-up of industry experts, as Stuart Hunter, Event Director, elaborates: “Since the Fair’s inception, we have challenged

The Gourmet Trotter Company’s innovative mobile hamper

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Far left: Bathsheba Designs Far left below: Jali cuffs from Emma Chapman Jewels Left: Sophie Allport’s fine bone china This page: Chic swimwear from Vevie

pool, Vevie will be there to tempt you with their stylish range of swimsuits, leggings, tops and jackets.

Established names returning to the Spirit of Summer Fair include Lotus London, which offers the ‘must have’ holiday wardrobe, including breathtaking kaftans inspired

by India and the Far East, together with jewellery and accessories, which are perfect for anything from cruises to cocktail parties. Henry Arlington visits again with a range of shirts and accessories offering Saville Row tailoring paired with modern colours and patterns in checks, stripes and prints. Another favourite is the adorable children’s wear brand, Chateau de Sable, which will show off its gorgeous French-designed collection inspired by ‘the innocence and vitality of children at play’.

Each new Chateau de Sable design for newborns up to 12 years is produced in only limited numbers, making these garments even more exclusive.

Interior and decorative accessories will include a range of products from talented designer Sophie Allport, whose fine bone china with delicate motifs such as butterflies or roses is perfect for summer cream teas.

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Jojo Glass Design will be there, offering traditional hand blown glass in a variety of designs from traditional to contemporary, from formal to casual, which are then individually engraved so that no two pieces are exactly the same and yet harmonize perfectly. Jojo’s bespoke service enables you to personalize your chosen item of glass wear with a unique engraving. If you’re going to be out and about at key summer open air events, such as regattas or cricket matches, then The Gourmet Trotter Company’s innovative luxury mobile hamper with its elegantly furnished compartments could be the perfect solution for your picnics.

Not only does the Fair enable you to do some exclusive shopping, it also provides you with the chance to dine and socialize in style by indulging in an exclusive dining experience at the beautiful Mosimann’s Summer Restaurant. The menus have all been created especially for the Fair; you can fortify yourself for the day with a sumptuous breakfast, take a midday break and socialize over your choice of lunch, or relax with the very best English afternoon tea. Revitalizing morning coffee, coupled

with dainty Danish pastries will also be on offer, or you can perk yourself up with a refreshing glass (or two) of bubbly or a Pimm’s at the elegant Champagne and Pimm’s Bar.You will also find a variety of other cafes and bars around the hall, providing you with a wealth of choice in light bites, nibbles and drinks, to perk you up whenever you feel the need.

So don’t miss your chance to step into a stylish summer. Book ahead now for a fun day out with your friends by taking advantage of our Special Reader Offer!

Beresfords have teamed up with the Spirit of Summer Fair to give our readers an amazing discount of 15 per cent on the price of Adult Advance tickets. All you have to do is visit www. spiritofsummerfair.co.uk and enter ST5T in the ‘Offer Code’ box. Alternatively, you can quote the same promotional code via the dedicated booking line phone number: 0844 412 4623.

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Lacrosse country Simon Burton talks to England lacrosse captain, Katy Bennett, about the growing popularity of the sport and her World Cup hopes

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nterest in sport has understandably increased over the last year, thanks to the Olympics, but one event that was sadly missing from the 2012 Games was the internationally enjoyed sport of lacrosse. Despite this unfortunate absence, 2013 celebrates 100 years of international women’s lacrosse and sees the World Cup hosted in Oshawa, Canada.

With the announcement that the 2017 World Cup will be hosted at the first-class venue of Surrey Sports Park in Guildford, the captain of the Senior Female team, Katy Bennett, looks back over her involvement with lacrosse and its growing popularity in Britain.

“It’s the fastest, most exciting sport I’ve ever played,” Katy enthuses. “There are principles and tactics which require real discipline, but there is also plenty of room for flair and players with unique strengths.”

While lacrosse has a global following and is extremely popular in America, here in Britain it has a somewhat lower profile, despite Team England being amongst the very best in the world (the Senior team has placed in the top four in the last six World Cups). So how did Katy become involved in the sport?

