Issue 1 July Aug 2013 by EssexCentralMagazine

SOUTH WOODFORD

LOUGHTON

CENTRAL

EPPING

FREE

YOUR LOCAL LIFESTYLE GUIDE - ISSUE 1 JULY/AUGUST 2013

The best Essex kids days out are reviewed inside!

MEET THE LOCALS

Independent businesses at the heart of our community

Fanc y a Drink in the Summer Sun?

HAVE YOUR SAY

What are YOU thinking?

FASHION

We look at the Top 5 local Beer Gardens.

Summer Staples from the New Season Collection

WIN!

Over ÂŁ150 of Beauty Products in our Great Competition

FIT IN

30! Your 30 minute fitness regime

COMMUNITY 4 Epping Town Show 13 Chigwell Riding Trust Open Day HEALTH & FITNESS 21 In A Spin Benefits of cycling Editor: Darren Perry Email: Darren@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk Tel: 01992 275 918 Design: Sharon Butler-Felby @SketchDesign Fashion & Beauty: – Victoria Grace Web Design: – Alex Collard www.aj-computing.co.uk Contributors Danny Cohen | Jez Godlonton | Virginia Muranga To advertise in Essex Central Magazine please call 01992 275 918 or email advertising@ essexcentralmagazine.co.uk

Publishers: 3 Blue Worldwide Ltd Printed by: The Magazine Printing Company Distributed by: Letterbox Distribution and Contact Field Marketing 23,000 copies distributed to homes, businesses and station locations, along the Essex section of the Central line and surrounding areas: South Woodford, Woodford, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, North Chingford, Chigwell, Theydon Bois, Epping, North Weald & Ongar. If you would like to work with Essex Central Magazine we are always interested in bringing the right people into the team, so get in touch! 3 Blue Worldwide Ltd take no responsibility for the advertisment offers made within this magazine.

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER 8 Meet the locals Local businesses at the heart of our community 14 Best Beer Gardens 19 Get Fit In 30! Your 30 minute fitness regime 25 One Stop Holiday Shop Fashion from NEXT 32 Explosive Fun for Kid’s Days out ideas 36 Have your say 51 Competition Win a bundle of beauty goodies

FASHION & BEAUTY 26 Forward Thinking Fashion Opening of new boutique 28 In The Spotlight Beauty reviews TRAVEL 40 Destination of the Month Mauritius FOOD & DRINK 47 Recipe & Wine Pairing

FUN, GAMES & VOUCHERS 51 Puzzles 53 Discount Vouchers 54 Entering Fatherhood Without a Map Comical diary of a new Dad SPORT 58 Club Focus Buckhurst Hill Football Club

Welcome!

I hope you enjoy the launch edition of Essex Central Magazine. We have had a lot of fun putting it together and have enjoyed meeting local businesses and residents. Our aim is to showcase independant businesses and to get you to Shop Local! We have some great features, plus products for you to win, discount vouchers for local shops & much more! If you have any feedback please feel free to get in touch.

Regards Darren Perry Editor

FUN IN THE SUN Epping shines on the hottest day of the year.

Fun for all the family at this year’s annual Epping Town Show. Local residents showed up en mass to enjoy a fun-fair, donkey rides, food stalls, a beer tent and dance and musical performances from local groups.

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he 9 day Epping Festival which showcases the best attributes the wonderful town of Epping has to offer, culminated in the Epping Town Show on Sunday the 7th of July. The Essex Central Magazine team headed down to Stonards Lane Recreation Ground to check out the festivities. We were delighted to be met with a huge fairground atmosphere, with thousands of people soaking up the glorious sunshine and enjoying different attractions. There was a 50ft high inflatable death slide, where kids dragged terrified parents up the stairs, and other fair-ground rides including dodgems & waltzers. Along with these we had candy floss stalls, a beer tent, donkey rides and

many other traders offering food and refreshments. On the other side of the park, a cordoned off display area, became the stage for various acts, including, local theatre group Rascals, and an exhilarating bird display from Owls and Pals. There’s a great atmosphere as we meander around the various stalls speaking with each of the exhibitors, made up of local companies and charities. A highlight was definitely the wheelbarrow race, where several local businesses competed against each other in the aid of charity. A fantastic free event that really showed the rest of Essex how it’s done, and we hope to compete in (and win!) one of the races next year.

When Skies Are Grey Treat yourself to a little happy

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Cushions & throws Artwork & books Scented candles & sachets Vases & artificial flowers Cake tins & accessories Tea towels & aprons Greetings cards & gift wrap Handmade items

Open 7 days a week 85 High Street, Ongar CM5 9DX 01277 500207

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ABBOTTS TRAVEL

134 George Lane, South Woodford

bbotts Travel has been trading on George Lane since 1957 where they originally started as a rail and theatre booking businesses. Since then three generations of the Abbott family have grown the business into a successful travel agents. Recently undergoing a stylish, modern renovation Abbotts Travel is going from strength to strength. Current owner Julian Abbott says “We succeed because of personal service and because we care about details. It’s a world away from the cold, faceless call-centre experience and the uncertainties of booking online. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Our team has an incredible combined knowledge and firsthand experience of many destinations and those special places to stay. ” Tel: 0208 989 9445 Website: www. abbottstravel.com.

