The Loop - Feb 15 - Issue7 by EssexCentralMagazine

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THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR LOCAL PEOPLE - ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 2015

BE MY VALENTINE Gifts For Your One And Only

LOCAL LANDMARK Iconic Ilford Pub Reopens

TURKISH DELIGHT Dreams Of Summer Sun

DINING GUIDE Our Top 10 Romantic Restaurants

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ON THE COVER Bu 14 Local Landmark ck h 19 Gift Guide Hil urst l 36 Turkish Delight 40 Valentine’s Dining Guide 53 Competition Win a meal for 2 at Marina

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FASHION & BEAUTY 25 Valentine’s Fashion with Passion 27 Permanent Hair Straightening Sn Fa are HOME & GARDEN irlo sb p roo 28 Let’s Get Cooking k 33 February Gardening Guide

ton e COMMUNITY 6 Your CommentsW an ste 10 Local News ad 34 Vaccinate Your Pet 39 Q&A with Joe Conway 49 What’s On

Editor: Darren Perry Email: Darren@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk Tel: 01279 319 318 Advertising: advertising@essexcentral magazine.co.uk Features Editor: Victoria Grace Journalist: Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham Design: Sharon Butler-Felby @SketchDesign, Lauren Brown, Matt Brace. Sales Manager: Dennis Hutton Contributors: Sarah Mackie, Victoria Robertson, Josie Stevens, Amanda Anastasiou. Publishers: 3 Blue Worldwide Ltd Facebook: EssexCentralMag Twitter: @EssexCentralMag 46,000 copies distributed to homes, businesses and station locations, along the Essex section of the Central Line and surrounding areas: South Woodford, Woodford, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Loughton, Debden, Abridge, Theydon Bois, Epping, North Weald, Ongar, Wanstead, Redbridge, Ilford, Gants Hill, Newbury Park, Barkingside, Fairlop, Hainault, Grange Hill. Although every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, 3 Blue Worldwide Ltd take no responsibility for any errors, or the advertisements within this magazine.

FOOD & DRINK 45 Restaurant Review

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elcome back! We are well into the new year now and slowly working our way towards spring. Hopefully next month we will be able to speak of slightly warmer weather as our Turkey travel feature is certainly making us dream of sunny days. In the meantime cuddle up to someone special and keep warm this Valentine’s Day. We have featured ten of the best restaurants for a romantic meal in the local area and also bring you some gift inspiration. Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham delves into the history of The Cauliflower pub in Ilford, and with ghostly tales and a musical past we hope you find it an interesting read. We also have our usual mix of features including fashion, beauty, gardening, what’s on and Mum’s corner. Happy Valentine’s Day and see you next month. Darren Perry Editor/Owner

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COMMUNITY

YOUR COMMENTS We love hearing from you!

ach month we trawl through our mailbox and social media sites to see what you are thinking. Here are a few of our favourite messages that we have received recently. Keep your comments coming in for a chance to win £20 if we pick you as our ‘Star Comment’ and £10 for the ‘Reader’s Photo’.

READER’S PHOTO

STAR Hi, pick up The Loop at Newbury Park station every month from the lovely lady who hands them out and find it very informative on the local area. I actually run a couple of free community social clubs in Ilford and I was wondering if you would help me spread the word with an entry into your what’s on page? Thank you in advance. Asma Aslam

at ing EC d a e r ord radley tors, Woodf B & s o Ros gham M Tony , W.J . Kin

A nice little article we did for @EssexCentralMag January’s health and fitness edition @PegasusGO Cannot wait for my overnight stay next weekend in Downhall plus a full Swedish body massage, courtesy of @EssexCentralMag  @SimJadeCM

Cheers guys! @r4mole Congratulations to Stephen Cumber (right), Charlie Wright, Jane Moody, Sophie Field & Bev Lawrence who were the winners of our Black Tower competition.

Superb work from @EssexCentralMag in making our #Costa Rica feature look so brilliant. #blownaway @AbbottsTravel

Read @EssexCentralMag page 42-43 for our guide on Sushi rolls! @sumofresh

CONTACT US Address: Essex Central Magazine, Brickfield Business Centre, High Road, Thornwood, Epping, Essex CM16 6TH @EssexCentralMag EssexCentralMag editor@essexcentral magazine.co.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

A short roundup of what’s been going on

REDBRIDGE COLLEGE STUDENTS REBRAND QUADRANT ARCADE BUSINESSES IN ROMFORD

Redbridge College design students unveiled the results of an ambitious new creative rebranding project on 16th January at the Quadrant Arcade in the Romford Shopping Centre with hundreds of people in attendance. The students worked in collaboration with Havering Sixth Form and Havering College along with artists in residence and industry professionals with the goal of encouraging business growth in the shopping centre in the face of the recent recession. Redbridge College film students offered support by filming the process to produce a promotional video. The students worked with local businesses and business owners within the Quadrant Arcade to rebrand, promote and develop each business. Projects included the rebranding of Meat Express, the renaming of the Seahorse Fish Bar and the launch of the Synergy Media gallery. The project was scheduled to be completed in eight days, which meant the students were under immense pressure to meet their targets on time. Curriculum Manager Yamena Farkhani was confident in her students’ abilities and is pleased with the results. Yamena says, “The event was fantastic and the students have really done us proud. I think we’ll be working with some of the

businesses again. This is really the start of something great.” One local business owner who was a part of the rebrand says, “It’s fantastic to be working so closely with the college students. They bring a fresh perspective to the arcade, helping to improve their community and the lives and businesses of people living in it.” The professional relationships built Quadrant Arcade students working

by Blue Orange, the creative arts department at Redbridge College, have grown tremendously in the last year. Based on the success of previous exhibitions including the Lahore and Chandigarh Exhibition, Blue Orange has begun collaborative projects with Romford Contemporary Arts Programme, and hopes to continue its successful work with the Quadrant Arcade local businesses.

CHIGWELL SCHOOL CHAPEL CHOIR CONCERT SUPPORTS TWO CHARITIES

The Chigwell School Chapel Choir continued its fundraising efforts by performing a charity concert at Christ Church, Spitalfields, London. The concert raised almost £13,000 for the charities Smiles with Grace and Kids Inspire. Smiles with Grace was founded by Chigwell student Grace Boxall who died following a brave fight against cancer. Kids Inspire provides therapy for children traumatised by abuse or bereavement and is currently supporting nearly 400 children in Essex through clinical support and love. The programme included works by Handel, who wrote The Messiah also in aid of a children’s charity, and the Spotless Rose by Paul Mealor who supported the concert. The school’s Director of Music, Howard Ebden, said: “The choristers of the school inspired all those present with some glorious sounds and singing of the highest calibre.” The Chapel Choir has raised over £40,000 in two years, with two corporate concerts, a rowathon on the Serpentine, Hyde Park; and the sale of the latest Chapel Choir CD which went as far as America, New Zealand and Holland.