“I was lucky enough to go to a school where there were lots of sporting opportunities (St Catherine’s, Bramley),” she replies. “Growing up I was actually a much better netball player and swimmer than a lacrosse player, but being five feet four inches tall and with a mild allergy to chlorine meant that lacrosse was the more sensible long term option! The teaching was exceptional in all sports, but my school lacrosse coach was playing for England at the time and was a great inspiration.”

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After being picked for the Senior England team at 18 years of age, Katy’s international career really took off, resulting in a rigorous training regimen to keep her skill and fitness in top condition.

“Training definitely requires significant self-motivation,” she elaborates. “Two to three times a week I do a running session at 6.30 in the morning before work, and once or twice a week I go to the gym in the evening for a weights session. On top of that, there is a significant amount of ‘stick work’ and shooting practice to be fitted in, as well as injury prevention exercises. Weekends either involve another tough ‘conditioning’ session, matches or squad training. We are guided by our own strength and conditioning coach who writes our training programmes. This is a great help, although it is still down to each individual to make sure they put the work in.”

All this hard work from all the players has paid off, however, as Team England has performed consistently well in the World Cup matches, as Katy recalls: “Winning World Bronze medals in 2001 and 2005 were proud moments, but the match I really loved was just before the 2009 World Championships when we played Australia (who were world champions at the time) and beat them in front of a home crowd. Personally I had lots of family and friends watching and the atmosphere was electric.”

Hugely popular in America, lacrosse was played at both the 1904 and 1908 Olympic Games, and despite its absence in the event since, has remained a firm staple in international competition, with teams from Canada, Australia, Japan and many more joining the USA, England,

Wales and Scotland on the worldwide stage.

“It is amazing playing in the States, where lacrosse is a much bigger sport – you feel like a real superstar,” Katy enthuses. “Most of the time in the UK when I tell people I play lacrosse, there is a furrowed brow expression, followed by ‘is it a bit like hockey?’ I’ve never been to Japan, but I’d love to play there as I’ve heard they are really passionate about the sport. When we were at the European Championships in Amsterdam this summer, my perception was that the sport was becoming much better known in Europe.”

In England, the growth of the sport is largely thanks to the sterling efforts of English Lacrosse, who support the four national teams (Senior Female, Senior Male, U19 Male, and U19 Women), as well as local matches and leagues throughout the country. They also run training and teaching events for both players and officials throughout the year through their CENTEX and Academy programmes, about which Katy is highly admiring.

“I’ve been privileged enough to be involved in CENTEX since its inception, and seen it have a major impact on the depth of talent of young lacrosse players in this country. Elite teams are now made up of young players from a far greater variety of schools, clubs and regions. I’m excited to see what the future has for England teams as we continue to look at the structure of the talent ID programmes.”

With burgeoning talent ever more present in England, it is clearly a great help in promoting the sport by hosting major competitions in this country, as well as giving existing players extra passion, as Katy explains: “Overall, I think it’s a real advantage playing on ‘home turf ’, although I do sometimes feel extra pressure if I have close friends and family watching. Generating role models and publicity are key to promoting our sport and this is another real strength of a home event. It would be great to increase the awareness and numbers of young children keen to have a go. The support of a sponsor would also be hugely beneficial to the elite squad, who have to fund all their own training and playing.”

In 2013, the World Cup is being held in Oshawa, Canada, with 20 international teams taking part, including the top four of Canada, the USA, Australia, and England.

“We are well underway with preparations for 2013 – we are training together at least twice a month and are off to play in Florida in January. Meeting up regularly as a team and training hard around those times individually gives us the best chance of success. I’d really love to be selected to represent England in the 2013 World Cup. If I am lucky enough to be selected I want to be at my very best to represent my country; there is still some hard work to be

done!”

This year lacrosse also celebrates a century of international women’s competition, a milestone that will not pass without celebration, as Katy elucidates: “I have seen publicity information for a dinner organized by the elite committee to mark the occasion, which sounds like a fantastic event. I hope that it will be well supported by as many former and current internationals as possible.”