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MEET

THE LOCALS Skip the supermarket and chain stores in favour of local independent businesses for service and produce second to none. Here we meet four local businesses at the heart of our community…

EPPING SHOE REPAIRS

305 High Street Epping

CHURCHES BUTCHERS 224 High Street Epping

irst opened in 1888 by Stephen John Church, this great butchers has withstood the test of time, serving four generations of very satisfied customers. Currently managed by Paul Parker, Churches is the place to go for great quality meat and a professional, welcoming service. They source all their stock locally and pick up from Smithfield Market on a regular basis. The counter display has a tempting array of products including lamb, pork, beef, poultry, sausages, bacon, pies and cheese, spoiling the customer for choice. There’s no doubting the quality of the meat either, I purchased a steak and

cooked it alongside a supermarket steak later that night, the difference was incredible, it was tender, succulent, & flavoursome, and I would highly recommend Churches after this experience. We spoke with Paul who explained how the area has changed over the years, “When I first started we had a green grocer next door, and on the other side was a baker, just beyond him was the post office, now it’s all disappeared,” highlighting the need for local people to support independents by shopping with them. Tel: 01992 573231 Website: www.churchesbutchers.co.uk

STAR FISHMONGERS

195 Ongar High Street

his long established business is run by Rob and Grant, upon our visit it’s Grant I speak with and he shows me around the shop. There are four main services on offer here: shoe repairs, key cutting, number plates and plenty of engraved trophies! I ask how business is going and Grant explains the current concerns of many independent retailers in Epping, “It’s quite hard right now since London Underground put the car park prices up, now all of the London bound commuter’s park up here in the morning and walk down to the station, that stops the shoppers from coming down as they have nowhere to park, we have spoken to the council but nothing has changed. It doesn’t help with the parking wardens here either, it’s not just the shoppers they scare off, but also the delivery drivers who are trying to supply to businesses, they don’t seem to understand that it’s killing our trade if they can’t park outside and unload for 10 minutes”. It’s a shame that there seems to be so many traders sharing these feelings and we can only hope this gets resolved quickly so that great businesses like this can continue to provide a valuable service to our community. Tel: 01992 573 864 Website: www.weengrave.co.uk

his is a little gem of a shop in Ongar and one of the few remaining fishmongers in the area. A small family run business offering wet fish and shell fish to the local community, dedicated to maintaining the traditional values of providing quality, fresh produce. The first thing you notice when entering Star Fishmongers is not the superbly laidout selection of fish, nor the old fashioned charm of the shop, but Dave’s beaming smile! He is both friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, giving the big supermarkets little chance when it comes to competing on service. He will happily prepare fish to order and advise on the best cooking methods if required. I ask where he gets his stock, knowing that most fish

is now imported by the large chains stores, “I’m down at Billingsgate 3 times a week, it’s all locally sourced,” he tells me, “the Sea Bass is from Southend, the crab and lobster are from Norfolk”. The man knows his stuff and it’s great to see such local produce at such reasonable prices. Out the back Dave even has his own smoking shed set up, (not for a crafty fag!) to provide his customers with his own smoked fish on site. Tel: 01277 363 131 Website: www.starfishmongers.co.uk ESSEX CENTRAL

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Band ente rtains the visito rs

Mixed ability group lesson

Harry ri ding lik ea pro on Murphy

bie Manager Deb ell w a ng ki ta l Hal p! di ed rn ea

CHIGWELL

RIDING TRUST Open day showcases the fantastic work of Debbie and the team.

espite Andy Murray playing (and winning!) in the Wimbledon Final last Sunday, the local community turned up in force to support ‘The Chigwell Riding Trust For Special Needs’, and raise well needed funds at their annual Open Day. Visitors had the chance to meet the horses and ponies, watch the riders and horses in action in a demonstration lesson, and take part in various family favourites such as the coconut shy and hoop the duck. An ice-cream van and a stall selling Pimms provided welcome refreshment in the scorching summer sun. Established for nearly 50 years, the trust was the first riding centre in the world for people with special needs, and provides riding instruction to around 160 riders of all ages and abilities each week, relying solely on donations, and the goodwill of the

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community to keep the centre going and provide these valuable facilities. Any offer of help with The Chigwell Riding Trust is received with appreciation, with some volunteers helping out an hour a week and others many more. You do not need any experience or knowledge of horses, as the qualified on sight staff show you what to do. The Trust has a real family feel, and volunteering is a great way to meet new people and contribute to this brilliant cause. 2014 will see the Chigwell Riding Trust celebrating its 50th Anniversary; Manager Deborah Hall tells us that they “hope to raise £50,000 during their 50th year.” Visit the Chigwell Riding Trust website to find out more about the organization, including information on becoming a volunteer, and to make a donation if you wish.

The first riding centre in the world for people with special needs

Are you a local charity? Would you like to be featured here? Contact: editor@ essexcentralmagazine. co.uk ESSEX CENTRAL

MILLER & CARTER

Set on the outskirts of Chigwell, this wellknown steakhouse chain (formerly the Camelot Pub) occupies a beautiful location within a stone’s throw of Hainault Forest Country Park. The tastefully decorated restaurant is set over three floors and there is a separate comfortable bar which leads onto a small patio seating area at the front of the building. The sprawling garden to the rear is perfect for al fresco eating on a warm day whilst watching horses graze in a neighbouring field. The outdoor bar is a great addition, meaning patrons do not have to venture back indoors for refreshments. The forest location also makes it a great choice for those who like walking and exploring. Manor Road, Abridge, Romford RM4 1NH. Tel: 020 8500 7712

BEER GARDENS OUR PICK OF THE BEST

Whether it’s character or great views you are after our area has it all. We uncover some of the best for you! KINGS HEAD

THE GARDENERS ARMS

The Gardeners Arms is a lovely family pub that sits high on a hill at the back of Loughton, on a point known locally as ‘Grouts Corner’. Inside the pub a wealth of local history adorns the walls with pictures and various artefacts to draw your attention, plus there is a very warm welcome from the attentive bar staff and friendly management. The beer garden itself is not huge, but the view is! On a clear summers day it is possible to see straight to the centre of London, including iconic buildings such as The Shard of Glass, Gherkin and Canary Wharf development. In the evening the small terrace provides a great spot to watch the sunset, whilst enjoying a drink with friends or a loved one. 103 York Hill, Loughton, IG10 4AD Tel: 020 8508 1655

Our local pubs have it all, great character, history, amazing views over London, out-door bars and one even has a swimming pool. Here’s a selection for you to help you choose!

