Essex central issue 49 dec 17 digital version (1)

Page 1

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CENTRAL

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FESTIVE FASHION Get Your Christmas Jumper On

GIFT GUIDE

Our Pick Of Perfect Presents

LOCAL NEWS

Keeping You Up To Date

WHAT’S ON Events For All The Family

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GRAND TRUNK ROAD SPICE UP YOUR CHRISTMAS THREE COURSE FESTIVE LUNCH £28.50 THREE COURSE DINNER £38.50 AND FOUR COURSE TASTING MENU £48.00 "A food journey from Kabul to Kolkata" Seasonal Set Lunch menu Tuesday to Saturday 12.00 noon to 2.30pm Express Lunch One Plate £ 12.50 Two courses £15.50 & £18.50 for three courses per person - Until 30th Nov OR Sunday Spice Roast Family Lunch between 12.00pm to 3.30pm

NOW OPEN SUNDAY EVENINGS 5:30PM - 8.00PM

219 High Road, South woodford, London E18 2PB

Tel 0208 505 1965

www.gtrrestaurant.co.uk

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21 HO HO HO!

CONTACT editor@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk

Welcome to our wonderful Christmas issue. This year has own by and it seems like only yesterday we were preparing for the ďŹ rst issue of 2017!

Tel: 01787 583152 37a Halstead High Street, Halstead, Essex CO9 2AA

This month we bring you our gift guide, with some great products for all the family, plus a must have for every festive celebration – the Christmas Jumper in our fashion page.

ADVERTISING advertising@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk

Catwalk Pets in Barkingside also raise the issue of people buying puppies as presents and some things to consider before taking on a new pet. In the wake of Abbotts Travel’s recent showcase at Chigwell Golf Club they bring you a feature on Indochina, which deďŹ nitely covers a few things to add to your bucket list. Aside from this we also have our usual mix of articles, local news, what’s on events and a fantastic competition to win afternoon tea for four on page 39. From all the team at Essex Central we wish you a‌

CONTRIBUTORS Victoria Robertson, Abbotts Travel, Catwalk Pets

PUBLISHERS

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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CONTENTS

DESIGN Lauren Brown Designs

School Open Days Ltd

ON THE COVER 8 12 17 37 39

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Local News Gift Guide Festive Fashion What’s On Competition

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Distributed monthly to at the following towns: South Woodford, Woodford, Chigwell, Wanstead, Chingford, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Theydon Bois, Epping, North Weald, Ongar.

HOME & GARDEN 21 25

Home Trends December Gardening Guide

TRAVEL 28

Indochina Travel Feature

PETS 33

4

Pet Advice

ESSEX CENTRAL

FUN & GAMES 41

Puzzle Corner

42

Entering Fatherhood without a Map

Although every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, School Open Days Ltd take no responsibility for any errors or the advertisements within this magazine.

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LOCAL NEWS KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE

Essex Technology and Innovation Centre offers business boost

Ongar is playing a signiďŹ cant part in Essex's growth as a business hub, via a thriving community at the Essex Technology and Innovation Centre (ETIC).

TIKADI WIN BEST SALON TEAM Essex salon group ‘Tikadi’ has scooped the ‘Best Salon Team’ title at the inaugural Essex Salon Awards. The awards were held during a gala event at Orsett Hall in Essex on Sunday 5th November. The ceremony, which was hosted by comedian and voiceover artist Tom Ward and director of Essex Salon Awards, Kate Jeffery, welcomed 250 hair industry professionals to recognise the successes of a wide range of talented individuals, businesses and team accomplishments within the county. Accepting the award in front of the sell-out event was Tikadi salon manager Hayley Quinlin and salon director Hannah Skinner to the excitement of the Tikadi team. Hayley said: “What an incredible award to win at the ďŹ rst Essex Salon Awards. Our team are constantly striving to do better, deliver exceptional service standards and offer our clients a unique salon experience while attending to their every hair need!â€? Kate Jeffery, Director of Essex Salon Awards said: “We are very excited to have hosted the inaugural Essex Salon Awards with great success. Awards are always an uplifting occasion, giving us the opportunity to recognise the dedication, innovation and creativity of our sector. We can’t wait for next year!â€? JFMAJFLMGH&JFAKIGJHM GEGIM???>IG+KBG>@J><+MM

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The Centre, based on FyďŹ eld Road beside the Ongar Leisure Centre, speciďŹ cally aims to support entrepreneurship and small-to-mediumsized enterprises (SMEs). A selection of managed workspaces are available, at affordable allinclusive monthly charges (excluding rates/telecoms). These spaces also come with free on-site parking and have easy in and out licences, meaning there is no long-term commitment required. Although more than 20 businesses currently reside at ETIC, there are further spaces available to join a ourishing community. As Centre Manager Pam Winter explains: “The Essex Technology and Innovation Centre is more than just a business space. What businesses value most is the opportunity to share ideas and learn from other people who have been through the same early-stage experiences.â€? Logistics specialists Merzario UK (www.merzario-logistics.com) are just one of the businesses to have beneďŹ ted from setting up base at ETIC. Managing Director Lee Gipson says: “Merzario UK started life in London but most of the staff travelled in from Essex, so it seemed a logical decision to relocate the ofďŹ ce. ETIC fulďŹ lled our requirements perfectly. “We have also found that since moving outside London we receive more regular visits from suppliers, who tend to be Essex-based. This helps us create stronger links with local companies.â€? ETIC is operated and managed by INVEST Essex, now part of the ‘Let's Do Business Group’ delivering services for Essex County Council across the Greater Essex area. JFMAJFLMGH&JFAKIGJHMJFMIJMLH <GFLMK5J<IMK KGDK5GDGI:MKIM94 6;M8DLKEL @JHIK@IM6LHIFLM-KHK=LFM#KAM$GHILFMJHM37 M" 33;MLAKGD 8KA>?GHILF GH LEILEEL >@J><+MJFM@CL@+MJ<IMICLM?L5EGIL ???>LEEL LHILF8FGEL@LHIFLE>@J><+>M J<M@KHMKDEJM&JDDJ?M94 6MJH 4?GIILFM 94 6N'H=KF>M