The spotlight will once again be on Britain for the 2017 World Cup, as England hosts the World Cup for the third time (after 1982 and 2001). The chosen venue is Surrey Sports Park, which as one of the official training centres for the 2012 Games, hosted Olympic and Paralympic teams throughout the year who made use of the state-of-the-art fitness and training facilities the Park offers. Over 30 nations are expected to compete in the 2017 World Cup, compared to the 16 that competed in Prague in 2009.

Paul Blanchard, Surrey Sports Park CEO, is excited about the future prospects for lacrosse at the venue: “Surrey Sports Park is extremely proud to be working with the England Lacrosse Association in a joint bid to host the 2017 Women’s Lacrosse World Cup. We already hold a number of regional and international lacrosse events here at the Sports Park, including Best and Brightest weekends and one-off international friendlies and fixtures.

“Over the course of the next few years we hope to develop lacrosse at all levels at the Park with community sessions and programmes focused on juniors and entry level. This has already started at the University of Surrey with the launch of our Team Surrey Lacrosse team last year which has proved increasingly popular.”

For Katy, however, 2013 will mark the end of her successful time as a player for Team England: “I’m sure that the coaches and players will have a plan for 2017 as soon as 2013 is finished (if not before).

Personally, I will be hanging up my boots at the end of this season and will look forward to watching the tournament from the comfort of the spectator area at Surrey Sports Park. After that, I hope to have a bit of a break from the game and then work out which area I could contribute to ‘off-field’ in terms of giving back to a sport that has given me so much.”

For more information visit www.englishlacrosse.co.uk Images: Caroline Royle Sidebar Right: Katy Bennett (captain) Bottom From Left to Right: Katy Bennett; Team England, European Winners 2012; Laura Merrifield; Laura Plant

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Catwalk

style

Following a long, cold winter, summer is finally shining its head over the horizon, which means it’s time to look out for the great new styles and designs for the season. The following pages showcase a selection of styles from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the National Arts Club, which were held in New York over the 11-13 September 2012.

Cynthia Rowley’s spring/summer collection display a prominence of boho chic in a festival style, with ethnic influences given a contemporary twist.

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Further pieces from Cynthia Rowley’s collection show off bold patterns with gold detailing and layering, affording a luxurious yet modern look.

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Stanway, Colchester

Traditional values in modern world...

Raising the roof Kevin Haggarthy samples two great new VW convertibles for the Spring and checks out the hot new Subaru – the WRX STI

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Main Store

Hatfields showrooms in Peartree Road, Colchester display a large collection of top quality furnishings across 50,000 sq feet of beautifully designed showrooms. The recently refurbished showrooms cater for both a contemporary and traditional home, offering a wide range of upholstery, stylish dining and cabinetry sets, carpets, rugs, hard flooring, luxurious beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture.

Follow us for exclusive offers:

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Peartree Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex. CO3 0LA I 01206 765444 I www.hatfields.com

just don’t go along with those who say ‘you can’t buy a ‘bad’ new car these days’.You can. Maybe people say this because new cars overall tend to be safe, reliable and ‘do the job’; I guess most manufacturers get away with harsh criticism because unless you do a job like mine, driving loads and loads of different models, people don’t have the time to spend half their lives test driving motors before they make up their minds.

I guess that’s why motoring journos can be useful. Having said that, watch out for us because we are pretty odd creatures; deep down anoraks and boys at heart who bore their poor wives to tears about cars. When my girlfriend told me she loved Ferraris I took the opportunity to marry her while the going was good. I mean, how cool is that? Having a wife who says ‘yes’ to great cars.

If you’re choosing something not that exciting like ‘a company car’ then, as someone else is paying for it, it’s not such a headache if you get it wrong – it’ll be going back to its maker in 6 months anyway. The real problem comes when it’s time to spend your own hard-earned pennies, and want something affordable, fun, practical and good value. The last time I had to make that decision I ended up buying… a Volkswagen.

A few weeks ago at an international launch, we got the chance to drive two of the latest from the brand, the new Beetle Cabriolet, and the top-of-the-line new Golf R convertible.