The King’s Head is one of the most ancient pubs in Essex, with parts of the structure dating back 450 years, making it a destination in its own right. Originally built using old ships’ timbers, the pub has a charming ‘house that Jack built’ feel, with wooden beams, crooked walls and slanted ceilings. The food is outstanding, with interesting dishes such as Wild Boar and Chorizo Burger to tantalize your taste buds. Children are also well catered for with smaller portions of some main dishes being offered. Enjoy a refreshing drink from their new summer drinks menu in one of the two sunny beer gardens. Whether you chose to watch the world go by in the front garden or relax out the back, both are beautifully presented with a vibrant and friendly atmosphere during the summer months. High Road, North Weald, Epping, CM16 6BU. Tel: 01992 525001 with only a low picket fence separating you from the local wildlife. With an adventure playground for the children and a tranquil setting for adults to enjoy, the Kings Oak caters for everybody.

The Forest Gardens offer a landscaped ex tension of Epping Forest.

THE WOODMAN

Just outside Ongar, the Woodman is a beautiful old country pub, dating from 1674. It is traditionally furnished with oak beams and has a lovely old inglenook fireplace. Outside there is a very spacious garden which overlooks surrounding countryside, and a pretty patio terrace which is popular for al fresco dining. With numerous picnic tables on offer, everyone can enjoy a drink in the sunshine without feeling crowded. There is a great play area for the children, plus a field with goalposts to the rear of the garden. After a country drive this is the place to stop for a cool drink and delicious food. 155 London Road, Stanford Rivers, Ongar, CM5 9QF. Tel: 01277 362 019 ESSEX CENTRAL

KINGS OAK

Set in the heart of Epping Forest in High Beach and surrounded by an abundance of natural flora & fauna the Kings Oak provides a fabulous resting place for all visitors to the Forest. The Gastro Pub is a truly charming example of Victorian boho chic, with antique chandeliers, timber beams and racy red walls. The Forest Gardens offer a landscaped extension of Epping Forest,

Join them this August Bank holiday weekend (Sun 25th – Mon 26th August) for their Family Fun Day, with a bouncy castle, baby quads and face painter for the children and a BBQ and Hog roast. The swimming pool will also be open for day guests (£10 adults, £5 children) for those wishing to escape the summer heat (early booking advised). Paul’s Nursery Road, High Beach, Essex IG10 4AE. Tel: 0208 508 5000 ESSEX CENTRAL 15

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FIT IN

30!

Your 30 minute total body workout. with celebrity trainer Danny Cohen

Many people are frequently short of time due to work or home commitments, here is a group of exercises which target the whole body in just half an hour! They require no special equipment and can be adapted to all abilities.

WARM UP

Squats / Sumo squats - 5 x 15/20 This low impact exercise can be used as a warm up and/or main exercise. 1. Stand, feet shoulder width apart 2. Extend arms in front of you 3. Keeping back straight, slowly bend knees to 90 degree angle 4. Slowly rise to starting position. For Sumo squats, start with feet wider apart and turned out at 45 degree angle.

MAIN BODY WORKOUT LEGS

Walking lunges - 4 x 12 (or 12 steps back & forth depending on space) 1. Stand with feet together 2. Take wide step forward with right foot as you bend your knees to a 90 degree angle, and your front thigh is parallel to the floor 3. Stand up out of lunge, and step your left foot to your right. 4. Repeat with left leg.

CHEST

Press ups - 4 x 12/15 reps 1. Start in the plank position, with palms on the floor approximately shoulder width apart, directly under shoulders, and balanced on the balls of your feet. 2. Your body should form a straight line from head to heels (do not stick bum in the air!) 3. Keeping back straight, lower yourself so your elbows form a 90 degree angle. 4. Push yourself back up again with your arms. Beginner: Perform the exercise on knees.

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Advanced: Push up with added twist 4 x 12/15 1. As you perform the press up, shift your weight to the left side of the body, twist to the side while bringing the right arm up towards the ceiling in a side plank 2. Lower the arm back to the floor for another press up and then twist to the other side

BACK

Floor Cobra - 4 x15 reps 1. Lay on your front with your arms extended in front of you. 2. Lift upper body off of the ground a few inches and try to bring shoulder blades together and downward. 3. Hold this position for 20 seconds, and then relax. Advanced: Introduce a gym ball (if accessible). 4x10 reps

ABDOMINALS

Abdominal crunches - 4 x 12 – 20 reps 1. Lie on your back with your feet flat on the ground 2. Place your hands lightly on either side of your head. (Don’t lock your fingers) 3. While pushing the small of your back down in the floor, contract your abdominals and slowly roll your shoulders off the floor. 4. Your shoulders should come up off the floor only about four inches 5. Hold for a second then slowly return to start position

Reverse curls 4 x 12 – 20 reps 1. Lie on your back with arms to the side of your torso, palms facing down. 2. With feet together, bend and raise your legs so that your thighs are perpendicular to the floor, and calves are parallel to the floor. 3. Move your legs towards your torso as you raise your hips off the floor. 4. Hold for a second, then move your legs back to the starting position.

ASK DAN…

Got a fitness query? Send your questions to: editor@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk titled ‘ASK DAN’ Tweet us @EssexCentralMag #ASKDAN Or post on our Facebook page, Essex Central Magazine ESSEX CENTRAL

H E A LT H FITNESS

IN A

SPIN

Our cycling professional gives you the inside track.

by Jez James Godlonton Personal Trainer & Indoor Cycling Instructor www.fat2fit.me.uk

iding a bicycle outdoors or doing an indoor cycling class is a great way to exercise and incorporate into your fitness programme. Cycling is one of the easiest ways you can exercise. Learning to ride a bicycle usually happens from an early age and once you’ve learnt you never forget so the skill set level involved isn’t that high. Although it may appear that cycling is predominately a leg exercise it actually helps to build strength and toning not just for the legs but for the whole body as the functional manor in which cycling is performed is a full body workout, helping towards getting that all important 6 pack out for the summer. Cycling can burn from 300 to 600 calories an hour depending on the intensity and will also boost your metabolic rate long after you’ve finished your ride. Earlier this

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year whilst teaching a high intense indoor cycling class, I calculated that I had burnt nearly 800 calories!! Cycling is excellent for cardio vascular improvements and builds endurance and stamina sometimes without you even knowing, given how much fun you can have. Cycling is a low impact exercise, so the risk of strain on the joints is quite safe and helps improve functionality and strength on the knees and hips. The BMA compared 10,000 civil servants that cycled 20 miles a week to those that didn’t cycle, and found that cycling can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50%. Cycling can also reduce stress and depression and improve self esteem and well being if performed regularly.