RUN THE BIG HALF FOR MANORFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEW OWNERS FOR THE THEYDON OAK

Manorfield Primary School serves an incredibly i dibly deprived community in Tower Hamlets, East London. The children who attend face many barriers, but the school is determined to overcome these barriers and give the children the very best start in life. In order to achieve this, the school is working hard to rebuild a much needed new Nursery and inspiring outdoor learning area (a £600,000+ project) and they have a fundraiser planned which you can help with! The Big Half (www.thebighalf.co.uk) is a brand new half-marathon created by London Marathon Events and on the London Marathon course on March 4th 2018. All of the public places have gone, but Manorfield are offering places to anyone who can commit to raising a minimum of £100 of sponsorship towards the new Nursery. They have recruited a team of over 200 runners, all raising funds to help make the dream of their new Nursery a reality. Their target is to raise £25,000 from The Big Half. They are appealing for help in several ways: - Could you join their team of runners and raise sponsorship for them? - Could you help them to encourage their runners to raise as much sponsorship as possible, by donating items/offers to put into packs for each of our runners, as well as prizes for the runners who raise the most funds?

After 5 years of running the Theydon Oak Pub in Epping, Iain and Stacey Moran have had a chance to make a dream come true and buy the freehold of the pub. Iain said, “Having run the pub as if it was my own and building upon what was already a great reputation, the pub has gone from strength to strength. Now being able to do this going into the future with my wife (and best friend) I can’t wait to see where we can take the pub together.

- Could you sponsor Paul Jackson, their Headteacher who is one of the runners on the team: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/pauljacksonthebighalf

“We have an amazing team and such great locals and neighbours. The Chef team is the strongest we’ve ever had, with Head Chef, Stevan Bonnar, running the ship.

Paul Jackson said, “It would be great to have as many people involved as possible in our fundraising efforts for the new Nursery. If you would like to run for us or are able to provide sponsorship then we would love to hear from you.”

“We look forward to seeing everyone for a drink and a bite to eat. Festive regards, Iain, Stacey and the boys.”

The school was visited in November by Callum Hawkins, the GB no. 2 fastest half-marathon runner of all time and the children really enjoyed him being there.

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- Could you sponsor the running shirts their runners will be wearing on the day (the children at the school are designing the shirts!)?

ESSEX CENTRAL

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WE WISH YOU A HAPPY

Christmas Party

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY AT THEYDON OAK

LIVE MUSIC

EEVERY VERY TTHURSDAY, HURSDAY AY, Y, FFRIDAY RIDAY & S SATURDAY ATURDAY AY N NIGHT IGHT IIN ND DECEMBER! ECEMBER! TASTY TTA ASTY & TEMPTING TEMPTING 4 C COURSE OURSE SET SET MENU MENU THURSDAY THURSDAY £ £24.95 24.95 FFRIDAY RIDAY AY & S SATURDAY ATURDAY AT AY £ £29.95 29.95 9 Coopersale Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 7QJ

Tel: 01992 572618 Email: info@thetheydonoak.co.uk

Open 7 days All Day til Late Serving Food Daily Mon - Sat Lunch 12pm - 2.15pm Mon - Sat Dinner 6.45pm -9.30pm Sunday All Day 12pm - 7pm Find us on Facebook and Twitter

CLEANING • STAIN REMOVAL • PROTECTION • ALLERGY TREATMENT

Quality, professional cleaning services for your carpets, upholstery & more! For a free, no obligation quote contact Manj on: Mobile: 07949 455 189 Freephone: 0808 143 1310 Email: manj@safeclean.co.uk

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A personal service for pet & equine cremations • Individual cremations for all domestic pets • Equine collections & cremations • 24hr emergency assistance • Collection from home or vet • Chapel of Rest • Garden of Remembrance • Wide range of urns & keepsakes • Covering Essex, London, Herts, Suffolk, Cambs, Kent & Beds

T. 01277 890009 enquiries@restingpets.co.uk • www.restingpets.co.uk uk Wood Farm, Moreton Road, Ongar, Essex. CM5 0EY ESSEX CENTRAL

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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ESSEX CENTRAL

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These Talking Tables Dipstick Games are the perfect little stocking filler and provide some entertainment over dinner.

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Dolce Twenty is a new monthly subscription box service filled with luxury treats. You can also order their seasonal boxes individually, this Christmas Selection Box is ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth.

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PERFECT PRESENTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR NICE LIST...

-GHGM6CFGEIAKEM1LDL@IGJHM*J MM %2> 3M???>BJD@LI?LHI:>@JAM We love these greetings cards from Chase and Wonder. They have a range of beautiful designs to choose from and at only £3.50 each they make an impact on a budget.

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-J MICLM-JHEILFM#D<ECM4J: % 3M JCHM0L?GE The new John Lewis advert may have divided opinion but were sure this Moz the Monster plush toy will delight any child on Christmas morning.

#J8K5KDDM#FJEL@@JM1CGAALF % >22M???>@JIE?JDBIFKBGH=>@JAM Add some shimmer to your festive tipple with this Popaball Prosecco Shimmer from Cotswold Trading.