The new Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 litre TSi If you’ve ever been tempted by ‘Beetlemania’, you couldn’t have chosen a better time, for the new Beetle Cabriolet is now a truly stylish (rather than quirky) modern car that still brings a smile to your face, despite VW’s decision to deprive you of the dash-mounted flowerpot of its predecessor. That flowerpot may have seemed naff to some, but I don’t remember ever seeing a car without a fresh flower in it – even if the driver was an Arnold Schwarzenegger lookalike with a Buzz Lightyear chin.

The convertible Beetle is by no means a new concept; it actually goes back to 1949 and continued with the new Beetle Convertible in 2002. VW have sold well over half a million of them in that time.

This latest version is 29 mm lower, 152 mm longer and 84 mm wider than its predecessor, giving the car much greater sporting presence. The boot is also 24 litres larger than the old model, and the rear seatback can be folded. The windscreen has been moved further back, creating 12mm more rear headroom. In a nutshell, it’s an altogether roomier and more stylish motor car.

The car’s multi-layer hood is of excellent quality with a glass rear screen, which folds automatically in just 9.5 seconds; it can be lowered up to a speed of 31 mph and there’s a cover to protect the roof when folded.

The Beetle Cabriolet is another big step up the quality ladder for Volkswagen, and you’ll notice that the minute you get behind the wheel; it now feels like a premium product rather than just a good quality one and has that reassuring German solidness we have come to know and love. It’s refined; grown-up if you like – and better than ever combines unique styling and trim detailing with a truly modern interpretation of a characterful car. It’s refreshing to drive and to be seen in this distinctive motor.

This is especially true of the 2.0 litre TSI form, which gives a smooth refined performance blessed by the added advantage of 280 nm of torque. With this version you lack for nothing in terms of real world usable performance (0-62 mph in 6.1 secs and topping 127 mph). This 2.0 litre TSI 6-speed manual is the one for your open air mountain drives.

If high performance credentials matter not, you will equally enjoy the 1.6 TDI or, if petrol is your forte, a highly refined 1.2 or 1.4 litre TSI – none of the latter giving as good fuel economy overall as the 2.0 litre diesel, which achieves an impressive average of 55 mpg.

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The new Golf R Cabriolet If you don’t get admiring looks in the Beetle ‘top down’ then you’ll certainly get them driving the new Golf R Cabriolet; it’s a real styling statement, and a serious high performer; the fastest ever production open top Golf, limited to 155 mph at the top end and hitting the standard 0-62 mph benchmark in just 6.4 seconds.

With this one then, we need to talk about performance; rev the engine to 6,000 rpm and it’ll produce 265 ps of power, and from only 2,500 rpm up to 5,000 rpm, 350 nm of torque. That makes it a

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street burner of the first degree but thankfully, if you are unfortunate enough to have an accident, then it’s comforting to know that the Golf Cabriolet has scored a five star (96 per cent) rating for adult occupancy in EURO NCAP crash testing.

You’ll spot the Golf R Cabriolet from its subtle design cues, notably the gloss-black grille, LED running lights, gloss black door mirror casings, black-painted callipers and the R (racing) logo. Round that off with side sill extensions, chrome-tipped exhaust and tinted rear lights and you kind of get where this is going.

Yet under all that is an understated fit high performer that can cruise around all day with minimum fuss and without a hint of its high performance potential; that is what makes the car special – it looks good, performs beautifully at low speed, yet totally ‘Walks the Walk’ when serious high speed performance is demanded.Yes, it will understeer when pushed hard into bend (it’s front-wheel drive after all) but that’s only if you turn in a bit late – best just to read intuitively what that first rate chassis is telling you and turn in a little earlier, putting its excellent chassis balance to your advantage. Sounds a bit too

technical? Well, that’s good because performance cars like this are all about the chemistry of the drive, enjoying the challenge of working with the road, its bumps, its cambers, your tyres (they are 235/35s) and an excellent chassis and suspension set up, and of course working that engine – it is why you buy a Golf R and not a bog standard 1.4 litre petrol.