Cycling can burn from 300 to 600 calories an hour! ESSEX CENTRAL

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FA S H I O N

POOLSIDE

Leopard Print Swimsuit £28 (main picture) Embellished Kaftan £35

COCKTAIL HOUR

Drape Maxi Dress £50 Leather Jewel Sandals £35

SIGHTSEEING

Navy Tan Shopper Bag £24 Paisley Scarf £18 Sunglasses £15

FOR THE MEN

Navy & White Check Shirt £25 Three Quarter Chino Shorts £30 Canvas Slip-On £20

ONE STOP HOLIDAY SHOP

Booked a last minute break? Can’t be bothered to trawl through the sale rails? Check out NEXT’s new autumn collection for everything you need to dazzle in the sun. 24

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www.next.co.uk www.next.co.uk 227 227 HIGH HIGH STREET, STREET, EPPING, EPPING, CM16 CM16 4DA 4DA LIBERTY LIBERTY SHOPPING SHOPPING CENTRE, CENTRE, ROMFORD, ROMFORD, RM1 RM1 3RL 3RL *cannot *cannot guarantee guarantee availability availability in in stores storesESSEX CENTRAL

FA S H I O N

FORWARD THINKING

FASHION HEAD New boutique By Chelce opens in Ongar

ast month I had the privilege of attending the launch of a new boutique in Ongar – By Chelce. Chelce Hall, the owner, was all glammed up. Wearing one of her beautiful creations, as well as rocking a pair of Louboutin’s all night long! The champagne was flowing as friends and family shopped whilst enjoying the great atmosphere. Guests from The Only Way Is Essex showed up to support Chelce at her launch night. By Chelce is unique, because she makes each piece herself, so

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you’re guaranteed to have something fashionable yet different. The vibe from her collection is a mix of glamorous nights out and beach dress up. This is the kind of boutique Essex needed. A place where you can shop for; bikinis, kaftans, dresses, necklaces and even a pair of beautiful jewelled flip flops. Perfect for sunny holidays or a night out in town. So if you’re looking for something glamorous and original, be sure to make a visit to By Chelce and get yourself a one of a kind. Virginia Muranga

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HD FINISHING POWDER

£9.50 www. nyxcosmeticsstore. co.uk I found this product a little tricky to apply at first, but once I got the hang of it I loved it! Shake a little of the powder into the lid and use a cotton wool pad to press over foundation for a flawless matte finish, it seems to last all day and prevents makeup slipping in the heat.

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SOFT MATTE LIP CREAM – BUENOS AIRES £5.50 www. nyxcosmeticsstore. co.uk This lip cream is easy to apply like a gloss, moisturizes like a balm and has the sophisticated finish of a matte lipstick, making it a great allrounder, and at a great price is the perfect addition to your holiday makeup bag.

HHHHH 28 ESSEX CENTRAL

NATURAL EXFOLIATING GRAINS

£18.00 www.aromatherapyassociates.com These little grains are completely natural, being made from 100% finely ground olive pits. They can be a bit fiddly (and a nightmare to clean up if dropped all over the bathroom floor like I did!) but, I love the fact that you can use as much or as little of this product mixed in with your favourite shower gel to create your desired level of exfoliation.

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COCO SALON

180 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5BD Website: www.cocosalon.co.uk Tel:020 8559 2279 CoCo Salon is owned and run by The cut was precise and flattering, the award-winning colour and extension colour change was subtle but pretty specialists Jodie Hutchinson and and the gloss had given me shiny hair Eimhear Gowers. I booked myself in that Cheryl Cole would be proud of. for a much needed cut and colour Oh, and I mustn’t forget the amazing with the girls, to see what they are products that they used, including all about, and I wasn’t disappointed! the Herra Hair Perfume, which was spritzed over my beautifully blowTHE SALON dried locks and smells AMAZING! This is a beautiful little salon located on the prestigious Queens Road in SERVICE Buckhurst Hill. With painted brickwork, Throughout my visit I received a distressed wood flooring and opulent professional but personal and friendly mirrors accompanied by stylish service, and really felt like the girls fittings the salon has a welcoming but listened to what I wanted. They both luxurious feel. It is small, but perfectly chatted away with ease to myself and formed and provides a refreshing other clients and it was obvious that change from the stark, ultra-modern they have built up a great rapport with look that has taken over many their regular customers. hairdressers in Essex. VALUE THE TREATMENT With a cut and blow dry costing just I entered CoCo with a long, boring £32.50 and all the treatments that mane of hair that wasn’t in the I had (cut, colour, gloss & blowbest condition. Upon consultation dry) coming in at just under £100 we decided on layers to create altogether this has to be one of the movement and frame my face (by best value salons in the area. Both the Eimhear), as well as having the girls have extensive experience and ends lightened (with three different are obviously experts at what they do. but complimentary shades), and a I have previously paid around £45 for gloss treatment applied (by Jodie) just a cut and blow-dry with stylists of to improve condition and keep a a similar level at other salons in Essex, summery feel. Two hours and two and have never been as happy with cups of tea later, I left extremely the results. I will definitely be back! happy with my glamorous new do. HHHHH

Do you have a product or treatment you would like reviewed? Contact: victoria@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk

RANA ARGAN OIL

£23.00 www.ranaarganoil.co.uk This all natural, organic, 100% pure Argan Oil has been working wonders on my stubborn post-pregnancy stretch marks. I have also found that using a little after sun exposure helps to prevent dryness, and although the nutty scent is a little strong at first, it soon fades away and all that is left if buttery soft skin.