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ESSEX CENTRAL

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WHY WAIT FOR XMAS & BE A

CHRISTMAS

PUDDING WHEN YOU COULD BE A

CHRISTMAS CRACKER WITH OUR 2 4 1 OFFER

Free childcare! Use! Unlimited Gym Free classes!

FIT

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NESS

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£25 to join

WEEK £3.84 PER

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CLUB We are a SMALL local fitness club but we are BIG on making you feel comfortable OFFER INCLUDES: UNLIMITED GYM USE, FREE CLASSES & FREE CHILDCARE (limited spaces)

327 HIGH ROAD, WOODFORD GREEN, ESSEX IG8 9HQ (ENTRANCE ON BUNCES LANE) | 020 505 4914

VISAGE Beauty Studio Visage beauty studio is a salon established over 18 years, professional and friendly , with loyal clientele.

To celebrate its success there will be a relaunch on the 8th Dec from 6m till 8pm, everyone welcome. Visage has special offers over Christmas and new year, treat yourself or a loved one, Gift vouchers available. The clinic is decorated to a high spec, to allow clients to enjoy their treatments in a clean relaxing environment. Offers Relax with a half an hour back massage (warm essential oils) £30 1 hour facial £30

Hollywood wax £22

Brazilian £20 Gel on finger nails and toes for £40 Eyelash extensions £15

Microdermabrasion facial £35

Luxury manicure and pedicure £35 Eyebrow tint and shape £12 Eyebrow threading £3.50 All beauty treatments available, come for a free consultation (skin analysis) get the correct treatment for your skins needs.

138 Hermon Hill, South Woodford, London E18 1QH Tel: 020 8989 6789

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FESTIVE @ O FASHION ‘Tis the Season to Jingle Your Bells & Flash Your Fair Isle!

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Absolute Cult’s Christmas Jumper collection will be sure to add some galactic spirit with Star Wars sweats, MARVELlous Fair Isle patterns and a host of exclusive prints to celebrate the festive season in certain style. Take your novelty jumper to the next level of Looney Tune nostalgia and rock your favourite band tee with a festive feel. With a great range and variety of pop culture inspired prints there is no doubt that you will find a design to suit the whole family. This Christmas will be a cool one! Inspired by TV, music and film with a retro feel Absolute Cult T-shirts are the staple fashion item for any pop culture fan and their huge selection of official merchandise is there to suit all ages. GEGIMICLM@JDDL@IGJHMK KGDK5DLMKIM???>K5EJD<IL@<DI>@JAM

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Award

Winning SSALONS ALONS

tikadi IS DESIGNED BY

ONGAR

THEYDON BOIS

01277 366775

01992 815700 www.tikadi.co.uk

info@thechungpartnership.com

SUFFERING FROM BACK, HIP OR KNEE PAIN? THEN WALK THIS WAY AposTherapy® is an innovative, personalised, non-surgical and drug-free programme for knee and back pain, based on a foot-worn biomechanical device which is individuallycalibrated by specially-trained chartered physiotherapists.

With more than 50,000 patients benefitting already worldwide, now is the time to contact us to find out if a free, in-depth assessment with one of our Apos Therapy® Certified Physiotherapists, is suitable for you!

Developed by medical doctors coming from the fields of orthopaedics and sports medicine and founded on well-established scientific principles, AposTherapy® is clinically proven to deliver long term pain relief and to improve function, mobility and quality of life.

• Complete a computerised walking analysis

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• Understand the root of your problem and find out how it may be addressed • Try the personally-calibrated foot-worn device and experience the immediate pain relief it may offer

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13 Coopersale Common, Coopersale, Epping, Essex CM16 7QS

THE GARNON BUSHES

Tel: 01992 560211

E-mail: info@garnonbushes.co.uk

LIVE

Acoustic Guitar Mark Oliver –

Friday 8th December From 8:30pm

Traditional Family Run Pub Warm atmosphere, friendly service and great food

Take away's on Friday

and Saturday

Fish F ish sh Fryday - fr ffresh esh from es froom fr m Grimsby! Gr G riim mssby by!

Quiz nights

Special Menu nights

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Fitting Service 20

ESSEX CENTRAL

LIVE

Music nights

ON TREND REINVENT YOUR HOME INTERIORS THE ‘BERRY’ BEST FROM TOLLY MCRAE Decorate your home with these stylish and luxurious berry throws from Tolly McRae, perfect for the winter season ahead. Treat your loved ones to a snug blanket, ideal for an extra special gift. These mellow throws will add a cosy, calm vibe to your home as well as adding a pop of fruity colour. Mix and match these lush blush colours for extra comfort in your bedroom, living room or anywhere desired. The beautiful Wild Rose Throw will add a pink glow to your humble abode. Throw this bright comforter over your bed sheets for a snug setting. This reversible throw is ideal if you are in the mood for change, making it versatile for any occasion. The Pure Linen Throw in Dusky Heather is fitting for all seasons. Drape this rich throw over your sofa for a fresh country look. With undertones of violet and pink, this throw is ideal for mixing with dusky mauve colours for a sharp but calming look. The Super Soft Reversible Throw in Mulberry allows you to pick from two colours to bring warmth and variety to your home. Made from fine merino wool, this blanket is exceptionally soft providing you with an ideal snuggle accessory. ???>IJDD:A@FKL>@J><+M

NEW DECO WINTER COLLECTION FOR FLEXIBLE LIVING SPACES Reinvent your space at home this winter with the new Urban Flex Collection from British designer, Icon®. The lightweight and portable furnishings from the latest seasonal range are easily lifted and moved, encouraging spontaneous conversion of spaces at home, for any occasion. Icon head of design and development Allison Chatten said: “We focused on modern, everyday life at home as it is now, and more importantly, what it will be like in the future.