So often fun convertibles keep the pleasure limited comfortably to just two people. Not in this case though, for four can sit comfortably – as they can in the Beetle for that matter. With the Golf there’s four individual sports

seats in Vienna cool leather complemented by a leather wrapped steering wheel, handbrake grip and gear lever; all reaffirming that sporty feel.

Time to swallow hard, for all this will cost you a minimum of £38,000 – but be philosophical and look at it this way; you have a high performance, totally practical and usable quality product in your hands here, that’ll give you endless summer pleasure; you won’t need to buy that additional purist sports car to add to your small family saloon – all you’ll need is the Golf R. There you are – I’ve saved you money.

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the Subaru WRX STI Let’s face it; This Subaru WRX STI looks mean.You just wouldn’t take it on would you? The spoilers, skirts, fat wheels, big grills and purposeful stance would frighten the average driver to death. It’s just ‘hot’, and has issues with going slow.

Most of us fondly recall the legendary ‘Subaru Impreza’ of the past. This newest version is simply referred to as the Subaru WRX STI, available now as a hatchback or this four door saloon. This latest variant has had a major makeover though, courtesy of thorough all-road and weather testing including,

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of course, on the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring in Germany.

The WRX STI has a stiffened body shell and a reworked suspension system, lower ride height and wider tyres for better handling and driver feedback. There’s also new bumpers, bigger rear quarter panels and a lower ride height, which gives the car that mean purposeful look.

The powerhouse under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre Subaru boxer 16-valve turbo engine with Dual Active Valve Control, producing 300 ps at 6,000 rpm and a whopping 407 nm of torque. Those figures are the same as the previous STI, but Subaru say the car now has improved torque delivery throughout the rev range, giving a better response and more linear acceleration. Speaking of which, zero-to-62 mph sprint is achieved in just 5.2 seconds, and the STI will top 158 mph. Not slow then.

Handling and performance benefit massively from the Symmetrical AWD (all-wheel drive) system which, on this latest version, has been uprated with revised settings for the differentials. The car features a default weight setting of 41/59 per cent front/rear torque distribution for optimum balance, and the driver can adjust this whilst on the move using the four-mode (Driver’s Control Centre Differential) system.You can even use the automatic system to govern the point at which traction control comes in should you be on a hair raising slide!

Getting the WRX to prove its worth simply requires clutch to the floor and the press of a button provoking a

keen uneven grumble of an engine note into life. To the driver the aural message is; ‘Do you really know what you’re taking on here!’ and by that time your legs will be shaking, and you’ll be thinking you should really have had some extra driving tuition before taking this monster on.

Hence, with some trepidation I savoured some more of that growl by slipping the WRX into first gear and easing out this ‘don’t mess with me’ tool. You’ll make a point of sticking to 29.9 mph, recognising that the performance of this vehicle comes into its own on a track day or rally circuit but not a public road.Yet it can still be extremely rewarding, because cars like these make even routine driving enjoyable and fun; not least because their handling, acceleration and braking characteristics, combined in this case with all-wheel drive, make swift A and B road driving extremely safe and rewarding. In other words, there is no need to be a hooligan and you can still have fun.

This is near-on supercar performance for just £32,995 and there’s little other need to spend on the car except endless performance mods for the anoraks. Standard equipment includes keyless entry, push button start, front fog lamps, hill start assist, climate control air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows, an all-new radio-CD unit with a 10-speaker audio system, handsfree Bluetooth, satellite tracker, and cruise control. With a shopping list like that, and performance to blow up your pacemaker, this dragster is amazing value for money.

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FINAL PHASE COMING SOON! AT CLARION GATE

Register your interest today in the exclusive final phase of this successful development. These sophisticated 2 bedroom apartments and 4 bedroom homes will be in high demand, so make sure you don’t miss out.

Clarion Gate is ideally located just a mile from Chelmsford town centre and only two miles from the station for trains to London Liverpool Street in just 34 minutes – perfect for professional couples and young families.

To register your interest call Beresfords on 01245 500 555 today!