HHHHH

TIP: Use in preparation for tanning, for even, long lasting results.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Our Beauty Editor Victoria Grace puts summer essentials through their paces PHENOMENAL 2 - 3 WEEK SELF TAN MOUSSE – DARK

£37.50 www.vitaliberata.co.uk This is certainly a product that ‘does what it says on the tin’, it lasted 2 weeks, which is longer than other self-tans I have tried. The mousse was easy to apply with the tanning mitt, and the result was streak free, deeply bronzed skin which looked just as good any professional spray-tan. Unfortunately the shade was a little dark for my personal taste, but I will be purchasing this in ‘Medium’ in future.

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CAPTURE THE LIGHT OPAQUE – LATTE LIGHT

£29.95 www.vitaliberata. co.uk This is definitely my new summer obsession! Beauty professionals describe this product as “better than a BB Cream”, and I would have to agree. It can be applied all over, giving a subtle, illuminating glow with a perfect finish, and can be used to enhance already tanned skin. At £29.95 it is a bit pricier than the average BB Cream and wash off self-tans, but is worth it for the versatility this product provides.

BE AUT Y PRODUCT REVIEWS GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD MASK

£44.99 www.glamglowmud. co.uk The best face mask I have ever tried! After just one application, my problem ‘visible pores’ disappeared altogether. The texture felt luxurious and dried in minutes without the uncomfortable tightness you normally get from a mud mask.

HHH HH

COUTURE DE MINNIE COLLECTION

£11.50 www.opiuk.com The Couture De Minnie collection contains the newest shades in the O.P.I. range. Each is very wearable for summer, including crimson, fuchsia and bubblegum pinks inspired by Minnie Mouse, but my favourite is definitely the ‘Magazine Cover Mouse liquid sand’, it has an interesting textured finish, and out-sparkles even the biggest diamond ring!

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HHHHH TIP: Use as a highlighter on cheek, brow and collar bones! ESSEX CENTRAL

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RYE-HOUSE KART RACEWAY

Rye-House Kart Raceway is where world champion F1 driver Lewis Hamilton learned his trade as a child. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the thrills and exhilaration of Go-Karting. Adults or children can enjoy outstanding facilities that include a Main Track (min age is 8 years and 4ft 4”height) or Junior Circuit (min age is 5yrs and 3ft 6” height). Drivers are fully kitted out with race suits, helmets and gloves and then briefed on safety. After that, it’s into the kart and onto the track. Each circuit has a viewing area. Dinosaurs have also arrived at Rye House, with the new Rye-assic Adventure Park which brings prehistoric creatures to life as a backdrop to a collection of rides. Rye House Laser Combat is also not to be missed. Rye Road, Rye House, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN11 0EH. Tel: 01992 460 895 Website: www.rye-house.co.uk

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Keep the little ones entertained this summer with these local attractions ASHLYN’S FARM PARK

EXPLOSIVE FUN FOR KIDS ROYAL GUNPOWDER MILLS – SECRET ISLAND

Discover a top secret world of excitement, experiments and explosions at the Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey. A fascinating, handson guide to gunpowder, big bangs, weapons and warfare. There is 300 years of explosive history brought to life through film, exhibitions and interactive displays. Explore the Armoury with over 200 historic fire-arms and visit the ‘Rocket Vault’ where you will be able to see some of the secret rockets worked on at Waltham Abbey. Don’t miss Professor Nitrate’s Mad-Lab where you will find a fun-packed series of hands on experiments and activities set within the laboratory of eccentric rocket scientist.

Hop on-board a military vehicle or land-train for a tour of the site’s most interesting and explosive locations. Open Daily from 10am during Summer School Holidays 20 July - 1 September. Book tickets online and save 10% on admission. Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY www.royalgunpowdermills.com Tel: 01992 707370

A round up of some great local attractions to keep the kid’s occupied this summer. Whether they’re an adrenaline junkie, animal lover or history buff these days out will capture their imaginations.

Stroll around the farm trail at Ashlyn’s to see a variety of animals such as; ponies, cattle, pigs, emus, wallabies, pygmy marmosets, and everyone’s favourite TV personality the meerkat! The walk will take approximately 1½ hrs, and if that hasn’t sufficiently worn the children out there is also an outdoor play area for them to let off some more steam as well as an indoor soft play barn (which can also be hired for parties). Grab breakfast or lunch in the on-site restaurant which serves freshly cooked dishes made from locally sourced, organic ingredients. Before leaving, be sure to visit the well-stocked farm shop, for great organic fruit and veg and free range meat from their butchers. Epping Road, North Weald, Epping, CM16 6RZ. Tel: 01992 523118 Website: www.ashlynsfarmshop.co.uk

COLCHESTER ZOO

Colchester Zoo is one of the finest Zoos in Europe and has won many awards for its modern enclosures, green practices and conservation work. With over 270 species set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, more than 50 daily displays, an undercover soft play area, 4 adventure play areas, The Lost Madagascar Express road train and so much more...your day out will be action packed! 2013 is a celebratory year for Colchester Zoo as it reaches its 50th Anniversary. To mark this special

EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY

The Epping Ongar Railway is the longest heritage railway in Essex and has been awarded “Heritage Railway of the Year”. Combining three different transport experiences in one great value ticket this is a great day out for the whole family to enjoy. Hop on board one of the vintage buses at Epping Station and take a ride back in time to the restored period stations at North Weald or Ongar. From there catch a steam engine or one of the diesel hauled trains and experience

occasion they are hosting a number of special events and their ‘Stand Tall for Giraffes’ campaign takes to the streets with 2.5m giraffe sculptures forming a large-scale public art event for 12 weeks in the summer of 2013. This will ultimately raise money for its charity “Action for the Wild”. Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, CO3 0SL. Website: www.colchesterzoo.org Tel: 01206 331292 the travel of yesteryear. Along the route enjoy the breath-taking views of the Essex countryside and look out for the local wildlife! All travel tickets are flexible so that you can start your journey at any location and tailor your day out to suit your requirements, and you can travel on each heritage transport more than once, though at peak times a fare usage policy applies. Please visit their website for timetables and fare prices. Ongar Station, Station Approach, Ongar, Essex CM5 9BN. Tel: 01229 717 966. Website: www.eorailway.co.uk ESSEX CENTRAL