“According to The Guardian, by 2020 91.1% of the UK's population will live in urban areas, making living environments much more cramped. Spaces dedicated to specific occasions like the dining room, play room, or office will become near extinct, and the seamless conversion of one living space to fulfill multiple uses will become much more valuable. “The Urban Flex Collection provides intelligent furniture solutions that allow people to re-invent their living spaces with ease. Lightweight, portable and convertible designs allow any nook of the home to transform into a play space, a sophisticated social space, or a cosy reading corner without the need for storage. We want people to make the most of their spaces in terms of style and usage.” In addition to the minimalist and multi-functional design elements, the Icon Urban Flex Collection is infused with this season’s most luxurious trend: decadent glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Richly textured fabrics of luxury deep pile velvet are mixed with dramatic midnight bloom prints and classic Chanel tweed inspired patterns for an eccentric and opulent expression. The complementary blend of on-trend heritage style mixed with contemporary design makes this savvy collection an ideal solution for urban living this winter. ???>5LKH5K=5K KKF>@J><+

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ROBINS PIE & MASH GREAT VALUE MEAL DEAL ‹70, 4(:/ 308<69 ‹69(5., :8<(:/ 69 ;,( ‹(773, 70, *<:;(9+ OR CREAM – £5.90 ‹76(*/,+ :(3465 MASH & LIQUOR – £5.90

THE SECRET

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OF OUR SUCCESS IS

PRIDE

“

Nothing is mixed with our meat – scotch beef in all our pies. Our vegetarian pies are full of fresh vegetables and cream sauce. Our meat has farm to fork traceability back to Scottish farms... We do outside catering, weddings and events, the secret of our success is pride, it's a family run business all our staff are treated as family, in fact, most of them are! All our shops are hygienically clean as they can be! The Robins family: June, Thomas, Melanie and Julie

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BRANCHES AT: WANSTEAD, BASILDON, ROMFORD, CHINGFORD AND SOUTHEND 14 HIGH STREET, WANSTEAD (Mon to Sat: 10am - 6pm & Sun: 10.30am - 5pm) 9-11 QUADRANT ARCADE, ROMFORD (TEL: 01708 752 552) 65-67 MARKET SQUARE, BASILDON (TEL: 01268 271713) 50 STATION ROAD, CHINGFORD (TEL: 020 8524 1824) 15 CLARENCE STREET, SOUTHEND (TEL: 01702 436 396)

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PESTS & DISEASE Fungus gnats are tiny greyish black, non-biting, mosquito like flies with long legs and have one pair of clear wings. They emerge from house plants, especially when watering. Their larvae feed on fungi and organic matter in soil and they can damage tender plant roots. Stop fertilising and reduce over watering your indoor plants during the winter as this will help prevent infestation.

GARDENING WITH VICTORIA ROBERTSON A SEASONAL GUIDE TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR GARDEN. It will soon be Christmas! A great way to begin celebrating the season is to bring some festive cheer into your garden. There are two traditional Christmas favourites - Holly and Ivy. Having these plants in your garden will provide material for indoor arrangements and table decorations too. Ilex aquifolium – common holly is a medium-sized evergreen tree, slow-growing when young with dark glossy green spiny leaves. Small, dull white flowers in spring are followed by bright red berries on pollinated female plants. Hedera helix - English Ivy is very hardy and easy to grow but prefers limy soil. To avoid damage it is best not to plant them by trees and houses. Ivy grows well in shade and you can buy a

wonderful range of evergreen varieties too. Sometimes variegated plants will spontaneously revert back to producing green leaves. You will see when this happens because only part of the plant will be growing green leaves while the rest is fully variegated. Once you notice this trim off the non-variegated leaves to encourage the growth of the right coloured leaves. Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’, is a real winter stunner and looks fabulous this time of year. It has wonderful pale pink tubular flowers that are fragrant. Hamamelis mollis is a deciduous shrub with clusters of highly scented yellow flowers that will be clinging onto bare twigs. The flowering twigs can be cut and used to bring the perfume scent indoors.

WILDLIFE WATCH Look out this month for the return of Blue Tits and Greenfinches. Suet balls will help feed the birds during the winter. They are jam packed full of nutritious fatty oils that will give the birds energy and are relatively cheap to buy. Don’t forget to regularly change and top up the water in your bird baths. If you haven’t got a bird bath put out a shallow dish of water. *:M G@IJFGKM.J5LFIEJH;MKALHGI: CJFIG@<DI<FGEIMKHBM@JAAGIILL ALA5LFMJ&M6J88LBM/KDDM 988GH=M/JFIG@<DI<FKDM1J@GLI:M M6CKGFAKHMJ&M988GH=MGHM*DJJA>M

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Replacement aluminium windows for period and new homes

The Conservation Range ( YH[LK LULYN` LMÄ JPLUJ` Single or dual RAL colours Fit into timber or direct to stone UK manufactured

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ESSEX CENTRAL

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EXPERIENCE

INDOCHINA

This month’s destination introduces you to the essential experiences, diverse culture and exclusive hotels on offer in Indochina. Focusing on Vietnam and Cambodia, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Western & Oriental to touch the heart and soul of the region. GLIHKA Fall into the ebb and flow of this majestic country where spectacular scenery hides around every corner, from the misty green mountains of Sapa to the mysterious wetlands of the Mekong Delta.