COMMUNITY EXCITING NEW FASHIONS FOR CHILDREN

December 2014 saw the grand opening of Rollybaby, a brand new children’s boutique in South Woodford stocking bright and colourful unique designs from Britain, Spain and Italy. With a combined retail experience of 30 years, Aisha and Cassim Ghanty have opened Rollybaby with the vision of selling the highest quality children’s wear up until 12 years old. They sell clothing and accessories including rompers, dresses, hats and shoes. At Rollybaby, they are “very passionate” and with an ever changing store, they ensure to provide exciting new fashions for children. As they never order in bulk, customers will find unique and exceptional clothing made to the highest possible quality. You won’t find these wonderful wares anywhere else on the high street, they stock shoes from Earlydays, Rollybaby shop front a brand favoured by the

royals and seen on Prince George as well as Leon, a Spanish leather brand which is frequently worn by the Spanish royal family. Aisha and Cassim are extremely dedicated to Rollybaby, Cassim says that “the difference between us and other baby wear boutiques is that we go and search ourselves for the best quality to go to our customers.” Aisha and Cassim often travel to Madrid and Florence to view new collections and to find the best stock for their store, they also customise stock directly with factories to ensure individuality. Their hats and mittens are hand knitted in Britain and due to Aisha’s close relationship with the makers, they are tailor made for Rollybaby. Rollybaby has garnered attention online at a nationwide level and were recently featured in Channel 5’s Blinging Up Baby. Find Rollybaby at 8A The Galleria George Lane, South Woodford. www.rollybaby.co.uk, Tel: 0758 522 9237.

Perfect pooches Peanut and Daisy will be taking the lead when St Clare Hospice holds its popular Winter Walkies on Sunday 22nd February. The cute canines are the furry faces of this year’s fundraising event after they won a Facebook competition to find a top dog to star on the Hastingwood-based charity’s posters, leaflets and other promotional material in the run up to the sponsored 5km countryside walk. From beagles and

boxers, to collies and Cocker spaniels, almost 90 handsome hounds and pretty pups entered the online competition, with both Peanut and Daisy winning more than 300 votes each! They were then invited to the Hospice with their owners Claire Hands and Nicola Parker for a special photo shoot with Pawtrait of Your Pet photographer Vikki Lince. Claire, from Hunsdon, said: “It’s lovely to see Peanut on the posters, and I’m just really happy she can help and hopefully raise lots of money for the Hospice.” Nicola, who lives in Harlow, added: “We were over the moon to hear that Daisy was one of the winners - to see her picture being used to promote Winter Walkies is just so exciting.” St Clare fundraising manager s photoshoot

ing the Winter Walkie

Peanut and Daisy dur

Dominique Brunning said: “We know our supporters are barking mad for their pets, but we were overwhelmed with the response to our Winter Walkies competition. The event, which has been kindly sponsored by Mullucks Wells, is one of the most popular in the Hospice fundraising calendar.” Peanut and Daisy will be setting off at the head of the Winter Walkies pack when the pooch parade leaves the Hospice at 11am. Anyone can join the walk whether you are a pet owner or not. On the morning there will be doggy-friendly fun and games for all the family, including competitions for dogs and owners as well as a children’s quiz. Free soup and a roll for all walkers will also be available along with other hot refreshments on sale. Registration for Winter Walkies is £10 for adults, £5 for children or £27.50 for two adults and two children. For more information, call the St Clare fundraising team on 01279 773750, email fund@ stclarehospice.org.uk or visit

Photography: Vikki Lince

PEANUT & DAISY TAKE THE LEAD FOR ST CLARE WINTER WALKIES

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HMS Titanic

, Previous owners n names unknow

local landmark in Ilford, The Cauliflower, has recently been reopened under new ownership, it’s back and better than ever. The Cauliflower has a rich history, with links to the Titanic, it has played host to some musical icons and even had albums recorded on site. The Cauliflower stands at 553 High Road Ilford, gaining its name from originally being built on a cauliflower patch. It predates 1897, however this is when plans were submitted to open the site

LOCAL LANDMARK THE CAULIFLOWER

as The Cauliflower Hotel. The Cauliflower Hotel opened in 1900 as a hotel and gin palace, it had the reputation of being one of the best establishments this side of London. It was held as place of importance in the community and became the official venue of the Seven Kings Lodge; the Seven Kings faction of the Freemasons. The Cauliflower Hotel became a Grade II listed building in June 2014, it was described by English Heritage as, “A good example of the opulent late 19th Century Gin Palace style

with an imposing street presence.” Due to its listing, the newly reopened Cauliflower has maintained a

“It was held as place of importance in the community”

plethora of its historical decor, the opulent ceilings, bar counter and integral glazed in publican’s office. With the pub now fully refurbished and open for business, it is a large

COMMUNITY coming from all over Essex because we are famous for live bands here.” Established bands such as Expose and East of Java are billed for upcoming nights and have both been playing at The Cauliflower for many years. In 1974, The Original East Side Stompers recorded ‘Live From The Cauliflower’ which was released nationwide. Not only does The Cauliflower have a rich musical history but there are also ghostly tales from the establishment. On the night of April 2nd 1912, The Cauliflower Hotel hosted a party to honour

“The Small Faces and Ian Dury are among a wealth of talent ere” who have played h

The Small Faces

open plan space with exposed brickwork, antique wood and glass panels and an array of comfortable sofas and seating. 18 year old Reiss Matto bought The Cauliflower last year with the objective of opening a local community pub, it has since undergone extensive refurbishment and has now been “restored to its former glory.” Reiss has worked in pubs for many years and through learning about the management side, decided to open his own. With the pub on the ground floor,

Ian Dury

Reiss and his father Bugsy are currently refurbishing the rest of the building to create a function suite and boutique hotel. The Cauliflower reopened in December 2014 and their custom has been growing steadily. It has always been famed as a great music location with a large stage area, The Small Faces and Ian Dury are among a wealth of talent who have played here. Reiss is keen to make The Cauliflower an esteemed live band venue, he said, “On the band nights we have people

Mr Benjamin Hart, his wife Esther and their daughter Eva upon their departure for Canada to which they were travelling on the doomed Titanic. On this evening it is said that the ghost of Kathy, a young orphan girl appeared to Mr Hart in the dining room dripping wet and waving frantically at him. A toast was also given wishing them safe passage. It was reported on April 19th 1912 that Esther and Eva were among the saved however Benjamin Hart perished. The pub is a part of Heineken UK and Reiss is passionate about making The Cauliflower an asset to Ilford and is working closely with the brewery to make it a successful business. They stock a wide range of quality beers, ales and ciders and have curated an extensive wine list. As The Cauliflower gains popularity, they hope to establish a pub environment which will attract locals as well as customers from further afield. The future is bright for The Cauliflower, the restaurant is opening in February and in spring the function suite will be opened, seating 350 it will be able to cater for weddings and engagements. This will be followed by the opening of their boutique hotel later in 2015. The Cauliflower 553 High Street Ilford, IG1 1TZ

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PERMANENT HAIR

STRAIGHTENING Does it really work?

f you’re after something that won’t just last until your next shampoo, doesn’t require a battle with the hairdryer AND withstands the most extreme weather conditions, then permanent hair straightening may just be the solution for you... Permanent hair straightening has been a salvation for those with even the most rebellious curls, kinks and frizz, but how much maintenance is really involved, and how long do the results last? Bobbie, Manager & Keratin Complex Expert at Finesse Hair & Beauty, has given me the low-down on all your unanswered questions... She uses Keratin Complex Smoothing Theory by Coppola, a system and product that helps transform unruly, curly and wavy hair to achieve smoother, silkier locks lasting up to 5 months! Since the launch in 2007, Keratin Complex has led the way with innovative technology and amazing results. It is now the leading smoothing system in the World! The Keratin Complex Theory is specially formulated to contain natural keratin protein, which rebuilds, restores and rejuvenates all types of hair.