 Experience the ultimate thrills of high speed karting on one of the UK’s oldest and most respected circuits  With the likes of Lewis Hamilton using the demanding track as a means of taking his first driving steps  Hire Kart Racing  No Fuss  Pre-book, check-in and we do the rest! "Rye House has always been a great circuit run by great people who have been incredibly supportive throughout my career. This is where I started and let's hope that for every one of you, this could be where your career begins too" Lewis Hamilton

01992 460 895 • WWW.RYE-HOUSE.CO.UK Rye House Kart Raceway, Rye Road Rye House, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK EN11 0EH

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Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY | 01992 707370

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HAVE YOUR SAY

“If you had One Million pounds, how would YOU change your local area??”

ROSS - Free sports for everyone, this would really help to fight obesity.

COLETTE - I would add more street lights and security cameras, plus resurface a lot of the roads that have potholes.

SOPHIE - Clean the river Roding and have nice picnic areas and benches along the route from south Woodford to Buckhurst hill.

GARY - I would use it to create a local sports facility that was used by people of all ages.

UZO - More police street patrols, I

KATHY - Swimming pool in South

hardly ever see anyone. Off street parking for everyone, it’s so annoying when you come home and there’s nowhere to park!

SARAH - Screen on the green, would be great to watch outdoor films in the summer! Also a kid’s play area on the green by All Saints church.

JOHN - Free kids club, like back in the day!

Woodford, especially now we have this weather! The closest ones are miles away.

ANDREW - Re-invent the library. A modern library to give kids something to do rather than filthy skate-parks and wondering the streets bothering everyone else and program supporting innovative business set ups

JO - Train big dogs to growl at anyone who spits in the street!

DANIEL - Free art center in South Woodford, put a free 5 a side football pitch and basketball court in Woodford/South Woodford & sort the traffic lights at the top of George Lane.

RICHARD - Contract killings for the parking wardens in South Woodford and Woodford Tube station!

DAVINIA - I would buy the little green space that there is left and never let anyone build on it!!

LISA - I would revamp local shops

ROB - We should use Epping Forest more, would be great to have an assault course in there, or a quad biking track!

TONY - Better sports facilities for

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and leisure center, it’s a lovely little village here in Waltham Abbey, but certain parts look a little run down so this would give it a nice lift.

the kids making sure they all stay free of charge, I want the next Wimbledon champion to be from Essex! ESSEX CENTRAL

PANCHAM INDIAN DINING

With over 20 years experience in the re-uphostery and repair industry, Clark Upholstery caters for all your upholstery needs.

Discover genuine regional tastes from the diverse corners of India. Now for the first time in Epping, you have a choice… Reservations: 01992 571777 www.pancham.co.uk 133, 135 High Street • Epping • CM16 4BD

Claim 15% off your food bill Just call 01992 571777, SMS 07891 808210 or email info@pancham.co.uk & quote “ESSEX CENTRAL” l l l l

Uphostery Repairs Leather furniture Repairs Furniture Re-upholstery Recliner Repairs

www.clarkupholstery.com Tel: 07534 226845 email: peter@clarkupholstery.com 38

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LUX* Grand Gaube Enjoy seven nights in Mauritius at the LUX* Grande Gaube from £1399 per person, saving up to £1060 per couple. All-inclusive LUX* Tamassa Enjoy seven nights in Mauritius at the all-inclusive LUX* Tamassa from £1495 per person, saving up to £1056 per couple. Destination of the Month: Mauritius with LUX* Resorts What made us choose LUX* Resorts? Like us, they know that the small things make the difference. They are dedicated to ensuring guests experience a lighter, brighter holiday and making each moment matter. As a guest, you celebrate the nature, culture, flavours and wares of the Indian Ocean islands. The Island Light experience gives every visitor a flavour of life from homemade ice creams packed with local fruits to coffees blended and roasted in ESSEX CENTRAL Mauritius. 40

We loved the retro-red phone boxes to make free calls home, the messages in a bottle hidden around resorts containing random surprises, and the secret bar: a well-stocked mini fridge yours to empty should you be able to find it! There’s even a beach cinema, where they hook up a screen while you lie back on a hammock and recharge your glass. We shouldn’t forget that the island has a year-round tropical climate (22°C in winter to 34°C in summer) with strong European influences and English as the official language.

There’s also a rich colonial history, natural beauty and world-class facilities for golf, scuba diving, snorkelling and trekking and more. Or you could just sit back and enjoy the pristine white beaches and crystal clear waters at any of the LUX* resorts, including: Further inland, the Black River Georges National Park inspires with its local flora and fauna, from orchids and anthuria to macaques, wild boar and flying foxes. Nature, culture, flavour you’ll find it all here.

Includes non-stop return flights from London Heathrow with Air Mauritius, seven nights’ accommodation and return private transfers.