Vietnam is an immensely long country, stretching for more than 2000 km. From the French colonial rule through to the war of the sixties, Vietnam has undergone extensive change. Visitors can see the underground tunnels of the Viet Cong and explore the cultural sites that add unique flavour, from the citadel of Hue to the historic streets of Hoi An. There’s a frenetic energy pulsing through Vietnam’s two major cities. Whether it’s Ho Chi Minh’s vibrant metropolitan allure or the colonial charm of Hanoi, you’ll feel compelled to hit the streets and explore. The food of Vietnam is some of the most delicate and carefully balanced in the world. Throughout this country

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you’ll feast on regional dishes that combine staple ingredients like lime, chilli and the abundant rice noodle. Slurp down a bowl of the iconic noodle soup, pho, for the definitive taste of a nation. Sink your toes into the soft sands of a beach resort and indulge yourself in some serious rest and relaxation. For tropical beaches and remote hideaway islands, Vietnam leaves you spoilt for choice with expansive coastline and a wide choice of oceanside destinations. The months between October and March offer the best weather for travelling. Even outside these months, when monsoon patterns fluctuate between the north and south, rains are short and the temperature still warm.

Tourism came late to Vietnam, but it’s now one of Asia's booming destinations. Visit and see why.

6KA5JBGK Take in the unadorned beauty of Cambodia and explore the temples that fill this unspoilt country. Your trip wouldn’t be complete without marvelling at the iconic temple of Angkor Wat. Angkor is home to a multitude of temples dating from the 9th to the 14th centuries and all are within easy reach of Siem Reap. We also recommend exploring elsewhere to take in the abundant natural attractions of this stunning country. The Gateway to Angkor, Siem Reap is just 3km south of the temple complex and although development is at hand, the city still retains the small shops,

provoking Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields, Phnom Penh is a city of contrasts. Take an early evening stroll along the riverside promenade before a Cambodian feast.

cafes and art galleries. Leave the tourist areas for a street food tour to eat like a local at one of the many markets and hidden food stands. South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap is home to a huge diversity of fish and a large number of fishing communities that rely on its bounty. A boat trip enables you to witness the unique lifestyle of Tonle Sap's residents. From the regal elegance of the Royal Palace, through to the thought

The second largest city, Battambang is home to an emerging art scene and some of the finest French architecture in the country. Be sure to ride the Bamboo Train, one of the most eccentric and noisy contraptions you are ever likely to encounter. Take a luxury escape to Song Saa Private Island. This untouched paradise lies just a 35-minute boat ride from Sihanoukville. Built with

sustainable materials and dedicated to local conservation, this opulent beach resort is the perfect sanctuary for total relaxation. The best time of year to travel tends to be the dry season, which lasts from mid-October through to March; temperatures are moderate, humidity is relatively low and there isn’t too much rainfall. A melting pot of culture and history, Cambodia is a once in a lifetime destination. Alongside majestic places of worship and authentic local markets, a life of luxury is offered to visitors, incorporating esteemed service and stunning villas adorning tranquil sandy beaches. A country of abundant nature, juxtaposing the chaos of the cities, makes Cambodia high on the tourist hit list.

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mausoleum, learn about traditional Vietnamese architecture and drive through paddy ďŹ elds to Ha Long Bay. Take a morning boat cruise on the peaceful Perfume River, visit the Imperial Citadel and the Dong Ba Market, before seeing one of Hoi An’s famous lantern workshops and learning how to make one yourself. See the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels where Vietnamese guerrillas built a labyrinth of narrow tunnels as hideouts during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City, highlights include the ReuniďŹ cation Palace (photo stop), the Notre Dame Cathedral. Phnom Penh, visit some of the capital’s most impressive sites including the Silver Pagoda containing the Emerald Buddha statue, the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh’s oldest shrine.

#DK@LEMIJMEIK: There’s a whole host of accommodation in Vietnam and Cambodia. Travel along the Mekong River in a stunning 20-suite vessel with Aqua Expeditions, relax and unwind at the beachfront boutique resort, Fusion Maia Danang or JW Marriott’s Emerald Bay Resort & Spa with its quirky style and an enviable location on the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc, off Vietnam's south coast. Meet the experts from spa practitioners and celebrity chefs to stargazers and marine biologists that make up the wellness professionals at the Six Senses Hotel Resorts Spas, experience the diversity of Indochina in the authentic luxury of Anantara Hotels, or indulge yourself at Song Saa Private Island Resort with its spacious private villas, gourmet dining, snorkelling, diving and spa therapies.

Alternatively you could explore the region aboard the ‘World’s Best Cruise Ship’ (Hapag Lloyd’s MS Europa 2), boarding in Bangkok and

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experiencing spectacular natural scenery alongside Asian modernity as you follow the coastline up to Hong Kong. Hapag-Lloyd are also very generously offering Abbotts Travel customers a complimentary private transfer service to/from the airport up to the value of ÂŁ400, on any of their cruises booked by 31 Dec 2017.

4CGH=EMIJMBJMKHBMELL It’s not just accommodation that is in abundance, but itineraries can be tailored to suit even the choosiest of travellers. 15 days in Vietnam and Cambodia could see you arrive in Hanoi for a visit to the Ho Chi Minh

Enter Angkor Thom via the Southern Gate and explore the ancient city. In the afternoon, visit the magniďŹ cent Angkor Wat. Explore its extraordinary architecture for an opportunity to experience a spectacular sunset over the monuments. Drive to a local monastery, meet the resident monks and participate in a private good luck blessing ceremony.