Q A

What is Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy? The Smoothing Therapy line is comprised of advanced, in-salon treatments that restore and restructure the hair by infusing a special blend of hydrolyzed keratin deep into the cuticle. The hydrolyzed keratin is bonded to the cuticle with heat from a flat iron to relax the hair’s subcuticle layer, resulting in renewed smoothness and shine.

“Natural keratin protein rebuilds, restores and rejuvenates all types of hair. ”

You must wait three days (72 hours) before washing your hair or swimming.

Q A

Can the hair be pulled back or clipped up during the 72-hour waiting period? No, avoid making any impressions on the hair from clips, ponytail holders, hats or sunglasses.

Q A

How much maintenance is required? What results can The treatment can be done every be expected? 2 months but can last 4 months. The hair will be more manageable and Results last longer and are better after a easy to style, and will be resistant to second treatment. humidity. It will feel noticeably softer and How long will the Smoothing silkier, with added life, shine and vibrance. Therapy treatment results last? Can the treatments be done on The Natural Keratin Smoothing chemically treated, relaxed or Treatment lasts up to five months, straightened hair? and Express Blow Out up to six weeks, Yes; in fact, the Smoothing Therapy depending on lifestyle, treatments work to repair damage maintenance and caused by chemical treatments. It adherence to all aftercare is recommended to wait two weeks instructions. By Amanda Anastasiou, between any chemical services and owner of Finesse Hair & adjust iron temperature based on hair Beauty in Chingford. type as listed in instructions. If you would like to have your hair or nails done Am How many days after the Natural anda Keratin Smoothing Treatment before by Amanda, please visit Anastasiou www.finessesalon.co.uk the hair can get wet or be washed?

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“A professional kitchen designer will always be happy to advise you”

LET’S GET

COOKING

Five practical top tips when buying a new kitchen by local experts Anderson Sinclair

Spend your budget wisely: Choose the best quality units that you can as they will last up to 20 years. It’s a false economy to buy cheaper kitchen furniture, it will not be finished to the same standards as the better quality ranges. The carcase material is as important as the doors; make sure they’re at least 18mm, preferably 19mm thick and the carcase should be of dowel and glue construction for greater strength and durability. For the best overall finish the carcase interior should be colour coordinated with the door finish and the exterior carcase colour. Cheaper units tend to offer only a very limited range of interior colours. Sounds obvious, but an important element of the overall effect!

Everyone loves the beauty of solid worktops: They always look so good and some types are incredibly flexible in terms of their styling ability. If your budget does not run to the more expensive solid worktops such as granite, quartz, glass or Corian acrylic

straight away, don’t worry, opt for a laminate top that will look good although not as good as the more expensive granite but will still be hard wearing. You can always upgrade your kitchen later to the solid worktops that you really want.

When deciding on your new appliances: Consider the advantages of eye-level cooking as opposed to built-under or range ovens. If you have a young family an eye-level oven may well be best for you from a safety point of view. If you need the additional space for cooking that a range oven brings why not have two eye-level ovens built into tall units? Remember, it is always a good idea to have worktop space along side your oven to place hot and potentially heavy items on, straight from the oven. Age can also play an important part in your choice of oven; you may not want to be bending down to a low oven to lift out that huge turkey in 20 years time so consider the alternative of retrieving it with comparative ease from an eye-level

HOME GARDEN

Steam oven

built in oven. A professional kitchen designer will always be happy to advise you on the best ergonomics for your kitchen space.

Drawers verses cupboards: This is a very important decision that you have to make at what can be quite a stressful time. To help with this conundrum consider the differences between drawers and cupboards: drawers tend to be a more expensive option but the benefits are many: sleek lines especially if you opt for the handle-less look, drawers fully extend so that reaching the back is actually really easy, cleaning is also made comparatively easy as you don’t have to crawl into a fairly inaccessible space, also finding items that have disappeared into the back recesses of a cupboard becomes a thing of the past. Cupboards on the other hand, whilst cheaper, suffer from all of the problems solved by drawers detailed above. For corner units, when drawers cannot be used, there are some very futuristic internal solutions well worth considering.

Steam verses microwave: Often a very controversial idea relatively new to the kitchen list of decisions to be made. The microwave is now an accepted addition to most kitchens and to consider life without one can be a step too far for some people. But statistics have shown that those who opt for a steam oven never regret that decision. When asked, most people only use the microwave for heating up baked beans or thawing out frozen food so why not consider an oven/microwave combination? Steam ovens, as well as looking gorgeous, are widely known as being the healthiest way to cook all your vegetables but what is not generally known is that they also cook most other things to perfection too! Talk to your kitchen designer about Steam Oven cooking demonstrations. Anderson Sinclair Unit 13A, Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TZ Tel: 020 8508 194, www.anderson-sinclair.co.uk Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, other times by appointment.

Eye-level ovens

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REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING FOREVER Located in Ilford and set in 18 acres of pure Essex green-belt, “The Willows” is the perfect destination for your wedding celebration. “The Willows” is an elegant and serene haven for all, offering contemporary luxurious furnishings and everything you'll ever dream of for your big day The venue is adaptable and can cater for celebrations for up to 800 guests. Let “The Willows” take care of the details while you relax in the glamorous and unique setting and revel in every minute.

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Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis)

HOME

“The Lenten Rose are not related to roses at all”

GARDEN

PESTS AND DISEASE

Are squirrels digging up your bulbs? One of the best ways of protecting your bulbs from hungry squirrels is to use chicken wire. Simply cut a section of it to the size of your planting area, and lay it over the top of the soil. You’ll have to D on aw rts n Viburnum Victoria Robe secure it, either with stakes or large rocks, to keep it where you install it. Simply cover it with a mulch of shredded leaves or shredded bark mulch if you don’t want to look at the wire. The stems will come up A seasonal guide to help you get the most out of your garden. through the holes in the inter has the box during the day, the base of fruit trees. chicken wire protecting been going face the bird nest box in _ Some plants are in the bulbs from digging on for a long a position that will avoid bloom this month like squirrels. time now and the Dawn Viburnum; this strong sunlight and the

GARDENING WITH VICTORIA ROBERTSON

February may well be one of the coldest, toughest gardening months. General gardening duties can still be completed on those rare sunny days.