Clarion Gate Beehive Lane | Great Baddow | Chelmsford | CM2 9RX

www.crestnicholson.com/clariongate Travel times are approximate. Photography taken at Clarion Gate.

Selling Agent Beresfords 01245 500 555

01245 500 555

UberKuchen Ltd 520 High Road Ilford, Essex 1G3 8EG Info@unberkuchen.com 020 8599 3988 www.uberkuchen.com

only one property remaining

Creating exceptional wooden floors,

Naturally

e accommodation will comprise; six bedrooms including dressing room and en suite bathroom to master bedroom, en suite shower to bedroom two and two further bathrooms. to the ground floor there are two reception rooms with bi-fold doors from the sitting room leading to the garden, separate dining room, luxuriously appointed kitchen providing open plan access to an orangery style breakfast room/family room, utility and cloakroom.

two detached family houses situated in a premier position within old Shenfield with Shenfield mainline railway station 0.5 miles away.

price on application

01277 212111 www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

VISIT WWW.NATURALLYWOOD.NET FOR MORE DETAILS …

The Elms Abridge

A quite outstanding newly constructed property ready for occupation, set within an elevated plot of about 3 acres (stls) with exceptional panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and yet within 3.5 miles of the nearest Central Line Underground rail connection to the Capital.

01245 397475

This magnificent 8 bedroom family home, with accommodation of circa 12,000sq ft arranged over four levels, features the latest technical and environmental features within the design and fabrication of the property.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk Guide price £3,700,000

· 5 Year guarantee for new floors · Well established with 54 years experience · Qualified & experienced in house workforce · Sanding & restoration service · Extensive range of quality wood floors

Call 020 8508 2555 Free Survey & Quotation Service Unit 6 • Knight House • Lenthall Road Loughton • Essex • 1G10 3UD

A fAnTASTIC SELECTIon of STYLISH fouR And fIvE BEdRooM HoMES CHERRY TREE PARK, BILLERICAY, CM12 9QJ This brand new community in beautiful Billericay offers an exceptional lifestyle in a quite exceptional location. Make the most of speedy links to the city, quality schools, downtown convenience and the surrounding countryside.

4 bedroom homes from £440,000, 5 bedroom homes from £800,000.

Show home open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm.

Part exchange available* Take a closer look. Call 0845 899 0569 or visit cherry-tree-park.co.uk External image shows Plots 41 & 42. *Subject to terms and conditions. Prices correct at time of print.

Award winning

Selling agent

bannerhomes.co.uk

Hillwd Grove HUTTON MOUNT

A stunning architect designed residence currently under

construction standing in 0.35 of an acre (stls) The property comprises over 7000sq ft of superbly planned accommodation embellished with flair and imagination to offer a stunning 21st century home of exceptional quality.

01277 212111 www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

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A superb reception hall is overlooked by a glazed galleried landing leading to a minstrels gallery/library overlooking the dining room with views to the rear garden, sitting room, television room/playroom, study, open plan bespoke fitted kitchen and contemporary style orangery. Four first floor bedrooms, three with en suite including principal bedroom with walk in wardrobe and large luxuriously appointed en suite. Second floor bedroom five/games room, bedroom six with en suite shower and walk in wardrobe and store room. The property is located within 0.7 of a mile of Shenfield station.

Guide Price

£3,000,000

PARKSTONE AVENUE EMERSON PARK

A bespoke development of only two individually designed detached properties situated in this sought after area of Hornchurch

Price

£2,495,000

The Maddox This stunning home offers up to eight bedrooms, five of which benefit from en-suite bathrooms and three with separate dressing rooms and master suite enjoying a Juliette balcony to the rear.

The spacious ground floor comprises of a grand entrance hall with open atrium oak staircase with dual oak galleried landings above, sitting room with open fire and bay window, lounge area providing an open aspect with an impressive open plan living space with dual orangery lantern roofs, Lemongrass fitted kitchen and a 110ft. Southerly garden.

The Mulberry This individual residence offers flexible accommodation presented across three floors. The top floor offers a guest suite with bedroom, lounge and bathroom, three additional independent rooms and a shower room. The stunning ground floor accommodation comprises of a grand entrance hall, sitting room, separate lounge and an outstanding open plan living space.