)55JIIEM4FK LD 7"!M(LJF=LM0KHL 1J<ICM$JJB&JFBM97 M7*) 4LD M3 3 M2 2M2!! ???>K55JIIEIFK LD>@JA

The Voujon Chingford Indian Restaurant We invite you to embark on a culinary journey of the Indian subcontinent and explore the many regional styles of cooking that india has to offer. from south to delhi and Punjab in the north,from goa on the western coast to Hyderabad and central and eastern india, discover for your self the hidden flavours and aromas of individually prepared dishes from these regions.

Now taking Christmas and New year’s eve bookings! Open: Sun - Thu: 05:30 pm - 11:30 pm Fri-Sat: 05:30 pm - 12:00 am 166 Station Road, Chingford, London E4 6AN Call us : 020 8524 8666 / 020 8524 7666

www.thevoujon.co.uk

RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

LATE NIGHT OPENING Excellent selection of wines Pop in for a drink with friends! WE WILL BE AT EPPING CHRISTMAS MARKET DAY ON FRIDAY 1ST DEC We will be having mulled wine and mince pies, tasters panettones, limoncellos, Christmas hampers of all prizes and sizes. So come on down to La Nostra when on High street.

Merry Christmas to all our customers 168 High Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4AQ 01992

572 995 New Opening hours – 11:30am – 12:30am Lunch Deals Available 11.30am - 3pm

www.lanostrarestaurants.co.uk

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A DOG THIS CHRISTMAS

You may have heard the phrase being thrown around by people throughout the year - and even more so in the winter. But do you understand the real reason behind this infamous phrase? Well, there is fact behind this phrase; year on year, people rush to pet shops and breeders to purchase a puppy on a whim, hoping that their new pet will bring Christmas cheer over the festive period. However, this cheer is just temporary. After a couple of weeks, many feel as though they have been thrown into the deep end with their new pet; failing to realise just how difďŹ cult it can be to settle in and train a dog. For the RSPCA in 2016, there were more than 600 pets abandoned over the festive holiday, some of them just discarded like old wrapping paper. So, Catwalk Pets, a pet shop in Ilford, have put together a guide of what to expect when buying a puppy.

DO YOU HAVE THE TIME TO INVEST IN HOUSE-TRAINING YOUR PUPPY? Typically, it can take up to 6 months to fully house-train your puppy. However, some puppies can take up to a year depending on the size of your dog! If you have a smaller dog, they will have small bladders and high metabolisms, meaning they will need more frequent trips outside.

DO THEY SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE? If you’re constantly on the go, you may not have time to properly care for a puppy. In the early stages, it’s recommended

that you don’t leave your puppy on their own for prolonged periods of time. Unfortunately, leaving your puppy alone will not only cause them stress and anxiety, but they will most likely chew up your carpets!

CAN YOU AFFORD A PUPPY? Sure, you may be able to afford to purchase of the puppy itself. But can you afford the upkeep? Keep in mind; the vet’s bills, food, vaccinations, emergency care and grooming bills. According to research by Sainsbury’s pet insurance, the average lifetime cost of owning a dog stands at around £16,900.

IS YOUR HOME PUPPY FRIENDLY? Before purchasing your puppy, you will need to take a look at your living space and the type of property you live in. Unfortunately, if you live in a crowded, small apartment then buying a large breed is not going to be practical. After that, you will need to think about “puppy-prooďŹ ngâ€? your home. That means setting up locks on cupboards with cleaning products, ďŹ xing baby gates to prevent puppies falling down stairs and hiding electrical cables behind furniture. These are just a few things to bear in mind when purchasing a new puppy this Christmas, but we hope you can see the importance of considering the future of your family before purchasing a pet. After all, a dog is for life, not just until life changes or gets too difďŹ cult! ???>@KI?KD+8LIE>@J><+

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The Verdé Café Family run café in the heart of Epping. Come and visit us for a lovely warm atmosphere and great service every day, we hope to see you soon!

88 HIGH ST. EPPING ESSEX CM16 4AE

Christmas Cakes

We are now taking Christmas orders for your Christmas Logs and other festive cakes Order in store or online: @ www.belgique.co.uk Collect from your local Belgique patisserie EPPING / Theydon Bois / Chingford / south woodford / Woodford green / wanstead

order must be placed before 3pm 20th December 2017

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117 High Rd Chigwell, Essex, IG7 6QQ TEL: 020 8500 6282 www.thebluebellrestaurant.co.uk

Bottomless Prosecco

& Afternoon Tea Usually £35, but just £30 with this advert! every Wednesday and Thursday throughout January from 12-3pm … 2 hour time slots Quote ‘Essex Central’ when booking.

For ladies who lunch

We accept most credit/debit cards as well as cash

A Christmas gift with a difference All teachers very experienced, fully qualified, DBS-checked and local. French, Spanish, German or Italian private tuition

Book a set of 4 introductory lessons in the language of your choice, tailored to your interests. Vouchers available

Want to offer tuition? If you are a qualified teacher please get in touch. Excellent rates of pay, choose hours to suit you. Please call Jo Schwartz

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T: 07726 949215

email: joschwartz1@gmail.com www.LingoZingo.co.uk

WHAT’S ON YOUR LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

LADIES RUNNING CLUB

LOUGHTON BRIDGE CLUB A good standard of duplicate bridge in a friendly environment. See our website for details www.bridgewebs.com. 9 LF:M-JHBK:M M$LBHLEBK:; >738AM M73>"38AMKIM'K+M GL? 1@CJJD;M$CGILCGDDEM.JKB; 0J<=CIJHM (73M741M -JHBK: ; (FKH=LM KFAM6LHIFL;M(FKH=L KFAM0KHL;M6CG=?LDD;M ( M ,# $LBHLEBK:

SOUTH WEST ESSEX CHOIR This large and well-respected choir welcomes new members. No audition is necessary but you must be able to sing. The 2018 concert programme will include Fauré’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Karl Jenkins’ Armed Man and Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. Visit www.southwestessexchoir.org.uk or phone Mary McElarney on 01992 812606. 9 LF:M4<LEBK:;M >! 738AMKIMICL -LICJBGEIM6C<F@C;M/G=CM.JKB; 0J<=CIJHM (737.*M

QUIZ NIGHT Cash prize to be won. Tel: 01992 572618. 9 LF:M4<LEBK:MKIM4CLM4CL:BJH 'K+M,GHGH=M M#<5;M6JJ8LFEKDL 1IFLLI;M988GH=M6-7 M

Come and join our social running group for ladies only. Set yourself targets and push yourself or just be comfortable running at your own pace plus Fairlop Waters is a perfect place to enjoy a run. £3 per session, no booking required. 9 LF:M4C<FEBK:;M 8AMKIM KGFDJ8M$KILFE;M JFLEIM.JKB;M*KF+GH=EGBL ( M"/

COMMUNITY ALLOTMENT If you enjoy gardening and would like to help maintain an allotment site but do not want the responsibility of managing your own plot, then volunteer to help out at our Wanstead Community Allotment. We want to hear from you! For more details email sports.development@visionrcl.org.uk 9 LF:M FGBK:;M73KA 78AM KIM.LB5FGB=LM0KHLM$LEI; $KHEILKB

THEYDON BOIS SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT Bar and light refreshments. Tickets, priced £10 in advance (£12 on the door), available by ringing 01992 573855 or emailing theydonsingers@gmail.com 4<LEBK:M7 ICM,L@LA5LF;M >! 8A KIM4CL:BJHM*JGEM GDDK=LM/KDD; 6J88G@LM.J?;M4CL:BJHM*JGE

ONGAR ART SOCIETY CHRISTMAS SOCIAL EVENING Quiz, snacks and cakes and a glass of wine or non-alcoholic drink. For more details ring Lynne Harris on 01277 372123 or Beverly Hughes on 01708 688554. 4C<FEBK:M7!ICM,L@LA5LF;M 8A 738AMKIM/G=CM'H=KFM GDDK=L /KDD;M4CLM1IFLLI;M/G=CM'H=KF

THE CHINGFORD VILLAGE CHRISTMAS FAYRE Xmas Gifts, Crafts, Books, Beauty Products, Jewellery, Toys, Tombolas, free entry & free 'roller disco' (skates provided), Live Music, Santa's Grotto, Kid's Rides, Food Stalls, Kid's Go Kart Rides (fee payable), Festive Licensed Bar (inc. Mulled Wine). For more info please contact: Irene Bull 020 8559 4500, irenebull@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.chingfordvillagefestival.info 1<HBK:M"FBM,L@LA5LF; M73>"3KA M >33M8AMKIM-JIJF8JGHI;M7M0LK KDDL:M.JKB;M6CGH=&JFBM9!M #

CDRC COFFEE MORNING Table-top sale, raffle, Christmas crafts, cakes, Gingerbread decorating and seasonal storytelling. 1KI<FBK:M2ICM,L@LA5LF;M 73KA HJJHMKIM$LEDL: EM6K& ; 0J<=CIJHM-LICJBGEIM6C<F@C; /G=CM.JKB;M0J<=CIJH

CHRISTMAS GROTTO Meet Father Christmas and enjoy the Christmas spirit with a glass of mulled wine, cider or hot chocolate while singing along to Christmas songs in the 'snow'. Seasonal activities and Christmas stalls. Gift shop. £14.95 per child (includes gift). Booking required. Tickets on sale via Eventbrite. 1KI<FBK:M7 ICM M1<HBK:M7 IC ,L@LA5LF;M&FJAM73KAMKIM <LLH 9DG K5LIC EM/<HIGH=M0JB=L; .KH=LFEM.JKB;M6CGH=&JFB

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EPPING ONG GAR RAILWA LW WA AY Y

VISIT SANTA ON HIS SPECIAL TRAIN

Santa and his fantastic team are coming back to the Epping Ongar Railway for the 2017 Santa Specials! We’ll have the Redbridge Brass Band, Christmas-themed market and of course Santa on his special train. You must ensure that a ride on the Epping Ongar Railway is part of your family Christmas. Our buses collect you from right outside Epping Underground Station making it super easy for people living close to the Central Line.

FESTIVE FUN DECEMB ER

2 3 9 17 21 2 10 16 2 23 24

Fares are £17.50/£20 per person (depending on day) and include a free gift for all children delivered at their seat by Santa himself. Compartments for 6 or 8 people for the exclusive use of your family are also available.

1277ay3y..co 652.uk 00 eorailway

01277 365200

@eorailwaayy Epping Ongar Railwaayy

WIN AFTERNOON TEA FOR FOUR PEOPLE This month we have teamed up with Holiday Inn Southend to offer an Afternoon Tea for four people at their fabulous rooftop restaurant and bar, 1935. The ďŹ rst rooftop restaurant and bar in Essex, 1935 offers a spectacular dining experience and views to match. The striking, fully sound-proofed 1935 Rooftop Restaurant and Bar sits atop the ďŹ ve-storey Holiday Inn Southend and takes its name from the year that the airport ďŹ rst opened as a municipal airport for the public. The AA Rosette restaurant offers a fabulous afternoon tea experience, fresh home-made cakes and scones, ďŹ nger cut sandwiches with smoked salmon and unrivalled hospitality to match. Afternoon Tea is available 2pm to 4pm Monday to Saturday for ÂŁ15.95 per person or why not add a fresh glass of Prosecco, the perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea for an extra ÂŁ4.50 per person. 4JMLH <GFLMK5J<IM)&ILFHJJHM4LKMKIM72" M.JJ&IJ8 .LEIK<FKHIMKIMICLM/JDGBK:M HHM8DLKELM@KDDM 3 ! M32 M72" MJFM GEGIM???>CGEJ<ICLHB>@JAM