_ After bouts of severe weather, remove any ice from woody ornamentals and shrubs to prevent branch breakage. _ Cut back any ivy growing on walls or fences before birds start nesting. _ Place cloches over your strawberries to encourage early fruiting. Remember to ventilate on warm, sunny days to allow insects to pollinate the flowers. _ Clear and mulch round

lovely shrub has dark green, bronze foliage and a rugged texture. It simply lights up any garden especially at this time of year. The flowers have a scent of warm vanilla and lilac. The Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis), despite having ‘rose’ in their name, are not related to roses at all. Hellebores shine in the colder months. They are evergreen flowering plants that are a great addition to any shade garden. _ Put up bird nest boxes. Blue Tits will be looking for the ideal nesting home during February or March. Unless there are trees or buildings which shade

wettest cold winds. Make sure that the birds have a clear flight path to the nest without any clutter directly in front of the entrance. Tilt the box forward slightly so that any driving rain will hit the roof and bounce clear. _ Continue to keep planning ahead, ordering your seeds and looking out for the first signs of spring which is only just around the corner. Written by amenity horticulturalist & gardening committee member of Copped Hall and Epping Horticultural Society Victoria Robertson.

WILDLIFE WATCH

The violet ground beetle is a large, shiny, black beetle that has violet edges to its smooth, oval elytra (wing cases) and thorax. It is a nocturnal hunter, resting during the day under logs or stones. Violet ground beetles do not fly, but are fast runners. The adults and larvae eat slugs, snails, worms and insects.

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VACCINATE YOUR

PET

Here are some reasons why it is important to vaccinate your pet.

CANINE PARVOVIRUS - a highly contagious disease, this can cause vomiting, severe diarrhoea, high temperature, depression and often death. Puppies are particularly susceptible.

CAT FLU - this highly infectious disease is spread by contact but also in the air. Purebred cats get more severe infections but in all

abortion and infertility in queens, as well as high temperatures, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and incoordination in all cats.

“Forest Veterinary FELINE LEUKAEMIA - this is a common cause of death in young adult tre will be cats and is highly contagious. It can LEPTOSPIROSIS - contracted en C a range of symptoms depending through the urine of infected dogs ru nn in g a vaccine cause on where in the body the origin is. and rats, this is often found in canals and rivers and can cause amnesty throughout Thankfully vaccination helps protect Weil’s disease in humans. In dogs it against all of these diseases. causes kidney problems, vomiting, February 2015.” Forest Veterinary Centre will diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Comprehensive medical rehensive medical cats it causes sneezing, runny eyes be running a vaccine amnesty & surgical for small animals throughout February 2015. If your DISTEMPER (hardpad) - this and care nose, inappetance and high Comprehensive medical vaccinations have lapsed they will virus causes eye and nose infections temperatures. care for small animals of the artand medical and surgical facilities. get them up to date and give you as well as theState hardened pads

ve medical &giveitReferral surgical for small the second half of the two-part FELINE ENTERITIS - similar to animals nose that it the name. Thanks tocare service for other veterinary surgeons. vaccination FREE. parvovirus in dogs, this virus causes vaccination is rare. r small animals and surgical facilities. Emergency service provided by our own vets.

ate of the art medical and surgical alveterinary facilities. 24 hour in-patient nursing care.facilities. surgeons.

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TURKISH

Aqua-Park

he Turkish town of Belek is a place of peace. It lies just 45 minutes from the fabulous ancient port of Antalya and has earned its reputation as a premier family beach resort with sporting and leisure facilities rivaling any in the region. Where the Mediterranean Sea and the river Acisu meet, Gloria Hotels & Resorts inspire with their ultra all inclusive Five-Star Resorts in the sunblessed and whole year destination at the Turkish Riviera, which is only 30km away from Antalya airport.

GLORIA GOLF RESORT

Don’t be misled: this is not just about golf, but a brilliant all-inclusive and award-winning family location. The mild climate of the Turquoise Coast and the unique natural landscape with view onto the Taurus, is a good start. This well established five-star hotel has a total of 515 rooms, suites and villas with room types to suit everyone and all are furnished and equipped to a high standard. Gloria Golf Resort is offered on a half board or All-Inclusive basis and with à la carte restaurants to choose from Italian, international and seafood and two main restaurants, for breakfast, lunch or dinner, including the Gloria Pub or Turkuaz restaurant for lunch. Children are extremely well catered for at the Gogi Kids Club, with an entertainment programme which is open from 9am until 6pm and 7.30pm to 10.30pm. For those aged up to 6, there’s Comfyland, while Gogi Town is a social play area aimed at those aged 6-12. For ages up to 14, there’s Crazy Jungle, an electronic games area and fun wall for climbers. A cinema, bowling alley and even a zoo are also on hand. For the very young (one to three year olds) there is the VIM Club, Very Important Minis! It’s the last word in Gloria Serenity baby pampering, with

DELIGHT Fun for all the family at Gloria Hotels & Resorts

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Serenity Spa offers an amazing selection of treatments

a What-When-Where personal service serving your baby’s food at a time and place, and to the exact recipe you specify. Alternatively, use the Kids Club kitchen as your own. Activities and games are also provided Gloria Serenity along with changing facilities, Superior Room a feeding room, baby pool and sleep room. (Some facilities do have an additional charge). luxurious Suites and even private There are excellent leisure facilities Villas, some with private pools. including a selection of outdoor pools Naturally all rooms are furnished and and the La Source Spa with numerous equipped to a high standard. Gloria treatment rooms and a wide selection Serenity Resort has eight choices of of à la carte treatments. A heated restaurant, from open buffet global indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna cuisines to French, Asian, Aegean, and gym are all free for guests. Italian, seafood or steakhouse. Various watersports are available There are numerous bars on the beach (subject to weather throughout the resort to enjoy conditions, and payable locally) a pre- or post-dinner drink and and you can also sample the entertainment is provided every magnificent Aqua-Park containing evening during the summer. 8 different slides with something for The Gogi Kids Club and facilities every member of the family. are also available to Serenity guests Gloria Golf Resort has the largest with children. playing area of any hotel in Europe, two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole SERENITY SPA academic course, all designed by the A place of tranquility and revival, renowned specialist Michel Gayon. Serenity Spa’s certified therapists Here golfers find the perfect service: provide the latest in massage and whether on the golf course, in the body work, Far East rituals and Club House, in the restaurant-bar or in native rituals such as the Turkish the Proshop with well-known brands bath and its European counterpart, or individual oases of quietness. the Finnish bath, are available, all in private treatment rooms. GLORIA SERENITY RESORT Personal hairdressers and Situated on the Acisu River amongst aestheticians are also part of the pine forests, Gloria Serenity Resort Serenity SPA, delivering treatments promises peace, harmony and which include intensive and ageluxury and may well suit those defying facials, detoxifying and looking for a more adult focused restorative therapies, manicures, solution. Sun and sea are in balance pedicures and much more. - the blue horizon and rolling green For prices and booking vistas of Mediterranean beauty. information please contact This well appointed five-star hotel Abbotts Travel: has 369 rooms, including ground 134 George Lane, South Woodford, floor Superior Laguna rooms with E18 1BA. Tel: 0208 989 9445 direct pool access and of course www.abbottstravel.com

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Q& A

5 minutes with Joe Conway, Director of Signtec Direct

So how did you get into the sign industry? My father had several sign companies but worked abroad for most of his ay Joe Conw life. He was definitely my inspiration but I got into signs off my own back and started Signtec Direct when I was 21. How’s business at the moment then? Business is great, I think any signs of the recession are long gone and people want their premises to look great especially from the outside, that’s where I come in!