THE OTHER MAURITIAN LUX* RESORTS LUX* Belle Mare LUX* Le Morne Merville Beach, Grand Baie For further details on any of the above resorts or Mauritius in general, please contact any of our team or visit our website at: www.abbottstravel.com

Book by 31 August for travel between before 22 September 2013. One child (0-11 years old) sharing room with two adults for £665. We remain a family business, run by Julian Abbott on the same street and on the same principles - as his grandfather and father. Abbotts has never lost sight of what matters most: a tailored service built on knowledge and experience. Call us on 0208 989 9445 to arrange your next trip. Visit us in person at 134 George Lane, South Woodford E18 1BA (open Monday-Saturday). Track more exclusive offers and receive your free monthly newsletter online at

www.abbottstravel.com

Twitter: @abbottstravel

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Oscar’s Chic French Interiors is a new venture that has recently opened in Epping. Owned and run by Mary Crosby, who is trained in Interior Design, it is a one stop shop for enabling customers to have the stylish and individual home they have always dreamed of. O s c a r ’s C h I c F r e n c h I n t e r I o r s , 9 S t a t I o n R o a d, E p p I n g C M 1 6 4 H A

Oscar’s specialise in hand painted furniture, predominately French, and also stock a range of interior accessories, such as chandeliers, mirrors and much more to complete all homes. The furniture is lovingly restored and painted in Annie Sloan chalk paint, before being waxed and buffed to give years of use. Oscar’s will constantly be offering different pieces of furniture for sale that they have sourced and painted or alternatively through their contacts in France they can also source furniture to order and paint to whatever specification a customer may have. This bespoke service sets Oscar’s apart from the crowd and in turn will give their customers the opportunity to buy something unique for their home. Oscar’s can also supply reproduction, as well as, new contemporary furniture

Mathilda M. Scented Pompom £20.75

if required. No order is too small for them and they will always go the extra mile to try to give their customers what they want. They pride themselves on their friendly and efficient customer service. Apart from the lovely furniture and accessories that Oscar’s sell to adorn your home they also have a range of beautiful gifts, these include a range by Mathilda M. of France, for which Oscar’s are the only supplier in the UK, so if you are looking for a gift that is a bit different and special then look no further. Finally, in memory of Oscar the black cat whom the business is named after, they stock a range of pet products, again a little different from the norm and something to grace any home.

Large Serpentine French Sideboard £399.00

Range of Mathilda M. Gifts £7.00 - £26.50

Paris Cabinet £350.00

Oscar’s Chic French Interiors is based at 9 Station Road, Epping CM16 4HA and are open all days apart from Wednesday and Sunday, so come along and see what they have to offer, they guarantee you will not be disappointed, and you are always ensured a warm welcome. They are the small shop with the black cat outside, you can’t miss them!

www.oscarschicfrenchinteriors.co.uk

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Restaurant sty le cuisine to make at home

FOOD & WINE

BLUEBELL RESTAURANT

BEST ENJOYED WITH...

SCALLOPS WITH HONEY ROAST PORK BELLY

Impress your friends with this dish from The Bluebell Restaurant, Chigwell. Head Chef Gavin Maguire shows us how… PREPARATION 1. HONEY GASTRIC Heat 500ml red wine vinegar, 500g honey, 1 cinnamon stick and 1 star anise. Reduce by half, pass through a fine strainer & set aside. 2. PORK BELLY Season with salt, pepper and 5-spice. Marinate for 4 hours, then cover with a mixture of half orange juice half water and 100ml of balsamic vinegar, add thyme, rosemary and garlic & bring to the boil. Cover with tin foil & place in the oven at 150 degrees for 3 hours or until tender and tears apart easily. Allow to cool in the liquid then refrigerate for 24 hours. Finally cut in to 2 inch squares ready to use. 3. APPLE PUREE

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Peel Granny Smith apples & cover with water, add a nob of butter, handful of sugar, juice of 2 limes and 2 lemons then cover with cling-film and microwave until soft. Blend until smooth, then cool. 4. DRIED PARMA HAM place some thin slices on silicone paper with a little oil above your stove or somewhere warm and allow drying until crisp. 5. Slice some apples and keep in a little water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent discolouring. METHOD 6. Heat 4 pieces of pork belly with a generous amount of the honey gastric until they are dark and sticky, and then leave somewhere warm.

7. Warm the apple puree gently. 8. Drain 4 large scallops with no roe on a cloth, pan fry in a very hot pan with the large flat side first to get a nice golden colour, then turn the scallops & allow another 30 seconds, add a nob of butter and a squeeze of lime juice for a nice buttery nutty flavour, then drain on a cloth. 9. Place a line of the apple puree down the middle of the plate then alternate with scallop, sliced apple and pork belly along the line of puree. 10. Top with fresh Pea shoots (washed & drained), crisp pieces of Parma ham and finish with a squeeze of lime juice.

A take on the brilliantly matched combination of pork and seafood, this dish gives an interesting combination of flavours that require some thought. The Alsace region of eastern France is famous for its beautiful scenery, its notably food-friendly wines, and its fine cuisine. Pinot Gris produced here is quite unlike its ubiquitous Italian cousin, fuller and more complex, and it is acknowledged for its affinity with dishes that combine richness and delicacy. Bruno & Renée Sorg founded their domaine here in 1965. Their 2010 Pinot Gris has a lovely pale, green-tinted colour, and offers us bright, gently rich aromas of white flowers and honey. Full and intense in the mouth, with a gorgeous combination of roundness and acidity, and with fine persistence, it will provide a perfect foil to the complex flavours of the Bluebell’s dish. Toby Webster 2010 Pinot Gris, Bruno Sorg is available from Black Dog Wines of North Weald, £15.20 per bottle, or £13.95 when 6 bottles purchased. www.blackdogwines.co.uk ESSEX CENTRAL

ESSEX CENTRAL

WIN!

PUZZLES COMPETITION

Win this bundle of luxury beauty goodies worth over £150!

Prize includes O.P.I. Runway Minnies, GLAMGLOW Supermud Mask, Rana Argan Oil, Vita Liberata Capture the Light Illuminating Skin Finish, Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan and tanning mitt, NYX HD Finishing Powder and a NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream. To enter simply fill in the entry form below and send to: Essex Central Magazine, 8 Lancaster Road, North Weald, Epping, Essex, CM16 6JA or email your details to: competitions@essexcentralmagazine. co.uk. You will not receive spam mail or be added to any mailing lists. Closing Date: 15th August 2013. One winner will be selected at random and contacted by 20th August.