Entrance to the property is controlled via a security video entry system with an immense parking area, double garage and good size Southerly rear garden.

01708 474034 www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

The Chase Upminster Essex • Clive Christian luxury fitted kitchens with granite work surfaces and Miele appliances • Stunning bathrooms with top quality sanitary ware • Underfloor heating to two floors • Integrated Wifi systems and music system • Sprinkler system and fire alarms as well as smoke detectors • Redcare burglar alarm systems linked to the Police Station, recorded CCTV and electric Example pictures of another property on the development

gates with video entry system • Individual private plots • Detached garages • Within easy reach of Upminster Town Centre, mainline railway station and District Line Underground Station • Within close proximity of Upminster's high achieving schools for all ages

Price on application Background & landscaping computer generated for marketing purposes

An exclusive development of only three detached executive new houses occupying spacious plots of approximately 1/3 of an acre

ONLY 2 PROPERTIES REMAINING

(subject to land survey).

26

Brentwood

38

mins

mins

Stratford London for Canary Wharf

London Liverpool Street

Plus – reserve before 30 April 2013 and we’ll pay your Stamp Duty!* Ready to move into NOW, the sleek new apartments at Base in Brentwood are ideally located just 5 minutes walk from the station for direct trains to London Liverpool Street. Enjoy sleek interiors with integrated Bosch appliances, allocated parking and landscaped outside spaces.

95% mortgages also available! † Want to know more?

Call 0870 757 8384 today!

2 bedroom apartments from £219,500

Rollason Way | Brentwood | CM14 4LZ

www.crestnicholson.com/base

Marketing Suite & Show Apartment open daily 10am to 5pm Selling Agents: Beresfords 01277 231 515

0870 757 8384

* Subject to Crest Nicholson’s terms and conditions. Will be paid as a cash allowance on completion. Travel time are approximate. †Only available on properties located in England up to the value of £500,000. The scheme is available for the purchase of a primary home only and cannot be used in conjunction with a shared equity scheme or any other offers. NewBuy is not restricted to specific plots, however not all properties will meet the eligibility. Crest Nicholson does not provide mortgages and cannot give financial advice. You will also need sufficient funds for legal and moving fees. Prices correct at time of going to press. Crest Nicholson Eastern (a division of Crest Nicholson Operations Ltd.), One Myrtle Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5EG.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

An impressive 5700sq.ft. executive residence offering five/six bedroom accommodation over three levels with large reception hall and central staircase leading to a galleried landing. A spacious drawing room leads from the hallway and has bifold doors overlooking the rear garden, spacious study, family room open plan to kitchen/breakfast room with semi vaulted ceiling and laundry room.

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Base to the City in 38 minutes

01708 222200

Scantlebury

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Hutton Mount

To the first floor there is a master bedroom with dressing room and spacious en-suite bathroom. There are three further bedrooms with en-suites and family bathroom whilst to the second floor bedroom five has a jack and jill en-suite plus there is a cinema room/bedroom six. The property is located in one of the most sought after turnings on this private residential estate and stands in approximately 0.34 of an acre (stls) with west facing rear garden.

£1,975,000

01277 212111 www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

All the ingredients for a beautiful kitchen.

Introducing the First Collection kitchen range. Stylish and affordable, it’s just one of the beautifully designed kitchens available at John Lewis. We also offer the latest high-tech appliances and provide everything from inspiration to installation,

flooring to lighting, furniture to finishing touches. Plus, our kitchen planners will help you make the most of your budget.

So, if you're looking for your perfect kitchen, visit one of our shops or search for 'fitted kitchens' at johnlewis.com

Country Ivory,Ivory Firstkitchen Collection. the Country range from £2,970.*

Our commitment to value means that we match the prices of high street competitors (this excludes online-only or mail order businesses). Service conditions must be comparable. See our ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ leaflet in our shops or online for details. *Price based on 8 units from Country Ivory in our First Collection featured above, including laminate worktop and installation. Does not include sink, tap or appliances.