What sort of signs do you specialise in? We cover most areas within the sign and graphics industry, but I particularly enjoy making shop fascias. A new shop sign can completely transform a business’ image and I love seeing the clients face when their new sign is installed. Are there any new trends within the sign industry? Yes a few actually, in particular ‘Fairground Lights’ where you have open face letters with individual LED bulbs

attached. They look fantastic! Also, old fashioned hand painting is seeing a return, we are one of only a few companies who are able Fairground lights to offer this service. What areas do you cover? We take every job on its merit having completed work in Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man, but mostly we work within the M25 and Essex. What has been your most difficult job or client? No client is difficult! We did however have a challenging job a few years ago when we were asked to ‘wrap’ one of the advertising TV screens which overhang’s the Hammersmith flyover. Scary stuff! But needless to say the job went well. www.signtecdirect.com, 020 8501 3528

Superdry, Loughton

FOOD OF

LuVEa Where to dine on the most romantic day of the year It’s February, the month of love, and Valentine’s Day is upon us once again. Whether you have been married for years or have just plucked up the courage to ask someone on a first date take time to show that special person you care with a romantic meal on February 14th at one of our top ten local restaurants.

u TABLE 7

Table 7 in Chingford is known for great affordable food and excellent service. They specialise in serving fine Modern British and European cuisine with a few big differences. Their passion and ethos is simple, they are the restaurant with a personal touch! They pride themselves on delivering a high quality dining experience in a relaxed environment at unrivalled value. On Valentine’s Day Table 7 are offering a delicious 4 course meal and a glass of Prosecco for £50. Entertainment will be provided on the night in the form of a singer. Church View Buildings, The Green, Chingford E4 7EL, Tel: 020 8524 8438 table7chingford.co.uk

u LONGHORN

For a laid back date venue try Long Horn on Wanstead High Street. This American diner has a lively atmosphere and interesting quirky décor. They serve up the very best BBQ ribs, pulled pork, chicken and steaks along with a wonderful selection of expertly prepared cocktails such as frozen margaritas and daiquiris as well as milkshakes and draught lagers. This is a fun place to take someone for a first date and the comfortable, relaxed feel of the place will banish any first date nerves. 147 High Street Wanstead, Ell 2RL, Tel: 020 8279 5855 www.longhornlondon.com

u HAYWARDS RESTAURANT

For fine dining in Epping Haywards is the only place to go. Haywards concentrates on using seasonal, local produce at its best, in order to bring together the freshest of ingredients to create elegant, attractive and tasty dishes. With Jahdre Hayward’s extensive CV and culinary knowledge the restaurant concentrates on modern European cooking techniques. Haywards is situated on the edge of Epping Forest, half a mile from Epping, and is in the grounds of The Forest Gate Inn, a 17th century free house owned and run by the Stokes family for over 50 years. The Gate House bed and breakfast is also adjacent to Haywards with four individually designed guest rooms. Haywards are offering a fantastic 5 course tasting menu for Valentine’s night. The menu will include a champagne cocktail on arrival, tea, coffee and petit fours priced at £70 per person without matched wines, or £100 per person to include matched wines. 111 Bell Common, Epping CM16 4DZ, Tel: 01992 577350 www.haywardsrestaurant.co.uk

u SUMO FRESH

Specialising in Japanese cuisine, Sumo Fresh is the perfect venue for lunch or dinner, the ambiance is warm and inviting and the food served is the freshest quality Japanese cuisine you will find, situated in the heart of Wanstead. The Executive Head Chef, has over 15 years experience in the art of sushi preparation. Experience the very best Japanese rice wines, sake and expert cuts

of sushi, maki and sashimi along with a selection of hot dishes. At Sumo Fresh you can also relax at the cocktail bar, where you can watch the skills of the top Sushi Chef’s, who combine cookery with artwork. If you pay them a visit, make sure you try the lychee cocktail, they are amazing! 141 High Street Wanstead, E11 2RL, Tel: 020 8530 7500 www.sumofresh.com

u MARINA MEZE GRILL

If you read our review of Marina in last month’s issue then you will already know that we are a fan of this restaurant. Situated in the heart of Woodford Green in the old bank building (opposite The Castle pub) Marina offers a real Mediterranean experience with traditional home-style cooking. When you dine at this authentic restaurant it certainly gives you a feeling of being on holiday! The food is wonderfully tasty, the service is extremely friendly and everyone is made to feel welcome. The Meze selection provides a great opportunity for couples to share and enjoy the food together and the impressive décor from the giant fish tank to the 3D wall mural and elegant chandeliers will certainly be an interesting talking point. 352 High Road Woodford Green, IG8 0XQ, Tel: 020 8505 8999 www.marinamezegrill.com

u TEMPLE

u LUIGI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Luigi’s is a traditional Italian restaurant that has been situated on Beehive Lane for over 20 years and is even included on The Knowledge test for London taxi drivers as they are such a prominent landmark. Diners visit again and again for their authentic Italian cuisine using the same recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Luigi’s always strives for the best ingredients for their food, they grow their own herbs and vegetables, but also import some of their produce from Luigi’s mother’s farm in Italy. The atmosphere provided by Luigi’s is aided by the staff who give a personal touch to the service. This is because many of the staff have worked at Luigi’s for a long period of time. For Valentine’s Day a three course meal can be booked for just £22.50 per person. 5 Beehive Lane, Ilford IG1 3RG, Tel: 0208 554 1229 www.luigis-italian-restaurant.co.uk

Temple restaurant is situated by Woodford station and serves contemporary Indian food. At Temple they have created a menu to tantalise the most demanding of taste-buds. The Indian fusion style cuisine contains dishes from the Indian sub-continent including Bangladesh, India and Nepal. If you are feeling adventurous, try their unique range of house specialities including seafood delicacies which you will not have tried in an Indian restaurant before. If you feel like a traditional favourite such as Korma, Madras or Masala, you will be well catered for as the chefs have multiple years of experience in creating these delicacies just the way you like. The interior of the restaurant has a luxurious feel with plush seating, crisp tableware, ornamental features and low-lighting making it a great venue for a romantic meal. For Valentine’s Day they are offering a set menu for a very reasonable £21.95 per person. Old Parcel Office, Jubilee Parade, Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green IG8 7QF, Tel: 020 8505 6687 www.templefusion.com

u THE BLUEBELL

The Bluebell is famously regarded for the finest in modern British and European cuisine but with a sophisticated simplicity. They offer a la carte menus, set lunches and suppers as well as popular Sunday lunches. The cosy dining room and unfussy service creates the perfect atmosphere for an intimate dinner. Their Valentine’s Dinner menu is £59.95 per person for a delectable 8 course feast of Prosecco & Oysters, Lobster Cappuccino, Truffle Scented Asparagus & Quails Egg Salad, Seared Scallop, Honey Roast Pork & Apple, a choice from Herb Roasted Loin of Lamb, Wild Seabass or Wild Mushroom & Taleggio Arancini, Bellini Sorbet, Chocolate & Strawberries and finally Coffee & Petit Fours. 117 High Road Chigwell, IG7 6QQ, Tel: 020 8500 6282 www.thebluebellrestaurant.co.uk