BEAUTY BUNDLE COMPETITION NAME:

TEL:

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Medium Difficulty For puzzle solutions please visit www.essexcentralmagazine.co.uk

CRISS-CROSS

Fit these destinations into the grid. 5 LETTERS Italy Kenya Malta Spain Dubai 6 LETTERS France Cyprus

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7LETTERS Bahamas 8 LETTERS Barbados Hong Kong 9 LETTERS Australia

WORD SEARCH

Find these summer words: Ice lolly Beach Ball Flip Flops Sunglasses Cocktails Sizzling BBQ Holiday Picnics Festivals

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SHOP LOCAL VOUCHERS

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DAD’S DIARY

DIARY OF A NEW DAD

ENTERING FATHERHOOD

WITHOUT A MAP

o, today was supposed to be the day, the day I was due to become a dad. I’ve been checking my watch, double checked the calendar and called the speaking clock, twice. It’s definitely April 12th ... but I’m definitely not at the hospital holding my boy. Instead I’m calling the local Indian restaurant on behalf of the lady “I’ve had enough of this now, get the hottest curry they do, and then I’ll have some pineapple and you know what!” Crikey, busy night ahead, come on son, get a move on, the poppadum’s will be here in 20 minutes!! It’s difficult to slow the eating time of a curry beyond 2 hours, but lord knows I tried, each time I looked up she was funneling down another crazy Jalfrazi whilst bouncing up and down on her inflatable red ball like a delirious sunburnt kangaroo. I had to hand to her, she was doing everything to push this boy out, but he wouldn’t budge. Next up we hit the shops, I won’t name drop but every little helps. She bounded down the aisle in search of confectionary like Willy Wonka doing a stock take, I tried explaining that perhaps we didn’t need quite so many sweets, but she was insistent. The real problem that I have is one day, not long from now, she will lose half a stone very quickly, but I will be left with this sympathy gut that I’ve been slowly growing through osmosis. April 18th - We’re now 6 days overdue, I’m starting to wonder if she really is pregnant or this is simply ‘gas’? My pineapple purchasing funds are depleting quicker than a plate of biscuits at

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a weight watchers rebellion group, and it would appear I’m putting the local green grocer’s kids through college through my consistent visits requesting more of Mr Delmonte’s finest. We’ve had curries hotter than the sun but still he won’t come out. It looks increasingly like we will have to start charging him rent in there. He has finally arrived! April 21st, I’m not a big believer in astrology (like most Capricorns) but he passed the Aries cusp to become a Taurus, “strong like bull”. The birth itself was fantastic and shocking; we initially opted

The midw ives pulled with such force that I feared I may end up fathering a giraffe for a water birth, when she first suggested it I pictured myself sat on the side with a net, waiting for a stray poo, like the unluckiest gnome in the world “great” I said, “can’t wait!”, however, as the pool was not ready we were moved onto the labour ward for some ‘pain relief’. The nurse kindly explained the drugs would only be for my lady, but I hid my devastation well. I heard the doctors mutter something about a ‘kiwi delivery’, and thought it dammed incompetent to have pregnant women and wild birds on the same floor, and demanded to know what kind of doctor would allow such a thing, (besides Doolittle). I was swiftly informed that ‘kiwi’ was in fact a method of assisted delivery to help pull the little lad out. I

then watched in horror as the tug of war ensued, the doctors pulling with a force to make Schwarzenegger blush. In fact, they pulled so hard that I feared I may end up fathering a giraffe! Then the unspeakable happened, I heard a ‘pop!’ and felt sure that his head had come off! We shall deliver the second part shortly”.... I expected them to say. “The kiwi has come off, no problem, we will try again” she said it like it was nothing. My heart started to pump once more and I took a huge intake of gas after wrestling it from the grasp of my pregnant fiancé. We ploughed forward and minutes later (although it felt like years) the best moment of my life took place as they pulled him into view and he started crying straight away. All was good; in fact it was amazing, fantastic, better than brilliant... you get the point. So here he was, out and proud - our son. I started checking to see if he had any of our likenesses and hoped that he didn’t get everything of mine, to explain: I have a forehead you can comfortably rest your pint on and ears that can only be viewed under a powerful microscope. I was delighted to see no prominent brow and a decent set of lug holes. Things were looking good and I stepped up to change his first nappy, it was the black tar like substance the pre natal classes had told us about, then he pee’d in my face. I remember my mum saying I did the same to her so I’m glad he has some of my genes at least. As I mopped the urine from my face, I smiled... it was official, I’m now a dad. ...TO BE CONTINUED

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GRID x PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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Tel: 07577972555

E-mail: info@gridex.co.uk | www.gridex.co.uk

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CLUB FOCUS BUCKHURST HILL

Under 15’s winners.

Under 15’s County Cup Final.

Another victory for our youngsters.

The under 6’s – a new generation!

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MINI KICKERS BIG AMBITIONS W

ith over 20 different teams (starting with their 3 year old ‘mini kickers’) Buckhurst Hill Football Club, is more than a football club, it’s a centre piece of the local community. The town of Buckhurst Hill has had various clubs over the past 150 years, and an earlier team was once beaten 6-1 by none other than Tottenham Hotspur, but this was back in 1887! This gives you some idea as to the long history of football in this area. The current BHFC have been running for nearly 30 years and owns a large amount of ground which greatly helps the development of all its various players across the ages. The chairman Simon Cornwell, explains more “We’re very much about providing a facility for young boys and girls in the area and we’ve achieved great success at youth level, winning

7 county cups in the last 5 years”. This is due not only to the grounds and facilities, but more importantly to all the qualified volunteer coaches who provide fantastic training for the different teams. Simon continues “we’re all volunteers as a club, but we see ourselves as a pillar of the community, there’s nothing better than when people drive past our ground and see boys and girls between 3 and 10 training on a Saturday. Our aim is to have a situation where everyone who plays for the senior team has come through the ranks at Buckhurst Hill FC that would be fantastic”. Looking around at the grounds, the facilities, the staff and the players involved, it certainly seems like an ambition that is well on its way to being fulfilled. We wish Buckhurst Hill FC all the best for the new season!

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