TO ENTER: Fill in the entry form and send to: 9EEL M6LHIFKDM-K=K GHL;M" KM/KDEILKBM/G=C 1IFLLI;M/KDEILKB;M9EEL M6'2M )) enter online at ???>LEEL @LHIFKDAK=K GHL>@J><+ or email your details to @JA8LIGIGJHE LEEL @LHIFKDAK=K GHL>@J><+M Closing Date: One winner will be picked at random on 31st December 2017. T&C’s: The competition winner has to use the voucher before 30th March 2018 and is subject to availability. Voucher is redeemable Monday-Friday.

HOLIDAY INN COMPETITION Name:.................................................................................. Address:............................................................................. .............................................................................................. ..............................................................................................

Tel:....................................................................................... Email:..................................................................................

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PUZZLE CORNER CHRISTMAS CRACKER Match up the syllables from each half of the cracker to make 8 words.

ANG TA BAU OLF B RO GAR CAN NEY

EL RUD LAND IN BLE DLE SAN CHIM

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

1 ,'

DIFFICULTY: HARD

Can you spot 6 differences between these two pictures?

WORD SEARCH Find these festive words: 9D&

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

LKEI

-GEIDLIJL

(G&IE

1HJ?&DK+L

KAGD:

6KFJDE

/JDD:

6CFGEIAKE

6LDL5FKIGJH

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ENTERING FATHERHOOD WITHOUT A MAP... With Christmas nearly upon us our house has started to look quite festive, the Mrs put up the tree in mid-November (you didn’t read that wrong) and every morning since that day George has been excitedly running down the stairs asking, “Is today Christmas?!?!” It’s shattering to see his happy face destroyed at the dawn of each new day, but ultimately he will be delirious with joy by the time December 25th eventually rolls round. That will be of course if Jake hasn’t completely destroyed the tree by that stage, each day he grabs the decorations and flings them gleefully across the floor, howling with laughter and perfecting his discus technique. These normally end up hitting George in the head, which distracts him from watching all the Christmas adverts and asking us to add everything to his ‘Christmas list’. Every advert now seems to be met with, “THAT is my favourite thing,” and then, “I just want that on my Christmas list!” The problem is that this request is now said for every single advert; yesterday alone his list was updated with 4 tins of tuna, a Vauxhall Corsa, acne cream and a claim for PPI. We had a bad moment last week when George came home from school and told us a boy didn’t like him, my immediate reaction was to drive back with a baseball bat, but then the Mrs correctly explained how the other child is also 4 years old and that I should probably calm down a tad. I turned off the car engine and put down that bat,

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whilst she led me back to the house.

even human anymore.

The next day George was very happy, I asked him about the boy who didn’t like him and he now explained they were best friends, “How did that happen?!” I asked. George explained, “He asked me if I like Spiderman, I said yes, and now I am cool.” Unbelievable. If only all conflicts could be resolved so easily I thought, such as explaining to the bank manager why I should definitely be approved for a loan, by giving him a nudge, nudge, wink, wink, “Do you like Spiderman too?”...but instead, I was promptly asked to leave the bank.

In other news, Jakes speech is now starting to progress, he’s hearing new words and repeating them each day, regardless of their relevance. Yesterday he was pointing at the goldfish whilst confidently repeating the word ‘kettle’, but one area he does seem to be getting to grips with are the parts of a face. This involves him climbing onto your lap, irrespective of what you’re doing (generally eating dinner) and starting to pull and prod random parts of your face whilst naming them. I often end up with two fingers wedged into a single nostril whilst he’s trying to bury his fist into my mouth, whilst saying “mouf, mouf”. But without doubt, the worst part is when he goes for the eyes, my soft delicate eyes. It takes just under a nano second between seeing his finger nails, to feeling them trying to scratch out my corneas whilst yelling “eyezz, eyezz!” He seems confused as to why I yell with pain at this point (after all, who’s ever heard of a yelling tree?) but I find myself in that awkward parenting position of wanting to run, scream, punch, and yet still be concerned for my child’s safety, all at the same time. It’s tricky and more often than not I end up catching him as he’s falling back down to earth and the blood is still trickling from my eyes. In fact, thinking about it…I might put goggles on my Christmas list.

The following day, on the way home from school, there were five of us the car, as my friend Nick was visiting and George decided we should play ‘families’, so we were all given characters, “Jake can be my brother, Mummy can be the mummy,” all correct so far I thought… “I can be the son, and Nick can be the daddy.”

“I often end up with two fingers wedged into a single nostril.” “What?! Errm, George I AM THE DADDY!?!” … “No, you are the tree.” I nearly swerved the car off the road and into one of my namesakes “I’m the what?!” Nick was finding this hilarious and chipped in helpfully with, “Pipe down tree!” I’d been demoted so far, within my immediate family, that I wasn’t

4JM5LM@JHIGH<LB

61 ESSEX CENTRAL

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Beautiful Plantation Shutters & Blinds SOLID HARDWOOD SHUTTERS AT MDF PRICES! IN ANY PAINT FINISH & ANY STYLE

SELECTED RANGES OF PLANTATION SHUTTERS NOW AVAILABLE IN

3 WEEKS!

Order now to be fitted before Christmas!

35% OFF Selected ranges

NEW SHOWROOM - 128 George Lane, South Woodford, London, E18 1AD

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