u LA SALA

The recently opened La Sala Chigwell is fast becoming known as the most glamorous place to dine in Essex. La Sala offers diners a unique social dining experience with honest portions of food, inspired by rustic homecooking but with an eclectic twist. Taking inspiration from Mediterranean and international cuisines, La Sala offers a diverse eating experience, combining fun and vibrant flavours with the freshest ingredients, all expertly prepared using traditional methods. With live entertainment every night of the week there really is something for everyone. For Valentine’s Day they are open for lunch from 12pm with a set menu for £25 per person and during the evening listen to the sultry tones of Haifa Jordan whilst enjoying a romantic meal or perhaps a cocktail at the bar. The stunning interior and excellent food make La Sala the place to impress this Valentine’s Day. 692-694 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, IG8 8AL Tel: 0333 006 3008 www.lasala.co.uk

u DOVE & OLIVE BRANCH

You are sure to be blown away by the standard of food available at this lovely little restaurant on Woodford High Road. The restaurant, formerly Meghna Grill, has been beautifully refurbished with a fresh contemporary interior with a few traditional touches.

The Dove & Olive Branch offers an intimate dining experience with an exquisite menu created by Head Chef and owner Boris Halpin who has 20 years experience in the industry. Specialising in modern European cuisine, the Dove & Olive place an emphasis on creating fresh, high quality food and make everything in house. On Valentine’s Day they will be offering a beautiful 4 course menu with a glass of strawberry Bellini and chocolate petit fois with coffee for £45 per head. 219 High Road, South Woodford, E18 2PB, Tel: 020 8506 2327 www.doveandolivebranch.co.uk

Jalalabad 2

INDIAN RESTAURANT | TAKEAWAY | CATERERS

App Live now An award winning family run Indian restaurant, takeaway and outdoor catering. We ensure the best in quality and provide a hospitality service for weddings and private functions.

Tel: 0208 590 0000 | 0208 599 0000 info@jcuisine.co.uk | www.jcuisine.co.uk FREE HOME DELIVERY WITHIN 3 MILES OVER £12.00 10% DISCOUNT ON COLLECTION SUN & WED 4 COURSE BANQUET FOR £10.95PP

The Flower Shop

We only use the best ingredients in our authentic Italian cuisine. We pride ourselves on cooking delicious food, using traditional methods, and for that reason, we never let our standards drop when it comes to quality.

0208 554 1229 Luigis Italian Restaurant, 5 Beehive Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 3RG

Monday - Friday:

11:30am - 2:30pm and 5:30pm-11pm Saturday - Sunday:

Noon - 4pm and 5:30pm-11pm Find us on Facebook

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Our years of experience have taught us that, our loyal customers enjoy our great food.

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RESTAURANT

FOOD & DRINK JALALABAD 2

REVIE W Jalalabad 2

Bangla Beer

WE ORDERED:

ra £2.50 Aubergine Pako rfly £4.30 tte Bu King Prawn £7.95 ni Tandoori Makha ala £9.95 King Prawn Mas .25 Coconut Rice £2 £1.90 an Na i Peshawar .90 Bangla Beer £3 grass Ginger & Lemon £1.85 Sparkling Presse

e were recently invited to dine at Jalalabad 2 in Newbury Park and snapped up their offer as we both love Indian food. We have tried many local Indian restaurants and takeaways over the years and couldn’t wait to see what Jalalabad had to offer. Upon arrival we were shown to our table and offered a drink. Their drinks menu is extensive with a great selection of soft drinks available for non-drinkers as well as a well-stocked bar for those who like a tipple or two. The Bangla beer made a refreshing change to the usual Cobra available in most establishments and the Ginger & Lemongrass Presse by Bottle Green went down very well with a couple of pappadoms and mint sauce. The restaurant is tastefully decorated in a contemporary style with comfortable cream leather chairs and crisp white tableware.

Aubergine Pakora

The decor is simple but very nice. The ambience of the restaurant is nice and relaxed with friendly service from knowledgeable staff who didn’t mind explaining dishes to us. We decided to choose items from the menu that we wouldn’t usually go for and were pleased with the varied selection available. The batter on the aubergine pakora was crisp and light and the portion size was very generous. The side salad could have done with a little jazzing up but was fresh and served its purpose. The king prawn butterfly was equally as delicious as the pakora and was well presented. The main dishes were beautifully presented and smelled amazing. The king prawn shone through the thick, creamy masala sauce and the flavour combination was perfect. The tandoori makhani has a rich tomato based sauce that was delicious and the chicken was succulent and plentiful. The coconut

Mains

rice was the best we have eaten, it was soft, light and packed with flavour. The peshwari naan also proved a tasty accompaniment to the main meals. Despite it being a Friday evening we were very happy with the speedy service of the staff and freshness of the food. The prices were very reasonable for the standard of food on offer and generous portion sizes provided. We would definitely recommend Jalalabad 2 for a night out and if their standard of takeaway food is anything like the restaurant quality then try them for a night in too! Jalalabad 2, 992-994 Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park, Ilford, IG2 7JD, Tel: 020 8590 0000, www.jcuisine.co.uk

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WHEN: Every Saturday, 9.30am-10.30am WHAT: Salsa Aerobics - A new dance themed fitness session. This class is pay as you go, no need to book, just turn up! £6.50. WHERE: Wanstead Leisure Centre, Redbridge Lane West, E11 2JZ

WHEN: Every Sunday, 10am-3pm WHAT: Indoor Market - Come along and enjoy a family day out! Children can enjoy the park, and the soft play area. Adults can browse the stalls and enjoy refreshments from the café. WHERE: James Leal Centre, Ray Park, Snakes Lane East, IG8 7JQ WHEN: Monday 9th February, 8pm-10.30pm WHAT: Theydon Jazz Club - With The Carlton Jazz Band. For more information, ring Dave or Sheila Dyer on 01945 588325 or email 2359o675@gmail.com. WHERE: Theydon Bois Golf Club, Theydon Road WHEN: Saturday 14th February, 11.30am-3pm WHAT: Lent Activity Day Celebrating St Valentine - Crafts for the children, buffet meal and pancakes for everyone. Ring Rev’d Gill Hopkins on 01992 760492 for more details.

WHERE: Church of the Holy Innocents, Church Lane, High Beach

WHEN: Saturday 14th February, 9.30am WHAT: West Essex Ramblers Walk - Five-mile circular morning walk starts from the road bridge near Epping Station. For more details ring 020 8502 1628. WHERE: Road bridge, Epping Station WHEN: Saturday 14th February, 6pm-10.30pm WHAT: The Valentine’s Day Professional Singles Matrimonial Matchmaking Event - Inclusive of Rocker Sal Show (romantic entertainment consisting of evergreen love songs) performed by Sal Bashir. This event is focussed on busy career minded professional singles who are seeking a marriage partner. Age 18+, £25 per person. To book contact Mo Ayyaz on 07590422011. WHERE: Ilford Town Hall WHEN: Tuesday 17th February, 11am, 1pm and 3pm WHAT: Handa’s Surprise - A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation. Come and share in the magical tangerine surprise! Recommended for children 2 to 6 years and their families, all tickets £5. WHERE: Churchill Room, Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road, Wanstead E11 2RQ WHEN: Saturday 21st February, 11am - 3pm WHAT: POSH JUMBLE - 2 Halls full of wonderful

pre-loved items. Designer clothes, household bits & bobs, accessories, furniture, vintage, bric-a-brac, books and CDs. All at fantastic prices! Café serving tea and cakes. £1 entry. Organiser contact: 07860 214 009. WHERE: Wanstead United Reformed Church, Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, London, E11 2HD

WHEN: Saturday 21st February, 7pm for 7.30pm start WHAT: Copped Hall Trust Quiz Evening - Tables of six to eight people. Take your own food, drinks and glasses. Cost £8 per person. For more details ring Frances Dennett on 07749 397932 or emailf.dennett3@sky.com. WHERE: Theydon Bois Village Hall, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois WHEN: Saturday 28th February, 11am - 5pm WHAT: Wanstead Vintage Fashion & Brocante Fair - Affordable selection of genuine vintage fashion & accessories in two halls - Stunning Jewellery; Handbags, Hats and Shoes; Gorgeous Textiles and Trimmings; Buttons; Lace; Fashion books and Menswear. For the interior; Covetable vintage pieces Homewares, Ornaments, Furniture and Collectables. The Great British Tearoom will be serving light lunches, morning and afternoon teas. Admission: £2.50 (accompanied children under 14 free). Love Vintage: 07860 214 009, www.lovevintage. co.uk WHERE: Wanstead United Reformed Church, Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, London, E11 2HD

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Zoe Hannaford

Senior Property Administrator

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Local Property Administrator

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Assistant Property Manager

Matt Danks Lettings Administrator

Call Clare Hughes Direct on 0203 195 4244 to see how much you can save or visit our website www.estatesdirect.com * Savings shown are based on the seller being charged 1.5% on their asking price by another estate agent and are sold subject to contract and are based on the Standard package

? PUZZLE ?

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Difficulty: Hard

s SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you spot 6 differences between these two pictures?

? s WORD SEARCH Find these romantic words: Perfume Flowers

Dating Chocolates

Romance Cards

Love Attraction

Valentine’s Day Relationships

CRISS-CROSS Fit these flowers into the grid.

5 LETTERS Roses Tulip Daisy Poppy

6 LETTERS Azalea Orchid Dahlia Violet

7 LETTERS Begonia Burdock Fuchsia Gerbera Jasmine

8 LETTERS Bluebell Foxglove 9 LETTERS Dandelion

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

PUZZLES COMPETITION

WIN! Win a meal for two at Marina Meze Grill!

16th February. Terms and Conditions: *Prize may be redeemed Monday to Wednesday only. * By entering this competition you agree to provide a picture for publication if you are picked as a winner. Website: www.marinamezegrill.com

MARINA COMPETITION NAME:

his month we have teamed up with recently opened Marina Meze Grill in Woodford Green to offer Essex Central readers a fabulous prize.Â If you are feeling tired of the wet and windy winter weather then this prize could be just what you need. Marina will take you back to memories of holidays on the Mediterranean coast with their authentic and traditional home-style cooking and beautifully decorated interior. One lucky winner and a guest will be able to choose a starter, main and dessert from the extensive menu plus a bottle of house wine to share will also be included.

To enter simply fill in the entry form and send to: Essex Central Magazine, Brickfield Business Centre, High Road, Thornwood, Epping, Essex CM16 6TH or email your details to: competitions@ essexcentral magazine.co.uk. Closing date: One winner will be drawn at random on Monday

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PARENTING

MUM’ S CORNER

“Choosing the right childcare for your little one can feel like a real web of confusion.”

According to a recent study, a fifth of working parents are considering reducing their hours or giving up their job altogether because of childcare costs, and a large proportion of the remaining four fifths are cutting back on luxuries and even essentials because of the financial strain. A hot topic on the lips of most parents, writer and mum, Sarah Mackie enters the minefield.

hen I first went back to work, 3 days a week, we were living in West London and paying £75 a day for the nursery fees. Which, by the way, was average. After paying that and almost £10 a day on commuting costs, there was barely any financial gain at all to going back to work. When you are leaving a screaming and tired baby after a stressful nursery run and a dash to the office, it’s difficult to see the benefits at all. However, of course it does get easier, as the babies get older and the costs go down. This was just my experience...I also know of little ones who charged through the door without so much as a wave goodbye to mum or dad. The reality is though, that most of us do have to go back to work, and choosing the right childcare for your little one can feel like a real web of confusion. Here are the opinions of the people in the know who have first-hand experience - you guys! Diana, who has 2 boys aged 3 and a half and 18 months has a nanny and says that her stress levels on work mornings are dramatically reduced as a result. She’s also tried a nursery and a child-minder and her order of preference is; nanny, child-minder, nursery. She says “The

major benefit of having a nanny is the convenience of not packing up your kids and all that that entails in the morning. If you get a, ‘I’m not putting on my shoes’ tantrum at 7:15, and you are short on time, it scuppers everything.” She also likes that the boys get to stay in their own homes and sleep in their own beds and develop a close bond with one person. Diana is aware having a nanny is a luxury most can’t afford with just one child but with two, it makes sense as you’re paying roughly the same as you would a nursery. Kate, mum to a 3 and a half year old girl and a 1 year old boy, has a child-minder. She says the days the kids go to her are her favourite week days! The benefits are that she’s been a fab influence on the children, and they get to play with other children when they are there. They go to the child-minder’s house so their own house is kept nice and clean. The children are fed homemade food, so all that’s left is bedtime once everyone is home.

THINGS TO DO Have some fun with the little ones this month. babies and toddlers with rhymes, stories and chat. Suitable for children aged 0-5 years. Mondays 2 -2.30pm at Epping Library

BABY & TODDLER SONG & RHYME TIME

Very informal sessions for

PYJAMA DRAMA

A fun session of music, movement and drama suitable for children aged 2-5 years. £2.50 per

session, runs term time only. Thursdays 9.30-10am at Theydon Bois Baptist Church Hall

STAY AND PLAY

Sticking, painting,

drawing, Playdough, a bouncy castle and bubbles! Contact Krissie on 07720850105 or phillipskrissie@gmail. com. Fridays 10.30-11.30am and 1-2pm at James Leal Centre, Ray Park, Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green

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wash & iron for £7.50 Laundry service available

Moon Dry Cleaners 020 8252 7220

791 Cranbrook Rd, Gants Hill, Ilford IG6 1HT

Finally, Lucy who is mum to a 3 year old girl says the benefit of a nursery is that it really prepares children for school. The older rooms are set up similar to a reception class and the teachers adhere to the EYFS syllabus, and the little ones are used to structure and group activities. She believes that mixing with lots of other children is healthy and improves social skills, such as sharing, kindness and understanding.

THE CREATION STATION

“Helping to inspire your child to explore, discover and develop is at the heart of what we do.” Quality arty time with your little one without any of the mess and stress. Contact Benedita on 020 8263 0023 or benedita@ thecreationstation.co.uk.

Wednesdays, Little Explorers 1.30-2.20pm, Baby Discover 2.453.30pm at St Johns Church Hall, Church Lane, Loughton

DAD’S DIARY

In Partnership with

ENTERING FATHERHOOD

WITHOUT A MAP

ver jumped out of your skin? Almost felt the bones come flying away from the ground and wonder why your heart no longer appears to be beating? Well, it happened to me last week. I was peacefully making a cup of coffee, bothering no one, and looking happily out of the kitchen window to see the birds in the trees. From out of nowhere appeared the loudest, most frightening sneeze I’d ever heard, with a kung fu theme, as our son had silently positioned himself behind me and released an earth shatteringly violent “Aaaaarghhh Chhhooooo!!!” There was coffee on the ceiling and sugar on the floor whilst I just stood there frozen, holding a spoon... like some crazy street art piece of utensil theatre. The boy was in fits of laughter, uncontrollable, nearly as loud as the sneeze itself. With that the coffee started to come back down off the ceiling, landing around him like some clumps of chocolate. Before I had the chance to say, “Please god no! Don’t eat it! The last thing you need is caffeine!” he had chewed a little mouthful, which thankfully had mostly gone around his chops but I’m sure some had snuck in. I immediately washed his mouth out and felt that as soon as his little legs touched the floor he’d whizz off like a wind-up toy, and that’s exactly what happened. He shot out into the garden, dragging all of his new toys behind him to put on the trampoline, whilst pleading “Daddy, bounce. Daddy bounce”. I tried replying, “No son, daddy still has quite a weak heart from the kung fu sneeze you just hit me with,” but my words fell on death ears. Pretty soon I was bouncing alongside him… in-between 20-30 toys, hard toys, the ones that would happily pierce through the skin of your feet or break your ribs if you

fell on them from my height. My son on the other hand was in no danger, his short frame meant that any fall would be quite safe and his feet hardly leave the trampoline anyway, so the danger was all mine. “Up! More! Up!!” he demanded, “I’m jumping as high as I can,” I replied, but again those little ears appeared oblivious to the words being fired back at them. So, with each jump the toys are flinging up around me, I bounce again and see plastic horses, puzzles, and trains, another spring and they’re bouncing up by my eye-line, footballs, wooden animals, a cat... hang on, a cat? How on earth did he get... “Ooouch!!” it had happened; I came down and landed on his wooden rhino toy, with the horn straight into

“He’d whizz off like a wind-up toy.”

the underside of my foot. My knees crumpled to the matt and smacked firmly against a piece of Lego “Arrgghhh!” he tried finishing my yell “Arrghh-chooo!?”, “no mate, just arrggh, just bloody arrgghhh!” One of his new games is a sticker book and he loves it, quite often the stickers end up in quite strange places (as the cats can testify) but generally they make it into the book. However, one of the sections had a food theme and we kept wondering where the stickers had gone to, it was only after catching him eat a sticker of a cake with a cry of “Mmmm cake!” that all become clear. Needless to say, his recent nappy contained 3 hot dog stickers... and a faint smell of coffee. Ultimately though, when the coffee wears off, the trampoline is wrapped with darkness, and the toys are packed away... it’s time for

bed. This had been going great for quite a few months, but recently he has been staying up a little later and having a few awakenings during the night, but as long as we allow him to drop off into a deep sleep in our arms after his final feed then he tends to go through the night. So that ‘final feed’ becomes a very crucial time for us, to make sure our own nights sleep is a nice, uninterrupted one! Last week my brother was helping us out whilst we finished off some work. I received a text “eyes closed”... good work I thought, give it another 10 minutes, let him start to snore then lay him down in the cot, 5 minutes later another text “his ears are squeaking”. That’s not what I was expecting. I crept upstairs to see my brother looking defeated, whilst my son was smiling, “What happened?” I said, “He was falling asleep, then heard a noise, rose his head slightly, then went to put it back down on my arm, but as he did it there was a squeak as he put his head down. It confused him because he couldn’t work out where it had come from at first, and so he woke up a bit more, curious. He laid his head back down and realised it was his sweaty ears that were folding over and making a ‘squeak’ noise. After that he spent the next 5 minutes laughing and slamming his head into my arm to make bigger and bigger squeaks. I had to put him down because I’ve got a dead arm.” I turned back to the boy who was just smiling up at the pair of us. My first thought was “I have to remove his ears”, however, I put this on the backburner and tried drying the sweat from them instead. I’m pleased to say his head hit my arm without a squeak, and 10 minutes later his snores beautifully filled the room. Success! ...TO BE CONTINUED

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CLUB FOCUS

HARLOW

HAWKS S

By Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham

hab Niaz, head coach of Harlow Hawks, formed the club in 1999 at Harlow Leisure Zone. When Harlow Hawks began, there were around 12 players under the age of 18 and with substantial growth over the years they are now 100 strong with youth and senior teams. Shab has played basketball for 25 years and at the time he was playing National League basketball at Division 1 level. In the junior programme, children are invited to train from 5 years old up until 18. Training includes running drills, learning how to play the game and learning the codes of conduct, competitive play doesn’t occur until Year 4. Children of all abilities are invited to play, Harlow Hawks are not an elitist club and “welcome all levels at all ages.” Children are divided into teams via year group and during the summer they hold an internal summer tournament for Years 3,4,5 and 6, children from Year 3 are welcomed to the tournament in order to get used to competitive play and to meet their fellow teammates to allow a smoother transition into the group. Harlow Hawks junior programme offers two avenues when joining the team; there is an annual fee for children who wish to join the club and they also offer a pay as you go scheme which gives children

the chance to build up their confidence before committing to the team, however everybody does the same drills. There is also a Junior National League team who play in the U18 East Conference and Harlow Hawks have a primary age league of 9 teams from Stevenage, Thurrock and Cambridge. Joshua Steele started at Harlow Hawks at primary level and has gone on to become the best U18 in the country. Harlow Hawks are currently building up a girls team from Year 6 to 12. At the end of the year a basketball day camp is held for all age groups when they mix up players for fun activities, there is also an end of year presentation in which everybody is awarded for their participation. Parents also participate in the club through volunteer roles, they take responsibility for the kit as well as collecting money so that the coaches can focus their time on the children. The senior programme consists of social and competitive play. Social players meet once a week and play as a fun method of keeping fit, this is welcome to players of all abilities. Competitive players train once a week and play on weekends. Harlow Hawks have recently formed a partnership with the Essex Leopards who play in National League One to enhance the level of basketball in Harlow. For more information about Harlow Hawks contact Shab Niaz on 07958 470 133 or shab@harlowbasketball.com.

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